Chapter 36

As they weaved through the bustling crowd, Rosalia led Zen with a firm grip on his arm. The grand hall echoed with laughter and chatter, but the moment she approached a group of older men standing at the center, the noise seemed to diminish. Zen could feel the weight of every gaze in the room.

"Come," Rosalia whispered, pulling him closer. "I want you to meet my grandfather, the patriarch of the Albrecht family."

Zen’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t say a word. He followed her with a relaxed posture. As they reached the group, Zen found himself standing before the Big Four—powerful men whose influence stretched across the country.

Rosalia's grandfather, a tall man with a deceptively cheerful face, stepped forward, his smile was wide. “Rosalia, my dear,” he greeted warmly, his voice carrying an air of authority.

“Grandfather,” Rosalia said, with a respectful but light tone. “I’d like you to meet Tom.”

Zen stood his ground, unbending, unbowed. No gestures of respect, no nods. J