《Surviving In This Filthy World As A Novel Villain》


 Chapter 1 Prologue!

    Alex was just an ordinary 20-year-old college dropout stuck in the monotony of a dead-end job. His life was far from glamorous, working long shifts at a convenience store to make ends meet, living in a cramped apartment with peeling wallpaper, and spending his free time reading novels and gaming.


    Novels had become his lifeline, a temporary escape from his mundane reality. He devoured countless stories of overpowered protagonists, magical worlds, and cunning villains. It wasn''t just entertainment; it was a way to forget about the stack of unpaid bills on his kitchen counter and the calls from his landlord demanding overdue rent.


    One of the novels he was reading kow was A Cheesy Novel of bashing and villains getting faceslapping. It was clich¨¦, filled with stereotypical characters, a cold-hearted heroine, an arrogant plot armor protagonist, and green tea heroines.


    But it was Alex''s guilty pleasure. He loved hating the overbearing antagonist, a spineless simp who threw away his company and everything for the affections of the manipulative heroine, only to meet a tragic end.


    "What an idiot," Alex often muttered to himself while reading. "If it were me, I''d never fall for a woman like that. Who sacrifices everything for someone so fake?"


    But in truth, he envied the drama and excitement of those fictional worlds. His real life was devoid of meaning or ambition. He had no close family, no friends to rely on, and no dreams to chase.


    One particularly exhausting evening, after finishing a double shift at the convenience store, Alex stumbled back to his apartment. He collapsed onto his worn-out couch with a groan, his head pounding from lack of sleep.


    Turning on his old laptop, he opened the latest chapter of the already mentioned cheesy and clich¨¦ novel.


    "Seriously, how do you mess up a life this good?" he muttered, shaking his head. "The guy had money, power, everything. If I were him, I''d be unstoppable."


    He leaned back, staring at the ceiling. A thought struck him, one he''d had countless times before.


    "If only life were like a novel¡­ maybe I''d get a second chance to do things right."


    Little did he know, the universe, or fate, had heard his wish.


    That night, as Alex drifted off to sleep, an intense wave of dizziness washed over him. His chest tightened, and his breathing grew shallow. Panic set in, but before he could fully process what was happening, everything went black.


    When he opened his eyes, he was no longer in his tiny apartment.


    The stale smell of instant noodles and the hum of the city were gone, replaced by the leather interior of an expensive car and the faint scent of cologne.


    Looking down, Alex noticed his hands, clean, manicured, and unfamiliar. A sleek black card rested between his fingers.


    His reflection in the rearview mirror wasn''t his own. It was someone else entirely, a handsome, polished face he''d only ever seen in the pages like in those drama''s.


    "Alex," Rose Winters said, her tone sharp and dismissive, "listen closely¡­" Rose''s voice was as cold as the winter wind cutting through the luxury shopping mall''s parking lot. Her sharp tone carried an air of disdain that made Alex''s grip on the steering wheel tighten slightly.


    "It was because you begged my parents¡­ that''s the only reason I agreed to come out with you." Rose''s voice was sharp and unyielding, her piercing gaze locking onto Alex as if daring him to argue. Her eyes, cold and resolute, lingered for a moment too long, making it clear that her words were no mere exaggeration.


    Alex sat in silence, his lips pressed into a tight line. He wanted to defend himself, to say something¡ªanything¡ªbut the intensity in her tone left no room for rebuttal. She crossed her arms, her stance rigid and unapproachable, her next words cutting even deeper.


    "I hope you won''t use my parents to threaten me ever again," she snapped, her voice dripping with disdain. The harshness in her tone was a stark contrast to her composed exterior. "We''re just ordinary friends, Alex. Not whatever you''re imagining."


    Her declaration struck him like a blow. Though Alex flinched inwardly, he forced himself to appear calm, his face a mask of indifference. Yet Rose wasn''t done. Her expression softened briefly, but the change felt more like calculated pity than genuine kindness, adding insult to injury.


    "I''m heading up to shop," she said curtly, her words delivered with finality. "You can stay here in the parking lot and wait for me."


    Without waiting for a response, she spun on her heel, her high heels clicking rhythmically against the pavement as she walked away. The sound seemed to echo in the silence she left behind, each step amplifying the tension that lingered between them. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex remained rooted in his seat, watching her retreating figure. The cold air inside the car seemed to grow heavier, mirroring the knot of frustration and confusion building in his chest.


    But just as he thought the moment was over, Rose suddenly paused mid-step, her body stiffening as though struck by a thought. She turned back, her cold, calculating gaze locking onto Alex once more.


    Without a word, she marched toward the car with determined strides. Leaning through the open window, her hand darted into Alex''s coat pocket with practiced precision, pulling out a sleek black credit card. Her movements were deliberate, smooth¡ªlike someone who''d done this too many times to hesitate.


    "A million dollars as a monthly allowance," she said, her tone filled with entitlement. She held the card up, examining it with a detached air, as if it were her rightful due. "That was your promise to me, wasn''t it? So, the money in this card?" She glanced back at him, her expression unwavering. "You gave it willingly. I didn''t force you to do anything."


    The tone of Rose made it clear she didn''t wanted the money from Alex but she was taking it because he wanted it, because he forcefully dragged her here. Because he begged his parents to go out with him.


    It was pity nothing else. And she was doing it because her parents yold her to not because she wanted to.


    Alex could feel her words burrow into his mind, each one laden with a calculated edge.


    Straightening up, she slammed the car door shut with a force that made the entire vehicle shudder. Without another glance, she turned and strode toward the luxurious mall entrance. Her figure disappeared into the crowd, the echo of her heels fading into the distance.


    Alex sat frozen in the driver''s seat, his expression unreadable. His fingers drummed absentmindedly against the leather steering wheel, but inside, his thoughts churned violently.


    The scene replayed in his mind like a disjointed dream, her cold demeanor, her piercing words. None of it felt real.


    "Did I¡­ transmigrate?" The question slipped from his lips, his voice barely audible as realization struck him.


    Fragments of memories not his own surged through his mind, unraveling the truth. He could see it clearly now, his life wasn''t his own anymore.


    "I''ve transmigrated into a cheesy web novel?" The words tasted surreal as they left his mouth. The absurdity of the situation crashed over him, yet everything suddenly made sense: the extravagant lifestyle, the bizarre interaction with Rose, the over-the-top drama.


    Leaning back in the luxurious leather seat, Alex ran a hand through his hair as the memories settled into place.


    "Wait¡­ wait¡­ Wait¡­ I''m the CEO of the Reid Industries now?" he muttered, leaning back in the leather seat as the memories gets settled.

 Chapter 2 First Step for Survival!

    "Wait¡­ I''m the CEO of the Reid Industries now?" he muttered, leaning back in the leather seat as the memories solidified.


    He recognized the plot immediately. The body he now inhabited belonged to Alex Reid, the infamous antagonist of the novel.


    The original Alex was a textbook overbearing CEO, a man with wealth, power, and a tragic backstory. But instead of using his position wisely, the fool had squandered everything.


    After inheriting the Reid Industries, a global business empire, following his parents'' tragic deaths, the original Alex had thrown himself headfirst into disaster. Obsessed with Rose, the cunning and manipulative green-tea beauty of the story, he had made reckless decisions to win her favor.


    "An idiot of epic proportions," Alex muttered, shaking his head recalling what the previous pwner of this body had done. The more he recalled, the more speechless he became.


    The original Alex''s downfall was inevitable. His blind devotion to Rose led him to ruin, and in the end, he was betrayed by her and the story''s protagonist. His empire crumbled, his reputation was destroyed, and he met a tragic end.


    "All that¡­ for a two-faced woman?" Alex''s lips curled into a bitter smirk. "Is this guy''s brain missing screws or what?"


    But now, things are different. He wasn''t the same Alex Reid. He had no intention of following the original''s footsteps into his own destruction. If anything, he saw this as an opportunity, a chance to rewrite the story. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "If I''m the villain now, then fine. I''ll play the part," Alex said, his voice steady and determined. "But this time, I''ll rewrite the ending."


    As his thoughts solidified, a crisp electronic chime suddenly sounded in his mind. His eyes widened in surprise. A blue panel appeared in front of his eyes.


    [Ding!]


    [System Activated!]


    Detecting the host''s desire to alter the original storyline.


    Activating [Villain System]¡­


    A mechanical voice echoed in his mind, clear and emotionless. Alex''s heart skipped a beat.


    "A system?" His eyes lit up with excitement, and a grin tugged at the corners of his lips. As a seasoned or whatever you may call it, who read lots of novels and other stuff and he was that reader of novels, he instantly recognized the significance of this development.


    [Mission Unlocked: Eliminate the moles planted by Rose in the Reid Industries.]


    Reward: $10 billion in cash upon mission completion.


    The mission details appeared in his mind, and Alex''s smirk deepened. "A system that rewards me for cleaning up this mess? Perfect." Not only there was a reward for my survival now but also a starting points as to what to do now.


    Surveying the current state of his life, Alex felt a wave of confidence wash over him. The Reid Industries was in chaos, riddled with internal disputes and a collapsing cash flow. The original Alex had left behind a disaster, but now, he had the tools and his goal to survive now to turn things around.


    "Time to get to work," Alex muttered, pulling out his phone. He dialed a number, his tone steady and commanding.


    "Hello, Waters?" he said as the call connected.


    Mr. Waters, the loyal butler who had served the Reid family for decades, answered immediately. "Yes, Sir? What can I do for you?"


    In the original novel, even after Alex was betrayed by Rose and the protagonist, leading to the downfall of the Reid Industries, Mr. Waters remained loyal to original Alex. He was one of the few who stayed loyal to the end, even attempting to avenge Alex.


    But no matter how hard he tried, the protagonist''s overwhelming plot armor crushed all his efforts, leaving him to watch helplessly as everything crumbled without the protagonist doing even something.


    Now, hearing Alex''s voice over the phone, Mr. Waters was momentarily stunned. His usual calm demeanor faltered, replaced by two emotions which were surprise and that of confusion.


    "Hello!? Sir, you there?" he asked again as he didn''t get a reply, unsure of the sudden silent on the call.


    "Ahh! Sorry¡­. there''s something I need you to do," Alex said, his tone calm yet commanding, carrying a weight it hadn''t held in months. "Announce a meeting for all senior executives of the Reid Industries, every department head and manager must attend. Ten minutes from now."


    Mr. Waters hesitated. The shock in his voice was unmistakable. "Sir¡­ Are you sure?"


    This question was not unwarranted. Ever since Alex had become obsessed with Rose, he had completely neglected his duties as the company''s CEO.


    All responsibilities, decisions, and even damage control had fallen on Mr. Waters'' shoulders not like it stopped the company''s downfall but you can say the company was still standing because of him. For Alex to suddenly take such decisive action was nothing short of abnormal for behaviour


    "Yes, I''m sure. Just do as I say," Alex replied firmly, his voice leaving no room for doubt. He then softened his tone slightly, as if acknowledging the burden Mr. Waters had carried. "You''ve worked hard all these years, Waters. But let me tell you something¡­ a little secret of mine if you would like to call it that way¡­ These past few months, I''ve been pretending."


    "Pretending?" Mr. Waters repeated, his tone laced with disbelief.


    Alex''s voice turned cold, cutting through the conversation like a blade. "I needed to see how deep the rot ran. How many of the leeches and moles Rose planted were festering and leeches of us inside this company."


    There was a pause, his words sinking in, before he continued. "But now I''ve seen enough. It''s time to take back what''s mine and set things straight in the company."


    His next words were sharp and resolute, filled with an unshakable determination. "I''m taking control of the Reid Industries again Starting by removing this gilthy parasites from my company. From this moment forward, I''ll personally lead the purge and set things straight for my company."


    For a moment, there was silence on the other end of the line. Then, Mr. Waters let out a laugh, deep, relieved, and filled with genuine joy. It wasn''t just laughter; it was the sound of someone who had waited far too long for this moment¡­ dreaming that he was right to trust Alex all this time¡­ and here he was.


    "Sir¡­ You''ve finally woken up!" His voice trembled slightly as he spoke, a rare case of a show of emotion for the seasoned butler. "I''ll make the arrangements immediately! The company''s been waiting for this day for far too long!"


    Alex couldn''t help but feel a small smile tug at his lips. Mr. Waters'' enthusiasm was infectious, but he quickly regained his composure. "Good. I''m counting on you¡­ Waters."


    The butler responded with a proud and happy voice, "Leave it to me, sir!" before the call ended.


    Hanging up the phone, Alex leaned back in the driver''s seat for a moment, his thoughts racing. There was no time to waste waiting for Rose. She was now a thing of the past, a mistake of the original Alex Reid¡­ not his.


    ¡ª¡ª


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 Chapter 3 Taking The First Step!

    Alex started the car, the engine roaring to life, and without hesitation, pressed down on the accelerator. The sleek vehicle shot forward, weaving through the city streets with precision. His destination was clear, the towering headquarters of the Reid Industries.


    The Reid Industries Building stood as a monument of power in the heart of important district.


    The skyscraper, soaring to an impressive 128 stories, dominated the skyline. It was not just a building; it was a symbol of the company''s legacy and influence over the years, a legacy that was now under threat from some two faced girls and protagonist.


    As Alex drove, his mind replayed the events of the novel. Every detail, every betrayal, every downfall was etched into his memory of course not all minor things or such as every scene, he didn''t have eidetic superhuman computer memory to remember every last word he ever read or anything.


    But he knew of some important events and some minor ones which would be helpful.


    "If the original storyline continues as it did¡­" he muttered to himself, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. "In three months, this building won''t even belong to me anymore."


    In the original novel, Rose''s manipulative schemes, backed by her family''s greed, had infiltrated the company with Rose family members. With the protagonist''s covert assistance, the Reid Industries was slowly devoured from within Itself without going any suspicious to Rose or her family members.


    Of course many would have definitely suspected them, but no one would have dared to speak or slander the girl original Alex was in love with on fully simp mode agreeing to everything she asked as absurd as it will. And just like that billions of dollars in assets were siphoned off, and the empire collapsed like a house of cards.


    Alex''s jaw clenched as anger bubbled within him. The original Alex Reid had walked straight into their trap, blind to the betrayal festering around him.


    "Not now though! I will not let that happen. Definitely Not!" Alex muttered, his voice low but fierce. His eyes burned with resolve. "Now that I''m here, there''s no way I''ll let that happen. Never¡­ Never"


    Arriving at the Reid company, Alex parked his car in the reserved VIP space which were for top executives of the company, the screech of the brakes echoing in the underground area. He stepped out of the car, his polished shoes clicking against the concrete as he made his way toward the private elevator.


    Every step he took made another clinking sound.


    The employees he passed along the way cast him surprised glances, whispering among themselves. It had been months since Alex had come to his own company so such reactions were fully justified. Many of them had assumed he was more interested in Rose than the company''s affairs.


    But now, seeing the sharp look in his eyes and the confidence in his stride, they couldn''t help but feel that something had changed. Something definitely changed.


    Alex''s sudden appearance sent some doubts of whispers throughout the building. The sleek, towering walls of the Reid Industries Its company seemed to amplify the murmurs as employees paused their work to steal glances at their CEO.


    "Wait, isn''t that the CEO? I thought he was out shopping with Rose," someone whispered, their voice barely audible over the clicking of keyboards and shuffling of papers.


    "Yeah, he never leaves her side. Why''s he back so suddenly? And where''s Rose?" another replied, their tone laced with confusion.


    "Strange¡­ The CEO''s acting different today."


    As Alex walked past, the soft hum of gossip grew louder, though no one dared speak too openly in his presence.


    "Hey, do you notice something about him? He''s¡­ different." Said one of the employee in the company


    "You''re right! He used to walk like he didn''t have a care in the world, all sluggish and weak." After hearing the comment another employee decided to speak her thoughts too.


    "But now, his steps are firm, his posture commanding. And that expression¡­ it''s so serious. Honestly, it''s kind of hot." A female employee said with a smile on her face.


    "Yeah, you''re right. He looks so much more¡­ manly like this. I didn''t know the CEO could be this handsome!" Said one of the other female employee. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Despite the hushed conversations around him, Alex''s face remained impassive. He strode through the lobby with purpose, his sharp gaze making even the boldest employees look away, pretending to be busy with their tasks.


    As he stepped further into the lobby, the staff quickly straightened up, greeting him with polite nods and well-rehearsed smiles.


    "Good morning, Sir!"


    "Good morning, sir!"


    The employee that came near him gave their greetings.


    Alex responded with a curt nod, his expression calm and unreadable. He paused for a moment near the reception desk, his deep voice breaking the stillness. "You should have received the notice by now from my butler? Are all the preparations done just as I have asked for?"


    The receptionist, a bright-eyed young woman with neatly tied hair, immediately straightened her posture. Her hands fumbled slightly with the tablet she held, the device wobbling as she scrambled to respond.


    "Y-Yes, sir!" she stammered, her voice shaky but earnest. "Everyone has been informed and is ready. They''re just waiting for you now." Her nervous smile wavered, and she glanced up briefly, trying to gauge his reaction.


    "Good," Alex replied, his tone firm and precise, leaving no room for doubt or further questioning. His piercing gaze lingered for a second longer, making her heart skip a beat before he turned away without another word. The sound of his polished shoes echoed sharply against the marble floor as he strode toward the elevators, each step purposeful and unwavering.


    Inside the elevator, Alex caught his reflection in the sleek steel walls. The image staring back at him was calm and composed, though his eyes held a steely determination that hadn''t been there in the past. His sharp expensive suit fit him perfectly, exuding professionalism and control. He adjusted his tie slightly, his fingers brushing against the silk fabric as his thoughts raced.


    ''This is it,'' he told himself as the elevator began its ascent. ''No more hesitation. No more excuses. If this company is going to thrive, it starts now¡­ today.''


    Meanwhile, the atmosphere on the upper floors was electric with tension. Employees clustered in small groups near their desks, murmuring in hushed tones. Their conversations were just discussing themselves, or thier company CEO appeareance in months things something was going to happen.


    "What''s going on? Why''s the CEO calling everyone up like this?" one whispered, their brows furrowed.


    "It''s been ages since the last time he addressed us all together," another replied, shaking their head. Their lips pressed into a thin line, betraying their worry.


    "I heard it''s something serious," a third added, glancing around nervously as if afraid someone might overhear.


    Their whispers faded into silence when the elevator chime echoed softly through the hall. Everyone instinctively turned toward the polished double doors of the top-floor conference room.


    Inside, the room buzzed quietly with subdued conversations. Rows of senior and mid-level managers sat in neatly arranged chairs, some tapping their pens anxiously while others straightened their ties or adjusted their notes. The air felt thick with unease, like the calm before a storm.


    "What do you think this is about?" a middle-aged manager murmured to the colleague seated beside him. He leaned forward, his forehead creased with concern.


    "I have no idea," the other whispered back, shaking their head. "But for the CEO to gather us like this¡­ it can''t be good."


    Their speculation was cut short by the sudden, forceful swing of the double doors. The sharp thud as they opened echoed across the room, commanding immediate attention.


    Alex stepped inside, his commanding presence instantly silencing the quiet murmurs. His gaze swept across the room, taking in the rows of faces staring back at him.


    Some looked relaxed while some a little bit nervous but none show that on their facex, their hands clenched tightly in their laps, while others held a stiff, guarded posture, their expressions unreadable.


    The faint sound of his steps as he walked to the front of the room seemed almost deafening in the otherwise silent space.


    ¡ª¡ª


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 Chapter 4 Clearing Out Parasites!

    Alex stepped inside, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room like a storm. His presence alone was enough to silence even the quietest whispers.


    The managers shifted uncomfortably in their seats, feeling that Something wasn''t right with the way Alex was Looking¡­ he was serious.


    Without saying a word, Alex walked to the head of the long, polished conference table. Every step he took was Made a clicking sound from his shoes, exuding an unshakable confidence that made the atmosphere somewhat heavier.


    Mr. Waters, standing respectfully to the side, quickly pulled out Alex''s chair. Alex took his seat, his movements precise and calm, radiating the poise of someone completely in control.


    "Sir," Mr. Waters began, his voice steady and clear. "All personnel are present. We''re ready to begin whenever you deem necessary ."


    Alex nodded slightly, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the room. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him as a faint smile tugged at his lips.


    Alex nodded slightly at Mr. Waters'' words, signaling him to proceed. Then, without a moment''s hesitation, Alex reached out to the stack of documents before him and pulled out a folder with deliberate precision. He held it up, his eyes locking on Mr. Waters.


    "Waters, read this aloud," Alex instructed. His voice was calm, yet there was an unshakable firmness in his tone, one that demanded obedience without question.


    Mr. Waters accepted the folder, his brows furrowing slightly as he flipped it open. The moment his eyes scanned the contents, they widened in shock.


    The list was bold, decisive, and entirely unexpected. It wasn''t just a memo; it was a declaration of war. Still, he quickly composed himself, his expression neutral but his grip on the papers slightly tighter.


    After a brief glance at Alex, seeking silent confirmation, Mr. Waters stood tall and began reading aloud. His deep, steady voice echoed through the silent conference room like a hammer striking metal.


    "Effective immediately, the following personnel changes will be implemented at Reid Industries, and just to made clear ''Effective Immediately'' mean right now," he announced, pausing for a moment to let the weight of his words settle.


    He continued, his tone unwavering. "Effective immediately, the termination of Chief Financial Officer, Charles Winters."


    The room remained silent, but the tension was palpable. All eyes darted toward Charles Winters, who visibly stiffened in his seat.


    "Termination of HR Manager, Samuel Winters," Mr. Waters went on, his voice cutting through the butter smoothly with a hot knife.


    "Termination of Vice President, Thomas Winters."


    And then the list continued, each name hitting like a slap on their faces. With every announcement, the atmosphere in the room grew heavier, and murmurs of disbelief began to ripple through the crowd.


    "What''s going on? These are all people from Rose''s family!" whispered one of the managers, her voice barely audible but filled with shock.


    "Didn''t the CEO used to grovel at Rose''s feet? What''s the meaning of this?" another asked, leaning toward his colleague. The auricity speaking the word ''grovel'' while Alex was right in front of him can be used as a reference that no one gave so much shit about what Alex wanted or not.


    "Has the CEO fallen out of love with her or something?" someone else speculated, his tone a mix of confusion and disbelief.


    "No way! He''s been going after her now for like years. Why would he suddenly change now?"


    It was unthinkable for them to be hearing this, for all this time Alex is just doing what Rose or her family wanting him to be, of course some knew they were just hsing him for their own like the name just called out.


    But as usual none dared to speak them, fearing of losing thier job in the company, thats why most people even sugarcoat the Rose family in the company always flattering them whenever they could hoping to get on their good side.


    The murmurs grew louder, the managers exchanging confused glances and hushed theories about Alex''s sudden and uncharacteristic actions. It was clear that no one had seen this coming, not even those who had known Alex for years.


    Alex let the noise rise for a moment, his expression calm and unreadable. Then, just as it began to spiral out of control, he stood up from his chair, his movements slow and deliberate.


    "Humhm! Humhm!" Alex coughed and the room fell silent almost immediately, Alex demanding attention from his eyes and coughs.


    "After conducting an internal investigation¡­ over the past few weeks¡­" Alex began, his voice calm yet laced with authority, "I''ve discovered that these individuals¡­ have been nothing but parasites within this company."


    He paused, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room, ensuring that every person heard his words clearly.


    "This Industries pays you to generate profits, to contribute to its growth¡­ not to leech off it like freeloaders," he continued, his tone growing colder. "You''ve fed off the company''s resources, draining its lifeblood¡­ and given nothing in return. Such behavior will no longer be tolerated."


    His words cut through the room like a blade, leaving a stunned silence in their wake. For a moment, no one dared to speak or even move. The realization of what was happening began to dawn on the employees, and murmurs of understanding replaced the earlier confusion.


    "So that''s what this is about!" someone whispered, their tone filled with relief As to not have to tolerate those bastards anymore. "These people went too far, and I think CEO''s finally had enough!"


    "Honestly, those guys were a nightmare," another one muttered under their breath. "They did whatever they wanted just because of Rose''s influence."


    "They''ve been ruining this company for years now. It''s about time someone cleaned the house!" another chimed in, their voice filled with approval.


    While the staff exchanged quiet thoughts, the dismissed members of the Winters family sat stiffly in their seats, their faces pale and ashen. For them, this wasn''t just an unexpected dismissal, it was a devastating blow to their plans. Their positions in the Reid Industries weren''t just jobs; they were their golden tickets to power and wealth. Losing them was¡­ unthinkable. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Charles Winters, the now-terminated Vice President, finally broke the silence. Rising from his seat, he glared at Alex with a mix of desperation and anger. His hands clenched into fists at his sides as he struggled to maintain a polite tone, which he usually maintained in front of Alex.


    "Sir, don''t you think this is going too far?" he protested, his voice growing slightly louder. "We''re senior executives, and we''ve worked hard for this company. Removing us without proper procedures isn''t just appropriate¡­ but also like throwing mud in our faces."


    He paused, taking a deep breath to steady himself before continuing, his tone turning more formal and calculated. "As executives, any terminations of this nature should at least be discussed in a board meeting. There should be a vote, a formal process. Don''t you think you should reconsider?"


    Alex leaned back in his chair, his expression as calm and unyielding as ever. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, the sound echoing faintly in the tense silence. Then, he let out a soft chuckle, though there was no humor in it.


    "Huh! Imbecile as always!"


    (A/N: So, how was the chapter did you enjoy it? What do u think will happened? And more importantly how will Rose react to all these? Will she be angry? Frustrated? Or maybe some other reaction?)


    ¡ª¡ª


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 Chapter 5 Rose this… Rose that!

    Alex leaned back in his chair, his expression as calm and unyielding as ever. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, the sound echoing faintly in the tense silence. Then, he let out a soft chuckle, though there was no humor in it.


    "Huh! Imbecile as always!"


    "There''s nothing to reconsider," Alex said, his tone calm but with a final clarity that sent chills down the room especially those who were terminated. His gaze straightened slightly towards them, his sharp gaze locking onto Charles Winters For speaking out to him. "And as for a board meeting¡­ You say?"


    He smirked, the corners of his lips curling into a cold smile. It''s like they are not even trying to apologize but more like threatening him now. "That''s unnecessary."


    His next words landed like a hammer, silencing even the faintest whispers. "Because ''I AM THE CEO.''"


    The room fell into a stunned silence, Charles Winters''s protests dying straight in his throat.


    Just as he said those words a mechanical voice sounded in his mind and a system panel appeared in front of him, indicating that the matter was solved.


    [Ding!]


    [System Notification: Task Complete!]


    "Congratulations, Host, for successfully removing the parasites from the company."


    "Reward: $10 billion has been deposited into your personal account."


    "The source of funds has been optimized to appear from the most reliable origins. The Host need not worry about any complications that may arise from the system reward."


    Hearing the system''s crisp announcement, Alex''s lips curled into a faint smile. His eyes glinted with satisfaction as he leaned back in his chair, looking every bit the powerful CEO he was becoming or he already was.


    "Cleaning parasites and helping me survive and even giving me rewards for those?" he muttered to himself, his tone laced with amusement. "This thing really knows how to make me move forward and even motivate me to do it."


    While Alex savored his small victory and his rewards, the dismissed members of the Winters family sat frozen in their seats. Their faces were pale, and their carefully constructed facades of confidence had cracked under the weight of Alex''s decisive actions that he had just decisively taken.


    None of them looked more furious than Charles Winters. His face darkened, his clenched fists trembling as Alex''s cold words replayed in his mind.


    Again and again it was like a replay button was inside his mind and someone was tapping on that button again and again.


    Forcing himself to maintain a semblance of composure, he thought bitterly, ''So, you''re determined to kick us out, huh? You bastard. Fine. Don''t blame me for what is going to happen next!'' S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just as the tension began to simmer down lightly, another figure rose to retorts Alex, Charles, another senior executive with ties to Rose. Unlike the other Winters family, Charles carried himself with a sense of calculated defiance.


    "Sir," Charles began, his voice steady and measured, though there was an edge of boldness in his tone. "I understand this. You are the CEO, and your decisions are yours to make and no one else. However, there''s something I must make clear."


    He straightened his posture, making a show of addressing the room. "The individuals you''ve dismissed are critical to the operations of the Reid Industries. They''re the backbone of this company!"


    Several of the other executives exchanged uneasy glances, but Charles didn''t pause. He continued with growing conviction.


    "Removing them without proper replacements will cause significant damage to the company. It will harm our operations, lower morale, and even destabilize the company value and many more things."


    Charles''s tone shifted, becoming more confrontational. "And let''s not forget your relationship with Rose. Have you even considered how she would feel about this? Such an impulsive decision could damage more than just the company, it could damage your personal life and your ''relationship with Rose.''"


    As Charles spoke, the other Winters family members quickly chimed in, their voices creating a chorus of objections that filled the room.


    "Exactly! Sir, please reconsider!"


    "If you insist on this, the company''s reputation and finances could suffer beyond thinking¡­"


    "And don''t forget, we''re Rose''s family. Your actions will undoubtedly affect your relationship with her."


    Their confidence was palpable, built on years of leveraging their ties to Rose to control the original Alex Reid. They believed that chanting her name in this problem would force Alex to hesitate, perhaps even backtrack on his decisions he had just made.


    But nothing was going to go the way they were thinking, at least not this time. As Alex didn''t hesitate. He didn''t falter.


    "Ha ha¡­ huh!" Instead, a cold chuckle escaped his lips, sharp and filled with disdain. His piercing gaze landed on Charles, who visibly stiffened under the intensity of Alex''s eyes and his just small laugh and sigh.


    "What makes you so confident that your absence will cripple this company?" Alex asked, his voice calm yet carrying an unmistakable edge.


    Charles blinked, caught off guard by the back question of Alex even when he mentioned Rose and his relationship with her, but before he could respond, Alex leaned forward, his tone turning more cold, calm¡­ and deadly.


    "Have you forgotten how you got into this company in the first place? Maybe you did? Well let me remind all of you then." The room fell silent, Alex''s words were like it was not Alex but someone else in his face or body with the way he was talking and the way he questioned or talked back and answers but at the same time satisfaction others get at the sudden change in Alex¡­


    "It was me who brought you parasites into this company!" Alex said, his voice rising slightly, brimming with authority. "And today, it is me who will make sure you''re thrown out like the trash And parasites you are and as for damage¡­ well it is inevitable as when you remove parasites from a body it will bleed a little and that is just how it works but don''t forget it is also healed!"


    His words were like a hammer, shattering the confidence of the Winters family. Several of them flinched, their faces paling.


    Alex leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room. "I had planned to let you leave with some dignity, but since you''re so insistent on playing games with me¡­" His voice turned icy, each word sharper than the last. "Don''t blame me for what is going to happens next!"


    Turning to Mr. Waters, Alex''s tone became commanding. "Waters!"


    "Yes, Sir!" Mr. Waters responded immediately, standing at attention by Alex side.


    "Effective immediately, all personnel I mentioned earlier are to cease their duties," Alex ordered, his voice firm. "Audit their activities from the day they were hired."


    The room was deathly silent as Alex added, "If any irregularities are found, no matter how minor, report them directly to the relevant authorities."


    The Winters family''s confidence crumbled in an instant. Panic spread across their faces as the gravity of Alex''s words sank in.


    "You¡­ You can''t be serious!" Charles stammered, his earlier bravado completely gone.


    "Sir, please¡­ have mercy! We''re family to Rose!" another family member pleaded, desperation dripping from their voice.


    "That''s right!" Samuel added, his tone frantic. "Rose won''t be happy about this, she''ll be furious if you go through with this!"


    The mention of Rose''s name seemed to embolden them, as if her influence could still sway Alex.


    "Huh! Rose this¡­ Rose that. Huh!"


    ¡ª¡ª


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 Chapter 6 Despair Of Winters Family!

    The mention of Rose''s name seemed to embolden them, as if her influence could still sway Alex.


    "Huh! Rose this¡­ Rose that. Huh!"


    But Alex only sneered. His expression grew colder, his disdain for them more visible and evident.


    "Rose?" he repeated, his tone filled with mockery. "And what is she supposed to be? A goddess I have to kneel to? My master or something?"


    The biting sarcasm in his voice made the Winters family flinch, their desperation growing.


    Alex stood up slowly, his presence looming over them like an unstoppable force. He looked at the Winters family from his position, his expression one of utter disdain.


    "Let me make this clear," he said, his voice deadly calm. "Rose''s name holds no power here. Atleast not anymore."


    "Do you really think I care about her opinion?" Alex leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze piercing through the Winters family eyes. His voice was calm, but the disdain dripping from his words was unmistakable.


    "Do I need her permission to make decisions in my company? Do I need her permission to sit, stand, shit or something?" His tone rose slightly, every word hitting with the weight of a rock on their head.


    He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table as he continued, his voice cold and resolute. "Let me make this clear. I don''t care if Rose is unhappy. Even if she were standing right here in front of me, I''d still ensure every one of you pays for what you''ve done! No, maybe a more drastic measure to be honest."


    His words were like a thunderclap in the room. He slapped everyone in the The Winters family with his words as their paled faces visibly, their trembling hands betraying their growing panic pr their previous calm.


    The other attendees in the room watched the scene unfold in stunned silence. For years, Alex had been the laughingstock of the company, a man who bent over backward for Rose and her family, letting them walk all over him.


    But now, that version of Alex was nowhere to be seen. In his place stood a sharp, commanding figure, someone who wouldn''t hesitate to sever ties, no matter how deeply they were rooted.


    Their shock quickly turned to awe. Many had suffered in silence under the oppressive rule of the Winters family, who had abused their positions and thrown their weight around, shielded by Rose''s influence.


    For years, their actions had bred resentment within the company, but no one had dared to stand up to them.


    Well that was¡­ Until now.


    Alex let the silence linger for a moment, watching as the room digested his words. Then, his voice broke the stillness once more, calm but firm. "Additionally, Dominic, Leo Turner¡­"


    He listed off a series of names, each belonging to long term employees who were best in the company who had been relegated to obscurity under the Winters family''s reign.


    "All the names I just mentioned will fill the positions vacated by Charles Winters and the others."


    The weight of his announcement hit the room like a wave. The individuals he had named were seasoned professionals, loyal, hardworking, and highly capable.


    For years, they had been overlooked and suppressed, their talents wasted in menial roles. Now, Alex''s decision was giving them the opportunity they had long deserved.


    Several of the newly promoted employees stood up, their emotions barely contained. Their voices trembled with gratitude as they expressed their loyalty.


    "Thank you, Sir, for your trust!" one of them said, his hands trembling slightly as he bowed deeply.


    "We will give everything we have to serve the company!" another added, her voice filled with resolve.


    It was clear that for these employees, this was more than a promotion. It was a moment of vindication, a recognition of their loyalty and dedication after years of being overlooked. They were determined to repay Alex''s trust with unwavering effort.


    Dominic, one of the newly appointed executives, stepped forward. He was a middle-aged man with a calm demeanor and an air of calmness and thoughtfulness. Clearing his throat, he addressed Alex with measured respect.


    "Sir, I know your actions are for the company''s benefit," he began, his tone cautious yet sincere. "But replacing so many people so quickly will undoubtedly put financial and operational strain on our company."


    He glanced around the room, his concern mirrored in the expressions of the other newly appointed executives. "Would it be better to approach this transition gradually? It might help stabilize the company during the restructuring." S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The others nodded in agreement, their worries were clear and very much to look into. They were excited about their new roles, but they couldn''t ignore the potential risks of such rapid changes.


    Alex, however, waved off their concerns with a simple gesture, his expression remaining calm.


    That was before¡­ even he had to look into this slowly if he didn''t have a system and the reward he just got for removing the Winters family from the company.


    "There''s no need to worry about the financial impact," he said, his voice steady and firm. "I have only one goal: to get this company back on track as quickly as possible, no matter the cost."


    He leaned forward slightly, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room. "Your task is to focus entirely on this goal. Leave everything else to me."


    The order and authority in his tone left no room for argument related to this matter. Just as the executives were about to respond, Alex reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a sleek black card, placing it on the table with a deliberate motion.


    "This card holds $10 billion," Alex stated plainly, as though the amount were insignificant. "It''s more than enough to cover any loss, turbulence or anything caused by the restructuring."


    The room fell into stunned silence. The sheer amount of money Alex was willing to inject into the company left everyone speechless. For a moment, no one moved, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief.


    "Ten billion¡­ dollars" someone muttered under their breath, their voice barely audible.


    "This¡­ This is unbelievable," another whispered, their eyes wide.


    While the other executives struggled to process what they had just heard, the Winters family members sat frozen in their seats, their faces twisted in disbelief and panic. They had thought Alex''s actions were bold before, but this was on an entirely different level.


    He was prepared. He was prepared from the start.


    Charles, his earlier bravado completely shattered, tried to speak but could barely get the words out. "You¡­ You can''t be serious, Sir¡­" his eyes widened as he looked at Alex finally seeing the grim situation which he should have seen the moment he got terminated.


    Alex glanced at him, his expression still the same but the one who had a new face of a deapair was now Charles. Then, slowly, he leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze locking onto Charles.


    "Serious?" Alex repeated, his tone cold and biting. "I''ve never been more serious in my life to be honest."


    The sheer amount of money Alex was willing to put into the company left the room stunned, except for the Winters members.


    (A/N: How is story going are you liking it? You can put suggestion for the future chapter which I can take Into consideration or maybe some bashing scenes you would like to see. Well dint forget to comment and add this novel to you Library for more amazing updates.)

 Chapter 7 Unaware Rose!

    For a moment, the only sounds were the soft gasps of disbelief from the newly appointed executives.


    They exchanged looks, their surprise gradually replaced by admiration. Alex''s actions weren''t without any backup plan. This wasn''t a man making empty promises; he was fully committed to restructuring the Reid Industries, no matter the cost.


    One by one, their faces lit up with new smiles. The message was clear: Alex wasn''t just talking about change, he wasn''t just bluffing what, he was making it happen.


    The Winters family, however, sat frozen in their seats. Their pale faces betrayed the panic brewing within. Alex''s actions to clean the company fully wasn''t just talk, it was a fully planned, like a gamble he was playing but the only thing that takes away the word gamble here is that the winner was already decided and they were on the losing side.


    If Alex truly conducted a thorough investigation, everything they have done and all the money they''ve gotten under the table and the things they''d hidden would come to light.


    The years of embezzlement, the tampered accounts, the misappropriated funds, it would all be exposed. And when that happened, they wouldn''t just lose their positions. They''d lose all their freedom with it not even getting to live in a house.


    Charles, seated at the center of his family members who were terminated with him, felt his heart pounding as panic began to claw at him and others. His mind raced, replaying every shady deal, every fraudulent report¡­ everything he and they have all done in the company¡­ and the result wasn''t exactly pleasant even in their thoughts.


    "If he really investigates us¡­" The thought alone sent a chill down his spine. "The money we siphoned off, the accounts we tampered with¡­ we''ll be sent straight to prison, no questions asked!" Charles clenched his fists tightly, the veins in his hands bulging as desperation set in. He couldn''t let that happen.


    "I can''t just sit here and let this happen. I need a way out. I need¡­ a plan." Suddenly, an idea struck him. Or rather, a name. Rose. Charles''s eyes darkened as he remembered her.


    "This is all her fault," he muttered under his breath, his frustration bubbling to the surface, he had already imagined why Alex was doing it and why he was taking out on all of them.


    "All these years, she''s treated Alex like her lapdog, collaring him around her side and using him for her benefit¡­" His words grew sharper in his mind. "She must''ve pushed him too far this time. That''s why he''s lashing out at us now!" He gritted his teeth, his thoughts spiraling.


    "I have to call Rose. She''s the only one who can fix this mess now. If anyone can pull him back to his senses, it''s her."


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, all the things that were happening in the Reid Industries clearly remained oblivious to Rose and she was blissfully unaware of the storm Alex was unleashing back at the Reid Industries on her family.


    She was in her time, leisurely browsing through the lavish interiors of a high-end store in one of the city''s most luxurious shopping malls. Around her, eager sales associates flitted about, their voices filled with practiced flattery for customer with fat pockets.


    "Miss Rose, this dress looks stunning on you!" Flatter one of the female sale associates.


    "And this one is absolutely perfect for your figure! You look so elegant in it!" Another koined in not wanting to leave a commission that she will get afterwards.


    Rose smiled faintly, enjoying the attention and praises she get. She didn''t need their words to know how good she looked, but it was nice to hear all the same.


    "Fine, just wrap it all up," she said casually, waving her hand as if she were brushing off something trivial like buying a candy at a local shop.


    The sales associates exchanged excited glances, rushing to package the items she had chosen. Their energy was infectious as they gathered designer outfits, luxury accessories, and premium cosmetics, all to be paid for in one grand transaction.


    Rose reached into her handbag and pulled out a sleek black card, the same one she had swiped from Alex''s hands earlier. She held it out to the cashier with a smile on her face, her expression one of complete nonchalance.


    "Charge it," she said simply. The cashier took the card with a deep bow, her eyes widening slightly as she recognized what she was holding.


    "This card¡­ It''s a black card! I heard that there''s no spending limit on these cards!" One of the sales associates whispered excitedly to a colleague as she processed the transaction.


    Looking at the name embossed on the card, one of the sales associates couldn''t resist making a comment. "Miss Rose, this must belong to your boyfriend, right? For him to let you use something like this, he must truly adore you from the heart!"


    At those words, Rose''s smile faltered slightly. Her brows knit together, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face. "Don''t say something so nonsense like that again," she snapped lightly, her tone still polite but clearly dismissive.


    "This card''s owner is not my boyfriend," she continued, her voice regaining its calm. "We''re just regular friends, nothing more, nothing less."


    The associate nodded quickly, a professional smile plastered on her face. "Oh, right. Just friends," she said, though inwardly, she rolled her eyes.


    "Not your boyfriend? Please. No one gives a black card to a mere ''friend.''" Laughed one of the previous sales associates.


    But Rose believed her own narrative tha letting others thoughts in her mind for her¡­ it doesn''t matter what others think.


    In her mind, Alex''s devotion was entirely his choice, something he did of his own free will. She told herself she never asked him for anything, never forced him into anything, and their relationship remained nothing more than ''ordinary friends.''


    And nothing more than friends.


    To her, his behavior was simply an indulgence, an expression of his affection. Nothing more. She stood in the mall, her posture graceful as she admired her reflection in a nearby mirror and glaring back at herself from the mirror, convinced that Alex''s generosity and loyalty were unshakable. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just then, her phone buzzed, breaking her train of thought. She glanced at the screen and saw her Aunt''s name flashing across it.


    Rose picked up the call, her tone light and carefree. "Hello Aunt? I''m shopping right now. Is something wrong?"


    The response she received was far from what she expected to hear from the other side.


    "Shopping?!" her Aunt nearly screamed into the phone, her voice sharp and filled with frustration. "You''re out shopping while we''re in a literal crisis here?"


    Rose blinked, startled by the outburst. "What do you mean, literal crisis? What''s going on?" Her Aunt didn''t hold back. "Do you even know what''s happening? Alex just held a meeting and fired every single member of the Winters family from the company!"


    "EVERY LAST ONE DO YOU UNDERSTAND? EVERY LAST ONE." Came a shout that for a second Rose that she put the phone away for a second.


    "What?" Rose''s voice was filled with disbelief.


    "And that''s not all!" her Aunt continued, her tone growing more irritated and angry. "He''s ordered a full audit of all our financial activities within the Reid Industries. He''s digging into everything, EVERYTHING!"


    Rose''s expression froze, her heart skipping a beat. "That''s impossible," she muttered, gripping her phone tighter. "Didn''t you tell him about our relationship? About the connection between our families?"


    (A/N: So, how was it? Did you like the reaction and if anyone had noticed I''m making chapters big like around 1.2-1.3k words. Dont forget to comment if you like the novel and send power stones for support and add it to library for more updates.)

 Chapter 8 One Humiliation After Another!

    Rose''s expression froze, her heart skipping a beat. "That''s impossible," she muttered, gripping her phone tighter. "Didn''t you tell him about our relationship? About the connection between our families?"


    "Oh, Charles told him, alright!" her Aunt snapped, her words dripping with sarcasm. "But do you know what he said? He didn''t care! He stood there in the meeting room and made it clear while looking inyo the eyes of your father, he''s targeting every single one of us!"


    Her voice rose in anger. "And you¡­ you''ve brought this on all of us! You''ve strung him like a dog for years, acting all high and mighty like you''re some queen!" Her Aunt''s tirade continued relentlessly, each word hitting Rose like a slap on her beautiful face.


    "You dangled yourself just out of reach, thinking you could control him forever. Well, guess what? He''s done with you! And now we''re all paying the price for your stupidity!" Another slap came onto her face from her Aunt from the other side of the phone.


    Rose''s face darkened as her Aunt''s accusations sank in. She clenched her jaw, trying to suppress the mix of emotions welling up inside her, anger, disbelief, and an unfamiliar sense of uneasiness.


    "You should''ve just married him when you had the chance," her Aunt spat bitterly. "Be a good little trophy wife and live the high life. But no, you had to keep him chasing after you, and now look what''s happened! You''ve ruined everything for our family for nothing but your stupid little dignity!"


    The scolding ended with a string of curses before from the other side were rapid high breaths because of speaking high and louder in anger.


    Rose lowered her phone slowly, her hands trembling as she stared at the screen. Her thoughts raced, her Aunt''s words replaying in her mind.


    "Aunt! Don''t worry. I''ll handle it," she said on the phone but it was like under her breath, though her voice lacked its usual confidence. She clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms as a sense of unease crept into her heart more and kore by the second.


    "Alex, what the hell are you thinking?" she hissed, her voice low and sharp. "After all these years, how dare you treat me like this?" Ending the call, Rose stormed toward the parking lot, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floors. She was determined to confront Alex and demand an explanation for his behavior.


    But before she could even leave the mall, an employee hurried after her, wearing an awkward expression.


    "Miss Rose," the employee called out hesitantly, stopping a few steps behind her.


    Rose turned, irritation flashing across her face. "What is it?"


    The employee glanced down briefly before meeting Rose''s gaze, her tone cautious. "There''s¡­ an issue with your card."


    Rose blinked, confused. "What? Are you out of your mind?" She pulled out the sleek black card and held it up for the employee to see. "Do you even know what this is? It''s a black card! Forget about a few pieces of clothing; I could buy your entire store with this card!"


    The employee nodded quickly, her expression apologetic. "Yes, I understand that, Miss Rose. But¡­ the card has been Blocked. It''s no longer usable."


    "Blocked?" Rose repeated, her voice faltering slightly as an uneasy feeling crept into her chest.


    She quickly pulled another card from her bag, one Alex had given her in the past. "Try this one instead," she said sharply, handing it over with a hint of desperation in her tone.


    The employee bowed slightly and hurried away to process the new card in a carding machine. Rose stood there, tapping her heel impatiently against the floor, her irritation growing with each passing second.


    Two minutes later, after trying some times the employee returned, her expression even more awkward than before.


    "Miss Rose," she began cautiously, her voice quiet, "this card is also¡­ blocked and cannot be used."


    Rose''s face went pale. She stared at the employee, unable to process what she had just heard. Her anger was reaching its limit by every second after her mother called.


    And now this. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What¡­ what did you just say?" She demanded, her voice trembling.


    The employee glanced at her nervously, a mix of pity and curiosity in her eyes. "I''m sorry, Miss Rose, but neither card is valid anymore, either they are blocked or Wholly deactivated from the bank side."


    Rose''s hands began to tremble, her grip on her purse tightening as a wave of suppressed rage surged through her.


    For as long as Rose could remember, she had relied on Alex''s cards for everything, shopping, dining, vacations, whatever she wanted. Carrying her own money had always seemed unnecessary when she had someone as compliant as Alex to foot every bill without question.


    And who would do that without any second question or asking her.


    But now, with the cards suddenly being blocked and not valid anymore for purchasing, a wave of humiliation swept over her, threatening to drown her usual calm face. The whispers and curious stares of the mall employees felt like knives stabbing at her pride with every second.


    "Forget it! I don''t want any of this anymore!" She snapped, snatching the blocked cards back from the hand of a sales girl. Her voice was sharp, loud enough to make the entire store pause their murmur.


    Without waiting for a response, she spun on her heel and stormed out of the store, her movements stiff with barely restrained fury. Behind her, the employees exchanged quiet whispers, their judgment unmistakable as some even laughed at the scene; it was like a live drama scene.


    "Probably some mistress who got dumped by her sugar daddy," one murmured, watching Rose''s retreating figure with a smirk.


    Rose heard none of it. Her mind was racing as she marched toward the parking lot, her heels clicking furiously against the polished floor.


    ''How dare he? How dare he? How dare Alex humiliate me like this?'' She clenched the cards tightly in her hand, her knuckles turning white.


    She had trusted him to provide for her, to keep her life smooth and effortless. And now, not only had he blocked all the cards, but he had done so without any single warning, leaving her humiliated in front of all the strangers in the mall, even someone as lowly as the sales man and women.


    But it wasn''t just the cards. Her anger flared as she remembered the call from her Aunt. ''He fired the Winters family? All of them? After everything I told him? After he promised to take care of them, no matter what?'' Her clenched teeth could be heard if someone was near her but alas there was none.


    Her thoughts spiraled as she reached the underground parking lot, her only focus on confronting Alex and demanding answers to all this. She expected to see his car waiting for her, just as it always was, no matter how long she took or how late it was.


    But when she arrived, she froze. The parking spot where Alex''s car should have been was empty. She blinked, her mind struggling to process what she was seeing.


    "He¡­ left?" she whispered, disbelief lacing her voice.


    (A/N: Did you enjoyed it? Well I have nothing much to say other than if you enjoy the chapter please add this novel to library and don''t forget to comment. See you all in the next chapter.)

 Chapter 9 Faceslap again and again…!

    "He¡­ left?" she whispered, disbelief lacing her voice. Her eyes scanned the surrounding area, searching for any sign of his car. But the parking lot was quiet, the sound of her heels echoing in the emptiness.


    "He actually left?" For a moment, Rose stood there, completely stunned. Normally, Alex would wait for her, no matter how long she spent shopping or how much time she spent. He would always be there, patient and accommodating, like a loyal servant who existed solely to cater to her whims and wishes.


    But now, not only had he left, but he hadn''t even bothered to tell her. And the cards matter another one.


    "This¡­ What''s going on today?" she muttered to herself, her voice tinged with disbelief. "This isn''t like him¡­ Not at all." Shaking off her shock, Rose reached into her bag and pulled out her phone. Her fingers trembled slightly as she scrolled through her contacts and dialed Alex''s number.


    He''ll answer, she told herself firmly, trying to push down the unease that was creeping into her chest. He always answers. Yes he always answers but at the same time nothing is going right today.


    The phone line rang, and for a moment, she felt a flicker of relief. But then, an automated voice greeted her almost instant after ringing:


    "The number you have dialed is currently on another call¡­"


    Her brows furrowed. She hung up and tried again.


    "The number you have dialed is currently on another call¡­"


    She frowned deeper, her irritation growing. She tried again. And again.


    And again.


    And again.


    And again.


    And again. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And again.


    And again.


    After the tenth attempt, the same message greeted her, each time more frustrating than the last.


    Rose''s hand tightened around her phone as unease settled into her chest, heavier and more suffocating with every passing second.


    And then, like a thunderbolt, the realization struck her. Alex hadn''t just left the parking lot. He had blocked her. Her eyes widened, her lips parting slightly as she stared at the phone in disbelief.


    "Alex¡­ put me on my number on his blacklist!?" she muttered, her voice trembling with a mix of shock and rage. Her grip on the phone faltered for a moment before tightening again.


    Realizing that she had been blocked by Alex, Rose''s first reaction was pure rage.


    Her grip tightened around her phone, her nails digging into her palm. ''How dare he? How dare he block her?'' But the moment she calmed down, her sharp mind quickly formulated a countermeasure. Without hesitation, she pulled out another phone from her handbag, her private number.


    This was the phone she never used to contact Alex. The one she kept strictly for personal matters, separate from him. In fact, whenever she used the phone for Alex, she made sure to turn it off at night, just to prevent him from bothering her while she rested.


    But right now, none of that mattered.


    She needed answers.


    Without wasting another second, Rose dialed Alex''s number again.


    This time, the call went through.


    After a few rings, a familiar voice answered on the other end.


    "Hello? Alex here! Who is this?" The moment she heard his voice, Rose exploded.


    "Alex! What the hell do you think you''re doing? Do you seriously think you can just cut me off like this? Let me warn you¡­ if you don''t fix this right now, I will never speak to you again! You hear me? I''ll make sure you never get the chance to see me again!" Even now, Rose still believed Alex was her loyal, obedient lapdog. She believed that he loved her¡­ he was in love with her even now when she didn''t care about his feelings the past few years.


    But what she didn''t expect¡­ was his response.


    "Oh? You''ll never contact me again?" Alex''s voice was calm, indifferent even. "Perfect." And just like that, he moved to hang up.


    Realizing what was about to happen, Rose panicked. "Wait! Don''t hang up!"


    There was a short silence before Alex sighed. "What else do you want?"


    Rose took a deep breath, forcing herself to steady her voice, though her anger was still present in his tone and voice.


    "Answer me, Alex¡­ why did you fire the Winters family from the company? Do you even understand what you''ve done?" she demanded, her voice sharp.


    "And what about my cards? Why did you block all of them? Do you not remember what you said? That you''d always give me a million dollars a month for my living expenses?" She wasn''t finished.


    "And one more thing¡­ Why did you leave the parking lot? I told you to wait for me! How dare you leave without my permission?" Her voice grew shriller with every question, her fury reaching a boiling point.


    But what she didn''t expect¡­ was Alex''s sheer indifference once again.


    "Are you done?" His tone was flat, as if he couldn''t be bothered.


    "Yes, I''m done!" Rose snapped.


    Unlike her agitation, Alex''s voice remained eerily calm.


    "Do I need to explain to you my every action?" He asked. It was just a simple question. Yet, when Rose heard it, it was like a slap on her face and a thunder like clapping in her ears..


    "What¡­ What did you just say?" She thought she had misheard him. Alex¡­ the same Alex who had spent years worshiping the ground she walked on¡­ was questioning her?


    For a moment, she was too stunned to react. The change in his demeanor was so drastic, so incomprehensible, that she couldn''t process it.


    This wasn''t the same Alex she knew.


    This wasn''t the same man who trailed behind her like a shadow, waiting on her every word.


    He was different. Too different.


    "You¡ª" Rose tried to speak, but her words caught in her throat.


    But Alex didn''t care to continue the conversation. Just as he was about to hang up, a thought suddenly crossed his mind.


    "Oh, right. I almost forgot," he said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "All these years, I''ve probably spent over a billion dollars on you, haven''t I?" His tone was casual, as if he were merely commenting on the weather.


    "But now that we''re done here fully, I expect you to pay it all back." And with that, he ended the call. "I wouldn''t bother with Interest but the amount should be repaid." As he finished speaking he hung up the phone not even bothering to listen back from the other side.


    Rose stood frozen, the phone still pressed against her ear. Her mind went blank.


    "What¡­ did he just say?" Her grip on the phone tightened as her breath quickened.


    We''re done?


    Pay him back? All the money she had spent from his card.


    A second later, the realization crashed down on her, and rage unlike anything she had ever felt surged through her veins.


    "Alex, you bastard! Who the hell do you think you are?" she screamed So loudly that only her scream was in the silent parking lot, her hands shaking. Her eyes getting red through anger, her hands clenching, her teeth gritting against each other and her fingers almost ready to shatter the phone in her hand.


    (A/N: Hahah Extra Chapters guys!!! Did you enjoyed it? I hope it was to your satisfaction. Well I have nothing much to say other than if you enjoy the chapter please add this novel to library and don''t forget to comment. See you all in the next chapter.)

 Chapter 10 PayBack!

    "Alex, you bastard! Who the hell do you think you are?" she screamed So loudly that only her scream was in the silent parking lot, her hands shaking. Her eyes getting red through anger, her hands clenching, her teeth gritting against each other and her fingers almost ready to shatter the phone in her hand.


    "Alex, you bastard! Who the hell do you think you are?" she screamed, her hands shaking.


    "You think you can talk to me like this? You think you can just throw me away like I''m nothing?" She was seething in rage now, her entire body trembling with fury.


    "I swear¡­ I will make you regret this for the rest of your life!" Her chest heaved as her anger boiled over.


    "And those billions? You willingly gave them to me! Why the hell should I pay you back? That money is mine!" Her breaths came out ragged, her fingers trembling from the sheer intensity of her emotions.


    "There''s no way I''ll return a single cent! Never!" But no matter how much she raged, no matter how much she screamed¡­


    Alex wasn''t listening. Because for the first time in his life and because he already hung up the phone¡­ He was done with her wholly and fully.


    Rose''s furious screams echoed through the underground parking lot, her voice seething with rage. But no matter how loudly she yelled, Alex couldn''t hear her anymore, there was no one in the parking lot to hear or anyone.


    ¡­.


    Just as Rose''s temper spiraled out of control In the mall parking lot with screaming and cursing, a familiar electronic voice rang in Alex''s mind.


    [Ding!]


    [System Notification!]


    [Congratulations, Host!]


    [You have successfully pushed the heroine into a rage-induced breakdown¡­]


    [You have officially shed your status as a ''simp.'' The next phase of the system mission is now unlocked.]


    [New Mission: Ensure the complete bankruptcy of the Winters family.]


    [Reward: Master of Geomantic Energy.]


    [Would the Host like to accept the mission?]


    Alex''s eyes flickered with interest as he processed the system''s words.


    "Bankrupt the Winters family?" he murmured, a small smirk appearing on his lips. He only hesitated for a brief moment before answering firmly, "Accept the mission."


    [Ding! Mission accepted successfully!]


    But before Alex could fully process the task, the system chimed again.


    [Bonus Challenge Unlocked!]


    [Details: If the Host can not only bankrupt the Winters family but also force to pay her back for everything she had done. An additional hidden reward will be granted!]


    Alex blinked in mild surprise.


    "A hidden mission?" he mused, then let out a low chuckle. "Well, since we''re doing this, we might as well go all the way." After confirming the mission, Alex reached for the intercom button on his desk. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ten seconds later, a tall, distinguished-looking older man entered the room¡­ Mr. Waters'', the Reid family''s long-time butler and one of Alex''s most trusted aides.


    "You called for me, Sir?" Mr. Waters'' asked respectfully.


    Alex wasted no time getting to the point.


    "Waters'', I need a full report on all business dealings between the Winters family and our company. ''ALL OF IT.''"


    Since he was about to go all the way in revenge mode on them, he needed to understand exactly how deeply the Winters family was involved with his company.


    Waters'' didn''t even need to check the files before responding.


    "Sir, If I may¡­ the Winters family is nothing more than a second-rate building materials distributor. They were never particularly noteworthy in the industry¡­" Waters'' paused for a moment before sighing.


    "The only reason they''ve grown to their current status is because you have been supporting them from behind the scenes." Waters finished as he laid the final sentence.


    Alex''s expression darkened slightly at those words.


    So it was the old Alex who had gone out of his way to bring the Winters family to this high status, using company resources to prop them up and their whole family.


    A sneer formed on Alex''s lips.


    "All that kindness and efforts¡­ And what did I get in return?" He scoffed. "Not even a single touch of Rose''s hand. I handed them everything, even nearly giving them my company, and what did they do? Treat me like a fool¡­ a dog waiting for their daughter''s command."


    He shook his head, exasperated at how much of a simp the previous Alex had been.


    "Waters," he said, turning his sharp gaze to the butler, "so you''re telling me that the entire Winters family business is dependent on us?"


    Waters'' nodded. "Yes, Sir!"


    Alex leaned back in his chair, a smirk forming on his lips. "Well then, this makes things far too easy." With a flick of his wrist, Alex issued his next order.


    "Waters, draft an official company announcement."


    "Yes, sir," Waters'' responded immediately.


    Alex''s voice was steady and unwavering as he dictated the notice: "Effective immediately, the Reid Industries will sever all business ties with the Winters family."


    "In addition, all outstanding project payments owed by the Winters family must be settled in full within the shortest time frame possible." Alex ordered as he stopped in the middle for a moment before continuing.


    "And from this moment forward, the Reid Industries will have no further dealings with the Winters family in any way." Mr. Waters, who had served the Reid family for years, was momentarily stunned.


    "Sir¡­ if we issue this announcement, the Winters family will be ruined," Mr. Waters said cautiously, already understanding the consequences.


    The Winters family''s entire business was built on the support of the Reid Industries. The moment Alex cut them off, their cash flow would dry up, and their suppliers would abandon them.


    Without Alex''s backing, they would collapse¡­ quickly and in the most brutal way possible and the humiliation cherry on top.


    Alex didn''t bother answering directly.


    Instead, he simply chuckled, his eyes filled with a mysteriously fun glint.


    "I don''t just want to bankrupt the Winters family," he said smoothly, his tone eerily calm.


    "I want Rose to pay for all she has done to me in the past years, with Interest if possible."


    Receiving Alex''s orders, Mr. Waters was about to leave to carry them out. However, just as he reached the door, something suddenly came to mind. He stopped in his tracks, turned around, and hesitated for a moment before speaking.


    "Sir, there''s something else. I''m not sure if you remember¡­" He yet again hesitated before saying anything about this matter as it contradicts the order he just received from Alex.


    Alex raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"


    Mr. Waters'' continued, "Three days ago, the Winters family sent an invitation for a Party banquet. They specifically requested your presence to support the event."


    "Do you still wish or plan to attend?" Asked Mr. Waters as he looked in Alex''s direction.


    Alex''s fingers tapped lightly against the desk as his eyes darkened. "Oh?" He immediately understood the reason behind the Winters family''s invitation.


    (A/N: Hahah Extra Chapters again¡­ guys!!! And this is the last one there may not be any chapter tomorrow. So enjoy it¡­ if you enjoy the chapter please add this novel to library and don''t forget to comment. See you all in the next chapter.)

 Chapter 11 Party!

    Alex''s fingers tapped lightly against the desk as his eyes darkened. "Oh?" He immediately understood the reason behind the Winters family''s invitation.


    They didn''t invite him because they respected him as a person. They invited him because of his status as the CEO of Reid Industries and to make a full use of his status.


    The Winters family had done this many times before, using his presence to gain credibility, to attract investors, and to elevate their social standing to much higher and higher till now.


    And yet, despite knowing their true motives, the old Alex had always eagerly attended those like a good dog¡­ why? Because of Rose.


    Like a fool. Like a biggest fool.


    Mr. Waters carefully observed Alex''s expression before asking again, "Sir, do you still wish to go or should I send a reply to them from you?"


    Alex let out a low chuckle.


    "They want to use me as a stepping stone for their own success and then use me today in this so-called their party to attract more investors and gain more favours and credibility from my presence ?" His lips curled into a smirk. "Waters, is the official announcement about severing ties with the Winters family ready?"


    "It''s been drafted and finalized, sir." Mr. Waters replied to the question in an instant with his graceful manner.


    "Good." Alex stood up from his chair, buttoning his suit with smooth, deliberate movements. His eyes gleamed with something like he wants to play a dangerous game now after all the things he had done till now.


    "Bring the announcement with you." Alex said. "We''re going to the banquet." With that, Alex strode toward the door, his steps steady and his expensive shoes making clicking sounds indicating the silence he left behind..


    ¡­.


    Time skip:


    Winters Family Mansion


    Banquet Hall:


    On the other side of the city, the Winters family remained blissfully unaware of the storm about to descend upon them.


    The grand banquet hall was brightly lit, the atmosphere lively with laughter and conversation.


    At the entrance, Rose''s father, Harold Winters, stood with a confident smile, personally greeting all the guests as they arrived.


    But despite his outward composure, impatience flickered in his eyes.


    "Where the hell is this bastard Alex?" he muttered under his breath, glancing at his watch. "The banquet starts at five, and it''s already three. Shouldn''t he be here early to prepare?"


    Beside him, Rose''s mother, Lillian Winters, crossed her arms, her expression equally displeased.


    (A/N: For those who think that Charles or his wife is Rose''s mother or father. It is like a big family where you can call Charles and his wife like an uncle or aunt. But for respect they call each other like that so they feel like family or whatever. So don''t get confused by this. Hmm yes like a goddaughter, godfather or etc¡­ )


    "Really! I mean really. What''s wrong with that boy?" she scoffed. "We invited him to support our event, and he doesn''t even have the shred of decency to arrive early for this important matter?"


    Their words were filled with dissatisfaction.


    Despite being the ones benefiting from Alex''s status, they treated him as if it were an obligation, as if they owed Alex and everything he has and will have, for them Alex was like a dog. If they said sit, he should sit from their perspective and if said come here he sould come here with respect¡­ An obligation or as they like to think of it.


    And why wouldn''t they?


    After all, they knew their daughter had Alex wrapped around her finger fully. No matter how they treated him, no matter how dismissive they were, Alex had always come running back to them no matter what and that is what solidified this perspective in them.


    He had no family alive, no real support system¡­ to help him¡­ from their point of view everything Alex owned is already theirs and it will be finalised¡­ once he married Rose, wouldn''t this already make his company belong to the Winters family?


    Using Reid Industries resources to support their household? That was to be expected.


    ¡­.


    Inside the Banquet Hall


    "Mr. Winters! It''s been so long¡­ you''re looking hmmm¡­ as young as ever every year!" Said one of the guest reaching the heights of flattery.


    "Mr. Winters, you''ve made quite the fortune these past few years. You''ve been keeping all the good deals to yourself, haven''t you?" Another followed the suit in the scheme.


    "Mr. Winters, I''m honored that you personally came to welcome me." came another flattering and why wouldn''t it come though?


    Laughter and compliments filled the hall as countless businessmen and influential figures arrived, exchanging pleasantries with Harold Winters.


    But deep down, they all knew the truth.


    These people weren''t here for him.


    They were here because of Alex Reid.


    Because of Alex status and his Industries.


    The man who would¡­ supposedly¡­ become Harold Winters''s future son-in-law¡­ aka Rose Husband.


    To disrespect the Winters family meant to risk offending Alex. And no one in their right mind would want to burn that bridge as long as they do not want to risk losing in their life.


    But as the banquet''s starting time inched closer, Harold''s patience began to grow tense.


    More guests arrived, yet the man of the hour¡­ Alex¡­ was nowhere to be seen.


    Harold''s brows furrowed in frustration.


    "Where is that boy?" he muttered under his breath. "Don''t tell me he''s not coming¡­"


    "Impossible!" Lillian Winter''s voice immediately dismissed the idea. She glanced around the banquet hall and frowned.


    "Rose isn''t here either," she muttered, realization dawning upon her.


    "They went out together at noon¡­ Could it be," Her eyes widened as a horrifying thought crossed her mind. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Oh no¡­ They wouldn''t have," Panic surged through her as she turned to her husband.


    "This won''t do! I need to call Rose right now! I cannot let that bastard Alex take advantage of her!" Harold Winters raised an eyebrow at his wife''s sudden agitation.


    (A/N: Hahah did you guys liked mass release Chapters of yesterday!!! if you enjoy the chapter please add this novel to library and don''t forget to comment. See you all in the next chapter.)

 Chapter 12 Different!

    "Isn''t that a bit extreme?" he asked, confused. "I mean, Alex has already invested billions into our family and Rose''s future."


    "You know nothing!" Lillian snapped, cutting him off with an exasperated glare like he didn''t understand what she was referring to or the real motive.


    "If he wants to be with my daughter, he better be ready to pay something worth at least ten billion! Minimum!" She crossed her arms, her voice full of arrogance and a statement that is ''true'' from her and her family perspective.


    "As for all the money he''s already given us? That was his choice. It has nothing to do with us." Harold blinked at his wife''s reasoning before nodding in agreement.


    "You''re absolutely right!" he said, his expression firming.


    "We cannot let that little brat take advantage of Rose for free. Hurry, call her!" Just as Lillian reached for her phone, a sleek black car pulled up at the entrance of the estate.


    The heavy door swung open, and a tall, imposing figure stepped out.


    ¡­.


    The moment Alex stepped onto the estate grounds, the entire banquet hall seemed to shift.


    Conversations quieted, and eyes turned toward him. Especially among the younger women present. Despite knowing that Alex was obsessed with Rose, many of them couldn''t help but fantasize.


    "Why does Rose get all the luck?" one of them murmured in a low voice, staring at him with barely concealed admiration. "If only Alex liked me instead¡­"


    "He''s so handsome, so young, and on top of that, he''s the perfect marriage candidate. It''s such a waste that he''s already taken." Even among the older women, there was a hint of regret.


    For many wealthy families in attendance, Alex was the ideal husband for their daughters. Any father would have been thrilled to have a young, successful man like him marry into their family and join their family.


    The murmurs of envy and admiration filled the air.


    And the more Harold Winters listened to them, the more smug he felt and a smirk formed on his face enjoying the envious face and talks of others.


    ''You''re all jealous, aren''t you? Hahaha you all should be.'' he thought to himself, barely suppressing a grin.


    ''But oh well¡­ what does it even matter? Alex already belongs to our family. So, all you can do is just hope and show envy on your face like always.'' He cast a glance at his wife, who seemed equally pleased.


    After all, it wasn''t just about Alex''s money, it was about control.


    Alex was completely devoted/obsessed with Rose. He followed her around like a lost puppy, never questioning anything. And once they get married, his entire fortune would be tied to none other than Winter''s family.


    Harold''s thoughts were practically dripping with arrogance.


    ''The best part is¡­ Alex only cares about us. He listens to everything Rose says.'' He thought but¡­ On the outside, however, he maintained a stern, unimpressed expression as he looked at Alex.


    "You''re late," Harold said, furrowing his brows. "The banquet starts at five. Do you not know how to show up early to greet the guests?" Lillian crossed her arms, her expression equally disapproving like she was talking to a servant.


    "Being late is bad enough," she scoffed. "But where is Rose? You left with her¡­ did you seriously not have the decency to bring her back?" Their words were sharp, their tone filled with arrogance.


    They expected Alex to bow his head, to apologize, to act as their obedient son-in-law.


    But what they didn''t realize¡­ Was that Alex was no longer the so-called obsessed with Rose Alex or the Lost puppy Alex who always shimmed at their face.


    ¡­.


    Alex paid no attention to Harold and Lillian Winters'' questioning. Without sparing them a glance, he stepped forward, passing them without giving them a single glance or reply from their earlier question, walking straight into the party with a calm yet imposing presence.


    "Alex! What''s the meaning of this?" Harold called out, as he saw how he disrespected him and his wife, his voice tinged with displeasure.


    "You don''t see us standing here?" Lillian added, her tone sharp as she moved to block his path.


    But before either of them could take another step, Waters smoothly positioned himself in front of them.


    "Mr. and Mrs. Winters," Waters said politely but firmly, "Sir Alex has no interest in speaking with you." His words carried a finality that made both Harold and Lillian pause.


    Despite his age, Waters''s posture was firm, his aura composed. It was clear he wasn''t just a simple butler¡­ he carried himself with the air of someone who had seen and handled far more powerful figures than them.


    Not like they were to begin with without Alex, he had seen them rising as they took benefits of Alex nature.


    Harold and Lillian, though furious, found themselves speechless. They could only watch helplessly as Alex strode into the party without sparing them a second glance.


    ¡­.


    "What''s going on today?" Lillian muttered, watching Alex''s back with an uneasy expression. "He looks¡­ different."


    Harold nodded slowly, his frown deepening. "Something''s off. Should we call Rose and ask what''s happening?" Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone and dialed his daughter''s number.


    ¡­.


    Far across the city, Rose was still trying to process Alex''s bizarre behavior when her phone rang. Seeing her father''s name on the screen, she immediately answered.


    "Dad? What''s wrong?" Rose asks as she puts a phone to her ear, she is already angry from Alex''s behaviour that everything seemed like an irritation to her.


    Harold''s voice was serious. "Rose, what''s going on with you and Alex lately? He came to the party we held and invited him, but he looked¡­ strange."


    The moment she heard those words, Rose''s body stiffened.


    "What did you say?" she asked sharply. "He''s at the party?"


    "Yes, he just arrived. Why? Is something wrong?" Asked Harold, feeling something uneasiness.


    Rose''s heart pounded in her chest. Alex''s sudden change in demeanor, his refusal to answer her calls, the way he left her alone at the mall¡­


    Everything had been completely out of character.


    (A/N: So, here is a new chapter, protagonist will be introduced in the next chapter or maybe after the next chapter. Some faceslapping is coming some revenge too. And lastly don''t forgot to comment and add this novel to you library if you liked it. Show your support.) S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 13 ‘Real Protagnist!

    Rose''s heart raced in her chest, the rhythm pounding with an intensity that mirrored the storm brewing in her mind.


    Alex''s behavior over the past few hours had been inexplicably unpredictable¡­he had completely shut her out, refusing to answer her calls, leaving her alone at the mall, his actions growing colder and unpredictable by the hour.


    This was nothing like the Alex she knew. This wasn''t the man who had once been so attentive and obsessed with her, so affectionate, so¡­ there.


    Now, as if to add fuel to the fire, he had gone to the Winters estate''s party, and he had done it alone.


    That small detail kept hitting at her in Rose''s mind, as an unsettling thought gripped her chest with icy fingers.


    ''What if he''s planning something?'' Was the only thought after thinking about it in Rose mind.


    "Dad, listen to me," she said urgently, cutting through the line with a note of panic in her voice.


    "Don''t engage with Alex. Just leave him alone for now. I''ll be there as soon as I can." Her voice shook with tension, but she didn''t give him a chance to respond before she quickly ended the call.


    Without wasting another moment, she called a cab from her mobile, her mind racing with a thousand questions and worries.


    She told the driver the destination¡­the Winters estate, trying to quell the rising anxiety that was on her mind since her Aunt call and the cards that were declined.


    ¡­..


    Inside the glittering banquet hall of the Winters estate, Alex stood at the center of a growing crowd of powerful figures, effortlessly basking in their attention.


    The party was in full swing, people dressed in extravagant attire, glasses clinking, laughter filling the air. It was a scene straight out of the pages of a high-society novel, but Alex barely noticed. His focus was somewhere else entirely.


    One after another, prominent business leaders approached him, eager to extend their congratulations and compliments.


    "Alex, you''re truly a rising star in the industry," said one businessman, his tone reverent, as if Alex''s success were something to be marveled at. Others eagerly followed suit, adding their praise.


    "A toast to you, Alex! May your business continue to thrive¡­ more, more, and more." Another voice chimed in, as glasses of champagne and cocktails were lifted in his honor.


    "To your success!" The words rang out as clinks of glass filled the air.


    Smiling with practiced ease, Alex clinked glasses with each individual in turn, responding with the effortless charm of a man who had mastered the art of socializing in high society.


    The transformation was almost jarring. Gone was the Alex who once spent all his time chasing after Rose, the man who had been a lovesick fool, ignoring business connections, neglecting the very industry he now dominated.


    That version of him was a distant memory, a shameful past if you need a word for it.


    Yet, despite the celebrations around him, Alex''s mind was far from at ease. Amid the applause and the laughter, his eyes flickered toward something, or rather, someone¡­ at the edge of the room.


    From the corner of his eye, Alex saw a young man following through the crowd with an effortless grace. He was strikingly handsome, with an aura of charisma that seemed to draw people toward him like a magnet.


    Despite his youthful appearance, there was an air of maturity in his every gesture and word. His smile was infectious, his laugh genuine, and the way he carried himself made him seem like someone who had been born into this world with a high status, comfortable among the most powerful figures in the room.


    The circle of admirers around him grew rapidly, like a metal to magnet pull that no one could resist. The man was like the life of the party, his every word causing laughter to echo throughout their crowd.


    Alex''s lips curled into a thin, knowing smile. He had seen this before.


    "So¡­ you''ve finally appeared," Alex muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing in recognition.


    The young man was none other than Ethan Carter¡­ the protagonist of the very novel Alex had been trapped in.


    Three months from now, in the original timeline, Ethan would form an alliance with Rose, and together they would tear through Alex''s empire.


    Bit by bit, Alex''s company would be systematically dismantled from the inside out. Ethan, with his inexplicable luck and connections, would leave Alex in ruin, stripped of everything he had fought for.


    But it wasn''t just his wealth that would be lost.


    Ethan would push Alex into a corner so dark and inescapable that it would lead to a tragic end, with Alex''s life in tatters, and his final choice one of desperation.


    Ethan wasn''t some hidden heir to a fortune or the son of a tycoon waiting for his moment to shine. No. Ethan was something worse. He was simply a man with plot armor, an absurd stroke of luck and fate that defied all logic.


    With his sheer ability to manipulate the world around him, Ethan could crush anyone who stood in his way, no matter how powerful they were. He was a walking narrative force, and Alex knew all too well the consequences of crossing him.


    The danger was absolutely real. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex clenched his jaw as a flash of cold calculation flickered in his eyes. This wasn''t just a chance encounter. No, this was the first step in a series of events that would inevitably lead to his downfall.


    If Ethan was here, it meant the timeline was already working on their way to the end, and the events that would set the wheels in motion had already begun.


    Just as Alex was lost in thought, processing the Ethan''s appearance, a sudden chime echoed through his mind, breaking his concentration.


    [System Notification!]


    [Ding! ]


    [System Alert: A "Heaven''s Chosen One" has been detected near the Host.]


    [Warning: Due to the overwhelming luck of the protagonist, any direct conflict may result in unpredictable outcomes.]


    [Initiating "Luck Protection Mode" to shield the Host from forced plot interference.]


    [Additionally, as a preemptive countermeasure, the system is rewarding the Host with¡ªMaster of Geomantic Energy!]


    (A/N: So, did you enjoyed it? I know¡­ I know there wasn''t that much in this chapter other than the introduction or the appearance of the main protagnist. But I''m working on it in next chapter or maybe in the next two chapters Alex will go there wuth his hidden props.)


    Don''t forget to add this nicel to library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 14 VIP Table!

    [System Notification!]


    [Ding! System Alert: A "Heaven''s Chosen One" has been detected near the Host.]


    [Warning: Due to the overwhelming luck of the protagonist, any direct conflict may result in unpredictable outcomes.]


    [Initiating "Luck Protection Mode" to shield the Host from forced plot interference.]


    [Additionally, as a preemptive countermeasure, the system is rewarding the Host with¡ªMaster Of Geomantic Energy!]


    "Luck Protection Mode?" Alex frowned slightly, processing the words flashing in his mind.


    "What exactly is that?" he wondered. The system quickly responded with a detailed explanation.


    [Notice! The reason protagonists are considered "Heaven''s Chosen Ones" is because they unknowingly steal luck from those around them.]


    [The higher the protagonist''s fortune, the better their luck and the more unnatural their successes become.]


    [The reason novel protagonists survive impossible situations isn''t because of skill, it''s because of their overwhelmingly high Fortune Value!]


    [By activating the Luck Protection Mode, the Host''s fortune will no longer be drained or manipulated by the protagonist''s existence.]


    Alex''s expression shifted slightly as he processed this information.


    "So, to put it simply, protagonists succeed because they leech the fate and opportunities that were meant for others?" It made sense. Too much damn sense.


    The constant coincidences, the miraculous survivals, the endless strokes of luck, protagonists thrived not because they were better, but because the world itself bent to favor them.


    And in the original storyline? Alex had been the prime victim of this fate being stolen.


    Ethan Carter had taken everything from him¡­ his company, his wealth, his status¡­ and in the end, even his life.


    ''But now?'' The game had changed. For the first time, the villain was immune to the protagonist''s plot armor.


    ¡­.


    The system''s voice chimed again.


    [System Notification: To ensure the Host does not suffer an untimely downfall, an additional skill has been granted.]


    [Reward: Master Of Geomantic Energy.]


    Alex''s eyes widened slightly. ''Geomantic Energy?'' His mind immediately ran through the potential applications.


    Geomantic Energy wasn''t just about arranging energy or whatever is in tgat name¡­ It was about understanding the flow of energy, manipulating fortune, and influencing success or failure.


    At a master level, it meant being able to see luck itself¡­ to alter fate, enhance wealth, and even bring misfortune upon enemies.


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk. "This is insane¡­" a smile unknowingly forming on his face.


    [System Notification: The Host''s Geomantic Energy expertise surpasses even those of legendary geomancers. No Heaven''s Chosen One can ever match it.]


    "Wait¡­" Alex''s smirk widened. "You''re telling me that even if Ethan somehow learned Geomantic Energy, I''d still be better than him?" I asked and the answer came in an instant.


    I asked this question because I''m damn well informed on how these protagonists worked¡­ because of some fated encounter they could get the hell any energy or whatever.


    [Correct.]


    ''Hahahaha¡­ System, you''re just¡­ how should I say it¡­something else.'' Alex laughed internally.


    ¡­.


    While Alex was still processing his newfound advantages, he suddenly noticed movement at one of the exclusive dining tables.


    His gaze sharpened. Alex''s eyes narrowed, focusing on the scene before him.


    Ethan Carter had made his move. Ethan had decided to act, making his presence known in a bold way. Unlike the other tables, this one only had five people seated. This table was different; it only had room for five, setting it apart from the rest.


    But despite the low number, every single one of them was a business tycoon in the industry, a figure who stood at the very peak of something in the outside world.


    Each person at this table was a big shot in business, holding top positions in their fields. These were people so powerful that not even the wealthiest guests dared to approach their table.


    These were individuals so influential that even the richest people in the room kept their distance. Yet¡­ Somehow, Ethan had seamlessly inserted himself into their circle¡­ like it was like a hike in the park for him and a very natural thing to do.


    *But somehow, Ethan fit right in with them, as if it was just a walk in the park for him.*


    And judging by the way these people were laughing and nodding in interest, Ethan wasn''t just fitting in¡­ he was thriving.


    From the laughter and nods, it was clear Ethan wasn''t just fitting in; he was excelling.


    His casual manner, his unshakable confidence, his effortless charm¡­ everything about him screamed the protagonist''s aura.


    His laid-back style, rock-solid confidence, and easy charm made him seem like the main character of the story.


    The surrounding guests could only watch in envy and disbelief.


    The other guests could only look on, filled with jealousy and astonishment.


    "Who is that kid?" someone whispered.


    "Who''s that young guy?" someoneelse followed the suit and murmured quietly.


    "How did he even get into that table?"


    "Must be someone with crazy connections. Look at how easily he''s blending in!"


    Alex watched the scene unfold with a small smile.


    "As expected of the protagonist¡­ effortlessly mingling with the most powerful people in the room. Just like a main character would, mixing with the top dogs so easily."


    But unlike the spectators, Alex wasn''t impressed. Unlike the onlookers, Alex wasn''t amazed; he was intrigued.


    And he wasn''t going to let Ethan monopolize the spotlight without a fight.


    Alex''s smirk deepened.


    "Let''s see how things change now that I know the entire story¡ªand I have a system to back me up." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Without hesitation, he stepped forward, striding toward Ethan''s table with usual calm body.


    Without pausing, he moved forward, walking towards Ethan''s table with steady confidence.


    If this was supposed to be the protagonist''s grand entrance into high society¡­ If this was meant to be Ethan''s big introduction to the elite. Then it was time for Alex, the so-called villain, to make his move.


    ¡­.


    As soon as Alex approached the VIP table, the atmosphere instantly shifted.


    "Ah, Alex¡ªThere you are!" One of the senior businessmen, Walter Lane, CEO of the Another Big Group, immediately called out in a warm and enthusiastic tone.


    "We''ve been chatting here for ages, wondering where you had disappeared to! Thought you were avoiding us old men," he joked, laughing heartily.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon!.)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 15 Backup Plan?!

    "We''ve been chatting here for ages, wondering where you had disappeared to! Thought you were avoiding us old men," he joked, laughing heartily.


    The other people at the table also turned their attention toward Alex, their expressions filled with respect for Alex.


    Even though Alex was the youngest among them, his wealth and power placed him on equal footing with these top-tier figures.


    Especially Walter Lane, he was particularly fond of Alex and wasted no time in greeting him with genuine warmth. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You brat," Walter Lane grinned, slapping Alex''s shoulder lightly. "Ever since you became CEO, you don''t even visit us anymore!"


    Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "How could that be? I''ve just been too busy with work." Their easygoing exchange drew envious glances from the surrounding guests.


    The younger elites, in particular, couldn''t help but admire Alex. To be so young, yet treated as an equal by business giants? That was something few could ever dream of achieving.


    Just as the conversation between Alex and Walter Lane was going smoothly, the older man suddenly gestured to someone sitting beside him.


    "Let me introduce you to someone special today," Walter Lane said, his tone filled with admiration.


    "This young man here may be young, but he''s got some serious skills¡ªjust like you!" Alex''s gaze followed Walter Lane''s gesture and landed on a familiar figure.


    A handsome, confident young man, effortlessly blending into the elite circle.


    The true protagonist of this story.


    Ethan Carter.


    "Oh?" Alex raised an eyebrow, pretending to be intrigued.


    "Huh?! You''re not someone who gives compliments lightly. If even you speak so highly of him, then he must be someone truly exceptional."


    Of course, through his system, Alex already knew exactly who Ethan was.


    This was the protagonist of the original storyline.


    But he wasn''t about to let that show. Or show that he knew Ethan.


    Instead, he played along¡ªcurious, but not overly eager.


    "Walter Lane, that''s not fair," another ine chimed in. "If he''s so outstanding, hurry up and introduce him properly!"


    "Yeah, don''t keep us in suspense!" another executive added with interest.


    Walter Lane let out a hearty laugh and turned back to Ethan.


    "You all don''t know this yet, but this young man is quite something," he said excitedly.


    "Not only does he have a remarkable understanding of things like energy, but his face-reading skills are incredibly accurate like a super detective!" He leaned forward conspiratorially, lowering his voice just enough to sound mysterious.


    "I even heard that he''s deeply knowledgeable in traditional medicine¡ªa true expert in Chinese healing arts¡­ you know the acupuncture ones and many more!" As Walter Lane continued singing Ethan''s praises, Alex couldn''t help but inwardly scoff.


    So, he really is the standard urban novel protagonist¡­


    If someone told Alex that Ethan could also predict the future, tame mythical beasts, and hack government satellites, he wouldn''t even be surprised at this point.


    As Walter Lane finished his introduction, the expressions of the other people at the table shifted.


    One by one, they turned their attention toward Ethan, studying him with curiosity.


    "¡­That''s impressive," one of them admitted, sounding intrigued.


    "So young, yet skilled in so many fields?" another one murmured in disbelief.


    "This is truly rare," another one added, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.


    Even though they were top-tier business people, there was a certain mystique surrounding individuals with knowledge in Energy and traditional medicine.


    And Ethan? He was perfectly playing the role of an enigmatic, humble genius. Noticing the shift in atmosphere, Ethan internally rejoiced.


    But outwardly, he maintained a calm, collected expression.


    "Oh! Really! You exaggerate," Ethan said with a polite chuckle, shaking his head modestly.


    "I''ve only dabbled a little in these areas. I wouldn''t call myself an expert." Said the protagonist with an aloof and no care in the world like he was mentioning buying a lollipop from a local store casually.


    But despite his words, his demeanor was calculatedly perfect¡­ a balance of humility and quiet confidence. It was the kind of act that made people even more interested in him.


    "Haha! Modest, I see," one of the business tycoons laughed.


    "Young man, you''re quite impressive. Let''s exchange contacts." Suggested one of tge people on the table.


    "Indeed, we should stay in touch. I might need your expertise someday." Another chimned in with a softy laugh.


    Ethan''s heart swelled with excitement. These weren''t just ordinary businessmen.


    These were some of the most powerful figures in the city¡­ men who could change his entire future with a single favor.


    ''If I can establish relationships with these people¡­ Then my rise to the top will be unstoppable!'' Thought Ethan as he looked at the people in front of him.


    With an easy smile, Ethan politely exchanged contact information with the people on the table, acting as if he wasn''t overwhelmed by the sheer level of success he was about to attain.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, at another part of the Party hall, Harold Winters had also taken notice of what was happening.


    His eyes narrowed as he observed Ethan effortlessly building connections with the city''s elite.


    For a moment, a thought crossed his mind.


    "If Alex can''t provide for my daughter in the future¡­ then perhaps¡­ this young man might be a better choice." Harold''s expression flickered.


    ''If I could introduce Rose to Ethan Carter¡­ Perhaps I could secure another powerful connection.'' Greed flashed in his eyes as he slowly started formulating a backup plan for himself and his daughter Rose.


    ¡­..


    Just as the atmosphere in the party hall was heating up, a sudden commotion broke out at the entrance.


    Rose had arrived.


    Her heels clicked sharply against the marble floor as she stormed in, her eyes burning with fury.


    She had come with one goal¡­ to confront Alex and demand an explanation for his outrageous actions. But just as she was about to march over to him, her gaze inadvertently locked onto Ethan Carter.


    And at that moment¡ª Everything else faded into the background. Ethan noticed her, too. Although it was their first time meeting, and they were separated by a sea of people, their eyes found each other like magnets.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 16 Staring Contest?!

    And at that moment¡­ everything else faded into the background. Ethan noticed her, too. Although it was their first time meeting, and they were separated by many people in between, their eyes found each other like magnets. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Yet, something shifted in the air. Rose felt her heart skip a beat. She had never seen such an extraordinary man before¡­ his confidence, his aura, his presence. He wasn''t like the spineless men she was used to manipulating.


    He exuded dominance, but not the overbearing kind. It was the natural kind, the kind that drew people in, making them want to get closer.


    On the other side, Ethan was equally mesmerized.


    Rose''s stunning figure, her elegant yet fiery temperament, she was unlike any woman he had encountered before.


    It was as if fate itself had planned their meeting. Watching this Clich¨¦ scene unfold, Alex couldn''t help but chuckle to himself.


    "Hmph! No surprise there." Even in this setting, even with so many people around, the protagonist and heroine still managed to lock eyes and fall into instant attraction.


    ''Now this is what I should call a ''live at first sight with the protagnist'' in the middle of saying something.'' It was as if some invisible force was ensuring that they would meet and begin their story together.


    "I must say Classic novel logic." Alex''s smirk deepened. "Looks like these two were destined to be together, huh?" But that didn''t matter to him.


    If Rose wanted to throw herself at Ethan, let her. Alex wasn''t playing by the same script¡­ plot or whatever it is anymore.


    After what felt like a few seconds of staring at the contest, Rose finally snapped back to reality. She had almost forgotten why she had rushed here in the first place.


    Turning away from Ethan, though not without a lingering glance, she went straight toward Alex, her anger straight at her face. Her high heels clicked against the floor like war drums.


    If not for his butler stepping forward to block her, she might have lunged at Alex right then and there. But even with the barrier between them, Rose had no intention of holding back. Her voice rang out across the entire hall, filled with indignation.


    "Alex! You better explain yourself right now!" Everyone''s attention snapped toward them. Even Ethan raised an eyebrow, curious about the scene of anger.


    Rose, however, didn''t care about the audience. She was angry and she was a novel heroine so you can guess the next thing¡­ yes they don''t care.


    "You dare freeze all my cards?!" she shouted. "And on top of that, you fired my relatives from your company?!" Her chest heaved with rage as she pointed a perfectly manicured finger at him.


    "Do you have any idea what you''ve done?!" She took a deep breath, her eyes filled with cold arrogance. "Let me make one thing crystal clear, Alex," she sneered.


    "After today, I will never marry you. Even if you begged me on your knees, it''s never happening!" She tossed her hair over her shoulder, her eyes gleaming with pure disdain.


    "You can regret all you want, you can apologize, but I will never take you back!" Her words echoed through the banquet hall. The tension in the air was thick, the surrounding guests watching in shock and intrigue.


    In the past, a confrontation like this would have crushed the original Alex fully. He would have scrambled to apologize, groveled at her feet, and begged for forgiveness, all in desperate hopes of winning her forgiveness again.


    But this wasn''t the old Alex anymore. Alex, unfazed, turned to his butler with a calm expression.


    "Waters." Alex said, looking at the side to his butler.


    "Yes, Sir?" His butler as quick as always replied Immediately.


    "Slap her a few times. She''s getting too noisy." The words stunned the audience.


    For a second, no one reacted. Even Rose''s mind went blank. She had never expected this response.


    His butler, however, had no hesitation. "Yes, Sir!" Without a moment''s delay, Walter took a step forward.


    Rose''s eyes widened.


    "You¡­ you wouldn''t dare¡ª"


    SMACK!


    A crisp slap echoed through the silent party hall.


    Before Rose could even fully process what had just happened¡­


    SMACK!


    Another slap landed, sending a quick little shockwave to her cheek and some of the faces ''what is going on through the room''. Gasps erupted among the guests.


    The Party hall fell into complete silence.


    ¡­.


    A burning pain spread across Rose''s cheek, her skin still tingling from the force of the slap. But more than the physical pain, it was the sheer shock that left her speechless.


    She couldn''t believe it. Alex had actually ordered his butler to slap her¡­ and that too in front of everyone.


    Not just once, but twice.


    For years, she had treated him like her obedient little lapdog, confident that no matter how much she humiliated or toyed with him, he would always come crawling back.


    But now¡­ He had actually dared to talk back and retaliate?


    The Party hall was completely silent, every guest frozen in place as they processed what had just happened.


    Then, hushed murmurs began to ripple through the crowd.


    "Wait¡­ isn''t Alex supposed to be obsessed with Rose? Why would he humiliate her like this?"


    "Are you an idiot? Can''t you see? Rose played him for years, and now Alex has had enough."


    "Tsk¡­ without Alex''s support, the Winters family is finished."


    "Well, that''s what she gets. If she had just married him earlier, she wouldn''t be in this mess."


    Disdainful whispers filled the room.


    For the first time in her life, Rose¡­ who had always basked in admiration¡­ was the subject of mockery, pity and humiliation.


    The realization of this made her blood boil.


    "Alex¡­" Her voice trembled with fury as she gathered herself, her breathing erratic.


    "How dare you hit me? You''re just a pathetic loser who has always been at my beck and call! You think that just because you''ve grown a spine, you can humiliate me?! I''ll¡­ " She lunged forward like a wild animal, ready to claw at him.


    But Alex? He didn''t even flinch. He simply stood there, unbothered. And before she could reach him¡­


    He spoke.


    "I suggest you calm down," Alex said, his tone indifferent to whatever happened and whatever insults she threw at him.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 17 Stupidity!

    "I suggest you calm down," Alex said, his tone as indifferent as ever, completely unaffected by the insults and rage she hurled his way. His sharp gaze cut through her like a blade. "If you have time to throw a tantrum, you should be worrying about your debt instead."


    Rose froze mid-step, her fiery expression faltering into confusion. "¡­My debt?" she repeated, narrowing her eyes in frustration. "What the hell are you talking about?"


    Alex didn''t bother responding to her directly. Instead, he turned to Waters, his butler, with a small nod. The man stepped forward, holding a thick folder in his hands.


    "Read it," Alex instructed curtly, his voice cold and commanding. Waters gave a slight bow before opening the folder and clearing his throat.


    "During the years of your relationship with Alex Reid¡­" Waters began, his voice steady and loud enough for everyone in the room to hear clearly. He held the crowd''s attention as he continued.


    "¡­You received the following: Ten luxury properties, totaling one hundred and thirty-six million, five hundred thousand dollars."


    A murmur rippled through the room, but Waters didn''t pause.


    "Designer clothes, handbags, and jewelry, valued at four million, ninety-five thousand dollars."


    Some guests exchanged stunned glances, the weight of the numbers starting to sink in.


    "Five luxury sports cars, valued at two million, seven hundred and thirty thousand dollars."


    Now, gasps could be heard. A few people leaned closer to whisper in disbelief.


    "A monthly allowance of a million dollars every month, totaling thirty-six million dollars."


    The whispers grew louder, a low buzz filling the air as shock turned to scandal.


    "And lastly¡­ uncountable expenses on vacations, private jets, and extravagant parties, beyond calculation." Waters paused for dramatic effect, letting the room stew in the sheer extravagance of the list before delivering the final blow.


    "The total calculable sum¡­ over two hundred million dollars." The moment the figure left his lips, the entire party hall erupted into murmurs.


    "What the hell?! She spent that much money on him?" One guest said in a somewhat loud tone. Just shocked at the amount she had spent from Alex.


    "Over two hundred million dollars?! For one woman?!" Said another guest.


    "I always knew she was using him, but this¡­" Another murmur in a unsaid disbelief.


    "That''s not even a relationship¡­ that''s a sponsorship."


    For years, everyone had assumed Alex willingly spoiled Rose out of blind devotion, but hearing the cold, hard numbers laid out so plainly made it impossible to deny the truth.


    It wasn''t love.


    It was daylight robbery.


    Even Ethan Carter, the so-called protagonist of the night and a man who prided himself on his wealth, furrowed his brows slightly. He couldn''t hide his shock, murmuring to himself, "I''ve never spent that much on anyone¡­ spent¡­ I haven''t even thought of something like this¡­ not even close."


    Rose stood rooted to the spot, her face pale as a sheet. Her hands clenched and unclenched at her sides as she struggled to process the accusations being hurled her way.


    She tried to convince herself that Alex was exaggerating, that this was some sort of cruel joke to humiliate her. But the weight of the stares and whispers around her told her otherwise.


    And then Alex spoke again.


    "You heard it," he said, exhaling slowly. The faint curl of smoke from his cigarette danced in the air as his sharp eyes locked onto her trembling form. "I won''t waste my breath arguing with you."


    He took a step forward, his tone colder than ice. "Over two hundred million dollars. We''re done now, so I''ll be generous."


    Rose''s breath hitched as his words stabbed at her like daggers. She wanted to shout, to argue, but no sound escaped her lips.


    "I''ll even let you keep the money of ''over'' word¡ªconsider it a charity donation," Alex continued, his gaze piercing through her. "But the rest?" His voice grew even colder, filled with quiet authority.


    "I want it back. By this afternoon. Send the full amount to my personal account." The room was dead silent. Every guest, every business mogul, every socialite held their breath.


    Everyone was eagerly waiting to see how Rose would react. Rose stood there, completely still, like a statue.


    For the first time in her life, words failed her. She wanted to yell at Alex, to throw insults, to convince herself she was still in charge.


    But she couldn''t. Deep inside, she knew this was a catastrophe, not just for her but for everyone involved.


    While Rose was silent, her parents, Harold and Lillian Winters, were panicking. They knew exactly what Alex''s words implied.


    This was about more than just money; it was about the survival of their family business. On the outside, the Winters seemed like a powerhouse of wealth and influence.


    But the reality? Their success was all propped up by Alex''s support. Without him, they were nothing.


    Their businesses weren''t independent; they only thrived because of their connections to Reid Industries. If those connections were cut off, the Winters would crumble in a day.


    Harold practically ran to Alex, his smile shaky. "A-Alex, my boy! This must be some kind of mix-up¡­ Yes! A misunderstanding!!" He rushed, trying to calm the situation with a voice that was both frantic and polite.


    "Young folks argue sometimes, we get that! But there''s no need for this to go further, right? We''re family, after all!" Lillian added quickly, nodding her head like a bobblehead.


    "That''s right! Rose knows she''s made mistakes, but there''s no need for such drastic steps," she said, smiling through her own panic.


    "How about this? You two make up, we set a date for the wedding, and¡ª" Lillian started to suggest, but before she could finish, Rose exploded at the mention of ''wedding.'' sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Wedding?!" Rose''s rage flared up again as she turned to face her parents with a glare. "Are you out of your mind? After what he did to me today, you want me to marry him?" She pointed angrily at Alex.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!! And thank you ''Bluevirus'' for being the first one to support through Golden Ticket (GT).


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 18 Cliché Entry!

    "Wedding?!" Rose''s rage flared up again as she turned to face her parents with a glare. "Are you out of your mind? After what he did to me today, you want me to marry him?" She pointed angrily at Alex.


    "Did you not see him slap me in front of everyone?! You expect me to marry a man who humiliated me? Have you lost it?" Her parents looked at her, but Rose wasn''t finished. She crossed her arms, staring down Alex with defiance in her eyes.


    "And let''s get this straight¡ªthose gifts, the cash, the cars¡ªhe gave them to me of his own free will!" She scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Once you give something away, it''s mine. I don''t owe him anything." Her voice dripped with arrogance, as if she truly believed her own words.


    Her declaration left the banquet hall stunned. Whispers grew louder among the guests, their looks now bordering on disbelief.


    "I always thought she was just a spoiled brat, but this... this is something else."


    "Does she think she can just walk away with everything?" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "She''s ruined herself. If she had any chance before, it''s gone now."


    Even Ethan Carter, the one often seen as the hero, frowned. ''This woman... she''s stunning, but she''s a financial disaster waiting to happen.'' He knew better than to get tangled with someone with such entitlement.


    For a long moment, Alex did nothing, letting the gravity of Rose''s words sink in. Then, without any warning, he flipped the entire banquet table over.


    CRASH!


    Plates broke, wine glasses shattered, and food and drink splattered everywhere. The hall went eerily quiet. Alex''s eyes turned even colder, his face like a mask of death. When he spoke, his voice was low, commanding, filled with a terrifying calm.


    "You''re still playing this game? You think you''re entitled to everything I''ve given you? You really believe you have some power over me?" He let out a chuckle, but there was no humor in it, only disdain.


    "I''ll say this one last time." His eyes narrowed, his aura suffocating. "I am not interested in your daughter. Not even a little bit." Harold and Lillian froze, their faces pale.


    "And as for you, Rose¡­" Alex exhaled slowly, taking a deep drag from his cigarette. Then, as he blew out the smoke, his voice turned into a decree of doom.


    "One hour."


    "All Two Hundred Millions Dollars. Deposit it into my account." His words were calm, but the pressure behind them was undeniable. "On top of that¡ªevery single cent the Winters family has drained from Reid Industries over the years¡­"


    "¡­I want it paid back in full." His voice grew colder.


    "If you don''t comply¡ª" His gaze locked onto Harold, Lillian, and Rose. "I promise you¡­"


    "¡­by tomorrow morning, every single one of you will be sitting in a much worse place¡­ and the place will be very short for all of you." His tone was absolute¡ªnot a threat, but a guarantee.


    The fear that flashed in Harold and Lillian''s eyes was immediate. Rose, for all her arrogance, felt an unfamiliar sensation creeping up her spine. Terror.


    ¡­.


    Although Rose couldn''t make sense of Alex''s sudden change, she and her parents understood one dire reality:


    If they had to return all the money Alex just asked for, it would devastate their finances. Without that money, their business empire would crumble overnight. But if they refused to pay...


    Alex had made it clear; they''d end up in a worse place. There was no escape. For the first time, the Winters family was facing their darkest moment.


    Rose''s eyes turned red, her mind racing as she scanned the Party hall for any way out. She was used to being the one pulling the strings, manipulating situations to her favor. Now, she was the one trapped.


    Her eyes then fell on someone across the room.


    And of course by coincidence she looked at none other than the protagonist himself who was in his own world and was enjoying the scene.


    Ethan, sitting confidently among the elite, young, powerful, and unaffected by the chaos around her. He wasn''t looking at her with disdain like everyone else.


    A glimmer of hope sparked in her heart. ''Maybe... maybe he can save us.''


    Rose''s demeanor changed in an instant. Her gaze filled with a mix of helplessness and vulnerability, silently pleading for help, hoping to stir Ethan''s protective instincts.


    Ethan noticed Rose''s desperate look from across the hall. His eyebrows knitted together. ''...Is she asking me for help?''


    A moment of doubt crossed his face. They had never even spoken before; why would she look to him now? But seeing her teary, pleading eyes something inside him shifted.


    "A woman like her, publicly shamed and desperate..." He monologues to no-one but himself. And then added, "How can I just sit back and do nothing?"


    His hands balled into fists beneath the table. He was supposed to be the hero, right? And here was a damsel in distress, looking right at him. It felt like destiny. Plus...


    Didn''t he have skills in Fortune? If he could bend Walter to his will with his kills, surely he could do the same with Alex.


    His confidence surged. A plan crystallized in his mind. This was his chance to make a name for himself. If he stepped in to save Rose and her family, they''d owe him. It would secure his status among the elite.


    His hesitation melted away.


    With deliberate, slow movements, Ethan pushed back his chair and rose to his feet. His smile was calm, reassuring as he looked at Rose and gave a slight nod.


    "Don''t worry, I''ve got this." Without another moment''s pause, he turned to face Alex.


    Ethan''s voice cut through the tension-filled silence of the hall, smooth and assertive.


    "Alex Reid..." Every eye in the room shifted to him.


    "You''re the CEO of Reid Industries, a man with immense power and prestige." He pointed towards Rose, his face the picture of moral outrage.


    "Isn''t it a bit¡­ beneath you to be tormenting a woman like this?" Said Ethan and then just like this, after hearing so called righteous dialogue guests burst into murmurs like he just have declared the end of the world or something.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!! And thank you ''Bluevirus'' for being the first one to support through Golden Ticket (GT).


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 19 Favor!

    "Isn''t it a bit¡­ beneath you to be tormenting a woman like this?" Ethan said, his voice echoing through the banquet hall. The moment the words left his mouth, the guests erupted into whispers, as if he''d just announced the apocalypse.


    For a moment, Rose was frozen in place. Then, as the truth sank in, her heart leaped with joy.


    ''He''s helping me! I knew it! A man like him wouldn''t just stand by!'' Her eyes shone with admiration, looking at Ethan like he was her personal hero.


    The guests, however, were not all on the same page:


    "Wait¡­ what''s his deal? Why is he interfering in Alex''s business?"


    "Yeah, this isn''t his problem. Alex was just taking back what''s rightfully his."


    "Does this guy not know who Alex is?"


    A few guests exchanged curious, narrowed glances.


    "Maybe he''s trying to play hero."


    "Or maybe¡­ he thinks he can actually go against Alex."


    Meanwhile, Alex, who had been watching this play out with a hint of amusement, took a slow drag from his cigarette. The glow of the ember was brief before he exhaled a long stream of smoke. His gaze lingered on Rose, cold and unreadable, before he finally turned to Ethan.


    "¡­And who the hell are you?" His tone was calm, yet the words carried a weight that seemed to compress the air in the room.


    Ethan''s confident smirk faltered for just a second. A shadow of doubt passed over his face, but there was no going back now. He placed a hand over his chest, offering a smile meant to disarm.


    "I believe Sir Walter introduced us already. But let me introduce myself again¡­ I am Ethan Carter. And I think a man of your stature shouldn''t waste his time ruining a woman over money." His delivery was calculated, aiming to paint himself as the noble one while subtly questioning Alex''s honor.


    The strategy was clear¡ªforce Alex into a corner: back down and look weak, or stand firm and seem petty.


    Ethan was already picturing the outcome, Rose grateful, the guests in awe of his bravery, and Alex forced to reconsider his actions. It was the perfect setup for a hero''s moment.


    But there was one critical error in his plan. Alex wasn''t following the script.


    Alex didn''t respond right away. He just looked at Ethan, his expression hardening. His lips curled, not into a smile, but into something more menacing, more threatening.


    The atmosphere in the room thickened, as if the very air had turned solid. The spark in Ethan''s eyes dimmed slightly. Something about Alex''s look felt off, not at all like the reaction he''d anticipated. Before he could fully grasp the peril he''d just invited upon himself...


    Alex spoke.


    "¡­So, you think you can lecture me?" His voice was steady, but each word seemed to carry a ton of weight. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You think you have the right?" He tilted his head, his eyes narrowing dangerously.


    Then, a smirk played on his lips, but it was devoid of any warmth.


    "¡­Interesting." The room went silent, like a graveyard. Ethan Carter had just entered a war zone he was unprepared for.


    The tension was already sky-high, but then Walter, with his sharp gaze, turned to Ethan.


    "Ethan, sit down," Walter commanded, his tone heavy with experience from countless corporate skirmishes. His usual calm had vanished, replaced by stern authority.


    "You''re causing trouble, and trust me¡ªI won''t be able to save you if you overstep." His warning was crystal clear.


    But Ethan?


    Ethan just smiled, his confidence unshaken.


    "Sir Walter! You''re misunderstanding. I''m not here to cause trouble," Ethan said smoothly, his voice dripping with moral superiority.


    His eyes shifted to Alex, his face calm but with a hint of condescension.


    "I simply can''t stand by and watch a helpless woman be treated so cruelly." He paused dramatically, ensuring his words echoed throughout the room.


    Then, as if offering a grand, gracious gesture, he continued¡ª


    "Alex, why don''t you sell me a favor?" His smile widened, his tone reasonable yet laced with arrogance.


    "Let Rose Winters and her family go. In return, I''ll owe you a favor." As soon as Ethan''s proposal landed, the hall fell into a shocked silence.


    Then, whispers broke out:


    "¡­Did he just say he wants Alex to ''sell him a favor''?"


    "Who does this kid think he is?"


    "He''s acting like his ''favor'' is worth something. Does he not know who Alex is?"


    The sheer audacity left everyone in disbelief. They couldn''t fathom where Ethan''s confidence stemmed from. Was he out of touch with reality?


    Or did he truly believe his name held enough clout to barter with Alex Reid?


    But while confusion reigned among the guests, Alex?


    Alex was amused. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully, fingers drumming on the table.


    "Oh? Let''s see where this goes." Ethan, completely misinterpreting the quiet, thought Alex was considering his offer seriously.


    To him, this was just the usual formula. The calm before the storm. He assumed that Alex was hesitating, conflicted, perhaps even intimidated.


    As for the murmurs of the guests? He dismissed them entirely.


    "How many times have I seen this in my past experiences?" Ethan thought smugly.


    ''They always doubt me at first¡­ But once the reversal happens, their shock makes my victory even sweeter.'' In his mind, he was already several steps ahead.


    The hero standing up against injustice. The powerful businessman was forced to acknowledge his brilliance. The stunned gasps of the audience as he turned the tide in his favor.


    And most importantly¡ªRose looking at him with admiration, realizing that he was the true man worthy of her attention.


    Yes. This was how the story was supposed to go. Ethan decided to push forward. He ignored Alex''s silence, ignored the confusion of the guests, and went in for the final move.


    With a knowing smile, he continued¡ª


    "I''m sure. I know you''re wondering why my favor is worth it. I''m sure Sir Walter has already mentioned it¡ªI am highly skilled in Fortune Skills." His tone carried absolute confidence, as if this was his ultimate trump card.


    "Having a true Fortune Skills Master owing you a favor¡­ now that is something worth considering." He smiled knowingly, waiting for the inevitable acceptance.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 20 Refusal!

    "Having a true Fortune Skills Master owing you a favor¡­ now that is something worth considering." He smiled knowingly, waiting for the inevitable acceptance.


    As Ethan finished speaking, the guests finally understood his angle.


    "He''s using his skills as leverage¡­"


    "Now it makes sense. A lot of the ultra-rich take this very seriously."


    "If he really is a master, Alex might actually consider this deal."


    Even Walter Lane''s expression shifted slightly, his brows furrowing.


    "Alex," he said cautiously, his voice steady.


    "Ethan Carter does have a point. The changes he made to my estate''s layout dramatically improved my business." Walter assured Alex and then continued again, "If there''s even a chance that his skills are legitimate¡­" Walter trailed off, but his meaning was clear.


    In novels like this Fortune Skills was no joke in high society. Many top businessmen had spent millions on renowned geomancers, hoping to increase wealth and prosperity.


    If Ethan really was a master, then his favor might be valuable after all. For the first time that evening, it seemed like Ethan had turned the situation in his favor.


    Even Rose''s parents, Harold and Lillian Winters, perked up with renewed hope. Maybe¡­ just maybe¡­ This Person Ethan Carter could save them after all. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡­.


    Walter Lane''s words once again stirred the banquet hall, drawing curious murmurs from the crowd.


    People were already intrigued by Ethan Carter, but now? Now, they were looking at him with a mix of awe and fascination.


    Even Rose''s eyes shone with unhidden admiration as she stared at him.


    "I knew it¡­ I knew he was the one! So handsome, so powerful¡­ even the business elites of other Industries respect him!" Her breath quickened, her cheeks flushed with excitement.


    She had never looked at Alex this way¡ªnot even once.


    And for the first time that night, she felt hopeful.


    ''If Ethan is on my side, then maybe¡­ just maybe¡­ I can turn this around!''


    ¡­.


    Ethan himself was soaking in the attention.


    The hushed whispers, the admiration, the respect in people''s eyes¡ªit all made his confidence soar. This was his moment. This was his story. He could already see the narrative forming.


    The powerful but ruthless villain, Alex Reid, rejecting the hand of friendship. The righteous but brilliant hero, Ethan Carter, offering salvation to the oppressed Winters family.


    And then¡ª


    The grand reversal, where his wisdom, his knowledge, his power would prove superior.


    "This is how it''s supposed to be."


    ''The protagonist takes center stage, and the villain gets crushed underfoot.'' And so, with a smug half-smile, he turned toward Alex, his voice filled with mock sympathy.


    "Alex, do you really think that just because you don''t respect skills, it won''t affect you?" His eyes gleamed with amusement. "You''re making a grave mistake here."


    ¡­.


    But unlike what Ethan expected, Alex didn''t react at all. He didn''t flinch. He didn''t waver. In fact¡­ He laughed.


    A cold, slow, almost mocking chuckle. Ethan''s smugness flickered. Something felt wrong. Alex took a deep drag from his cigarette, exhaling slowly before speaking in a calm, but bone-chilling tone.


    "You actually think that knowing a bit of Fortune Skills qualifies you to negotiate with me?" His lips curled into a smirk, eyes filled with undisguised contempt.


    "And what if I don''t want your so-called ''favor''?" He flicked the ash from his cigarette onto the floor.


    "What if I simply want to destroy the Winters family for fun?" His voice was eerily casual. Like he was discussing the weather. But the weight of his words crushed the air in the banquet hall. The confidence in Ethan''s eyes flickered for the second time.


    ¡­.


    The audience was left in complete disbelief.


    "Wait¡­ he just straight up rejected it?"


    "He really doesn''t care at all about things like this?"


    "Does he even realize what he''s turning down? Ethan Carter is a master!"


    But while they were shocked, Alex''s attitude remained unchanged.


    And that was terrifying.


    Ethan Carter had come into this expecting a script¡ªwhere Alex would either comply or be forced to comply.


    But now? Now, it was clear. Alex wasn''t following the script. And Ethan had no backup plan.


    ¡­.


    Seeing Ethan hesitate, Rose felt a surge of irritation. Wasn''t Ethan supposed to be the one to resolve this? Wasn''t he supposed to crush Alex? Why was Alex still so confident?


    Unable to hold back, she snapped. "Alex, you''re being completely unreasonable!" Her voice trembled with anger, but also desperation.


    "You''re doing this on purpose! You just want to destroy my family!" Her tone was accusatory, her expression filled with hatred and disbelief.


    Even now, she refused to believe that Alex was simply done with her. To her, everything had to revolve around her.


    ¡­.


    As Rose cast her helpless, doe-eyed gaze toward Ethan Carter, her expression was a perfect display of vulnerability¡ªa delicate beauty in need of saving.


    And Ethan? The moment he saw it, something ignited within him.


    ''A woman like this¡­ I have to protect her.'' His heart swelled with righteous determination.


    This was his moment. His chance to prove his worth, to establish his dominance, to make Alex regret underestimating him. His voice rang out, firm and unwavering¡ª


    "Mr. Alex, I gave you a chance, but since you refuse to take it¡ª" He took a deliberate step forward, his movements oozing confidence.


    "Then don''t blame me for what happens next." He turned toward Rose, offering a charming, reassuring smile.


    "Miss Winters, since Mr. Alex does not believe in my fortune skills expertise¡­" He placed a hand over his chest, his voice deep and self-assured.


    "Allow me to assist your family instead." His words resonated like a decree, an undeniable promise of salvation. "I trust the Winters family is willing to place their faith in me?"


    Rose didn''t hesitate. She practically jumped at the offer, nodding fervently.


    "Of course! I believe in you, Mr. Carter! Your Skills will surely save my family!" Her eyes shone with pure adoration, her lips parting slightly as if she were looking at a divine savior.


    Compared to Alex''s cruel indifference, Ethan''s righteousness was like the warmth of the sun after a bitter winter.


    And just like that¡ª


    Her heart was his.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 21 Cutting Ties!

    Compared to Alex''s cruel indifference, Ethan''s righteousness was like the warmth of the sun after a bitter winter.


    And just like that¡ª Her heart was his. She no longer had any doubts.


    Ethan Carter was the real man she should have been with all along.


    ''This is fate. This is destiny!'' She couldn''t wait to watch Ethan humiliate Alex in front of everyone. The guests, who had initially dismissed Ethan, began to reconsider.


    Walter Lane, who had been cautiously observing, finally spoke up.


    "Alex, I think you might be making a mistake." He sighed, shaking his head.


    "You don''t understand. Ethan Carter''s Fortune Skills expertise isn''t just some gimmick¡ª" He leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice. "He gave me just a few pointers on my estate''s layout, and within twenty-four hours, I made an additional millions of dollars in profit."


    A collective gasp spread across the hall.


    "Million?! In one day?!"


    "If he''s that good¡­ doesn''t that mean his skills are real?"


    "No wonder Walter was so respectful toward him. I thought it was just courtesy, but¡­"


    Even Harold Winters, Rose''s father, felt his hands tremble with excitement.


    "Million of dollars in a day¡­ if we get his full guidance, how much more could we make?" Harold already began to have a dream.


    ''A Two Hundred Million? A billion?'' If he can help earn Millions of dollars in a day, even hundreds of millions would be a cheap change.


    If Ethan really was as powerful as he seemed, then Alex''s Two hundred million wouldn''t matter in the slightest.


    For the first time that night, since this drama began Harold felt hope again.


    ¡­.


    At that moment, the atmosphere in the party hall shifted dramatically.


    Whether it was Harold Winters, Rose, or the countless guests, they all turned their gazes toward Ethan Carter with a strange expression.


    It wasn''t just admiration anymore. There was a hint of expectation, a lingering question¡ª


    "Can he really pull this off?" Ask someone in the guest but particularly to no one but imposing a question.


    But Ethan? He didn''t care about the looks he was getting. He only had one target¡ªAlex Reid.


    In his mind, everything was already set in stone. Alex would beg. He would come crawling back, realizing his mistake. And when that moment came¡ª Ethan would simply walk away, cold and indifferent.


    ''A man like him doesn''t deserve my mercy. I''ll make sure he regrets this for the rest of his life!'' Thought Ethan Carter with a small smirk, he had already taken half the people in the party to his side as a Hero figure.


    Clap. Clap. Clap.


    The sudden sound of deliberate applause echoed through the hall. It wasn''t rushed. It wasn''t polite. It wasn''t celebratory. It was mocking.


    Cold. Calculated. Ethan froze for a second, his brows furrowing as an uncomfortable feeling crept into his gut.


    Something felt off. He turned toward Alex¡ª Only to see the man rising from his seat, a smirk playing on his lips. Alex''s gaze was calm. Way too calm.


    "Good. Very good." His voice carried a dangerous undertone, but his expression remained unreadable.


    "So, you''re determined to involve yourself in this mess?" For some reason, Alex''s reaction unnerved Ethan. It wasn''t the reaction he expected. But he couldn''t back down now. He squared his shoulders, forcing himself to maintain his composure.


    "Mr. Alex, you misunderstand." His voice remained steady, carrying an air of righteousness.


    "I''m not here to stir up trouble." He glanced toward Rose, then turned back to Alex, his tone filled with self-assured morality.


    "I simply can''t stand by and watch a man of your status bully a defenseless woman." His eyes sharpened. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The Winters family¡ªI will help them, no matter what." He expected shock. He expected hesitation. Maybe even anger. But Alex? He merely let out a soft exhale, his smirk never faltering.


    And then¡­ He turned away, addressing his butler, Mr. Waters, as if Ethan didn''t even exist.


    "Waters," Alex said casually, waving his hand to his butler. "That document I asked you to prepare¡ª" His tone was calm, yet it was cold throughout the entire room.


    "Announce it now." A beat of silence. Then, his butler stepped forward, pulling out a neatly prepared document.


    His voice rang through the hall, clear and decisive.


    "Following an extensive internal investigation, Reid Industries has discovered that the Winters family, as a corporate supplier, has engaged in no less than thirty separate cases of regulatory violations within the last five years."


    "These infractions have resulted in a confirmed financial loss of over one billion dollars for Reid Industries. That is not including the previous statements"


    Gasps erupted among the guests.


    "One billion?!" Said one of the guests as he spat out some drink just by thinking about the amount.


    "They caused that much damage?!" Said in disbelief another guest.


    But the butler wasn''t finished.


    "As we have gathered substantial evidence of these violations, Reid Industries will be officially filing a lawsuit and every other available against the Winters family, demanding full financial compensation for the damages incurred."


    He took a breath before delivering the final blow.


    "Additionally, Reid Industries will be permanently terminating all business relations with the Winters family, effective immediately." The moment he finished speaking, the entire hall fell into a shocked silence.


    As the butler finished reading the ''Announcement'', the banquet hall fell into stunned silence.


    For a brief moment, no one spoke.


    Then¡­ The realization hit. And it hit hard.


    "Holy shit¡­ Did he really just announce a complete financial severance, and his way of saying he no longer has any relationship with the Winters family?"


    "He''s not just cutting ties¡ªhe''s demanding compensation too?!"


    "With this move, the Winters family is completely doomed!"


    The murmurs grew louder, turning into a wave of exclamations as the full weight of Alex''s actions sank in.


    Just moments ago, Harold Winters and his family were still riding the high of hope. Ethan Carter had promised salvation. They had believed they still had a chance.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 22 Consequences!

    But now? Their faces turned deathly pale. If demanding the return of Rose''s lavish spending had pushed them into a crisis¡­ Then this lawsuit and business severance were the final nail in their coffin.


    "W-We''re finished¡­!" Harold staggered, his breathing growing erratic. This wasn''t just a simple financial hit. This was a full-scale corporate execution.


    Before Harold could even process the nightmare unfolding before him¡­ The true consequences arrived.


    The moment the other business executives realized what Alex had just done. Their instincts kicked in immediately.


    "If Alex is cutting ties with the Winters family¡­"


    "Then we have to distance ourselves too from them now unless you wanna get yourself involved with Reid Industries!"


    A wave of business elites surged forward, their expressions filled with panic and urgency.


    And just like that all the people who had the business with Winters family and their payment weren''t still done, stuck with a realisation.


    They will not get their payment if not now. And just like that. One after another, they surrounded Harold, their voices overlapping chaoticall.


    "Mr. Winters, my company is experiencing some cash flow issues¡ªlet''s settle the balance on our last order now."


    "Harold! You still owe me my money on the payment of another order! If Alex moves to freeze your company''s assets, I''m going to suffer losses too!"


    "Winters! Pay me back my money NOW!"


    "Mr. Winters, my company is small, we can''t afford instability! I need my payments settled immediately!"


    Fury and desperation filled their faces as they grabbed onto Harold''s suit, their demands escalating.


    In the span of seconds, Harold Winters had gone from an esteemed businessman to a desperate debtor, surrounded on all sides.


    And yet, even amidst the chaos, the real horror had yet to unfold. Because Harold Winters didn''t have the money to pay them back.


    ¡­.


    "Everyone, please calm down!" Harold Winters frantically raised his hands, trying to soothe the growing mob around him.


    His forehead was drenched in sweat. His voice trembled as he forced out a weak reassurance.


    "Even if Reid Industries cuts ties with us, I swear¡ªwe will settle all outstanding debts on time. There''s no need for this chaos!" But his words fell on deaf ears. No one believed him.


    "Do you take us for fools? Without Reid Industries backing you, this Winters family is nothing!" Came a hurling insult straight at Harold''s face.


    But it wasn''t the only thing¡­ another and another came one after another.


    "That''s right! If we don''t get our money now, who knows if we''ll ever get it!"


    "Harold, come on, we''re old friends¡ªjust pay me first, will you?" As the crowd''s aggression intensified, Harold felt his chest tighten. He was being crushed from all sides, and he knew¡­ If he didn''t find a solution immediately, the Winters family was finished.


    And so, in his desperation, he turned to Alex. His expression was one of pleading, frustration, and disbelief.


    "A-Alex¡­ isn''t this too much?!" He gritted his teeth, his voice carrying an undercurrent of desperation. "After everything, we''re still family. Do you really have to push us our family to this point?"


    The reaction he was expecting¡­ he didn''t get it. He was hoping for pity if it could aolve his problem at this moment.


    But Alex? He didn''t even blink. His expression remained completely indifferent.


    Instead, he turned, And cast a mocking glance toward Ethan Carter.


    "Mr. Winters¡­" Alex''s voice was smooth, almost lazy. Yet every word cut deep.


    "Didn''t Mr. Carter here promise to save your family?" He let out a soft chuckle, tapping his fingers on the table. "Why aren''t you turning to him for help?" The moment Alex finished speaking¡ª


    Harold froze. Then, his eyes widened. ''That''s right! Ethan Carter had promised to save them!'' Harold whipped his head around, eyes locking onto Ethan.


    His voice rose in urgency, "Ethan! Just earlier, you swore you''d help my daughter! That you would support our family! Are you really going to just stand there and watch?!" The moment Harold shouted, the entire banquet hall''s attention shifted.


    One by one, the creditors, suppliers, and business associates all turned toward Ethan.


    Their expressions sharpened with realization.


    "Wait¡­ didn''t this guy just promise to help?"


    "Yeah! He said he would ''save'' the Winters family!"


    "Isn''t that basically admitting responsibility?"


    Voices of mutual understanding spread through the guests. And suddenly, all those angry creditors redirected their focus. They closed in on Ethan.


    "Young man, you said you''d help, didn''t you?"


    "Does that mean you''ll be paying Winters'' all debts?"


    "Yeah! If you''re so capable, why not prove it now?!"


    At that moment¡­ Ethan''s face turned visibly stiff. His back tensed, his hands clenching involuntarily. He had been so caught up in proving himself, so obsessed with gaining Rose''s and other admirations¡­ That he never considered the real-life consequences of his empty promises.


    And now? It had come back to bite him. "T-This¡­" Ethan struggled to find words, his confidence visibly cracking under the weight of so many eyes. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The murmurs grew louder. The guests, who had once admired his charisma, now looked at him with doubt and suspicion.


    "So he was all talk after all¡­"


    "I thought he was some genius, but he''s just bluffing his way through."


    "If he can''t even settle this, how can anyone trust his so-called Fortune skills?"


    "Looks like Alex was right not to give him any respect." The admiration¡ªgone. The trust¡­ shattered. Now, they saw him for what he truly was¡ªan arrogant fool who had overestimated himself.


    Harold''s expression twisted in horror as he realized the truth. Ethan had nothing. His voice trembled with rage.


    "You¡ª!" Even Rose''s admiration wavered, her idolized view of Ethan faltering as she processed what was happening. This was the man she thought could replace Alex? This was the man she thought could save her family?


    Her fingernails dug into her palms as her face flushed with shame and disbelief. With no way out, Ethan gritted his teeth, forcing himself to speak¡ª


    "Mr. Winters, Fortune Skills isn''t some magic trick! It takes time! Opportunities! The right conditions!" He answered calmly and then continued, "Even if I wanted to help right now, there''s no way to fix things instantly!" His voice grew weaker with every word, as if he himself was struggling to believe his own excuse.


    But the creditors? They had no patience for excuses.


    "Bullshit!"


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 23 Disappointment!

    But the creditors? They had no patience for excuses.


    "Bullshit!"


    "You were so confident earlier¡ªwhere''s all that bravado now?!"


    "Didn''t you just say you made Walter Lane Millions in a single day?!"


    "If you can do that, why not solve this in one day too?!"


    Ethan''s jaw tightened. He had been completely cornered. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "So after all this, you really were just bluffing?" Harold Winters'' voice was filled with disbelief and frustration. He had trusted Ethan. He had placed his family''s future in Ethan''s hands.


    And now? Now it was clear¡­ This so-called ''genius'' was nothing more than a con artist.


    "I should''ve known!" Harold clenched his fists, his face darkening. "How could someone so young be as powerful and influential as Alex?!"


    Even Rose, who had been utterly captivated by Ethan, felt the sting of disappointment. In her mind, Ethan Carter was supposed to be a miracle worker, her savior, the man who would lift her from despair.


    But in the end¡­ He was nothing. Nothing but a fraud. She had traded away Alex''s wealth and loyalty for a man who couldn''t even back up his own words.


    Her nails dug into her palms, her lips pressed tightly together as anger and shame swirled within her.


    Even Walter Lane and the other major business figures could no longer hide their disappointment.


    They had genuinely believed Ethan was the real deal. Walter, in particular, felt a sting of humiliation. He had sung Ethan''s praises, even defended him against Alex¡­ And now, in front of everyone, Ethan had completely crumbled.


    "I really thought this kid had potential." Walter sighed, shaking his head. "Turns out he''s just another talker." And if Walter had already lost faith in him.


    The rest of the business world wasn''t far behind. The wave of mockery and doubt swept through the banquet hall like a wildfire.


    Ethan''s face turned red, his hands clenching at his sides. He wanted to explain. He wanted to tell them¡ª


    "Fortune Skills isn''t instant! Luck and fortune take time!" He said desperately, but it didn''t matter. No one believed him anymore.


    Because at the moment when it mattered the most, he had failed. He had nothing to show. And then¡ª His gaze landed on Alex Reid.


    The man responsible for his humiliation. And Alex? He sat there, watching him with an infuriating smirk, his eyes filled with amusement. That was it.


    Ethan snapped. His rage erupted like a volcano, and he pointed directly at Alex, his voice trembling with anger.


    "Alex Reid¡­ you planned this, didn''t you?! You set me up!" The party hall fell silent again as Ethan''s furious allegations began to echoed.


    But Alex¡­ he didn''t even bother responding. He just raised an eyebrow, as if watching a child throw a tantrum.


    Ethan''s teeth gritted so hard they nearly cracked. Fine. If Alex wanted a fight, he would give him one. He turned sharply toward the business elites sitting beside Walter Lane, his eyes burning with defiance.


    "Walter, Stane, Marco¡­ all of you!" He called them out by name, making sure every guest in the hall could hear.


    "Do you really think I''m lying?" He took a deep breath, then smirked¡­ A forced, desperate smirk.


    "I''ll give you all one last chance!" He raised a hand, gesturing grandly. "Trust in me, and I will guarantee your fortune! With my Fortune expertise, your businesses will flourish, your futures will be secured!" His voice boomed with confidence, trying to regain control of the situation.


    And then¡­ He turned back to Alex, his smirk widening into a full sneer.


    "As for you, Alex¡­" His voice dropped into a venomous whisper, filled with undisguised malice.


    "Three months. That''s all I need. In three months, I will make sure you lose everything. Your wealth, your power, your company¡­ I will leave you with nothing." His words dripped with venom, his confidence restored through sheer arrogance.


    The crowd gasped at his bold declaration.


    "Three months to ruin Alex Reid?!"


    "Is this guy insane?!"


    "Alex''s assets are so vast that even if he did nothing for a hundred years, he''d still be richer than everyone here combined!"


    "And yet this kid thinks he can destroy him in just three months?!"


    The laughter started small, but soon, the entire banquet hall was filled with chuckles and mocking sneers.


    Ethan Carter. The so-called Fortune Skills genius. Had just made the most ridiculous statement of his life. The banquet hall remained filled with skepticism.


    No matter how boldly Ethan Carter spoke¡ªAfter his earlier humiliation, most people struggled to take him seriously.


    "Is this guy still trying to act like some grandmaster?"


    "After all that nonsense, he still dares to run his mouth?"


    But despite the doubt, there was something about him. A presence, an aura¡ªa protagonist''s momentum.


    Even as he stood there, humiliated and exposed, he still carried himself with unwavering confidence. And that alone¡­ Made people hesitate.


    They didn''t believe him, but they couldn''t completely dismiss him either. That was the power of a so-called "chosen one."


    Alex simply chuckled. He wasn''t the least bit threatened by Ethan''s theatrics. Because unlike before¡­ He had a system. He had System rewards and its knowledge too.


    Everything Ethan Carter could see¡­ Alex could see as well. But more than that. Everything Ethan couldn''t see, Alex could.


    It was like comparing a beginner trying to read the stars to a master who had already mapped out the entire cosmos.


    If Ethan''s Fortune skills understanding was on the first floor¡­ Then Alex was already standing at the ninety-ninth. So now? Now, he would just watch.


    Watch as Ethan continues to dig his own grave.


    Ethan, still radiating unshakable confidence, suddenly pointed toward a middle-aged businessman seated among the elite.


    "Mr. Stane!" The man, Stane, a well-known gaming tycoon, raised a brow.


    Ethan smirked. "You made your fortune in gaming. At your peak, you even became one of China''s richest men. But after that, your success¡­ stagnated. Every game you''ve published since then has been a complete failure." He said and then proceeded to ask him another question.


    "Tell me, do you know why?"


    A wave of murmurs rippled through the hall.


    Even Stane himself looked puzzled. He folded his arms, his expression unreadable.


    "And what exactly are you trying to say?" As Ethan smirked knowingly, Alex couldn''t help but chuckle.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 24 A Decorative Object?

    "And what exactly are you trying to say?" As Ethan smirked knowingly, Alex couldn''t help but chuckle.


    "Ah¡­ here we go again." He had already guessed what Ethan was going to do next. Because this was Ethan''s usual trick. It was always the same pattern:


    Step 1: Point out a real problem in someone''s life.


    Step 2: Make a vague, mystical claim about why it happened.


    Step 3: Pretend to have the solution.


    It was a cheap parlor trick, something that worked only because of the power of suggestion.


    But Alex? He wasn''t just seeing through the illusion. He had already surpassed it. Ethan''s smirk widened.


    "You see, Mr. Stane¡­ The reason your fortune has been declining isn''t because of bad business decisions." He took a dramatic pause, letting the tension build. "It''s because of a single object."


    "A vase." Gasps filled the hall. Ethan raised his voice, delivering the final punchline.


    "Years ago, you had a vase placed at the entrance of your house¡ªright in the center of the main hallway. While it was there, your fortune flourished." He said and stopped for a dramatic turn and than recealed the reason like on some drama.


    "But the moment you gave that vase away¡ªEverything started to go downhill." Ethan Finished and then added.


    "Am I wrong?" For a brief moment, the tension in the hall shifted once again.


    Stane''s face twisted in thought, his brows furrowing deeply. His mind raced as he searched through his memories. And then¡­ realization struck.


    "Wait a minute¡­ that does sound right." His voice carried a mix of shock and suspicion. "Ever since I gave that vase away, my fortune really did start declining!" A hushed silence spread across the room.


    And then, Ethan Carter delivered the final blow. Ethan''s smirk widened as he spoke with absolute certainty¡ª "That vase was the financial focal point of your home¡ªyour Fortune Skills ''core.'' By giving it away, you didn''t just lose a decorative item."


    "You handed over your prosperity." He let the weight of his words sink in before casting a meaningful glance toward one of the other business elites¡ª Walter Lane.


    His tone turned playful, yet dangerously sharp. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Tell me, Walter¡­ Do you think I''m wrong?" Walter Lane''s expression stiffened immediately. His entire demeanor changed, his shoulders tensing, his gaze flickering slightly.


    It was a minuscule reaction, something most wouldn''t notice. But in a room filled with ruthless businessmen and cunning socialites, such a shift didn''t go unnoticed.


    Even Stane, who had initially been lost in thought, suddenly snapped his head toward Walter. His eyes narrowed, suspicion burning bright.


    "Wait a damn second¡­" He gritted his teeth as realization dawned. "You were the one who insisted on buying that vase from me. You offered an insane price, even when I told you it was just decoration." His voice rose as anger flooded his veins.


    "Did you know about its Fortune properties all along?!" His fists clenched as he stepped forward, his rage mounting. "You bastard! You stole my fortune!" Walter''s face was drained of color. He raised his hands in defense, his voice filled with panic.


    "I swear, I didn''t know! This is just a coincidence¡ª!" Said Walter as he faced Stane.


    "Coincidence my ass! You scammed me!" The banquet guests watched in stunned silence as two of the city''s top business tycoons erupted into a heated argument.


    For once, no one cared about maintaining social decorum. The sheer shock of the accusation was too much to ignore. And amidst it all¡­ Ethan Carter stood tall, watching the chaos unfold with a victorious smirk.


    Slowly but surely, the murmurs returned. But this time¡­ They weren''t mocking Ethan. They were in awe.


    "Wait¡­ so everything Ethan Carter said was true?"


    "Did he really expose a hidden Fortune Skills conspiracy?!"


    "How did he even know about the vase?! That''s insane!"


    "I can''t believe it¡­ but I think he''s actually the real deal!"


    For the first time since the banquet began. The power dynamics had shifted again. Where there had been doubt and ridicule. Now there was respect. Caution. Even fear.


    All eyes turned to Ethan Carter. And he felt it. The admiration. The reverence, the awe, this was what he had been waiting for.


    ''Heh¡­ now they finally understand.'' Ethan straightened his posture, drinking in the gazes that surrounded him.


    The last few minutes had been rough. For a while, it had seemed like he would lose all credibility. But now? Now he had turned the tables. Even Walter Lane and the other elites.


    The very people who had mocked him moments ago, were now reevaluating their opinions. He could feel it. Their desire to be on his side. Their hesitation. Their growing belief.


    "This is how it should be. Wherever I go, I will be the center of attention. I will be the one they admire, the one they fear." He muttered to himself as his confidence soared.


    And then, he turned to Alex. His smirk deepened. Ethan Carter was basking in his moment of glory.


    For the first time tonight, he felt like the true protagonist once again. He had successfully turned the tide of the banquet, earning the admiration and fear of the elite.


    And most importantly. He had forced Alex into silence. Or so he thought. Ethan turned to see Alex''s reaction, expecting to see shock, disbelief, or maybe even grudging respect.


    But instead¡­ Alex just looked¡­ unimpressed. No, more than that. He looked amused.


    There was no panic, no hesitation, no reaction of a man who had been outplayed. Instead, Alex''s expression was calm, relaxed, and¡ª Mocking.


    It was the way a teacher looks at a student who just got the answer completely wrong but is still bragging about it.


    And that¡­ That made Ethan furious.


    "What the hell is with that look?!" Ethan''s brows furrowed deeply. A creeping sense of unease began to settle in his chest.


    ''Why isn''t he reacting the way I expected? Why does he still look so¡­ confident?'' More importantly¡ª ''Why does he look at me like I''m an idiot?" The more he thought about it, the more irritated he became.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 25 You Are Fraud!

    ''Why isn''t he reacting the way I expected? Why does he still look so¡­ confident?'' More importantly¡ª ''Why does he look at me like I''m an idiot?" The more he thought about it, the more irritated he became.


    And before he even realized it. He had spoken aloud. His voice dripped with frustration as he glared at Alex.


    "Alex¡­ After all this, do you still not believe in my abilities?" The banquet hall fell into an anticipatory silence. Everyone turned toward Alex, waiting to see his reaction.


    And finally¡ª Alex spoke. His lips curled into a lazy smirk. His tone was calm, almost playful. "Believe?" He nodded slightly, tapping his fingers on the table.


    "Oh, I believe." Ethan''s chest swelled, thinking Alex was finally conceding. But then¡ª Alex''s tone shifted. His smirk widened as he continued¡ª "I believe¡­ That your Fortune skills are absolute garbage."


    After saying those words the hall fell into silence. Dead silence. Then¡­ A gasp rippled through the banquet hall.


    Ethan''s face darkened instantly. "What¡­ did you just say?!" His hands clenched into fists, his body trembling with anger. "You''re calling my Fortune Skills trash?!" His voice rose, filled with disbelief.


    "Do you even realize who you''re talking to?! I just exposed a financial conspiracy in front of everyone! And you still dare to question my skills?!"


    The anger on Ethan''s face was visible. The face of someone who always believed that everything will always go its way.


    Ethan couldn''t stand it. His most powerful weapon, his Fortune Skills, was being openly mocked. And by Alex Reid, of all people. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The same man who had spent years as Rose''s obedient lapdog. The man who had never once challenged fate, who had always followed the script, never daring to step out of line.


    But now¡ª Now he dared to look down on him?! Ethan''s fists clenched, his face burning with frustration.


    "What the hell do you know?!" His voice rose, his anger barely restrained. His sharp glare locked onto Alex, his pride wounded beyond measure.


    "I built my entire reputation on my Fortune techniques! Do you think you can just dismiss it with a few words?!" His chest heaved, his breathing heavy. This wasn''t just about a simple disagreement anymore.


    This was about his legitimacy. This was about proving that he was the protagonist. The one destined to be at the top. The one who should be admired. The one who could not be challenged.


    Silence followed his outburst, tension crackling in the air. Walter and Stane, standing nearby, exchanged uncertain glances. They had seen Ethan''s abilities firsthand.


    And regardless of their personal feelings toward him¡ª They couldn''t deny that his Fortune Skills had worked for them. Walter, always composed, took a step forward. His voice was calm yet firm.


    "Alex, I understand your skepticism. But I can personally vouch for Ethan''s abilities." His words carried weight. Walter was not the type to speak without reason.


    Stane, standing beside him, let out a low sigh.


    "As much as I dislike him¡­" He cast a sideways glance at Ethan, his expression sour.


    "I have to admit¡ªhis readings on my situation were eerily accurate. He might be arrogant, but his skill is real." His admission caused a ripple of agreement to spread through the room.


    "That''s true¡­ he did expose a major financial shift."


    "Even if he''s obnoxious, we can''t ignore his results."


    People nodded, whispering among themselves. The energy in the room had shifted.


    Doubt, which had been clouding Ethan just moments ago, started to fade.


    And in its place¡ª Confidence. Ethan could feel it. The momentum was coming back to him. His fear of losing control? Gone. Now, only arrogance remained. A smirk crept onto his lips as he looked back at Alex.


    "Well, Alex? Are you still going to doubt me?" His voice was filled with amusement, as if the idea of losing this argument was laughable. His gaze swept across the banquet hall, where several elite businessmen stood in his defense.


    "I told you¡ªI don''t just talk big." His tone was smooth, dripping with superiority. "Even the top tycoons in this room can attest to my abilities." He spread his arms, basking in the attention, as if this moment was something he had orchestrated all along.


    "What about you?" His eyes narrowed slightly.


    "Do you have any proof that my Fortune Skills are wrong?" A mocking chuckle escaped his lips.


    "Or are you just jealous that I''ve surpassed you?" His words, sharp and taunting, rang throughout the hall. Then, after a dramatic pause, he spoke once more.


    "I''ll give you one last chance, Alex." He took a single step forward, tilting his head. His smirk widened, his confidence soaring.


    "Admit that you were wrong." His voice was almost gentle, like a teacher offering a foolish student a chance to correct himself. "Admit that my Skills is superior." He let the words linger.


    "And I might just forgive your ignorance." The hall buzzed with anticipation. All eyes were on Alex. Would he back down? Would he admit defeat? Ethan stood tall, convinced that Alex had no way out.


    And then¡ª Alex laughed. It wasn''t a forced chuckle. It wasn''t a scoff of disbelief. It was a genuine, amused laugh. And somehow¡ª That single laugh sent a chill down Ethan''s spine.


    Because it wasn''t the laugh of a man who had been defeated. It was the laugh of a man who already knew the outcome. Alex finally stood up from his seat. His movements were slow, deliberate. His expression? Unreadable. He didn''t look angry. He didn''t look rattled.


    He looked¡­ bored. Then, he spoke. "I don''t need to prove that your Skills is garbage." His voice was light, almost playful. He tilted his head slightly, the corner of his lips quivering in amusement.


    "You already did that yourself." The banquet hall fell into dead silence. Ethan''s smirk disappeared. His face twisted, his eyes flashing with irritation.


    "What the hell are you talking about?!" His voice was sharp, demanding an answer. But the way Alex was looking at him¡­ Like he was nothing more than a joke¡­ That was what truly sent his blood boiling.

 Chapter 26 Ten Times The Loss!

    Alex simply smirked. The moment Alex spoke, the entire party hall fell into a tense silence. Ethan Carter''s expression darkened instantly.


    His heart pounded, a mixture of rage and deep-seated unease gnawing at him. This was not how things were supposed to go. He had been the one in control, the one commanding the room''s attention.


    But now¡ª Now all eyes were on Alex. And worse¡ª They were looking at him with something he had never seen before.


    Genuine trust. Alex leaned back slightly, his smirk unwavering. His tone was smooth, effortlessly cutting through Ethan''s outrage.


    "You''re asking why I doubt you? Why I call your Feng Shui amateurish?" His gaze sharpened, locking onto Ethan.


    "It''s simple." He gestured toward Walter Lane, his tone carrying a note of mocking amusement.


    "Walter, you were impressed because this clown helped you make you over millions in a day, right?" Walter hesitated for a second, then gave a slow nod.


    "Yes¡­ That''s true¡­" Alex chuckled, the sound carrying a chilling certainty. "And tell me¡ªsince that day, has your fortune continued to improve?" Walter frowned. He hadn''t thought about it before¡ª But now that Alex mentioned it, he realized something.


    His investments had been stagnating ever since. In fact¡ª Everything had felt off. A growing discomfort settled in his chest as he muttered, "No¡­ actually, it hasn''t¡­" Alex''s smirk widened.


    "Exactly. Because Ethan Carter didn''t bring you fortune. He stole from your future." Gasps rippled through the crowd.


    Ethan''s face twisted in fury. "You''re lying!" he snarled. But Alex? He wasn''t even fazed. Alex turned next to Stane, his voice calm yet undeniable.


    "And you." Stane stiffened.


    "You were ready to rip Walter apart over a vase, convinced he stole your fortune." Stane gritted his teeth.


    "Damn right I was!"


    Alex chuckled softly. "Then answer me this¡ªif that vase was truly a fortune-bringer, why didn''t Walter''s wealth skyrocket the moment he took it?"


    Stane froze. Because¡­ It hadn''t. And Walter? His expression darkened with realization.


    "Now that I think about it¡­ my finances didn''t change at all after getting that vase¡­ In fact, I completely forgot about it." The hall fell silent.


    Ethan''s hands trembled. "This¡­ this is just a coincidence!" He was losing ground. The once adoring crowd was turning into a jury ready to pass judgment.


    And then¡­ Alex delivered the final blow. Alex''s voice lowered, but the weight of his words was suffocating.


    "Stane, tell me something. When you first got that vase¡­ long before you even met Ethan¡­ did it ever crack?" Stane''s face twisted in shock.


    "How the hell did you¡ª?" Alex''s smirk deepened.


    "I knew it." His next words sent a chill through the banquet hall. "That vase was never a treasure. It was a time bomb. The moment it developed a crack, it stopped gathering fortune and started leaking disaster." He let that sink in before delivering the final truth.


    "If Walter hadn''t taken it from you¡­ You wouldn''t just be losing money right now. You''d be dead." Stane staggered backward, his face drained of all color.


    Walter Lane''s hands clenched tightly, sweat dripping down his temple.


    The guests¡­ The same people who had praised Ethan minutes ago¡­ Now they looked at him silently.


    And Ethan Carter? He was frozen in place. This wasn''t just a debate of skill anymore. Alex had dismantled everything. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Stane stood frozen, his brows furrowed deeply, his mind spinning as Alex''s words dug into his psyche like a sharp blade.


    Everything made sense.


    "If that vase really was a fortune-bringer, like Ethan said¡­ then why didn''t Walter''s wealth explode after he took it?" His chest tightened, his gaze flickering toward Ethan Carter, who was trying his best to keep his composure.


    "Did I really get deceived?" The confidence he had just moments ago¡ª It was crumbling. And before the tension in the air could settle¡ª A sudden ringing sound shattered the silence.


    Ring! Ring!


    Ring! Ring!


    Walter Lane''s phone vibrated violently in his pocket, the sharp ringtone cutting through the thick atmosphere of the banquet hall.


    He frowned, pulling out his phone, and without hesitation, answered.


    The voice on the other end¡ª Shaking. Panicked. Almost desperate.


    "Sit! Sir! It''s an emergency!" Walter''s expression darkened instantly.


    "What is it?" His secretary''s voice trembled, sounding like he was on the verge of tears.


    "Sit, the three million worth of stocks you invested in yesterday¡­ they just hit their lowest possible amount!" Walter''s grip on his phone tightened.


    "What did you say?" His breath caught in his throat, but before he could process the information¡ª


    The secretary''s next words sent a cold chill down his spine.


    "No, wait¡ªanother stock just hit their lowest amount! And another! Oh my god¡ªSir, all of your stocks are collapsing!" Walter''s heart slammed against his ribs, a cold sweat breaking out across his back.


    A sudden, sinking dread settled in his stomach as the gravity of the situation crashed down on him.


    "Sir, listen¡­ although you made three million yesterday¡­" The secretary choked on his words, his voice cracking under pressure. "But in just this single day¡­ You''ve lost at least thirty million!"


    "You have lost at least ten times of the profit that you made!"


    BOOM.


    It felt like a thunderclap inside Walter''s mind. The party hall, once filled with whispered conversations and murmurs, suddenly felt eerily quiet.


    And in that silence, Walter felt his blood run cold. Ethan Carter had promised him fortune. But instead¡­ He had brought him ruin.


    Walter Lane''s hand trembled slightly as he gripped his phone, his mind still struggling to process the shocking revelation.


    "I made three million yesterday¡­ and today, I lost ten times of that amount total thirty million?" His voice came out as a barely audible whisper, more like he was repeating it to himself rather than asking for confirmation.


    A chill ran through him. And in that moment, Alex words from earlier echoed in his mind.


    "This is what happens when you recklessly borrow fortune from your own future." His fingers slowly curled into a fist, his breath growing uneven.


    He turned his head, his gaze dark and full of suspicion¡­ Straight at Ethan Carter. And he wasn''t the only one. Stane, Walter, and the other business leaders in the room all slowly turned to look at Ethan.


    Their expressions ranging from doubt to outright hostility. They had put their faith in him. They had believed in his so-called "Fortune Skills."


    And now? Now, they wanted answers.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!! And thank you ''GiovanniG'' for supporting through golden ticket.)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 27 Stealing Luck Points!

    Ethan''s breath hitched. Cold sweat dripped down the back of his neck as he felt the collective pressure of the room bearing down on him.


    "Why¡­ Why is this happening?" Everything was fine before! He had used this same technique before¡­ He had gained praise, admiration, and influence. But now.


    Now it has completely backfired. It felt like an unseen force was suppressing him. No, not just suppressing. Crushing him. His gut twisted in alarm, but the more terrifying part was.


    He had no idea why. The Fortune Skills he had used should have worked! There was no reason for this to happen.


    Unless¡­ His panicked gaze flickered toward Alex Reid. That calm, unbothered expression. That hint of amusement in his eyes. That damn smirk. Ethan''s fingers twitched.


    "No way¡­ No way in hell¡­ Could it be¡­?" A horrifying realization began to take root in his mind.


    "Did he interfere with my Fortune Skills?!" But how? No¡­impossible! Alex was just some Industry heir, not a Fortune Master! Yet. Everything had gone wrong the moment Alex challenged him.


    The mocking whispers filled the Party hall, each word a dagger to Ethan Carter''s pride. His face burned red, his jaw clenched so tightly that his teeth might crack.


    He could feel it¡­ the loss of control, the unraveling of everything he had built up. The admiring gazes that once surrounded him were gone. Now, all that remained were eyes filled with disappointment, doubt, and even contempt.


    Harold Winter, who had previously placed his full trust in Ethan, now looked at him as though he were nothing more than a fraud.


    Walter Lane¡­ He looked like he wanted to dig a hole and bury himself, he had personally vouched for Ethan, after all.


    But the most gut-wrenching blow? Rose. She had once looked at him with admiration, as if he were a knight in shining armor. Now? Now, her gaze had dimmed, her confidence in him shattered beyond repair.


    Ethan felt his breath hitch, his chest tightening.


    If it weren''t for his protagonist''s fate and novel plot armor protecting him, he swore he might have spat out a mouthful of blood right then and there.


    Just as Alex was enjoying the view and sensation, a System Notification¡­ A crisp, mechanical voice rang in Alex''s mind.


    [Ding!]


    [Congratulations, Host, for successfully suppressing the protagonist!]


    [You have stolen 777 Luck Points from Ethan Carter!]


    [Protagonist''s remaining Luck Points: 4922.]


    [Due to the successful suppression of the protagonist''s fate, the company''s downfall event has been delayed¡­]


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk.


    ''Not bad, not bad at all.'' Suppressing the so-called ''Chosen One'', robbing him of his precious protagonist''s fortune, and even delaying his company''s scheduled demise¡­


    ''I must say¡­ A perfect evening.'' Alex thought as he enjoyed the view and the tingling sensation of the moment.


    ''I should keep pushing him down whenever I get the chance. Who knows? Maybe I can delay my company''s collapse indefinitely.'' His thoughts flickered with amusement, but he knew¡ªthis was far from over.


    With a casual wave, Alex turned from his position and then began to go toward the party hall exit.


    Just as he reached the grand doors of tge Winters mansion. He suddenly stopped. Then, turning his head slightly, his voice rang out clearly for all to hear.


    "Rose." His tone was calm, but the weight of his words sent a shiver down her spine. "Don''t forget what I told you. If I don''t receive the two hundred millions dollars in my account by this afternoon¡ª"


    "I''ll make sure you¡­ that this situation would look like an amusement park compared to the place you will be going to go together with your whole family.." His gaze was ice-cold, indifferent, as if he were merely stating a fact, not making a threat.


    And then¡­ he turned to Harold Winter, his expression filled with an almost mocking politeness.


    "Mr. Winter, I sincerely wish you good fortune in your future business endeavors. You''re going to need it." A small snarky laugh escaped Alex mouth as move and with that¡­ Alex walked out.


    The second his figure disappeared beyond the doorway, reality crashed down upon the Winter family.


    And within moments¡­ The sharks closed in. The Fall of the Winter Family officially Begins. The moment Alex left, the remaining businessmen in the hall sprang into action.


    One by one, investors, creditors, and business partners surrounded Harold Winter like a pack of starving wolves.


    "Mr. Winter, let''s settle the payments now!" Said one of the guests who was listening and seeing the whole thing.


    "You borrowed ten million from me¡ªdon''t even think about running away from it!" Said one of the creditors.


    "My company can''t afford to wait any longer, you need to return my investment immediately!" Another rapid angry voice came from the group.


    "Your family is finished anyway¡ªjust pay up!"


    Harold Winter felt his head spin. His face twisted in agony, his hands clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms.


    "Alex¡­ you ruthless bastard!" He had cut off all business ties, thrown their financials into chaos, and left the Winter family to fend for themselves.


    Now¡ª Now, they were drowning.


    ¡­.


    One Hour Later:


    Winter Estate: sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For the next hour, Harold Winter did everything he could. He made promises, begged for extensions, tried to negotiate settlements¡ª But deep down, he knew¡ª The Winter family was finished.


    Their business was crumbling, their financial partners were pulling out, and their stocks were plummeting like a sinking ship.


    The foundation he had built for years¡­ was turning to dust right before his eyes. High-ranking employees were resigning in groups, all of them not even wanting to have ties with the Winter family.


    Company shareholders were scrambling to sell off their stocks, hoping to escape before the inevitable collapse.


    The once prosperous Winter family name. Had turned into a financial death trap overnight. And when the dust settled. Harold Winter finally collapsed into a chair, his breath coming in ragged gasps.


    For the first time in his life. He felt completely, utterly powerless. His hands trembled, his body numb with shock. A dark thought crossed his mind.


    "Is it even worth living like this anymore¡­?" His gaze turned vacant, his mind drifting to the idea of ending it all. But before he could sink any further into despair.


    His eyes landed on Rose. And in an instant. That numb despair transformed into pure, burning rage. Rose, sensing his father''s gaze, instinctively took a step back.


    "Dad¡­? Why are you looking at me like that?" Before she could react¡­


    SMACK!


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 28 Do Whatever It Takes!

    "Dad¡­? Why are you looking at me like that?" Before she could react¡­


    SMACK!


    A sharp slap echoed through the hall, sending her stumbling backward. A red mark immediately bloomed on her cheek like her name Rose.


    The Party hall! The very same hall that had once been filled with prestige and luxury. Now stood frozen in shocked silence. Rose clutched her stinging cheek, her eyes widening in disbelief.


    Her father¡­ had just slapped her.


    "I''LL TELL YOU WHY I''M LOOKING AT YOU!" Harold Winter roared, his voice hoarse with fury.


    His hands shook, his chest heaving with uncontrollable rage.


    "I WARNED YOU! I TOLD YOU TO STOP PLAYING AROUND AND JUST MARRY ALEX!" All the rage he had been holding was now finally coming out from his body.


    "HE ADORED YOU! HE WOULD''VE GIVEN YOU EVERYTHING! BUT NO¡ªYOU HAD TO KEEP HIM CHASING YOU LIKE A FOOL!"


    Rose staggered, her ears ringing from the loud angry voice of his father and the slap that had done half the work.


    "Dad, I¡ª" She tried to speak for herself but Harold Winter wasn''t finished.


    "AND NOW LOOK AT US!" His eyes were bloodshot, his rage consuming him.


    "YOU TOYED WITH HIM FOR YEARS¡ªAND NOW HE DOESN''T WANT YOU ANYMORE! AND BECAUSE OF YOUR STUPID GAMES¡­ DIGNITY¡ª OUR FAMILY IS RUINED!"


    His voice shook with bitterness, with regret, with unfiltered hatred toward her stupidity.


    "Was your act worth it? Was pretending to be a pure, untouchable goddess WORTH DESTROYING OUR FAMILY?!"


    Rose''s knees buckled, her mind blanking out.


    The sudden slap had left Rose stunned, her cheek burning from the impact. But more than the pain. It was the public humiliation that made her tremble with anger and disbelief.


    "Dad! How could you yell at me like this?" she cried out, clutching her cheek, her eyes welling with unshed tears. Her voice trembled, but it still carried an undertone of defiance. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I never liked Alex to begin with! He was the one who willingly out of his own will chased after me, throwing money at my feet like an obedient dog!" Tears escaped from her eyes as she continued.


    "I never forced him to do anything¡ªif he wanted to spoil me, how is that my fault?!" Her words, so brazen and unapologetic, sent a wave of murmurs through the banquet hall.


    Yet! One voice stood out above the rest.


    "Exactly! She''s absolutely right!" The person speaking? None other than Ethan Carter. Despite being utterly humiliated moments ago, he still found himself nodding in agreement, his eyes filled with admiration.


    "Rose is a goddess¡ªof course men should worship her." A twisted grin formed on his lips. "It''s Alex who''s truly disgusting. A man who willingly becomes a lapdog should accept his fate. He had no right to take back what he gave."


    It was clear. The so-called ''protagonist'' had morals just as twisted as hers. Before Rose could even process Ethan''s pathetic attempt at justifying her actions, a sharp, disdainful scoff reached her ears.


    It came from her own mother, Lillian Winter. The older woman crossed her arms, her lips curled in disgust.


    "You''re really something, aren''t you?" Lillian sneered. "Sure, Alex was doing that out of his own will¡­ but do you think men will keep throwing money at you forever?"


    "Even a dog expects a treat after doing tricks!"


    Rose''s eyes widened in shock, unable to believe what she was hearing. Her own mother was siding against her?!


    Lillian shook her head, clearly exasperated. "Look at you. You''ve been acting like a damn princess, thinking you could keep leading Alex on forever." Her gaze turned icy cold.


    "Do you even understand the situation we''re in right now?" Her voice dropped to a chilling whisper.


    "Without Alex, we''re finished." Rose bit her lip, but before she could refute, her mother leaned in closer¡­ And spoke words that made her heart clench in dread.


    "You should''ve at least given him something. If you''d just let him have you once, he''d still be under your control." The Party hall fell silent. Even Ethan Carter, who had been nodding along a moment ago, froze in place.


    But Lillian wasn''t done. "Instead, you strung him along, keeping yourself ''pure'' like you were some untouchable queen. Now, look what happened." Her tone was icy, ruthless.


    "Alex is done with you. You lost your golden meal ticket, and because of you, our entire family is on the verge of collapse!" She clenched her fists, her expression twisted with rage.


    "How does it feel, Rose? How does it feel knowing you''re the reason your family is going down in flames?!" Rose staggered, her breath hitching in panic. She wanted to scream, to argue¡­ But she couldn''t.


    Because deep down¡­ she knew her mother was right. She had overplayed her hand. She had been so sure Alex would always crawl back to her, no matter what.


    And now¡­ Now, he had cut her off completely. And without him, she was nothing.


    Harold Winter, who had been silent all this time, finally took a deep breath.


    When he spoke, his voice was grim, unwavering. "There''s only one way to fix this." His cold gaze landed directly on Rose.


    "You need to make Alex forgive you." His words felt like an iron decree, each syllable pressing heavily against her chest. "Without his backing, our company is doomed. The Two Hundred Million Dollars he''s demanding? That''s just the beginning."


    His fingers tightened into a fist, his expression dark.


    "Rose, you need to go to Alex''s house immediately. Do ''whatever'' it takes to win him back." The implication in his words was clear. Nothing was off-limits.


    Rose''s stomach twisted. "I''m not going!" she protested, shaking her head violently. "He was just my lapdog! You want me to beg him now?!" Her voice cracked in desperation, but her father''s expression remained cold and unmoved.


    Lillian Winter stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with calculation. "You don''t have a choice. If Alex still wants you, that''s our only hope." Her lips curled into a cruel smirk.


    ¡ª


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 29 Entry Denied!

    Lillian Winter stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with calculation. "You don''t have a choice. If Alex still wants you, that''s our only hope." Her lips curled into a cruel smirk.


    "If he tries to take you to bed, then let him. In fact, I''m hoping he does." Rose stiffened, her breath catching in her throat.


    "M-mom, you''re not serious, are you?!" Rose asked in disbelief, her mother¡­ her mother was suggesting it.


    Lillian snorted. "What''s the problem? That''d mean he still has feelings for you." She crossed her arms, her gaze sharp.


    "As long as you can get him back on your hook, we can recover." Her voice lowered to a near-whisper, but every word cut like a blade. "It''s either that, or you can start getting used to being poor again."


    Rose trembled, her fists clenching so tightly her nails dug into her palms. She had spent years living in luxury. Wearing designer clothes. Driving luxury cars. Living in a mansion.


    She couldn''t go back to a normal life. She refused to. She wanted to resist, to fight back. But her mother''s words had already planted fear deep in her heart.


    She knew what she had to do. Even if it meant humiliating herself. Even if it meant swallowing her pride.


    She had to make Alex forgive her. Or else¡­ Her life of luxury would be over. Forever.


    ¡­.


    Not far away, Ethan Carter had been listening in on Harold Winter and Lillian''s conversation with Rose.


    And the more he heard¡­ The wider his eyes became, his expression shifting from shock to utter disbelief. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What the hell is this?" His mind raced. "Are these people insane?! They''re actually forcing her to go back to Alex?! Not just that¡ªthey''re even hoping he''ll¡­ sleep with her?" Ethan felt his blood boiling, his fists clenching so tightly his knuckles turned white.


    "No! I won''t let this happen! How could they even think of sacrificing someone as perfect as her?! She''s mine! The one destined to stand by my side!" His body tensed, instinctively ready to rush forward and pull her away.


    But just as he was about to move¡­ He forced himself to stop. Reality slapped him hard. The humiliation he had suffered earlier in the banquet hall was still fresh in everyone''s minds.


    The moment he had been exposed as a fraud. The way people mocked and dismissed him. The fact that Harold and Lillian no longer trusted him.


    If he tried to step in now, what would happen? They''d just humiliate him again. No¡­ he couldn''t afford to be humiliated again. He had to be smart about this.


    Instead of acting recklessly. He reached for his phone. His fingers hovered over the screen for only a second before he dialed a number.


    The call connected almost immediately. A woman''s voice answered.


    Smooth. Cool. Unreadable.


    "Ethan? You haven''t called me in a while." Ethan''s grip on the phone tightened.


    His tone was serious, urgent. "Lily¡­ I need your help." The person on the other end? Lily. A woman currently studying abroad. A woman with a special connection to Alex Reid. Because she was his half-sister.


    And Ethan was about to use her to turn the tables.


    ¡­.


    Back at the Winter residence. Harold Winter stood beside his car, his eyes locked on Rose, his expression grim and unwavering.


    Rose, however, was far from composed. She was seething with frustration, her emotions a chaotic mix of anger, humiliation, and panic.


    But most of all¡­ Fear. Fear of losing everything. Her pride screamed at her to resist, to refuse, to throw a tantrum and demand things go back to how they were.


    But her survival instincts? They forced her into silence. Because she knew¡ª Without Alex, her luxurious life was over.


    Harold''s voice was sharp, cold, and absolute. "Remember this, Rose¡­ our family''s future rests on your shoulders. You must make Alex forgive you."


    "NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES." His stern gaze bore into her, leaving no room for argument.


    Then¡ª With a harsh press of the gas pedal, he sped off, leaving her standing alone outside Alex''s private neighborhood.


    She was on her own. She took a deep breath. Slowly, she reached into her purse, pulling out a compact mirror. She checked her reflection, quickly adjusting her makeup, ensuring that she looked as flawless and delicate as ever.


    Because if she was going to manipulate Alex again. She needed to be perfect. Taking one final breath to steady herself¡­ She walked toward the gated entrance.


    But then¡­ Something unexpected happened. She was stopped.


    "Excuse me, miss." A uniformed security guard stepped forward, his stance professional yet firm.


    "This is a private residence. No unauthorized visitors are allowed entry." Rose blinked, momentarily stunned. Her brows furrowed in irritation.


    "Do you even know who I am?" she scoffed, flipping her hair back in an attempt to regain control of the situation.


    "I''m Rose Winter. The girlfriend of Alex Reid, the CEO of Reid Industries!" She folded her arms, looking at the guard with thinly veiled arrogance.


    "Now, step aside. I don''t have time for this nonsense." The guard, however, remained completely unfazed.


    Instead, he narrowed his eyes slightly, as if evaluating whether to even bother entertaining her words. Then, with a calm, measured tone, he responded¡ª


    "Miss Winter¡­ is it?" He glanced at a clipboard in his hand, as if double-checking something.


    Then, he sighed. "I''m sorry, but CEO Reid has given specific instructions. Anyone by the name of ''Rose Winter''¡ªis to be permanently denied entry into the estate." The guard said blocking the way and in the end he added.


    "Under all circumstances."


    Rose''s entire body went rigid. Her mind blanked for a second as the words sank in. Then¡­ Her ears started ringing.


    "W-What¡­?" She barely managed to choke out the words.


    "You''re saying¡­ Alex banned me?" The guard nodded without hesitation.


    "That''s correct, Miss Winter. CEO Reid was very clear about this. You are not to be allowed inside, no matter what you say or do."


    Rose staggered slightly, her breath hitching as she struggled to comprehend what she had just heard.


    "He¡­ he actually banned me?!" Her eyes darted around frantically, as if searching for some kind of explanation.


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 30 How Delusional Rose Can Be…!

    "He¡­ he actually banned me?!" Her eyes darted around frantically, as if searching for some kind of explanation.


    "I personally came to apologize! And Alex still refuses to see me?!" Rose''s voice rose in disbelief as she stared at the security guard. Her expression twisted with frustration and sheer incredulity.


    "I am the woman Alex loves the most!" Her voice dripped with entitlement, as if that simple fact alone should open every door for her.


    "You''d better go report to him right now! Tell him clearly¡ª" She folded her arms, chin tilted high as she issued her ultimatum. "This is the one and only chance I''m giving him. If he doesn''t cherish it¡­ then I will never see him again!" Even at this point, even after being rejected so thoroughly, she still believed¡ª That Alex must still love her.


    Why else would he go to such extreme lengths? Why else would he cut ties with her so dramatically?


    To her, the only explanation was that he was just throwing a tantrum, trying to get back at her for ignoring him all these years.


    The security guard, however, merely looked at her with the kind of blank amusement one might have when watching a particularly clueless fool. His voice was calm, almost pitying.


    "Sir gave specific instructions. If a woman named Rose Winter tries to enter¡ªdeny her entry. No exceptions. No mistakes." Rose staggered slightly, her breath hitching as the words sank in. But the next sentence was what truly shattered her confidence.


    "Miss Winter, perhaps CEO Reid did like you once. But that time is over. Now?" The security guard gave a slow, deliberate shake of his head.


    "He has absolutely no interest in you anymore." The finality in his tone felt like a dagger to her chest.


    For the first time¡­ The possibility that Alex truly did not love her anymore¡­ Began to creep into her mind. And then¡ª The last, casual remark sealed her humiliation completely.


    "So please, Miss Winter, don''t block the entrance. There will be cars passing through soon, and if you get hit, people might think you''re trying to scam us for money." It was a mocking jab¡ªbut it hit her harder than any insult.


    A shiver ran down her spine. She felt light-headed, dizzy. How had things changed so fast? How had she gone from being worshipped to being treated like an insignificant pest?


    It wasn''t just Alex. Even people like this lowly security guard dared to mock her now. Her nails dug into her palms. No. No, she refused to accept this.


    She couldn''t. If she lost Alex, She lost everything. The status. The luxury. The admiration she had grown addicted to. Without Alex''s love. She was nothing.


    "I have to fix this. I have to get him back!" Her mind spun in desperation, searching for a way. And then, An idea struck.


    "That''s it!" Her eyes flickered with determination. "I''ll wait for him! I''ll kneel here if I have to, until he forgives me! He used to worship me, he still loves me! He just needs to see that I''ve changed!"


    With that thought solidified in her mind, she did something she had never imagined herself doing before.


    She dropped to her knees right there at the entrance. No hesitation. No shame. Her pride? She tossed it aside. Because nothing was more important than getting Alex back.


    She would endure humiliation if it meant restoring her past life. If it meant regaining the spotlight. If it meant being adored again.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, Inside the Villa¡­


    Unbeknownst to Rose, Alex had no idea she was kneeling outside. Even if he did know¡­ He wouldn''t care. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At that moment, he was focused on far more important matters. An older gentleman entered the room, his movements calm and precise.


    He carried a thick folder filled with documents.


    "Sir." The butler, Mr. Waters, gave a respectful nod before placing the documents on the table. His tone was serious, almost hesitant.


    "The investigation you requested is complete." The butler informed Alex and Alex glanced at him, his fingers idly tapping against the armrest of his chair.


    "And?" The butler opened the folder, scanning the contents before speaking.


    "Aside from the Winter family¡­ there are several others within the company who have engaged in illicit activities." His voice darkened slightly.


    "They''ve embezzled large sums, manipulated company resources for personal gain, and secretly diverted assets." He looked up, his expression grim.


    "The most concerning part? These people¡­ are all major shareholders." Alex''s eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained unreadable.


    "Big fishes, then." The butlet hesitated for a brief moment before adding¡ª "What''s truly baffling, Sit¡­ is how well they''ve hidden their tracks."


    "On the surface, they appeared completely clean. Had we not conducted this deep investigation¡­ no one would have suspected them. May I ask¡­ how you managed to predict their involvement?" Alex simply smiled faintly. He didn''t respond.


    Because the answer was simple. He had already seen it all before. He had read the novel''s original plot. He knew exactly who had contributed to the downfall of Reid Industries.


    The same corrupt executives who, in three months'' time, would betray him and side with Ethan Carter.


    The very people who would help Ethan seize control of the company and force him into ruin.


    Not this time. "If I eliminate them now¡­ Ethan will have no leverage. His so-called ''business takeover'' will be nothing but a joke." His fingers drummed against the desk, his smile growing colder.


    "Time to clean house or the company." He looked up at His butler, his tone calm but resolute.


    "Prepare the termination orders. And make sure every single one of them is removed. I want all company shares back under my control." The butler nodded firmly.


    "Understood, Sir." As the butler exited the room, Alex leaned back, his gaze sharp and calculating.


    These people are like cockroaches to be honest. The world is trying to help him but creating more opportunities, and Alex has no doubt he will come in contact with the top executives of his company.


    "Without those traitors¡­ Let''s see how Ethan plans to bring me down now."


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 31 Shareholders Meeting!

    The moment Alex picked up the documents, his expression turned icy. With a swift motion, he waved his hand.


    "Let''s go. To the company!" His voice carried a weight that left no room for hesitation.


    "Call put to all the shareholders¡­ Immediately." His gaze sharpened as he added, "We''re holding a meeting."


    His butler nodded. And then went to fulfil the order.


    ¡­.


    Five Minutes Later: At the Estate''s Entrance:


    A sleek luxury car pulled up at the estate''s entrance.


    Rose, who had been kneeling at the gate with a pitiful expression, immediately perked up. Her heart pounded with excitement as she saw Alex''s car approaching.


    "He came to see me¡­ he must have been moved by my sincerity!" She quickly adjusted her posture, making sure she looked as weak and pitiful as possible. In her mind, Alex would surely get out of the car, help her up, and beg for her forgiveness.


    However, reality was cruel. The car didn''t slow down. Instead, it roared past her in a flash, kicking up a cloud of dust.


    "Ugh¡ª!" A wave of dirt and exhaust hit her face. Rose coughed violently, her once carefully applied makeup now smeared with dust and irritation.


    Just as she was about to curse in frustration, the car suddenly came to a stop a few meters ahead.


    Her heart skipped a beat. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "He''s regretting it! Yes! He realized his mistake and stopped for me!" With renewed hope, she quickly wiped her face and adjusted her appearance. She took a deep breath, preparing herself to put on the most fragile and sorrowful expression possible.


    The tinted window slowly rolled down.


    Alex''s cold gaze met hers, sending a shiver down her spine.


    "Rose, let me remind you," his voice was indifferent, emotionless. "There are only two hours left until five o''clock. If you don''t come up with the Two Hundred Millions dollars by then¡­" He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.


    "You''re going to go to the very nice place I prepared for you and your family." Without another glance, he rolled up the window, stepped on the accelerator, and sped away.


    Rose stood frozen in place, her expression blank.


    The joy she had felt a moment ago shattered like glass.


    ¡­.


    Reid Industries:


    By the time Alex arrived at the company, a group of shareholders had already gathered at the entrance, waiting for him. Alex''s erratic and different actions had thrown them into a state of unease.


    "Why did he call us all here?" One of them whispered nervously.


    "Yeah, and why make us wait outside like this? Something doesn''t feel right¡­"


    "I have a bad feeling about this. Just a few days ago, he purged half the company''s executives. What if we''re next?"


    "Calm down," another shareholder said, though his voice lacked confidence. "We are shareholders, after all. He can''t just get rid of us that easily. If we stick together, there''s nothing to worry about."


    "Right. As long as we stand together. Alex won''t be able to do anything reckless." A false sense of security settled among them.


    Then, Alex''s car pulled up. A shareholder, eager to curry favor, quickly stepped forward and opened the car door for him.


    "Sir Alex, there was no need to summon us all here personally," he said with a flattering smile. "If you needed something, a simple phone call would have sufficed." His voice was dripping with fake politeness, but Alex saw right through him.


    With a slow, deliberate smile that didn''t reach his eyes, Alex replied, "Oh, but this is something important. A very¡­ big matter."


    Without another word, he reached out, and Mr. Waters, his ever-loyal butler, promptly handed him a thick stack of documents.


    Alex casually tossed the papers at the shareholders. The crisp sound of paper rustling filled the air as they fumbled to catch them. When they saw the bold red title on the first page, their faces paled instantly.


    [Reid Industries ¨C Share Transfer Agreement]


    Alex''s smirk widened as he watched their expressions crumble.


    "Let''s not waste time," he said coolly. "Shall we get started?"


    ¡­.


    The bold words on the cover of the document left the shareholders stunned.


    "Share transfer agreement? Is Alex planning to buy us out?" One of the shareholders shared his concerns regarding the file and the matter at hand.


    "What does this mean? Does he want to be the sole shareholder of the company?" One more raised his voice among them. Clearly none of them were happy from the news they received nor was there any reason for them to be happy.


    "This is outrageous! Is he trying to cut us out of the business completely?" One more shareholder raised his voice in anger, his eyes showing how much he meant that.


    Their expressions quickly shifted from surprise to anger. Though the company''s value had taken a hit after the Reid Industries previous issues, it was still highly profitable. The annual dividends they received were a significant source of income.


    Now Alex was demanding they surrender their shares, which was essentially cutting off their golden goose. Naturally, they couldn''t accept this.


    "Everyone, calm down. Why don''t you take a look at the details first?" Alex''s tone was calm, almost indifferent, as if the matter didn''t require much discussion.


    "And after that¡­ If there''s no issue, just sign it." His demeanor was nonchalant, a sharp contrast to the rising tempers of the shareholders.


    The more composed he appeared, the angrier the shareholders became.


    "This is ridiculous! If you want us to surrender our shares, you owe us an explanation!"


    "What kind of attitude is this, Alex?"


    "There''s no way I''m giving up my shares!"


    "Me neither!"


    They exchanged glances, silently agreeing to stand together against Alex.


    Alex noticed their unspoken pact but remained unfazed. His lips curled into a faint smile, one that seemed to mock their resolve.


    "Are you sure you don''t want to take a look at the agreement in your hands?" he asked, his voice laced with subtle amusement.


    "There''s no need!"


    "We won''t sell our shares no matter what!"


    "Exactly! We refuse to sell!"


    The shareholders'' voices grew louder, their determination clear in their tone. The commotion quickly drew attention from nearby employees.


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 32 Ten Fucking Dollars!

    "What''s going on? Why are the CEO Alex and the shareholders arguing?" One of the employees asked as they looked at the meeting room.


    "Yeah, aren''t they supposed to be on the same side?" Another one asked in confusion.


    "I heard that the CEO is planning to buy out their shares. He wants to own the company outright." One of them spoked likely treating it as a rumour and thought of telling them.


    "Seriously? That''s ruthless! He''s taking everything for himself?" Another employee jabbed at the previous statement.


    Whispers and speculation spread among the crowd as more employees gathered to watch the drama unfold.


    One of the shareholders, Eric, stepped forward. As the second-largest shareholder in the company, he felt obligated to defend himself and the other shareholders.


    "Alex, don''t you think you''re going too far?" Eric said, his tone stern but cautious.


    "We''ve been with this company since the beginning. This move of yours will leave everyone feeling betrayed!"


    Alex turned to him, his expression shifting to one of mild amusement.


    "Eric, I almost forgot about you. Your contract has a special clause in it. Why don''t you come over and take a look?" He handed a specific document to Eric, his smile deepening as he did so.


    Hearing this, Eric felt a flicker of hope.


    ''Could it be that he isn''t planning to kick me out? Maybe this is only targeting the smaller shareholders?'' The thought filled him with relief. He glanced at the other shareholders, who were starting to look worried.


    However, Eric''s relief was short-lived.


    As his eyes scanned the document, his expression froze, then twisted into pure rage.


    "What the hell is this, Alex?" he shouted, his voice trembling with anger.


    "Ten dollars?! You''re offering ten dollars for my shares?ARE YOU FUCKING PLAYING WITH ME?"


    Eric''s fury was palpable. If there hadn''t been people around, he might have lunged at Alex right then and there.


    His shares represented 15% of the company. Based on the current market valuation, they were worth in billions.


    And yet, Alex had the audacity to offer him ten dollars.


    Not in billions or millions but in mere Ten Dollars¡­ you can imagine the anger Eric is feeling right now.


    "Are you insane? Why don''t you just rob me outright?! Ten dollars? This isn''t a buyout¡ªit''s outright robbery!" Eric stated with anger and fury in his eyes kike he could kill Alex right now if he can. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "He''s blatantly toying with us!" The shareholders erupted into fury, their voices rising in outrage.


    Some clenched their fists tightly, while others exchanged sharp glances, as though seeking unity in their anger. Their faces flushed red with frustration, and a wave of irritation and anger spread through the group.


    "Eric, why are you so worked up?" Alex''s voice was calm, almost unnervingly so.


    He leaned back slightly, exhaling a faint puff of smoke, his posture utterly relaxed as if he were merely observing a minor inconvenience.


    "At least finish reading the entire document. Who knows? There might be a surprise waiting for you on the next page."


    Eric froze mid-retort, his anger momentarily caught in his throat. His instinct was to argue back, but something about Alex''s gaze made him hesitate.


    It wasn''t just confidence¡ªit was something colder, sharper, as if Alex were already in complete control of the situation.


    His fingers tightened around the paper as he hesitated, his mind racing. After a tense pause, he reluctantly flipped to the second page.


    The moment Eric''s eyes landed on the contents of the next page, his breath hitched. His face paled several shades, and the hand holding the document trembled as if it suddenly weighed a ton.


    "A¡­ Al¡­ Alex¡­ what¡­ is the meaning of this?" Eric stammered, his voice trembling with disbelief.


    "I''ve worked hard for this company for so many years. Even if I haven''t done anything extraordinary, I''ve at least put in my fair share of effort¡­" His voice grew louder as he spoke, desperation leaking into every word.


    "So what if I used the company''s name to make some extra money on the side? Do you really need to go this far against me?" His outburst echoed through the room, his frustration spilling over as he looked at Alex with a mix of fear and indignation.


    "You''re asking me if this is necessary?" Alex murmured, his tone casual yet deliberate.


    He pulled a cigarette from his pocket and lit it with a calm, almost practiced ease. Taking a long drag, he exhaled slowly, the faint trail of smoke curling lazily in the air. His calm demeanor was in stark contrast to Eric''s rising panic.


    "Of course, it''s necessary," Alex continued, his voice steady and cold. "Sure, the money you''ve made isn''t a small amount compared to your shares¡­" He glanced at the trembling Eric, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.


    "But if I report you for embezzling billions from the company¡­" Alex leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering as though sharing a secret. "That''s enough to land you in rotten prison for the rest of your life, isn''t it?"


    Eric staggered back a step, his legs nearly giving out beneath him. The blood drained from his face, and his breathing became shallow as the weight of Alex''s words settled on him.


    "And that''s not all," Alex added, his tone growing darker. "If you push me to that point¡­ when you''re locked up, what happens to your wife and kids without your protection?"


    The words were like daggers, cutting deep into Eric''s chest. His hands shook violently, and sweat began to bead on his forehead.


    "Do you think their lives will be any easier?" Alex''s voice softened, but the underlying threat was unmistakable.


    Eric''s heart pounded in his chest as a cold chill ran down his spine. His imagination ran wild, conjuring images of his family''s suffering, and he instinctively raised his hands as if to shield himself from the words.


    Cold sweat dripped down Eric''s face as his lips quivered.


    "This¡­ this¡­" His voice cracked, unable to form a coherent response.


    He had always prided himself on his ability to profit behind the scenes from other prying eyes¡­ secretly and stealthily, but now those very actions had become a noose tightening around his neck.


    ¡ª


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 33 Revoked!

    "I¡­will¡­ sign." Eruc said in a whisper, but not loud enough for Alex to hear.


    Alex of course heard it clearly but it made it more interesting he said, "what are you saying¡­ Please speak a little bit louder."


    "I¡­I''ll sign!" Eric suddenly blurted out, his voice filled with panic.


    "As long as you let this matter go, I''ll sign!" His words came in a rushed stream, his pride completely shattered. He looked at Alex with pleading eyes, desperation written all over his face.


    Alex tilted his head slightly, observing Eric''s breakdown with an expression of mild amusement. With a small nod, he finally spoke.


    "Good. As long as you sign, I''ll make sure this document stays buried." He flicked the ash from his cigarette, his tone softening ever so slightly.


    "And don''t worry¡ªI won''t ask or try to get back the money you''ve already made." He gestured lazily with the cigarette in hand. "You''ll still have enough to live a comfortable life with your wife and kids."


    Eric''s shoulders slumped, and a bitter smile crossed his face as he exhaled deeply.


    "Thank¡­ you¡­ thank you¡­ Alex," he muttered, his voice barely audible.


    He understood that Alex had already won, and resistance was futile. Alex had given him an exit¡ªa chance to walk away with some dignity and a fraction of his wealth intact. It was far better than the alternative of getting a case on his life and then rotting in some prison for the rest of his life.


    And that too while leaving his family alone, with the money Alex spared him with he could atleast live well for his life with his family.


    Without wasting another moment, Eric picked up the pen with trembling hands and signed his name on the document.


    The room fell silent, save for the faint scratch of the pen against paper As Eric signed on them.


    ¡­.


    In front of everyone, the company''s second-largest shareholder signed his name on the document. The rest of the shareholders were left utterly dumbfounded.


    Their expressions ranged from shock to disbelief, and hushed murmurs began spreading through the room.


    "What is Eric doing? Didn''t we agree to stick together?" one of them whispered, his face contorted in confusion.


    "Exactly! How could he backtrack this quickly?" another chimed in, clenching his fists in frustration.


    "Did he seriously sell his shares for ten dollars? What in the hell is that even supposed to mean?"


    Their voices were tinged with disbelief, their unity starting to waver as doubt crept in.


    Meanwhile, Eric handed the signed document back to Alex, his face wearing a forced, awkward smile.


    "Alex, now that this is settled, may I take my leave?" Eric asked cautiously, bowing slightly.


    Alex gave him a casual wave, his expression mocking yet composed. "Of course, Eric. Best of luck in your future endeavors. I hope fortune smiles on you wherever you go!"


    Eric gave a stiff nod, forcing a smile on his face as he practically scurried out of the room, his back hunched like a man fleeing from a nightmare.


    The remaining shareholders were left speechless as they watched him leave and that too in such a panic.


    "Did he seriously give up all his shares and leave with a blessing?!" one of them finally burst out.


    "Fortune smiles on him? More like he''ll get hit by a truck the moment he steps outside!"


    Just as the muttering grew louder, Alex''s cold gaze swept across the room, silencing everyone instantly.


    The atmosphere grew tense as the remaining shareholders froze under his piercing stare. A chill ran down their spines as they realized they were now his focus.


    His icy demeanor seemed to pierce straight through them, and they could feel their confidence draining away.


    "Everyone¡­ stay strong!" one of them whispered, trying to rally the group.


    "Eric may have betrayed us, but we can''t back down!"


    "That''s right! We may have fewer shares, but we must stick together!" another added, his voice trembling but determined.


    They exchanged nervous glances, nodding in agreement, trying to bolster their collective courage.


    Alex chuckled softly, shaking his head. The sound was low but carried a sense of disdain.


    "Ha! Where do you even get this ridiculous confidence to stand against me?" Alex leaned forward slightly, his sharp gaze sweeping over them like a predator sizing up its prey.


    "Let me make this clear. After Eric''s departure, your combined shares don''t even add up to seven percent."


    His words cut through the room like a blade. The shareholders'' faces paled, and some began shifting uncomfortably in their seats.


    "What authority do you think¡­ you have in front of me?" Alex''s tone was calm, yet the weight of his words left no room for argument.


    Before they could muster a response, Alex''s voice grew colder.


    "From this moment on, I hereby announce¡­" He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as he delivered his next words with absolute finality. "The year-end dividends for the shareholders are officially canceled!"


    The room erupted in stunned gasps, but Alex wasn''t finished.


    "Furthermore, all privileges and benefits for shareholders within the company are hereby revoked!" He waved his hand dismissively, as if brushing away their protests before they could even begin.


    The remaining shareholders were stunned into silence.


    "What?! No, this can''t be happening!" one of them muttered, his voice trembling. Their pale faces showed the dawning realization of how powerless they truly were.


    For them, the only perks of holding shares in the company were the year-end dividends and the exclusive benefits. With those stripped away, their shares were practically worthless.


    Worse still, given the circumstances, no one in the market would even consider buying their shares.


    "What''s the point of holding onto this stock now?" one of them muttered bitterly, his voice barely above a whisper.


    "Alex! Please, don''t do this!" one of them cried out, his tone desperate.


    "If it''s the shares you want, I''ll sell them! I''ll sell them right now!"


    "Me too! I''m willing to sell my shares as well!" another chimed in hurriedly.


    Just a minute ago, they had been rallying together to resist Alex''s dominance. Now, they were tripping over one another in their rush to sell their shares.


    ¡ª


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 34 Victory!

    "Alex! Please, don''t do this!" one of them cried out, his tone desperate.


    "If it''s the shares you want, I''ll sell them! I''ll sell them right now!"


    "Me too! I''m willing to sell my shares as well!" another chimed in hurriedly.


    Just a minute ago, they had been rallying together to resist Alex''s dominance. Now, they were tripping over one another in their rush to sell their shares.


    Alex smirked, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes as he watched them scramble. His gaze was sharp, looking at each shareholder''s reaction with a mix of delight and disdain.


    "Now that''s the spirit," he said, pulling out a stack of transfer agreements from his leather briefcase. His tone was light, almost mocking, as if he were enjoying a game where he held all the cards.


    "If you''d been this cooperative from the start, I wouldn''t have had to waste time playing hardball." His voice echoed slightly in the large boardroom, filled with tension and the scent of fear.


    He handed the agreements to the panicked shareholders one by one. The papers rustled as they passed from hand to hand, each shareholder''s face a mask of confusion and dread.


    But as they skimmed through the documents, their expressions turned to shock and outrage. The room filled with murmurs of disbelief.


    "Alex, I don''t mind selling my shares, but this price¡­ this can''t be right!" one of them stammered, holding up the document with trembling hands. His voice cracked under the weight of his indignation.


    "Exactly! Based on market value, our shares are worth at least more than 100 million dollars and even more. Why are you only offering only so little?!" Another shareholder joined in, his voice rising in pitch as panic set in.


    "That''s a daylight robbery Alex! How is this fair?!" Their voices grew louder as they protested, but Alex''s expression remained calm, almost serene in the storm of their discontent.


    "There''s no mistake," Alex replied coolly, his eyes looking at the shareholders.


    "Don''t rush. Take a look at the rest of the document before you say another word." His tone suggested he was in full control, and perhaps he had been all along.


    Though they were suspicious, the shareholders flipped to the next page, their hands shaking. The moment their eyes landed on the contents, their faces drained of color, turning ashen.


    Every wrong transaction they had ever made using the company''s resources was laid out in excruciating detail. Small schemes, large profits¡ªeverything was meticulously documented in black and white.


    Some of the shareholders could barely even remember some of these deals until now. It was as if Alex had been standing behind them, silently watching their every move for years.


    "Has he been monitoring us this whole time?" one of them whispered, his voice trembling with fear. He looked around, half expecting to find hidden cameras or microphones.


    "Does this mean he''s known everything we''ve done all these years?" Another shareholder''s whisper was laced with terror, their confidence shattered by the revelations on the paper.


    The thought sent a chill through their spines. Sweat began to bead on their foreheads as they realized just how deep Alex''s control truly ran. The air in the room felt colder, and suddenly even heavier with the contents of their secrets were now that exposed.


    Alex''s voice broke through their rising panic. "So, do any of you still have complaints about the price in share value?" His question was calm, but the icy undertone made it clear he already knew the answer.


    "No, no! Not at all!" one shareholder quickly responded, his voice devoid of the earlier defiance.


    "I think the price is more than fair!" Another added, the tremor in his voice betraying his fear. They didn''t dare show a shred of resistance, their previous confidence replaced by a palpable dread.


    "Good. Then sign the papers," Alex said, his tone suddenly turning ice-cold. His sharp gaze swept over the group like a blade, cutting through their pretenses.


    His words were not just a command but a threat veiled in calm. As he added, "Or are you waiting for me to hand all this evidence over to the authorities?" the room seemed to shrink, the walls closing in with the weight of his words.


    "No, no! Please don''t!" one shareholder pleaded, his voice cracking with fear.


    "No¡­ No Alex, we''ll sign immediately!" another chimed in, desperation clear in his tone.


    Panic spread like wildfire among the remaining shareholders. Without another word of hesitation, they each grabbed their contracts, their pens moving frantically as they signed their names and pressed their seals. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The sound of pens scratching paper was the only noise in the otherwise silent room, save for the heavy breathing of those signing their fates away.


    As the scene unfolded, the onlookers employees in the room were utterly stunned. Whispers began to circulate among the observers.


    "Weren''t these shareholders so determined just a moment ago?" someone muttered under their breath, their voice tinged with disbelief.


    "Yeah, they were all about standing together. What happened? Now they''re scrambling to sign!" another onlooker whispered, shaking their head in amazement.


    "Look at them! They''re signing as if they can''t wait to get it over with," a third chimed in, eyes wide as they watched the once-proud shareholders fall from grace.


    The whispers grew louder as the crowd exchanged bewildered glances, the atmosphere charged with the shock of the turnaround.


    Hearing the murmurs around them, the shareholders kept their heads low, their faces flushed with embarrassment.


    None of them dared to meet anyone''s gaze. They slinked out of the room one by one, their postures hunched as if they were trying to disappear entirely.


    They knew all too well that Alex had been merciful. If he had chosen to report their wrongdoings to the authorities, they wouldn''t just lose their shares.


    They''d likely end up in rotten prison, facing years behind bars, with nothing left but shame. The mere thought of it sent shivers down their spines, their future suddenly dark and uncertain.


    Alex handed the thick folder of documents to Woolie, his trusted aide standing behind him, a silent witness to the power play.


    With deliberate slowness, he lifted his head to gaze at the towering headquarters of Reid Industries, its glass fa?ade glinting under the sun, reaching toward the clouds like a monument to his newfound dominion.


    He took a long drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling around him, adding to the air of mystery and control.


    Exhaling a plume of smoke into the crisp air, he murmured, his voice low but firm, "From now on, the Reid Industries will run under my command alone."


    The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to fall silent, acknowledging his victory.


    ''How good it feels¡­ when everything goes according to your plan!'' Alex thought as he relished the moment of victory.


    Just then, the sharp ringtone of his phone broke the stillness, cutting through the silence like a blade.


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


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    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 35 Lily!

    ''How good it feels¡­ when everything goes according to your plan!'' Alex thought as he relished the moment of victory.


    Just then, the sharp ringtone of his phone broke the stillness, cutting through the silence like a blade.


    Alex reached into his pocket, fishing out his phone. As he glanced at the screen, his brows furrowed slightly, a hint of surprise disrupting his otherwise composed face.


    "Lily?" he muttered, the name catching him off guard. His voice was a mix of curiosity and irritation.


    "What''s she calling me for all of a sudden?" he thought aloud. Curiosity flickered in his eyes as he swiped to answer the call.


    Lily was Alex''s half-sister, sharing the same father but born to different mothers. Growing up, the two barely had any interaction.


    Their relationship was distant at best, and their personalities were worlds apart. Of course, these minor details weren''t the main issue. The real problem lay in the original storyline.


    The protagonist of the novel, who was deeply family-oriented, had an unwavering sense of responsibility for his loved ones.


    This extended to his sister, whom he doted on excessively. Despite her unreasonable demands, he always indulged her without hesitation.


    However, Lily, being the villain''s sister, ended up entangled in the battle between Alex and the protagonist.


    Rather than supporting her brother, she inexplicably fell for the protagonist. Not only did she become hopelessly infatuated with him, but she also betrayed Alex.


    In the critical moments of the story, she provided crucial intelligence about Alex''s plans to the protagonist, effectively sabotaging her own brother.


    Her actions pushed Alex closer and closer to the edge, leaving him with no way out.


    Given this backstory, Alex had no fondness for his sister in this life. Normally, he wouldn''t even consider answering her call.


    But since the timeline hadn''t yet reached the point of their fallout, Alex decided to pick up. He needed to maintain his current knowledge of the plot and ensure nothing interfered with his plans.


    With a sigh, he pressed the answer button.


    "Alex! What are you doing?" Lily''s irritated voice came through as soon as the call connected. Her tone was sharp, filled with impatience.


    "Why did it take you so long to answer my call?" She demanded, her voice echoing slightly in the airport''s vast space.


    "Do you need something?" Alex''s voice was cold, devoid of emotion. He didn''t bother to hide his irritation.


    "I''m back from the abroad!" Lily announced with excitement. "Come pick me up at the airport! Hurry up¡ª"


    *Beep, beep, beep!*


    Before she could finish, Alex hung up on her. He rolled his eyes, muttering to himself, "Seriously? All that fuss for something like this? Can''t she just call a cab back from the airport? Did her legs stop working?"


    Mr. Waters, his butler, who stood nearby, asked hesitantly, "Sir, do you need me to arrange for someone to pick up Miss Lily?"


    "Pick her up? Why bother?" Alex scoffed. "She can do whatever the hell she wants. She can come back on her own. Let''s get back to work." With that, Alex strode into the company building, leaving the matter behind without a second thought.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, on the other end of the line, Lily was fuming. She glared at her phone as the busy tone echoed in her ears.


    "Alex, how dare you hang up on me!" she exclaimed, her face twisting with anger. "Just you wait! When I get there, I''ll make you pay for this!"


    Her rant was interrupted by the sudden ringing of her phone. Seeing the name on the screen, her fiery demeanor immediately softened.


    "Ethan?" she cooed, her voice turning sweet and delicate. "Why are you calling me, Ethan?" Lily asked, her voice calm but curious.


    "You''re worried about Rose?" she repeated, pausing for a moment. A flicker of unease crossed her face before she steadied her tone. "I understand. Leave it to me¡ªI''ll make sure she''s alright."


    "She''s still at Alex''s villa?" Her brows knitted in thought. "Alright, I''ll head there immediately."


    "Ethan, there''s no need for thanks." Her voice softened, though a trace of bitterness lingered. "As long as I can support you in any way, that''s all that matters to me."


    Once the call ended, Lily''s expression hardened, her previous composure giving way to frustration.


    "Rose is important to him," she murmured. "Alex, you''ve crossed a line. Whatever grudge you hold, it''s not Rose''s burden to bear. This can''t go unaddressed."


    With quiet determination, Lily grabbed her bag and signaled for a cab. There was no time to waste.


    Making up her mind, Lily didn''t even bother waiting for Alex to come to the airport, not like he was going to come. Instead, she stopped a cab and headed straight for Alex''s villa.


    ¡­.


    Back at the company, Alex remained aware of Lily''s intentions. After finishing his work, he returned home.


    As he drove past the villa gate, he noticed Rose still kneeling there. Without sparing her a single glance, he passed by as if she didn''t exist.


    Once inside the estate, he addressed his butler.


    "Waters, how much time until 5 p.m.?" Alex asked.


    "Ten minutes, sir," Mr. Waters replied promptly.


    "Good." Alex''s tone was as cold as ever. "If Rose hasn''t returned the Two Hundred Million by then, call the authorities. I want her arrested and thrown in a rotten place."


    "Yes, sir," Mr. Waters nodded, his expression respectful but firm.


    ¡­. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On the other side of town, having received a direct call for help from Ethan, Lily rode in haste to the gates of Alex''s villa.


    As she arrived, her eyes immediately locked onto Rose, who was still kneeling at the entrance. Her clothes were dusted with dirt, her delicate figure trembling slightly in the cold wind. The pitiful sight struck a nerve in Lily, and her expression darkened with anger.


    "Alex, you''ve gone too far this time!" She muttered under her breath, her tone seething with frustration.


    In just a few quick strides, Lily reached Rose''s side and bent down to help her up.


    ¡ª


    Magic Castle ???? = 5 Bonus Chapter.


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 36 Lilys Mistake!

    "Alex, you''ve gone too far this time!" She muttered under her breath, her tone seething with frustration.


    In just a few quick strides, Lily reached Rose''s side and bent down to help her up.


    "Who are you?" Rose asked hesitantly, her voice soft but cautious. She looked at Lily''s face, noticing the faint resemblance to Alex. A glimmer of hope flickered in her eyes as if she had grasped onto a lifeline.


    "I''m Alex''s sister," Lily explained, her tone firm but laced with concern. "What are you doing kneeling out here?"


    "Alex''s sister?" Rose''s face lit up with sudden excitement, as if she''d found the one person who could mediate. She gripped Lily''s arm tightly.


    "Does this mean Alex has forgiven me? Please, tell him I''m willing to do anything if he''ll take me back! I''ve been kneeling here for so long, but he still won''t come out to see me. I''m begging you, please help me!" Her voice cracked, filled with desperation.


    Lily froze for a moment, taken aback by Rose''s words. Then her brows furrowed in disbelief.


    Lily stared at Rose, her disbelief evident in her furrowed brows. "You''re still trying to get back with Alex?" she asked, her tone measured but sharp, as if trying to make sense of what she''d just heard.


    Rose nodded hesitantly, her expression earnest.


    Taking a steadying breath, Lily crossed her arms. "Rose, are you even aware of what you''re doing?" she asked, her voice calmer now but firm. "Ethan went out of his way to ensure you''d be protected, yet here you are, groveling at Alex''s feet. Do you understand the position this puts him in?"


    Rose blinked, clearly confused. "Ethan?" she repeated, the name unfamiliar on her lips.


    Lily''s eyes narrowed, her patience wearing thin. "Yes, Ethan," she said firmly. "The man who has been looking out for you all this time. And yet, you don''t even know his name?" Her words carried both incredulity and disappointment.


    "I¡­ I don''t understand," Rose admitted, her voice uncertain.


    Lily straightened, her posture radiating quiet authority. "Ethan has taken risks to ensure your safety and wellbeing. The least you can do is stop fixating on someone who''s already made it clear he doesn''t care about you," she said, her words deliberate. "Instead of kneeling here, think about what you''re doing to yourself. Think about the people who genuinely care about you."


    Rose bit her lip, the weight of Lily''s words finally sinking in. "I¡­ I didn''t know," she said quietly, lowering her gaze.


    "Now you do," Lily replied, her voice softening. "I won''t stand by and let anyone take advantage of Ethan''s goodwill¡ªnot even you. If Alex has wronged you, I''ll confront him, but you need to start respecting yourself and the people who are truly in your corner."


    Without waiting for Rose''s response, Lily extended her hand. "Come on. Let''s get you cleaned up and sort this out."


    Without giving Rose a chance to respond, Lily grabbed her wrist and pulled her to her feet.


    "Come with me," Lily said decisively, her grip firm. "I''m going to settle this with Alex right now."


    Rose stumbled slightly as Lily dragged her along, her mind still reeling from the whirlwind of accusations and declarations. She didn''t know who she was talking about or why Lily seemed so adamant about protecting her, but she didn''t dare to argue.


    Although Rose found Lily''s earlier words strange and difficult to follow, the latter part of her statement was crystal clear¡ªLily intended to help her confront Alex and seek justice. This realization filled Rose with an uncontainable sense of relief and joy.


    "Let''s go! Follow me!" Lily said decisively, her tone leaving no room for objection.


    With Lily leading the way, Rose trailed behind her, and the two headed straight inside the villa.


    When they reached at the gate of Alex''s villa, Lily didn''t waste a second. She stood at the front gate and shouted, "Alex! Get down here right now!" Her voice echoed through the quiet neighborhood.


    "Did you not hear me? I said get down here!" she bellowed again, her impatience clearly showing.


    Inside the villa, Alex furrowed his brows as Lily''s shouting reached his ears. He glanced toward the window, his expression cold and indifferent. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ignoring the commotion, he continued what he was doing, seemingly unbothered by the noise.


    However, Lily wasn''t one to back down easily. After shouting for a while with no response, her frustration boiled over. She placed her hands on her hips, took a step back, and began kicking the gate.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The sound of her kicks reverberated loudly thepugh the surroundings and she continued to do so.


    "Alex, get out here this instant!" she yelled furiously between kicks.


    She didn''t stop there. Her voice grew louder and sharper as her anger escalated. "Why did you make Rose kneel outside at the entrance of the villa? Are you out of your mind? Don''t you know she''s someone Ethan cares about?"


    Her declaration was loud enough to carry through the entire complex. Curious residents peeked out of their windows, their attention now fully drawn to the escalating scene.


    "Do you think you''re invincible or something?" Lily shouted, her voice dripping with disdain. "How dare you treat Ethan''s woman like this! Get down here and apologize to her right now!"


    Inside the villa, the commotion hadn''t gone unnoticed. As the noise grew louder, Mr. Waters, Alex''s long-time butler, decided to intervene. He walked briskly to the door and stepped outside, his demeanor calm but firm.


    "Miss Lily," he began, bowing slightly, "please understand that Sir Alex is currently occupied with important matters. I kindly ask that you lower your voice and avoid disturbing him."


    "Occupied?!" Lily''s voice rose, her anger flaring. "Do you even know who I am? I''m his sister! Get out of my way!"


    "Forgive me, Miss Lily, but I cannot allow you to enter without the Sir Alex permission," The butler intervened and replied, his tone polite but unwavering.


    Lily''s patience snapped. Her eyes narrowed, and she took a menacing step forward. "MOVE. NOW."


    When Mr. Waters didn''t budge, Lily''s fury erupted. "You think you''re something special, huh?" she spat. "Fine, if you won''t move, then I''ll make you!"


    Without warning, Lily raised her hand and slapped Mr. Waters across the face.


    Smack!


    The sound of the slap echoed in the air. A bright red handprint instantly appeared on Mr. Waters weathered cheek, but he remained rooted in place, his expression calm despite the humiliation.


    "Are you going to move now?" Lily demanded, her voice dripping with anger.


    Mr. Waters didn''t flinch. He stood firm, silently enduring her outburst.


    Seeing his defiance, Lily''s temper flared even hotter. "Still not moving? Fine, let''s try this again!"


    Smack!


    ¡ª


    Magic Castle ???? = 5 Bonus Chapters


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.


    Lily''s fiery determination left no room for negotiation. Whatever her plan was, Rose could only follow along and hope it wouldn''t escalate further.

 Chapter 37 Slap her back!

    Seeing his defiance, Lily''s temper flared even hotter. "Still not moving? Fine, let''s try this again!"


    Smack!


    The second slap landed on the opposite cheek, leaving another vivid red mark. Yet, Mr. Waters still refused to yield.


    "Are you deaf?" Lily growled. "I said move!"


    Despite the pain and humiliation, Mr. Waters remained silent, his resolve unshaken.


    Just as Lily raised her hand for another strike, a deep, icy voice rang out. "Enough!"


    The sound stopped Lily in her tracks. She turned to see Alex descending the stairs, his expression as cold as a storm and clear irritation in his eyes.


    In truth, Alex had started making his way downstairs after the first slap. However, the moment he saw Lily strike Mr. Waters a second time, his gaze slapped, and his anger became palpable.


    Walking up to Mr. Waters, Alex placed a hand on the older man''s shoulder, his voice softening as he asked, "Are you alright, Mr. Waters? I''m sorry because of me¡­" but before he could...


    Mr. Waters, moved by the concern in Alex''s eyes, shook his head. "Sir, I''m fine. And you should not be apologising to me instead it should be me that should be apologising¡­ I apologize for not handling the situation better."


    Alex''s gaze lingered on the red marks on Mr. Waters''s face, his jaw tightening. Though the butler''s words were humble, Alex couldn''t suppress the anger simmering beneath the surface.


    "You''ve done nothing wrong," Alex said firmly, his voice carrying an unyielding authority. "From now on, no one is allowed to lay a hand on you¡ªno one¡­ not even me."


    The warmth in Alex''s words stirred a deep sense of loyalty in Mr. Waters, even as he felt guilty for causing trouble. "Sir¡­ Thank you¡­ for such Kind Words¡­" he murmured, bowing his head.


    "No¡­ there is no need to apologise for such matters¡­ instead I should have prevented something like this."


    Lily stood to the side, her expression twisting in fury as she watched Alex descend the stairs.


    And talking to some servant and not her. Clearly ignoring her for some mere servant. He should be facing her right now¡­ yet, instead of addressing her directly, his first concern was for Mr. Waters, his faithful servant. This disregard only fueled her anger.


    "Alex!" she snapped, her voice laced with impatience. "I''m talking to you! Are you deaf, or are you just ignoring me?"


    Her words went unanswered. Alex inspected Mr. Waters''s injuries with calm precision, his expression darkening with each passing moment. Finally, he spoke, his voice carrying a chilling authority.


    "Mr. Waters, whoever hit you¡ªreturn the favor. Exactly as they did to you." Alex said, looking at Lily. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What did you just say?" Lily''s disbelief was palpable, her voice rising in shock.


    "You''d hit me, your own sister, over a mere servant?" she exclaimed, incredulous. "Am I hearing this right?"


    Even Mr. Waters, who had long served by Alex''s side, was stunned by this order.


    "Sir¡­" he began, his tone uncertain, as though questioning whether he had heard correctly.


    Alex''s gaze sharpened, his voice turning colder. "Do it. Hit her back."


    Mr. Waters hesitated for only a moment before nodding. Turning toward Lily, he raised his hand, and with a swift motion¡­


    Smack!


    A crisp slap echoed through the room.


    Lily staggered slightly, her cheek instantly reddening from the force of the blow. Her eyes widened in disbelief. This¡­ this was unprecedented.


    In the past, no matter how outrageous her behavior, Alex would never lay a hand on her. But today¡­


    "Thank you, Sir," Mr. Waters murmured, his voice trembling with emotion.


    The warmth in his chest was overwhelming. For years, he had served the Reid family without complaint, enduring countless slights in silence.


    Never had he expected Alex to stand up for him¡ªespecially not against his own sister.


    But this time, Alex had proven otherwise.


    Lily finally snapped out of her daze, clutching her reddened cheek. Her voice rose in an enraged screech. "Alex, you''re insane! You had him hit me¡ªfor a servant?!"


    "Servant?" Alex''s tone was calm, but the underlying edge was sharp enough to cut. "He''s more loyal than you''ve ever been."


    Then, without sparing Lily a glance, he issued another command.


    "Mr. Waters, from what I heared it wasn''t just one slap¡­ hit her again." Alex said or more like order him and likely Mr. Waters hesitated no longer.


    Smack!


    The sound echoed again, louder this time.


    "Not hard enough. Do it again," Alex ordered, his expression unchanging.


    Smack!


    Another slap landed.


    "Nah¡­ nah nah nah the angle was a little but off. Do it again but with the right angle."


    Smack!


    "You''re holding back Waters. Use more force."


    Smack!


    "The posture isn''t right. Try again."


    Smack!


    "Again."


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    Time after time, Mr. Waters followed Alex''s instructions, each slap ringing louder than the last. By the end, Lily''s once-pristine face was swollen and red, her cheeks puffed up like a pig''s snout.


    Mr. Waters''s hand trembled with pain from the repeated strikes, his palm red and raw. Yet, every time Alex issued a command, he obeyed without hesitation.


    Meanwhile, Lily stood frozen, her pride and dignity shattered alongside her composure. Tears welled in her eyes, but her anger rendered her speechless.


    "Enough," Alex finally said, his tone calm but cold.


    Mr. Waters stepped back, lowering his hand. His gaze was filled with gratitude, yet a trace of guilt lingered as he glanced at Lily.


    Alex turned his piercing gaze toward Lily, his voice cutting through the heavy silence. "Remember this, Lily. I won''t tolerate anyone disrespecting the people loyal to me, especially someone who is here for me rather than even my own family¡ªnot even you. If you can''t grasp that, then don''t bother showing your face to me or here ever again."


    Lily''s lips quivered, but she said nothing. She turned and stormed off, her steps heavy with humiliation.


    Behind her, Mr. Waters bowed deeply to Alex, his voice thick with emotion. "Sir, thank you for standing up for me¡­"


    Alex''s gaze softened slightly as he responded, "You''ve earned it, Mr. Waters. You were always by my side no matter the circumstances. And I won''t allow anyone to trample over you¡ªnot even my own FAMILY."


    ¡ª


    Magic Castle ???? = 5 Bonus Chapters


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 38 Its Time Now!

    After comforting Mr. Waters Alex turned towards Lily who was storming off like a thief, Alex shouted at her not letting her off that easily.


    "And where do you think you are going?" Alex shouted at Lily from behind. Lily stopped midstop, she didn''t even cross the gate which she came from Rose by her side.


    Of course Rose wasn''t storming off like Lily she stayed behind as she was inside the villa now.


    "I''m not done yet." Alex looked at Lily with his cold and calm eyes.


    Lily just didn''t and couldn''t able to grasp the whole situation. She could accept her face being slapped until it swelled like a pig''s head¡ªthat wasn''t what shocked her the most.


    What truly baffled her was how Alex, the brother who had once been utterly obedient to her, had completely changed. The man who used to comply with her every whim, no matter how unreasonable, now seemed cold, distant, and untouchable.


    Lily couldn''t comprehend it.


    Meanwhile, Rose stood frozen nearby, paralyzed by what she had just witnessed. Her carefully rehearsed words, meant to win over Alex, evaporated from her mind in an instant.


    When the slapping show was hapoening¡­


    "Speak," Alex finally said, his cold voice breaking the silence.


    Mr. Waters stepped back respectfully, positioning himself behind Alex.


    "I¡­" Lily stammered, clutching her swollen cheek. Words escaped her, her mind blank. She had been so utterly stunned by what had happened that she no longer knew what to say.


    This brief pause gave Rose the opening she needed.


    Realizing her chance, she took a step forward, her voice trembling but determined.


    "Alex, I know I was wrong!" she pleaded.


    "I shouldn''t have treated you the way I did before. Please¡­ give me another chance. I''ll do anything to make it right!" Her tone softened, growing almost pitiful.


    "I promise to go along with whatever you want. You can do whatever you like, and I won''t ask for a monthly allowance of a million anymore. Half will be enough." Her gaze flickered with hope as she continued.


    "Also, I won''t treat you like a backup anymore. I''ll make sure you''re my top priority. Just don''t take back the ask for those things you gave me, and please¡­ don''t sever the Winter family''s business ties with your company." Her voice grew quieter, almost a whisper.


    "Can''t we go back to the way things were?"


    Rose thought she had made a massive concession, enough for Alex to relent. Surely, with her ''generous'' offer, he wouldn''t refuse her.


    On the side, Lily stood frozen, her mind reeling at the absurdity of the situation.


    ''Didn''t Ethan say Rose was his woman?'' Lily muttered to herself in disbelief. ''Then why is she begging Alex like this?''


    Alex listened to Rose''s words in silence, his expression unreadable.


    After a moment, he let out a quiet, almost mocking chuckle. "Even now¡­ you still think you''re in the position to bargain with me?" he said coldly, his gaze sharp enough to pierce through her remaining confidence.


    "Unbelievable." He didn''t bother explaining further. There was no point in reasoning with someone so¡­ DELUSIONAL.


    Alex''s eyes flicked to the clock on the wall before returning to Rose.


    "Enough with the pointless nonsense," he said, his tone like ice. "You''ve got ten minutes left until five o''clock. If I were you, I''d start preparing the money."


    Without sparing her another glance, Alex turned his back to Rose and walked away, his back straight and unyielding.


    "Alex, you¡ª!"Rose''s expression twisted as her pleas fell on deaf ears. Realizing there was no hope left, her frustration boiled over into fury. The mask of humility she had worn moments ago shattered, revealing the venom beneath.


    Her voice turned sharp, her face contorted with anger.


    "Alex! You ungrateful fucking bastard!" Her hands clenched into fists as she let her rage spill out.


    "Back then, when you were groveling at my feet like a dog, I only ignored you! Was that really so unforgivable?" She took a step forward, her tone dripping with malice.


    "And now you''re turning the tables on me? Fine! Let me tell you something, Alex. I''m not giving you a single cent of that Two Hundred Millions!" Her voice grew louder, harsher, her eyes glinting with spite.


    "Not only that, but I''m going to expose you. I''ll make sure the entire world sees the pathetic things you did while chasing after me. Everyone in the city will know that the mighty CEO of the Reid Industries was nothing but a lowly simp!" She smirked, her words laced with venom.


    "You want to humiliate me? I''ll make sure you''re the one who''s left with no face to show in this city!" Her hateful outburst filled the room, but Alex didn''t flinch. He paused in his steps, turning back to glance at her.


    His calm demeanor only served to heighten Rose''s fury, but it was clear¡ªher words held no weight to him anymore.


    The storm brewing within Rose finally exploded. Her composure shattered, and she pointed at Alex, unleashing a barrage of insults with the ferocity of a scorned woman. Her voice was loud, sharp, and filled with unrestrained fury.


    Alex heard her rant but didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he came to a stop and turned his attention to Mr. Waters, his trusted butler.


    "Waters, what time is it?" Alex asked, his tone calm but carrying an undercurrent of finality.


    The ever so ready butler glanced at his watch and replied, "Sir, it''s five minutes to five. The authorities have already been contacted. They should arrive any moment now."


    As if waiting for just this moment, several officers clad in official uniforms stepped onto the scene. The leader, a composed man with a no-nonsense demeanor, walked up to Rose, flashing his credentials ID. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ms. Rose," he began in a steady tone. "We''ve received a report that you are implicated in misappropriation of a significant amount of personal property. Furthermore, you''ve failed to comply with multiple warnings to return it. Please cooperate and come with us."


    Rose, who had been brimming with confidence just moments ago, froze in her tracks. Her smug expression twisted into disbelief as she gawked at the officers.


    "Alex, are you serious?" she stammered, her voice faltering. "You''re really going to send me to Prison?"


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


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    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 39 New Mission!

    "Alex, are you serious?" she stammered, her voice faltering. "You''re really going to send me to Prison?"


    As to ask the same question Lily too raised her voice like she forgot the slaps she had just received a few seconds ago.


    "Alex, are you serious?" Lily''s voice trembled as she stared at him in disbelief. "You''re really going to send her to jail?"


    Alex didn''t answer. Instead, he gave a small nod to the officers standing nearby. Without hesitation, one of them stepped forward, pulling out a pair of handcuffs.


    "Wait¡ªno!" Rose gasped, her voice rising in panic. But it was too late. The cold metal snapped tightly around her wrists. She froze, too stunned to resist as the officers began leading her away.


    "Take her," the officer in charge said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.


    Rose stumbled as she was escorted out, her face pale and drained of its usual confidence.


    The haughty, sharp look she always carried had vanished, replaced by pure disbelief and fear. She looked like a shadow of herself, hollow and defeated.


    Alex glanced at his watch as she disappeared from sight. The faintest smirk tugged at his lips. "Five o''clock sharp," he murmured, almost to himself. "Right on time."


    Lily stood frozen, rooted to the spot as if the air around her had turned to stone. Her eyes darted between the empty doorway and Alex''s unreadable face. Her lips moved as if she wanted to speak, but no words came.


    Then Alex turned his gaze to her. His cold, sharp eyes pierced through her like ice, making her shiver.


    "Still standing here?" he asked, his voice calm but carrying a weight that made her knees weak. "Or do you want to join her in prison?"


    Lily''s heart sank, and a chill ran down her spine. "W-What?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. She could barely breathe under the pressure of his words. Panic surged through her, and before she could think, her feet moved on their own.


    She spun around, stumbling as she rushed out of the villa. Her legs felt shaky, barely able to carry her as she fled. The cold evening air hit her face like a slap when she finally made it to the gates of the villa complex.


    Leaning against the wall for support, Lily clutched her chest, gasping for air. Her hands trembled as she tried to steady herself, but the scene she''d just witnessed played over and over in her mind.


    ''How could he do this?" she whispered, her voice tight with anger and disbelief. "Has Alex lost all sense? Sending Rose to prison¡ªdoes he even understand what this means to Ethan?''


    Her fingers curled into fists, trembling as her nails pressed into her palms. The initial shock had faded, leaving a fire burning in its place. Her mind raced, but one thought stood out clearly: this couldn''t end here.


    Without a second thought, she pulled out her phone. Her fingers trembled as she dialed a number she knew by heart. The line rang once, twice, and then connected.


    "Lily?" Ethan''s steady voice came through, warm and filled with concern. "What''s wrong? Why are you calling so late?"


    "Ethan!" Lily''s voice cracked as she spoke, her emotions spilling out. "It''s Rose! Alex had her arrested! He just sent her to prison like she''s nothing!"


    Ethan''s tone immediately shifted, his calm turning into alarm. "What? Rose is in prison? Why? What happened?"


    "I don''t know!" Lily cried, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "He didn''t even hesitate! He just¡ªhe just handed her over like she was some criminal!"


    There was a pause on the other end of the line, but Lily could hear Ethan''s sharp intake of breath, the tension in his silence.


    "What?!" Ethan''s tone sharpened, his usual calmness replaced by a cold edge. "Tell me everything that happened."


    Lily quickly recounted the series of events, including how Alex had ordered Rose''s arrest. She even mentioned Alex allowing his butler to retaliate when she had stepped out of line.


    "And then¡­ he didn''t care about anything! Not about Rose, not even about me being his sister!" she finished, her voice rising with emotion.


    "Thank you for telling me," Ethan said, his tone softening slightly. "Are you all right?"


    "I''m fine," Lily assured him, her anger momentarily replaced by warmth at his concern. "It doesn''t hurt. Don''t worry about me."


    A pause followed before Lily clenched her phone tightly, determination flaring in her eyes. "Ethan, I can''t let Alex treat Rose this way. It''s unacceptable. You care about her, and I can''t stand by while he does this to her!"


    "What do you mean?" Ethan asked cautiously, but Lily''s resolve was already set.


    "I''ll help you take him down," Lily declared. "I know Alex inside and out. I''ll give you everything¡ªinternal company data, secrets, every weakness he has! With this, you''ll make him and his entire company pay the price."


    Her words carried a burning determination, and in her heart, she had already committed to her plan.


    Lily was still meticulously planning to steal internal documents from Reid Industries. Her sole aim? To prove her loyalty and devotion to Ethan Carter.


    Meanwhile, Alex Reid sat at home, calmly reflecting on the unfolding events.


    "If I follow the plot''s trajectory¡­" Alex mused, leaning back in his chair, "¡­Lily''s next move will be falling under Ethan Carter''s charm. She''ll steal critical internal documents from Reid Industries, exposing our bidding strategies. That, in turn, allows Ethan to leverage the information and ruthlessly suppress the company''s growth and expansion."


    He tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, his expression unreadable. "The plot''s already been altered to some degree. But the question remains¡­ will Lily still sneak into the company and attempt to steal those documents?"


    As Alex pondered, the familiar sound of the system''s notification rang in his mind.


    [Ding!]


    [Detected: Host''s sister has initiated plans to steal internal company documents.]


    [Mission: Protect company files from theft.]


    [Mission Reward: Advanced Hacker Skills!]


    Alex chuckled softly, a trace of sarcasm in his voice. "So, things are still going according to the original storyline, huh?"


    He leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "System, let me confirm something. As long as I prevent the internal documents from being leaked¡ªno matter the method¡ªit counts as completing the mission, right?"


    System Chimed in his mind and answered with its mechanical voice.


    [Correct. Any successful method of protecting company interests will be considered task completion.]


    ¡ª


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    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 40 A Secret Plan!

    System Chimed in his mind and answered with its mechanical voice.


    [Correct. Any successful method of protecting company interests will be considered task completion.]


    Hearing the system''s confirmation, Alex smiled faintly. "In that case, this should be simple."


    He straightened up and called out, "Mr. Waters."


    The elderly butler appeared promptly, bowing slightly. "Yes, Sir. Do you need something?"


    Alex handed a stack of thick documents to him. "Take these and place them in the safe in my office."


    Mr. Waters accepted the files without question. "Understood."


    "After that," Alex added, "I want you to arrange for someone to monitor Lily''s movements around the xx : xx clock. If she tries to access my office, pretend you didn''t notice and let her proceed without interference."


    A flicker of understanding crossed Mr. Waters'' face, and he nodded. "I understand. I''ll make the arrangements immediately." He then turned and left with the documents in hand.


    ¡­.


    On the other side of the city, Lily was still riding the high of her phone call with Ethan Carter. She was determined to win his praise as soon as possible. Without wasting a moment, she set off for Reid Industries.


    Despite her earlier confrontation with Alex at the villa, word of their argument hadn''t reached the company yet. Everyone there still believed Lily was cherished by Alex.


    "Good day, Miss Lily!"


    "Good day, Miss Lily!"


    "Hello, Miss Lily!"


    Staff members greeted her warmly as she walked past, their expressions full of respect. To them, Lily was the beloved younger sister of their boss, and no one dared treat her poorly.


    With no obstacles in her way, Lily easily reached Alex''s office. She stood before the safe, her heart pounding with excitement.


    Back when Alex had trusted her completely, he had shared the safe''s password with her. Little did he know that the sister he trusted most would one day betray him so deeply.


    Lily entered the password confidently, and the safe clicked open. Inside was a thick stack of documents. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she carefully removed them.


    "These are Reid Industries'' future development plans!" she whispered, her hands trembling slightly. The weight of the papers felt like a tangible symbol of power.


    "With these, Ethan will have everything he needs to crush my brother''s company!" A triumphant smile spread across her face as she pictured Ethan praising her. "He''ll definitely see me as incredible once I hand these over¡­"


    The thought of Ethan''s approval filled Lily with joy and anticipation. She didn''t spare a single thought for what would happen to Alex. In her mind, his downfall was a small price to pay for earning Ethan Carter''s admiration.


    Carefully packing the stolen documents into her bag, Lily glanced around to ensure no one had seen her. Once she was certain the coast was clear, she turned and headed for the door. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, just as she reached the exit, she froze. Standing there was Mr. Waters, his posture straight, his expression unreadable.


    "Good day, Miss," Mr. Waters greeted her in a tone devoid of any warmth or emotion.


    The sudden encounter startled Lily, and her heart nearly leapt out of her chest. She froze momentarily, but as she observed Mr. Waters'' impassive face, she realized he didn''t seem to suspect her. Quickly regaining her composure, her tone shifted into irritation.


    "Why are you standing here so sneakily?" she snapped. "Trying to scare me to death or something?"


    She scolded Mr. Waters without a second thought, brushing past him with an air of superiority. Her pace quickened as she walked away, eager to escape the building unnoticed.


    From his spot by the door, Mr. Waters quietly watched Lily''s figure disappear down the hallway. Once she was out of sight, he took out his phone and made a call.


    "Sir," Mr. Waters reported, his voice steady and professional, "as per your instructions, I didn''t stop Miss Lily. From the moment she entered the office to when she left, no one interfered with her. She''s taken the confidential documents from your safe." He paused for a moment before adding, "Do you want me to call the authorities?"


    A chuckle came from the other end of the line. Alex''s voice was calm, yet there was an edge to it.


    "So, she went through with it after all," Alex remarked, his tone laced with a cold amusement. "No, don''t call the authorities. Pretend nothing happened. Let the company run as usual."


    "Understood, sir." Mr. Waters ended the call but couldn''t help pondering his employer''s actions. "Why didn''t he stop her? Is it because he still can''t bring himself to go that far?"


    Though he would never question Alex''s orders out loud, the question lingered in his mind.


    What Mr. Waters didn''t know was that Alex wasn''t hesitating out of sentimentality¡ªfar from it. He had already devised a plan, one that extended far beyond simply stopping Lily.


    "She betrayed me," Alex muttered to himself, leaning back in his chair as he lit a cigarette. "She took my files and is probably handing them over to the so-called protagonist right now." He exhaled a long trail of smoke, his expression indifferent.


    "Calling the cops would be letting my dear sister off too easily," Alex mused, his tone cold.


    He took another drag of the cigarette, his mind racing as he calculated his next moves.


    "Lily¡­ you''ve siphoned at least ten million from me over the years, haven''t you? All those deposits, all those ''emergencies'' you needed help with." He chuckled to himself. "And now, you''re using that money to try and bring me down?"


    His eyes narrowed, and his expression turned razor-sharp.


    "Why waste all that money on him? Wouldn''t it be better if it all came back to me? I''ll take what''s mine and then some."


    Alex tapped the ash off the end of his cigarette, his lips curling into a smirk.


    "Just wait, Lily. You''ve made your move, and now it''s my turn."


    ¡ª


    Magic Castle ???? = 5 Bonus Chapters


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 41 Two Choices!

    Before sending Lily to prison, Alex had one last thing to take care of¡ªrecovering the Millions of dollars she had gotten from him over the years.


    Fortunately, he already had a plan.


    "But to get my hands on that money," he murmured, gripping the steering wheel tightly, "I need to find someone first."


    Without wasting any time, Alex grabbed his car keys and strode out of his penthouse, his polished leather shoes clicking against the marble floors. His expression was calm, but his sharp gaze was locked on something important.


    The person he was looking for was Liam full name Liam Jensen.


    In the Novel original storyline, Liam had been one of the protagonists aka Ethan Carter''s one of the rarest assets¡ªa brilliant businessman and a visionary developer. Most of Ethan''s commercial empire had been built on Liam''s talent alone in the novel.


    There was no way Alex was going to let someone like that fall into Ethan''s hands just like it did in the novel. More importantly, Liam was the key to draining Lily''s money.


    "In the original plot of the novel, Ethan only found Liam after he''d already started his own company. Right now, he should still be struggling in the slums," Alex muttered under his breath, pressing down on the accelerator.


    As he drove, he pulled out his phone and made a call. "Waters, go to the city hospital, room 308," he instructed. "Speak with the hospital director and have the patient moved to a VIP room, if not have them move to one of the hospitals under our company."


    A pause. Then, his voice softened just a little. "Make sure they get the best medical care available for the patient. No expenses should be spared."


    "Understood, Sir," Mr. Waters didn''t know what Alex was doing or why he was doing this but nonetheless he replied immediately confirming he received the order.


    Hanging up, Alex turned his focus back to the road, maneuvering his black expensive car through the winding streets.


    The sleek, polished vehicle looked completely out of place as he entered one of the city''s poorest neighborhoods.


    The roads were cracked, the buildings old and dilapidated, their walls stained with graffiti and the crack from the time.


    The moment his car came to a stop, dozens of curious eyes turned in his direction. Some were wary, others intrigued. People in this part of the city didn''t see cars like his very often¡ªespecially not one with tinted windows and a presence that exuded¡­ charm and wealth.


    Alex ignored them.


    Stepping out of the car, he adjusted the cuff of his tailored suit and walked straight into a run-down apartment building.


    The air inside was thick with the scent of damp wood and old concrete. The dim hallway lights flickered, casting long shadows against the cracked walls.


    Alex climbed the creaking staircase to the third floor, his footsteps echoing in the silence.


    At the end of the hallway, he stopped in front of a worn-out wooden door. The faded number on it barely clung to the surface.


    Knock. Knock.


    The door creaked open a few inches, revealing a middle-aged man with tired eyes and a gaunt face.


    He looked exhausted, his features lined with the weight of unspoken struggles. In his hands, he held a dented food container, the smell of cheap broth wafting through the doorway.


    Alex met his gaze unflinchingly.


    "Liam Jensen." Alex asked, confirming he really was the one he was looking for or not. Though the knowledge he have from the novel he is the one he is looking for.


    The man''s fingers tightened around the food container as he hesitated, his wary eyes scanning Alex''s face.


    "Who are you?" Liam asked, voice low and cautious. Though he confirmed with his actions and dialogues that he was indeed Liam Jensen he was looking for.


    Alex smiled faintly. "Good. I found the right person."


    Without waiting for an invitation, he took a step forward, his presence filling the small doorway.


    Liam stiffened slightly. Everything about this man¡ªthe way he carried himself, the effortless confidence in his posture, the expensive fabric of his suit¡ªscreamed wealth and power. He didn''t belong here.


    "You know me?" Liam asked, his voice edged with suspicion.


    Alex smirked. "Not just know you¡ªI know everything about you."


    Liam''s body tensed.


    "I know your mother is gravely ill," Alex continued, his voice calm but deliberate. "I know you gave up your own company to take care of her. I know you''ve been working yourself to the bone just to pay her medical bills."


    Liam''s grip on the food container tightened until his knuckles turned white.


    "How do you know all that?" His voice was sharper now, defensive. "Who the hell are you?"


    Alex finally introduced himself.


    "Alex Reid. CEO of Reid Industries."


    Liam''s eyes widened slightly.


    "Reid Industries¡­" Of course, he had heard of it. Even in the darkest corners of the city, people knew the name. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Reid Industries was ''one'' of the most powerful Industries in the city¡ªa company built on ruthless ambition and sheer business acumen.


    Liam exhaled slowly, his mind racing.


    Why would someone tycoon like Alex Reid come looking for him?


    Liam Jensen tightened his grip on the dented food container, his mind racing. The man before him wasn''t just anyone¡ªhe was Alex Reid, one of the most powerful businessman in the city. Liam had seen his name in newspapers, on television, associated with billion-dollar deals.


    And yet, here he was, standing in a dimly lit hallway of a run-down apartment building, in front of a man who had nothing.


    Liam''s voice was wary. "What do you want from me?" he was wary as to why someone of this stature would come to a place like this and to be more precise for him.


    Alex didn''t bother with small talk. His sharp gaze locked onto Liam''s. "I''ll make this simple." His tone was calm, precise¡ªcutting straight to the heart of the matter. "I''m here to give you two choices."


    ¡ª


    Magic Castle ???? = 5 Bonus Chapters


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


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    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 42 I Accept!

    Alex didn''t bother with small talk. His sharp gaze locked onto Liam''s. "I''ll make this simple." His tone was calm, precise¡ªcutting straight to the heart of the matter. "I''m here to give you two choices."


    Liam remained silent, but his body tensed. The weight of the moment pressed down on him, thick and suffocating like those in suspense drama.


    Alex glanced at the cheap food container in Liam''s hands.


    "Option one," he said smoothly. "Throw that away and come with me."


    Liam''s breath hitched.


    "From this moment on, you will work for me." Alex''s voice carried no hesitation, no room for argument. "I won''t waste your time with empty promises¡ªI''ll give you results."


    His next words sent a chill down Liam''s spine.


    "I''ll make sure your mother is admitted to the best hospital in the city. She''ll receive top-tier medical treatment." He paused deliberately, letting the weight of his words sink in.


    "That early-stage stomach cancer? I''ll make sure she has a 99.9% chance of a full recovery."


    "And it is 99.9% recovery, remember it is not 100%¡­ I''m not god."


    Silence.


    Liam''s fingers curled around the food container for support as he took in the words of Alex, his knuckles whitening.


    ''How did this man know about my mother''s illness? How much did he know about me? Or to be more precise ''WHY?'''' Were Liam thoughts at the moment.


    Alex met his gaze again, calmness in his eyes as he spoke again¡­


    "Or¡­" His voice lowered slightly, his words deliberate, unrelenting. "Your second option: You can keep walking down that hallway, pretending like this conversation never happened. Keep holding that lunchbox and go deliver food."


    His next words felt like a blade.


    "Two months from now, your mother''s condition will worsen. The cancer will spread, and there won''t be anything left to save."


    Liam''s breath came shallowly.


    His life had been a constant struggle¡ªday after day, hour after hour, scraping together just enough money to keep his mother''s treatments going. Every sleepless night, every backbreaking shift, every meal he skipped¡ªit had all been for her.


    And now, here stood a man offering to take that burden away with a single choice.


    Alex''s voice was calm, almost indifferent, but the weight behind his words was suffocating.


    "Make your choice."


    Liam Jensen felt his hands clench involuntarily.


    "You¡­ want me to work for you?" His voice was hoarse, struggling to process the sheer gravity of what was happening.


    He looked down at himself¡ªhis threadbare clothes, his scuffed shoes, the exhaustion that clung to his very being.


    Why would someone like Alex Reid¡ªa man at the top of the business world¡ªcare about him?


    Liam wasn''t even worth mentioning in the corporate world anymore. With his current situation, forget about Reid Industries¡ªhe wouldn''t even qualify for a struggling startup.


    Alex exhaled impatiently.


    "I don''t have time for pointless questions." His gaze bore into Liam''s. "Yes or no. Decide now."


    Liam''s chest tightened.


    He looked down at the lunchbox in his hands¡ªcold rice, cheap vegetables, the best he could afford. The only thing he could still do for his sick mother. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And for the first time, it felt utterly meaningless.


    His grip loosened.


    Then, without hesitation, he turned and threw the lunchbox off the balcony.


    It tumbled through the air, spilling its contents onto the cracked pavement below.


    Alex let out a low chuckle.


    "Good choice."


    He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, dialing a number with practiced ease.


    The line connected instantly.


    "Mr. Waters, is it done?"


    "Yes, Young Master. Everything is in place."


    Alex extended the phone toward Liam.


    "Take a look for yourself."


    Liam hesitated before accepting it.


    The screen flickered to life, showing a live video feed¡ªhis mother.


    But the setting was completely different from what he remembered.


    Gone was the dim, overcrowded hospital ward with flickering lights and peeling walls.


    Now, she lay in a pristine private suite, bathed in soft sunlight from wide, spotless windows. The air in the room looked fresh, clean.


    Nurses bustled around her, adjusting IVs and checking monitors with practiced efficiency. A team of doctors stood nearby, their white coats crisp, deep in discussion.


    Liam recognized some of them immediately. They weren''t just doctors. They were specialists. The kind he had seen on the news, their names come from week to week in news and newspaper about their achievements and how they saved patients.


    His breath caught in his throat.


    "Mom¡­?" His voice cracked. On the screen, his mother turned her head, her eyes lighting up when she saw him.


    "Liam!" Her voice was filled with relief and gratitude. "These people¡ªyour boss¡ªhe''s an incredible man!"


    "They transferred me to the best hospital, gave me a private room, and there are so many doctors checking on me."


    Her voice wavered slightly, thick with emotion. "Some of them¡­ I''ve seen on the news before. Real specialists!"


    She clutched at the hospital blanket, as if still struggling to believe it was real.


    "I don''t know how we''ll ever repay him."


    Liam swallowed hard, his throat tightening.


    His mother had spent her entire life giving to him. She had worked endlessly to raise him, sacrificing everything. And now¡ªfinally¡ªshe could receive something in return.


    He steadied his voice.


    "Don''t worry about that, Mom." His grip on the phone tightened. "Just focus on getting better."


    He ended the call and slowly lowered the phone. Then, with quiet resolve, he turned to Alex. A sharp exhale. A decision was made. Then, without hesitation, Liam dropped to his knees.


    "Thank you." His voice was steady, unwavering. "You saved my mother. From this moment on, I will work for you. No questions asked¡­ whatever you want me to do¡­ I will do it without any questions."


    A flicker of satisfaction passed through Alex''s eyes. He studied Liam for a moment, then exhaled, flicking the ash off his cigarette.


    "Get up." His voice was smooth, commanding. "We have work to do."


    (Note: How did Liam''s Mother know about Alex as Liam''s boss? Well Alex already knew he was gonna accept the offer and his butler already explained to Liam''s mother about him working in their company. Hence she knew)


    ¡ª


    Magic Castle ???? = 5 Bonus Chapters


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 43 JoySync!

    Liam was known for his hard work in the oroginal work who would do anything. After seeing Alex took care of his mother even before he said anything or accepted his offer, a sense of loyalty was instilled in Liam''s mind for Alex that as soon as he accepted the offer, he immediately switched to work mode.


    "Sir, what job do you have for me...?" Liam asked, his voice steady, revealing his readiness to dive into new challenges.


    "I can start right away!" He looked eager, his eyes almost sparkling with anticipation and loyalty like he really can do anything.


    Liam''s eyes and his words made Alex chuckle, impressed by his loyalty drive.


    "Good, you''re just the person I need!" Alex said, his smile broadening, feeling confident in his choice.


    "Okay, let''s not waste time..." Alex''s tone turned serious, focusing on the task at hand.


    "Go and start a new company now. The Reid Industries will give you all the money you need for your research and data!" Alex explained, clapping Liam on the shoulder, signaling trust in his abilities.


    "While you''re doing your research, you''ll also be the CEO of this new company!" Alex added, watching Liam''s expression for any sign of surprise or doubt.


    "Starting a new company...?" Liam''s brows furrowed slightly, trying to piece together the plan.


    "With money from the Reid Industries?" His voice carried a hint of confusion, but his mind was racing.


    "Sir, do you want me to make a fake company?" Liam speculated, his quick mind catching up to Alex''s intentions. "Are you planning to take money from somewhere using this fake company?" He asked, his tone cautious, not fully understanding yet but eager to clarify.


    Liam, being smart in business, understood Alex''s plan right away. Alex nodded, his expression one of approval.


    "Exactly what I''m thinking!" Alex confirmed, his face showing he was pleased with Liam''s quick comprehension.


    "But, Sir..." Liam hesitated, seeking further clarification.


    "Just know I want to take some money through this company, that''s enough for you to know..." Alex reassured him, his gaze firm, indicating it was a matter of trust.


    "Don''t worry about where the money comes from or how we''ll get it. Your job is to run the company and do your research!" Alex''s voice was commanding, laying out the expectations clearly.


    "Work on that tech you had to stop because of your mom''s sickness¡­ and do it as fast as you can!" Alex''s eyes were intense, pushing Liam to remember his past project.


    "Huh..." Liam''s initial shock was visible as he processed the mention of his secret project.


    Liam was surprised when Alex talked about his secret project. But he soon relaxed, realizing it was easy for someone like Alex to find out about his secrets.


    "I understand, Sir!" Liam nodded, his resolve hardening. "I''ll start working immediately from today..." His voice was determined, ready to tackle the new challenge.


    Liam decided not to think about it anymore and got ready to work.


    "Wait!" Alex''s voice stopped him mid-turn.


    "One more thing: everything you invent at the company is owned by the Reid Industries!" Alex''s tone left no room for negotiation.


    "Also, name the company ''JoySync''." He added, watching for Liam''s response.


    "If anyone wants to put money into your company, you must ask for One Hundred Fifty Million dollars!" Alex''s eyes gleamed with strategic intent.


    "Got it, Sir!" Liam responded, his mind already calculating the implications.


    After their quick chat, Alex gave Liam some phone numbers to finish the job before he left, leaving Liam to ponder over the new company.


    .¡­


    On the other side, Lily had taken important papers from the Reid Industries and gave them to Ethan right away after getting those papers, her heart racing with the thrill of her recent act.


    Ethan, looking at the new plans of the Reid Industries after reading the documents Lily gave him, he felt very happy, a smile spreading across his face.


    "Ethan, with these papers..." Lily''s voice was eager, hoping to see justice served. "You can make things right for Rose, right?" Her eyes were wide, filled with hope.


    "Alex is so Arrogant..." Her voice dipped into anger, recalling the injustice. "He sent Rose, whom you loves, to jail!" She clenched her fists, her loyalty to Ethan evident.


    "You have to make him pay!" Her tone was fierce, unaware of the irony in her words, given Alex was once her most caring brother.


    Ethan had been in high spirits until Rose was brought into the conversation. His mood darkened, and anger flickered across his handsome face.


    "Yes¡­ Alex is fully out of his mind?" Ethan murmured to himself, his voice laced with incredulity.


    "Such a beautiful girl like¡­ Rose..." He shook his head, the thought of Rose''s plight in prison stirring his protective instincts.


    "He actually had the audicity to send her to prison." His fists clenched, knuckles whitening with the intensity of his emotion.


    "He must be out of his mind fully!" He spat out the words, his usual calm demeanor replaced by a cold resolve.


    Ethan indeed planned to seek justice for Rose, but not with underhanded methods. Being the protagonist, he believed in facing challenges head-on and achieving victory through it.


    He pushed aside the stolen documents, his eyes meeting Lily''s with a look of firm unwavering will.


    "Thank you for your help Lily!" His gratitude was sincere, but his voice bore a steely edge.


    "But to defeat Alex, I don''t need such despicable methods." He stood taller, his posture exuding confidence.


    "I''ll beat him fair and square!" Ethan declared, his voice echoing with the promise of an honorable battle.


    That was after he already read the documents.


    Lily was visibly moved by his declaration, her eyes sparkling with admiration for Ethan like she had fallen for him even more than before.


    "Wow, you really are the man I admire, Ethan..." She clasped her hands together, her heart fluttering.


    "You''re so manly!" Her cheeks flushed slightly, caught up in the moment.


    "So cool!" She added, her voice almost a whisper of awe.


    "But, Ethan, how do you plan to defeat Alex? Can I help you with anything?" Lily tilted her head, eager to assist. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡ª


    Magic Castle ???? = 5 Bonus Chapters


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 44 Fifteen Million Dollars Investment!

    "But, Ethan, how do you plan to defeat Alex? Can I help you with anything?" Lily tilted her head, eager to assist.


    Ethan''s response was swift and dismissive as he waved his hand.


    "No need." His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.


    "I can handle it alone!" He affirmed, his eyes narrowing with determination.


    "As for how you can help, don''t worry about it." He paused, giving her a reassuring look.


    "Just remember one thing: keep an eye on any new companies popping up online!" His instruction was clear, his gaze intense.


    "If you see one named JoySync Company, notify me immediately!" He emphasized, knowing this was crucial.


    "Okay, Ethan!" Lily nodded eagerly, even if she didn''t fully grasp the significance of JoySync Company. Her trust in Ethan''s capabilities was absolute.


    ¡­.


    As Lily monitored the internet for any trace of company name JoySync, Ethan couldn''t help but let a cunning smile play on his lips.


    "Heh, Alex..." He spoke to the empty room, his voice low and menacing.


    "You sent Rose to prison. Now, don''t blame me for what comes next." His voice was cold, a quiet promise of retribution.


    "Once I secure my stake in JoySync¡­" He murmured, already envisioning the power shift.


    "Give it a month¡ªI''ll be standing on equal ground with you. And when that happens, you''ll regret ever crossing me." His confidence wasn''t empty bravado; it was the certainty of someone who knew exactly what they were capable of.


    Ethan''s confidence was rooted in his status as the protagonist, a master of various arts from Fortune Skill to martial prowess. But his ace in the hole was the ''Super Prediction'' system, which had recently fed him a vital piece of information:


    "The researchers at JoySync Company will invent a technology called ''Red Retinal.''" His eyes gleamed at the memory of the notification.


    "This technology can restore vision to the blind..." The potential was enormous, transforming countless lives.


    "Once this technology is announced, JoySync Company''s value will skyrocket." He could almost see the headlines.


    "In just one month, it will become a super company in the country, rivaling the Reid Industries!" His plan was taking shape.


    "Before this, JoySync was just an obscure, near-bankrupt third-rate company!" The contrast was stark, making his strategy clear.


    After digesting this information, Ethan knew what he had to do: acquire JoySync Company before their breakthrough became public.


    ---


    After Lily had successfully helped Ethan track down JoySync Company, his next move was immediate and decisive. He was ready to implement his acquisition strategy. By that very afternoon...


    Ethan, accompanied by Lily, made their way to JoySync Company. The building wasn''t particularly impressive from the outside, but Ethan knew what lay beneath its unassuming facade.


    "Sir Liam, there''s a man and woman downstairs who wish to meet with you," the assistant announced over the intercom.


    "What are their names?" Liam''s voice was tinged with curiosity, knowing well this moment was anticipated by Alex''s foresight.


    "Ethan Carter and the woman name is Lily..."


    In the comfort of his spacious office, Liam paused, his eyes narrowing slightly at this confirmation of events.


    "Exactly as Sir predicted! How miraculous!" he murmured to himself, marveling at the accuracy of Alex''s intelligence network.


    Liam didn''t hesitate; he gave his order to his secretary almost immediately.


    "Take them to the reception room; I''ll be there shortly!"


    ¡­.


    After quickly finalizing the documents on his desk, Liam made his way to the reception room. The door swung open to reveal Ethan and Lily, comfortably seated with cups of tea in hand, discussing something in low tones.


    The moment Liam entered, Ethan''s face lit up with a broad, enthusiastic smile.


    "I''m Ethan Carter and this is Lily¡­, nice to meet you Sir!" Ethan stood up, extending his hand, his demeanor one of genuine interest.


    Despite knowing there was no friendship between Alex and Ethan, Liam chose to maintain a professional distance. He didn''t shake Ethan''s hand or respond to his greeting with warmth.


    "May I know why you two are here to see me? If there''s nothing important, please leave; you see I''m quite busy at the time," Liam said, his voice cool and business-like.


    "Uh..."


    Ethan and Lily exchanged a quick, baffled look, surprised by Liam''s unfriendly reception. Ethan, however, knew the stakes were high, so he swallowed his pride. Keeping his composure, he continued with a friendly smile.


    "I came across your company online and believe it has great potential for growth." Ethan explained as he stopped in the middle for some suspense surprise.


    "So, I''m here to invest in your company!" Ethan declared, his eyes sparkling with ambition.


    Liam sized up Ethan, already knowing the game from Alex''s earlier instructions, but he played his part nonetheless.


    "I wonder what in our company caught the eye of someone like you, Mr¡­ what was the name again¡­ ahh yes Ethan..." Liam asked, his tone feigning ignorance also that of mocking.


    "But if you''re interested in investing, how much are you willing to offer?"


    "Haha, I''m not exactly a big shot¡­ But to be honest, I have high hopes for your company." Ethan''s gesture was grand, sweeping his arm in emphasis.


    "How about this, I''ll invest a full Fifteen Million dollars in assets into your company!" He proposed, like a big shot his voice beaming with confidence as a small laugh on his face like he already knew the outcome.


    "If Sir Liam agrees now, this money will be in your account by tomorrow." Ethan said but he wasn''t finished as he opened his mouth again to speak¡­


    "I just want eighty percent of your company''s shares!" Ethan added, his eyes locked on Liam, watching for any sign of acceptance or rejection.


    Despite Ethan''s status as the urban novel protagonist, adept in various skills and equipped with the Prediction System, money didn''t grow on trees.


    A Fifteen Million dollars was a significant sum, pushing his limits, which demonstrated his high regard for JoySync Company. His willingness to invest so heavily was underpinned by:


    He was certain that within a month...


    Once Liam developed the groundbreaking retinal technology...


    That Fifteen Million dollars would multiply by at least a hundred times at least!


    ¡ª


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    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 45 Ethans Desperation!

    Once Liam successfully developed the groundbreaking retinal technology¡­


    That fifteen million dollars would multiply at least a hundred times. No, not just that¡ªat least a hundred times minimum!


    Once the technology was launched, the company''s value would skyrocket every single day.


    Ethan could already see it in his mind, like a grand web of plans unfolding before his eyes. The numbers, the figures, the possibilities¡ªit was all within his grasp.


    He just had to take the first step, and soon, his investment would turn into an enormous fortune.


    But while Ethan was lost in his thoughts, imagining the future that awaited him, Liam was watching him with a knowing expression. A wry smile played on his lips, a mixture of amusement and disbelief. He found Ethan''s confidence almost entertaining. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Fifteen million dollars? But¡­ didn''t Sir Alex say it had to be one hundred and fifty million?''


    Liam''s thoughts were filled with bemusement. He wasn''t the one calling the shots here¡ªhe was merely executing the instructions given to him.


    He had no idea why Alex had set the price so ridiculously high for such a struggling company, but that wasn''t his concern. His job was simple: follow orders without question.


    With a casual flick of his wrist, Liam made a dismissive gesture, slicing the air like a conductor signaling the end of a symphony.


    "Mr. Ethan¡­ do you really think you can take eighty percent of my company''s shares for just fifteen million dollars?"


    His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable trace of amusement in his tone, as if he was indulging a child''s fantasy.


    "Isn''t that a bit of a pipe dream?"


    His words carried a quiet mockery, making it clear just how absurd he found Ethan''s offer.


    ¡­


    Ethan''s entire body tensed as Liam''s response hit him. His face froze, his eyes widening in pure disbelief.


    ''Fifteen million isn''t enough?''


    According to the system''s information, Liam''s company was currently worth less than a million dollars. That meant his offer was ten times its actual value!


    And yet¡­


    Liam still refused?


    Ethan''s mind raced, trying to make sense of it. Why would someone reject such an incredible offer? Any struggling businessman would have jumped at the chance to turn their failing company into a multi-million-dollar deal.


    But Liam showed no excitement, no hesitation. He was turning it down without a second thought.


    Something was off.


    Ethan knew he couldn''t let this golden opportunity slip through his fingers. No matter how confusing the situation was, he had to act fast.


    His brows furrowed as he met Liam''s gaze, trying to read his expression, searching for any sign that he was open to negotiation.


    He took a deep breath before speaking, his voice firm and serious.


    "Sir Liam, then tell me¡ªhow much do you want?"


    His words were sharp, straight to the point. If fifteen million wasn''t enough, then how much was?


    But just before Liam could answer, Ethan added something important.


    "How much¡­ to sell eighty percent of your company''s shares?"


    There was a determined edge to his voice, but also a subtle hint of desperation. He didn''t want to let this slip away. No¡ªhe couldn''t let this slip away.


    Liam chuckled, a deep, knowing laugh that sent a chill through the room. He tilted his head slightly, observing Ethan with an unreadable expression.


    "HaHaHa¡­" His laughter was smooth, almost pleasant, like velvet sliding through one''s fingers.


    "I can see that Mr. Ethan is both sincere and bold."


    There was a subtle admiration in his words, but beneath that, the unspoken message was clear¡ªthe price was non-negotiable.


    "Since that''s the case, I won''t beat around the bush," Liam said, leaning forward slightly, his sharp gaze locking onto Ethan''s. His voice carried an air of finality, making it clear that there would be no further negotiation.


    "Here''s the deal, Mr. Ethan. If you can offer at least one hundred and fifty million dollars¡ªand not a day later, but by today¡­"


    "I''ll consider it." His words rang out like a challenge, daring Ethan to step up and meet his demands. The room fell into silence for a brief moment as the weight of Liam''s words settled in.


    Then, suddenly¡ª


    SLAM!


    Lily, who had been sitting quietly up until now, slammed her hand onto the table, her patience finally snapping.


    "Are you fucking kidding me?!" she burst out, her voice sharp and filled with disbelief. She shot up from her seat, her eyes burning with anger as she glared at Liam.


    "Let''s not even talk about your company''s current state! At best, it''s worth a million in market value! One million!" she emphasized, as if trying to hammer the reality into Liam''s head.


    "Ethan is offering you fifteen million dollars, which is already ten times your company''s value! He''s showing you a lot of respect with that offer¡ª"


    She took a deep breath, trying to control her frustration, but Liam''s arrogance was just too much.


    "And you have the audacity to ask for one hundred and fifty million?" she spat out. "Why don''t you just go rob a bank while you''re at it? At least then you''d have an excuse for being this ridiculous!"


    Her words were sharp, like bullets aimed straight at Liam''s logic.


    But Liam? He didn''t flinch. In fact, he looked¡­ completely unaffected.


    He let out a quiet sigh and spread his hands in a gesture of resignation, as if he had already expected this reaction.


    His face remained calm, indifferent, as if Lily''s outburst was nothing more than background noise.


    "If that''s the case¡­" he said smoothly, his voice polite but firm, "then it looks like we have nothing more to discuss."


    There was no anger in his tone, no irritation¡ªjust a simple statement of fact.


    "So, both of you, I wish you well¡­ until we meet again."


    With that, Liam rose from his seat, his movements fluid and unhurried. It was as if he had already moved on from the conversation before it even fully ended. He straightened his suit, then turned on his heel and began walking toward the door.


    Ethan and Lily sat frozen, stunned by how easily he dismissed them.


    Was that it? Was he really walking away from fifteen million dollars? Liam reached the door, his hand stretching out to push it open¡­ But just then¡ª


    "Sir, please wait!" Ethan''s voice cut through the air like a knife.


    ¡ª


    Magic Castle ???? = 5 Bonus Chapters


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 46 [Bonus Chapter] Misunderstanding!

    "Sir, please wait!" Ethan''s voice cut through the air like a knife.


    Liam''s fingers paused just inches from the door handle. For a brief moment, his face showed a flicker of surprise.


    ''One hundred and fifty million dollars¡­ this man is actually considering it?'' Liam''s mind raced as he tried to make sense of it.


    His company wasn''t worth anywhere near that amount. In fact, if he was being honest, even fifteen million dollars was an offer he never expected to hear.


    And yet, Ethan¡ªwho had just balked at the price minutes ago¡ªwas calling him back.


    Liam''s heart pounded slightly as he turned over the thought in his mind.


    ''What in the world does Ethan see in my company that even I don''t? What could possibly make him think it''s worth so much money?''


    Then, as he stood there, turning it over in his mind, he suddenly understood.


    It wasn''t him.


    It wasn''t his company.


    It was Sir Alex.


    Liam''s eyes flickered with realization.


    ''Sir Alex isn''t even here for the negotiations¡­ and yet, he already knew exactly how much the other side could bear.'' Liam had no idea how Alex did it, but one thing was clear¡ªthis was all part of his plan.


    It was almost miraculous.


    Even without being present, Alex had somehow gauged Ethan''s limits with absolute precision.


    Despite the thoughts racing through his head, Liam kept his face unreadable. He didn''t let his surprise show as he slowly turned back around to face Ethan.


    His expression remained cool, composed¡ªhis stance unwavering.


    "What''s wrong?" he asked, his voice smooth and steady. "Is Mr. Ethan¡­ willing to come up with that amount?"


    Though he was asking the question, Liam already knew the answer.


    Lily had been sitting quietly, watching the conversation unfold with wide, disbelieving eyes. But now, she couldn''t stay silent any longer.


    She turned her gaze to Ethan, her expression filled with a mixture of shock, confusion, and growing concern.


    "Ethan, are you seriously considering putting up one hundred and fifty million for this company?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.


    Her brows furrowed deeply as she struggled to understand why Ethan was willing to go to such extreme lengths for a company that wasn''t even worth a million.


    It didn''t make sense.


    Why would he take such a massive risk for something so small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things?


    But Ethan didn''t immediately answer her question.


    Instead, he turned to look at her¡ªhis gaze was calm, steady, yet filled with undeniable sincerity.


    Then, softly but firmly, he asked her just one thing.


    "Do you trust me?" His words were simple, but they carried a weight that made Lily''s heart skip a beat.


    There was something about the way he looked at her in that moment¡ªlike he was laying everything bare, like he was letting her see a part of himself that very few ever did.


    His eyes held no hesitation, no uncertainty.


    Just pure, unwavering belief.


    Lily felt something stir within her.


    She still didn''t understand why Ethan was doing this, but¡­ for some reason, she wanted to believe in him.


    She couldn''t explain it. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But deep down, her heart was telling her that Ethan must have a reason. That he must know something she didn''t.


    And so¡ªwithout arguing further, without voicing another doubt¡ªLily''s hand slowly slipped into her pocket.


    Her fingers brushed against the smooth surface of her bank card, a silent but significant gesture.


    She was ready.


    If Ethan really needed this money¡­ then she would support him.


    Even though he didn''t know it yet, she had already made her decision.


    Unaware of Lily''s quiet act of trust, Ethan turned his attention back to Liam, his expression serious.


    "So, if I manage to gather one hundred and fifty million, I can invest in your company, right?" he asked, his tone filled with anticipation.


    He needed confirmation. He needed to hear it directly from Liam''s mouth.


    For a moment, there was silence. Then¡­ Liam chuckled. A low, knowing chuckle, as if he had been expecting this very moment.


    Slowly, he leaned back into his chair, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.


    He reached into his pocket and, with smooth ease, pulled out a cigarette. With a practiced flick, he lit it, the small flame briefly illuminating his face before he took a slow, deliberate inhale.


    Finally, exhaling a thin stream of smoke, he spoke.


    "No, no, no¡­" His voice was light, almost amused.


    "I think Mr. Ethan might have misunderstood." Ethan''s brows knitted together slightly. "What do you mean?"


    Liam, now fully relaxed, tapped the cigarette against the ashtray, watching the embers fall before finally meeting Ethan''s gaze.


    "I only said that if you come up with one hundred and fifty million, we will cooperate in the company. That''s a requirement¡ªyou must bring that amount to the table."


    "But that doesn''t mean you get to control my company just because you''ve put up that amount."


    His voice was cool, matter-of-fact, as if he was simply explaining the rules of the game.


    Ethan''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Then what does it mean?"


    Liam took another slow drag of his cigarette before answering.


    "This one hundred and fifty million would be your investment."


    "If the company makes money during this period, you''ll receive dividends according to the percentage of your investment."


    "But if we suffer losses¡­"


    Liam paused for a brief moment, flicking the ashes off his cigarette.


    Then, with a small, almost indifferent smile, he delivered the final blow.


    "Then I''m sorry¡­ you''ll have to accept that risk too." His words were cold, purely business-like, stripping away any illusion of safety.


    He wasn''t making any guarantees.


    If Ethan put in the money and things went well, then yes¡ªhe would make a fortune. But if things went south? Then he would have no one to blame but himself.


    Because once that money left his hands¡­ it wouldn''t be his anymore.


    ¡ª


    Magic Castle ???? = 5 Bonus Chapters


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 47 A Month?!

    "But if we make a loss, then I''m sorry¡­ you''ll have to accept that risk too." Liam''s tone was cold and detached, purely businesslike. His words left no room for negotiation. This was the harsh reality of investment¡ªthere were no guarantees, only risks.


    Lily''s eyes widened in disbelief. Even though she had chosen to trust Ethan, Liam''s outrageous conditions still shocked her. Without thinking, she shot up from her seat, her hands pressing against the table as she glared at him.


    "Are you insane?" Her voice was sharp, filled with indignation. "One hundred and fifty million is enough to buy a stake in Reid Industries¡ªeven if it''s a small one, it still holds real value! And yet, in your rundown company, you''re saying we don''t even get a say in decisions? No basic guarantees at all?"


    Her chest rose and fell rapidly, frustration clear in her expression. She couldn''t believe how bold Liam was.


    "What if you just take the hundred and fifty million and run?" she demanded, her voice rising with each word. The thought of losing that kind of money without any safeguards sent a wave of unease through her.


    Liam, however, remained unfazed. He leaned back in his chair, a slight smirk playing on his lips. His nonchalant shrug only made Lily''s anger boil further.


    "That''s up to you to decide and envision," he said casually. His voice carried a tinge of amusement, but behind it was unwavering confidence. He wasn''t trying to convince them¡ªhe didn''t need to.


    Lily felt her temper flare again, ready to unleash another barrage of protests. But before she could, Ethan placed a steady hand on her shoulder. The warmth of his touch was reassuring, silently urging her to calm down.


    She turned to look at him, and though his expression remained composed, she could see the deep contemplation in his eyes. He wasn''t ignoring Liam''s unreasonable demands¡ªhe was analyzing them.


    Ethan''s gaze locked onto Liam as his mind churned through the implications of the deal. There was no doubt about it¡ªthe conditions were extreme. No investor would normally agree to such terms. But what kept Ethan from rejecting it outright was the information from his system.


    If what his system had predicted was even remotely accurate¡­


    If Liam truly had the capability to develop retinal technology within a month¡­


    The profits from this deal wouldn''t be as substantial as owning equity in a company, but they would still be astronomical.


    And yet, there was something that didn''t sit right with Ethan. Why was Liam so confident?


    Most people would be cautious when asking for such an enormous sum. They would try to persuade investors, provide reassurances, or at least show some level of concern about convincing them.


    But Liam wasn''t doing any of that. He was acting as if he had already won.


    Why? What made him so certain that Ethan would agree? Where did his confidence come from?


    Ethan''s fingers curled slightly as he weighed his options. Was this sheer arrogance? Or did Liam truly have something up his sleeve that made this gamble worthwhile?


    ''Isn''t he afraid I''ll just walk away? There''s something strange about this, but I can''t quite figure out what it is.''


    Ethan''s mind was racing. Something about Liam''s attitude didn''t sit right with him. He wasn''t acting like someone who was afraid of losing a deal. Instead, he seemed almost indifferent, as if he had the upper hand no matter what Ethan decided.


    The thought unsettled him, but before he could dwell on it any longer, Liam''s voice snapped him out of his thoughts.


    "Mr. Ethan, have you made up your mind or not?" Liam''s tone was sharp, his patience clearly wearing thin. His gaze was cold, and his fingers tapped against the table in irritation.


    "My time is very valuable, and I don''t have any to waste. If this isn''t happening, let''s not drag it out any longer. I have far more important matters to attend to."


    Ethan could tell that Liam was truly ready to walk away. He wasn''t bluffing. If he let this opportunity slip now, there was no guarantee he''d get another chance. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Liam pushed back his chair slightly, preparing to stand.


    But before he could leave¡ª


    "Alright!" Ethan''s voice rang out, firm and unwavering. There was no hesitation this time. His expression was resolute, his posture straightening as he met Liam''s eyes.


    "I agree to your terms, Sir Liam," Ethan declared, nodding decisively. "But there''s something I need you to understand¡­"


    He took a deep breath, keeping his voice steady. "I can''t come up with Hundred and Fifty million all at once."


    Liam raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.


    Ethan continued quickly, his tone calm but urgent. "I can pay you fifteen million tomorrow, and I just need a little time to gather the rest. Within one month, I''ll transfer the full amount to you."


    Liam studied him, his expression unreadable, but Ethan didn''t waver. He knew this would be a challenge, but he was ready to face it head-on. With his system''s ability to foresee opportunities and his mastery of the Fortune Skill, he was confident he could turn this seemingly impossible goal into reality.


    ''If I push myself to the limit and make use of every advantage I have¡­ I should be able to gather ten billion!''


    Ethan clenched his fists. There was no room for doubt¡ªonly action. If the situation allowed, he was certain he could achieve it.


    But just as he braced himself for Liam''s response, the man let out a low chuckle. Then, he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest, his lips curling into a mocking smirk.


    "No, no, no¡­ Come on, Mr. Ethan, you must be joking. You don''t have Hundred and Fifty million, so why pretend you do?"


    Liam''s voice was laced with amusement, but beneath it was clear disdain. He shook his head as if he found the whole thing ridiculous.


    "Why not just promise to pay me back in a hundred years instead?" he continued, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "By then, you''ll be long gone. Who exactly am I supposed to collect from¡ªyour ghost?"


    He scoffed, shaking his head again. "And don''t even think about saying hundred years it was a joke. I''ll probably be dead too¡­ maybe even sooner."


    ¡ª


    Bonus Chapters on: 500, 1000, 1500 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 48 [Bonus Chapter] Deal Done!

    Liam scoffed, shaking his head again. "And don''t even think about saying hundred years it was a joke. I''ll probably be dead too¡­ maybe even sooner."


    Ethan''s face burned with humiliation. His nails dug into his palms as his hands clenched into tight fists. His pride had taken a heavy hit, but he refused to back down. No matter how much Liam mocked him, he would prove himself.


    Ethan had never been mocked so openly before. He wasn''t used to this kind of humiliation, and a wave of indignation surged through him.


    His fists clenched at his sides, his face burning with frustration. For a moment, he considered walking away, leaving Liam and his sneering remarks behind.


    But just as he was about to turn on his heel, he hesitated. He couldn''t afford to give up.


    The deal he was chasing promised incredible returns, and if he missed this chance, he might never get another one.


    Taking a deep breath, Ethan forced himself to swallow his pride. He met Liam''s gaze with renewed determination, ready to make another attempt at convincing him. But before he could say another word, someone stepped between them.


    It was Lily.


    Ethan''s eyes widened in surprise. She had been silent this whole time, quietly listening from the sidelines. Now, without warning, she had placed herself between him and Liam, as if shielding him.


    "Lily, what are you doing?" Ethan asked, his voice laced with confusion.


    Lily turned to him, her expression calm but unwavering. There was a softness in her gaze, but also a quiet strength.


    She wasn''t just acting on impulse¡ªshe had made up her mind. When she spoke, her voice carried warmth, sincerity, and an unshakable sense of loyalty.


    "Ethan, you''re the person I admire the most." Her words were gentle but firm.


    "You''re the man I''ve always looked up to. I can''t just stand by and watch you lower yourself like this." She took a step closer, her eyes never leaving his.


    "Don''t worry, Ethan." She smiled, reassuring him. "I''ll take care of it."


    "I''ll cover the Hundred and Fifty million for you."


    Her words rang through the room, shocking everyone. Even Liam''s mocking expression faltered for a moment.


    Then, without hesitation, Lily reached into her pocket and pulled out a sleek, black bank card. It gleamed under the lights, a symbol of the decision she had just made.


    This wasn''t just any card¡ªit held the money Alex had given her over the years for her studies abroad. She had carefully managed every cent, never spending more than necessary, keeping the funds untouched for years.


    Now, at this crucial moment, she was willing to use it all.


    Not a penny more. Not a penny less.


    Exactly Hundred and Fifty million.


    ¡­.


    The moment Lily placed the card that had money in it on the table, Ethan Carter''s breath hitched. His fingers trembled slightly as he reached for it.


    "Lily, this is¡­" His voice was hoarse, unable to believe what he was seeing.


    Lily, however, remained calm. Her eyes shone with unwavering determination.


    "Ethan, you are the only man I love," she said firmly, her gaze locked onto his. "I can''t stand watching you bow down to anyone else. You were meant to be above everyone, not beneath them."


    Ethan''s heart pounded. No one had ever supported him like this before.


    Lily continued, "This money¡­ My brother gave it to me for my expenses while studying abroad. But over the years, I barely touched it. I saved it all." She took a deep breath, then pushed the check toward him.


    "Now, I want you to take this money and defeat Alex." Her eyes burned with hatred. "Crush him. Ruin him. Make him regret ever going against you."


    For a moment, Ethan was speechless. He stared at the check, his emotions in turmoil.


    Then, his lips curled into a confident smirk.


    "Lily, you have my word." He looked into her eyes, his voice filled with conviction. "I will destroy Alex. I''ll make sure he loses everything!"


    Hearing this, Lily''s face lit up with excitement. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around Ethan, holding him tightly. He wrapped his arms around her as well, feeling the warmth of her body against his.


    Across the room, Liam watched the scene with a look of pure disdain. His arms were crossed, his expression filled with mockery. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Declaring war on Mr. Alex is one thing,'' he muttered under his breath, shaking his head. ''But being this stupid? Do they even know who they''re messing with?''


    ''And does this girl have some mental problems? She is betraying his brother over some shit called love at first sight even though they really aren''t in a relationship.''


    Liam had observed them from the moment he got a call that two people were here to meet him. And the man looks average with a handsome face, but it is just that there is something he can''t stand about this guy¡­ he doesn''t know what it is but there is definitely something.


    His gaze flickered to Ethan and Lily, then to the contract sitting on the table. He had no time for their nonsense anyway.


    "So, are we signing this deal or not?" he said impatiently. "If you''re in, hurry up."


    Ethan snapped out of his thoughts. "Yes, of course!" He quickly pulled out the card and handed it over.


    ¡­


    ..


    .


    The transaction was completed in a few minutes¡ªfunds were transferred, contracts were signed, everything was finalized.


    Liam checked the confirmation, then immediately stood up.


    "Alright, Mr. Ethan," he said coolly. "I have more important matters to attend to. Feel free to show yourselves out." Without waiting for a response, he turned around towards the exit and walked away.


    Ethan watched him leave, a slight frown forming on his face.


    "What''s with his attitude?" Lily muttered. "Does he think he''s better than us?" Lily, Said in disdain, was not even welcoming but was also not showing an attitude that of a businessman on the contrary he was an arrogant man filled with attitude.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 49 A Month Later!

    "What''s with his attitude?" Lily muttered. "Does he think he''s better than us?" Lily, Said in disdain, was not even welcoming but was also not showing an attitude that of a businessman on the contrary he was an arrogant man filled with attitude.


    Iff it wasn''t for Ethan Lily really would have slapped this man Very early on in the conversation.


    While Lily was thinking that, Ethan was too excited to even care but even then he comforted Lily.


    "He''s probably just busy," Ethan said dismissively. "One month¡­ That man is going to develop revolutionary retinal iris technology in just a month. He must be under a lot of pressure."


    Lily nodded slowly. That made sense.


    He turned back to Lily, his expression softening.


    "Lily, I won''t forget what you did for me today," he said sincerely. "You trusted me, and I''ll make sure you never regret it." He squeezed her hand tightly. "One month from now, I''ll return this investment¡ªno I will return double of this investment."


    Lily''s smile grew even brighter upon hearing those caring words from Ethan Money wasn''t that important for her as much as Ethan.


    "There''s no need for that¡­" she said, shaking her head. "¡­What''s mine is yours, Ethan." She leaned closer, her voice soft and affectionate. "Besides, this money was from my brother anyway. It was just sitting there, doing nothing."


    Her expression darkened slightly.


    "Wouldn''t it be so much better if you used it to destroy him?"


    Ethan''s smirk returned.


    "Alright, Lily." His eyes gleamed with cold determination. "One month from now, I''ll make sure Alex regrets ever crossing me."


    Lily''s heart swelled with joy.


    ''Not only did I help Ethan today,'' she thought excitedly, ''but our relationship has also taken another step forward! This is perfect!''


    With that, she nestled into his embrace, and the two of them walked out together, holding each other close.


    Meanwhile their comradeship was happening in the room, Liam wasted no time. The moment he stepped outside, he pulled out his phone and dialed Alex''s number.


    As soon as the call connected, his voice was calm as he delivered the good news..


    "Sir, everything went exactly as you predicted everything," he reported. "They signed the profit-sharing contract, and the full amount has been transferred into your account."


    On the other end of the line, Alex let out a low chuckle. "Good work," he said, his voice filled with satisfaction and amusement of getting the predicted outcome.


    Liam could almost see or more like imagine Alex smirking through the phone.


    "For now," Alex continued, "forget about everything else. I want you to focus entirely on your research." His tone became sharper, more commanding. "Budget is not an issue. Spend whatever it takes."


    Alex then stopped in the middle as he delivered the last sentence. "I want results in one month." Liam said in a calm voice it wasn''t like he was threatening him but more like encouraging him.


    "Understood, Sir!" The moment the call ended, he took a deep breath, then clenched his fists.


    There was no time to waste. From this moment on, he would dedicate everything to his research. No distractions. No delays.


    One month. That was all the time he had to deliver results. Although he doesn''t know why Alex was so sure of him that he can finish his research in a month.


    But he didn''t think much about it, Alex had said that just put every effort he can into it and¡­ results will come¡­


    ¡­..


    Timeskip:


    A Month Later:


    Time flew by in the blink of an eye.


    On the very last day of month, after working tirelessly for an entire month without rest, Liam finally gets out from the research lab. His body ached from exhaustion, but his eyes shone with an indescribable excitement.


    The first thing he did was pull out his phone and dial Alex''s number.


    The call barely rang twice before Alex picked up.


    "Sir¡­" Liam''s voice trembled with excitement the joy of finishing his research¡­ the joy of being able to do that, "I did it! The retinal iris technology is complete!"


    For a brief second, there was silence on the other end.


    Then Alex chuckled, his tone pleased. "Good Liam. Congratulations! You''ve exceeded my expectations."


    Liam let out a breathless laugh, his heart still pounding from the thrill of success of his research. "You know, when you first told me I would crack this in a month, even I didn''t believe it myself. But somehow, you were right." His voice carried a mixture of disbelief and admiration. "I don''t know how you saw it coming, Sir, but you did. Thank you for giving me a chance."


    Alex''s voice remained calm. "Dont be thankful to me that much Liam¡­ yes it''s true that I gave you a chance¡­ but remember that it wouldn''t have been possible without you¡­ Because I knew your potential even better than you did."


    Liam clenched his fist. "Not only did you take care of my mother, giving me the peace of mind to focus entirely on my research, but you also gave me the chance to complete my lifelong dream." His voice thickened with emotion. "Sir¡­ you''ve given me everything. If anything¡­ I owe you my entire life."


    Alex chuckled again. "I don''t need your gratitude¡ªbut only your results." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Liam straightened, his resolve hardening. "Understood. The technology is stable. I''ll run final tests tonight to ensure everything is perfect."


    "Good," Alex said. "If the tests confirm stability, we are going to hold a press conference tomorrow."


    "Understood, Sir!"


    That night, Liam worked overtime, conducting a full-scale test on the retinal iris technology.


    By the time dawn broke, all results confirmed one thing¡ªthe technology was flawless.


    Without hesitation, Liam immediately arranged for a grand press conference.


    The moment JoySync Company publicly announced the event of the gathering, the entire business world of City was thrown into a crazy frenzy.


    Countless corporations and entrepreneurs turned their attention to the mysterious company.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 50 Gathering!

    "Wait, what the hell is JoySync Company? Why have I never heard of them before?"


    "Who cares about the company? The important part is the retinal iris technology! If this is real, it can cure blindness! Do you have any idea what that means?"


    "Holy shit. If this tech is legit, then this JoySync Company is about to become a legend overnight!"


    "Have they received any investments yet? If not, we still have a chance to get in on this!"


    "Keep dreaming! A technology like this? Every major corporation is probably already trying to get a piece of the action!"


    "I don''t care! No matter what, I need to get in on this!"


    In just a few hours, the name JoySync Company spread like wildfire.


    Hundreds of business elites scrambled to contact the company, eager to secure a deal before it was too late.


    While the city buzzed with excitement, Ethan Carter sat comfortably in his luxurious penthouse, utterly relaxed.


    Across from him, Lily sat glued to her phone, reading the latest news and social media reactions. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.


    "Ethan, you''re incredible!" she gushed, looking up at him with admiration. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ethan smirked, sipping his coffee lazily. "Oh? What''s got you so worked up?"


    Lily practically bounced in her seat. "I didn''t understand at first why you were so insistent on investing in JoySync Company¡­ but now I get it!" She turned her phone toward him.


    "This technology¡ªthis retinal iris breakthrough¡ªit''s going to change the world! You''re about to become ridiculously rich, Ethan!"


    Ethan chuckled, clearly enjoying her excitement.


    Inside, though, he was feeling something much deeper¡ªpride.


    For years, he had clawed his way to the top, facing setback after setback. But now, this was his moment.


    Lily continued gushing. "I mean, just look at the reactions! Investors are going crazy trying to get in! But you¡­ you were the first!" She grabbed his hand, eyes shining. "You saw this coming before anyone else did!"


    Ethan simply smiled, leaning back in his chair. "There''s no need to get excited just yet." His voice was calm but carried a confident edge. "Tomorrow, at the press conference, we''ll officially announce our investment."


    Lily blinked. "You''re waiting until the conference?"


    Ethan smirked. "Of course." He swirled the coffee in his cup, watching it ripple. "Think about it, Lily. When we announce our investment in front of the entire city¡­"


    He lifted his eyes, his gaze filled with amusement.


    "The look on all those major corporations'' faces¡­ now that''s something worth waiting for."


    Lily gasped, then grinned. "Ethan, you''re brilliant."


    She leaned in closer, her voice turning icy. "I just hope Alex Reid shows up tomorrow. I want to see his face when he realizes how badly he''s lost."


    She let out a cold laugh. "He dared to cross us. I can''t wait to see his reaction when we take everything from him."


    Ethan''s smirk deepened.


    "Then let''s make sure tomorrow is unforgettable."


    ¡­.


    The press conference for JoySync Company was set to begin at 9 AM sharp the next morning.


    But by 8 AM, before most guests even arrived, Ethan Carter and Lily had already stepped into the venue, dressed to impress.


    The two of them could hardly contain their excitement. They were waiting for that moment.


    The moment when they would reveal their identities as investors of JoySync Company and watch everyone''s expressions change in shock.


    They imagined the gasps, the whispers, the way people''s attitudes would shift in an instant.


    Lily giggled, linking her arm with Ethan''s. "Just wait, Ethan. The moment they find out who you are, they''ll be falling over themselves trying to get on your good side."


    Ethan smirked. "Of course. That''s how it always works." But while their fantasies were grand, reality was cruel. After Ethan was publicly humiliated at the Winters family Party last time, his reputation in the City had gone down the hill.


    People no longer treated him as the former golden boy he once was.


    In fact, many of the business tycoons who used to flatter him, hoping to build connections, were actively avoiding him.


    At the entrance of the venue, several CEOs and influential figures spotted Ethan from afar¡ªand deliberately changed directions.


    Some pretended to be on a phone call. Others suddenly found something very interesting to look at on the ground. A few even quickened their pace, walking right past him without so much as a glance.


    Ethan''s face darkened instantly. His hands clenched into fists as he watched these people, people who once groveled at his feet, pretend he didn''t exist.


    "Those old bastards¡­" he muttered through gritted teeth. "Acting like they don''t know me now¡­ Just wait. Once my identity as an investor is revealed, they''ll be begging to get back in my good graces."


    Lily, seeing his anger, quickly tried to soothe him. "Exactly! They''re all blind! They can''t see the brilliance in you, Ethan!"


    She huffed, crossing her arms. "They''re just a bunch of shallow fools who only care about money. But I see your true worth! I''ve always known you were destined for greatness."


    Ethan''s expression softened slightly. He reached out and stroked Lily''s cheek. "That''s why I like you, Lily. You actually understand me."


    Lily smiled sweetly and leaned into him. "Of course. And soon, everyone else will understand too."


    While the two were whispering to each other, the atmosphere at the venue suddenly shifted. A row of sleek, luxury cars pulled up at the entrance. One after another, a fleet of high-end vehicles lined up, immediately drawing everyone''s attention.


    People turned their heads, murmuring among themselves.


    "Who is it?"


    "That lineup¡­ looks like someone important just arrived."


    Then, the door of a black stretched Lincoln limousine opened. A man stepped out. Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, exuding confidence and power with every step.


    It was none other than Alex Reid. The second he appeared, the air itself seemed to shift in the atmosphere.


    Every eye in the venue turned toward him. The murmurs grew into excitement.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 51 Cutting Ties!

    "Is that¡­ Alex Reid?"


    "Damn¡­ he looks even more handsome and powerful in person."


    "Of course, he does! He''s the CEO of Reid Industries! At such a young age, he controls an entire billions of dollar company!"


    "But wait¡­ isn''t he still single? Imagine being his girlfriend¡­"


    "Hah! You? Please. At best, you could be his mistress!"


    "Hey, what''s wrong with that? If Mr. Alex even gave me that chance even in a joke, I''d take it in a heartbeat."


    Not just the women at the venue, but even the top executives of various companies immediately rushed forward to greet him.


    "Mr. Alex! It''s been a while!"


    "Mr. Alex, do you remember me? We collaborated on a project last year!"


    "Mr. Alex, I visited your company recently. We had a discussion¡ªdo you recall?"


    The scene was pure chaos. Everyone wanted his attention, eager to be associated with him. But despite the overwhelming enthusiasm, Alex remained composed, handling each greeting effortlessly.


    Not far away, Ethan watched the entire scene unfold. His jaw tightened. His hands curled into fists.


    "What the hell¡­" he muttered, his voice filled with frustration. He should have been the one in the spotlight. He should have been the one everyone was fawning over.


    But the moment Alex appeared, everything shifted. It was as if he had been completely forgotten. Lily noticed his expression and immediately grew irritated as well.


    "What''s so great about him, anyway?" she sneered, her lips curling. "Just because he has some stupid company and a little bit of money, people act like he''s some kind of god."


    She scoffed, crossing her arms. "If he didn''t have Reid Industries behind him, he''d be nothing."


    Ethan exhaled sharply, trying to suppress his anger. But deep down, he knew¡ªthis wasn''t just about money. It was a presence. The way Alex just got respect just by showing up.


    The way people naturally goes toward him, without him even trying. And Ethan? No one even noticed he was there after he showed up here.


    And that thought and statement is what angers him the most. ''It should be me¡­ not him.''


    The press conference hall wasn''t particularly large, but the moment Lily spoke, her voice rang clear and sharp for everyone to hear.


    The room fell into stunned silence. For a brief moment, no one spoke. Then, like a spark igniting a wildfire, murmurs spread rapidly through the crowd.


    "Wait¡­ isn''t that Alex''s younger sister?"


    "I thought Mr. Alex adored her. I heard he funded her education overseas and spent over a Tens of miilion dollars on her living expenses alone."


    "Tens of Millions?! If I were his sister, I''d be thanking the gods every day! And she even had the audacity to badmouth him?"


    "What an ungrateful brat. She''s been living off his money and still acts like a victim and a bitch?"


    The whispers grew louder, turning into open discussions. Many people looked at Lily with disdain, shaking their heads in disappointment.


    Lily''s face paled instantly. This¡­ wasn''t what she had expected. She thought people would support her. She thought they would stand by her side.


    But instead, she was being ridiculed. Her fingers trembled slightly, and she opened her mouth to speak¡ªonly for Alex to chuckle.


    The sound was low, almost amused, yet filled with indifference. He waved his hand lazily, as if the entire situation wasn''t even worth his time. His expression was calm, completely unbothered.


    "Everyone, you misunderstand." He leaned back slightly, his posture relaxed. "There''s no need to make a big deal out of this." His lips curled into a faint, almost mocking smile.


    "Lily and I¡­ haven''t been like you know¡­ ''close'' for a long time." It was a very specific thing he said when he worded ''close'' or it can also be interpreted that their relationship isn''t good or that of siblings now.


    The air in the room shifted. People held their breath, waiting for him to continue. His tone remained casual, but his words struck like a hammer.


    "I was blind back then, wasting my energy on someone who didn''t deserve it." His eyes flickered toward Lily for the briefest second before he looked away.


    "But that''s all in the past. There''s no point in bringing it up again." His words were light, yet they carried a heavy weight just by saying those words.


    The People in the room turn against her. For a second, there was silence. Then, another wave of whispers spread through the crowd.


    "Ohhh, now it makes sense! So she was actually kicked out of the family?"


    "No wonder she''s acting like this. She''s bitter because she got cut off."


    "Honestly, good for Mr. Alex. Who needs a backstabbing sibling like that?"


    Some people laughed, their chuckles sharp and cutting.


    Lily''s face turned red with a mix of anger and humiliation. Her body trembled, and she clenched her fists at her sides.


    In the past she had always relied on the fact that she was Alex''s sister. No matter what happened, she thought that relationship would never break.


    But now¡­ Now, he was cutting her off completely. Right in front of everyone. Her breath hitched, and her eyes burned with unshed tears.


    She pointed a shaking finger at Alex, her voice rising. "Alex! What the hell do you mean by that?!" Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her breathing uneven.


    "You are cutting ties with me? Did you even ask for my permission?" She took a step forward, her voice sharper now. "And what''s with this nonsense about you being blind?! Are you calling me that I''m beneath you?!"


    The room fell silent once more. All eyes turned to Alex. But he didn''t react. Didn''t acknowledge her. Didn''t even look at her. It was as if she didn''t exist.


    Lily''s lips parted, but no words came out. The humiliation only deepened. But the people around her weren''t as silent.


    "She''s actually trying to play the victim?" Someone muttered, with a hissed small laugh.


    "If I were in her shoes, I''d be too ashamed to show my face here."


    "She should be grateful that Mr. Alex even spent a single penny on her, let alone over Tens of Millions for her study and living expenses."


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


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    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 52 Mysterious Investor?!

    "She should be grateful that Mr. Alex even spent a single penny on her, let alone over Tens of Millions."


    Lily''s breathing grew ragged. Her mind was spinning. She had always thought that as long as she played her cards right, she could always rely on Alex.


    But now¡­ That safety net was gone. Tears and Vengeance Her hands clenched tighter. She bit her lip, trying to suppress the lump in her throat. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Why? Why was everyone turning on her? Why was she the one being abandoned? She was the one suffering. She was the one being left behind.


    Her vision blurred as tears welled in her eyes. Her voice trembled as she whispered, "Why are you all treating me like this?" No one answered. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to speak louder.


    "I''m a woman." Her voice wavered. "Shouldn''t you be protecting me instead of throwing such words at me like this?"


    For a moment, she thought she saw hesitation in some people''s eyes.


    But then¡­ someone scoffed.


    "Wow. So now she''s playing the weak little girl card?"


    Another person snorted.


    "Being a woman doesn''t mean you get a free pass to be an ungrateful bitch."


    Lily''s tears finally spilled over. Her whole body trembled as shame and rage twisted inside her. She felt like she was drowning. Like the whole world had turned against her.


    Desperate, she turned to Ethan. Her last hope. Without hesitation, Ethan stepped forward. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close to his chest.


    His touch was firm, protective. Lily clutched his shirt, her fingers gripping the fabric tightly. Ethan''s expression darkened as he looked around the room.


    At the people who had laughed at Lily. At the businessmen who had just moments ago ignored him. At the ones who had mocked her.


    Ethan voice was cold when he spoke. "Lily, don''t waste your breath on these idiots." His tone was laced with disdain. "They have no idea what you''ve been through." His eyes swept across the room, filled with icy contempt.


    The crowd shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. Some people looked away, while others swallowed nervously. But Ethan wasn''t finished. He let out a low, mocking chuckle.


    "You people disgust me." His words were slow, deliberate, and dripping with venom.


    "All of you are just a bunch of bootlickers, wagging your tails for Alex Reid like hungry dogs." His lips curled into a smirk. "You''re so desperate to please him that you''re willing to throw insults at a helpless innocent girl just to earn his favor."


    The room went deathly silent. No one dared to speak. Some people looked away, ashamed. Others clenched their fists but said nothing.


    Ethan let out another cold chuckle. His eyes gleamed with dangerous amusement.


    "Well, I hope you all remember this moment." His grip around Lily tightened slightly, pulling her closer.


    "Because after this press conference¡­" He paused, his voice dropping to a deadly whisper. "Even if you come crawling to me¡­" His smirk widened. "I won''t give any one of you the chance."


    The words hung in the air like a heavy storm cloud. The message was clear. He was done with them. And he would make sure they regretted this day.


    Even though Ethan Carter''s words had no real proof, the way he said them, his calm confidence, his unshakable tone, made the entire crowd of people in the conference hall fall into a strange silence.


    The powerful executives who had been mocking Lily just moments ago now found themselves hesitating. No one dared to be the first to question him. No one wanted to be the one to take the risk.


    Because Ethan Carter had that kind of presence, one that made people stop and listen, even when logic told them otherwise.


    After a long moment, the crowd started murmuring.


    One businessman leaned toward the person next to him, lowering his voice.


    "What exactly does he mean? Why does it feel like there''s something deeper behind his words? Does he have something to do with this new company." His brows furrowed in confusion, his fingers tapping against his leg as he thought.


    The man beside him stroked his chin, nodding slowly. "You''re not alone. It almost feels like¡­ he''s hinting at something big."


    Then, someone else''s eyes widened as a thought struck him.


    "Wait¡­ Didn''t I hear a rumor? That some mystery investor invested at least Hundred and Fifty million dollars into JoySync Company? That''s how they developed the retinal-iris technology. And that was before they developed it."


    Another businessman sucked in a sharp breath, his face full of shock.


    "You don''t think¡­ Don''t tell me he''s the one behind it?!"


    One by one, the puzzle pieces started coming together.


    The way Ethan spoke. The confidence in his tone. The arrogance in his posture. The timing of his sudden arrival. The more they thought about it, the more it all made sense.


    And suddenly¡­ The entire room looked at Ethan differently. A moment ago, they had thought he was just an arrogant fool.


    But now¡­ Now, he seemed like something more. A mastermind. A hidden force. The true power behind JoySync Company.


    A Satisfied Smirk was on Ethan was now when he see the other people getting the small idea if not the whole of what he was talking about or hinting at.


    Ethan could feel the change. The way people looked at him had completely shifted. The doubt? Gone. The skepticism? Vanished. Now, all he saw was curiosity. Hesitation. A little fear and¡­ it felt good.


    His lips curled into a smirk, his chest swelling with satisfaction.


    "This¡­ This is how it should be." The attention was back where it belonged. On him. Wrapped in Ethan''s embrace, Lily felt her heart pound with admiration.


    She tilted her head up, her eyes shining with pride.


    ¡ª


    Bonus Chapters on: 500, 1000, 1500 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 53 Benefactor?!

    "This¡­ This is how it should be." The attention was back where it belonged. On him. Wrapped in Ethan''s embrace, Lily felt her heart pound with admiration.


    She tilted her head up, her eyes shining with pride.


    "As expected of my Ethan¡­" she murmured, her voice soft yet full of emotion. She giggled, her fingers lightly gripping his sleeve.


    "With just one sentence, you shut up all those arrogant old men." Her voice held a hint of amusement, but also deep admiration.


    "Not only that¡­ You''ve got them all doubting themselves now." She leaned in closer, resting her head against his broad chest.


    "You''re incredible, Ethan." Despite all the excitement, all the speculation, all the murmurs, despite all those one person hadn''t reacted at all.


    Alex Reid. Sitting calmly in the front row, he hadn''t even turned around to look at Ethan.


    It was as if¡­ None of this had anything to do with him. For the first time, a flicker of unease passed through Ethan''s heart. His brows drew together slightly.


    "Why isn''t he reacting?" By now, any normal person would be at least a little curious about who truly controlled the JoySync Company.


    But Alex? He was just sitting there, completely unmoved. Almost like¡­ He already knew the truth.


    Ethan clenched his fists, shaking his head. No. That was impossible. There was only one explanation.


    "He''s afraid to face the truth of the present situation." His grip tightened, his nails digging into his palm. "That''s it. He knows that once my connection to JoySync is revealed, he won''t be able to act superior anymore."


    The more he thought about it, the more confident he became. Yes. That had to be it. Ethan lifted his chin slightly, staring at Alex''s back with amusement.


    "Heh¡­ Keep pretending, Alex." His smirk deepened. "Let''s see how long you can act like you don''t care." He leaned back, folding his arms.


    "Once the press conference reveals my partnership with JoySync, let''s see if you can still keep that calm expression." His lips curled into a slow, satisfied grin.


    "This is going to be fun."


    Just then¡­ A wave of commotion rippled through the hall. Someone in the crowd gasped.


    "They''re here! They''re here!" Another voice echoed.


    "The CEO of JoySync has arrived!" Instantly, every eye turned toward the stage. Even Ethan and Lily snapped to attention, barely containing their excitement.


    The room fell silent. Cameras were raised, ready to capture the moment. And then¡­ A figure stepped onto the stage.


    The supposed CEO takes the stage, It was none other than Liam Jensen. The genius scientist behind JoySync Company''s revolutionary retinal-iris technology.


    As he walked forward, flashes from cameras flickered like lightning.


    Yet, Liam, he didn''t even blink. Instead, his sharp eyes swept across the audience¡ª And landed directly on Alex.


    For a brief moment, Liam and Alex locked eyes. No words were spoken. But in that instant, something passed between them. Liam gave a slight, almost unnoticeable nod.


    And in response, Alex¡­ simply smiled. That was all. A single, silent exchange. And then¡­ Liam turned back to the microphone, ready to begin the press conference.


    Liam Jensen stood on the stage, his voice steady and filled with emotion as he addressed the audience.


    "Thank you all for coming to JoySync Company''s press conference!" His tone carried a warmth that instantly captured everyone''s attention.


    "I won''t waste your time with unnecessary words¡­" He paused, glancing at the sea of reporters and executives before him.


    "By now, I''m sure many of you have already seen the news." The room fell silent, the anticipation thick in the air.


    "Our company, JoySync, has successfully developed a groundbreaking retinal-iris technology."


    The moment he spoke those words, a ripple of excitement ran through the audience.


    Flashes from cameras flickered like stars in the night sky, capturing every second of this historic moment and the one who made it possible.


    Liam let the moment settle before continuing.


    "I don''t need to explain how revolutionary this technology is. Everyone here understands its potential impact on the world." He swept his gaze across the room, meeting the eyes of several top executives.


    "But today''s press conference isn''t just about announcing this breakthrough." His voice deepened slightly, carrying a new weight.


    "There is something even more important that I want to talk about." Liam''s expression turned serious, his hands gripping the podium as he took a deep breath.


    "As the CEO of JoySync, I must express my deepest gratitude to one person." A murmur spread through the crowd.


    ''Who? Who was worthy of such acknowledgment?'' Were the thoughts that ran through everyone mind in the audience and reporters.


    Liam''s voice grew softer, more on a personal level as he got a little bit of emotional.


    "Because of this person¡­ I was able to overcome my hardest struggles." His eyes seemed to flicker with unspoken memories. "Without their help, JoySync wouldn''t be here today."


    The murmurs grew louder. Executives exchanged looks. Journalists whispered among themselves. Everyone was on edge, eager to know¡­ Who was this mysterious benefactor of JoySync?


    "And without their support¡­" Liam continued, his voice carrying undeniable sincerity, "this retinal-iris technology wouldn''t have been developed to see the light of today which will help so many people in the upcoming future."


    In the front row, Alex sat calmly, listening without any visible reaction.


    He let out a small sigh, shaking his head slightly.


    "This guy¡­" he muttered under his breath. He had specifically told Liam to keep things simple. Yet here he was, making a grand scene out of it. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not far away, Ethan and Lily were on the edge of their seats. Lily grabbed Ethan''s arm, her face full of excitement.


    "Ethan, look he is talking about you!" she whispered eagerly. Her grip tightened as she looked up at him with admiration.


    "After all, you were the one who insisted on investing so much money into JoySync back then!"


    Her voice trembled slightly, as if she had just realized how important that decision had been.


    "I didn''t understand it at the time¡­ I didn''t know why you made such a bold move." She bit her lip, her eyes shining. "But now, I get it." She exhaled, overwhelmed with admiration.


    "Your vision¡­ your instincts¡­ they''re on a completely different level."


    Ethan''s heart swelled with pride. Everything was falling into place. The recognition. The respect. The admiration of everyone in this room.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 54 Rude Guest!

    Ethan''s heart swelled with pride. Everything was falling into place. The recognition. The respect. The admiration of everyone in this room.


    But despite the excitement building inside him, he kept his face calm, as if it was no big deal. With a casual wave of his hand, he signaled Lily to lower her voice.


    "Don''t jump to conclusions." He chuckled softly. His tone was light, but his eyes gleamed with confidence.


    "Maybe someone else helped JoySync too." He smirked slightly. "It would be embarrassing if we got ahead of ourselves." But deep inside, he had already convinced himself. It had to be him. There was no other explanation.


    Back on stage, Liam took another deep breath. His gaze swept across the audience, his tone becoming even more solemn.


    "Since we''ve reached this point¡­" His voice echoed through the hall. "I won''t keep it a secret any longer." He straightened his posture, his presence commanding the room.


    "I sincerely hope¡­ that the person who helped me during my hardest times¡­" He paused. The tension in the air was suffocating. Even the reporters had stopped taking pictures, completely focused on his next words.


    "Will honor my request, which is I''m about to make.." Liam lowered his head slightly, his voice filled with gratitude.


    "In front of everyone here today including the media and reporters¡­ I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart¡­ personally thank them for getting me out of the hell hole I was in..." The entire room froze. Every pair of eyes darted around, searching for a clue.


    Executives whispered among themselves, trying to guess the answer. Journalists clutched their pens, ready to write the headline of the century.


    And at the center of it all, Ethan Carter clenched his fists. His heart pounded in his chest.


    ''It''s me.'' He was sure of it. This was his moment. All he had to do was stand up. But before he could move, Liam spoke again. And his next words sent a shockwave through the entire room.


    ¡­.


    Liam Jensen didn''t hesitate for even a second.


    With a composed yet commanding air, he raised his hand slightly, signaling the crowd to settle down.


    The murmurs that had filled the hall slowly died down as all eyes turned toward him, waiting for his next words.


    The atmosphere grew tense with anticipation, everyone knew something important was about to happen.


    Liam''s sharp gaze swept over the audience as he spoke.


    "For the next thing," he announced, his voice firm yet carrying an air of casual confidence, "I would like the person I''m about to thank to stand up."


    A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he let his words sink in.


    "I want everyone here to see you clearly," he added, scanning the room once more. "Alright?" His tone was inviting, but beneath it was a subtle weight¡ªan expectation.


    ¡­.


    "Ethan, come on! Stand up already!" Lily whispered from the side of Ethan.


    Lily, who had been sitting beside Ethan the whole time, gave him an excited nudge, practically bouncing in her seat. Her eyes were bright with eagerness, and her voice carried an almost impatient energy.


    "Mr. Liam is calling for you!" she urged, lowering her voice just enough so only Ethan could hear her.


    She could barely contain herself. This was the moment she had been waiting for¡­ the moment Ethan would stand and take his rightful place in the spotlight. She could already imagine the envious looks from the crowd, the respect, the admiration.


    She wanted¡­no, needed¡­to see it happen.


    Ethan couldn''t help but smile while looking at the energetic Lily as she urged him to stand up.


    "Well," he said, shaking his head slightly as if he had no choice in the matter, "I was planning to keep things low-key. You know, avoid too much attention."


    He let out a light chuckle, playing it off like he wasn''t entirely thrilled about this situation, but his expression told another story.


    "But since Mr. Liam insists¡­" he continued, pausing just for effect, "I guess I have to go along with it." With deliberate slowness, he pushed back his chair and rose to his feet.


    The moment he stood up, the atmosphere in the hall shifted. A ripple of murmurs spread across the crowd, like a sudden gust of wind stirring still waters.


    People turned their heads, eyes locking onto Ethan as if drawn by an invisible force. Some were surprised. Some were impressed. And some¡­ were jealous.


    "Wait¡­ what''s going on?" a voice whispered from somewhere in the crowd.


    "Are you serious?" another person responded almost instantly. "It''s obvious, Mr. Liam is talking about him!"


    "Damn¡­ this is huge! JoySync''s retinal-iris technology is a groundbreaking invention, and Ethan Carter is a part of it?"


    "A part? Are you kidding?" someone else cut in, voice rising with disbelief. "Did you hear how the CEO of JoySync spoke? It sounds like he might just hand the whole thing over to him!"


    A wave of shock spread through the audience, and within seconds, dozens of hushed conversations were breaking out across the hall.


    Ethan could hear every single word. And he loved every second of it.


    ''I knew it. That Hundred and Fifty million wasn''t just a smart investment, it was the best decision I''ve ever made.'' It was a huge sum, way more than what he had initially intended to put in. But now?


    Not only was he about to make a fortune, but he was also regaining something far more valuable.


    His pride. The pride he had lost to Alex Reid. The thought alone sent a deep sense of satisfaction coursing through him. This is beyond perfect.


    The thought of Alex made Ethan instinctively glance in his direction. He was expecting to see something¡ªshock, frustration, maybe even quiet rage.


    But instead¡­ Alex just sat there. Calm. Still. Expression unreadable. Completely unbothered.


    Ethan''s smirk faltered for just a moment. ''What the hell? Things had already reached this point. Shouldn''t Alex be reacting? Shouldn''t he be worried? Did he not realize what kind of impact this would have on his company?''


    A flicker of doubt crept into Ethan''s mind, but before he could dwell on it further, Liam Jensen spoke again.


    "You, sir." Liam''s voice rang through the room, steady yet carrying an undeniable edge.


    "I was in the middle of thanking someone¡­" Liam said in a microphone while looking at him and clearly displeased as someone had just interrupted him at the most important moment.


    "So why did you stand up?"


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 55 Realisation!

    "I was in the middle of thanking someone¡­" Liam said in a microphone while looking at him and clearly displeased as someone had just interrupted him at the most important moment.


    "So why did you stand up?"


    Ethan froze at those words. His brain stalled for half a second, his body stiffening as if his muscles had suddenly locked up.


    "¡­Huh?" He blinked, as if he had misheard. A strange silence settled over the hall. No one spoke. No one even breathed. For a moment, it was as if the entire world had paused.


    Then¡­ Lily spoke as he heard the most absurd thing in the world "What do you mean?" Lily''s voice broke the silence. She frowned, confusion and slight annoyance flashing across her face as she turned toward Liam.


    "Isn''t the person you''re thanking Ethan?" she asked, her tone growing more assertive.


    "He gave you Hundred and Fifty million to fund your research! That money made all of this possible! If it weren''t for that investment, would you have ever been able to develop retinal-iris technology?"


    She folded her arms, her stance firm¡ªcompletely convinced that she was right.


    Ethan still didn''t speak, but his expression showed the same confusion. Something wasn''t adding up.


    Liam let out a quiet chuckle.


    "You two¡­" he said, shaking his head, "are hilarious." His voice was calm, but there was a sharpness to it, like a blade hidden beneath silk.


    "Yes, you invested Hundred and Fifty million. That''s a fact. But let''s not forget something important¡ªwe signed a contract." His gaze locked onto Ethan''s, unshaken and unwavering.


    "Everything was written in black and white clearly. You provided funding, and in return, you get dividends if the company makes a profit."


    Liam stopped as to let them get the words fully in their brain to understand and then spoke again.


    "If we failed, you would''ve had to accept the loss. That''s how investments work." His words weren''t just factual. They carried facts. A reminder to what they had signed on.


    Ethan''s expression stiffened. Something wasn''t right. Something felt off. His instincts told him this situation was slipping out of his control.


    Without even looking at her, he raised a hand, silently signaling Lily to stop talking. The last thing he needed was her making this worse.


    He took a slow breath, keeping his voice calm and measured.


    "Alright¡­" Ethan said, choosing his words carefully. "Let''s assume you''re right. Our contract is just a standard investment agreement. But now that your company has successfully developed retinal-iris technology¡­" He leaned forward slightly, his tone still composed, but his gaze sharp.


    "Shouldn''t we be entitled to a fair share of the profits based on our dividend percentage?"


    "No, no, no¡ªMr. Ethan! I think you might have misunderstood something." Liam Jensen''s voice remained calm, but there was a subtle weight to his words.


    He lifted a hand slightly, as if trying to pacify the situation before it could spiral out of control. The entire hall was watching, and tension was shpwing clearly on everyone''s face and mostly on Ethan''s face.


    Ethan narrowed his eyes at him, sensing that something was definitely off. But before he could say anything, Liam continued speaking.


    "Perhaps I didn''t explain this clearly enough earlier," he said, keeping his tone measured. "Yes, our company did develop the retinal-iris technology. That much is true."


    He paused for a brief moment, letting the words sink in before delivering the next blow.


    "But the patent? It doesn''t belong to us." Ethan''s brows furrowed slightly, but Liam wasn''t done yet.


    "And as for the final profits from this technology?" Liam added, tilting his head slightly, his expression still calm. "They have nothing to do with us, either."


    The moment those words landed, Ethan''s entire body went rigid. His heartbeat slammed against his ribs. His pupils shrank slightly as his mind rapidly processed what had just been said.


    "What?!" Then¡ªA chill ran down his spine as a terrifying thought took hold. His expression changed instantly, the confidence he had been exuding just moments ago vanishing in an instant.


    "¡­What did you just say?" His voice was lower now, and despite how hard he tried to control it, there was a slight tremor underneath.


    "I don''t think I heard that right," Ethan said, forcing out a strained chuckle as if trying to convince himself that he had simply misunderstood.


    "You''re telling me that I invested Hundred and Fifty million into your company¡­ but you don''t own the patent?" His voice carried a sharp edge now, his usual composure starting to crack.


    Liam didn''t react to the rising aggression in Ethan''s voice. He remained as calm as ever, standing there like an immovable mountain.


    "Yes," he replied simply.


    Ethan took a step forward, his movements no longer relaxed. His fingers twitched slightly as if resisting the urge to grab Liam by the collar.


    "If that''s really the case¡­" he continued, his tone turning ice-cold, "then what the hell was my Hundred and Fifty million for?" His jaw clenched, and his breathing became slightly heavier.


    ''His!?" Liam thought, ''it was clearly Mr. Alex''s money which he sent to his half sister to study and live abroad and this¡­ man is saying his money?''


    Liam couldn''t help but feel somewhat angry at tge thought that such a foolish person can even exist.


    "Are you telling me that I just threw Hundred and Fifty million into thin air?" His voice was rising now, his emotions barely restrained.


    "Did I just fund your research and development for free?" His fingers curled into fists at his sides.


    "Like some kind of¡­ charity sponsor?" He could feel a wave of heat surging through his chest, a mix of anger, disbelief, and something far worse¡ªhumiliation.


    "No dividends?" he pressed further, his voice growing colder by the second.


    "No profits?" His entire body felt like it was on the verge of boiling over.


    "Mr. Liam¡­" Ethan''s lips twisted into a forced smile, but his eyes were anything but friendly.


    "You''re joking¡­ right?" His words were slow, deliberate, as if giving Liam one last chance to say that this was all just some terrible misunderstanding. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 56 Return The Remaining Amount!

    "You''re joking¡­ right?" His words were slow, deliberate, as if giving Liam one last chance to say that this was all just some terrible misunderstanding.


    "This isn''t funny," he added, his voice dropping slightly. "That Hundred and Fifty million wasn''t pocket change¡ªit was my blood and sweat."


    His nails dug into his palms. But still no mention of Lily in this but balanty saying ''his'' hard earned money.


    "You''d better not be playing games with me."


    Liam, however, remained completely composed. He showed no fear. No guilt. Not even concern. It was as if he was merely stating facts, as if none of this was a big deal at all.


    "Mr. Ethan," Liam said slowly, his tone carrying an almost lazy indifference. "There are a lot of people watching right now."


    He gestured slightly to the audience, where hundreds of eyes were glued to them, the atmosphere so thick with tension that it felt like the air itself had turned heavy.


    "¡­What reason is there that I would have to lie to you?" Liam''s words landed like a hammer inside Ethan''s skull. It felt like something had exploded in his mind. It wasn''t just him. The entire hall had fallen into a stunned silence.


    "What the hell is going on?" someone in the crowd whispered, struggling to make sense of the situation.


    "From what I''m hearing¡­ Ethan Carter invested Hundred and Fifty million to help JoySync Company develop the retinal-iris technology¡­"


    "But in the end, he won''t even be making a single cent from it?"


    "¡­Wait, wait, wait. Are you saying JoySync Company tricked Ethan Carter?"


    "That''s impossible! Ethan Carter is known for reading the energy of his investments¡ªhow the hell did he not see this coming?"


    The murmurs spread like wildfire. Some people looked at Ethan with pity. Some with amusement. Some¡­ with delight at the misfortune of Ethan.


    And then, a loud scraping sound broke through the whispers as a chair was suddenly pushed back.


    All eyes turned toward Lily, who had abruptly stood up, her face flushed with both disbelief and rage.


    She pointed directly at Liam, her hand trembling slightly from the sheer frustration bubbling inside her.


    "You¡­ you¡­ Liam Jensen!" she snapped, her voice sharp and piercing.


    "What the hell do you mean by this?!" There was no attempt to maintain politeness anymore.


    "When we signed the contract, everything was clearly written out in black and white!"


    "Ethan invested Hundred and Fifty million¡­ And we agreed that we would share in the profits! So why the hell are you only telling us now that you don''t even own the patent?!" Her voice was rising, carrying an undeniable accusation.


    "Are you playing us right now?!"


    The tension in the room was now even more unbearable or more like the entertainment was now even all time high¡­ like a plot twist or climax.


    Hundreds of eyes were glued to Liam, waiting for his response.


    And yet¡ªLiam remained completely unmoved. There was no panic in his expression. No hesitation. No sign of guilt. As if this entire situation was unfolding exactly as he had planned.


    The murmur of the people who were sitting and the cameras flickering light which captured all the moments that were happening in pictures and the cameras that were recording some were even using their mobile phone to record this.


    Spotlights gleamed off polished marble floors, reflecting the cold sweat forming on Ethan''s forehead.


    Hundreds of eyes were locked onto the unfolding drama, a mix of curiosity, amusement, and disbelief filling the space.


    Lily''s face was contorted with rage, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. She could hardly believe what she was hearing.


    Across from her, Liam Jensen remained calm, even amused. He spread his hands in an exaggerated gesture of innocence, his smile light, yet carrying a mocking undertone.


    "Miss Lily," he said, his voice smooth and unhurried. "We run a serious business here, there are many reporters here and even some big media company reporters. Do you really think we have time to play games?"


    His words carried a subtle sting, as if he found her outrage childish, even ridiculous.


    Lily''s expression twisted further, but before she could argue, Liam continued with an almost lazy confidence.


    "Besides, when you signed the contract, didn''t you read it carefully?" He sighed, shaking his head as if genuinely disappointed.


    "Even if you didn''t, let me make it clear for you now." He met Ethan''s gaze directly, his smile never fading.


    "Your Hundred and Fifty million was an investment¡ªnothing more." His voice carried a finality that sent a shiver through the room.


    "You have no control over the company''s operations, decisions, or research." He tilted his head slightly, his eyes glinting.


    "The only thing you''re entitled to is dividends."


    Lily opened her mouth, ready to argue, but Ethan raised a hand, stopping her. His jaw was tight, his eyes dark with anger.


    He inhaled slowly, forcing himself to stay calm. He couldn''t afford to lose his composure now. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Fine," he said, his voice controlled but edged with barely concealed fury. "Let''s go by your logic."


    He took a step forward, his presence commanding despite the growing whispers in the audience.


    "We don''t have a say in how you run the company. Sure." His fingers curled slightly, his nails digging into his palms.


    "But after deducting all your research expenses¡­" His voice lowered, carrying an unmistakable warning.


    "Return the rest of the money." A deathly silence followed his words. For a brief moment, there was hope. Ethan wasn''t stupid. The contract was airtight, and there was no way for him to force control over the company.


    But at the very least¡­ He could cut his losses.


    Liam nodded, his expression completely agreeable.


    "That''s a fair request." His tone was so casual, so unbothered, that it almost made Ethan feel relieved.


    For a brief second, he thought Liam was about to hand over a large sum of money and let him walk away with some dignity intact.


    But then¡­ Liam paused, as if thinking carefully.


    "However," he continued, his voice just a fraction softer, forcing everyone to lean in.


    "The contract also clearly states¡­" He smiled, but this time, there was an edge to it.


    "Any losses during the investment period must be shared equally between investors and the company."


    Ethan''s heartbeat quickened at those words¡­ the words ''losses.''


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 57 True Benefactor!

    "Any losses during the investment period must be shared equally between investors and the company."


    Ethan''s heartbeat quickened at those words¡­ the word ''losses.''


    Liam kept his gaze steady, his words cutting deeper and deeper.


    "During the development of the retinal-iris technology¡­" He let the words hang in the air for a moment before continuing. "We invested heavily¡ªboth in manpower and funding."


    His smile didn''t waver, but his words sliced through Ethan''s remaining hope like a blade. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "In total, we spent a hundred and forty-nine million, nine hundred thousand and fifteen thousand dollars." The color drained from Ethan''s face. "That leaves us with about eighty five thousand in liquid funds."


    Liam gave him an almost sympathetic look, as if he truly felt sorry for him.


    "But I''m not an unreasonable man." He chuckled, the sound light and amused, as if they were discussing pocket change. "I''ll round it up for you."


    A pause.


    "One hundred thousand dollars." For a moment¡­ Everything stopped. Ethan''s mind went blank. He stared at Liam, unmoving, his lips parted slightly¡ªas if he was about to say something, but his brain refused to process what had just happened.


    Then¡­ The entire conference hall erupted. Laughter. Deafening. Unstoppable. People doubled over, clutching their stomachs.


    "Oh my God! Did I just hear that right?"


    "Hundred and fifty million¡­ and he''s left with one hundred thousand dollars?! In a single month!?"


    "No, no, he should be happy! He didn''t lose everything! Liam was generous enough to round it up!"


    "A single month. Hundred and fifty million. Gone. This is historic!"


    Ethan''s body shook. His face turned scarlet, his breathing uneven. A mix of rage, humiliation, and disbelief surged through his veins.


    How? How could this happen?! He had always been the one in control. He had always been the one laughing at others'' misfortunes.


    But now¡­ He was the joke. His pride¡­ shattered. His reputation¡­ torn apart. And worst of all¡­ He had no one to blame but himself.


    Or so he thought. A desperate thought struck him. No. No, this wasn''t his fault. Someone must have sabotaged him. His eyes darted wildly¡­ searching, hunting.


    Then¡­ He landed on Liam. Yes. It had to be him. Ethan''s hands trembled as he pointed a finger, his voice shaking with rage.


    "It''s you, isn''t it?!" Liam barely acknowledged him. Ethan took a stumbling step forward, his chest heaving.


    "You must be working with someone!" His voice grew louder, his desperation thickening.


    "There''s no way you could have fooled me like this alone! You had help, didn''t you?!" He was yelling now, drawing even more attention.


    "Tell me! How many people are behind this?!" Etha shouted qith the top of his lungs, wanting to blame someone so he could understand it better.


    But Liam? Liam didn''t even look at him. He simply¡­ Remained calm. As if Ethan Carter¡­ Wasn''t even worth a response.


    And as the crowd watched¡­ confused, intrigued, shocked¡­ Liam''s path became clear.


    Alex Reid remained seated, his expression calm, as if everything happening around him was nothing more than background noise.


    Even as Liam Jensen spoke with intensity, even as murmurs of curiosity and excitement spread through the crowd, Alex didn''t move.


    But Liam wasn''t going to wait any longer.


    Before the entire audience, under the watchful gaze of reporters, CEOs, and countless cameras, he took a step forward.


    His stride was firm. His presence, unwavering. His eyes locked onto one man. A ripple of confusion spread through the hall.


    "Wait¡­ why is Liam walking toward Alex?"


    "Wasn''t he supposed to be thanking someone else?"


    "What''s happening?"


    The whispers grew louder. The tension in the air was palpable.


    Then, right in front of Alex, Liam came to a halt. He took a deep breat, his shoulders trembling slightly, not from fear, but from emotion. And then, his voice rang out.


    "Mr. Alex." Liam''s voice was steady, but there was a weight behind every syllable.


    The crowd instinctively fell silent.


    "There was a time when I had nothing. Not even enough money to pay for my mother''s medical bills." The room felt like it had frozen in place.


    A sharp intake of breath rippled through the audience.


    Even the journalists, who had been rapidly jotting down notes, paused for a split second, as if the gravity of his words had hit them as well.


    But Liam wasn''t done. His eyes, burning with raw sincerity, never left Alex.


    "And then, you appeared." His fingers curled into tight fists, as if trying to hold back emotions that threatened to spill over.


    "You didn''t just pay for my mother''s treatment." His voice wavered for the first time, but he pushed forward.


    "You gave me the funds to pursue my research. You believed in me when no one else did." For a moment, there was nothing but silence. Then, Liam let out a soft, almost self-deprecating chuckle.


    His next words carried both admiration and deep apology.


    "I know you don''t like attention." His tone softened. "I know you never wanted recognition." He took a step closer. His eyes shone with unwavering determination.


    "But¡­ please forgive my selfishness." His expression grew more resolute. "Because this is the highest form of gratitude I can offer. And I beg you to accept it."


    And then¡­ Before the eyes of thousands of people, Liam lowered himself into a deep bow.


    And he did not rise. The entire venue held its breath. For a moment, it was as if time itself had stopped. No one spoke. No one moved. Even the sound of cameras clicking had ceased.


    The sight before them, Liam Jensen, the genius behind a world-changing breakthrough, bowing so deeply before Alex Reid, was simply too shocking to process.


    And then, realization crashed over the audience like a tidal wave. A collective gasp spread through the hall.


    Then, the whispers began.


    "So that''s the truth¡­"


    "Liam wasn''t working alone."


    "Behind him was Alex Reid¡­ the true mastermind!"


    The shock quickly turned to awe. The murmurs became exciting.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 58 Trap?!

    Then, the whispers began.


    "So that''s the truth¡­"


    "Liam wasn''t working alone."


    "Behind him was Alex Reid¡ªthe true mastermind!"


    The shock quickly turned to awe. The murmurs became exciting.


    "No wonder JoySync Technologies, a mid-tier company, was able to develop such groundbreaking retinal-iris technology!"


    "It all makes sense now! With Alex Reid backing them, success was inevitable!"


    "Only someone like the CEO of Reid Industries would have the vision, and the sheer courage to fund such an ambitious project."


    Admiration swept through the room like wildfire.


    "He''s truly on a whole different level."


    The reporters were scrambling to capture every detail, knowing that this revelation was a bombshell that would shake the entire industry.


    Liam''s gratitude. The audience''s reverence. Everything centered on one man¡­ Alex Reid.


    Ethan''s fingers twitched. His breathing grew shallow. His chest felt tight, as if something was crushing him from the inside. His vision blurred with rage. His nails dug into his palms, but he barely noticed.


    His thoughts spiraled into chaos.


    "The retinal-iris technology¡ªI was the one who saw its potential first!" Etham muttered to himself. "I was the one who invested in Liam''s company!" His hands shook violently, but not from fear.


    From pure, unfiltered humiliation.


    "Why¡­ Why is everyone praising Alex Reid?" His heart pounded mercilessly, his emotions threatening to boil over. His investment¡ªhis hundred and fifty million dollars! It was his money that had fueled this project!


    And yet¡­ He was the one who lost everything. While Ethan was being humiliated in front of everyone¡­ Alex was the one being honored.


    His breathing grew erratic, his fury reaching a breaking point. Ethan suddenly lurched forward, his face twisted in rage and desperation.


    His voice, hoarse with fury, shattered the silence.


    "No!" His scream echoed through the hall, filled with resentment, disbelief, and sheer unwillingness to accept reality.


    "This should be my moment! I should be the one in the spotlight!" His eyes, wild and bloodshot, darted across the room.


    But¡­ No one was looking at him. The cameras had shifted away. The audience''s attention was entirely on Alex and Liam.


    The realization hit him like a truck. His entire body trembled.


    "You''re all blind!" His voice cracked with desperation.


    "Without my investment, none of this would have been possible! I should be the one being thanked!" He clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white.


    "This is my achievement! This is my glory!" Ethan shouted from the top of his lunga intended for anyone to side with him or hear him properly.


    But¡­ His words fell on deaf ears. Liam didn''t even glance at him. The audience? Some were already chuckling.


    Ethan Carter''s furious roar echoed through the grand hall, filled with guests, investors, and business elites. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yet! No one paid him any attention. Not a single person turned to look at him. It was as if, in that moment, his presence had completely disappeared.


    The reason was clear, from the moment Liam Jensen bowed deeply to Alex thanked him and clearly stated how Alex helped him, the balance of power had completely shifted.


    Lily had been standing in shock, trying to process what had just happened. But when her eyes landed on Liam''s deep, unwavering bow, something in her mind clicked.


    She finally understood everything. Her breath hitched, her body stiffened, and a sharp wave of anger washed over her. Her eyes, filled with disbelief and fury, locked onto Alex.


    Then¡­ she snapped. Her hand shot up, her trembling finger pointing directly at him, and she screamed.


    "Alex¡­!" Her voice shook with rage, yet it rang loud and clear throughout the hall.


    "This was all part of your plan, wasn''t it?!" The emotions she had been holding back burst out all at once.


    "You knew I had a hundred and fifty million in my saving!" Her face twisted with a mix of anger and realization.


    "You knew how much I loved Ethan!" Her voice cracked slightly, but she forced herself to continue.


    "So you set up this entire scheme¡ªjust to use my love for Ethan against me!" She took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she struggled to steady her voice.


    But her fury only grew stronger.


    "You tricked me into investing! You let me believe in this project! You made me think I was helping him!"


    Her hands clenched into fists so tightly that her nails dug deep into her palms, but she barely noticed the pain.


    "And now, after everything, you''ve humiliated Ethan in front of everyone!" Her breathing was erratic, her voice raw from shouting.


    "Alex, do you have any shame at all?!" The weight of her accusation filled the room, yet Alex remained completely calm.


    His expression never changed. That calmness, that indifference, made her explode even more.


    "Are you even human?!" The moment those words left her mouth, a sharp, powerful voice cut through the air like a blade.


    "Enough!" The force behind the voice was so intense that Lily flinched on instinct. She turned, and her eyes met Liam''s. He had stepped forward, his gaze burning with both anger and deep respect.


    But that anger¡­ was directed at her. His presence was overwhelming, and his cold, piercing stare made her feel small. His voice was filled with disappointment and scorn.


    "You have no right to speak to Mr. Alex like that."


    Lily felt a chill run down her spine. But Liam didn''t stop there. His words, once calm and composed, now carried a sharp edge of cold fury.


    "Do you even understand what Mr. Alex has done for you?"


    Lily froze. Her mind went blank for a second. Liam took a step closer, his voice growing heavier.


    "You spent years studying abroad, living in absolute luxury, without a single worry in the world." His words were slow, deliberate, each one hitting her like a slap to the face.


    "Who do you think made that happen?" Lily opened her mouth, but no words came out. Liam''s expression grew colder.


    "Mr. Alex handled everything for you. He made sure you had the best education, the best living conditions, the best future." Lily staggered back slightly, her heartbeat pounding in her ears.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 59 Changing Mind!

    "Who do you think made that happen?" Lily opened her mouth, but no words came out. Liam''s expression grew colder.


    "Mr. Alex handled everything for you. He made sure you had the best education, the best living conditions, the best future." Lily staggered back slightly, her heartbeat pounding in her ears.


    But Liam wasn''t finished. His eyes locked onto hers, sharp and unwavering.


    "Do you even know how much money he gave you?" He paused for a brief second¡ª Then, his voice dropped to a chilling tone.


    "Over a hundred and fifty million." A collective gasp filled the hall. Lily''s breathing stopped. She felt her entire body freeze in place.


    Hundred and fifty million. The realization hit her like a sledgehammer to the chest. Liam''s voice was like a cold wind that cut straight to her bones.


    "And yet, instead of gratitude, you used his money to go against him." Liam shook his head, his expression filled with deep disappointment.


    "Tell me, Miss Lily¡­ between you and him, who is the one who is truly shameless?" Lily wanted to deny it. She wanted to fight back. But¡­ She couldn''t. Because everything Liam said was true.


    The truth was laid out in front of her and she had no way to refute it.


    This hundred and fifty million¡­ Was never hers to begin with. It had always belonged to Alex. And today, he had simply taken back what was rightfully his.


    The people in the conference hall were now completely silent. Then, Liam lifted his hand. Immediately, security guards stepped forward, their movements swift and professional.


    Lily''s body stiffened. Her eyes widened in panic.


    "Wait¡ª!" But the guards didn''t wait. They grabbed her and Ethan without hesitation.


    "Let go of me!" Lily shrieked, struggling against their firm grip.


    "You can''t do this! Don''t you know who I am!"


    Ethan, too weak from his earlier rage, barely put up a fight. With one final shove, both of them were thrown outside the conference hall.


    The heavy doors slammed shut behind them. And just like that, they were gone.


    As silence settled over the hall, Alex suddenly heard a cold, mechanical voice in his head.


    [Ding!]


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    Alex''s lips curled into a subtle smile.


    "Not bad." With Ethan and Lily gone, the event''s atmosphere completely shifted.


    One after another, high-profile guests turned to Alex, their expressions filled with respect and admiration.


    Many rushed forward, Offering handshakes. Offering business deals. Offering loyalty.


    At this moment, there was no doubt who the real winner was. Alex was no longer a shadow behind the scenes. He was the undisputed center of power.


    And everyone wanted a piece of his success.


    ¡­.


    Outside, Ethan slumped against the pavement. His fingers curled into fists, his nails digging into his skin. His entire body shook with rage. This was supposed to be his victory. This was supposed to be his moment.


    But instead, he had been reduced to a laughingstock¡­ yet again. His throat tightened as he let out a hoarse, shaking whisper.


    "Why¡­ Why does Alex always crush me¡­ every damn time?" Beside him, Lily placed a hand on his shoulder.


    "Because you were too honest, Ethan." Her voice was low and venomous. She leaned in, her breath chilling against his ear.


    "Alex played dirty. And if he fights dirty¡­" Her eyes darkened. "Then so should we."


    "Ethan!" Lily''s voice rang out, sharp and urgent. She grabbed his arm, her grip tight, her eyes burning with an unsettling determination.


    Ethan turned to her, his brows furrowed in frustration. His body still trembled with anger, his hands clenched into fists.


    Lily took a deep breath, lowering her voice as she leaned closer. "If you ask me¡­ we should play dirty too, there is no line here now."


    Ethan''s eyes flickered with hesitation.


    Lily''s voice grew colder, her tone laced with confidence. "With your intelligence and strategy, if you really went all out against Alex¡­ do you really think he could survive even a single attack from you?"


    A chilling silence settled between them. Ethan''s grip tightened as he mulled over her words.


    Lily didn''t stop. She pushed further, her voice dripping with venom like whispers. "Alex thinks he''s smart, but his little schemes are nothing in front of you. If you just stop holding back¡­ if you really decide to play dirty¡­ you could crush him in an instant."


    Ethan''s lips parted slightly, his breathing uneven. A storm of emotions raged in his chest. Frustration. Resentment. Humiliation. And now¡­ Temptation.


    Lily stepped even closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you really want to keep playing fair, Ethan? Do you want to keep being humiliated by him over and over again? Or are you finally ready to fight back?"


    Ethan''s fists trembled. His mind flashed back to the look on Alex''s face, the smug satisfaction in his eyes.


    Lily''s words echoed in his ears. And then, Something inside him snapped. His hesitation vanished.


    Ethan inhaled deeply, his gaze darkening with a newfound resolve. "You''re right."


    Lily''s lips curled into a dangerous smile.


    "Then let''s make our move."


    Ethan''s eyes flickered with realization as a thought struck him.


    "Lily, do you remember those classified documents you gave me a while back? The ones from Reid Industries?"


    Lily''s expression sharpened. She immediately knew what he was referring to.


    Her heart pounded. "Of course, I remember."


    Ethan''s hands clenched as he nodded firmly. "We need to go get them. Right now."


    He didn''t wait for a response. Without another word, Ethan grabbed Lily''s wrist, and the two of them rushed out.


    They moved quickly, their hearts racing, their minds filled with a single thought¡ª Revenge.


    The moment they stepped into Ethan''s home, he immediately darted toward his study.


    There, tossed carelessly onto a shelf, was a thick folder of documents, one he hadn''t even bothered to look at fully or read it fully before.


    But now, it could be the key to destroying Alex. Ethan grabbed the folder, flipping it open with shaking hands. Lily leaned in, her eyes scanning the pages with intense focus.


    As the two of them read through the documents, their expressions slowly shifted, from curiosity¡­ To shock¡­ To pure excitement.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 60 We Have To Move Fast!

    As the two of them read through the documents, their expressions slowly shifted, from curiosity¡­ To shock¡­ To pure excitement.


    Lily''s fingers trembled as she turned another page. Then, she gasped. Her eyes widened as she looked up at Ethan. "Ethan¡­ this¡­ this is huge."


    Ethan, too, was stunned. His breathing turned heavy as his gaze locked onto a particular section of the document.


    A pharmaceutical project. More specifically¡­ A revolutionary scar-removal cream.


    Lily''s hands clutched the paper tightly. Her voice was filled with awe. "This¡­ this formula¡­ if it really works the way these documents claim, then this drug is going to be a massive success!"


    Ethan''s jaw tightened as he carefully analyzed the research notes. "According to the clinical trials, it can reduce scar tissue visibility by over eighty percent. The results are astounding."


    Lily''s heartbeat quickened. As a woman, she knew exactly what that meant. She turned to Ethan, her voice urgent. "Do you have any idea how many women would pay anything to get rid of their scars?"


    Her eyes burned with excitement. "Money won''t be an issue. If the drug works, people will be begging to buy it, no matter the price!"


    Ethan was silent, but a fire had already been lit in his heart. His grip on the document tightened. His mind raced with possibilities. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lily''s voice dropped to a low whisper, her words laced with temptation.


    "Ethan¡­ do you realize what this means?"


    Ethan swallowed, his throat dry. "It means¡­"


    Lily finished his sentence, her eyes gleaming with ambition. "That if we take this formula for ourselves¡­ we can completely crush Alex."


    A heavy silence settled between them. The air was thick with tension. Ethan''s heart pounded in his chest. He had lost so much today. He had been humiliated, disgraced, thrown out like trash.


    But now¡­ Now, he had a chance to take everything back. His hands trembled, not with fear, but with excitement.


    Lily took a step closer, her voice almost seductive. "With this, we won''t just ruin Alex¡­ we''ll surpass him. We''ll become bigger than him. Stronger than him. Wealthier than him."


    Ethan inhaled sharply. He had never felt this before, this hunger. This need. This overwhelming desire to win.


    And then, he made his decision. Ethan''s lips curled into a slow, dangerous smirk. His voice was steady, filled with confidence.


    "Lily, you''ve just done something incredible for me." Before she could respond, he pulled her into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around her.


    His heartbeat pounded wildly against his ribs.


    "This time¡­ we''re not going to lose." Lily chuckled softly against his chest, her arms tightening around him. Her voice was smooth, filled with satisfaction.


    "That''s the Ethan I know." Wrapped tightly in Ethan Carter''s embrace, Lily felt a warmth she had never experienced before.


    Her heart pounded, her cheeks slightly flushed as she snuggled into his chest like a well-behaved kitten. She felt safe, cherished, like she truly belonged by his side.


    After a moment of silence, she lifted her head and gazed up at him with bright, expectant eyes. "Ethan, now that we have the formula¡­ how do you plan to use this scar-removal formula I stole from Alex''s company?"


    The moment Alex name was mentioned, the warmth in Ethan''s expression vanished. His jaw tightened, his brows furrowed, and a storm brewed in his darkened eyes.


    "That bastard Alex¡­ he dared to play dirty with me? I was the one who first saw the potential in JoySync Company! And yet, he swooped in and took control, filing the patent before I could even react!"


    Ethan''s voice grew lower, colder.


    "Since he doesn''t want to play in this fair¡­ then I won''t have to either." His lips curled into a smirk, his voice dripping with malice.


    "I''ll file the patent before him. I''ll make it mine." Lily''s eyes widened in excitement, her hands gripping Ethan''s arms.


    "But Ethan, if Alex''s company invented it first¡­ won''t he fight back?" Ethan scoffed, his tone filled with disdain.


    "Patents don''t care about who invented it first, Lily. They care about who registers it first." His smirk deepened as he traced a finger under Lily''s chin, tilting her face up toward him.


    "And once I own the patent, even if Alex produces the drug, it''ll be considered a counterfeit." He let out a low chuckle, his confidence unwavering.


    "I''ll make him pay. I''ll make him regret ever thinking he could outsmart me."


    Lily''s lips curled into a wicked grin, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.


    "Yes! That bastard actually thought he could play games with you? He deserves everything that''s coming to him!"


    She giggled, her fingers brushing against Ethan''s chest. "I can''t wait to see the look on Alex''s face when he realizes his company''s hard work has been stolen right from under his nose!"


    Ethan''s grip tightened on her waist as his eyes darkened with determination.


    "Then let''s not waste time. We are moving fast¡­ no we are moving now." Ethan Carter was not the kind of man to hesitate.


    ¡­.


    By the afternoon, Ethan was already at the patent office, submitting his application with lightning speed.


    But he knew better than to take any risks. He wasn''t going to leave this to chance. Ethan reached for his phone and dialed a number. His voice was calm, yet there was a dangerous edge beneath it.


    "I need a favor." On the other end, a deep voice chuckled. "Pulling strings again, Ethan?"


    Ethan smirked. "This time, it''s worth it." He wasn''t just relying on luck¡ªhe was using every connection he had. With the right people greased, his application was processed at record-breaking speed.


    And by the next morning, the patent was his. As Ethan stepped out of the patent office, a wave of triumph washed over him.


    The crisp morning air felt exhilarating, the sky seemed brighter, victory was within his grasp. He held the official documents in his hands, proof that the scar-removal drug now belonged to him.


    A cold smile spread across his lips.


    "Alex¡­ let''s see how you deal with this."


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 61 Thousand Times Better!

    However¡­ Just as Ethan turned to leave, his sharp eyes caught sight of a familiar figure walking toward the entrance.


    An elderly man, dressed impeccably in a refined suit, his expression calm but his hands clutching a folder tightly against his chest.


    Ethan''s pupils contracted.


    Waters. Alex Reid''s trusted man aka also a butler.


    Ethan immediately sensed something was off. His eyes flickered downward, to the very folder the old man was holding.


    For just a brief second, the edge of a document peeked out from between Mr. Waters'' fingers, and Ethan''s heart nearly skipped a beat.


    Because that document looked identical to the patent he had just filed last night. A dark gleam flickered in Ethan''s gaze. He let out a slow, mocking chuckle and strolled forward with a casual arrogance.


    "Well, well, if it isn''t Mr. Waters. What brings someone as important as you to a place like this? Running errands for your boss?" Mr. Waters'' brows twitched, but he said nothing.


    Instead, he subtly pulled the folder closer to his chest, as if trying to shield it from Ethan''s view.


    But Ethan had already seen enough. His suspicions were confirmed. His smirk widened, his tone dripping with false politeness.


    "Oh, what''s this? Some important documents, I assume?" He let out a mock sigh, shaking his head with exaggerated pity.


    "You''d better hold onto those tightly, old man. If something happens to them, Alex is going to be furious, isn''t he?"


    His laughter was light, almost playful, but his words were a thinly veiled threat. Mr. Waters face remained calm, but there was a flicker of unease in his eyes.


    Ethan took one last glance at the folder before turning on his heel and striding away. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His coat billowed behind him as he walked, his steps full of confidence and triumph.


    Behind him, Mr. Waters stood frozen in place, gripping the documents so tightly that his knuckles turned white.


    Ethan didn''t need to look back. Because he already knew¡­ Alex Reid was too late.


    As Ethan Carter''s figure disappeared down the hallway, Mr. Waters took a deep breath, steadying his emotions before pulling out his phone.


    With practiced precision, he dialed a familiar number. The moment the call connected, his voice lowered, carrying a respectful and cautious tone.


    "Sir, as per your instructions¡­ Ethan Carter has successfully submitted the patent for the scar-removal formula." Mr. Waters informed Alex of the events and then asked for things to do after.


    "What are your next orders?"


    There was a moment of silence on the other end, followed by the sound of a pen tapping lightly against a desk.


    Then, a calm yet amused voice responded.


    "What else?"


    Alex Reid''s tone was casual, almost playful, as if he had anticipated this exact outcome.


    "File our own patent, of course." Hearing this, Mr. Waters hesitated for a brief moment, confusion flickering in his mind.


    "But, sir¡­ Ethan has already registered the patent. Wouldn''t that mean we can''t submit ours?"


    Alex let out a soft chuckle, his confidence unwavering.


    "And? Does that mean we''re not allowed to register our own version?" His words were calm, but there was a hidden sharpness behind them¡ªa sharpness that sent a chill down Mr. Waters'' spine.


    He furrowed his brows, trying to process the situation, when suddenly¡ªhis eyes widened in realization.


    Alex''s voice deepened, carrying an undeniable weight.


    "The formula I have isn''t just any scar-removal drug. It''s a thousand times more effective than theirs. It heals faster, lasts longer, and most importantly¡ªit costs far less to produce."


    Alex paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in before continuing, his voice now laced with amusement.


    "Do you understand the significance of that and where I''m going with this Waters?"


    Mr. Waters swallowed hard. The weight of those words¡ªa thousand times more effective¡ªwas not an exaggeration.


    If what Alex said was true¡­ Then Ethan Carter''s so-called patent victory was nothing more than a meaningless piece of paper.


    No matter how fast he had registered it, no matter how well he thought he had played the game¡ªhe had already lost before this supposed so-called battle had even begun.


    Realization dawned on Mr. Waters, and in that instant, his posture straightened with newfound vision and what Alex was playing.


    "Understood, sir! I will guard these documents with my life and ensure our patent is submitted without issue!"


    "Hahaha¡­ Now you are just repeating some old movie line Mr. Waters, just submit it as you do, no need to risk your life or anything.


    The call ended.


    Mr. Waters let out a slow breath and a small chuckle at the last sentence pf Alex and instinctively tightened his grip on the folder, holding it as if it tje most important thing in his life.


    He glanced around cautiously before securing the documents under his arm, then strode towards the patent office with a steely resolve in his eyes.


    He would not fail.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, on the Other Side¡­


    Ethan Carter was completely unaware of what was happening behind the scenes; he didn''t even have the possibility in his mind for something to happen.


    The moment he stepped through the front door of his house, Lily was already waiting for him, her eyes filled with excitement and anticipation of hearing the news of their success.


    She rushed forward, unable to contain herself.


    "Ethan! Did you get it?! Did you manage to file the patent before Alex''s company?"


    Ethan smirked, exuding confidence as he casually shrugged off his coat, tossing it onto the couch without a care.


    His expression was one of absolute certainty, as if success was never in question.


    "Was there ever any doubt?" He crossed his arms and leaned back slightly, letting out a small chuckle.


    "You think I''d let someone like Alex Reid outsmart me?" There was a sharp glint in his eyes, the kind of arrogance that came from knowing he had beaten his opponent to the punch even before the game even began.


    "Do you even know how much effort I put into making sure this went smoothly? I didn''t just submit the patent¡ªI pulled some strings, called in a few favors, and made sure the process was as smooth as possible and as fast as possible."


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 62 Almost Forgotten Family!

    "Do you even know how much effort I put into making sure this went smoothly? I didn''t just submit the patent¡ªI pulled some strings, called in a few favors, and made sure the process was as smooth as possible and as fast as possible."


    Lily''s eyes sparkled with admiration, and in her excitement, she threw her arms around Ethan''s neck.


    "Ethan, you''re incredible!"


    "I knew you could do it!" Without hesitation, she pressed a kiss to his cheek, a beaming smile spreading across her face.


    But her excitement quickly turned into serious contemplation. She pulled back slightly and looked up at him.


    "Now that we have the patent¡­ what''s our next move?"


    Ethan''s smirk widened. His gaze darkened slightly as his expression shifted from one of victory to something far more calculating.


    "The next step is simple." His voice dropped a little lower, a hint of dangerous intent laced within it.


    "We find a manufacturer willing to partner with us. We begin mass production immediately. We start buying raw materials before Alex can react."


    His fingers tapped rhythmically against the table as his mind raced through the next phase of his plan.


    Then, a cold glint flashed in his eyes. Lily held her breath as she watched his expression shift into something even darker. Gone was the composed businessman.


    In his place was a predator ready to strike. Ethan leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice into a near whisper.


    "And most importantly¡­" His lips curled into a slow, menacing smile."¡­we use the exact same tactics Alex used against me."


    Lily''s breath caught in her throat. She could feel the weight of his words, the sheer vengefulness behind them. A shiver ran down her spine as she slowly nodded, her own expression hardening.


    "Yes¡­ that''s right." Her lips curved into a smirk of her own. "Alex played dirty first¡ªnow it''s time for him to feel what it''s like to be on the receiving end."


    Ethan''s smile widened as he exhaled slowly.


    "That''s exactly what I''m counting on."


    ¡­.


    After successfully completing the patent application for his special scar removal cream formula, Ethan wasted no time in selecting a manufacturer to collaborate with.


    However, there was one major problem¡­ the cost.


    While the drug''s effects were undeniably impressive, the ingredients required to produce it were extremely rare and expensive.


    Manufacturing it on a large scale required an astronomical amount of money, and only a handful of companies in City had the financial power to invest in such a project.


    Ethan leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.


    "The Winters family¡­ Even though Alex set them up and dragged them into such pathetic state, they should still have enough money to invest. Even if they''re struggling now, their foundation is strong enough to recover. This could be their chance to turn things around."


    With that decision made, he immediately set out for the Winters Family residence.


    ¡­.


    Ethan was now standing in front of Winters Family household.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    A series of heavy, rapid knocks pounded against the Winters Family''s front door, shaking the frame and echoing through the house like a war drum.


    Inside, Harold Winters and Lillian nearly jumped out of their seats. Lillian clutched her chest, her face paling. "Who the hell is knocking like that?!"


    Harold expression darkened. "Could it be another debt collector?" His hands trembled slightly as he exchanged a nervous glance with his wife.


    Lillian swallowed hard. "Damn it, I knew they''d come again! What do we do if they force their way in? Should we pretend like we''re not home?"


    Before they could come up with a plan, the relentless knocking resumed, even louder this time.


    With no other choice, Harold Winters cautiously approached the door. Taking a deep breath, he swung it open¡­ only to find himself face-to-face with Ethan Carter.


    The tension in the couple''s shoulders eased instantly seeing that it was not a debt collector..


    Lillian let out a dramatic sigh of relief. "For heaven''s sake, it''s just you!" She patted her chest, her heart still racing. "What the hell was that knocking for?! We thought it was another group of loan sharks coming to break our legs!"


    Harold, however, was far less forgiving. His eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms. "You bastard, what are you doing here? You still have the nerve to show up after everything that happened?"


    His tone dripped with resentment as he scoffed. "At the part hall, you were acting so high and mighty, like you had everything under control. We actually thought you were someone important! But what happened in the end? Absolutely nothing! My daughter, my precious Rose, is still rotting in prison!"


    Lillian, standing beside her husband, wasn''t about to let her frustration go unheard. "Not only that, but we''re being chased down by creditors left and right! We can''t even leave the house without fear of being harassed!" She pointed a shaking finger at Ethan. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Do you have any idea how much we''re suffering right now? And you have the nerve to show up here like this?"


    Her voice cracked with emotion, her eyes filled with both anger and despair.


    Ethan''s brows furrowed in irritation.


    "Sir, Ma''am," he said, his voice steady despite their hostility. "I know things didn''t go as planned last time, and I won''t deny that. But let''s be honest¡­ was that really my fault? I never made any promises, and I never told you I could magically fix everything." He crossed his arms.


    "If anything, I put myself on the line to help you, and now you''re blaming me for everything that went wrong? That''s a bit unfair, don''t you think?"


    Harold let out a dry chuckle. "Oh, so now we''re unfair? You bastard, spare me the nonsense. What do you really want?"


    Ethan exhaled sharply, reigning in his frustration. "I actually came here out of goodwill," he said, his voice calm but firm. "I know your situation is rough, and I figured I''d offer you an opportunity. A chance to turn things around."


    Harold Winters scoffed. "You? Offering us a chance? What could you possibly have that would help us right now?"


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 63 Demonstration!

    Harold Winters scoffed. "You? Offering us a chance? What could you possibly have that would help us right now?"


    Ethan didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he simply reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, sharp knife.


    Without hesitation, he raised it to his palm and made a clean, small shallow cut.


    Harold and Lillian''s eyes widened in shock as a thin red line appeared across Ethan''s skin, followed by a slow trickle of blood.


    Lillian gasped. "What the hell are you doing?!"


    Harold frowned, taking a step forward. "Are you out of your mind? If you have something to say, just say it! There''s no need to bring out a knife and start hurting yourself!"


    But Ethan remained unfazed by those words and he did what he had intended to do.


    Reaching into his pocket again, he pulled out a small jar of white ointment. Carefully, he dipped his fingers into the salve and gently applied it to his hand on the wounded area where he made a shallow cut.


    What happened next left Harold and Lillian completely speechless.


    Before their very eyes, the bleeding stopped almost instantly, and the cut began to close at an unnatural speed. Within seconds, the wound was completely gone, as if it had never existed in the first place or like if there was even a cut¡­ not even a small scar.


    The couple could only stare in stunned silence.


    Harold''s mouth opened and closed, struggling to find words. Lillian''s hands trembled as she covered her mouth, her breath shaky.


    Finally, Harold managed to stammer, "W-What¡­ What the hell was that?"


    Lillian''s voice was barely above a whisper. "That ointment¡­ Is that¡­ some kind of miracle cream?"


    Their anger, their resentment, their disbelief, all of it vanished in an instant, replaced by something else entirely.


    Awe.


    Seeing the shock and awe on Harold and Lillian''s faces, Ethan let out a small, confident smile.


    "Sir, Ma''am¡­" He spoke with a calm, measured tone, letting his words sink in. "Now, tell me, if a scar-removal ointment this miraculous were to be mass-produced and introduced to the market¡­ what do you think would happen?"


    Lillian, still overwhelmed by what she had just witnessed, gasped. Then, as the realization struck her, she nearly shrieked, "Are you an idiot?! Something like this, something this effective, would absolutely crazed the market! It would sell like crazy!"


    She turned to her husband, excitement flashing in her eyes. "Harold dear, do you realize what this means? If this ointment gets out there, it won''t just sell well, it''ll cause a crazy sensation! People will be fighting to get their hands on it, especially rich women Or who have scars!"


    Harold, however, wasn''t as quick to react. He was still processing what he had seen. His rational mind tried to look for an explanation, but no matter how much he thought about it, there was no denying what had just happened before his very eyes.


    After a long moment of silence, he slowly looked up at Ethan, his expression serious.


    "¡­Ethan," he said cautiously, "are you saying¡­ you have made this cream and you even have a formula for it?"


    Instead of answering right away, Ethan simply smiled. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a document. With an air of casual confidence, he handed it over.


    Harold hesitated for only a second before snatching the file. His fingers trembled slightly as he flipped through the pages, his sharp eyes scanning each line carefully.


    The more he read, the deeper his breathing became. His eyes darted across the document, absorbing every technical detail, every medical term, every piece of legal wording that confirmed beyond a shadow of a doubt. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This wasn''t just any document. This was a patent authorization. A legitimate, government-verified exclusive patent for the scar-removal medicine.


    Harold''s grip on the papers tightened. The disbelief in his eyes slowly gave way to something else.


    Awe. Excitement. And most of all¡­ an opportunity.


    When he finally looked up at Ethan again, his expression had completely changed. His eyes burned with newfound energy, like a man who had just stumbled upon a golden treasure chest.


    Ethan smirked slightly. "Now do you believe that I have the ability to help the Winters Family climb out of this crisis?"


    Harold swallowed hard before nodding, his voice slightly shaky. "Believe? I¡ªof course, I believe!" His breath came fast, his mind racing. "Actually, back at the party hall, I had a feeling you weren''t just some ordinary young man. But I never imagined¡­ that you had created something this groundbreaking!"


    "This is incredible! Completely Unbelievable!"


    Lillian, who had been peering over his shoulder at the document, clapped her hands together, her frustration from earlier completely forgotten. "Ethan, you''re a genius! If we can get this product to market, our family might not just recover¡­ we could rise higher than we ever have before!"


    Despite their sudden enthusiasm, Ethan remained composed. He leaned back slightly, folding his arms across his chest, and spoke with a hint of amusement.


    "By the way, Sir, Ma''am¡­" He tilted his head slightly. "Is this how the Winters Family treats a benefactor who comes to help them?"


    Harold and Lillian blinked in confusion. Then, they followed Ethan''s gaze¡­ And finally realized that he was still standing outside the front door.


    Harold ''s face immediately turned red with embarrassment. He smacked his forehead and laughed awkwardly. "Hahahaha Look at me! I must be getting old¡­ I completely forgot my manners!"


    He quickly stepped aside. "Come in, come in! Let''s talk inside!"


    "Yes, yes! That was so rude of us!" Lillian exclaimed, stepping forward and personally guiding Ethan into the house.


    Once inside the Winters Family''s grand living room, the atmosphere took a drastic turn.


    If earlier, Harold and Lillian had treated Ethan like an unwelcome guest, now they were practically rolling out the red carpet for him.


    Lillian rushed to the kitchen, bringing out the finest tea they had, carefully brewing a fresh pot. She placed an exquisite porcelain teacup in front of Ethan, her attitude warm and respectful.


    Harold, on the other hand, ordered the house staff to prepare fresh fruit, the highest-quality snacks, and anything else that might make Ethan feel comfortable.


    For nearly half an hour, they fussed over him, treating him like a VIP guest.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 64 Forty Million Dollars!

    For nearly half an hour, they fussed over him, treating him like a VIP guest.


    Ethan, however, remained indifferent to all the hospitality. After sipping his tea once, he waved his hand.


    "Alright, Sir, Ma''am," he said casually, but with a firm undertone. "That''s enough. Let''s get down to business." Hearing this, Harold Winters and Lillian immediately straightened up, their expressions turning serious.


    Ethan placed his teacup down gently and looked at them intently.


    "So¡­," he began, his tone calm yet authoritative. "¡­I came here to help you, and I do intend to do so. But before we move forward, I need to make something clear."


    His eyes sharpened slightly.


    "You''ve seen the effects of this ointment for yourselves. There''s no doubt that it will become a craze once it enters the market." He paused. "But¡­ because of how effective it is, the raw materials required to make it are extremely expensive."


    "The manufacturing process is complex, and on top of that, we need to build an entire production line from scratch." His voice grew heavier. "The initial investment will be massive."


    Harold frowned slightly, deep in thought. He tapped his fingers against the table and sighed. "I understand that much," he said. "You don''t need to explain the obvious. Our Winters Family''s situation¡­ well, I don''t need to spell it out either."


    He let out a bitter chuckle. "Ever since Alex withdrew his investment, we''ve been thrown into the worst crisis in our history."


    His eyes locked onto Ethan''s. "So tell me, Ethan Carter, how much money are we talking about?"


    Ethan leaned back slightly and exhaled.


    "I''ve done the calculations," he said. "Because the manufacturing process is so intricate¡­ the cost of setting up the production line alone will be close to fifteen million dollars."


    Harold Winters''s expression tensed, and Lillian''s hands gripped the edge of her chair.


    But Ethan wasn''t done.


    "That doesn''t even include the raw materials we''ll need to stockpile in advance." He paused for a moment before raising a single finger.


    His next words shattered the silence like a thunderclap.


    "In total¡­ we need Seventy million dollars."


    For a moment, the entire room fell into a stunned silence.


    Harold Winters and Lillian sat frozen, their faces stiff as if they had just been struck by lightning.


    Seventy. Million. Dollars.


    Even for a family as wealthy as the Winters Family, that was an astronomical number. Especially now that they were drowning in debts.


    A sum that could either ruin them forever¡­ or turn them into titans of the industry.


    The moment Ethan Carter mentioned the number, the atmosphere in the room turned deathly still.


    Seventy million dollars.


    Harold sat frozen in place, his mind struggling to process the sheer scale of the figure. His fingers twitched slightly, his breath caught in his throat. For a long moment, he simply stared at Ethan, as if hoping he had misheard.


    Then, after what felt like an eternity, he let out a dry, humorless laugh.


    "Ethan¡­ oh¡­ Ethan." Harold forced a wry smile, rubbing his temple as if the number had given him a sudden headache. "Do I look like someone who can casually pull out Seventy million dollars?"


    His voice was laced with bitterness as he gestured toward the door.


    "Do you see the situation I''m in?" He shook his head, frustration flickering in his tired eyes. "Debt collectors are practically camping outside my house every day! If I had that kind of money, do you think I''d be spending my days hiding from them? Would I still be struggling to keep my family''s name afloat?"


    Lillian Winters, who had been listening quietly, sighed deeply.


    "Ethan, it''s not that we don''t want to help," she said, her voice carrying the weight of exhaustion. "But our family is on the verge of collapsing¡­ We''re barely holding on as it is."


    Ethan wasn''t surprised by their reaction. He had expected this.


    "I understand," he said with a nod. "Seventy million dollars is a lot. I know that."


    He leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering.


    "But you don''t have to come up with the entire amount on your own."


    His sharp gaze locked onto Harold''s, his next words deliberate and steady.


    "I''ve already secured thirty million dollars on my end."


    Harold flinched. His fingers, which had been resting on the table, suddenly curled into a fist.


    Ethan continued, his voice unwavering.


    "All I need from you is forty million dollars. That''s it."


    Harold''s expression shifted from disbelief to deep contemplation.


    Forty million dollars¡­ It was still an enormous sum, but it was significantly less daunting than Seventy million dollars.


    For the first time, the idea didn''t seem completely impossible. But the risks were terrifying. His gaze drifted toward the scar-removal ointment sitting on the table.


    The image of Ethan''s wound closing before his eyes, the fresh cut disappearing in mere seconds, played over and over again in his mind.


    He swallowed hard. If this medicine could actually hit the market¡­ If it was as revolutionary as Ethan claimed¡­


    Forget Seventy million dollars. Even Seven Hundred Million dollars wouldn''t be out of reach for them if they do the investment!


    A tense silence settled over the room. Harold clenched his fists. His mind was racing. ''This is my last chance. If I don''t take this gamble, sooner or later, Alex will completely destroy me.''


    He took a deep breath, then looked Ethan directly in the eyes. And then, he made his decision.


    "Ethan," he said, his voice firmer than before, "since you have come here with a proposal so incredible and you were willing to trust us, then I''ll trust you this time." His expression hardened, filled with determination and desperation.


    "I''ll mortgage every single property under the Winters family name. Every house, every warehouse, every square meter of land."


    He gritted his teeth.


    "If I scrape together everything, I should be able to raise Forty million dollars for this."


    A satisfied smile crossed Ethan''s lips.


    "Good." He nodded. "Then I''ll handle the remaining Thirty million dollars." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 65 An Advantage?

    "If I scrape together everything, I should be able to raise Forty million dollars for this."


    A satisfied smile crossed Ethan''s lips.


    "Good." Ethan nodded. "Then I''ll handle the remaining Thirty million dollars."


    With the agreement settled, the once-tense atmosphere shifted. Harold leaned back in his chair, his earlier doubts now replaced with hope and anticipation.


    "Haha! Now this is what I call loyalty!" He laughed heartily, shaking his head in admiration. "Ethan, you''re a true man. You''re nothing like that snake Alex Reid! That bastard stabbed me in the back, but you¡ªyou brought us a future."


    Lillian, who had been hesitant before, now nodded eagerly.


    "That''s right! If our family manages to climb back up again, we''ll owe everything to you, Ethan!"


    Their attitudes had completely flipped. Just a few minutes ago, they were questioning his presence at their door. Now? Now they treated him like an honored guest, a savior.


    Harold, still riding on the high of his decision, leaned forward again.


    "Alright, Ethan," he said seriously. "Since we''ve decided to do this¡­ when do you need the money?"


    Ethan didn''t hesitate and straight up gave the answer.


    "Tomorrow."


    Harold''s smile froze. "¡­Tomorrow?" His eyes widened, his body stiffening. "Isn''t that too soon?!"


    Ethan''s voice was calm but deadly serious.


    "It has to be as soon as possible." His sharp gaze flickered toward the window, as if scanning for potential threats.


    "The Reid Industries is watching us. The moment they realize what we''re planning, they''ll do everything in their power to sabotage our investment." His voice dropped to a cold, dangerous tone.


    "We cannot let them find out.If they do, they''ll block our suppliers, our distributors, and every possible investor who might support us." His expression darkened.


    "We need to move before they strike first."


    Harold sucked in a deep breath. He knew what kind of man Alex was especially now or to be more accurate from the party hall. If that man caught wind of their plans, he would crush them before they even had a chance to rise.


    There was no time to waste. Harold clenched his fists. "Alright," he said. "I''ll head to the bank right now and start the loan process!" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    From that moment on, both Ethan Carter and the Winters Family moved at full speed in the process.


    There was no room for mistakes. Everything had to be done quickly and quietly, before Alex had the chance to react.


    By noon the next day, the Forty million dollars loan amount was successfully transferred into Ethan''s account.


    At the same time, Ethan had also secured his thirty million dollars share.


    With Seventy million dollars in funding officially locked in, Ethan wasted no time.


    Within hours, preparations for mass production had begun for the ointment.


    ?Factory site selection: Completed.


    ?Production line construction: Launched immediately.


    ?Raw material stockpiling: Trucks rolled in non-stop, unloading shipment after shipment.


    Everything was moving at full throttle.


    ¡­.


    One week later, Ethan stood at the newly established factory site, watching as construction workers worked tirelessly, assembling the production line.


    Giant trucks carrying rare medicinal ingredients moved in and out of the facility, ensuring that when the time came, production would begin without delay.


    Looking at the rapid progress, Ethan finally allowed himself to smile.


    He clenched his fists. This time¡­ He would not lose. This time¡­ He would crush Alex Reid.


    ¡­.


    Unbeknownst to Ethan Carter, everything he had worked tirelessly for over the past few weeks, every investment, every risk, every move, was already within Alex ''s grasp.


    Far from scrambling to keep up, Alex had been watching. Waiting. Because this was not a battle of strength. This was a game of patience.


    The city below was a sea of lights, a sprawling like jungle that never slept. But inside Alex''s penthouse office, the atmosphere was eerily calm, almost unnerving.


    His trusted aide aka his butler, Mr. Waters, was pacing in front of Alex''s massive oak desk. There was an unmistakable edge to his movements, a nervous energy that hadn''t been there before.


    "Sir," Mr. Waters finally spoke, his voice tight with urgency. "Ethan Carter''s production line is almost fully operational."


    He stole a glance at his employer, who was seated in his leather chair, completely relaxed, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand.


    "They''ve secured all the raw materials they need," Mr. Waters continued. "The factory is running at full speed, and information has it they''re gearing up for an official product launch in just a few weeks."


    His voice lowered, laced with concern.


    "Are we really going to keep waiting?"


    Alex took a slow sip of his drink before setting the glass down with a soft clink. Then, finally, he stood, strolling toward the massive floor-to-ceiling window.


    He gazed out over the city, his sharp blue eyes reflecting the golden glow of the skyline.


    "Waters," he began, his voice casual yet laced with something dangerous, "do you know why I haven''t made a move yet?"


    Mr. Waters furrowed his brows. "I¡­ assumed you were waiting for the right moment?"


    Alex''s lips curved into a slow, knowing smirk.


    "Exactly." He turned his head slightly, just enough to see the growing confusion on his aide''s face. "Why waste our own resources when Ethan is doing all the work for us?"


    Mr. Waters froze. His breath hitched. And then, suddenly, everything clicked.


    "Sir¡­," he exhaled sharply. "¡­You''re waiting for them to build up their production line¡­ to invest all their money¡­ to stockpile as much inventory as possible¡­"


    His voice trailed off as realization struck like lightning.


    "¡­Then you''re going to make your move to crush them."


    Alex let out a soft chuckle, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and cold precision.


    "We let them launch first," he said smoothly. "And then¡­ we introduce our own product."


    Mr. Waters felt a chill crawl down his spine.


    "But¡­ if we let them release first," he hesitated, "won''t they already have an advantage?"


    Alex turned fully now, facing him with a gaze so calculating that it made the older man''s throat run dry.


    "An advantage?"


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 66 Unexpected Visit

    "An advantage?" Alex repeated, chuckling.


    "No, Waters. It''s a death sentence." He took a slow step forward, his tone calm but brimming with confidence.


    "Our product will be superior in every way, faster healing, fewer side effects, and most importantly¡­" His smirk widened.


    "¡­a much lower price."


    Mr. Waters stiffened. It was a brutal strategy, that is only if it works but he believed in Alex at least from how he handles everything till now.


    Ethan Carter and the Winters family had risked everything to fund this production. If their product didn''t sell, they would collapse under their own weight.


    And that''s exactly what Alex wanted.


    Mr. Waters swallowed. "But¡­ what happens next? After we take the market?"


    Alex''s smirk didn''t fade. He simply returned to his desk, leaning against it with an air of absolute control.


    "Then," he said softly, "we wait."


    Mr. Waters'' breath caught. ''Wait? What else could they possibly need to wait for?''


    Ethan would already be struggling to survive.


    And then, as if reading his thoughts, Alex gave a slow, deliberate nod.


    "Once Ethan realizes that he can''t sell a single unit, he''ll have no choice." He reached for his whiskey again, taking a leisurely sip before finishing his sentence. "¡­He''ll be forced to sell everything."


    The weight of those words sank into the room like a stone.


    Mr. Waters felt his stomach drop.


    "You mean¡­" He swallowed hard. "The production line? The raw materials?" His voice wavered. "¡­The patents?"


    Alex exhaled, tilting his head slightly.


    "All of it." A silence stretched between them. A heavy, unforgiving silence.


    "Sir!" Mr. Waters'' voice was barely above a whisper. "Are you saying¡­ you''re going to buy everything off them¡­ for pennies?"


    Alex set his glass down. Then he smirked.


    "BINGO!."


    The older man''s legs almost felt weak. This wasn''t even a competition. This was a trap, one so perfectly set that Ethan wouldn''t even realize it until it was already too late.


    And the worst part? There was nothing he could do to stop it.


    Mr. Waters exhaled shakily.


    "¡­You really are terrifying, Sir." Alex only chuckled, picking up his phone and casually dialing a number.


    "It''s business," he said simply, as if discussing something as trivial as a stock investment.


    He let the call ring, amusement flickering in his gaze.


    "Let''s see¡­" he mused. "The Winters family has been bleeding money for years. I wonder¡­" A slow, merciless smirk curled his lips. "¡­just how much more they can lose before they break completely."


    "Was that why you only sent Rose to prison and not her family¡­? ¡­ Sir, did you predict this would happen?"


    ¡­.


    Later:


    Alex sat in his spacious office, the afternoon light casting long shadows through the floor-to-ceiling windows.


    His fingers drummed idly against the polished mahogany desk, his piercing gaze locked onto the small white container placed before him.


    Across from him, Mr. Waters stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his usual composed demeanor tinged with the faintest trace of urgency.


    Alex finally spoke, his voice smooth and measured.


    "Is this it?" His fingers stopped drumming, and he picked up the small container, rolling it between his fingers with a calculated slowness.


    Mr. Waters gave a firm nod, watching Alex Carefully.


    "Yes, Sir. This is a sample of our special formula." A brief silence stretched between them before Mr. Waters hesitated, his brows knitting together.


    "But¡­ Sir¡­ Do you really want Ethan Carter to get his hands on this?" Mr. Waters asked confirming ine more time from Alex, he though understood it was Alex plan but he couldn''t exactly figure out what the plan was.


    Alex smirked. There was something coldly amused in his expression as he set the jar back down with a soft clink.


    "Of course."


    Mr. Waters didn''t reply immediately, but his lips pressed into a thin line. His loyalty to Alex was unquestionable, yet he couldn''t help but feel uneasy about this strategy and plan.


    Alex leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other.


    "This isn''t just about selling a product," he said, his voice carrying a quiet certainty. "It''s about control. Right now, Ethan thinks he is in control."


    He let the words hang in the air, his smirk widening.


    "But soon¡­ he''ll start to doubt everything."


    ¡­.


    At Ethan Carter Manufacturing Factory:


    The rhythmic hum of machines filled the vast production facility, the scent of sterilized metal and freshly unpacked materials lingering in the air. Workers moved efficiently, making last-minute checks on the assembly lines.


    Ethan Carter stood near one of the conveyor belts, sharp eyes scanning the progress. His tailored suit, though a contrast to the factory setting, did nothing to lessen the commanding presence he exuded.


    Etahn held a clipboard, his sharp features set in concentration.


    "By tomorrow," Ethan mused, nodding in approval, "we''ll be fully operational."


    He gave a satisfied nod to himself. "Everything''s running on schedule. The first batch should be ready for market within days."


    But before Ethan could assess any further, the rapid clack of dress shoes echoed down the hallway.


    Harold Winters burst into the room, his usually calm expression replaced with thinly veiled panic.


    "Ethan¡ªwe have a problem."


    Ethan turned slowly, his smirk unfaltering.


    "You''re always so dramatic, Harold," he teased. "What is it this time?"


    Harold ran a hand through his graying hair, exhaling sharply.


    "Waters is outside." For the first time, the air around Ethan shifted. The amusement in his expression didn''t fade completely, but a new sharpness settled in his gaze.


    "Reid Industries CEO Alex Butler himself and also his aide, is at my factory gates?"


    Harold gave a firm nod. "Yes. And not alone. He''s got two assistants with him."


    His grip on his clipboard tightened. "This doesn''t feel right." Ethan remained silent for a moment before finally exhaling a slow breath.


    "Let him wait."


    Harold blinked. "Wait? Ethan, this is practically Alex''s right-hand man. He wouldn''t just show up without a reason." S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ethan rolled his shoulders, a smirk returning to his lips. "Exactly. And that''s why I''m going to hear him out." With that, he turned and strode toward the entrance.


    Harold cursed under his breath before reluctantly following.


    "I swear, if that old man tries something¡­"


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 67 A Warning

    Outside the Factory Gates:


    Outside, standing just beyond the sleek metal gates of the factory, was Mr. Waters.


    Despite his advanced age, the man stood tall, his expression impassive. Flanking him were two younger assistants in neatly pressed suits, their hands folded in front of them like well-trained bodyguards.


    But what caught Ethan''s attention the most, what truly intrigued him, was the small white bag clutched in Mr. Waters'' hand.


    Ethan slowed his steps, taking in the scene before finally flashing a mocking grin.


    "Well, well, well¡­ if it isn''t the mighty Mr. Waters Aka Alex Butler, lurking around my factory like some common spy." He crossed his arms, his smirk widening.


    "Should I call security, or do you actually have a reason for loitering at my gates?" Mr. Waters didn''t flinch. Instead, he lifted the small bag ever so slightly, his voice as steady as ever.


    "Ethan Carter," he said evenly, "do you know what you''re really producing here?"


    Ethan let out a short laugh. "I built this factory. I funded it. I hired the best scientists in the country. You tell me¡ªdo I know what I''m producing?"


    Mr. Waters fingers curled tighter around the bag.


    "Then explain this." With an exaggerated motion, he tossed the small white bag toward Ethan.


    Ethan caught it easily, his brow furrowing slightly. He turned the bag over in his hand before pulling out a small jar of cream.


    Ethan took an unconscious step closer, peering at it.


    Harold, on the other hand, tensed instantly.


    "What is this?" Ethan asked, his tone unreadable.


    Mr. Waters didn''t hesitate.


    "The exact same product you''re making," he replied coldly. "And we''ve had it for months."


    The words hung in the air like a dagger.


    Harold clenched his fists. "That''s impossible!" he snapped. "We spent months researching this and refining this formula! How the hell could you possibly have an identical formula?!"


    Mr. Waters sighed, shaking his head.


    "Don''t take my word for it. Test it yourself." He gestured toward the jar in Ethan''s hand.


    "If you think I''m lying, run a full analysis. Compare it to your own formula." A slow, almost imperceptible smile tugged at his lips.


    "You might be in for a surprise."


    For the first time, Ethan''s amusement flickered.


    He turned the jar over in his hand, his gaze darkening. He was confident in his product¡ªbut what if this was more than just a bluff?


    If Alex truly had an identical formula¡­ Then what the hell had he been playing at all this time?


    More importantly¡­ What was his next move?


    As Mr. Waters turned to leave, he threw out one last, chilling remark over his shoulder before he began to walk the way he came here.


    "Oh, and one more thing, Mr. Ethan¡­" His gaze flicked back, locking onto Ethan''s. "If we were really trying to steal your formula¡­ don''t you think we would have stopped you before you built this factory?" And with that, he was gone.


    Leaving behind nothing but a lingering sense of unease. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was nothing but a friendly visit by Alex Butler which he did on Alex Orders, it was just a simple warning for smarter people but as Ethan wasn''t one of them he thought nothing of this.


    Ethan showed a shocked face just for a show but for him this was like a show playing like he wrote it or planned it.


    Why? Because he already have a patent for this.


    So, In the end it doesn''t really matter for him even if they had a formula¡­ which is their formula to begin with or even if they produce it.


    ¡­.


    "Hahaha! This is incredible!"


    Harold Winters couldn''t contain his excitement as he watched Mr. Waters stumble away from the factory gates.


    His back was hunched, his steps unsteady with rage, and from the way his fingers trembled, it was clear he was barely containing the humiliation burning inside him.


    After years of enduring suppression under Reid Industries, after being treated like an ant beneath their feet at the party hall, after suffering countless setbacks¡­


    Today, they had struck back.


    And it felt damn good.


    Harold turned toward Ethan Carter, his face still flushed with exhilaration. His eyes were bright, filled with a renewed sense of power¡ªas if, for the first time in a long time, he could finally breathe.


    "This is all thanks to you, Ethan." His voice was thick with emotion, a mix of admiration and gratitude. "If it weren''t for you, I don''t know how much longer we''d have had to bow our heads to those bastards at Reid Industries. But today¡­" His hands clenched into tight fists, his expression fierce.


    "Today, we finally made them taste their own medicine!"


    Ethan chuckled, his expression calm, but his eyes gleaming with quiet satisfaction.


    "Mr. Harold, you don''t have to thank me." His voice was steady, but there was a sharp edge hidden beneath his words.


    "Reid Industries is our common enemy." His jaw tightened slightly, the cool night air brushing against his skin. "And we''re just getting started."


    Harold nodded fervently, his heart pounding with adrenaline.


    "You''re right! We need to keep up the momentum." His excitement reignited, and he turned toward the factory.


    "I''ll go push the workers to speed up production! The sooner we launch our scar removal cream, the sooner we can bury Reid Industries for good!"


    With that, he marched off, his energy renewed.


    Ethan, too, was about to head back inside¡­ But just as he turned, something caught his eye.


    Right there, at the factory gates, lying near the entrance like an abandoned piece of trash¡­


    A small, white bag. It was barely noticeable, light, unassuming.


    Ethan frowned. His instincts were sharp, honed by years of experience, and something about this felt¡­ wrong.


    "Wait a second¡­" He strode forward, his boots crunching against the gravel, and crouched down.


    The moment his fingers brushed against the material, his heart skipped a beat.


    Printed on the bag, in neat, bold letters¡ª


    "Reid Industries Scar-Healing Cream ¨C Trial Sample" Ethan''s expression changed instantly.


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 68 A Trap All Along

    "Reid Industries Scar-Healing Cream ¨C Trial Sample" Ethan''s expression changed instantly.


    A wave of unease rolled through him.


    "What the hell is this?" His mind raced. ''Was this what Waters had been trying to do all along? Had he deliberately left this behind? Was this¡­ a warning? Or something else entirely?''


    Ethan''s grip tightened around the bag.


    If Reid Industries was already distributing free samples, it meant their product was ready for the market.


    And that meant¡­His eyes darkened.


    "Could they have another formula?" His voice was low, almost a whisper to himself. "If their product is already perfected¡­ then what does that mean for us?"


    His fingers clenched around the bag.


    "No. I need to test this myself."


    With a sudden sense of urgency, he shoved the trial ointment into his pocket and strode directly into the factory, his pace quickening.


    A few streets away, inside the sleek interior of a black expensive black car, Mr. Waters sat calmly in the back seat.


    His earlier display of frustration? Gone. His supposed humiliation at the factory gates? An act.


    His wrinkled hands rested on his lap, but his sharp eyes were locked onto the factory entrance.


    And when he saw Ethan pick up the sample and take it inside, a cold smirk tugged at the corners of his lips.


    With steady fingers, he pulled out his phone and sent a message.


    "Sir, the fish has taken the bait." A few seconds later, his screen lit up with a reply.


    "Well done, Waters. Now let''s sit back and enjoy the show."


    A low chuckle escaped Mr. Waters'' lips as he placed his phone down.


    ¡­.


    Inside the factory, Ethan was already moving.


    He found a quiet, isolated spot, away from the prying eyes of workers and executives. His hands moved quickly as he ripped open the sample packet, revealing a small, pristine jar of cream.


    It was barely enough for one application, but it would do. His fingers hovered over the jar for a second.


    Then, without hesitation, he turned toward the nearest brick wall. His eyes darkened.


    "Let''s see if this is the real deal." Taking a deep breath. He dragged his hand against the rough surface. A Sharp pain came instantly as he did that.


    A thin, crimson line appeared across his palm, blood welling up immediately.


    Ethan hissed but barely reacted. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Damn, went too deep¡­" he muttered under his breath. But this wasn''t the time to hesitate. Ethan Carter sat in his office, staring down at the scar on his arm.


    A deep, jagged wound that had once cut straight to the bone.


    He had purposely left it untreated, wanting to personally test the effectiveness of the new scar-removal formula his company was about to release.


    With careful precision, he applied the cream onto his skin.


    Seconds passed. Then a minute. Then two. And right before his eyes¡­ The scar began to vanish.


    At first, the red and inflamed tissue softened, blending in with the surrounding skin. Then, the rough, uneven texture smoothed out, as if the wound had never been there in the first place.


    By the five-minute mark, his arm was flawless. Not a single mark. Not a single blemish. It was Perfect.


    Ethan''s breath hitched. His fingers slowly traced over his skin, feeling nothing but smooth flesh.


    The previous formula¡ªthe one Lily had stolen from Alex''s company¡ªhad been powerful, but it could only fade scars by 80% at best.


    But this? This was absolute. He picked up the packaging again, flipping it over. And that''s when his entire body went still.


    The price.


    $100.


    His fingers tightened around the box.


    $100?!


    Ethan''s heart pounded in his chest.


    The scar-removal drug his company had been working on had a raw material cost of nearly is tremendous compared to normal creams.


    They had already planned to sell it for at least $1000 just to turn a profit. Of course it may look like the tremendous amount but it all comes down to its effectiveness, many rich people would have bought this in thousands.


    While some would have made contracts for its distribution.


    And yet¡­ This new drug was ten times more effective and sold for only $100?


    Ethan hands trembled. His breathing quickened. His vision tunneled as he realized the full weight of the situation. This wasn''t just competition. This was an execution.


    And the one holding the blade to his throat¡­ Was Alex Reid. Ethan shot up from his chair, pacing across his office.


    Every single nerve in his body screamed that something was wrong. He rushed to the window and looked down at the factory floor.


    Hundreds of workers were moving at full speed.


    The assembly lines were running nonstop, processing raw materials into the final product.


    Forklifts carried stacks of ingredients, filling up the warehouse with supplies meant to last for months of mass production.


    Delivery trucks came and went, transporting massive shipments into storage. The entire operation was working like a well-oiled machine.


    And yet¡­ It was all for nothing. Ethan stiffened. If Alex launched his product at the same time. If his drug was not only more effective but also drastically cheaper.


    Then Reid Industries would wipe them out instantly.


    Their company would be left with mountains of unsellable stock. Millions of dollars investments would vanish overnight.


    Their suppliers, their distributors, every connection they had built, would turn against them in favor of the cheaper, superior product.


    Ethan''s lips parted as a horrifying realization struck him.


    "I walked straight into a trap." His hands balled into fists. Alex hadn''t just beaten him to the market. He had set him up from the start.


    Every move Ethan had made, every investment, every deal, every rushed decision, had played right into Alex''s hands.


    His jaw clenched. ''No. I''m not going to let this happen.'' He turned on his heel and stormed out of the office.


    Ethan marched straight into the factory, his voice cutting through the noise.


    "STOP EVERYTHING!" The factory froze.


    Workers turned, their faces filled with confusion as the assembly line slowed to a halt.


    Ethan didn''t waste a second. He spun toward the procurement manager.


    "Cancel all incoming raw material shipments!"


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 69 Backstabbing?

    "Cancel all incoming raw material shipments!" Ethan shouted over his phone, his tone sharpened and loud. "I don''t care what deals we made¡ªI don''t want a single extra shipment entering this facility!"


    Then he turned to the production team.


    "Shut down all machinery. Right now."


    The factory went silent.


    The constant hum of production disappeared, leaving only a thick, suffocating tension in the air.


    The workers exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of what had just happened.


    And then¡­ A loud, booming voice echoed across the factory floor.


    "What the hell is going on here?!" Ethan turned just in time to see Harold Winters, one of the company''s biggest investors, storming toward him.


    The man''s expression was a mix of frustration and disbelief as he took in the halted production lines and confused workers.


    He stopped in front of Ethan, his eyes burning with anger.


    "Ethan, what the hell are you doing?! We''re supposed to be ramping up production, not shutting it down!"


    Ethan took a deep breath and then said to Harold.


    "Harold, listen to me. We have to stop. Right now."


    Harold''s brows furrowed deeply.


    "Stop? Are you out of your damn mind? We''ve already invested millions into this operation! Do you have any idea what shutting down now will cost us?!" Ethan held his ground.


    "Harold, we''ve been set up."


    Harold scoffed, crossing his arms.


    "Oh, really? By who?"


    Ethan''s expression turned ice-cold.


    "Alex Reid.."


    Harold froze for a second. But then his frustration boiled over again.


    "Alex? What the hell could he possibly do?"


    Ethan''s voice was calm but sharp.


    "He has a better version of our drug. It''s not just more effective¡ªit''s significantly cheaper."


    Harold''s eyes twitched as he processed that information.


    Ethan continued, his tone dead serious.


    "If we launch our product now, we''ll be dead before we even have a chance. We need to stop while we still can."


    A heavy silence settled over them. Then¡­ Harold exploded.


    "STOP?! ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!" His voice shook the factory walls, making several workers flinch. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Do you take me for a fool, Ethan?! We have a drug that works! A drug that can dominate the market! And now you''re telling me it''s all some elaborate trap?" Harold took a threatening step forward, his face twisted with rage.


    "Or maybe¡­ you just want to take the profits for yourself." Ethan''s eyes narrowed dangerously.


    "Are you seriously accusing me of that?"


    Harold laughed coldly.


    "What else am I supposed to think? You suddenly halt production, cancel shipments, and now you''re telling me this is all some grand scheme?" He leaned in, his voice low and accusing.


    "Tell me, Ethan¡­ are you screwing me over?"


    The air grew heavy. The tension between them was like a bomb waiting to explode. Ethan exhaled slowly, his voice deadly calm.


    Ethan Carter felt his face burn with humiliation. Harold Winters was pointing a finger directly at his face, his booming voice echoing across the factory floor.


    The older man''s rage was palpable, his chest rising and falling with each angry breath.


    Ethan clenched his fists.


    As the protagonist of this story, he Should had never been humiliated like this before, but ut was changed way before.


    But now wasn''t the time to fight back. Not yet. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to remain calm. His voice was steady, but his eyes held urgency.


    "Mr. Harold, please, you have to trust me. I swear on everything, I''m not lying to you."


    Harold''s face twisted in disbelief, but Ethan pressed on.


    "Reid Industries has created a superior version of our scar-removal drug. Not only is it more effective than ours, but it''s also significantly cheaper. There''s no way we can compete with them."


    Ethan''s tone became more desperate.


    "If we continue pouring money into production, it''ll be like throwing our investment straight into the trash!"


    Harold narrowed his eyes. There was a brief pause, but only for a moment.


    Then¡­ Harold scoffed. A sharp, mocking sound filled with disbelief.


    "Reid Industries also has a scar-removal drug?" He folded his arms. "Alright then, show me. Where is it? Where did you even get it from?"


    Ethan stiffened. For the first time, he was caught off guard. His mouth opened and closed before he finally spoke.


    "Uh¡ªwell¡ª" He quickly searched for the right words. "I got it from Waters Alex butler earlier. There was only a small amount, and I already used it to test the effects."


    Ethan lifted his hand, showing his index finger.


    "Mr. Harold, look! I just cut myself earlier, but after applying the the cream that I got from him earlier¡ª" He wiggled his finger.


    "Not even a single scar remains!" His voice was full of earnest conviction. His expression was completely serious. And yet, Harold only got angrier.


    His jaw clenched. His face darkened with suspicion. Then, his voice exploded like a cannon.


    "BULLSHIT!"


    Ethan flinched. But Harold wasn''t done.


    "You think I''m an idiot?! Where''s the damn scar, huh? I don''t see a damn thing!" Harold stepped forward, his voice sharp with fury.


    "You think you can play me, boy? You think I''m some gullible old man you can just fool with a few words?!"


    Ethan felt his throat go dry.


    "No! Mr. Harold, I swear it''s real! You have to believe me! I really did have a wound, and after using the drug¡ª" Just as Ethan was explaining to Harold everything in a hurry, Harold''s angry voice cut him off completely.


    "BELIEVE MY ASS!" Harold cut him off with a furious roar. His eyes were wild with rage, his veins popping from his forehead.


    "Do you think I was born yesterday?! I could cover my whole body with our current cream, and I STILL wouldn''t get those results! And you expect me to believe some miracle drug can erase scars INSTANTLY?!"


    His hands balled into tight, shaking fists. And then¡­ His voice dropped to a dangerous low.


    "Listen to me, Ethan¡­ Carter. I don''t care what tricks you''re playing, but I''ll warn you right now¡ª" Harold took another step forward, his glare like a knife pressing against Ethan''s throat.


    "This is my last investment. Every damn cent I have is in this project." His eyes burned with desperation and fury. "If this project fails¡ª" His voice turned chilling. "I don''t care if I have to die. I''ll make sure you go down with me."


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 70 Turns and Twist

    "This is my last investment. Every damn cent I have is in this project." His eyes burned with desperation and fury. "If this project fails¡ª" His voice turned chilling. "I don''t care if I have to die. I''ll make sure you go down with me."


    Ethan''s breath hitched. A cold sweat ran down his back. Harold wasn''t bluffing. This was a man at the end of his rope. A man who had nothing left to lose.


    And now¡­ All of his rage was directed at him.


    Before Ethan could even process what was happening, Harold whirled around and shouted toward the factory floor.


    Harold wasted no time.


    The moment he was done threatening Ethan Carter, he turned to the stunned factory workers, who had all frozen in place, watching the confrontation unfold.


    His voice boomed across the massive production floor¡ª


    "LISTEN UP! KEEP WORKING!"


    The workers jumped in shock, their hesitation instantly replaced by urgency.


    "Get back to your stations! Everything runs as usual! I don''t care what''s happening¡ªthis factory DOES NOT stop!"


    Immediately¡­ The factory floor roared back to life.


    The heavy machinery rumbled, conveyor belts groaned as they started moving again, and workers scrambled back to their tasks.


    The forklifts resumed transporting raw materials, their engines growling as they carried the precious ingredients to the production lines.


    In less than a minute¡­ The entire factory was back in full operation. As if Ethan''s desperate attempt to shut it down had never happened. Harold turned back to Ethan, his sharp gaze filled with warning.


    His finger jabbed directly at Ethan''s chest¡ªhard enough to make Ethan stumble slightly backward.


    "Listen here, brat!" His voice was low and dangerous, filled with pure, unfiltered rage.


    "If that miracle drug of yours isn''t in our hands by the time production is finished¡ª" His lips curled into a snarl. "I will personally make you regret it."


    Ethan felt a chill crawl up his spine. This was no empty threat. Harold meant every word.


    And then¡­ Without giving Ethan a single chance to respond. Harold turned on his heel and stormed out of the factory.


    His heavy footsteps echoed against the concrete floor, heavy with finality. Ethan could only watch in silence. His body felt frozen in place. His mind was spinning.


    He had spent so much effort trying to stop this disaster. And in the end, everything had spiraled completely out of his control.


    Now¡­ Instead of halting production, things were about to move even faster.


    Ethan Carter stood outside the factory, his jaw clenched so tightly it felt like his teeth might crack.


    His fingers curled into fists, nails digging into his palms, but the pain did nothing to quell the storm raging inside him.


    Inside the massive industrial complex, machines roared like a relentless beast, tirelessly churning out product.


    Workers moved in a synchronized frenzy, carrying materials, adjusting controls, and overseeing the endless production lines.


    His money was flowing into this project like water through a broken dam. And he couldn''t stop it.


    His breathing was uneven, chest rising and falling as he struggled to suppress the frustration boiling within him.


    He had been so sure of his plan¡ªso convinced that he was in control. But now, as he watched the factory devour resources at an unstoppable pace, he felt the crushing weight of his own helplessness.


    This wasn''t just a bad business decision. It was a catastrophe waiting to happen. He had to find a way out before it was too late.


    A soft, familiar voice snapped him out of his daze.


    "Ethan, what''s wrong? You look really upset."


    Ethan''s head jerked up as if an electric shock had run through his spine. His sharp gaze locked onto the person speaking¡­ Lily.


    She stood a few feet away, her brows furrowed in worry, her large eyes searching his face for answers. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For a brief moment, Ethan didn''t respond. His mind was moving too fast, rearranging puzzle pieces that had been scattered all this time.


    Then¡­it hit him all at once. His breath caught in his throat.


    "Wait a second¡­ Our formula came from Reid Industries'' vault." His stomach twisted into knots as realization slammed into him like a freight train.


    Every muscle in his body tensed, his heartbeat hammering against his ribs.


    "And now they''re about to launch a product that''s cheaper and more effective?" His pupils shrank, an icy chill creeping down his spine.


    This wasn''t just bad luck. This was a setup. A whole damn set up from the very beginning. A cold sweat broke out on his skin as he finally understood the full extent of what had happened.


    Reid Industries hadn''t simply lost their secret formula. They had given it away on purpose.


    And the worst part? Lily had been the one to steal it.


    His gaze snapped toward her, his eyes dark with an unreadable emotion. Lily, sensing something was wrong, took a small step back, suddenly feeling uneasy.


    "Ethan¡­? W-Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked hesitantly. Her voice was soft, unsure. Her fingers twitched slightly, gripping the hem of her sleeve.


    For the first time since she had met him, Ethan''s presence felt dangerous.


    Then just like in a drama a twist happens.


    SLAP!


    The sharp crack of skin against skin echoed through the air like a gunshot.


    Lily''s head snapped to the side, strands of her dark hair flying across her face. A fiery pain bloomed across her cheek, her skin instantly flushing red from the force of the impact.


    The world around her seemed to freeze for a moment, her breath caught in her throat, eyes wide with disbelief.


    She staggered backward, her legs nearly giving out beneath her. Her trembling fingers slowly reached up, touching her burning cheek.


    "E-Ethan¡­?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, as if she couldn''t believe what had just happened.


    Tears welled up in her eyes, her vision blurring as she struggled to process the situation. She had never once thought that Ethan would ever lay a hand on her.


    Ethan, on the other hand, looked furious beyond words.


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 71 Reality Denial

    Ethan, on the other hand, looked furious beyond words.


    His chest heaved, his breath coming in harsh, uneven gasps. His entire body was trembling, not with fear, but with pure, unfiltered rage. His hands were still clenched into fists, his nails pressing so deeply into his skin that it threatened to draw blood.


    "Do you have any idea what you''ve done?!" he roared, his voice thick with fury.


    Lily flinched, her heart pounding violently against her ribs.


    "The formula for the cream you had stolen¡ªit was a damn trap¡­ a set up¡­ A FUCKING SET UP!" Ethan''s voice cracked with frustration, his brows furrowed in a mix of anger and disbelief.


    His breathing was heavy, ragged, like a man teetering on the edge of sanity. His mind was racing, but the only thing he could see was the sheer scale of the disaster unfolding before him.


    Lily tried to form words, her lips parting slightly as if to protest, but no sound came out.


    Ethan''s glare hardened, and he took a step closer, forcing her to shrink back.


    "Because of you, I walked straight into Alex Reid hands!" His words slammed into her like a hammer, each syllable carrying the full weight of his betrayal and rage. His voice was laced with something far worse than just anger.


    It was hatred. Lily''s knees nearly buckled. The way he was looking at her¡­ It was as if he no longer saw her as someone he loved, but as someone who had destroyed him.


    Ethan''s hands shook at his sides, his breathing unsteady. His entire world had come crashing down around him and Lily was the one who had lit the match.


    Lily held her face, her fingertips trembling as they pressed against the burning sensation spreading across her cheek. The stinging pain wasn''t just physical¡­ it cut deeper than that. It was a wound to her heart.


    She stared at Ethan, her eyes red with unshed tears, lips trembling as she struggled to contain the overwhelming emotions surging within her.


    "Ethan¡­ I really don''t know anything about this." Her voice was shaky, fragile, like glass on the verge of shattering.


    Her chest rose and fell unevenly, her breath hitching as she fought back sobs.


    "I love you so much, sniff and yet¡­ you hit me?" Her voice cracked at the end, and as if that was the final straw¡ªtears finally spilled over.


    Sniff!


    Sniff!


    She cried, her shoulders shaking as she wiped her face with the back of her hand. The pain in her heart was unbearable, but amidst her sorrow, a single thought surfaced.


    Wait.


    This¡­ this isn''t Ethan''s fault. Her body stiffened as her mind raced, trying to piece together the events leading up to this moment.


    Or to be exact trying to deny the reality in which Ethan hate her or just hit her on the cheek and shouted at her.


    ''If what Ethan said was true¡­ If Reid Industries had prepared a stronger and more effective formula beforehand¡­ If Ethan''s downfall was planned from the very beginning¡­ Then there was only one person responsible for this.''


    Her ability to deny the scene before her eyes and trying to cover up what just happened and blaming someone else for what she did out of her thought was incredible.


    Her teary eyes flickered with something dark, something sinister.


    "It''s him. This is all his fault¡­ Alex." Her fingers curled into tight fists, her hands veins popping up and pure hatred surged through her veins and showed in her eyes.


    "That bastard! He knew I was coming! He switched out the files before I could take them!" Her breathing became ragged, anger quickly replacing her earlier sorrow.


    "If he hadn''t done that¡­" she thought, her expression twisting in rage. "Ethan wouldn''t have been trapped and set up! He wouldn''t have hit me!"


    The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Her eyes burned with hatred, her jaw clenched so tightly it ached.


    "Alex, you snake like bastard¡­ You''re going to pay for this!" Just as Lily was about to act, the deep rumble of engines filled the air.


    The sound of multiple vehicles approaching cut through the current heavy atmosphere like a blade.


    The crowd turned their heads, eyes widening as they watched a fleet of luxury cars glide into the factory grounds.


    At the center of the convoy, a sleek, black stretch limousine came to a slow, deliberate stop. Its polished surface gleamed under the harsh factory lights, exuding an air of untouchable power and wealth.


    The door opened. A polished black leather shoe stepped out first.


    Then¡­ Alex emerged. Dressed in an impeccable dark suit, his movements were calm, unhurried, as if he owned the very ground he walked on.


    His piercing gaze swept over the factory, taking in the scene before him. There was no urgency in his expression¡­ only coldness, calculated confidence.


    The moment Lily laid eyes on him, something inside her snapped.


    Her vision turned red.


    "Alex, you despicable, shameless bastard!" Her voice pierced the air like a battle cry. Without hesitation, she lunged forward like a wild beast, eyes burning with fury. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You dare switch it with the fake documents?! You deliberately sabotaged me just to trap and ruin Ethan!"


    Her accusations were venomous, her tone dripping with rage. There was no logic, no restraint only the raw, overwhelming desire for revenge.


    She charged at him, her hands raised, ready to claw at his face.


    SMACK!


    The moment she got close, a sharp slap landed across her face. The impact was brutal. Lily''s head snapped to the side, strands of her hair flying in the air as her body staggered backward uncontrollably.


    She lost balance. Her knees buckled, and with a small gasp she collapsed onto the cold, hard ground.


    The world spun for a moment in her eyes. The left side of her face getting somewhat red and burning up, a scorching reminder of what had just happened.


    The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth where she had accidentally bitten her tongue. For a few long seconds¡­ she was completely dazed.


    Her mind couldn''t process what had just occurred. The pain. The humiliation. The sheer shock. Then¡­ it all hit her at once. Her breath caught in her throat as she slowly lifted her head.


    Alex stood before her, towering over her like an unshakable mountain.


    Lily lay sprawled on the ground, her breath uneven, her mind a whirlwind of shock and humiliation.


    Her cheek throbbed with pain, the sharp sting of Alex''s slap still burning against her skin. For a moment, her thoughts were blank, her ears ringing from the sheer force of the alap she had gotten from Alex''s hand.


    ¡ª


    Bonus Chapters on: 500, 1000, 1500 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 72 Sound of Horrors

    Lily lay sprawled on the ground, her breath uneven, her mind a whirlwind of shock and humiliation.


    Her cheek throbbed with pain, the sharp sting of Alex''s slap still burning against her skin. For a moment, her thoughts were blank, her ears ringing from the sheer force of the alap she had gotten from Alex''s hand.


    She slowly lifted her trembling hand to her face, her fingers grazing the sore, swollen skin. It took a few seconds before her mind finally caught up with what had just happened.


    Alex had slapped her. He actually dared to slap her. Her pupils were constricted. Impossible. She had been slapped before¡ªbut by Ethan.


    Ethan, who was furious. Ethan, who was blinded by his own losses and frustrations. Ethan, who, despite hitting her, was still someone she loved.


    But Alex? Alex had no right. He wasn''t her lover. He wasn''t her boss. Who did he think he was?!


    Lily''s breath grew heavy, her hands clenching into fists. The mix of pain, anger, and disbelief turned into something raw, something uncontrollable.


    "Alex!" She practically screamed his name, her voice filled with fury and humiliation.


    Her body shook as she scrambled to her feet, ignoring the dizziness that clouded her vision.


    She pointed a trembling finger at him, eyes burning with rage.


    "You bastard! You dared to hit me?!" Her chest rose and fell violently, her breath hitching from the sheer force of her emotions.


    She took a step forward, ready to lash out.


    "Ethan can hit me! Fine! I accept that!" Her voice cracked with emotion. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "But you? You think you have the right?! YOU?!" Alex remained completely still.


    Alex''s gaze as usual were steady, detached¡ªlike she was nothing more than an insect buzzing in his ear.


    When he finally spoke, his voice was calm, indifferent, almost condescending.


    "I suggest you calm down." He didn''t sound angry. He didn''t sound apologetic either. He simply didn''t care. His sharp eyes locked onto Lily, as if waiting for her next move, as if daring her to act.


    "Take a good look around," he continued, his tone casual, almost lazy. "Enjoy the outside world while you still can. Your time is running out."


    Lily froze. Her rage flickered for a brief moment, a sliver of confusion flashing through her tear-stained eyes.


    What¡­ did he mean by that? But there was no time to think. Because suddenly¡­ The distant sound of sirens resound through the surroundings.


    Lily was trembling, her emotions spiraling out of control. She didn''t care about anything else at this moment¡ªher mind was filled with only one thought.


    Alex had set her up. He had her steal those documents. He had turned Ethan against her. He had made her suffer!


    The rage inside her erupted like a volcano. Her fists clenched, nails digging into her palms as usual, and her breath came in ragged gasps.


    She wanted to kill him.


    Without thinking, she lunged forward, ready to claw at him, to hurt him, to make him feel even a fraction of the pain she was experiencing.


    But before she could even take more than two steps¡­ The loud, piercing sound of sirens filled the surroundings yet again but this time more louder.


    Lily''s body stiffened as the sound grew louder, closer.


    She turned her head in disbelief, her eyes widening as a convoy of police vehicles with flashing red and blue lights rolled into the factory gates.


    The vehicles came to an abrupt stop. Doors flew open, and a team of officers in dark uniforms stepped out, moving with precision and authority.


    The factory, which had been filled with tension already, suddenly fell into absolute silence. Even the workers, who had been secretly watching from the sidelines, felt a chill crawl up their spines.


    Something serious was about to happen. Lily''s breath hitched. Her legs felt weak. Her mind struggled to keep up, trying to make sense of the situation.


    Then, she remembered Alex''s words from just moments ago.


    "Take a good look around and enjoy the outside view. Your time is running out." Her stomach dropped.


    She snapped her gaze back to Alex, who was standing there calmly, his hands in his pockets, looking completely unbothered.


    That smug bastard¡­ He knew this was coming. Lily''s face paled as realization hit her like a brick wall. Her lips trembled. Her voice was hoarse when she spoke.


    "Alex¡­ what¡­ what is this?" Lily asks, as she begins to remember the scene of before when she went to Alex with Rose and a scene just like this happened but not to her but to Rose.


    Alex tilted his head slightly, as if amused by her confusion. His sharp gaze locked onto her, and his lips curled into a faint smirk.


    "What do you think it is?" His voice was light, almost mocking. Then his tone turned ice-cold.


    "Or do I need to spell it out for you? So you can imagine what you have done?" He took a step forward, closing the distance between them.


    Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, he lifted a hand and gestured toward the officers.


    "You stole confidential documents from Reid Industries." His words were clear and firm, carrying a weight that made Lily''s knees wobble.


    "And you handed those documents to our direct competitor." His eyes darkened, his smirk fading.


    "That''s corporate espionage, Lily." He paused for a moment, letting those words sink in. Then, with a tone colder than steel, he delivered the final blow.


    "That means you''re going to where every thief or criminal goes¡­ but still guess where to?" Lily froze. Her lips parted, but no words came out.


    "Don''t want to answer huh! Well let me answer it for you¡­. It''s a prison." The blood drained from her face at the mention of prison, her mind screaming that this couldn''t be real.


    ''Prison? No. NO!''


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 73 One Hundred Thousand

    "Don''t want to answer huh! Well let me answer it for you¡­. It''s a prison." The blood drained from her face at the mention of prison, her mind screaming that this couldn''t be real.


    ''Prison? No. NO!'' She whipped her head around, eyes darting toward the uniformed officers approaching her.


    This isn''t happening! Her breathing turned erratic, panic surging through her veins. She took a step back. Then another.


    "No!" she shrieked, shaking her head violently. "I didn''t do anything wrong!" Her voice cracked, raw with desperation.


    "I¡­ I was tricked! It wasn''t my fault!" She turned to Ethan, her tear-filled eyes begging for help.


    "Ethan! Help me! You know I didn''t mean to¡ª" But Ethan didn''t move.


    He just stood there, his expression unreadable. Lily''s stomach twisted into knots. Her last hope was slipping away.


    ''No. No, no, no!'' Her body lurched forward, trying to escape. But before she could even move an inch¡ª


    Click!


    A cold, metallic sensation clamped around her wrists. Handcuffs. Her heart stopped. The officer gripping her arm tightened his hold, his voice emotionless.


    "Miss Lily, you are under arrest for corporate espionage. You have the right to remain silent."


    Lily lost it. She struggled wildly, her movements erratic and desperate.


    "NO! LET GO OF ME!" She thrashed, her breath turning into panicked gasps.


    "YOU CAN''T DO THIS TO ME!" Her screams were shrill, echoing across the factory.


    "SOMEBODY HELP ME! I CAN''T GO TO PRISON! I WON''T!"


    Despite being forcibly pushed into the car, Lily continued to struggle, her voice trembling with desperation.


    "Ethan, please save me!" she cried, her hands gripping the edge of the car door. "I don''t want to go to prison!"


    Her eyes, filled with panic and helplessness, locked onto the figure standing not far away¡ªEthan. She had always believed that as long as he was there, no one could hurt her. But now, at this moment, he didn''t move. He didn''t say a word.


    Her pleas were met with silence.


    The cold, metallic clunk of the car door closing echoed in the air, shutting her inside. The last thing she saw before the tinted windows blocked her view was Ethan''s face, his expression dark and unreadable.


    Lily pressed her hands against the window, her fingers trembling as she watched the only person she could rely on become smaller and smaller in the distance. The car drove off, leaving behind a trail of dust.


    Ethan stood there, motionless, his expression clouded with anger and frustration. His sharp gaze finally shifted toward the man standing beside him¡ªAlex, the person responsible for everything.


    This man had deceived him, tricked him into investing in the construction of this factory, only to collapse it from the inside, leaving Ethan to take all the blame. And now, as if that weren''t enough, he had even dragged Lily down with him, ensuring that she was also sent to prison.


    The thought of it sent a surge of fury through Ethan''s veins. His voice was laced with bitterness as he spoke.


    "Alex, did you come all the way here just to enjoy the show?" His words were cold, his eyes filled with disgust. "Well, you''ve seen what you wanted to see. Now that the joke is over, you can leave."


    But instead of leaving, Alex simply smiled, his expression calm and composed. He raised a hand and waved it lightly.


    "Leave?" he repeated, shaking his head. "No, no, no, Mr. Ethan¡­ You''ve misunderstood me." His voice carried a casual arrogance, as if he were in control of the entire situation.


    "I didn''t come here to watch your downfall." Alex''s smile deepened, his eyes flashing with amusement. "On the contrary, I came here to help you."


    "Help me?" Ethan couldn''t help but laugh. It was a cold, mocking laugh, filled with disdain. "You? Helping me?"


    His eyes narrowed as he looked at Alex, his patience running thin.


    "Alright, Alex, I''d love to hear this¡ªtell me, exactly how do you plan to help me?"


    "It''s simple." Alex curled his lips into a smirk, his tone casual, as if he were talking about something trivial. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You know very well that this factory is useless now, right?" He spread his hands, his expression one of mock concern. "So, I''ve come here out of goodwill¡­ to buy it from you."


    "How much are you offering?" Ethan''s brows furrowed tightly. His voice was tense¡ªhe already had a bad feeling about this.


    Alex didn''t answer right away. Instead, he simply raised one finger.


    Ethan''s heart skipped a beat. His eyes narrowed as he quickly guessed, "Ten million?!"


    But the moment the words were about to leave his mouth, Alex''s smirk deepened, confirming his worst fears.


    "Alex, are you out of your mind?" A surge of fury shot through Ethan. His voice rose in anger as he glared at the man in front of him.


    "Do you have any idea how much I poured into this factory?!" He took a step forward, his fists clenched. "I spent a total of seventy million dollars building this place¡ª" His voice was filled with frustration as he continued, his breath heavy.


    "I built an entire production facility just to manufacture your so-called ''miracle drug'' that turned out to be a scam."


    "And now, the production lines are fully completed, the raw materials are stocked up, and everything is brand new, untouched!"


    "Yet, you have the audacity to offer me just one ten million dollars only?! It''s been less than half a month! You might as well just rob me!"


    But Alex remained unfazed. He waved his hands dismissively and chuckled. "No, no, Mr. Ethan, don''t be so worked up."


    His expression remained annoyingly calm as he added, "I never said I was offering Ten million Dollars."


    Hearing this, Ethan''s anger cooled¡ªjust a little. His expression returned to normal, but his eyes were still filled with suspicion.


    "Then how much are you offering?" His voice was stiff, his patience wearing thin. Alex raised his hand again, showing the same single finger.


    His smirk grew wider. "Didn''t I already signal it just now?" He tilted his head slightly. "Mr. Ethan, did you not understand?" His voice was slow, deliberate.


    And then, in the next moment, he dropped the bombshell.


    "I''m offering¡­ One hundred thousand."


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 74 After Taxes

    "I''m offering¡­ One hundred thousand."


    "Cough! Cough! Cough!" Ethan had barely regained his composure when he heard Alex''s outrageous offer. His breath caught in his throat. His chest tightened, his vision blurred for a moment, he was so enraged he almost passed out on the spot.


    It took him several moments of violent coughing before he could steady himself. Even then, his face was flushed with anger, and his body trembled with suppressed fury.


    "You bastard! Are you fucking kidding me?!"* Ethan''s voice was hoarse, his eyes burning with rage as he glared at the man before him.


    "I invested seventy million into this place¡ªfucking seventy million! And it''s only been half a damn month!" His hands clenched into fists, his entire body tense with frustration.


    "Now, with a fully built production line, already stockpiled raw materials, and a factory that''s practically just started aka brand new, you have the nerve and audacity to offer me fucking one hundred thousand dollars?!" His voice dripped with disbelief, his chest rising and falling rapidly.


    "Are you treating me like a fool? Or do you just enjoy screwing me over?!"


    But Alex''s face remained as calm as ever. Not a flicker of emotion crossed his expression. He didn''t even seem mildly amused¡ªjust completely indifferent.


    With a casual shrug, he let out a light chuckle. "If that''s how you see it, then by all means, hold on to your factory, Mr. Ethan."


    He adjusted the cuffs of his suit and sighed, as if this entire conversation was nothing more than an inconvenience to him.


    "I just hope¡­" He took a step back, his smirk barely visible. "That when my special drug hits the market, your factory is still worth something."


    With that, he turned, heading toward his car. But before he could do that¡­


    "Wait." Ethan''s voice cut through the air, sharp and urgent. Before he could stop himself, he stepped forward, blocking Alex''s path.


    Alex turned his head slightly, the smirk never leaving his face. "What is it now, Mr. Ethan?" sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ethan said nothing at first.


    He just stood there, his chest rising and falling with deep, labored breaths.


    Inside, his mind was spinning, wrestling with this whole situation nowhere.


    If he refused to sell now, what would happen in a few weeks?


    Alex''s special drug would flood the market. Ethan''s factory, designed specifically for producing the now-banned version, would be completely useless.


    The machinery? Worthless. The raw materials? Unusable. The investment? Gone.


    At that point, forget one gundred thousand¡ªeven if he begged someone to take it off his hands, they wouldn''t want it.


    That bitter realization hit him like a dagger to the chest. His jaw tightened. His nails dug into his palms.


    Forcing down the rage that threatened to explode, Ethan finally spoke through gritted teeth¡­


    "Fine." His voice was low, hoarse, filled with bitter resentment.


    "One hundred thousand. And The factory will be yours."


    "Hahaha! Now that''s more like it, Mr. Ethan!"


    Alex let out a hearty laugh, his tone filled with amusement. He didn''t bother with any unnecessary words¡ªhe simply flicked his wrist, gesturing toward Mr. Waters, his ever-reliable aide.


    Mr. Waters, already prepared for this moment, immediately stepped forward, presenting a stack of neatly prepared contracts.


    The sight of the documents made Ethan''s heart sink. His eyes darkened as he turned to Alex, his voice low and biting.


    "These contracts¡­ they were ready before you even spoke to me." A realization dawned on him, his chest tightening.


    "Alex, you planned this from the very beginning, didn''t you?"


    Clap. Clap. Clap.


    Alex suddenly began applauding, slow and deliberate.


    His smirk widened, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he looked straight at Ethan.


    "Now that''s the kind of insight I expect from Mr. Ethan." His voice was light, almost playful. There was not the slightest attempt to hide his intentions.


    "That''s right. I knew this day or to be exact this situation would come. And I was ready for it." Hearing this, Ethan felt a surge of fire rise in his chest.


    He had been tricked. Completely, utterly played.


    "This bastard set me up from the very start!" His fingers twitched at his sides, itching to land a punch on that smug face, but he forced himself to keep his composure.


    He took a deep breath, swallowing the bitter taste of humiliation.


    His gaze locked onto Alex''s, cold and unyielding.


    Without another word, he grabbed the pen, barely sparing the documents a glance, and signed with a sharp, forceful stroke.


    The second he was done, he thrust the contracts toward Mr. Waters turned on his shoes, ready to walk away.


    But just as he took his first step¡ª A casual conversation between Alex and Mr. Waters drifted into his ears.


    "Sir, the contract is signed."


    "Good. Eighty Thousand dollars to him."


    Ethan''s steps froze mid-stride. His head snapped back, his face twisted in disbelief.


    "Wait¡­ what?! What¡­ did you just say?" Ethan''s face froze. His breathing hitched, and a deep frown etched itself across his forehead.


    "Didn''t we agree on a Hundred Thousand just now!" His voice rose with urgency. "Why am I only getting eighty?!"


    His fingers tightened into fists, his knuckles turning white as he glared at Alex, demanding an explanation.


    But instead of answering, Alex simply gave him a bewildered look, as if he couldn''t understand why Ethan was even asking.


    Then, with a slow, almost lazy motion, he pointed at the contract in Mr. Waters''s hands.


    "Didn''t you read before you just signed?" His voice carried a hint of amusement. Tapping the document lightly with his finger, he continued, "It''s all written right here."


    Then came the final stab¡ªdelivered with the same casual tone.


    "Transaction taxes of the total amount are your responsibility. After deductions, you''re left with exactly eighty thousand."


    BANG!


    The words had barely left Alex''s mouth when Ethan''s world started spinning.


    His vision blurred, his breath caught in his throat, and his chest tightened like a steel band was crushing it.


    "You¡­ you¡­!" His lips moved, but no sound came out. A wave of dizziness crashed down on him like a tsunami.


    Then¡­ his knees buckled. With a heavy thud, Ethan collapsed to the ground, completely unconscious.


    Alex glanced down at him, expression completely indifferent. Then, turning to Mr. Waters, he adjusted his cuffs and spoke as if nothing had happened.


    "Alright. Let''s go. We''ve got a factory to check and take over."


    With that, he stepped into the car, the deal sealed¡ªon his terms, and his terms alone.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 75 Lilys Mother

    Ethan lay motionless on the ground, unconscious. But Alex didn''t spare him even a glance. His focus was elsewhere.


    "Alright. Let''s go. We''ve got a factory to check and take over."


    With that, he stepped into the car, the deal sealed¡ªon his terms, and his terms alone.


    "Actually wait¡­ the factory is already ours¡­ Waters, start the car. We''re heading to the Police Dapartment." His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge to it.


    "Let''s see how my dear sister is doing right now."


    "Understood, Sir." Mr. Waters responded without hesitation, his movements smooth and practiced as he pulled open the car door.


    Alex stepped in without another word, settling into the leather seat as the car smoothly rolled forward.


    Inside the vehicle, he leaned back, fingers tapping idly against his knee. His mind wasn''t entirely on Lily''s predicament¡ªher suffering was merely a side attraction.


    He had a far more important reason for heading to the Police Department. Alex had spent a long time analyzing the original novel.


    Originally, Lily and Ethan had teamed up against the villain aka Alex. Together, they had almost backed Alex into a corner, forcing him to the brink of ruin. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And just when it seemed like everything was over for him¡­ His stepmother, Trisha Wells, had appeared. But she hadn''t come to save him.


    Far from it. She had arrived only to celebrate her daughter''s success. When Alex had once begged her for help, she had refused.


    No¡­ she had done worse than refuse. She had kicked him while he was down, watching coldly as he was dragged to his demise.


    Alex''s fingers curled slightly, his grip tightening.


    "If things are still following the original plot¡­ Then today is the day Trisha Wells makes her appearance." The timing was almost too perfect.


    She should be arriving at the Police Department¡­ right about now. But now that the story had changed, would she still come?


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk. "It doesn''t matter." He had already rewritten so much of the narrative.


    If she showed up, he would deal with her accordingly. And if she didn''t¡­ Well, he had other plans.


    Shaking his head, he put aside the speculation. He would find out soon enough. Barely five minutes later, the sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of the Police Department''s entrance.


    Even before stepping out, Alex could hear it.


    A sharp, shrill voice echoed through the hallways, filled with panic and arrogance all at once.


    "Let me go! Do you hear me?!" Lily''s voice was raw, almost hysterical.


    "I already called my mother! She''ll be here any minute now to get me out of this hellhole!" Her words were rushed, desperate, but there was still an unmistakable air of superiority in them.


    "Do you even know who my mother is?" Her voice rose, practically shrieking.


    "She''s Trisha Wells! From the Wells family, one of the Great Families!" The guards standing nearby exchanged looks, clearly unfazed by her outburst.


    But Lily didn''t notice¡ªor maybe she just didn''t care.


    "Do you people even understand what that means?" She took a deep breath, her face flushed red from screaming.


    "If you don''t release me right now, the moment my mother arrives¡­ Every single one of you will pay for this!"


    She glared at the officers with unshaken arrogance, as if they were nothing more than insects beneath her feet.


    ¡­.


    Inside the holding area of the police department, Lily'' sharp voice echoed through the halls.


    "Let me go! Do you hear me? I already called my mother! She said she''s on her way to get me out of here!"


    Her hands were tightly bound in cuffs, but she still struggled against the officers holding her. Her expression was furious, her eyes red with frustration and humiliation.


    She was just repeating the same thing agin and again no matter what.


    "You have no idea who my mother is, do you? She''s from the Wells family¡ªone of the top families! If you don''t release me right now, you''ll be in serious trouble when she arrives! Do you think you can handle the consequences?"


    Her threats made the officers guarding her exchange awkward glances. None of them wanted to be the ones to provoke the Wells family.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, in the police department''s main office, Bran, the officer in charge of Lily''s case, was pacing back and forth with a troubled expression.


    He had already received several calls¡ªeach one from figures bigger than him or what he could even handle pressuring him to release Lily immediately.


    The sheer number of influential people backing her was enough to make him break out in cold sweat.


    "Damn it! Why do I have to get caught in the middle of this mess? This isn''t just some small dispute¡ªI can''t afford to offend either side!"


    Bran wiped his forehead, muttering under his breath. His job was already stressful enough, but now he had two major forces clashing right in front of him.


    The Wells family''s influence was undeniable. Even though the Reid family and their company, Reid Industries, had significant power in the city, they couldn''t easily match the level of connections and backing the Wells family had.


    "Should I let her go or not?" Bran sighed, feeling trapped.


    Just then, the heavy doors of the police department swung open, and a group of men in sleek black suits walked in. At the front of the group was none other than Alex Reid.


    Bran immediately straightened his posture and forced a smile.


    "Sir! You''re finally here! You have no idea how much trouble this situation is causing me!" He rushed forward, lowering his voice as he spoke.


    "I''ve been getting calls left and right. Some people are asking me to release Lily. Honestly, I''m stuck here. You need to help me figure out what to do!"


    Alex chuckled lightly, his expression calm and composed.


    "Oh? I heard my dear little sister was causing quite a scene." He glanced toward the holding area, where Lily''s shouting could still be heard. "So, that means she really did call for help, huh?"


    Bran groaned, rubbing his temples.


    "Of course she did! And now her mother, Trisha Wells herself, is getting involved. I don''t want to be caught between you two families." He looked at Alex seriously. "So tell me, how do you want to handle this?"


    Alex''s expression remained unreadable, but a faint smirk played at his lips.


    "So¡­ she''s finally making her move."


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 76 Lily Outburst

    "So¡­ she''s finally making her move."


    He had expected Trisha to show up eventually. In the original novel, this was the moment she arrived to support her daughter and fully side with Ethan Carter against him.


    He exhaled softly and adjusted his cufflinks.


    "Don''t worry, Bran," he said, his tone reassuring. "I won''t make things difficult for you. Let''s go see my dear sister first. I want to have a little chat with her."


    Bran hesitated for a moment before nodding.


    "Fine. Just don''t make my life any harder, alright?"


    "Huh?" Bran''s eyebrows twitched as he observed Alex''s calm expression as he asked for Lily''s cell visitation.


    He had expected Alex to show some hesitation or concern after hearing Trisha Wells name.


    After all, the Wells family wasn''t just any wealthy family, even if they didn''t were one of the top families, but they have enough power and influence that could make even the most influential figures in the city think twice before going against them.


    But Alex? He remained completely unfazed, his face as indifferent as ever.


    Bran couldn''t figure him out.


    ''Does he really not fear the Wells family?''


    For a moment, Bran considered pressing the issue, but he quickly dismissed the thought. These power struggles between the elite had nothing to do with him. The less he got involved, the better.


    "Alright, Sir," Bran said with a sigh. "Come with me." With that, he turned and led Alex toward the detention area.


    Inside the holding cell, Lily sat on the cold bench, her arms tightly wrapped around herself as she shivered.


    The four gray walls surrounding her felt suffocating. There were no windows, no sunlight¡ªjust the dim glow of a flickering overhead light. Time seemed to lose meaning in this place.


    Lily was used to luxury, soft silk sheets, fine dining, and a life where she never had to lift a finger for anything. But here?


    Here, she felt like a caged animal.


    Her hair was a mess, her clothes slightly wrinkled from all her earlier thrashing. Her usually flawless appearance was now disheveled, and her face, which had always been carefully maintained, showed traces of exhaustion and frustration.


    She had only been locked up for less than an hour, yet she already felt like she was going insane.


    Suddenly, footsteps echoed down the hallway.


    When Lily looked up and saw Alex approaching, her eyes widened with fury. She rushed to the cell door, gripping the cold metal bars tightly.


    "You bastard, Alex!" she shrieked, her voice filled with pure hatred. "Are you even human?! How could you throw me in a place like this?!" S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her fingers turned white as she clenched the bars.


    "Let me out right now!" she screamed. "Do you hear me?! Let me out this instant!"


    Lily''s furious screams echoed through the confined space, but Alex remained unfazed. Instead of responding with equal anger, he simply smiled¡ªa calm, almost amused expression on his face.


    "My dear sister¡­" he drawled, his voice laced with mockery. "Are you already breaking down from just this little bit of suffering? It hasn''t even an hour since you locked up in this place"


    He took a slow step forward, his posture relaxed as if he were merely chatting about the weather. His eyes, however, gleamed with cold amusement.


    "This is only the beginning," he continued, his voice steady but cruel. "Once the formalities are done, you''ll be officially detained."


    Alex deliberately paused, letting his words sink in her mind before he added with a smirk, "By then, you''ll be thrown into a cell with real criminals. The environment will be much worse than this."


    He tilted his head slightly, as if picturing the scenario.


    "Imagine this¡ªmore than a dozen people crammed into one small room," he mused, his tone light but filled with malice. "The stench of urine, sweat, and unwashed feet all blending together. A true high-class experience for someone like you, isn''t it?"


    His smile widened as he continued, "I really hope¡­ you, our spoiled little princess, can endure it."


    Just as he was about to turn away, he suddenly snapped his fingers as if he had just remembered something important.


    "Oh, right!" He feigned excitement. "You don''t have to worry too much. I''ll make sure to have a little chat with some of my ''friends'' inside." His grin turned sinister. "They''ll be sure to give you a very special ''welcome''."


    Lily''s face turned red with rage. Her body trembled, not just from anger but from the sheer humiliation of her situation.


    "Alex, you¡­!" she spat, struggling to form coherent words. Her breathing was ragged, and her fists clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms.


    "You just wait! I swear, if you do this to me¡­" Her voice grew shrill as she fought to maintain control. "My mother will never let you off!"


    She screamed the last part as if the mere mention of her mother''s power would change her fate.


    But Alex? He only let out a chuckle¡ªcasual, indifferent, as if her words were nothing more than the ramblings of a fool.


    Digging a finger into his ear, he lazily flicked away imaginary dust before glancing at her with a look of pure disdain.


    "You''re really still trying to threaten me?" he scoffed. His eyes gleamed with mockery. "Do you actually think just because your mother is from the Wells family, I''d be afraid?"


    He let out a low laugh, shaking his head as if he had just heard the most ridiculous joke.


    "A mere branch member of the Wells family¡­" He sneered, taking a step closer, his presence suffocating. "That too a family who is not that big of a figure. Even if she were a direct daughter of that family head, I wouldn''t give a damn."


    His words were sharp, each one carrying an air of absolute confidence. Before Lily could scream back in response, a loud voice suddenly erupted from the entrance of the cell.


    ¡ª


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    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 77 Trisha Wells

    "A mere branch member of the Wells family¡­" He sneered, taking a step closer, his presence suffocating. "That too a family who is not that big of a figure. Even if she were a direct daughter of that family head, I wouldn''t give a damn."


    His words were sharp, each one carrying an air of absolute confidence. Before Lily could scream back in response, a loud voice suddenly erupted from the entrance of the cell.


    The moment or to be exact the person I was waiting for finally appeared in her all arrogance. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I''d love to see who in the cuty have this much arrogance that he treat my daughter this way!"


    The powerful voice boomed, filled with fury and authority.


    Alex''s expression didn''t change, but Lily''s eyes widened in shock. She turned her head so fast it was as if she had been struck.


    A woman, elegantly dressed in luxurious attire, stepped into view. Her presence alone was enough to silence the entire room. She looked to be in her early forties, yet her aura radiated power, elegance, and dominance.


    The second Lily saw her, the anger in her expression was instantly replaced with raw desperation.


    "Mom!" she cried out, nearly stumbling as she rushed forward. Tears welled up in her eyes as she grabbed onto her mother''s sleeve, her voice breaking with emotion.


    "You''re finally here! You have to save me! Look at me¡ªlook at what he''s done to me!" She pointed at Alex, her face twisting with rage and desperation. "It''s all because of him! He set me up! You have to get me out of here!"


    While Lily was panicked and emotional, Alex remained completely unmoved. If anything, his gaze turned even colder at the sight of the woman before him.


    This woman¡ªTrisha Wells¡ªwas not just his stepmother. She was the reason his life had changed forever.


    Once upon a time, the Reid Industries had the potential to rise to the very top. There were several major deals on the horizon¡ªdeals that, if successful, would have cemented the Reid Industries as one of the most powerful enterprises, rivaling even the three great families of the South.


    But then, she interfered.


    His so-called stepmother, Trisha, had deliberately sabotaged those business deals. She didn''t care about the Reid Industries future. She cared only about one thing¡ªsecuring her own wealth and power.


    Because of her manipulations, the deals fell through. The company suffered a massive setback.


    His father, once a strong and proud man, was devastated by the loss. The stress, the disappointment, and the betrayal were too much for him. In the end, it cost him his life.


    Yet, even in the wake of tragedy, Trisha showed no remorse. She didn''t even pretend to grieve. Instead, the moment the dust settled, she took half of the family fortune and walked away without a second thought.


    The Reid Industries was thrown into chaos. Employees left, investors pulled out, and the future looked bleak.


    If not for Mr. Waters relentless efforts to hold everything together, there wouldn''t even be a Reid Industries left today.


    And now, this woman had the audacity to appear before him again?


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk¡ªone that carried neither warmth nor kindness.


    ''Let''s see what tricks you have, Trisha fucking Wells.''


    ¡­.


    "Enough! Be quiet!"


    Trisha''s sharp voice cut through the tense air as she shot a cold glare at Lily.


    The moment her mother''s voice came down, Lily clamped her mouth shut. Her body trembled slightly, but she dared not make another sound.


    With her daughter momentarily silenced, Trisha turned her attention to Alex. Her elegant yet oppressive presence filled the small space, and her almond-shaped eyes¡ªsharp and calculating¡ªlocked onto him with a piercing gaze.


    "Tell me, Alex," she said in a slow, deliberate tone. "What exactly do you mean by this?"


    She crossed her arms, her expression unreadable.


    "No matter what happens, Lily is still your half-sister¡­" She let her words hang in the air before narrowing her eyes. "And this is how you choose to treat her?"


    Alex didn''t respond right away. Instead, he chuckled¡ªa quiet, almost mocking laugh that only deepened the chill in the room.


    "My dear stepmother," he said with a smirk. "You really have the¡­ what is it called¡­ ahh yes ''nerve'' to show up here after all these years?"


    He leaned back casually, looking her up and down as if assessing whether she was even worth his time.


    "You ran off with half of the company''s assets after my father died," he continued, his voice tinged with amusement. "And now you have the audacity to come back and lecture me?"


    His words were calm, but each syllable carried an undeniable weight.


    Trisha''s face darkened at his accusation.


    "What are you trying to say?" she demanded, her voice rising in anger. "Is this how you speak to your own mother?"


    She let out a scoff, tossing her hair back. "And let''s be clear¡ªwhen your father died, I simply took what was rightfully mine. What''s wrong with that?"


    Her eyes glinted with cold rationality. "It was my share of the wealth. It''s only natural that I took it."


    Alex''s expression didn''t change. If anything, the sneer on his lips deepened.


    "Let''s get one thing straight," he said, his voice carrying the finality of a hammer striking an anvil. "I don''t have a mother like you."


    His eyes turned sharp, cutting straight through the woman in front of him.


    "So do me a favor and get lost."


    The blunt dismissal caught Trisha off guard. She blinked, momentarily stunned. For the first time, a flicker of guilt, however faint, crossed her face.


    Perhaps, deep down, she knew she had been ruthless back then. But she wasn''t the type to dwell on the past.


    Instead of arguing about old grievances, she shifted gears.


    "I won''t hold your grudges against you," she said smoothly, as if she were doing him a favor. "I didn''t come here to argue about the past."


    She stepped forward, her voice laced with authority.


    "Let''s talk about the real issue here. Tell them to release your sister now, and I''ll forget about everything that''s happened today."


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 78 Two Face-Hypocrisy

    "Let''s talk about the real issue here. Tell them to release your sister now, and I''ll forget about everything that''s happened today."


    Alex couldn''t help it, he actually laughed.


    "Forget about everything?" he echoed, amusement dripping from his tone. His cold eyes studied her, as if he were looking at a particularly absurd joke.


    "Do you even know what your precious daughter has done?"


    Trisha let out an impatient sigh. "Of course, I know."


    She waved a hand dismissively.


    "She was just acting a little impulsively. All she did was steal some little documents from the company. It''s hardly a big deal."


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    Trisha, completely unfazed, continued in a matter-of-fact tone, "Besides, you already anticipated her actions, didn''t you? Your company didn''t suffer any real losses. In fact, I heard you even made a profit from this whole thing."


    She arched a brow, as if she had just made a brilliant argument. "Shouldn''t you be thanking your sister for that?"


    Alex stared at her, momentarily speechless. Not because he was at a loss for words, but because the sheer absurdity of her reasoning was almost laughable.


    "Are you seriously telling me¡­" he said, voice slow and deliberate, "¡­that I should be grateful¡­ to her?"


    Trisha nodded without hesitation.


    "Exactly!" she affirmed, as if it were the most logical conclusion in the world.


    "And let''s take it a step further," she continued smoothly. "Even if you refuse to thank her, you should at least try to understand her actions."


    She gestured toward Lily, who had been listening quietly, nodding along with her mother''s every word.


    "She only did what she did because she was chasing true love," Trisha said with conviction. "She just wanted to help someone she cares about. To stand beside the man she loves."


    She sighed, shaking her head. "How can you blame her for that?"


    Hearing her mother''s words, Lily immediately chimed in, her voice filled with self-pity.


    "That''s right!" she cried, gripping the bars of her cell. Tears welled in her eyes, but there was a stubborn gleam in them.


    "I only did this because I wanted to make Ethan happy," she insisted, her voice trembling with emotion. "Why are you punishing me for that?"


    She looked at Alex with a mixture of desperation and defiance.


    "Why do you have to be so cruel to me?"


    Inside the dimly lit detention cell, Lily clung desperately to her mother''s words, nodding eagerly as if repeating them enough times would somehow make them true.


    Tears streamed down her face, accentuating her disheveled appearance. With her hair in disarray and her once-pristine clothes now wrinkled and stained, she looked utterly pitiful.


    Trisha''s heart ached at the sight.


    Her daughter, her precious, delicate daughter, reduced to this miserable state? It was unbearable.


    Without hesitation, she turned to Alex, her expression hardening.


    "You heard her, didn''t you?" she demanded, her voice laced with authority.


    "She was just following her heart! Chasing true love! Not only did you refuse to help her, but you threw her in prison?" She took a step forward, her fury intensifying.


    "What kind of brother are you?" she spat. "Let her go. Now!"


    Alex had been watching their act in silence, but at that moment, he''d had enough.


    His patience snapped.


    "Let her go?" His voice was like ice, his eyes narrowing into sharp slits. "Let her go, my ass!"


    His words exploded through the room like a thunderclap.


    "I challenge anyone to even try!" he roared, his presence filling the space with overwhelming pressure.


    The temperature seemed to drop as his cold gaze swept over them.


    "You two must think I''m blind," he continued, his voice laced with venom. "Do you really believe I don''t see through this pathetic performance?"


    He let out a sharp, humorless laugh.


    "If I hadn''t been prepared, if I hadn''t anticipated her betrayal, do you know what would have happened?" His gaze locked onto Trisha like a predator ready to strike.


    "She didn''t just steal some little harmless documents," he snarled. "She stole classified company secrets."


    "She handed them over to our competitor. She put billions of assets at risk. And for what?" His voice dripped with contempt. "For her so-called ''true love''?"


    His anger flared.


    "Since when does ''true love'' justify betraying your own family?" he spat. "Since when does ''true love'' mean using my company as a bargaining chip?"


    "Since when does ''true love'' give her the right to stab me in the back?" His glare bore into Lily, who trembled violently, unable to meet his eyes.


    Trisha opened her mouth to argue, but for the first time, no words came out.


    Alex''s sheer force of will crushed any weak excuses she had prepared.


    And Lily? She sat frozen, her face drained of all color. But Alex wasn''t done.


    "I''ll make this clear," he said, his voice firm and unwavering. "Lily is not leaving this cell. She''s going to rot in here and regret every choice she made."


    He turned to the elderly butler standing quietly by his side.


    "Waters!" he commanded. "Tell them exactly how much damage she''s done."


    Mr. Waters, a man of discipline and precision, stepped forward with a respectful nod.


    "According to our company''s financial reports," he stated methodically, "the actions committed by Miss Lily have resulted in both direct and indirect losses totaling nearly Two hundred and eighty millions dollars." Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His voice was calm but firm, each word landing like a hammer on an anvil.


    "And given the severity of the financial damage, as well as the corporate espionage charges¡­" He hesitated only for a second before delivering the final blow.


    "If prosecuted to the full extent of the law, Miss Lily will spend the rest of her life in prison."


    Alex didn''t hesitate. "Good." He nodded in satisfaction. "Gather the evidence and submit everything to the authorities immediately."


    "Yes, Sir." Mr. Waters bowed slightly before turning to leave.


    Trisha''s face twisted in horror.


    Lily, still trembling, finally snapped out of her daze.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 79 Lilys Broken Pleas

    "Yes, Sir." Mr. Waters bowed slightly before turning to leave.


    Trisha''s face twisted in horror.


    Lily, still trembling, finally snapped out of her daze.


    The moment those damning words left Mr. Waters''s mouth¡ªthe rest of her life in prison¡ªLily froze. Her mind went blank. Her body turned cold.


    No. No, this couldn''t be happening.


    "Spending my entire life in prison?" Her lips trembled as she repeated the words, unable to accept reality.


    Then, panic hit her like a tidal wave.


    "Mom! Mom, help me!" she screamed, her voice raw with fear. Tears streamed down her face as she grabbed onto Trisha''s arm with both hands, clutching it so tightly her knuckles turned white.


    "I can''t stay here! Not even for another day!" she wailed. "Mom, please get me out of here!"


    But when Trisha didn''t answer immediately, Lily turned to the one person she had spent years belittling and betraying.


    The very person whose trust she had shattered. Her older brother. Her only lifeline.


    "Brother! Brother!" She cried even harder, reaching through the iron bars, desperately trying to grab Alex''s sleeve.


    "I''m your sister! Your real sister!" No she wasn''t, she was just playing the family card now¡­ how pitiful.


    "I was just confused! I wasn''t thinking clearly!" Her voice cracked with emotion, and she frantically shook her head, trying to convince herself as Reidch as him.


    "You can scold me, you can hit me¡ªI don''t care! Just don''t send me to prison! I swear I''ve learned my lesson! I really, really know I was wrong!"


    "Please forgive me!" But this time¡­ Alex didn''t even spare her a glance. He acted as though she didn''t exist.


    His expression remained indifferent, his gaze cold and detached. The same way she had ignored his struggles in the past and in the original plot.


    The same way she had abandoned him when he needed family the most. Now, it was her turn to feel the sting of being discarded.


    Instead of acknowledging her, he turned to Bran, the police director overseeing the case.


    "Mr. Bran," Alex said calmly, his voice carrying unmistakable authority. "You''ve seen everything for yourself." He adjusted his cuffs, his sharp eyes locked onto the older man.


    "Let me be clear¡ª We will never agree to any settlement. Lily stole confidential corporate data from my company. That alone is enough to convict her." His tone darkened.


    "And if¡ªfor any reason¡ªLily is allowed to leave this cell for even one second before trial¡­" He didn''t finish the sentence. He didn''t need to. The unspoken threat in his eyes said more than words ever could.


    Bran felt a cold sweat break out on his back. This was Alex. One of the most powerful man in the city. And in this case, he wasn''t just powerful¡ªhe was also right.


    Every shred of evidence pointed to Lily''s guilt. The stolen data. The financial losses. The corporate espionage.


    If Bran had even half a brain, he knew there was only one correct course of action. He swallowed hard before turning to Trisha, who still looked too stunned to speak.


    "Miss Trisha Wells," he said carefully, wiping the sweat from his brow. "You''ve seen the evidence yourself. Given the severity of the crime, your daughter''s imprisonment is inevitable."


    His expression turned firm.


    "I''m simply following the proper legal procedures. So please, don''t make things difficult for me."


    Trisha''s face twisted in fury. Trisha fell silent, her piercing gaze fixed on Alex. A cold smile crept onto her lips.


    "Alex¡­ You really think just because you''ve made a name for yourself in city, you can talk to me like this?" Her voice was calm, but the underlying menace was unmistakable.


    "You''ve made your move¡­ Now don''t blame me when I make mine." The words weren''t just a threat. They were a promise.


    Bran felt a chill run down his spine. He clenched his fists beneath the table, forcing himself to stay composed.


    Because he knew¡ª Trisha wasn''t just bluster. She had the power to back up every word. As a member of the Wells family, she wasn''t just another wealthy socialite.


    If she could mobilize the full strength of the Wells family¡­ Even Alex might struggle to hold his ground.


    At the very least, it would be a bloody battle. But Bran wasn''t stupid. Right now, the evidence was ironclad.


    Even if the Wells family wanted to protect Lily, openly defying the law would be a direct challenge to the legal system, and to face Alex Reid on the side¡­ Nah!


    Would they really risk their reputation and influence for a spoiled girl who had committed corporate espionage?


    That¡­ remained to be seen. Meanwhile, Alex had already predicted this. Trisha won''t just sit still after this. She''ll go straight to the Head of the Wells Family.


    Her greatest weapon wasn''t her own influence. It was the family behind her. If she managed to sway head of the Wells family, things could get complicated.


    But¡­ Alex smirked.


    "Why should I wait for her to make the first move? If she''s planning to rally the Wells family against me¡­ then I''ll strike before she even gets the chance."


    His eyes gleamed with confidence. With his newly acquired Fortune Skill Mastery, he had a unique advantage.


    For a family as old and powerful as the Wells, money and status weren''t their only concerns.


    Legacy. Future generations. The fortune of their descendants. That was what truly mattered.


    And when the head of the Wells Family had to choose¡ª Would he side with a married-off granddaughter with a personal vendetta?


    Or a Fortune Skill master who could alter the Luck of someone? The answer was obvious.


    After all, many of the things Ethan got In the original plot was because of his fortune skills mastery and of course some braindead force too¡­


    Alex chuckled, his expression sharp.


    "Let''s see who plays their hand better."


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 80 Wells Family Mansion

    With the Fortune Skill Mastery granted by the system, Alex had absolute confidence in turning the tide against Trisha.


    After all¡­ A master of Fortune Skill, someone capable of altering destiny a little bit¡­ And a married-off granddaughter with nothing but a grudge to hold onto¡­


    Who would the Head of the Wells Family Choose to stand by? Who would he risk offending?


    The answer was clear. Alex didn''t even need to say it out loud. The old man would know better. Having made up his mind, Alex wasted no time.


    "Drive to the Wells residence," he ordered. The convoy immediately changed direction, its engines roaring to life.


    A fleet of luxury cars sped down the highway, heading straight for the Wells Family estate.


    ¡­.


    The Wells Family Mansion was located deep in the mountains on the outskirts of the City.


    Surrounded by untouched greenery, the estate was built against the mountainside, embracing the principles of Fortune Skill to perfection.


    To ensure ease of access, the Wells family had constructed a private winding road leading up to the mansion¡­one that was strictly monitored.


    Security cameras lined the entire path. Armed security guard patrolled every corner.


    The Wells family''s wealth and influence were evident in every brick and stone. The moment Alex''s convoy began ascending the mountain road, word reached the Wells family estate.


    "What?" Hearing the butler''s report, Edwin Wells, the current head of the Wells family, narrowed his eyes. He is just a current head of the family while he holds power in the family it is not comparable to the real Head of the Family who is very ill.


    Thus he is the Current Head of the Wells family. He oversees all the things now in the Wells Family.


    "Alex? The CEO of the Reid Industries is coming here?" His voice carried a tinge of surprise.


    The Wells family and Reid Industries had never had much business interaction. So why was Alex suddenly paying them a visit?


    Though puzzled, Edwin Wells wasn''t ignorant.


    Alex''s recent actions in the city had caught the attention of many. This young man was no ordinary businessman.


    "Prepare the highest level of hospitality," Edwin Wells finally instructed. "Let''s see what he wants first."


    When Alex''s convoy arrived at the gates of the Wells Family Mansion, a welcoming party was already waiting. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Edwin Wells himself had come out, accompanied by several high-ranking members of the family.


    After all, even if Reid Industries wasn''t on the same level as the Wells yet, Alex was still a formidable force in the City and business world.


    And more importantly¡­ He was young. Unlike those fading old tycoons, Alex''s future potential was boundless.


    The Wells family wouldn''t make the mistake of underestimating him. With a warm smile, Edwin Wells stepped forward.


    "What an unexpected surprise!" he said with a hearty laugh. "What brings the CEO of Reid Industries all the way to my humble estate today?"


    Alex returned a smile, his eyes sharp yet unreadable.


    "Ha! From the way you say that Mr. Edwin, it almost sounds like you weren''t expecting me."


    Edwin Wells chuckled.


    "How could that be? A guest like you is always welcome."


    "Then let''s not waste time," Alex said.


    "Shall we continue this conversation inside?" Edwin gestured toward the mansion.


    "Of course! Please, come in."


    The two men, one leading and one following, stepped into the Wells Family Mansion with smiles.


    As they walked, Alex took his time observing the surroundings.


    He had to admit¡­the Wells family''s wealth and status were reflected in every inch of this estate.


    Built against the mountains, the mansion was surrounded by a pristine lake right at the entrance, its landscape carefully designed.


    It was clear¡­a master of Fortune Skill had been involved in its construction. But to Alex, someone with true mastery, the so-called "expert''s" work was merely¡­ mediocre.


    Just as they approached the main house, Alex''s expression changed.


    His brows furrowed slightly.


    "Mr. Edwin," he said, his voice calm but deliberate. "Has something felt¡­ off about your family''s Fortune lately?"


    Edwin steps paused.


    "What do you mean?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.


    Alex gestured toward the architecture.


    "The structure is too elongated¡­like a thin, stretched-out rectangle," he pointed out. "This shape disrupts the flow of fortune, creating obstructions in fortune and prosperity."


    He let out a small chuckle, then added, almost as an after thought¡­ "Who designed this layout for you?" The moment Alex spoke, Edwin Wells''s expression darkened slightly.


    Ever since Alex''s Fortune Skill expertise was showcased at the Winters Family hall, his reputation had spread across City elite circles.


    And now¡­Alex had casually pointed out a problem in the Wells family''s estate.


    The truth was, in a family as prominent as the Wells, getting a Fortune reading wasn''t just superstition¡­it was a matter of serious importance to them.


    If what Alex said was true¡­ Then their family''s future could be at stake.


    Taking a deep breath, Edwin Wells asked, "Alex, have you noticed something?" Alex hesitated, a thoughtful look on his face.


    After a moment, he waved his hand dismissively.


    "Forget it," he sighed. "I''d rather not ruin another Fortune Skill master''s reputation." His tone was light, but his words were carefully chosen¡­a deliberate bait.


    Sure enough, Edwin Wells''s curiosity flared instantly. His desire to know only grew stronger.


    "Come on, Mr. Alex, don''t be like that!" he urged. "If there''s an issue, just tell me. I''ll keep it strictly confidential."


    Alex simply shook his head again, keeping up the act. Edwin Wells was starting to lose patience.


    At this point, he didn''t care about appearances anymore. Clenching his jaw, he changed his approach.


    A Subtle Warning


    "Mr. Alex," Edwin Wells said, his voice carrying a rare urgency, even a hint of desperation. "This is about the future of my entire family. If there really is a problem¡­ I''m begging you¡­tell me!"


    His usually composed demeanor was nowhere to be seen. The weight of his concern pressed into his tone, his eyes fixed on Alex with unwavering intensity.


    Alex observed him for a moment, his gaze calm yet calculating. The timing was just right. Taking a slow breath, he finally allowed his expression to shift, his features settling into something far more serious.


    "Well then, please, forgive my boldness¡­" Alex said gravely. His tone was even, yet there was a quiet weight behind his words. He met Edwin''s gaze directly, letting the tension build for just a moment before asking,


    "But tell me¡­has your family''s Head been unwell lately?"


    The moment those words left his lips, the atmosphere shifted.


    It wasn''t just Edwin Wells who reacted¡­every high-ranking member of the Wells family standing nearby visibly stiffened. Some exchanged uneasy glances, while others simply froze, their expressions betraying their shock. A strange, almost unnatural silence settled over the group.


    Edwin''s lips parted slightly, but for a brief moment, no words came out.


    How?


    How could Alex have known?


    The Head of the Wells family had indeed been in poor health for some time, but it was an extremely well-guarded secret. Even within the family itself, only a select few had been made aware of the situation. And yet, Alex had pointed it out without the slightest hesitation.


    Was this just a coincidence? Or¡­ did he truly understand something they did not?


    Sensing the hesitation in Edwin''s demeanor, Alex took a small step back, his expression unreadable. His stance was relaxed, as if their conversation was nothing more than idle chatter.


    "Well," he said casually, his tone light despite the heavy air around them. "Since this seems to be a sensitive topic for you, let''s not dwell on it."


    He turned slightly, as though ready to change the subject. But just as he did¡­


    "Wait! No, no¡­hold on!"


    Edwin Wells immediately stepped forward, his voice urgent. His hand shot out, as if to physically stop Alex from walking away.


    There was no avoiding it now.


    Taking a deep breath, Edwin''s face hardened with resolve. He hesitated for only a moment before finally admitting, "¡­I won''t hide it from you anymore, Alex. The truth is¡­the Family Head''s health has indeed been deteriorating."


    A quiet, knowing look crossed Alex''s face. He gave a small nod, his eyes sharp yet unreadable.


    "That explains it," he said simply.


    He turned his gaze toward the grand estate before them. The Wells family mansion was an imposing structure, exuding wealth and power. But Alex wasn''t looking at the expensive stonework or the intricate carvings¡­his focus was elsewhere.


    "The elongated shape of your estate helps accumulate wealth," he began, his tone calm yet deliberate. "But at a cost. It traps the flow of fortune, preventing it from circulating naturally."


    Edwin''s brows furrowed. He followed Alex''s gaze, trying to understand what he was seeing.


    Alex''s eyes then flicked toward the main entrance.


    "Your front gate is too narrow and low," he continued. "While this design might give the illusion of stability, it actually chokes the life force coming into your home." He let his words sink in before adding, "This imbalance may seem beneficial for short-term financial gain¡­ but in reality¡­"


    Alex turned back to Edwin, his expression unreadable yet piercing.


    "¡­it is stifling the health and fate of your family."


    ¡­


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 Chapter 81 [Bonus Chapter] Some Changes

    Alex''s gaze swept across the estate''s vast courtyard. The Wells family mansion was undeniably impressive, grand architecture, elegant landscaping, but beneath the surface, something felt off.


    His sharp eyes lingered on the trees, the placement of the water features, the structure of the main house. He exhaled softly, then turned to Edwin, his tone casual yet deliberate.


    "Mr. Edwin, your estate''s fortune flow¡­ it''s not right."


    Edwin''s brows furrowed slightly. "What do you mean?"


    "This layout isn''t just affecting your family''s prosperity," Alex continued, his voice steady. "It''s influencing the very life force of this place, your health, your luck, even the simplest things." He gestured toward the surrounding greenery.


    "Tell me, have you noticed that the trees here struggle to grow as well as those outside the estate?"


    A murmur spread through the gathered family members.


    Edwin''s expression darkened. "Now that you mention it¡­ our gardeners have always complained that the plants in our estate are difficult to maintain." sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex nodded as if that was expected. "And the wind, does it ever truly flow through this estate? Or does it feel like the air here is always a little stagnant, a little too still?"


    A woman in the back gasped. "That''s true! The breeze hardly reaches the inner courtyard!"


    "And what about the animals?" Alex pressed. "Have your pets been¡­ unwell? Lacking energy? Or worse, failing to survive for long?"


    His words sent another wave of murmurs through the crowd.


    "My son has had three puppies in the past two years," a middle-aged man admitted. "Each one just¡­ passed away, no matter how well we took care of them. I thought it was just bad luck."


    "My daughter''s plants never last," another chimed in. "She tries so hard, but no matter what, they wilt in weeks."


    "And my grandson," an elderly woman spoke up, her voice tight with worry. "He''s always sick. Constant colds, fevers that come out of nowhere."


    A heavy silence settled over them as realization dawned. Alex didn''t say anything. He let the weight of his words sink in.


    Unlike the younger generation, the older members of the Wells family weren''t just shocked, they were disturbed.


    Edwin clenched his fists, his expression unreadable. For years, he had suffered from mysterious ailments, exhaustion, aches that no doctor could explain. And he wasn''t alone. Several of the family''s elders had battled similar health issues.


    Most had chalked it up to age.


    But now¡­


    "You''re saying all of this is because of the estate''s design?" Edwin''s voice was low, filled with a rare uncertainty.


    Alex gave a small, knowing smile. "I''m saying that your estate has been built in a way that disrupts the natural balance of fortune. Wealth might flow in, but it doesn''t circulate. Instead, it stagnates, suffocating everything else, your family''s well-being, your luck, even your lifespan."


    Edwin inhaled sharply. If what Alex was saying was true¡­ then this wasn''t just about wealth or prestige..


    "What can be done?" Edwin asked, his voice unusually firm. "How do we fix this?"


    Alex tilted his head slightly, pretending to hesitate. "Fixing it isn''t impossible¡­ but it won''t be simple. And I wouldn''t want to undermine the previous consultant who advised you on this layout." He gave a nonchalant shrug. "Wouldn''t want to tarnish another expert''s reputation."


    "Forget about them!" Edwin suddenly stepped forward, gripping Alex''s wrist. His calm demeanor had cracked, replaced by urgency. "If you know how to correct this, then help us. The future of the Wells family depends on it."


    "That''s right, Alex! You must help our Wells family! If you do, we''ll never forget this favor!"


    It wasn''t just Edwin. Several other elders of the Wells family stepped forward, their expressions filled with urgency and sincerity.


    Seeing this, Alex didn''t hesitate any longer. He let out a small chuckle, then nodded. "Since you all trust me so much, I suppose I''ll take on the burden of giving you some guidance."


    "Excellent! That''s exactly what we hoped to hear!" Edwin beamed. "Alex, rest assured¡ªif you help us turn things around, the Wells family will be forever in your debt!"


    Without wasting another second, Alex turned to a group of Wells family guards. His tone was sharp and commanding.


    "Grab some shovels and other tools. We have work to do." The guards hesitated for only a moment before Edwin clapped his hands together. "What are you all standing around for? Do as he says! Now!"


    He wasn''t taking any chances. He even called upon a few of the younger family members to join in.


    In no time, a group of thirty to forty guards and over a dozen young members had gathered, standing at attention behind Alex, waiting for instructions.


    Alex''s sharp gaze swept over the estate once more. Then, he started issuing commands.


    "You there, tear down the front entrance and raise the door height by ten centimeters. Dig thirty centimeters down on both sides of the threshold and bury two high-quality wealth-attracting stones."


    "The pond near the entrance, expand it. Divert fresh mountain spring water into it to improve the flow of fortune."


    "The back of the estate needs a secondary gate to balance the circulation of energy, get started on that immediately."


    "Move in two stone guardian lion statues and place them here. They''ll reinforce the protection of the estate."


    "And this entrance here¡ªseal it off. It''s leaking energy, weakening your family''s overall fortune."


    Orders poured out one after another, precise and confident. The Wells family members didn''t dare question anything. They moved fast.


    Tools clanged. Stone was lifted and placed. Earth was dug up and shifted.


    For hours, the estate underwent drastic transformation.


    Edwin, as the head of the family, wasn''t a complete novice when it came to fortune techniques. As he observed the changes, his admiration for Alex only deepened.


    Compared to the so-called expert who had originally designed the estate''s layout, Alex''s methods were entirely different.


    Even Edwin himself felt the difference. The air seemed lighter. His own breathing felt¡­ easier.


    There really was a change.


    "Move faster!" Edwin barked at the workers. "Do exactly as Alex says! No hesitation!"


    ¡­


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 Chapter 82 [Bonus Chapter] Grand Feast Celebration

    "Move faster!" Edwin barked at the workers. "Do exactly as Alex says! No hesitation!" The final touches took another half an hour, but once the last modification was complete¡­


    The Effects was immediate.


    A soft breeze drifted through the estate. It was subtle at first, but those who had lived there long enough knew¡ªthis was new.


    It had never felt like this before.


    "This wind¡­ it''s so refreshing. I''ve lived here for decades and never felt a breeze like this inside the estate."


    "Look up! The clouds above the house¡ªthose dark patches that were always there¡­ they''re clearing!"


    "Look at the lotus flowers in the pond! They were wilting just this morning, and now they''re blooming again!"


    "My dog! He was sick for days, barely moving¡­ but look at him now! He''s full of energy!"


    Everywhere, people were witnessing changes with their own eyes. What was once an oppressive, stagnant atmosphere had turned vibrant.


    But before anyone could fully process the miracle happening before them¡­


    A voice called out from the estate''s main building. It was old, yet steady. And as heads turned in disbelief, the sight that met them left them speechless.


    An elderly man, frail yet composed, stepped out of the house, walking slowly toward them.


    The father of Edwin Wells.


    The man who had been bedridden, weak, and unable to even sit up without assistance¡­


    Had just walked out on his own.


    "Grandfather?!"


    "Sir! What are you doing out of bed?!"


    The crowd gasped.


    Even Edwin was stunned. He rushed forward, ready to support the old man. "Father, you shouldn''t be out here! You need to rest!"


    But the old man simply waved a hand, stopping him. "I don''t know why¡­ but today, I feel stronger. My energy is flowing again, and I wanted to come outside for a bit."


    Then, his sharp eyes landed on Alex. There was a moment of silence.


    "Who is this young man?" he asked, looking back at Edwin.


    ¡­.


    As soon as the old man spoke, every pair of eyes in the room turned to Alex.


    Sensing the attention shifting, Edwin quickly stepped forward to introduce him.


    "Father, this is Alex Reid, CEO of the Reid Industries in the City¡­" His voice carried a deep respect. "And more importantly¡ªhe is a great benefactor to our Wells family!"


    Without wasting a second, Edwin began recounting everything Alex had done¡ªhow he had identified the flaws in the estate''s fortune layout, how he had issued precise instructions for adjustments, and how the results were already visible for all to see.


    The more he spoke, the more the old man expression shifted from curiosity to astonishment.


    "No wonder¡­" The old man let out a deep breath. "From the moment I woke up today, I felt different. My energy was flowing, my body felt lighter¡­ and by the time I stood up, I couldn''t even believe it myself!"


    His eyes locked onto Alex, filled with gratitude. "So all of this is thanks to you?"


    Alex smiled humbly. "I merely pointed out what needed to be fixed. The results speak for themselves."


    The patriarch''s hands trembled slightly¡ªnot from weakness, but from emotion.


    As the man who had built the Wells family with his own two hands, no one cared more about its future than he did.


    For years, he had watched helplessly as his peers¡ªmany still in their prime¡ªfell ill or passed away.


    And the younger members? They were talented but lacked the foundation of their predecessors.


    If this continued¡­ how long would the Wells family truly last?


    But today, for the first time in years, he felt hope.


    "Ypung boy, do you realize what you''ve done?" The old man''s voice was firm, his words carrying the weight of his old like authority. "You didn''t just improve our estate''s fortune flow¡ªyou saved our family!"


    He turned sharply, facing the gathered Wells family members.


    "Listen well, all of you!" His voice rang out. "From this moment forward, this young boy is a friend of the Wells family¡ªno, more than that. He is our benefactor!"


    "Should he ever need our help, you will do everything in your power to assist him. No excuses!" The declaration was absolute.


    A moment later, every member of the Wells family nodded in unison.


    "Understood, Grandfather!" The atmosphere was heavy with sincerity. Even Alex, who rarely let things get to his head, felt slightly overwhelmed.


    He cleared his throat. "Sir, you''re giving me too much credit. This was just a simple matter."


    The old man chuckled. "Simple for you, perhaps. But for us? A miracle."


    Then, he turned to Edwin.


    "Tell the kitchen¡ªwe are hosting a grand feast tonight! This is a celebration for our benefactor!"


    Laughter filled the hall.


    Alex, seeing no reason to refuse, grinned. "Well, if you insist¡­ I won''t say no to a good meal."


    With that, the group, still buzzing with excitement, made their way to the main hall.


    ¡­.


    The banquet was lavish, as expected from a family of the Wells'' stature. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The long dining table was filled with exquisite dishes, the finest wines brought out in honor of the occasion.


    But what truly shocked the guests wasn''t just the food¡ªit was the seating arrangement.


    Alex was given the seat of honor. Not beside Edwin. Not near the senior members. He was seated right next to the old man himself.


    Gasps and murmurs spread through the crowd.


    "What''s going on? Grandfather is attending the banquet? But his health¡ª?"


    "Forget that for a second! Who''s that man sitting beside him?"


    "Look closely¡­ even Edwin is sitting below him! What kind of status does this guy have?!"


    The younger members and those who had missed the earlier events were dumbfounded.


    But at the main table, none of the senior members paid any attention to the gossip.


    The old man himself raised his glass, looking at Alex.


    "This toast is for you," he said solemnly. "For giving the my family a future."


    Alex lifted his own glass and clinked it against the old man''s. "To a long and prosperous future for your family."


    One by one, the other senior members followed.


    Edwin. The other family heads. Every powerful figure in the Wells family stepped forward, raising their glasses in Alex''s honor.


    A young man in his twenties, receiving the highest level of respect from their family. The sight left the rest of the family speechless. No one could understand.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 83 Harold Winters Rage

    After the banquet, Alex Reid prepared to leave. Despite his age, the Old man personally escorted him to the entrance¡ªa rare gesture that spoke volumes about his gratitude.


    As they stepped outside, the old man''s sharp gaze lingered on Alex, a mixture of appreciation and curiosity flickering in his eyes.


    "Young man, you''ve done a great service for our family today," the old man said, his voice measured. "I assumed you had some request for us, yet throughout the entire evening, you never mentioned one." He studied Alex intently. "So tell me, what exactly brought you to the Wells estate today?"


    Alex smiled faintly. "Reid Industries may not be as influential as the Wells family, but I don''t make a habit of asking for favors." His tone was calm but firm.


    "I didn''t come here seeking anything. Fixing the fortune layout of your estate was just part of it." His expression grew serious as he continued.


    "I also came to warn you¡ªsomeone will try to cause trouble for the Wells family soon. When that time comes, don''t let them mislead you. If you do, it could cost your family everything."


    A heavy silence hung between them. The old man eyes darkened, his expression unreadable.


    "Someone is targeting my family?" he murmured, his fingers tightening around the handle of his cane. "And you expect me to believe this without proof?"


    "I don''t expect you to believe anything," Alex replied, stepping toward his car. "But when it happens, remember what I told you." With that, he opened his car door and sat into the driver''s seat, started the engine, and drove off into the night.


    The old man stood there, his gaze following the fading tail lights. His face remained calm, but his thoughts were anything but.


    "Who would dare come after the Wells family?" He scoffed, shaking his head. "It doesn''t matter who they are. If they think they can bring harm to my house, they''ll regret it for the rest of their lives."


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, Trisha Wells was completely unaware of the events that had unfolded at her family''s estate.


    After leaving the Police Department, she didn''t head home as she initially intended. Instead, she got into her car and drove toward a different destination¡ªone she had been debating for hours.


    Ethan Carter''s residence.


    Her grip on the steering wheel tightened as she muttered under her breath. "Lily is completely obsessed with this guy¡­ What kind of man is he?" The curiosity had been gnawing at her, and now, she was determined to find out for herself.


    Following the address she had found, Trisha arrived at an upscale residential complex. The towering buildings exuded elegance, their architecture sleek and modern. Even from the outside, it was clear that this was a place reserved for the wealthy and elite.


    She stepped out of her car, taking in her surroundings with a critical eye. "Not bad," she mused. "If he built this life from scratch, maybe he''s more impressive than I thought."


    Just as the thought crossed her mind, a commotion broke out nearby.


    "Ethan, you son of a bitch! You ruined my life!"


    Trisha''s head snapped toward the source of the voice. A disheveled man, his face twisted in rage, was charging forward with a fruit knife in his grip. His target? A well-dressed young man who moved with effortless composure despite the clear threat.


    Ethan Carter.


    Trisha raised an eyebrow, watching the scene unfold. "Well," she murmured, crossing her arms. "This just got interesting."


    Ethan Carter sprinted down the sidewalk, his breath coming in quick, controlled bursts. Behind him, Harold Winters gave chase, his voice hoarse with fury.


    "I''m telling you, Mr. Harold, this isn''t my fault!" Ethan called over his shoulder. "It was Alex, he tricked us both! I''m a victim just like you!"


    Harold, however, was having none of it. "Do you think I''d believe a single word out of your mouth?" he spat. "I already know everything! Seventy million dollars assets are gone! And you, you bastard, sold them off to Reid for Hundred thousand! Then you turn around and buy yourself a damn luxury apartment? You think I wouldn''t put the pieces together?"


    His voice was raw with rage, his steps heavy and unsteady. Before he could take another stride¡ª


    THUD!


    Harold lost his footing and went sprawling onto the pavement, the impact shaking through his bones. He let out a sharp grunt of pain but didn''t stay down for long. Gritting his teeth, he tried to push himself up.


    Before he could, the complex''s security guards rushed in.


    "Sir, step away!" one of them barked, pinning Harold''s arms behind his back as another restrained him.


    "Let me go! Damn it, let me go!" Harold roared, struggling against their grip. His face twisted with grief and rage. "That bastard ruined my life! My daughter''s in prison because of him! He took everything¡ªmy fortune, my home! What the hell do I have left? I''ll kill him, do you hear me? Let me go!"


    But the guards weren''t listening. With practiced efficiency, they dragged him toward the exit.


    Ethan, still catching his breath, watched the scene unfold. He shook his head, muttering under his breath.


    "This is ridiculous," he grumbled. "Why the hell is he coming after me? I lost everything too! Shouldn''t he be after Alex?"


    Harold continued to curse and struggle, his voice growing distant as he was hauled out of the complex. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ethan let out a sigh of relief and turned toward the entrance, ready to put the whole mess behind him. He just wanted to get home, take a shower, and forget the entire ordeal¡ª


    But the moment he turned, he came face to face with an unfamiliar woman standing directly in his path.


    Trisha Wells had been watching the scene unfold from a distance. At first, she hadn''t paid much attention to Ethan amid the chaos of the confrontation. But now that she had a proper look at him, she found herself pausing in surprise.


    The man before her was young, sharp-featured, and carried himself with undeniable confidence. There was an effortless charm about him, the kind that made it easy to see why someone might be drawn to him.


    Her lips curved slightly. No wonder Lily is so taken with him.


    Straightening, she extended a hand. "You must be Ethan Carter. I''m Trisha Wells, Lily''s mother."


    ¡­


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 Chapter 84 Wishful Backing

    Straightening, Trisha extended a hand. "You must be Ethan Carter. I''m Trisha Wells, Lily''s mother."


    Ethan raised an eyebrow, his gaze flickering over her with quiet curiosity. She was older than him, yet carried herself with the poise of a woman who had seen the world and conquered it. Everything from her well-maintained appearance to the sharp glint in her eyes screamed power and experience.


    She was a beauty.


    Still, Ethan kept his expression neutral, offering a polite smile as he shook her hand. "Ah, Mrs. Wells. I''ve heard a lot about you."


    His voice was smooth, measured¡ªjust enough charm without overplaying it.


    Ethan Carter adjusted his posture, flashing a polite yet cautious smile. "It''s a pleasure to meet you." His tone was refined, his demeanor composed.


    Trisha Wells studied him with a scrutinizing gaze, nodding slightly in approval at his etiquette. "I came to speak with you about Lily''s imprisonment." Her voice was steady, but there was a sharp edge beneath it.


    "She''s my daughter, and Alex was behind this, I won''t sit by and let it happen. I need to understand exactly what went down for this situation to occur."


    Hearing Alex''s name, Ethan''s expression shifted, his eyes darkening with resentment. "That bastard," he muttered, barely containing his frustration. "He set Lily up." His jaw clenched. "And not just her¡ªhe set me up too."


    Trisha''s gaze flickered with interest. "Go on."


    Ethan exhaled sharply, his emotions bubbling to the surface. "Alex acts like he''s untouchable just because he has money and power. He never plays by the rules, never gives anyone else a chance. If I had even half the resources he does, I''d be way¡­ way ahead of him by now."


    Trisha considered his words, nodding thoughtfully. She recalled Alex''s arrogant demeanor back at the Police Department, and she couldn''t deny that Ethan''s words rang true.


    "That man has no understanding of how society works," she mused. "All he knows is brute force and manipulation. If not for his family backing, he would''ve been done for long ago."


    A thought crossed her mind, and she turned back to Ethan. "You''re saying that if you had the right support, you could turn things around?"


    Without hesitation, Ethan nodded. "I''m a master of Fortune skills. I know martial arts too. I''m fluent in multiple languages. I have the skills to succeed¡ªAlex just made sure I never got the chance to do anything¡­ everything I do¡­ Alex manipulates it to my disadvantage every single time."


    Trisha tapped her fingers against her arm, contemplating his words. "A man with your talents shouldn''t be wasting away in such conditions," she murmured. "If what you say is true, then perhaps it''s time someone gave you a real opportunity."


    Ethan''s eyes lit up with cautious optimism. "Are you saying¡­?"


    Trisha''s lips curved into a small smile. "I have connections, boy. And I intend to use them." Her gaze sharpened. "You said you specialize in Fortune skills. What about estate planning? You know, like telling what is wrong with estate or the things that shouldn''t be here or there. Are you familiar with that?"


    Ethan straightened his shoulders, exuding confidence. "Mrs. Wells, I can guarantee you¡ªany estate I work on, if given the right modifications, will reach unimaginable heights."


    Trisha''s smile widened. "Good." She clapped her hands together, decision made. "Then let''s put that confidence to the test."


    She took a step closer, her tone carrying a hint of authority. "Have you heard of the Wells family estate in the mountains?"


    Ethan''s brows furrowed. "You mean the Wells family? One of the powerful families in the cuty?"


    "That''s the one," Trisha confirmed. "And I happen to be a member of that family." She let the weight of her words settle before continuing, "Tomorrow, I''m taking you to meet them. Show them your skills. Impress them." Her voice lowered, almost conspiratorial.


    "If you succeed, you''ll have the full backing of the Wells family. That means power, resources, and¡ª" she paused, her eyes gleaming, "¡ªa chance to make Alex regret ever crossing you."


    Ethan''s heart pounded with excitement. If he could secure the Wells family''s support, Alex would no longer be untouchable.


    A slow grin spread across his face as he extended a hand. "Mrs. Wells, you have a deal."


    Trisha shook his hand firmly. "Good. Just remember¡ªthis isn''t charity. Prove yourself, and the Wells family will stand behind you. Fail¡­" She let the unspoken consequence hang between them. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ethan''s grip tightened. "I won''t fail."


    As the conversation between Trisha Wells and Ethan continued, she found herself growing increasingly fond of the young man. His composure, intelligence, and confidence left a lasting impression on her.


    After just a few exchanges, Trisha had already made up her mind¡ªEthan was the perfect match for her daughter.


    ''No wonder Lily was interested in him!'' she thought, her eyes gleaming with approval. ''He''s outstanding¡ªfar beyond what I expected!''


    A hint of regret flickered in her heart. Her daughter was still locked away in prison, unable to see what was happening outside. But as her mother, Trisha was determined, if Lily couldn''t fight for herself right now, then she would do it for her.


    ''Lily, you may be in prison, but I won''t let Alex get away with what he did to you! And don''t worry after I deal with Alex, I will get you out in no time.'' With that resolve in mind, she wasted no time.


    ¡­.


    The next morning, Trisha personally drove Ethan to the Wells family estate. A man of his talents and potential deserved a much bigger platform¡ªone that she was more than willing to provide.


    By the time they arrived at the Wells estate, it was just past noon, and the air carried the distinct aroma of a lavish family lunch.


    The moment they stepped into the estate, a man with sharp, calculating eyes glanced up from his seat. His expression was unreadable¡ªbordering on cold.


    "Why are you back?" he asked, his tone indifferent.


    This was Marshall Wells, a key figure in the family''s affairs and one of Trisha''s harshest critics.


    Trisha, of course, knew exactly why he was displeased with her.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 85 Past Grudge

    Years ago, when she had been closely associated with Reid Industries aka Alex father''s wife and Alex Stepmother''s, Marshall had urged her to leverage that connection for the benefit of the Wells family.


    Had she supported her husband''s ambitions fully in the past, Reid Industries could have served as the Wells family''s stronghold in the heart of the city.


    But instead, Trisha had gone against Marshall''s advice. She had made decisions that led to the severance of ties between the Wells family and Reid Industries, costing them a foothold in the city.


    Even now, the Wells family, one of the big families, remained the only one without a proper base in the city.


    And Marshall never forgave her for it.


    Trisha, however, was unfazed by his attitude. Instead of reacting to his hostility, she turned to Ethan and gestured toward him with a smile.


    "Marshall, let me introduce you to someone, Ethan Carter," she said, her voice smooth and confident. "Don''t be fooled by his young age; his name carries weight in the city." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Marshall raised a brow, but he remained silent.


    Trisha continued, "Ethan''s mastery of the Fortune skill and martial arts has earned him the respect of the city''s many top people. Many consider him an invaluable advisor."


    That piqued Marshall''s interest. He finally gave Ethan a proper look, his sharp gaze scrutinizing him from head to toe.


    Given the recent events involving Alex Reid and the Wells estate, Marshall had become particularly intrigued by the art of fortune assessment and estate positioning.


    ''First, Alex Reid makes waves with his so-called expertise,'' Marshall mused. ''And now, another one appears?''


    Though skeptical, he couldn''t deny his curiosity.


    His gaze hardened. "Tell me, boy, is the art of fortune assessment so common these days that we can stumble upon so-called experts anywhere?"


    Ethan met Marshall''s stare with a polite smile. His posture was relaxed, but his confidence was undeniable.


    "I wouldn''t call myself an expert," Ethan replied humbly. "I only have a basic grasp of the fundamentals."


    Marshall Wells chuckled lightly, though his gaze still carried a hint of skepticism.


    "Well, well, Mr. Ethan, you''re quite modest," he said, his voice carrying a mix of amusement and intrigue. "I didn''t expect someone so young to already be a master of the sonething."


    Though he remained doubtful, Ethan''s composed demeanor and Trisha''s confidence in him had already begun to shift Marshall''s attitude.


    After a brief pause, Marshall finally stepped aside, gesturing toward the inside.


    "In that case, Mr. Ethan, please come inside." Both Trisha and Ethan exchanged a glance, silently celebrating this small victory.


    For Trisha, this was especially exhilarating. Seeing usually aloof and dismissive Marshall suddenly become receptive was nothing short of a miracle.


    She turned to Ethan, her face glowing with excitement.


    "Ethan, you really are something else," she whispered, unable to hide her admiration. "No wonder Lily had her eyes on you! Just by revealing your expertise, you''ve already changed his attitude completely!"


    Ethan, though equally pleased, maintained his usual calm exterior.


    "There''s no need to celebrate just yet," he said, his tone casual but confident. "Wait until I actually demonstrate my abilities. That''s when you''ll see what real skill looks like."


    Trisha nodded enthusiastically. "I can''t wait!"


    With that, they followed Marshall into the estate. The moment they stepped inside, the atmosphere changed entirely.


    Marshall, who had initially been indifferent, suddenly seemed eager to play the role of a proper host.


    He immediately instructed the butler to bring refreshments, ensuring that Ethan and Trisha were treated to the finest tea and a selection of exquisite pastries.


    That was all because of Alex''s previous visit and performing his abilities of fortune skill. If Ethan can do the same or even better, his standing in the family will get big and he can even gain the Head of the family favor.


    Such hospitality was a stark contrast to his earlier cold demeanor, and both Ethan and Trisha took note of it.


    As they settled into their seats, Marshall took a slow sip of tea before speaking again, his tone now much more measured.


    "If you truly are as skilled as Trisha claims, Mr. Erhan," he said, setting down his cup, "perhaps you wouldn''t mind giving us some insight into the Wells family''s estate layout? As a master of the Fortune skill, surely you can offer some valuable guidance."


    Ethan had been waiting for this exact opportunity.


    The moment Marshall posed a quest-like challenge like those in game, a confident smile appeared on his face.


    "If that''s what you want, Mr. Marshall, then of course, I''d be happy to." Without hesitation, Ethan stood up. His movements were smooth and assured, his posture exuding complete confidence.


    "There''s no time like the present. Let''s take a look at the estate''s layout now," he said.


    As he spoke, his gaze swept over the room, already analyzing the subtle details of the environment.


    "I won''t make any grand claims," he continued, "but I can promise you this, any house or mansion I assess and adjust will bring prosperity and stability for at least eighty years. Your family will thrive, and your business will flourish."


    Marshall''s eyes flickered with interest.


    "Eighty years, you say?" he murmured.


    Ethan nodded firmly.


    Marshall chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "Very well, then. Let''s see if you can back up your words, Mr. Ethan."


    Rising from his seat, he gestured for Ethan to follow him. Trisha eagerly stood up as well, her excitement barely contained.


    She had no doubt that Ethan was about to leave the Wells family utterly speechless.


    Ethan Carter approached the grand entrance of the Wells family estate with a confident stride, his hands casually clasped behind his back. His eyes swept over the towering gates, analyzing every detail with the precision of a seasoned master.


    "The Fortune skill always starts with the main entrance," he began, his voice steady and authoritative. "The entrance serves as the gateway between public and private energy¡ªa crucial boundary that dictates the flow of prosperity."


    Trisha Wells and Marshall Wells stood nearby, listening intently as Ethan continued his assessment.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 86 There Is Nothing To Improve

    Trisha Wells and Marshall Wells stood nearby, listening intently as Ethan continued his assessment.


    "There''s an old saying¡ª''A closed door is like a mountain.'' If the house entrance is poorly designed, it suppresses growth and stifles fortune. Without the right alignment and positioning, no matter how strong a family''s foundation is, their prosperity will remain stagnant."


    He took a step forward, tracing the lines of the pathway with his gaze.


    "The ideal layout is something known as the ''Soaring Dragon Formation.'' It channels energy upwards, lifting a household''s fortune to new heights like a dragon strength. If done correctly, it can ensure steady growth for generations like a dragon immortality."


    Ethan then straightened up, a smirk playing on his lips.


    "And when it comes to understanding the this Formation, I''d dare say¡ªI rank second to none." His tone was filled with unwavering confidence.


    Trisha beamed with pride. Ethan truly had a way of making even the most complex concepts sound powerful and compelling.


    Marshall, however, remained skeptical, his arms crossed as he waited for Ethan to elaborate.


    Ethan took another step toward the entrance, ready to point out its flaws and suggest improvements. But the moment his eyes locked onto the estate''s grand gate, he froze.


    His confident expression shattered in an instant, replaced by pure shock.


    "What the¡ªhell?!" Ethan took a step back, blinking rapidly, as if he couldn''t believe what he was seeing.


    His mind raced to process the details, his voice slipping into a stunned whisper.


    "This¡­ this is insane."


    Trisha frowned. "Ethan? What''s wrong?"


    Ethan exhaled sharply, pointing at the entrance. "This isn''t just a well-designed layout¡­ This is a near-perfect execution of the entrance."


    Marshall raised an eyebrow, his interest finally piqued. "Oh?"


    Ethan stepped closer, his fingers tracing the air as he analyzed the intricate details of the structure.


    "The way the pathway is angled, the precise positioning of the gate pillars, the subtle but deliberate curves in the layout¡ªeverything is aligned flawlessly to channel energy upward. It doesn''t just create a strong flow of fortune¡­ it propels it straight to the heavens."


    His tone grew more intense, his admiration evident.


    "This isn''t just a right. This is the best Layout¡ªan enhancement so rare that even top masters would struggle to replicate it."


    Trisha and Marshall exchanged glances.


    "So¡­ that''s a good thing, right?" Trisha asked.


    Ethan let out a breathless laugh. "Good? It''s incredible. Whoever designed this formation has an unparalleled level of skill. I''ve studied this art for years, but this¡­" He shook his head in disbelief. "This is on another level."


    Ethan Carter stood frozen in front of the Wells estate''s grand entrance, his expression shifting between disbelief and frustration. He had been prepared to impress, to showcase his unmatched expertise in the Fortune skill. But now¡­


    His gaze darted across the layout, analyzing every inch of the architectural masterpiece before him.


    This¡­ this isn''t just good. This is perfection!


    For someone with a system-enhanced mastery of Fortune skill, admitting that another''s work surpassed his own was unthinkable.


    "Impossible¡­" he muttered under his breath, clenching his fists. "With my system''s advantage, who in the world could have created something this flawless?"


    He refused to accept it. There had to be a flaw somewhere. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Determined to reclaim his confidence, Ethan stormed toward the inner courtyard.


    "I refuse to believe the entire estate follows such a high-level layout! There must be something I can improve¡ª"


    Yet, as soon as he stepped into the courtyard, his voice caught in his throat.


    His pupils dilated. His breath hitched.


    Ethan stumbled back a step, his mind reeling.


    "This¡­ This can''t be real."


    His system should have warned him, should have told him if something this advanced existed here. But now, standing in the heart of the Wells estate, he felt like an amateur witnessing a master''s work for the first time.


    "No¡­ No way." His voice wavered as he turned and rushed toward the back of the estate, desperate to prove himself.


    But the moment he arrived, Ethan''s knees nearly buckled. His fingers twitched, his entire body trembling with shock.


    "The front gate follows the incredible formation¡­" he whispered in disbelief. "The courtyard houses the too¡­ And now, the rear entrance is guarded by this incredible formation and array?"


    He swallowed hard.


    "Who¡­ Who the hell designed this place?" His mind raced for answers, but before he could process it, his system chimed in with an emotionless notification.


    [Ding!]


    [Host''s Fortune skill proficiency is at the beginner level. Unable to replicate or modify advanced or top-tier formations.]


    Ethan''s face darkened.


    He had always believed that, with the system''s help, he stood at the pinnacle of the field; it doesn''t matter which field. Yet now, standing within the Wells estate, he felt utterly¡­ inferior.


    Behind him, Trisha Wells was watching Ethan''s frantic movements with increasing impatience. Her fingers drummed against her arm, her lips pursed.


    "This idiot¡­" she muttered under her breath. "I brought you here to impress the Wells family, to make yourself invaluable to them."


    Yet for the past several minutes, Ethan had done nothing but gawk, mutter to himself, and dash around like a madman.


    Finally, she couldn''t take it anymore.


    Marching up to him, she jabbed a finger into his side.


    "Hey! Snap out of it!" she hissed. "What the hell are you doing? You''re supposed to be showcasing your skills, not standing around looking like a lost puppy!"


    Ethan, still recovering from his shock, turned to her with a pained expression.


    "I¡­ I was supposed to give them guidance," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But Trisha, this estate''s layout is too perfect. There''s nothing for me to improve."


    Trisha''s eyes twitched.


    "¡­ Are you kidding me?"


    She had been banking on Ethan using his abilities to secure their position within the family. And now he was standing here telling her he was useless?


    ¡­


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 Chapter 87 Delusion Idea & Fraud

    "¡­ Are you kidding me?"


    She had been banking on Ethan using his abilities to secure their position within the family. And now he was standing here telling her he was useless?


    "You''re supposed to be a damn expert," she snapped. "And now you''re telling me you have nothing to say?"


    Ethan let out a long, exhausted sigh. "If I critique something this flawless, I''ll only make a fool of myself."


    Trisha felt the last shred of her patience snap. ''So you''re just gonna stand there and admit defeat?''


    Not far away, Marshall Wells had been silently observing the entire exchange.


    By now, he had seen enough.


    So that''s how it is, he mused. Another so-called Fortune skill master who can''t back up his words.


    He had encountered plenty of frauds before¡ªpeople who claimed to be masters, yet crumbled the moment they were asked to prove themselves. Ethan Carter, despite all the hype, was no different.


    His gaze turned cold.


    "I had a feeling this would be a waste of time," he muttered under his breath.


    Turning away, he addressed a nearby servant.


    "Escort the guests to the lounge if they wish to stay and then see them outside," he said indifferently. "I have other matters to attend to."


    With that, he walked away, leaving Trisha and Ethan standing there in tense silence.


    ''Damn it¡­ this was a complete disaster.'' Trisha clenched her fists.


    ¡­.


    Marshall Wells didn''t waste another second on them. Without even waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, leaving Ethan and Trisha standing there in awkward silence.


    As soon as he was out of sight, Trisha finally lost her patience.


    "What the hell was that, Ethan?" she snapped, crossing her arms. "I went out of my way to bring you here, to help you build connections with my family¡ªand you completely embarrassed yourself and me!"


    Ethan rubbed the back of his head, clearly uncomfortable.


    "I know, I know¡­ This whole thing caught me off guard," he admitted. "But come on, we didn''t walk away empty-handed."


    Trisha scoffed. "Oh, really? And what exactly did we gain from this embarrassing disaster?"


    Ethan smirked slightly, tapping his chest confidently.


    "A favor."


    Trisha blinked. "¡­ A favor?"


    "That''s right," Ethan said, standing up straighter. "Look, even though I didn''t exactly impress them, I still came here with the intention of helping. Wells Estate already has a Fortune skill master, but I genuinely tried to offer guidance. That alone is enough to put them in my debt, even if just a little."


    Trisha arched a brow, unconvinced. "You think my family cares about intentions? They only respect results."


    Ethan shrugged. "Maybe. But even if it''s a small favor, it''s still leverage."


    Trisha narrowed her eyes, considering his words. After a moment, she sighed, her frustration easing slightly.


    "¡­ I guess you have a point," she admitted reluctantly. Seeing her expression soften, Ethan pushed his advantage.


    "That favor may not be huge," he continued, "but don''t you think it''s enough to get your daughter Lily out of jail?"


    Trisha hesitated.


    Ethan had a point. With the Wells family''s influence, pulling Lily out of trouble wouldn''t be difficult. But was it worth spending a favor on something so trivial? Even she can do that after she dealt with Alex fully.


    "¡­ No," she said finally, shaking her head. "It''s not worth using the favor for that."


    Ethan frowned. "Why not?"


    Trisha crossed her arms again, this time with a thoughtful expression.


    "Think about it. You''ve been struggling under Alex pressure for so long¡ªwhy not take this opportunity to strike back?" Her lips curled into a smirk. "Instead of wasting a favor on something as small as Lily''s release from prison, why not use it to deal a blow to Reid Industries?"


    Ethan''s eyes widened slightly. "You mean¡­ use the Wells family''s influence to suppress Alex?"


    Trisha nodded.


    "Exactly. My daughter may be impulsive, but a little time in jail will do her some good. She needs to learn some discipline anyway."


    Ethan considered her words carefully.


    Using this favor to build his own foundation, weaken Alex, and establish his own influence?


    The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. Slowly, a grin spread across his face.


    ''Why didn''t I think of this?'' Ethan thought he wasn''t this simple minded, but he clearly left out this option and was about to use the incredible favor for something as trivial as Lily''s release from prison.


    "You''re right, Ma''am." He chuckled. "Why waste an opportunity like this? We should use the Wells family''s connections to put pressure on Reid Industries."


    Trisha''s smirk deepened.


    With their plan in place, Ethan and Trisha wasted no time. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ethan, your idea is brilliant," Trisha said with a satisfied smile. "If we rally the major companies in the city against Reid Industries, we can force Alex to surrender part of his project. Not only does this weaken his influence, but we also get a share of the profits."


    Ethan nodded, confidence gleaming in his eyes.


    "And with the Wells family''s backing, we have the leverage to make this work." He paused before adding, "But more importantly, it''s about sending a message¡ªAlex has been suppressing me for too long. Now, it''s time for him to know what it feels like."


    Trisha chuckled. "That''s the spirit."


    Then, she made an offer that nearly made Ethan''s heart skip a beat.


    "You know what? If this plan succeeds, I''m willing to invest two hundred seventy-eight million dollars into your ventures. With that as your foundation, your voice at the negotiation table will carry even more weight."


    Ethan''s hands clenched with excitement.


    "Thank you, ma''am! With that capital, we''ll have even greater control over the situation."


    Trisha smirked. "Just remember who gave you your first big push when you finally make it to the top."


    "Of course," Ethan assured her. "I won''t forget."


    With that, they wasted no time¡ªthey were heading straight to the city to set their plan in motion.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, at the Wells Estate:-


    Back at the Wells'' ancestral home, Marshall sat before the family patriarch, recounting the events that had transpired earlier.


    "Sir, it was exactly as we expected. Fortune skill masters like Alex Reid are rare," Marshall said. "Most so-called ''masters'' are frauds¡ªjust like that person named Ethan Carter Trisha just brought in."


    ¡­


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 Chapter 88 A Favor From Wells Family

    Inside a luxurious private room of an upscale hotel, a group of powerful business moguls sat around a long, polished table.


    The atmosphere was lively, with the clinking of glasses and murmurs of conversation filling the space. However, all eyes soon turned toward one man, Ethan.


    Dressed in a expensive tailored suit, Ethan exuded confidence as he leaned back in his chair, a slight smirk playing on his lips. He had gathered these high-profile executives for an important discussion, one that would undoubtedly shake up the business world in city.


    One of the older CEOs, a man with graying hair and a sharp gaze, was the first to break the silence. He placed his wine glass on the table and looked at Ethan with curiosity.


    "Ethan, you''ve gathered us all here in such a hurry. I assume it must be something significant?"


    The other business leaders nodded in agreement, their interest piqued. Ethan, however, remained composed. His smirk widened slightly as he finally spoke.


    "I assure you, all gentlemen, this is indeed good news." He paused for a moment, allowing suspense to build. Then, with a calm but firm tone, he continued, "I believe all of you are well aware that recently, Reid Industries secured the exclusive rights to the city redevelopment project."


    As soon as he mentioned the Reid Industries, the atmosphere in the room subtly shifted. The mere mention of that name carried weight.


    "Such a massive project," Ethan continued, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, "yet Reid Industries plans to monopolize it entirely. Don''t you think that''s unfair?" His gaze swept across the room, gauging their reactions.


    The room fell into an eerie silence. Then, a few of the CEOs exchanged glances before bursting into laughter. One of them, a stocky man with a cigar in hand, shook his head in amusement.


    "Ethan, are you out of your mind?" he scoffed, taking a slow drag from his cigar. "You''re talking about dividing up Reid Industries'' project as if it''s some small-time deal. Do you even realize what you''re suggesting?"


    Another executive, a lean man with sharp eyes, crossed his arms and leaned back. "Hah! Everyone knows the city redevelopment project is a gold mine, but tell me¡ªwho in their right mind would dare to challenge Reid Industries? Do you have a death wish?"


    Murmurs of agreement filled the room. Some even shook their heads in disbelief, while others outright sneered at Ethan''s audacity. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The hotel room, once filled with excitement, was now overtaken by ridicule and skepticism. A few of the executives even stood up, preparing to leave.


    But Ethan? He didn''t seem fazed at all.


    Instead, he remained seated, an amused glint flashing in his eyes as he watched their reactions. With an air of absolute confidence, he spoke again.


    "Anyone who wants to leave, can leave¡­ I won''t stop you." His voice was calm, almost casual, yet there was a hint of mystery in it.


    He then leaned forward slightly, his smirk deepening. "But¡­ don''t come complaining to me later, saying I didn''t give you a chance."


    His words sent a confusion through the room. Some of the executives who had been about to leave hesitated.


    They weren''t sure why, but something about Ethan''s demeanor made them pause. It was as if he knew something they didn''t.


    Despite their doubts, curiosity kept them rooted to their seats.


    Seeing that no one else was eager to walk out, Ethan chuckled softly before finally dropping the real bombshell.


    "Yes, Reid Industries may have unparalleled influence in city," he admitted, nodding slightly. "But that doesn''t mean they hold the same level of power as Wells Family."


    The moment he said that, the executives stiffened slightly.


    Ethan then gestured toward the elegant woman standing beside him, who had remained silent until now. All eyes turned toward her.


    "Allow me to introduce someone to you," Ethan continued smoothly. "This is Miss Trisha, the family member of the Wells Family¡ªone of the most powerful families."


    As soon as her name was mentioned, the entire room fell into a stunned silence.


    "The Wells Family?" One of the executives whispered, his face paling slightly.


    Another muttered in disbelief, "Ethan¡­ he actually has the support of the Wells Family?"


    The moment Ethan revealed Trisha''s identity, the entire room fell into a stunned silence. The business leaders present weren''t fools, they all understood the weight of his words.


    With the Wells Family''s backing, Ethan wasn''t just making empty claims; he genuinely had the power to stand against Reid Industries.


    However, just as murmurs of shock and realization began to spread, Ethan let out a low chuckle. His expression was unreadable, a mix of amusement and mystery. Then, shaking his head slowly, he spoke again.


    "I think all of you have misunderstood something."


    His words immediately captured everyone''s attention. The curiosity in the room deepened, and some executives instinctively leaned forward, eager to hear what he had to say next.


    Ethan deliberately paused, letting the suspense build. After ensuring that he had every pair of eyes in the room fixed on him, he finally continued.


    "There''s something else you should know." His voice was calm, yet the weight behind his words was undeniable.


    "Just a couple of days ago, I visited the Wells Family''s estate." He let that statement settle before adding, "And while I was there¡­ I provided them with my expertise in Fortune Skills and assisted in a major renovation."


    A flicker of confusion passed through the crowd, but before anyone could question him, Ethan smiled knowingly and added,


    "So, to be clear¡ªit''s not that I sought out the Wells Family for support." His voice grew slightly deeper, carrying an air of absolute confidence. "It''s that the Wells Family now owes me a favor."


    The weight of that statement sent another shockwave through the room.


    At first, the business moguls had merely thought that Ethan had managed to form some kind of alliance with the Wells Family.


    But alliances could be fragile, built on mutual benefit rather than true commitment. If Reid Industries retaliated, there was always a chance that the Wells Family would hesitate, considering the power balance in the city.


    But a favor?


    ¡­


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 Chapter 89 Straight Into Action

    But a favor?


    A favor was a different story entirely.


    If the Wells Family owed Ethan a personal debt, then their reputation was at stake. The Wells Family wasn''t just any ordinary wealthy clan¡ªthey were one of the great forces in the city.


    A family of that stature would never allow their debts to go unpaid, especially not one as public as this.


    In other words, if Ethan called upon them for support, the Wells Family would have to back him, no matter the cost.


    The realization dawned on everyone at the table.


    One of the executives, a man with sharp eyes and a calculating mind, slowly exhaled and muttered under his breath, "If it''s a personal favor¡­ the Wells Family won''t back down. They''ll have to stand with him to the very end."


    Another businessman, one who had been skeptical just moments ago, now looked at Ethan with newfound respect.


    Seeing the shifting expressions around him, Ethan knew the time was right to drive his point home. He leaned forward slightly, placing both hands on the table, and spoke in a clear, unwavering tone.


    "Now, gentlemen, do you still think I''m not qualified to talk about dividing up Reid Industries''s redevelopment project?"


    The room went silent for a few seconds. Then, the atmosphere completely changed.


    A boisterous laugh broke the tension. One of the older executives, a man with a broad frame and a hearty voice, clapped his hands together.


    "Haha! Ethan, you truly are a young man full of promise!" he declared, his previous doubts now gone. "Reid Industries? Hah! With the Wells Family behind you, Reid Industries is nothing more than prey waiting to be taken!"


    Another executive, who had initially dismissed Ethan''s proposal, now grinned and raised his glass.


    "If we''re splitting up Reid Industries''s project, count me in! I''ve been waiting for an opportunity to go against them for years!"


    One after another, the business leaders voiced their support. The doubt and mockery that had filled the room earlier had vanished, replaced by excitement and ambition.


    Ethan leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.


    Everything was going exactly as planned.


    ¡­.


    The morning after the meeting, the business world of city was already in turmoil.


    Rumours had spread fast¡ªEthan had secured the backing of the Wells Family, and now, with the support of dozens of major companies, he was making his move.


    At the break of dawn, a convoy of luxury cars pulled up in front of the towering Reid Industries.


    CEOs, board directors, and corporate representatives¡ªall figures of great influence¡ªstepped out, their expressions grim and determined.


    At the forefront of this strong group stood Ethan, his confidence reaching skies as he led the march straight toward the entrance.


    The receptionists at the front desk immediately sensed that something was wrong. It wasn''t every day that this many top business executives arrived together, let alone with such hostility in their eyes.


    And the fact that Ethan was leading them? Though they didn''t know Ethan personally but they heard how he was involved in the theft with Lily on Company personal projects.


    The staff didn''t dare to delay. One of them immediately picked up the phone and relayed the situation to the highest authority in the building aka Alex.


    ¡­.


    "Oh?" Hearing the report, Alex raised an eyebrow, momentarily surprised.


    "All of top companies?" he mused, tapping his fingers on the sleek wooden desk. "And Ethan is leading them?"


    For a brief moment, he seemed to consider the situation seriously. But then, as if losing interest, he let out a light chuckle and leaned back into his chair.


    "Interesting." He wasn''t the least bit concerned. In fact, there was a hint of amusement in his eyes.


    "Waters," he called out to the elderly butler standing nearby. "Arrange for them to be seated in the conference room."


    "Understood, Sir," Mr. Waters responded respectfully.


    As the butler turned to leave, Alex added casually, "Tell them I''ll be with them shortly¡­ after I finish up here."


    From an outsider''s perspective, one might assume Alex was caught in an urgent business meeting or handling critical company affairs.


    But in reality? He was playing a very simple game where the opponent is so prideful that he thinks he won''t make any mistake despite his past.


    That was the game was playing in real life, but he was playing another game at the moment on his computer screen.


    With a relaxed posture, he continued clicking away at his screen, completely unbothered by the storm brewing in his own headquarters. He played a couple of matches, leisurely enjoying himself, until half an hour had passed.


    Only then did he finally stand, stretch lazily, and make his way toward the top-floor conference room.


    The air inside the meeting room was thick with tension. The assembled executives were clearly growing impatient.


    For half an hour, they had been left waiting, their frustrations mounting with every passing minute.


    Just as murmurs of irritation began to spread, the double doors swung open.


    Alex strolled in, exuding an air of effortless confidence. Dressed in a crisp, tailored suit, he carried himself as if he owned the entire room¡ªwhich, in truth, he did.


    His sharp eyes briefly swept over the crowd before he plastered on a deliberately insincere smile.


    "Ah, my apologies, gentlemen!" he greeted with mock enthusiasm. "I''ve been quite busy, so I hope you all didn''t mind the wait long for me!"


    His voice was light, almost playful, but there was an unmistakable arrogance in his tone.


    Then, shifting his gaze to his butler, he added with feigned disapproval, "Waters, what''s going on here? Our distinguished guests have been waiting so long, yet you haven''t even served them drinks or anything? People might start thinking Reid Industries is so poor we can''t even afford hospitality!" S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The sarcasm was as clear as day.


    The businessmen''s faces darkened instantly. They had come here to negotiate, perhaps even threaten, but instead, they were being mocked.


    Ethan, who had been suppressing his anger since stepping into the building, finally lost his patience.


    "Enough with the act, Alex!" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "We''re not here for drinks or small talk!"


    ¡­


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 Chapter 90 Trishas Backing

    "Enough with the act, Alex!" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "We''re not here for drinks or small talk!"


    He stepped forward, cutting straight to the point.


    "Let''s not waste time. The city redevelopment project is massive, and Reid Industries is trying to take it all for itself? That''s just pure greed." His eyes narrowed. "You can''t handle it alone. So why not share the project¡­ and profit with the rest of us?"


    His words were immediately met with agreement from the crowd.


    "That''s right! There''s more than enough money to go around¡ªwhy should Reid Industries monopolize it?"


    "It''s only fair that we all get a piece of the pie!"


    One by one, the other company executives voiced their support, pushing for a division of the project.


    Alex, however, remained completely unbothered by them or their remarks. He didn''t even bother sitting down, simply standing with his hands in his pockets, looking down at them as if they were insignificant.


    After letting their demands echo through the room, he finally spoke. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Are you all done?" His tone was calm, but there was a razor-sharp edge to it. The room fell silent. Alex''s smirk widened slightly, but the look in his eyes was pure disdain.


    "The redevelopment project¡­" he began, deliberately slow. "Reid Industries secured it through skill, connections, and success rate and of course power. We earned it. So tell me¡ª''why'' should we hand any of it over to a bunch of parasites like you?" His words struck like lightning.


    The businessmen''s faces twisted in rage, but before they could respond, Alex raised both hands in a mock gesture of surrender.


    "Of course, if you really think you have what it takes to snatch this project from Reid Industries hands¡­" His smirk turned ice-cold. "Then by all means¡­ declare war or whatever you have in mind or whatever you are going to do."


    Alex''s declaration, "Reid Industries will take on any challenge!" His voice echoed through the vast conference room like a war drum.


    His voice wasn''t loud, nor did he raise his tone, but there was an undeniable but the silence in the room made it resound. It wasn''t arrogance¡ªit was absolute confidence.


    Despite his calm demeanor, the pressure in the air was suffocating. It was the kind of presence that made people instinctively lower their heads, like a predator casually observing its prey.


    The businessmen who had stormed in so aggressively just moments ago now found themselves silent.


    They wanted to speak. They wanted to argue, to fight back. But under Alex''s gaze, their words died in their throats. None of them could muster the courage to challenge him directly.


    The room, once filled with ambition and greed, now felt eerily still. Alex let the silence stretch, his expression one of mild disappointment.


    "Hm?" He arched an eyebrow, glancing around the room. "Is that all?" Shaking his head, he clicked his tongue as if he had expected more.


    "I thought you were here to cause trouble," he said lazily. "I assumed you had something big planned." His lips curled into a smirk.


    "But this?" He gestured vaguely at them. "This is just¡­ pathetic." He exhaled dramatically, then pushed his chair back and stood up.


    "Since this meeting has turned out to be a complete waste of time, I''ll be leaving now." His tone was dismissive, as if he had already forgotten about them.


    And just like that, he turned toward the door.


    "Wait!" A sharp voice cut through the silence, stopping Alex in his tracks.


    Ethan had finally snapped. His face was flushed with anger as he stood up abruptly, his eyes locked onto Alex''s retreating figure.


    "Alex!" he shouted, his voice filled with righteous fury. "Do you really think that just because Reid Industries dominates the city, you can do whatever you want? That no one can stop you?"


    Alex paused but didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he turned his head slightly, glancing at Ethan with an amused expression, as if watching a child throw a tantrum.


    Seeing that he had Alex''s attention, Ethan smirked and continued, his confidence growing.


    "Let me make this very clear," he said, his tone sharp. "Reid Industries will hand over the redevelopment project. Not because I''m asking, but because we have something you can''t compete with."


    He straightened his back and pointed toward the woman standing beside him.


    "You remember her, don''t you?" His voice was filled with triumph. "Your stepmother." The moment those words left his mouth, a ripple of surprise spread through the room.


    All eyes turned to Trisha, the elegantly dressed woman standing silently next to Ethan. A proud member of the Wells Family.


    One of the three great families in the city. Ethan sneered as he continued, his voice dripping with arrogance.


    "She is the family member and the eldest granddaughter of the Wells Family." He narrowed his eyes on Alex. "And thanks to her, I''ve been welcomed into the Wells Family''s inner circle."


    He crossed his arms, his smirk widening.


    "I even helped them with their estate management altering their future fortunes for the better." There was a glint of triumph in his eyes as he leaned forward slightly, as if waiting to see Alex''s reaction.


    "Do you understand what that means?" Ethan pressed on. "The Wells Family owes me. And when the Wells Family owes someone a favor, they pay it back in full."


    His voice grew bolder.


    "Alex, do you really think Reid Industries can go up against one of the great families in the city without any setbacks? Do you honestly believe you can fight against the Wells Family?"


    For a moment, Alex didn''t say a word. His eyes flickered with an unreadable expression.


    ''Oh? This guy moves fast.'' Alex thought.


    Just a few days ago, Alex had been at the Wells Family''s estate himself, offering his own Fortune Skills expertise. And now, Ethan had already wormed his way in and managed to secure their backing?


    ¡­


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 Chapter 91 Unexpected Guests

    Just a few days ago, Alex had been at the Wells Family''s estate himself, offering his own Fortune Skills expertise. And now, Ethan had already wormed his way in and managed to secure their backing?


    He had to admit¡ªEthan was ambitious. But also¡­ incredibly naive. The room was heavy with anticipation. Many of the businessmen had been on edge, waiting to see how Alex would respond.


    Was this the moment Reid Industries finally surrendered? Would Alex falter, his confidence shaken by the sheer dominance of the Wells family? Would he concede defeat at last?


    Ethan Carter had only one goal that day: to make Alex Reid regret not seizing the opportunity to align with Trisha Wells¡ªthe very woman Ethan had now successfully brought to his side.


    The meeting had been going according to plan. Ethan''s subtle provocations and confident demeanor had begun to sway the gathered executives.


    He could already see it in their eyes: the greed, the desire to take advantage of Reid Industries'' success without doing the heavy lifting.


    Yet, despite everything, Alex sat there as calm as ever, his gaze unwavering. What infuriated Ethan most was that Alex didn''t seem even slightly fazed by the mention of Trisha''s family connections.


    Instead, he simply looked at Ethan with a gaze that could only be described as¡­ amused.


    As if Ethan were a fool playing a game he didn''t understand. That look alone was enough to make Ethan''s stomach twist with unease, but he quickly shoved the feeling aside.


    ''What''s with that look?'' Ethan thought. ''Doesn''t he realize what he''s up against? The Wells family''s influence could crush him if he doesn''t cooperate.''


    Still, Ethan forced himself to maintain his confident smile as he pressed forward.


    "Come on, Alex. Drop the act," Ethan said, his tone half-mocking, half-challenging. "I''m asking you one last time¡ªdo you still think Reid Industries can get the entire city redevelopment project on its own?"


    As if waiting for a cue, several of the gathered executives seized the moment to chime in:


    "Yeah, Reid Industries might be big, but going against the Wells family? That''s just asking for trouble!"


    "Play smart, Mister. There''s plenty to go around¡ªyou can''t expect to keep it all to yourself."


    "Share the project while you still can. Otherwise, don''t blame us when things get ugly!"


    The chorus of jeers and taunts echoed through the room, their confidence growing as they fed off one another''s energy.


    And yet¡­ Alex still didn''t react.


    He neither responded to their words nor showed the slightest trace of fear. Instead, he simply sat there with the faintest hint of a smile at the corners of his lips, as if he were watching a group of children throwing a tantrum.


    To Ethan, that silence was proof of Alex''s fear¡ªproof that, deep down, the mighty CEO of Reid Industries had finally realized he was cornered.


    ''Ha!'' Ethan thought. ''Let''s see how long you can keep up that act.''


    Just as Ethan was about to press further, the heavy wooden doors of the conference room swung open with a low creak.


    All heads turned toward the entrance, and the room instantly fell silent.


    An elderly man stepped inside, his every movement slow yet old senile, exuding the quiet dignity of someone who had spent a lifetime commanding respect.


    His neatly combed white hair, the faint wrinkles etched across his face, and the deep wisdom in his gaze all hinted at decades of experience and authority.


    Beside him stood a middle-aged man whose sharp eyes and composed demeanor suggested he was no stranger to high-stakes negotiations.


    Though he said nothing, his mere presence seemed to fill the room with a sense of tension and anticipation.


    Whispers rippled through the gathered executives.


    "Who are they?"


    "No idea, but they''ve got an aura about them¡­ Like they''re the kind of people who only show up when something bad''s about to happen."


    While the others exchanged confused glances, Trisha''s eyes went wide with shock.


    "Grandfather?" she blurted out, her voice an octave higher than usual.


    The sudden recognition sent a ripple of surprise through the room. Even Ethan stiffened at the names, though he quickly masked his reaction with a forced smile.


    ''Why are they here? Don''t tell me¡­ They came to back me up?'' For a brief moment, hope surged in Ethan''s chest.


    "That''s it! They must''ve heard about my plan and decided to personally support me. If Wells family old man himself is here to pressure Alex, then there''s no way Reid Industries can resist! Hah, this must be the ''favor'' Trisha mentioned!''


    His confidence fully restored, Ethan straightened his posture, ready to capitalize on the unexpected reinforcement.


    But as the two men stepped forward, their eyes scanned the room briefly before settling¡ªnot on Ethan, not on Trisha¡­ but directly on Alex Reid.


    And then, to the astonishment of everyone present¡­ The old man gave a faint, respectful nod. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I trust we''re not interrupting?"


    ¡­.


    Ethan Carter''s thoughts were racing.


    ''It has to be what I''m thinking. Why else would the Wells family show up here?''


    Beside him, Trisha Wells seemed to come to the same conclusion. Her lips curled into a sneer as she stepped forward, her voice laced with mockery as she pointed directly at Alex.


    "Well, well, you brat. When you refused to give me face back at the police department, did you ever imagine this day would come?" Her eyes gleamed with vindictive pleasure.


    "Your company''s cornered, and now even my grandfather''s here to personally put pressure on Reid Industries. This is what you get for going against me! Regretting it now, aren''t you?"


    Gasps and murmurs rippled through the room.


    "So, it really is the Wells family!"


    "No wonder Ethan''s so confident. With backing like that, Reid Industries doesn''t stand a chance."


    "Reid, just hand over a share of the project before you make things worse."


    "That''s right. Ethan''s got powerful connections now¡ªthere''s no point in holding out!"


    ¡­


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    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 92 Some Start-up Humiliation

    The once-muted whispers turned into open chatter, and the gathered executives'' excitement became almost palpable.


    Some exchanged gleeful glances, already imagining the profits they''d soon be raking in.


    Others openly smirked, confident that Alex had finally been forced into a corner he couldn''t escape. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yet through it all, Alex sat in his chair with the same calm, unreadable expression, his gaze flickering from face to face as though he were merely observing a mildly interesting performance.


    The buzzing conversation swelled to a prak¡­ Until a sudden voice cut through the noise like a whip crack.


    "Trisha. Come here." The room fell dead silent.


    Trisha stiffened as the unmistakable voice of her grandfather echoed through the air. Confused, she glanced back at him, her smile faltering slightly.


    "Me?"


    Old man stood at the head of the room, his eyes cold and unyielding. He said nothing more¡ªsimply waited, his expression brooking no argument.


    Though she couldn''t understand what he wanted, Trisha quickly forced her face into a smile and approached the old man.


    "Yes, Grandpa? Do you need¡ª"


    SMACK!


    The sound of the slap echoed so loudly that it seemed to reverberate off the very room they were in.


    Trisha staggered, her vision spinning as pain exploded across her cheek. She barely had time to register what had happened before she hit the floor, landing awkwardly on her side.


    Gasps filled the room as the gathered executives stared in shock, eyes wide and mouths agape.


    "What the hell?"


    "Did¡­ Did he just slap her?!"


    "Wait, why¡ª?"


    The confusion was instant and overwhelming. Moments ago, they had all believed old man had arrived to back Ethan and Trisha. But now¡­?


    All eyes instinctively turned toward Ethan, as if seeking an explanation.


    Under the weight of their stares, Ethan could only stare back, just as surprised as the rest of them.


    "Don''t look at me¡ªI don''t know what''s going on either!" he blurted out, his confidence unraveling as his mind scrambled to make sense of the situation.


    Trisha lay sprawled on the polished marble floor, her cheek burning with a searing pain that seemed to echo through her skull.


    The metallic tang of blood seeped into her mouth, and she blinked rapidly, struggling to process what had just happened.


    The slap was anything but soft.


    "G-Grandfather¡­" she stammered, her voice shaking with disbelief. "Why¡­ why did you hit me?"


    Old man stood tall and unmoving, his eyes as cold as winter steel. He ignored her question entirely, his voice sharp as a blade as it rang through the room.


    "I did not give you permission to move. Get up. Stand straight!"


    His words cracked like a whip in the silence.


    Trisha''s breath hitched. Her pride screamed at her to protest, but the weight of her grandfather''s authority pressed down on her like a mountain.


    Ever since she was a child, she''d known better than to disobey him¡ªespecially when he used that tone. Her hands trembled as she pushed herself up from the floor, legs wobbling as she struggled to her feet.


    "Grandfather, I¡ª"


    SMACK!


    The second blow came even harder than the first, sending her reeling backward. She hit the ground with a choked gasp, a sharp sting blooming across her other cheek as a thin trail of blood trickled from the corner of her nose.


    Stunned silence filled the air.


    No one dared to speak.


    Even the gathered executives, men and women who had weathered countless high-stakes deals and ruthless corporate politics battle, looked on in shock, their earlier excitement now replaced with uneasy confusion.


    "What the hell is going on?" someone muttered under their breath.


    "Isn''t she the granddaughter of the him? Why would he hit her like that?"


    "Did she do something to offend the him?"


    Whispers rippled through the room, but no one dared to raise their voice. The sheer force of the old man''s presence seemed to freeze the surroundings and the peopleitself, as if any sound louder than a murmur would draw his ire.


    Even Ethan Carter stood frozen beside the conference table, eyes wide as he struggled to comprehend the situation.


    ''This¡­ This can''t be right. This old man supposed to be here to support me!'' he thought, heart pounding in his chest. ''So why¡ªwhy is he doing this?!''


    The old man, however, paid no attention to the confusion swirling around him. His gaze remained fixed solely on Trisha as she lay trembling on the floor.


    "Get up," he commanded again, his voice low but iron-hard. "Unless you want a third one."


    Tears stung Trisha''s eyes as she bit down on her lip, tasting blood. Humiliation burned hotter than the pain in her cheeks, she could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on her, their shock, their confusion, their judgment. But no matter how much she wanted to disappear, she knew she had no choice.


    Swallowing hard, she pushed herself upright once more, her legs unsteady beneath her.


    "G-Grandfather¡­" Her voice wavered as she forced herself to meet his gaze. "I-I don''t understand¡­ What did I do wrong?"


    The old man''s expression was carved from stone.


    "You still had the audacity to ask?" His tone was laced with icy disdain. "You disgrace the Wells family name, colluding with outsiders to bring shame upon our family, and you act and ask to stand here and act as if you''ve done nothing wrong?"


    The accusation sent a cold like atmosphere through the room. The murmurs started up again, louder this time, as the gathered executives began to grasp that something had gone terribly, terribly wrong.


    "Wait¡­ What does he mean by ''colluding with outsiders''?"


    "Wasn''t she supposed to be helping Ethan secure a partnership with Reid Industries?"


    "Could it be¡­ that she acted without the Wells family''s approval?"


    The realization sent a chill through Ethan''s veins.


    ''No. No, no, no¡­ This can''t be happening¡ªthis isn''t what was supposed to happen!''


    Desperation clawed at his chest as he tried to make sense of the situation. His mind scrambled for an explanation, clinging to the hope that this was all some kind of misunderstanding.


    ''Maybe¡­ maybe the old man misunderstood. Maybe if I explain¡ª''


    As the thought crossed Ethan Carter''s mind, the corners of his lips began to twitch upward in anticipation.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 93 Self-Delusions

    ''Maybe¡­ maybe the old man misunderstood. Maybe if I explain¡ª''


    As the thought crossed Ethan Carter''s mind, the corners of his lips began to twitch upward in anticipation.


    ''Right¡­ There''s no way the Wells family would personally come here just for Reid Industries. The olan must have come to support me! After all, I helped them with Fortune skills¡ªhow could they not repay that favor?''


    However, fate wasted no time in slapping him across the face. Before Ethan could savor his imagined victory, reality struck harder than any blow.


    After delivering who-knows-how-many slaps to Trisha, the old man¡ªassisted by Edwin¡ªslowly made his way toward the head of the conference table.


    To everyone''s shock, he stopped directly in front of Alex Reid. And then¡­ The room collectively held its breath as old man, and the head of the one of the most influential families in the city, gave a slight bow of respect to Alex in which Alex returned a slight bow of respect.


    "Ha ha ha¡­ I apologise," his voice and laugh, though aged, carried the weight of unwavering sincerity, "I must really apologize. I have failed to educate my family properly and allowed my granddaughter to cause you trouble. Please, I beg your forgiveness. I hope you can find it in your heart to be a big person and overlook this transgression."


    A stunned silence descended upon the conference room, heavier than before.


    The gathered executives, many of whom had been gleefully anticipating Alex''s downfall mere moments ago, now found themselves frozen in place. Their gazes darted from Alex to old man and back again, as if their eyes might somehow deceive them.


    "This¡­ This has to be a dream, right?" one man whispered, rubbing his eyes as if to dispel an illusion.


    "Did I hear that correctly? The Wells family¡­ apologising to Alex?"


    "Impossible. Absolutely impossible! What could Reid Industries possibly have done to warrant this level of respect?"


    No one could comprehend what they were witnessing.


    Even Trisha, still slumped on the floor with her cheeks swollen and blood at the corner of her mouth and nose because of some hard slaps could only stare blankly at her grandfather.


    The man who had always stood above all others, the pillar of the Wells family, was now bowing to the very man she had conspired against.


    However, the one most shaken by this turn of events was none other than Ethan Carter.


    "This¡­ What the hell is going on?!" His breath came in shallow gasps, his chest tightening with rising panic. ''The old man, Mr. Edwin¡ªthey''re supposed to be here for me!''


    Unable to contain himself any longer, Ethan''s voice broke the tense silence as he sprang from his seat.


    "W-What''s the meaning of this?!" His voice cracked with disbelief. "Sir! Mister! Surely you''re mistaken! I''m the one who helped the family! Shouldn''t you be here to support me?"


    "Support you?" Edwin scoffed, his expression dripping with disdain as he turned to face Ethan.


    "Listen closely, boy," he said, his tone cutting through the air like a blade. "You think your amateur skills are worth our family bowing in gratitude? Let me make this clear: we encounter so-called ''masters'' like you at least a dozen times a year. If we didn''t throw you out the moment you opened your mouth, that was already more respect than you deserved. And you actually thought you were special?" Edwin let out a low chuckle, as though amused by the very idea.


    The words hit Ethan like a sledgehammer to the chest. A wave of humiliation washed over Ethan, leaving his face burning red with shame.


    "Wait a minute¡ªso Ethan never helped the Wells family?"


    "He''s been bluffing this whole time?"


    "Damn it, this bastard! I trusted you! You''ve screwed us all over!"


    The realization dawned on the gathered executives of the other companies like a slap to the face. Their anticipation of Reid Industries'' downfall had turned into collective embarrassment, and their frustration quickly found a new target.


    Accusations and curses erupted from every corner of the room as one by one, the executives who had sided with Ethan turned against him without hesitation.


    "You dragged us into this mess, and now we''re the ones left looking like fools!"


    "Do you have any idea what this will cost us, uou bastard?"


    "Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable¡­"


    Their words struck harder than physical blows. Ethan staggered back a step, fists clenching at his sides as he tried to steady his breath.


    ''No. This can''t be happening. I''m Ethan Carter¡ªthe prodigy, the future king of business! I won''t be humiliated like this!''


    Grinding his teeth, Ethan forced down the panic rising in his chest. His gaze snapped toward Edwin, eyes blazing with defiance.


    "You may look down on me now, but let''s not forget one thing¡ªthe Wells family''s Fortune layout is no ordinary design. I could tell at a glance that it''s the work of a true master, far beyond what any average practitioner could hope to achieve!"


    A murmur rippled through the room at Ethan''s claim. Though many had turned against him, a few couldn''t help but nod in agreement all of them being from the Wells family though.


    "His knowledge of skills isn''t completely baseless¡­ Maybe he''s not as incompetent as we thought."


    "That''s right¡ªonly a true expert could recognize a high-level layout like that. He must still have some skill."


    Emboldened by their whispers, Ethan straightened his back and pointed directly at Edwin.


    "You insult my skills, but unless you can find someone more skilled than me, your words are meaningless! I stand by my claim, when it comes to Fortune skills, I am unmatched in this modern age!"


    As he finished, Ethan lifted his chin, eyes gleaming with pride.


    After all, his confidence came from more than just arrogance, he had the advantage of a system that enhanced his abilities beyond ordinary limits.


    With system help, he had deciphered layouts that should have been impossible for any contemporary practitioner to understand.


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! This arc is going to end soon and a new arrogant protagonist will be introduced with new heroines and new faceslaps targets and more interesting things!!!)


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 Chapter 94 The Countdown Has Start

    Silence settled over the room as all eyes shifted toward Edwin and The old man, waiting to see their response.


    For a moment, neither of the two men spoke.


    But then¡­ "Hah¡­" A single chuckle escaped Edwin''s lips, low and sharp as a blade.


    "You¡­ unmatched?" he echoed, his tone laced with disdain. "Is that what you truly believe?"


    Ethan''s heart pounded harder in his chest, but he forced himself to hold his ground.


    "Yes! Unless you can present someone more skilled than me, I refuse to accept your insults!" A tense pause followed his declaration¡ªonly to be broken by the sound of old man stepping forward.


    "More skilled than you?" The old man''s voice carried a hint of amusement beneath its sternness. He glanced briefly at Edwin before turning his gaze toward Alex Reid.


    ¡­.


    Ethan Carter stood rooted to the spot, his earlier confidence crumbling beneath the weight of Edwin''s words.


    "Alex?" he echoed, eyes widening in disbelief. The very notion seemed absurd¡ªimpossible even. How could Alex Reid be the one who fuced the Wells family''s Fortune layout?


    "No¡­ No way!" Ethan shouted, shaking his head as if to dispel the thought. "That''s impossible! He''s a businessman, not a Fortune master! How could he possibly outperform me?"


    His voice echoed through the silent conference room, but the only response he received was a soft, derisive chuckle from Edwin.


    "Are you deaf, or just slow to catch?" Edwin asked, folding his arms across his chest. "I said it clearly¡ªAlex''s Fortune skills are leagues beyond yours. And if you''re looking for proof¡­ Well, weren''t you the one who praised the Wells family''s layout as the work of a master?"


    Ethan''s breath caught in his throat.


    ''Wait¡­ I did say that. Back at the Wells estate, I couldn''t stop marveling at the complexity and brilliance of their Fortune design. But¡­ that was Alex''s work?''


    "No! It¡ªit can''t be!" he stammered, eyes darting toward Alex as if searching for a denial that would never come.


    "Can''t be?" Edwin sneered. "Funny¡ªyou didn''t have any doubts when you were singing its praises. Or have you forgotten how you stood there gawking like a fool, calling it the work of a master¡­ ancient master¡­ or whatever?"


    Laughter rippled through the room, harsh and mocking.


    "Did he really say that?"


    "Yeah! He wouldn''t shut up about how incredible it was. Kept talking like he''d found some long-lost masterpiece!"


    "Hah! And now it turns out that so-called masterpiece came from the very man he''s been trying to tear down!"


    Ethan''s face burned hotter with every word, but he still clung desperately to the last shreds of his pride.


    "Y-You''re lying!" he shouted. "There''s no way someone like Alex Reid could¡ª"


    "Is there a problem with that?" The calm voice sliced through Ethan''s rant like a blade. All eyes turned toward Alex, who had finally broken his silence.


    Seated at the head of the conference table, Alex met Ethan''s gaze with an expression as still and fathomless as a deep lake.


    His posture was relaxed, his tone unhurried, but there was a weight behind his words that seemed to press down on the entire room.


    "It was indeed my work that enhanced the Wells family''s Fortune layout," Alex said simply. "If you need proof, you''re welcome to verify it yourself¡ªthough I doubt you''d even recognize half the intricacies involved."


    "You¡ª!" Ethan''s mouth opened and closed soundlessly, but no words came out.


    He could feel his carefully constructed world collapsing around him, along with the identity he had built upon his supposed mastery of Fortune skills.


    But worst of all was the undeniable truth staring him in the face:


    Alex Reid, the man he had looked down upon and dismissed, had just proven himself to be the true master.


    As Alex Reid''s calm admission echoed through the room, Ethan Carter''s last shred of dignity crumbled into dust.


    ''How¡­ How could this happen?''


    His mind raced through the memories of that day at the Wells estate, how he had stood there, overwhelmed by the brilliance of the Fortune design.


    Every line, every placement had left him awestruck, convinced that only a legendary master could create something so flawless.


    But now¡­ It was him¡­ It was Alex Reid all along.


    ''I¡­ I''m supposed to be the chosen one¡­'' Ethan''s breath hitched as his thoughts spiraled into chaos. ''The system made me invincible, unstoppable. I could crush anyone and everyone beneath my feet.''


    Yet ever since crossing paths with Alex, everything had begun to unravel. No matter what he did, no matter how hard he tried, Alex Reid was always one step ahead.


    "Why?" Ethan whispered hoarsely, his chest tightening with rage and despair. "Why is it always you?"


    No one answered.


    The room was silent save for the murmurs of the gathered executives, each one wearing expressions of disdain and disappointment.


    "Look at him¡­ Still throwing a tantrum after everything."


    "Hmph, calling himself a Fortune master? What a joke."


    "I can''t believe we almost sided with this fraud. If it weren''t for Mr. Alex¡­"


    Their scorn pierced Ethan''s pride like a thousand needles.


    "Urgh!" Blood rushed to his head. His vision swam. "I can''t accept this¡­ I won''t¡­" But before he could utter another word¡­


    Thud! sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A thick gush of blood burst from his lips, and Ethan crumpled to the floor in an unconscious heap.


    "Ethan!" Someone called out, but no one moved to help him. They simply stood there, unmoved by the fallen man at their feet.


    At that moment, a mechanical chime echoed within Alex''s mind:


    [Ding!]


    [Congratulations! You have successfully suppressed the Child of Destiny, Ethan Carter.


    You have gained 1,888 points of Luck Value.


    Notice: Your Luck has now surpassed that of the Child of Destiny. You may now influence and alter the Child of Destiny''s life trajectory.]


    This system prompt and message was the one who started the reverse counter of Ethan Carter Life.


    Alex''s eyes glinted with a cold satisfaction. ''So¡­ now I can finally get rid of him, huh?'' He had always known that Ethan''s strange luck made him nearly untouchable in the world if not dealt correctly.


    Any attempt to get rid of him would have ended badly. No matter the danger, things always seemed to go Ethan''s way.


    But now¡­


    Now, things had changed. That shield of luck was gone, leaving Ethan open and unprotected. Without it, the world was a much riskier place¡­ especially for him.


    ''After all, accidents happen all the time, don''t they? A slip on wet stairs, a loose wire, a car that doesn''t stop in time¡ªso many little mistakes, so easy to explain and understand.''


    ¡­


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 Chapter 95 Trisha Pleas

    But now¡­


    Now, things had changed. That shield of luck was gone, leaving Ethan open and unprotected. Without it, the world was a much riskier place¡­ especially for him.


    ''After all, accidents happen all the time, don''t they? A slip on wet stairs, a loose wire, a car that doesn''t stop in time¡ªso many little mistakes, so easy to explain and understand.''


    Alex''s lips curved into a faint smile.


    For the first time, he could see the path to a future to finally get rid of Ethan Carter.


    As Ethan lay unconscious, the other executives scrambled to save their own skins.


    "Sir! Please forgive us!" One man bowed so deeply that his tie nearly touched the floor. "We were misled by Ethan Carter''s¡­ this bastard lies! We had no idea about your connection with the Wells family!"


    "Exactly!" Another chimed in, forcing a nervous smile. "If we had known, we wouldn''t have dared to set foot in Reid Industries, let alone cause trouble. It was all a misunderstanding¡ªjust a little misunderstanding!"


    "Yes! Sir, please be merciful. We''re just small businessmen trying to make a living. Surely, you wouldn''t hold a grudge against people like us¡­"


    The air buzzed with desperate apologies as the so-called "elites" of the business world abandoned their dignity in a frantic attempt to appease Alex.


    All of them knew one thing:


    If they didn''t beg for forgiveness now, their careers¡ªand their companies¡ªwould never recover from this day.


    ¡­.


    Desperate pleas echoed throughout the conference room as the gathered executives clung to the faint hope of forgiveness.


    "Sir, please! We were misled!"


    "We swear it won''t happen again! Just give us one more chance!"


    Alex leaned back in his chair, watching the scene with a faint smile that didn''t reach his eyes. Without a word, he reached into his pocket, pulling out a lighter. The faint crackle of the lighter sounded unnaturally loud in the tense silence.


    Click.


    Flick.


    The tip of the lighter flared to life, glowing a dull red as Alex took a long, slow drag. Small fire curled from the lighter, the faint haze drifting through the air.


    Then¡ª


    BANG!


    Without warning, Alex kicked the table in front of him, flipping it over with a loud crash that echoed through the room like a thunderclap.


    Documents, glasses, and scattered nameplates tumbled to the floor as the stunned executives jerked back in shock.


    "Did you all think me and this company was some street-side market?" Alex''s voice cut through the air like a whip. His tone, once calm and measured, now carried a razor-sharp edge. "A place you can walk into whenever you please and leave without consequences?"


    No one dared to speak. No one dared to breathe.


    Even the people and the Wells family people exchanged uneasy glances. Though they stood on Alex''s side, the sudden force of kicking the table and shouting¡­ even they got uneasy for a second there.


    But Alex paid them no mind. His gaze swept across the room like a predator surveying cornered prey.


    "You want to leave?" His voice dropped to a low growl, each word laced with unyielding authority. "Fine. The door''s right there."


    He looked at them as he played with his lighter, lighting a thin stream of fire before delivering the final blow.


    "But if you want to leave this building today¡­ You''ll each pay one hundred and forty million dollars."


    From the moment the old man from Wells family had revealed his identity and declared his support for Alex Reid, every executive in the room understood that leaving without paying a price was impossible. Yet, none of them had anticipated the price would be as steep as one billion dollars.


    "Sir, please¡ªwe know we were wrong!"


    "Right, right! This whole thing was just a misunderstanding! Can''t you lower¡­ the amount a little?" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yeah, give us a chance, Sir. We can still be helpful in the future!"


    Their desperate pleas overlapped, a chorus of fear and regret.


    Alex spread his hands in a gesture of indifference. "ahhh¡­ you don''t want to pay? Huh?!" He raised an eyebrow and shrugged casually. "That''s fine¡­"


    A beat of silence.


    "¡­But you''ll leave a leg behind." His tone was light, almost conversational, as if discussing the weather. Yet, the room''s temperature seemed to drop several degrees.


    Everyone''s gaze instinctively darted toward the unconscious figure of Ethan Carter, still lying on the floor, blood staining the carpet. Their eyes then flicked to Trisha Wells, her cheeks still red from the blows she''d suffered.


    The message was clear.


    The asking amount¡ªor a leg.


    "Decide." Alex''s gaze swept across the room, eyes cold and unyielding.


    "Sir¡­" One of the older executives hesitated before cautiously asking, "If we pay the asking amount¡­ you''ll let today''s incident slide, right?"


    Alex''s smile didn''t reach his eyes. "You think you''re in a position to negotiate?"


    "You¡ª" The man''s face flushed with anger, but before he could finish, the executive beside him placed a hand on his shoulder and stepped forward.


    "Alright! I''ll pay!"


    "Me too!"


    "As long as you can overlook today''s events, I''ll gladly consider it the price of gaining a friend like you!"


    It began with one, then two. Before long, the entire room had fallen into line.


    Because no matter how painful it was to part with a billion dollars, the alternative was unthinkable. Money could be earned again.


    A lost leg, however, could never be replaced.


    ¡­.


    Thirty minutes later¡­


    The once-crowded conference room now stood nearly empty, the air thick with the lingering scent of cigarette smoke and fear. Each executive had left after transferring the required sum, their faces pale and drawn.


    Mr. Waters approached from the side, bowing slightly. "Sir, what should we do with him?" He gestured toward Ethan Carter, still unconscious on the floor.


    "Throw him out," Alex replied without hesitation.


    "Understood." Two security guards stepped forward and hoisted Ethan up like a sack of garbage. Without a word, they carried him out of the room.


    As Alex''s gaze shifted, his eyes landed on Trisha Wells, who stood near the wall, trembling. Feeling his gaze, her face paled further, and she took a step back.


    "Alex¡­ Please¡­" Her voice cracked as she forced a smile, her lips trembling. "Don''t¡­ don''t do this. I''m your stepmother. We''re family¡ªfamily should love and support each other, right?"


    ¡­


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 Chapter 96 He Is A Cockroach

    "Alex¡­ Please¡­" Trisha voice cracked as she forced a smile, her lips trembling. "Don''t¡­ don''t do this. I''m your stepmother. We''re family¡ªfamily should love and support each other, right?"


    Alex didn''t spare a glance at Trisha Wells'' desperate pleas. Instead, he shifted his gaze toward The old man.


    "Mr. Edwin and Sir, she''s one of yours. How you handle her is up to you."


    The old man and Edwin immediately understood. Alex was giving him the face and not laying hands on her himself thinking he would disrespect them. And in a choice between a distant relative and the man who had single-handedly altered their fate, the decision was obvious.


    Without hesitation, the old man responded firmly, "Although Trisha bears the Wells name, she''s from a distant branch and has no ties to the main family. Moreover, she led an unauthorized intrusion into Reid Industries, causing significant disruption¡­ Sending her to prison would be a just consequence."


    Turning away without a second glance, the old man took out his phone and dialed the authorities.


    "No! Grandpa, you can''t do this!" Trisha''s voice cracked as panic set in. She staggered forward, reaching out toward the older man. "I''m your granddaughter¡ªyour blood! You''re really going to send me to prison? Please, I''ll apologize! I''ll make it right!"


    Her pleas echoed through the room, but no one paid her any attention.


    The old man spoke calmly into the phone. "Yes, we need police at Reid Industries. One individual has caused a public disturbance and needs to be taken in for investigation¡­ Yes, we have the security footage as evidence."


    Click.


    The call ended.


    Trisha''s breath hitched as the walls seemed to close in.


    ¡­.


    Few minutes later:-


    Trisha and her shallow cries continued for minutes until the Police finally came, she begged, cried, and whatever she could hope to do, she even going as far as Alex legs to beg for forgiveness and let him forgive her.


    "No¡­ no, please¡­ I beg you¡­" Before she could say more, the heavy thud of approaching footsteps echoed from the hallway. The police entered, their eyes cold and professional.


    "Ma''am, you''re under arrest for creating a ruckus and trespassing on private property."


    "No! Let me go!" The metallic snap of handcuffs cut off her protests.


    Click. The cold steel encased her wrists.


    "Wait! No! Please¡ª" Her screams faded as she was dragged away.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, in Alex''s office, the atmosphere was far more relaxed. The rich, earthy aroma of tea filled the room, curling from delicate porcelain cups as Alex, The old man, and the Wells patriarch sat around a mahogany table.


    The tension of the earlier confrontation had vanished, replaced by easy conversation and the occasional chuckle.


    After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Alex set down his cup and leaned back slightly, his eyes calm but sharp.


    "Let''s skip the formalities," he said. "I want to redeem the favor of helping the Wells Family."


    The old man smiled. "Speaking with a straightforward man like you is always refreshing, boy."


    Alex''s fingers tapped lightly against the armrest of his chair.


    The old man exchanged a glance with Edwin. Old man gave a slight nod, encouraging him to proceed.


    "Name your favor Alex," Edwin said. Alex''s gaze shifted between the two men, weighing his words carefully before speaking.


    "It''s not a difficult task¡­ for a family with your influence." He paused, allowing the moment to settle before delivering his ultimatum.


    "I want Ethan Carter gone from this world¡ªpermanently."


    Silence. The air seemed to hum with unspoken tension. The old man''s expression barely shifted, though the glint in his eyes sharpened. "By ''gone,'' do you mean¡­?"


    "I don''t care how you do it," Alex replied, his voice as steady as the weight of his demand. "As long as he disappears from the world¡ªand never returns."


    Hearing Alex Reid''s calm words, the old man froze. For several moments, he simply stared at Alex, unable to believe what he''d just heard.


    "Boy¡­ Are you saying you want Ethan Carter eliminated?"


    Alex set down his teacup with a soft clink against the saucer. His eyes met The old man''s without hesitation.


    "Exactly."


    The old man''s breath caught in his throat. Despite all his years navigating high-stakes business and politics, he found himself taken aback by Alex''s directness.


    He had expected tough negotiations¡ªperhaps a steep price or a favor or maybe something even more. But this¡­ This was something else entirely.


    In the heavy silence that followed, Alex leaned back in his chair and picked up his teacup once more. His movements were slow, deliberate, as if savoring both the tea and the tension in the air.


    He didn''t say another word. He didn''t need to.


    This was his office. His territory. No recordings, no witnesses, no evidence. Even if The old man walked out of this room and shouted Alex''s demand to the world, it would be nothing more than hearsay.


    And Alex knew it.


    The old man''s mind spun as he weighed the risks. Removing Ethan Carter wasn''t impossible for the Wells family.


    They had the means, the connections, the capability to make someone vanish without a trace.


    Was it worth the risk?


    Before Edwin could decide, the old man, the man whose wisdom had guided the family through decades of challenges, spoke.


    "Very well," the old man said, his voice steady. "We''ll take care of Ethan Carter for you, Boy and then the favor will be fulfilled."


    "Hold on a second¡­ I just wanted to give you all a heads-up about Ethan Carter. Make sure you plan thoroughly¡ªand maybe have a backup plan¡ªbecause that guy''s like a cockroach. Tough to get rid of and always finds a way to crawl back."


    The old man turned to his grandfather, eyes wide with shock. "Cockroach?!"


    "He''s just too damn lucky. Would you believe me if I told you that when I met him at the Winters family party, I could''ve pointed a gun at his head, pulled the trigger at point-blank range¡ªand he still would''ve survived? No doubt about it. Either the bullet would''ve just grazed his head, the gun would''ve jammed, or the bullet wouldn''t have penetrated his skull. And even if it did, somehow, it would''ve stopped right before hitting his brain."


    The old man and Edwin hesitated, unsure how to respond.


    "We''ll remember¡­" that was all Edwin could say as he and his father made his way to the exit.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 97 Getting Help From The Target

    Ethan Carter had barely stepped outside in days. The humiliation he had suffered at Alex Reid''s hands yet again still burned fresh in his mind.


    "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! How¡­ how¡­ how the hell is this happening?!" His hands clenched into fists, knuckles whitening as rage bubbled within him.


    "Just how it''s happening?" Ethan couldn''t wrap his mind around it. But like something happened he calmed down instantly and his confidence that was just shattered built up again in him.


    As he once again after getting so many humiliations one after another and one after another¡­ like those things didn''t give him a sign and even if they did and his all past failures he built up those things as grudges¡­ which then directed at Alex Reid.


    "I''ll make him pay for this¡­ I swear I will!" And just like that as quickly as the anger flared, it began to simmer beneath the surface of doubt.


    "Damn it¡­ But who can I turn to now?" One by one, the people he might have called upon had been dealt with by Alex¡ªcut off or forced to submit. Each closed door felt like another wall pressing him into a corner.


    "Is he really going to force me onto a dead end?" As Ethan wrestled with his frustration, the sharp ring of his phone echoed through the room. The sudden interruption made him jolt upright.


    "Who the hell¡ª" taking out the phone, he glanced at the screen before answering.


    "Hello?"


    "Good evening. Am I speaking to Mr. Ethan?" The voice on the other end was familiar, deep and measured, with the faintest hint of amusement. Ethan''s eyes narrowed in recognition.


    "¡­Mr. Edwin Wells?"


    A soft chuckle drifted through the receiver. "Ah, Mr. Ethan, what sharp ears you have." Ethan sat up straighter, his pulse quickening as possibilities began to unfold in his mind.


    "To what do I owe the pleasure of this call, Mr. Edwin?"


    "Let''s just say¡­ I''ve taken an interest in your recent situation. After looking into what happened at Reid Industries, it''s clear that you were merely caught in the crossfire of someone else''s schemes¡ªnamely, Trisha Wells."


    Ethan''s brow furrowed slightly at the mention of his former ally, though he quickly masked the reaction with a neutral tone.


    "Is that so?"


    "Indeed. Now, if you bear no grudge over that unfortunate incident, I''d like to extend an invitation to meet. There are certain matters I believe we could discuss to our mutual benefit."


    "¡­And where would that be?"


    "The xxxxx Hall. Private Suite 964. I''ll be waiting."


    Before Ethan could respond, the line went dead. He lowered the phone slowly, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.


    "Hah¡­ If I can secure the Wells family''s support, It is not just a granddaughter or daughter of Wells family but the Head of the family itself."


    Without hesitation, Ethan rushed to change into a sharp tailored suit, the glint of anticipation flashing in his eyes.


    ¡­.


    Twenty minutes later, Ethan''s black rental car pulled up in front of the grand entrance of the xxxxx Hall. Its golden-lit facade loomed above him as uniformed attendants bowed and opened the doors.


    Ethan stepped out, adjusted his cufflinks, and strode confidently into the building.


    On the ninth floor, Suite 964 stood at the end of a carpeted hallway adorned with intricate chandeliers and paintings that whispered of wealth and power.


    Pushing open the heavy wooden door, Ethan stepped inside.


    The air carried the faint aroma of aged wine and freshly cooked delicacies. Beneath the soft glow of amber lighting, an old man sat calmly at the head of the table, a selection of fine dishes and wine already arranged before him.


    As soon as Ethan Carter stepped into the private suite, the old man stood up with a broad smile.


    "Ethan, I''ve been waiting for you!" His tone was warm, almost too welcoming. Ethan''s heart swelled with pride.


    ''See? I knew it¡ªsomeone like me wouldn''t be cornered by the likes of Alex Reid!''


    Although inwardly elated, Ethan maintained a composed demeanor as he approached the table.


    "You''re too kind, Sir," he replied, taking a seat opposite The old man. His eyes flicked toward Edwin, who sat quietly beside his grandfather.


    The old man''s gaze was sharp, but his expression revealed nothing.


    "So¡­ may I ask what this meeting is about?" Ethan inquired casually, though anticipation stirred beneath his calm exterior.


    The old man chuckled softly, pouring a glass of wine and sliding it across the table.


    "Straight to the point, I see. Well, to be honest, we could use your expertise, boy."


    "My expertise?" Ethan raised an eyebrow.


    "Indeed. I''ve heard you''re skilled in martial arts and quite knowledgeable in Fortune skill as well¡ªa rare combination for someone so young. Given your talents, we''d like your assistance in¡­ handling a certain individual."


    The old man''s hand made a swift slicing motion across his throat, leaving no doubt as to his meaning.


    Ethan''s eyes widened slightly before a surge of exhilaration rushed through him.


    ''The Wells family needs my help? And that too in ''finishing'' an individual¡­ If I pull this off, I''ll have their backing.''


    Suppressing the grin threatening to break across his face, Ethan responded with a measured nod.


    "Since Sir holds me in such high regard¡­ how could I possibly refuse? May I ask what the plan is?" The old man leaned forward, lowering his voice as if the walls themselves might be listening.


    "Actually, we don''t need you to act directly. Our people will handle the job tonight¡ªout in the hills beyond the city author. The target is skilled and more like a ''cockroach'' that is why we need someone so young with so much talent and skills to review the location and advise us on the best strategy to ensure success."


    "Cockroach?!"


    "Yes! And Of course you will be paid the worth of your trouble in this matter."


    ''That is some¡­ unknown and unusual remark¡­ does that mean the target survives any situation and is resilient like a cockroach?!''


    Before he could think more or come to any conclusion about something.


    From his inner coat pocket, The old man took out a photograph and slid it across the table.


    Ethan picked it up and examined the image¡ªa stretch of uneven terrain, mostly open with sparse cover.


    At first glance, it seemed like a straightforward spot with few places to hide. But Ethan''s sharp eyes quickly picked out the details others might miss.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 98 Setting things into Motions

    At first glance, it seemed like a straightforward spot with few places to hide. But Ethan''s sharp eyes quickly picked out the details others might miss.


    "Here," he said, tapping a shallow depression near the center. "This low ground could serve as a perfect hiding spot. The slope would deflect bullets, providing temporary cover. And over here¡ª" He pointed to a cluster of boulders at the edge of the frame. "¡ªthis rock formation could break line of sight, making it easy for someone to evade gunfire or close the distance before your men can react."


    The old man listened intently, nodding as he mentally noted each potential risk.


    "Then there''s this patch of underbrush beside the low ground," Ethan continued. "If the target is fast enough, they could slip into the bushes and disappear before your team knows what''s happening. And once they''re in there, finding them will be like searching for a needle in a haystack."


    The old man''s expression shifted slightly, betraying a flicker of admiration. ''No wonder Alex wants him gone¡­ This kid''s instincts are razor-sharp.''


    "The key to success is limiting the target''s options from the start," Ethan added, placing the photograph back on the table. "Position your shooters here and here¡ª" He indicated two spots overlooking the low ground. "¡ªto cover the depression and the bushes. Station another group near the rocks to block any escape attempts. With this setup, your team will have complete control of the area."


    ¡­.


    For the next half hour, Ethan meticulously examined the map, pointing out each spot where an adversary could find cover.


    His fingers moved across the paper with precision, tracing the contours of hills and the outlines of rocks and shrubs. Old man''s men diligently recorded every detail, scribbling notes as Ethan spoke.


    "¡­And this slope right here¡ªif someone crouches low, they''ll be almost invisible from a distance. Bullets might skim the ground, but they''ll be safe if they stay flat. And that cluster of boulders on the east side? It creates a blind spot where someone could slip through unseen. You''ll want marksmen positioned here and here¡ª" He tapped the map twice. "¡ªto cover both of these routes."


    The old man listened attentively, nodding as Ethan continued. He couldn''t help but be impressed by the young man''s strategic insight.


    ''This kid''s instincts are lethal. Was he in Military pr something.'' Old man thought as he listened to Ethan.


    When Ethan finally leaned back, signaling he was done, The old man clapped his hands together.


    "Ethan boy, your insight is remarkable. Truly the eye of someone genius or unparalleled."


    Ethan waved a hand modestly. "You''re too kind, Sir. I''ve just trained a bit more than most people, and have some expertise in some area¡­ that''s all."


    The old man carefully folded the map and tucked it into his coat pocket before glancing back at Ethan.


    "Even with your guidance, I can''t help but feel cautious. Our target is highly skilled¡ªI wouldn''t want to risk any surprises. So, tell me¡­ would you like to join us tonight? Your presence could make all the difference."


    The offer sent a thrill through Ethan''s chest.


    ''They trust me enough to bring me into the action? This is it¡­ the moment I solidify my place with the Wells family!'' Ethan mind was already made up in the moment.


    "Of course, Sir," he replied with a confident smile. "It would be my pleasure."


    "Excellent! I''ll have a car pick you up tonight. We''ll leave at nine sharp."


    "No problem at all." With that, The old man stood, extending his hand. Ethan shook it firmly, holding back the grin that threatened to break across his face.


    As Ethan watched The old man leave, anticipation buzzed in his veins. Tonight would mark the beginning of his rise¡ªand the end of Alex Reid.


    ¡­.


    Outside the luxury hotel, Edwin and his grandfather stepped into his sleek black car and immediately dialed a number on his phone.


    "It''s done," he said as soon as the line connected.


    "Good. I''ll leave the rest to you, Sir." A voice came from the other side of the line.


    Alex Reid''s calm voice carried a hint of satisfaction before the line went dead. Sliding his phone back into his pocket, Alex tapped the table thoughtfully.


    After a moment, he picked up another phone¡ªa prepaid burner with no ties to his name¡ªand dialed a different number.


    "Hello? Harold?" Alex''s voice was clipped and direct.


    The man on the other end paused, then answered warily, "Yeah¡­ who''s this?"


    "You''ve been looking for Ethan Carter, haven''t you?"


    Harold stiffened. "Who is it? And how do you know?"


    "Let''s just say I have some information that might interest you. Tonight, 9:30 PM. Outskirts of city, up in the hills. Ethan Carter will be there. Don''t miss your chance."


    Before Harold could ask another question, Alex hung up, tossing the burner phone into the nearest waste bin.


    Now¡­ let''s see how this game plays out.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, Harold Winters crouched beside a dumpster, sifting through piles of discarded junk.


    His clothes were tattered, stained with dirt and grease. His once-proud shoulders now sagged beneath the weight of ruin.


    Ever since Ethan had betrayed him, stripping him of his home, his money, and his dignity, Harold had been reduced to little more than a vagrant, scraping by on scraps and dodging debt collectors at every turn.


    But through all the misery, one thought burned brightly in his mind: Revenge.


    He''d spent weeks searching for Ethan, following whispers and rumors across the city. Each lead had ended in disappointment¡ªuntil now. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The moment he heard Ethan''s name through the phone, Harold froze. His pulse pounded in his ears as the voice on the line delivered its message:


    "Let''s just say I have some information that might interest you. Tonight, 9:30 PM. Outskirts of city, up in the hills. Ethan Carter will be there. Don''t miss your chance."


    Before he could even process the shock, the line went dead.


    For a moment, Harold stood frozen in place, gripping the phone so tightly his knuckles turned white.


    Then, as if a spark had ignited within him, he threw down the trash he''d been holding and reached beneath his ragged coat.


    His fingers closed around the worn handle of a fruit knife¡­ the only weapon he possessed.


    "Ethan, you bastard¡­ You ruined my life. Took everything from me." His breath came in ragged gasps, eyes blazing with fury. "Tonight, you pay for what you did. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth!"


    Stuffing the knife back into his coat, Harold turned and vanished into the shadows of the alleyway. His heart pounded with a singular purpose: vengeance.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 99 Target Shooting

    Unaware of the schemes unfolding around him, Ethan boarded the sleek black car arranged by Edwin Wells and his grandfather.


    The leather seats and smooth hum of the engine only added to his growing sense of anticipation. This was it, the moment he''d been waiting for.


    The thought of future things he can do with Wells family direct support brought a smile to Ethan''s lips as the city lights faded behind him.


    Half an hour later, the car pulled to a halt at the outskirts of the city, where the rugged silhouette of the hillside loomed against the night sky.


    The air smelled faintly of earth and grass, mingled with the distant hum of insects. Stepping out, Ethan adjusted his jacket, his eyes sweeping over the area with a discerning gaze.


    The old man was already waiting at the designated spot, hands clasped behind his back, his tailored coat barely stirring in the cool breeze. A faint smile curved his lips as Ethan approached.


    "Boy, right on time," The old man greeted, his tone warm yet measured. "What do you think of the setup?"


    Ethan''s gaze moved across the terrain. The low-lying ground that could have served as cover had been carefully filled in.


    The dense shrubs that might have provided an escape route were gone, leaving only open space. It was as if the landscape itself had been reshaped to ensure no one could evade the gunfire.


    "You''ve done a thorough job," Ethan remarked, stepping forward as his eyes traced the line of sight from several vantage points. "With the low ground filled in and the foliage removed, there''s practically nowhere to hide. Anyone caught here would have no chance of escape."


    The old man nodded, his expression calm. "And if I position several marksmen equipped with machine guns at key points, do you think there''s any possibility of the target slipping through?"


    Ethan tilted his head thoughtfully. The cool wind brushed against his cheek as he weighed the scenario in his mind. "Theoretically? No. With this setup and that level of firepower, it''s as close to a guaranteed kill as you can get. But¡­" He paused, his brows furrowing slightly. "No plan is ever truly foolproof. There''s always a slim chance something could go wrong."


    The old man''s smile deepened slightly. "Caution is wise. Still, I appreciate your insight. In fact, I''d like you to take another look¡ªjust to be certain. Walk through the area as if you were the target. See if there''s anything we might have overlooked."


    Ethan hesitated for a moment. Something about the request nagged at the back of his mind, but he quickly pushed the thought aside.


    After all, this was his chance to secure the Wells family trust¡ªand with it, a future backed by wealth and influence.


    "Of course," he replied, nodding. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Stepping onto the field, Ethan moved carefully across the terrain, testing the footing as he examined every angle of approach.


    His trained eyes caught subtle details, a slight dip in the ground that could trip someone running at full speed, a scattering of loose gravel that could betray a misstep.


    He circled the area twice, making sure to consider every possibility.


    Finally, he stopped and turned back toward The old man. "No major issues. The terrain''s been prepared well. Any intruder caught here would be trapped with no way out."


    "You''re certain?" The old man asked, his gaze sharp despite the faint smile on his lips.


    "Positive," Ethan replied with confidence. "In fact, I''d stake my life on it. With this setup and your marksmen in place, not even a god could escape."


    The old man''s smile widened, though his eyes seemed colder now. "Well then, I suppose that settles it."


    Turning slightly, he raised his hand with a casual grace and snapped his fingers. "Positions."


    In an instant, the air shifted. Shadows moved atop the surrounding ridges as a dozen figures stepped forward, each raising a sleek black submachine gun.


    The metallic clink of safeties being switched off echoed faintly through the night.


    Ethan''s heart lurched. His gaze darted to the gunmen, then back to The old man. "Sir¡­ what is this?"


    "Don''t worry," The old man replied smoothly. "We''re simply running a final test. After all, you''ve assured me this setup is inescapable. Now, we just need to see if that holds true in practice."


    A chill shot down Ethan''s spine. "You''re testing it on me?!"


    The old man gestured toward the field''s center. "If you''re confident in your assessment, then there''s nothing to fear. Please¡ªstand in the middle, where the target would be. Let''s make this as realistic as possible."


    Ethan''s mind spun. This was wrong, something was horribly wrong. But before he could voice his protest, the distant click of magazines sliding into place echoed like a death knell through the air.


    "Move," The old man said softly, his tone leaving no room for argument.


    Swallowing hard, Ethan stepped into the center of the clearing, his pulse hammering in his chest.


    The silence was deafening as he glanced around, meeting the cold, unwavering gazes of the gunmen encircling him.


    The air felt heavier now, thick with tension and the faint scent of gun oil.


    Despite the fear curling in his gut, Ethan forced a smirk. "You''ve got this place locked down tight, I''ll give you that. Anyone standing here wouldn''t stand a chance."


    The old man''s smile faded, his eyes gleaming with something darker. "Good to know. And since you''ve guaranteed the outcome¡­" He lifted his hand one last time¡­ then dropped it.


    "Fire." The surroundings sounds exploded in a hail of gunfire.


    Rat-tat-tat-tat-tat!


    The air shattered with the deafening roar of automatic weapons, muzzle flashes painting the night with bursts of orange light.


    Bullets ripped through the air, churning up dirt and sparks as they struck stone.


    "Shit!" Ethan''s body moved before his mind could catch up. Driven by pure survival instinct, he lunged sideways into a desperate roll, feeling the searing heat of a bullet slicing through his shoulder.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 100 Run Ethan Run

    "Shit!" Ethan''s body moved before his mind could catch up. Driven by pure survival instinct, he lunged sideways into a desperate roll, feeling the searing heat of a bullet slicing through his shoulder.


    Pain flared through his nerves, but adrenaline shoved it aside as he scrambled to his feet and sprinted toward the nearest cover, a large boulder jutting from the hillside.


    Bullets chased his heels, striking sparks from the rocks as the ground kicked up in bursts of dirt and shattered stone.


    His breath burned in his throat, his wounded shoulder throbbing with each step, but somehow, impossibly, he made it behind the boulder.


    Pressing his back against the rough stone, Ethan clutched his bleeding shoulder and gasped for air.


    "Dammit¡­ dammit¡­!" His pulse pounded in his ears, nearly drowning out the distant shouts of the gunmen. ''Why?! Why is this happening?!''


    From beyond the boulder, the old man''s voice echoed through the night, calm, cold, and final. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ethan Carter¡­ you should''ve known better. No one crosses the Wells family and walks away."


    The thunderous roar of machine guns split the air, and the muzzle flashes painted the night in bursts of orange light.


    "Shit!" Ethan''s heart pounded as instinct kicked in.


    Without thinking, he dove to the side, rolling across the dirt in a desperate attempt to escape the hail of bullets. Dust exploded around him as the ground was torn apart by gunfire.


    Even with the chaos, Ethan''s luck or perhaps something more, saved him. Though it should have been a death trap, he only took a single bullet to the shoulder.


    Gritting his teeth through the pain, he pushed himself up and scrambled toward the nearest cover, a large boulder jutting from the hillside.


    Panting hard, he pressed his back against the rough stone, blood soaking through his shirt. His shoulder throbbed with every heartbeat, but at least he was alive. For now.


    "Oii¡­ you fucking old man! What the hell are you doing?!" Ethan shouted, his voice echoing off the hillside.


    The old man''s calm, almost amused voice answered from beyond the rock. "Isn''t it obvious? I''m here to take your life."


    The words hit harder than the bullet. Ethan''s mind spun as the pieces fell into place.


    ''So that''s why he was so cautious¡­ He wasn''t preparing to kill someone else, he was preparing to kill me! And worst of all¡­ I helped him design the perfect trap for myself.''


    Ethan clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as the reality of the situation sank in.


    ''If I hadn''t left myself a backup plan¡­ I''d be dead already.''


    "Damn you, fucking old man!" Ethan hissed under his breath. "You actually made me dig my own grave!"


    The old man, meanwhile, watched the scene unfold with a faint frown. Despite the overwhelming firepower, Ethan had managed to escape their initial assault.


    He''s faster than I expected¡­ and luckier and then he remembered the words of Alex ''he is like a cockroach''.


    Without hesitation, The old man raised his hand again. "Next squad¡­move in!"


    Three black-clad figures emerged from the shadows, each holding a grenade in their gloved hands.


    "Fire in the hole!" One of them called as the grenades arced through the air, their metal casings glinting in the moonlight before landing near Ethan''s hiding spot.


    Ethan''s eyes widened. "What the hell?! Grenades now?! Isn''t this bit of overkill?!"


    The realization hit like a punch to the gut, this wasn''t just a trap. This was enough firepower to wipe out an entire platoon of a military.


    ''They''re not taking any chances¡­ with me.''


    Despite the shock, Ethan didn''t hesitate. His survival instincts kicked in once more. Ignoring the pain in his shoulder, he dove forward, rolling across the dirt as explosions erupted behind him.


    The blasts sent shockwaves through the air, and sharp fragments of stone and metal tore through the space where he''d been seconds earlier.


    Heat and dust filled his lungs as he pushed himself onward, weaving through the chaos with desperate determination.


    His body screamed in protest as shrapnel sliced through his back, leaving a deep gash that burned with searing pain. Still, he kept moving. His only thought was to escape.


    ''Don''t stop. Don''t stop. Don''t stop!''


    Finally, he broke through the barrage, stumbling into the cover of the nearby forest. Branches slapped at his face, and roots threatened to trip his feet, but Ethan kept going, driven by the primal need to survive.


    The old man watched the forest''s edge in silence, his eyes narrowing as Ethan vanished into the trees.


    The faint hum of insects and the distant crackle of flames were the only sounds that remained.


    "¡­He escaped?" The disbelief in his voice was clear.


    One of the gunmen approached cautiously. "Sir, he''s wounded. There''s no way he''ll make it far."


    Edwin and the old man frown deepened as Edwin pulled out his phone and dialed. After two rings, the call connected.


    "Mr. Alex¡­ I have to apologize. It seems that the cockroach managed to slip through our net after all."


    On the other end of the line, Alex remained silent for a moment, the faint crackle of his lighter audible through the phone.


    "¡­I''m not surprised." His voice was calm, almost amused. ''The so-called ''protagonist of fate''¡ªalways finding a way to survive, no matter the odds.'' He exhaled slowly, the sound of his sigh drifting through the other line.


    ''Even with his luck running dry, he still managed to cheat death one more time.''


    The old man glanced toward the forest. "Don''t worry though. He won''t get far. We''ve got teams combing the area. It''s only a matter of time before they find him."


    "See that they do," Alex replied, his voice taking on a sharper edge.


    ''I''ll be waiting at the mountain pass. He has no other way down. When he reaches me¡­ I''ll finish this myself.''


    ¡­.


    Halfway down the mountain, a sleek black car sat parked beside the narrow road. Smoke curled lazily from the half-finished cigarette between Alex''s fingers as he gazed out over the valley below.


    There''s only one path off this mountain.


    Alex tapped the ash from his cigarette, his sharp eyes scanning the darkness with patient anticipation.


    ''You can run, Ethan Carter¡­ but tonight, you won''t escape.''


    ¡­


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 Chapter 101 Ethan Desperate Grovels

    Branches scratched against Ethan Carter''s face as he stumbled through the dense undergrowth, each ragged breath tearing through his lungs.


    His blood-soaked shirt clung to his body, and every step sent shockwaves of pain through his injured shoulder and back. His vision wavered, dark spots dancing at the edges of his sight, but he forced himself to keep moving.


    ''I can''t stop. Not now¡­''


    Somewhere behind him, the distant sound of search teams echoed through the night, footsteps, breaking branches, faint voices calling to one another. They were closing in.


    Ethan gritted his teeth, wiping sweat from his brow with a trembling hand. His legs burned from exhaustion, and the blood loss was making it harder to think straight. Just when he thought he couldn''t push any further, a shadow emerged from the trees ahead.


    "Who''s there?!" Ethan''s instincts flared, and he staggered to a halt, fists clenching despite his weakness.


    The figure stepped closer, illuminated by a shaft of moonlight filtering through the canopy. It was an older man, his clothes torn and worn from rough living. His eyes widened as they met Ethan''s.


    "Ethan? Is that you?" The man''s voice held both surprise and concern. "It''s me, Harold, Harold Winters!"


    Ethan blinked in confusion, his sluggish mind struggling to process the sudden appearance. "Mr. Harold¡­? What are you doing here?"


    Harold rushed toward him, eyes flicking over Ethan''s bloodied form. "Good God, what happened to you?!"


    "I¡­ I can''t explain right now. They''re after me¡­ I need to¡ª"


    "Say no more, kid!" Harold cut him off, slipping an arm around Ethan''s waist to support his weight. "Come on! We''ve gotta get you out of here before they catch up."


    Ethan hesitated for a moment, but exhaustion and blood loss dulled his instincts. Without questioning why Harold was here, he leaned into the older man''s support, grateful for the help.


    ''At least I''m not alone¡­'' They staggered forward together, branches snapping beneath their feet. But after only a few steps¡­


    Schlick!


    A cold, sharp sensation pierced Ethan''s chest, just below his heart. Pain exploded through his body, stealing the air from his lungs. He gasped, stumbling as his knees buckled beneath him.


    "What¡­?" Ethan''s breath hitched as he looked down. A glint of silver caught his eye, Harold''s hand gripping the hilt of a bloodied knife buried in his chest. His gaze shot up, meeting Harold''s eyes. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Mr.¡­ Harold¡­?" His voice cracked with disbelief.


    Harold''s face twisted into a mask of bitter rage. "Damn you, Ethan! You ruined my life!"


    The words hit harder than the knife.


    "What are you¡­ talking about¡­?" Ethan choked out, blood bubbling on his lips.


    "Don''t play dumb!" Harold spat. "Because of you, my family fell apart! I lost everything, my home, my business! You lived in luxury while I had to scrape by like a rat! I won''t let you keep living your perfect life while I rot in the gutter!"


    Before Ethan could react, Harold twisted the knife and yanked it free, sending another wave of agony through his chest.


    "AAAHH¡ª!!" Ethan''s scream echoed through the forest, scattering birds from the treetops. His vision blurred as blood poured from the wound. His legs gave out, and he collapsed to his knees.


    ''This is it¡­ I''m going to die here¡­''


    But somewhere deep inside, a fire still burned.


    ''No¡­ Not like this!''


    Gritting his teeth, Ethan lunged forward with the last of his strength. His hand shot out, grabbing Harold''s wrist before he could strike again.


    The older man''s eyes widened in shock as Ethan wrenched the knife from his grasp and, in one swift motion, slashed across Harold''s throat.


    "Guh¡ª!" Harold staggered back, clutching his neck as blood gushed between his fingers. He collapsed onto the forest floor, eyes wide with disbelief even as the light faded from them.


    Panting heavily, Ethan clutched the knife tightly, his vision swimming as he struggled to stay conscious. The world around him seemed to spin, and each breath came shallower than the last.


    ''I have to keep moving¡­ If I stop now, it''s over.''


    Staggering to his feet, he pressed a hand against his bleeding chest and forced himself forward, stumbling blindly through the forest.


    By the time Ethan reached the mountain''s halfway point, his body was on the verge of collapse. His clothes were soaked with blood, and every step felt like walking through thick mud.


    Yet, through sheer willpower, he kept moving, until he saw a figure waiting by the roadside.


    The faint glow of a cigarette burned against the darkness, illuminating the man''s sharp features as he pkay with his lighter into the cool night air.


    His tailored black coat hung loosely over his shoulders, and the faint gleam of a wristwatch caught the moonlight as he flicked clink gis lighter again.


    Ethan''s heart clenched in his chest.


    ''¡­Alex Reid.'' The realization hit him like a punch to the gut. The cold glint in Alex''s eyes, the faint smirk curling at his lips, it all made sense now.


    "This¡­ this was all your doing!" Ethan''s voice was hoarse, thick with pain and fury. "You planned everything! You set That bastard old man on me¡­ you turned old bastard Harold against me¡­ All of this, because you wanted me dead!"


    Alex took a slow clink of his lighter again, exhaling a deep coldy breath without a word. His eyes, dark and unflinching, watched Ethan with a calm, almost bored expression.


    The silence was deafening.


    Ethan staggered forward, gripping the bloodied knife tightly in his hand. Rage burned through his veins, pushing back the haze of pain.


    "Why, Alex?! WHY?!"


    Compared to Ethan Carter''s bloodshot eyes blazing with fury, Alex Reid remained composed, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.


    "That''s right." His voice was calm, almost casual, as he flicked from his lighter at Ethan Direction. "Everything that''s happened tonight was my doing. But so what?"


    "You¡ª!" Ethan staggered forward, his blood-soaked fingers trembling from pain and rage. But the words caught in his throat.


    Because Alex was right.


    With his body battered from gunshots, shrapnel wounds, and stab injuries, Ethan could barely stand. His vision swam, and his strength was rapidly fading. Fighting back was impossible.


    But even so¡ª His thoughts remain the same.


    ''I can''t die here. I have to survive¡­ No matter what!''


    Ethan forced one foot forward, then another. His steps were unsteady, but determination burned in his eyes as he closed the distance between them. Then, without hesitation¡ª


    THUD!


    He dropped to his knees before Alex.


    Gone was the pride of a so-called "child of destiny." Ethan no longer cared about dignity. Right now, survival was all that mattered.


    "Please, Alex!" His voice cracked with desperation as he bowed his head. "Let me go this time! I swear, if I make it out of this alive, I''ll repay you a thousand times over!"


    Without waiting for a response, Ethan began bowing repeatedly, his forehead striking the rocky ground with dull thuds.


    Blood smeared the dirt as he kowtowed again and again, each impact more frantic than the last.


    Alex watched in silence, his expression unreadable. He''d anticipated a final struggle, maybe some desperate attack, but this? This was almost disappointing.


    ''So this is the so-called ''chosen one''¡­'' Still, watching Ethan grovel at his feet brought a twisted sense of satisfaction.


    After a moment, Alex exhaled a slow breath, Putting his lighter aside before reaching into his coat pocket. He pulled out a car key and casually tossed it onto the ground in front of Ethan.


    "Alright, enough of that. Take the car and go."


    "¡­Y-You''re letting me go?" Ethan''s breath hitched as he stared at the key, his eyes wide with disbelief.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 102 Last Step… Tik… tok… Tik

    "Alright, enough of that. Take the car and go."


    "¡­Y-You''re letting me go?" Ethan''s breath hitched as he stared at the key, his eyes wide with disbelief.


    Alex shrugged, turning to glance at the dark road winding down the mountainside. "What? You don''t want it? I can always take it back¡ª"


    "No, no!" Ethan scrambled forward, snatching up the key with trembling fingers. His eyes shone with a flicker of hope as he clutched the metal tightly against his chest. "Thank you¡­ Thank you, Alex! I swear, you won''t regret this!"


    Fueled by adrenaline and desperation, Ethan stumbled toward the black Car parked nearby. His vision blurred from blood loss, but the promise of escape gave him the strength to push forward. He collapsed into the driver''s seat, gripping the steering wheel with white-knuckled hands.


    ''I made it¡­ I''m going to live!''


    The engine roared to life, headlights slicing through the darkness as Ethan pressed down on the gas pedal. The tires kicked up gravel as the car sped down the winding mountain road, disappearing into the night.


    Alex stepped closer to the edge of the overlook, watching the red taillights vanish around a curve. He lit another cigarette, the faint glow illuminating his smirk.


    "Even with all the luck in the world¡­ I doubt you can drive down a mountain with no brakes."


    As if on Waiting for it¡ª


    SCREEEEECH!


    The distant sound of tires skidding on asphalt echoed through the night, followed by the harsh crunch of metal scraping against rock. Then¡ª


    CRASH!


    The car broke through the guardrail, tumbling down the steep mountainside in a cascade of twisted metal and shattered glass.


    Sparks and debris scattered through the air as the car rolled over and over before finally coming to a crumpled stop at the bottom of the road.


    Alex exhaled a slow breath of smoke, peering down at the wreckage far below.


    "¡­No way he''s getting up from that."


    The car was barely recognizable, its frame crushed inward from the repeated impacts. Flames licked at the twisted wreckage, illuminating the shattered windshield and warped metal.


    Alex was about to turn away when¡ª


    SCRAPE¡­


    A faint sound echoed from the wreckage. Then¡ª


    THUD!


    The crumpled driver''s side door was shoved open with a metallic groan.


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    Alex''s Lighter slipped from his fingers as his eyes widened.


    Through the smoke and flames, a battered figure slowly dragged itself from the wreckage. Blood soaked Ethan''s torn clothing, his face smeared with soot and grime.


    His left arm hung limp at his side, broken from the impact, while his right hand clawed against the ground, pulling him forward inch by inch.


    His breath rasped through cracked ribs, and fresh wounds bled freely from where shards of glass had pierced his flesh.


    Yet somehow¡­ He was still alive.


    "¡­You''ve gotta be kidding me!" Alex whispered under his breath, unable to tear his eyes away from the impossible sight.


    "Gunshot wounds¡­ shrapnel¡­ stab wounds¡­ a car crash off a cliff¡­" Alex listed each injury aloud, shaking his head in disbelief. "How the hell is he still breathing?!"


    Even a man with the strongest luck shouldn''t have survived this much punishment. Yet Ethan, crawling on hands and knees through the dirt and glass, refused to die like a damn cockroach.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    ''¡­But it doesn''t matter. I came prepared for this.''


    Reaching into his coat, he pulled out a sleek black phone and unlocked the screen. A single app was already open, displaying a countdown timer linked to the car''s hidden payload, a remote-detonated explosive he''d installed as a last resort.


    3:00¡­ 2:59¡­ 2:58¡­


    He hadn''t expected to use it, but after everything that had happened tonight, he wasn''t about to leave anything to chance.


    "¡­Sorry, Ethan." Alex''s thumb hovered over the detonate button. "But even your luck has to run out sometime."


    At the bottom of the road, Ethan Carter dragged himself from the mangled wreckage of the car, every breath rattling in his shattered chest.


    Blood soaked through his torn clothes, but against all odds, he was still alive. His gaze lifted toward the mountaintop, where a faint silhouette stood against the night sky. Despite his agony, a smile crept across Ethan''s battered face.


    "Heh¡­ heh¡­ Alex you bastard¡­" His voice was hoarse, but the defiance in his eyes burned bright. "Did you really think¡­ this would be enough to kill me? I''m still standing¡­ I survived!"


    His ragged laughter echoed through the ravine, strained but triumphant.


    "Try all you want¡ªyou''ll never¡ª"


    RING! RING!


    A sharp, metallic ringtone pierced the air, cutting Ethan''s laughter short. His eyes darted toward the wreckage behind him¡ªwhere a faint blue light flickered from within the car.


    "¡­No¡­ No, no, no!"


    BOOM!


    A deafening explosion shattered the night as flames erupted from the car, engulfing Ethan in a fiery inferno. The shockwave rolled through the Road, shaking the ground beneath Alex''s feet.


    From the mountaintop, Alex shielded his eyes against the burst of light. Smoke and fire billowed into the air, casting flickering shadows across the jagged rocks below. The distant echoes of Ethan''s final, desperate scream faded into silence.


    And then¡ª


    [DING!]


    A crisp, resonant chime echoed within Alex''s mind, clear as a bell in the still air.


    [Congratulations!]


    [Objective Complete!]


    [Target: ''Child of Destiny'' ¡ª Successfully Eliminated]


    [Reward Unlocked:


    -Future Information: A new ''Child of Destiny'' will emerge shortly. Their actions will soon begin to unfold. Stay alert and maintain vigilance.]


    [System Update: A new system option will be unlocked soon in the future.]


    [Access will be granted once initialization is complete.]


    [System Process: Analyzing current worldlines¡­]


    [System Process: Monitoring potential ''Child of Destiny''¡­]


    [Advisory Notice: Continuous Observation Protocol Activated]


    [Stay prepared. Future events may impact your mission trajectory.]


    Alex exhaled slowly, releasing the tension of the current protagonist being eliminated from his shoulders as he took fresh air into his lungs and then breathed it out.


    "Damn¡­ Killing a Child of Destiny isn''t easy, even after draining so much of his luck." He chuckled under his breath. "Good thing I had a backup plan."


    "And there will be another protagonist soon. Huh!!!"


    Sirens wailed in the distance as emergency vehicles approached the scene. The city authorities would arrive soon. Alex adjusted his coat, already preparing the airtight alibi he''d carefully arranged.


    ¡­.


    Sure enough, after a brief questioning session at the city''s Police Deoartment, Alex was released without issue.


    His status, combined with solid evidence proving he''d been nowhere near the crash site, ensured the matter was quickly closed.


    Stepping out of the Bureau''s glass doors, Alex adjusted his cufflinks and took a breath of the crisp night air¡­


    ''Now let''s wait for Another pig that will be slaughtered.''


    ¡­


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    ¡­


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 Chapter 103 Enjoying & New Problem

    Xx Days later:


    It had been a few days since Alex dealt with Ethan. Life had started to feel lighter, like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.


    The tension that had followed him for so long was now gone. With more time and freedom, Alex decided to enjoy the days ahead without thinking too much about the past.


    One evening, Alex found himself at a casino downtown. The flashing lights, ringing sounds of slot machines, and lively chatter filled the air. It wasn''t about winning for Alex¡ªit was about the fun and thrill of the game.


    He sat at a blackjack table, placing bets and enjoying the rush of each card flip. Some hands he won, others he lost, but the excitement made it worth it.


    After a few rounds, he moved to the slot machines, pulling the lever and watching the symbols spin.


    The machine beeped and clinked as coins fell out here and there, but Alex wasn''t chasing a jackpot.


    He played until his pockets felt a little lighter, then stepped away with a smile, satisfied with the night''s fun.


    The next day, Alex decided to visit a nearby bar to relax and clear his head. The warm glow of the lights and soft hum of music created a cozy atmosphere.


    He sat by the counter, ordering a simple whiskey on the rocks. The bartender, a friendly man with a knowing smile, chatted with Alex as he poured the drink.


    Sipping slowly, Alex watched the crowd¡ªpeople laughing, talking, and enjoying their night. The calm buzz of the bar felt like a welcome break from the chaos of the past. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Over the following days, Alex found joy in simple things. He strolled through the city streets, stopping at shops that caught his eye.


    A sleek leather jacket from a boutique store, a pair of stylish sunglasses from a street vendor¡ªeach purchase brought a small sense of satisfaction.


    He didn''t splurge recklessly, but he allowed himself a few treats to celebrate the fresh start.


    On a sunny afternoon, Alex wandered into a local caf¨¦. The air smelled of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries.


    Finding a seat by the window, he ordered a cappuccino and a croissant, enjoying the peaceful moment as sunlight streamed through the glass.


    Watching people pass by, Alex felt a sense of calm he hadn''t known in a long time.


    When evening rolled around, Alex occasionally returned to the casino, more for the lively atmosphere than the games.


    Sometimes he''d try his luck at roulette, placing chips on red or black just to see what fate had in store.


    Other times, he simply watched the crowds, soaking in the energy of people chasing their fortunes. He never let himself get carried away, after all, it was about the fun, not the money.


    On quieter days, Alex stayed home, appreciating the comfort of his space. A good book in hand, soft music playing in the background, these simple pleasures became part of his routine.


    Sometimes, he scrolled through his phone, looking at things he might buy, a new watch, a pair of boots, or a bottle of cologne that caught his interest. Each small purchase felt like a reward of dealing with Ethan.


    Occasionally, Alex visited the local gym to keep himself in shape. The rhythmic clink of weights and steady hum of treadmills created a familiar background noise.


    Lifting weights, running, and stretching helped him clear his mind, releasing the tension that still lingered from time to time. The physical effort grounded him, reminding him of his strength both inside and out.


    Evenings often found Alex exploring new spots around the city. A rooftop bar with a view of the city lights, a hidden jazz club with smooth music and dim lighting, each place offered a different kind of escape.


    Sometimes he met new people, sharing drinks and stories without revealing too much of his past. Other times, he preferred to sit alone, quietly taking in the atmosphere.


    And even giving some money to charities and donating on online streaming, anything to keep him feeling rewarded for some time.


    Alex was now sitting in the office thinking about something.


    Knock!


    Knock!


    Knock!


    "Come in."


    The heavy wooden door swung open, revealing a man dressed in a tailored black suit. He wore a pair of thin gold-rimmed glasses, his demeanor refined yet carrying an unmistakable air of treachery, like a textbook example of a cunning schemer.


    Stepping forward, the man gave a slight bow before speaking in a respectful tone. "Sir, there''s been an incident at our hospital just like you predicted previously, that if someone troublesome appears at our sites and if that happens¡­ it is to inform you immediately. It is a young man who broke into the emergency room and assaulted our doctors¡­" His voice was calm.


    Mr. Waters glanced at Alex''s back, which remained motionless as if the report hadn''t piqued his interest. After a brief hesitation, he added, "That young man seems to be quite close to Sera, the girl who turned you down before Rose."


    Alex finally turned around, his gaze settling on the well-dressed man before him.


    ''He finally appeared huh!''


    Alex leaned back onto the sofa, tapping his fingers against the armrest before speaking in a calm tone. "Go through the legal procedure. Call the Authorities as usual."


    "Understood! Anything else sir?"


    Alex Reid casually poured himself a glass of red wine, swirling the liquid as he spoke in an indifferent tone. "Yes, call the related authorities. Several of our doctors were assaulted, weren''t they? Shouldn''t he compensate for medical fees, lost wages, and emotional distress? Psychological trauma and I assume they were seriously injured too?"


    Mr. Waters felt as if a massive question mark had appeared above his head.


    "Oh, right."


    Alex suddenly thought of something, his tone taking on a hint of amusement. "What about the hospital equipment? Any damages? Our medical devices are all imported and quite expensive."


    Mr. Waters, who was still trying to process the situation, quickly snapped back to reality. "One device was damaged¡­ No, actually, three. Each worth hundreds of thousands. And he also seriously injured five highly paid foreign specialists. We definitely need to report this to the authorities."


    Alex Reid nodded in satisfaction. "Now that''s more like it."


    "Understood sit! I will begin the procedure immediately." Mr. Waters said as he left the room to fulfill the order of Alex.


    "As expected of the protagonist, an arrogant bastard beyond reason." This was the first major conflict between him and this second protagonist.


    And just as he was thinking about it, a system message chimed in his mind.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 104 New System Features

    [Ding!]


    [Congratulations! Two new system features have been unlocked:]


    ?[Critical Points] ¨C Whenever a Protagonist'' suffered emotional or mental distress, Critical Points would be generated. These points could then be used to purchase various items from the system''s shop.


    ?[System Shop] ¨C Access a variety of items, skills, and enhancements through Critical points.


    [Alert! A New Protagonist Has Appeared!]


    [Warning! Please be advised: You are approaching a pivotal plot event critical to the storyline. Any deviation may result in unforeseen consequences.]


    [Initiating original timeline transmission¡­ Loading 100%]


    [In the original plot, protagonist Eric Vaughn descended from the mountains after over a decade of reclusive training. By chance, he encountered the female lead, Sera, in a city park. Despite the park being filled with people, none stepped forward to assist the elegant young woman, who had twisted her ankle. Seizing the moment, the protagonist utilized his God-level medical skills, acquired through years of isolated practice, to treat her injury on the spot.]


    [Plot Progression Notice: Before the protagonist could capitalize on this encounter, Sera''s phone rang. The call was from the hospital¡ªher grandfather''s condition had abruptly worsened, prompting the family to gather immediately. Please prepare accordingly.]


    Alex Reid smirked. "Now that''s the kind of trashy plot I expected."


    ¡­..


    So after that the story goes like this¡­


    After arriving at the hospital with the female lead, Eric Vaughn wasted no time before taking matters into his own hands.


    Ignoring the skepticism of the Klienberg family and the disdainful looks from various relatives, he boldly declared that he could save the old man.


    And so, he did what every overpowered protagonist would¡­he forced his way into the operating room, ignoring the objections of the doctors and performing an elaborate, mystical acupuncture technique that no ordinary person could comprehend.


    Just like that, the Klienberg family''s old man, also the Head of the Kleinberg family, was pulled back from the gates of death.


    It was a perfectly executed flex.


    The entire Klienberg family stood in stunned silence, their earlier contempt completely shattered. Eric, having successfully showcased his miraculous abilities, had officially secured his connection to the powerful Klienberg family.


    This marked the start of his meteoric rise¡­gaining influence, humiliating arrogant Sirs, and, of course, building his ever-expanding harem.


    ¡­..


    At first glance, the sequence of events almost seemed reasonable in the ridiculous logic of these stories.


    ''But seriously¡­why did he have to hit people while saving a life?! What kind of twisted reasoning made him think it was acceptable to assault trained doctors just because they got in the way of his grandstanding?''


    ''Since when did performing unauthorized medical procedures without a license make him the righteous one?''


    Alex Reid internally cursed the novel''s author logic. But now? His gaze shifted toward the glowing interface of his system''s new feature which was connected to the shop feature.


    The system''s mechanics were absurdly simple: whenever a Protagonist'' suffered emotional or mental distress, Critical Points would be generated. These points could then be used to purchase various items from the system''s shop.


    ¡­..


    Meanwhile, at City State Police Department


    "Officer, I''m innocent. When can I leave? My time is very valuable, you know." Eric Vaughn sat in the interrogation room, his legs crossed in an exaggeratedly casual manner.


    His white dress shirt was wrinkled, and his ripped jeans¡­ complete with strategically placed tears¡­ only served to enhance his mysterious bad-boy aura.


    Even sitting in a police station, his overpowering charisma remained undiminished.


    His insufferable arrogance made the officers around him want to roll their eyes into another dimension.


    "Mr. Eric, this is a police station. Please show some respect," a young officer finally snapped, his patience wearing thin. His expression was stern, his voice sharp.


    But Eric?


    He smirked. A slight, condescending curve of his lips¡­ because he didn''t care.


    Why should he? With his godlike medical skills, he wasn''t just some nobody who had to bow his head in fear.


    Forget the rookie officer in front of him¡­ even if the police Superior walked in, he wouldn''t even bat an eye.


    After all, he was the ''Carefree Miraculous Doctor''¡­ a prodigy¡­ a man who could save lives with one hand and take them with the other.


    And behind him stood three legendary mentors:


    One, a doctor whose medical skills surpassed all known medicine. Another, a poison master feared throughout the world. And the last? A world-class assassin.


    Eric Vaughn was not someone to be trifled with.


    So what if he roughed up a few nobodies? At worst, he''d throw some cash their way, and the problem would be solved auVictoratically.


    His patience was running thin. His fingers tapped against the table rhythmically.


    "Hasn''t the Klienberg family arrived yet?" His impatience was evident.


    As Eric Vaughn impatiently urged the officers, his tone growing increasingly irritated, a middle-aged officer approached, holding a report in his hand.


    "Mr. Vaughn, according to the official report from Reid Medical, your actions have already constituted a criminal offense. The five doctors you assaulted have all been diagnosed with first-degree injuries, and in addition, you damaged three pieces of medical equipment¡­ worth more than half a million each piece of equipment."


    "Bullshit!" Before the officer could even finish, Eric slammed his hand on the table, his face contorted in rage.


    "Watch your attitude!"


    "How dare you talk to Captain Brooks like that?"


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    The officers in the interrogation room, already annoyed by Eric''s arrogance, shot him sharp glares. Ever since he was brought in, he had been acting as if the entire police station was beneath him, looking at everyone like they were insects.


    Captain Brooks wasn''t having any of it. He slammed the report down onto Eric''s face.


    "Read it yourself. You illegally performed medical procedures at a hospital without a license, then assaulted the doctors who tried to stop you. Do you seriously think you''re in the right?" Eric clenched his jaw and snatched the report from the table, his eyes scanning the contents.


    Fractured fingers¡­Broken ribs¡­ six of them?! Severe brain trauma¡­ high probability of a vegetative state?!


    His breath hitched. This was impossible. "No way. There''s absolutely no way!" Eric felt his heart drop. He knew how hard he had hit them.


    He hadn''t even used real force¡­ hell, they shouldn''t have had more than a few bruises at worst. So how the hell were they this badly injured?


    "This has to be a mistake! Those people weren''t hurt that badly¡­ I barely touched them!" Eric''s voice wavered, his unease growing.


    Captain Brooks let out a dry chuckle. "The five doctors you attacked? Reid Medical paid a fortune to bring them in from overseas. They were specialists, experts in their fields."


    ¡­


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 Chapter 105 New Passive Skill

    "The five doctors you attacked? Reid Medical paid a fortune to bring them in from overseas. They were specialists, experts in their fields."


    "No, no¡­ something''s not right." Eric''s fingers tightened around the report as a wave of unease crashed over him. He had been set up. Someone was screwing him over.


    "I only wanted to save someone! They were the ones stopping me! I had no choice but to act! And besides, I did save the Head of the Kleinberg Family life!" Eric''s voice was edged with desperation now.


    Captain Brooks scoffed. "One thing has nothing to do with the other. Even if you saved someone, it doesn''t erase the fact that you severely injured five people in the process."


    A young female officer with shoulder-length hair crossed her arms, clicking her tongue in disapproval. "Just a second ago, you were saying you didn''t hit them. Now you''re admitting you did. Which is it? Liar."


    Eric''s expression darkened, but before he could retort, Captain Brooks cut in.


    "Enough." He sat down, his voice turning colder. "You should start thinking about compensation. The families of those five doctors are planning to sue you. And let''s not forget the hospital equipment you destroyed¡­ those machines were imported, there aren''t any replacements available in the country. Patients are now left without the tools they need for treatment. This isn''t just a fine, Mr. Eric. This is a criminal offense. You''re looking at jail time."


    The weight of the word ''Jail'' slammed into Eric like a truck.


    Jail? He was the legendary Carefree Miracle Doctor, the man who could save lives with one hand and take them with the other! He had only just left the mountains, and they wanted to throw him into prison?


    This had to be a joke.


    "Where''s the Kleinberg family? Where''s Sera Kleinberg? I need to see them." His panic was barely contained now, but his mind was racing.


    He had definitely been set up. Someone had manipulated this situation to trap him.


    Right now, his only chance at understanding what the hell was going on¡­ and getting himself out of this mess¡­ was to talk to the Kleinbergs.


    ¡­.


    Reid Medical Center


    Outside the VIP Ward


    Several members of the Kleinberg family stood scattered across the hallway, their expressions ranging from irritation to indifference.


    "The hospital wants to hold that kid accountable. Something about this feels off. I think we should stay out of it." Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Hmph! That bitch, Sera¡­ just when that old fossil was finally about to kick the bucket, she somehow managed to drag in some lunatic and saved him."


    "Watch your mouth! He''s still our father!"


    "Oh, please. Like you haven''t secretly wished for him to die sooner."


    "Enough. Shut up, all of you." The eldest son, Logan Kleinberg, rubbed his temples in frustration before cutting through the argument. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The hospital has sent us a compensation request. That punk, name Eric Vaughn, injured multiple specialist doctors when he barged into the emergency room. He also wrecked some imported medical equipment. The total damages are in millions if we include all the things."


    At that, one of the Kleinberg wives shot up from her seat. "That kid did all of that! Why the hell should we pay for it?"


    "Because he''s broke."


    "Then let him rot in prison."


    Logan''s younger sister, Vanessa Kleinberg, crossed her arms, her expression dark. "Isn''t he close with Sera? Let her cover the damages. Our father left her quite the inheritance. Taking out some millions should be nothing for her."


    The hallway remained filled with hushed murmurs and heated arguments.


    ¡­.


    Inside the VIP Ward


    Sera Kleinberg sat quietly beside the hospital bed, resting her forehead in her hand, exhaustion evident in her posture.


    Ever since her parents passed away, she had known that her so-called ''relatives'' despised her.


    It wasn''t a secret. They tolerated her presence purely out of obligation to her grandfather. If it weren''t for his protection, they would have driven her out long ago.


    But what she hadn''t expected was that they wouldn''t even wait for her grandfather to pass away before openly discussing how to split his inheritance.


    It was disgusting. Had she not run into that ''random man'' by sheer luck, her grandfather wouldn''t have made it through today.


    He was the last family she had left in this world.


    ''¡­Wait. What was that doctor''s name again?'' Sera frowned, tapping her temple in frustration. How could she forget to ask?


    In all the chaos, she had been too desperate to save her grandfather. She had barely registered anything beyond his medical skills.


    Thinking back, her first impression of him wasn''t great. There was something about him that felt¡­ insufferably arrogant.


    "And I didn''t even get his contact information." Sera sighed. She had wanted to properly thank him, but it seemed like he wasn''t the type to seek fame or fortune.


    A selfless doctor who only wanted to save lives¡­ Maybe I misjudged him.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile¡­


    [Destined Protagonist ''Eric Vaughn'' has suffered a mental breakdown. Congratulations. You have received 500 Critical Points.]


    Alex Reid raised an eyebrow.


    "Again?" This so-called "Prodigy Doctor" was surprisingly fragile.


    It had barely been an hour since Eric got thrown into a holding cell, and he had already accumulated a total of 2,500 Collapse Points.


    That meant one thing¡ªEric Vaughn ''The Protagonist'' was breaking down alas slowly that is.


    Alex smirked, swirling his wine glass lazily.


    "I know you''re in a hurry, but you''ll have to wait." Sipping his drink, he pulled up the system interface.


    [Name : Alex Reid]


    [Critical Points: 2500]


    [Reward: Extra Gift Pack]


    "Huh?" Alex raised an eyebrow.


    "Starter Gift Pack?" He hadn''t noticed it earlier. Curious, he tapped into it.


    "Open the Gift Pack."


    [The Gift Pack has been opened. Congratulations, you have acquired the passive skill: Wolf in Sheep''s Clothing and the title: Modern-Day Villain.]


    Alex frowned.


    "Wolf in Sheep''s Clothing? What the hell is that supposed to mean?"


    ¡­


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 Chapter 106 Fifteen Days

    "Wolf in Sheep''s Clothing? What the hell is that supposed to mean?"


    [Wolf in Sheep''s Clothing: Charisma +10. Minimum charisma threshold -100.]


    [Modern-Day Villain: Equipping this title increases the probability of encountering Destiny''s Protagonists. Additionally, those related to or near the title bearer are immune to the "IQ Suppression Aura" of Destiny''s Protagonists.]


    The title made sense to him, but the passive skill felt downright insulting.


    "Seriously? Lowering my charisma threshold to negative? That''s just mean."


    Alex grumbled under his breath as he pondered how to deal with Eric Vaughn, the so-called protagonist of destiny.


    Eric, as a protagonist, was practically untouchable like Ethan. The police could hold him for a few days at best, but he''d inevitably be released.


    Once out, Eric would definitely come for revenge.


    He had read this novel too and after the system explained it to him he was sure it was the one he had read, would anyone believe that it was written by the same author?


    And many people came to his second work just to write absurd comments about his first work and belittle him, and even after that many ended up reading that second novel too and after that another review and comments for the second work.


    Alex''s lips twisted into a smirk. He clearly remembered that one of Eric''s three mentors was a world-class assassin. That meant Eric himself wasn''t weak.


    Most importantly, he knew how to use poison.


    Poison was tricky, unpredictable and hard to defend against.


    With that in mind, Alex decisively opened the System Store, his gaze sweeping over the dazzling array of bizarre items and flashy skills. Every single one of them looked tempting.


    Unfortunately, he was poor for now in critical points.


    At the moment, his wealth amounted to a measly 2500 Collapse Points.


    He began browsing.


    [Power Booster: Temporarily triples the user''s strength for three minutes. Side effect: extreme exhaustion and permanent shortening of the user''s¡­ ahem, ''manhood'' by one centimeter. Price: 500 Collapse Points.]


    "Interesting. I''ll buy it and gift it to Eric."


    [Misfortune Talisman: Causes the target to be plagued by bad luck for 24 hours. Price: 500 Collapse Points.]


    "Perfect. I''ll send it to Eric, too."


    [Gender Swap Pill: Physically transforms the user into the opposite sex for three days. Warning: Prolonged usage may cause gradual psychological alignment with the new gender. Price: 1000 Collapse Points.]


    "Oh, now this is gold. Definitely buying this for Eric."


    [Overpowered Pill: Permanently doubles all of the user''s abilities. Side effect: as described by the name. Price: 2000 Collapse Points.]


    Alex''s mouth twitched.


    "What the hell is wrong with this store? Are there no normal items here?"


    ¡­.


    While Alex was busy scrolling through the System Store and its absurdly eccentric products, his butler, Mr. Waters, returned after finishing up some errands.


    "Sir, the hospital''s surveillance footage for that time frame has been completely erased. Additionally, Head of The Kleinberg''s condition remains critical. If you wish, his health could worsen at any moment. With a case of illegal medical malpractice causing death, Eric Vaughn could be looking at a minimum of ten years in prison," Victors reported.


    After a brief pause, he adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and continued, "Furthermore, Kleinberg Family eldest son, Logan Kleinberg, has already expressed to the hospital that they''re ready to withdraw treatment."


    The implications were clear, if Head of The Kleinberg died, Eric Vaughn would take the fall for everything.


    The Kleinberg family, in fact, had been waiting for their old man''s death to divide the inheritance. And as for Eric?


    Aside from Sera Kleinberg, every other member of the family despised this outsider who''d entered their lives uninvited.


    Hearing this, Alex''s lips twitched slightly.


    "Damn, that''s ruthless." He''d only wanted Eric to spend a few days in lockup, but now Victor was ready to have the guy framed for murder and thrown into prison for life.


    Still¡­ Alex found himself smiling. "Why does this heartless plan seem so appealing?" He couldn''t help but feel a little sorry for Sera Kleinberg, though. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before Alex could say anything, Mr. Waters spoke again, "While I was investigating Sera Kleinberg, I uncovered something else. Her parents didn''t die in an accident. Some of the evidence suggests it was her uncle, Logan, who orchestrated their deaths. However, the clues aren''t complete enough to bring charges against him."


    Alex nodded in understanding.


    In the original plot, Sera''s parents were outstanding individuals, highly regarded by the Head of The Kleinberg Family as the prime candidates to inherit the family fortune. Naturally, this made them targets of envy within the family.


    The tall poppy gets cut down first.


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    In the internal power struggles of the Kleinberg family, her parents had died in a car accident meticulously arranged by the eldest son Aka Logan.


    ''System, do you have evidence of Logan Kleinberg hiring someone to kill them?'' Alex asked the system, the system worked in mysterious ways and if he could get it from it it would help him in many ways and if not, then it is not like he is paying for it.


    The evidence had long since been buried, and even the police couldn''t find it after all these years. Alex could only turn to the system for help.


    [Yes. Price: 1000 Collapse Points.]


    The cost wasn''t cheap, but Alex figured he''d make Logan pay for it in the end.


    ''Buy it.'' The next moment, a small white USB drive materialized in Alex''s pocket.


    "Waters, take this and print out the contents," Alex said, handing over the USB drive.


    "Understood, Sir."


    "As for the Head of The Kleinberg¡­" Alex paused, considering his next steps.


    "Life is sacred, and we should respect it. Head of The Kleinberg could have been saved, but critical medical equipment was damaged by Eric Vaughn, which caused his condition to deteriorate. I''m sure the Kleinberg family will decide to discontinue treatment themselves."


    Head of The Kleinberg could die in many ways, but it couldn''t be by Alex''s hands.


    The difference between an unfortunate decline in health and a direct murder was very big. Though now protagonist would have to bear the consequences.


    "Understood." Victor nodded without hesitation.


    ¡­.


    Later That Evening


    At the Police Station


    "Gather your things and move quickly inside." A young officer tossed a pile of bedding and some living essentials at Eric, pointing toward an empty cell.


    Eric''s face was dark and grim.


    He, the legendary free-spirited miraculous doctor who saved lives with one hand and took them with the other, was now locked up in a detention center.


    Unbelievable.


    The most frustrating part was that Eric couldn''t get in touch with anyone from the Kleinberg family.


    "What kind of so-called prestigious family are they? Just a bunch of hypocrites." Eric let out a cold scoff, his voice laced with disdain.


    Thanks to his earlier altercation at the hospital, he had been thrown into a detention center for 15 days. On top of that, the hospital was determined to press charges against him, which meant he might actually face prison time.


    "Damn it!" he cursed under his breath.


    ¡­


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    ¡­


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 Chapter 107 Grandpa Is Dead

    When Eric was first detained by officer Brooks, he assumed he''d just need to explain himself, sign some papers, and be out in no time.


    After all, he had saved none other than the head of the Kleinberg family¡ªone of the four most powerful families in the city.


    They should''ve been grateful to him. If nothing else, they could''ve at least treated him like a valued guest, maybe even offered him Sera''s hand in marriage.


    But instead, things had taken an absurd turn. The officers had tried contacting the Kleinberg family, only for them to coldly claim they didn''t know who Eric was.


    "Hah, Kleinberg family. Bunch of Blind fools!" Eric muttered with a mocking smile as he picked up his bedding and walked toward the cell assigned to him.


    The temporary detention center wasn''t particularly large, but it was crowded with all sorts of petty criminals.


    As soon as Eric stepped inside, all eyes turned toward him.


    When the guards left, a group of young delinquents stood up and slowly approached him, malicious grins spreading across their faces.


    "Newcomers need to learn the rules around here," one of them said, cracking his knuckles.


    Eric smirked, his disdain evident. "Rules? You guys are nothing but ants beneath my feet."


    With three masters who had taught him everything from ancient medicine to assassination techniques, Eric didn''t even see these thugs as a threat.


    Three minutes later¡­


    The cramped cell was a scene of chaos. Seven or eight young men lay sprawled across the floor, groaning in pain.


    "A bunch of trash." Eric clapped his hands together as if dusting off filth, the irritation from the Kleinberg incident momentarily replaced by a sense of satisfaction.


    In the corner of the cell, a frail man with glasses crouched down, watching the scene in awe. His eyes sparkled with admiration as he stared at Eric, his mouth slightly agape.


    "What a powerful¡­man," the bespectacled man whispered, swallowing hard.


    ¡­.


    The Next Morning:-


    At Reid General Hospital, chaos was unfolding.


    "Grandpa¡ªwhere''s my grandpa? What happened to him?" Sera ran through the halls of the hospital, her voice trembling with panic. She had just been sitting in her university class when she received the call.


    The hospital had informed her that her grandfather''s condition had taken a sudden turn for the worse, and a critical notice had been issued.


    She hadn''t even taken the time to put on both shoes properly before rushing out of the building.


    When she finally reached the VIP ward, the corridor was packed with people, and the sound of weeping filled the air.


    Inside the room, the sight was even more gut-wrenching.


    "Dad, how could you leave us like this? What are we supposed to do now?"


    "This is all my fault¡­ Dad, you left us so soon¡­"


    The cries of grief from her relatives echoed in her ears.


    Sera stumbled to the door, her eyes wide as she took in the scene. Her grandfather, her last and only family member she truly cared about, lay lifeless on the bed. Her head buzzed, her mind going blank.


    It didn''t make sense. Just yesterday, his vitals had been stable. He was improving. How could this happen? How could he pass away in the span of a single night?


    It was too fast. Too sudden. Sera couldn''t even process it.


    Just as Sera stood there, frozen in shock, a woman''s voice broke through the silence of the hospital room. It was trembling, thick with tears. "Sera, hurry inside! You''re finally here!" Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The voice belonged to the third daughter of the Kleinberg family, who rushed forward with red, swollen eyes and grabbed Sera''s arm, pulling her into the room.


    Her grip was tight, desperate, as if letting go would make everything crumble. The faint smell of antiseptic lingered in the air, mixing with the heavy weight of grief.


    "Your grandpa¡­ he passed away half an hour ago."


    The third daughter''s words hit like a punch. Read the latest on My Virtual Library Empire


    Her voice cracked as she spoke, tears streaming down her cheeks and dripping onto the tiled floor. She wiped her face with the back of her hand, but it didn''t stop the flood of emotion.


    Sera''s heart sank as she stepped fully into the room, her shoes squeaking softly against the polished surface.


    Everyone inside turned to look at Sera. The room was filled with Kleinberg family members, each one crying loudly, their faces twisted in sorrow.


    Some clutched tissues, others buried their faces in their hands. The sound of sobbing bounced off the white walls, making the small space feel even more suffocating.


    Among them was Logan, the eldest son of the now dead man. He was wailing so hard he could barely breathe, his broad shoulders shaking with every gasp.


    To anyone watching, he looked like the perfect picture of a devoted son, mourning his father''s loss. His dark suit was wrinkled, his tie loosened as if he''d been tugging at it in despair.


    "It''s all because of that bastard named Eric Vaughn!" Logan suddenly roared, his voice rough with anger and pain. He clenched his fists so tight his knuckles turned white, glaring at nothing in particular.


    "Not only did he fail to cure Dad, but he also wrecked the hospital''s medical equipment! When Dad''s condition got worse and he needed machines to save him, there was nothing left to use! If it wasn''t for that bastard, Dad wouldn''t be dead!"


    His words spilled out like venom, his chest heaving as he spat them. His face was red, veins bulging at his temples, and a few strands of his usually neat hair fell messily over his forehead. The others nodded along, muttering their agreement through their tears.


    Then the eldest daughter of the Kleinberg family stepped forward, her eyes puffy and her voice shaky.


    "That bastard is nothing but a fraud¡ªa fake doctor!" she cried, pointing an accusing finger toward Sera. "Dad still had a chance to pull through, but that con artist used some nonsense acupuncture on him. After that, all hope was gone!"


    She hugged herself as she spoke, her thin frame trembling. Her dress, once crisp and elegant, was now crumpled, stained with tear marks. She shot Sera a look filled with blame, her lips quivering as she tried to hold back another sob.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 108 Blaming Game

    "Dad still had a chance to pull through, but that con artist used some nonsense acupuncture on him. After that, all hope was gone!"


    She hugged herself as she spoke, her thin frame trembling. Her dress, once crisp and elegant, was now crumpled, stained with tear marks.


    She shot Sera a look filled with blame, her lips quivering as she tried to hold back another sob.


    The second son of the Kleinberg family joined in, his voice sharp and cutting. "Sera, why did you bring a fraud like that to treat your grandpa? He was always so good to you¡ªhow could you do this?"


    He stood tall, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, his jaw clenched in anger. His eyes, usually calm and calculating, were now stormy with rage.


    He paced a few steps, his polished shoes tapping impatiently on the floor, as if he couldn''t stand still with all the frustration boiling inside him.


    It was like the Kleinberg family had planned it. One by one, they pointed the finger at Eric, piling all the blame on him.


    To them, it was simple: Eric Vaughn, the so-called "fraud," was the reason for everything. They repeated it over and over¡ªhe had no medical license, he messed around with treatments he didn''t understand, and he caused their father''s death.


    All the blame was directed at Eric Vaughn.


    Among them, the second daughter of the Kleinberg family was the most outspoken. She lashed out at Sera, accusing her of bringing that suspicious man into the hospital.


    If not for that bastard named Eric reckless interference, her father''s condition wouldn''t have taken such a sudden turn for the worse.


    Sera stood in the cold hospital room, motionless, as harsh words rained down on her. She didn''t argue, didn''t try to defend herself, she just stood there, her eyes brimming with tears.


    She looked at the familiar faces in the room, faces that now seemed so distant, so alien. These were her family, weren''t they? Yet at this moment, they felt like strangers.


    Then, in a quiet, almost fragile voice, she finally spoke:


    "Why didn''t you call me when Grandpa''s condition worsened? Why am I only hearing about this now?"


    Her words weren''t loud. There was no anger, no desperate shouting, just a soft question, as light as a feather. And yet, as soon as it left her lips, the entire room fell into silence.


    Why? The answer was obvious. Because if she knew, she would have insisted on continuing the treatment.


    But no one dared to say that out loud.


    A moment later, the doctor standing by the hospital bed, a middle-aged man with thinning hair, finally spoke up. His voice was calm, but his words carried a weight that pressed down on the entire room.


    "Miss Sera, around two hours ago, for reasons unknown, your grandfather''s condition suddenly took a turn for the worse. We did everything we could to save him. However, one of our critical machines was damaged¡­ by the man you brought here." His tone remained professional, but there was an undeniable accusation in his gaze.


    "Not only that, but five of our top specialists were also injured by him. Because of that, they were unable to perform the emergency procedure. In the end, we had no choice but to issue a critical condition notice. Your grandfather''s four direct relatives signed the agreement¡­ to discontinue treatment."


    Sera took a step back. Then another. The world around her blurred, and the voices faded into a distant hum.


    Before she knew it, she was out in the hallway, her legs giving out beneath her as she collapsed onto one of the chairs. Her whole body felt numb. She buried her face between her knees, her mind spinning in circles.


    Who was to blame for this? Was it the so-called stranger? Perhaps not. Even without him, Grandpa''s condition had already deteriorated beyond saving. He likely wouldn''t have made it through the night anyway. Was it the family''s fault?


    Maybe not. She knew her grandfather''s condition better than anyone. Even if they hadn''t signed that agreement, he would only have lasted a few more hours at most.


    Then who was responsible? Her fingers clenched into fists as a dark thought flickered through her mind. Maybe¡­ It was her own fault.


    ''Why am I so powerless? Why couldn''t I do anything for Grandpa when he needed me the most? Why wasn''t I by his side this whole time?''


    The hospital corridor was busy with doctors and patients passing by, their footsteps echoing through the sterile white halls. Inside the ward, the Kleinberg Family''s sobbing had faded, replaced by heated arguments.


    "I''m the eldest son of this family! I''ve been the company''s vice president for years, managing things under Dad''s leadership. I know the ins and outs of our business better than anyone. Now that he''s gone, the company should naturally be inherited by me. That''s the only way to keep things stable!"


    "Says who?! Many projects, and the biggest deal in the company, was all my doing! If it weren''t for me bringing in the money, you wouldn''t even last as vice president!" Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Because I''m your older brother! I am the firstborn of the Family! The eldest son has the right to inherit the family assets. Do you have any idea how many people are eyeing Kleinberg Industries from the outside? If I don''t take over, the company will be thrown into chaos!" Logan roared, his voice filled with frustration and authority.


    Their father''s body hadn''t even gone cold, yet his children were already at each other''s throats over the inheritance.


    Sera sat in the hallway, her mind completely blank. She didn''t care about the family fortune. She didn''t care who took over the company. She only knew one thing¡ªher last family member was gone.


    From now on, she was alone again. No one would protect her. No one would love her unconditionally.


    As the siblings continued to argue inside, their faces red with anger, the sound of steady, rhythmic footsteps echoed down the hallway.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 109 Unexpected Entry

    As the siblings continued to argue inside, their faces red with anger, the sound of steady, rhythmic footsteps echoed down the hallway.


    The atmosphere subtly shifted.


    Two figures dressed in black approached from the far end of the corridor, their presence commanding attention without a single word.


    They moved with a quiet, unshakable confidence, their steps unfaltering until they came to a stop directly in front of Sera Kleinberg.


    She slowly lifted her gaze, her eyes dull and lifeless. Upon seeing who it was, she lowered her head again, expressionless.


    "Did you come here just to laugh at me?" Her voice was quiet, almost indifferent, as if she had already given up on everything.


    The man standing before her¡ªAlex Reid¡ªslid one hand into his pocket, his sharp gaze studying her carefully. There was no denying it, Sera Kleinberg was stunning.


    If anyone ever wondered why she was the female lead in this story, they only had to look at her. She had the face of a first love, the kind that could make men lose their minds.


    98 out of 100. A perfect balance of delicate beauty and graceful allure. Her figure? More than enough to make heads turn. But right now, none of that mattered.


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    Her once bright and captivating eyes were now dim, lifeless. Her red-rimmed eyes and pale face gave her a fragile, almost pitiful look, like a helpless little girl locked in a dark room, abandoned and alone.


    Alex Reid clicked his tongue in annoyance.


    "Tch." He hated seeing girls cry¡­ the sorry ones only¡­ like Rose or his step sister Lily he wouldn''t even feel pity for them. With a deep sigh, he leaned against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest.


    "What a mess." He had instructed Waters to intervene slightly, just enough to nudge things in the right direction. But honestly?


    Even without Waters'' interference, that old man wouldn''t have lasted much longer anyway.


    Eric Vaughn''s Acupuncture required a second application within three days. If not, what was meant to save a life would instead take one.


    But Eric was still locked up in the Police Station, and by the time he would get out, the seven-day mourning period for the Kleinberg family patriarch would have long passed.


    Though his death had absolutely nothing to do with Eric, watching the heartbroken girl before him, Alex couldn''t help but sigh. He decided to offer some words of comfort, though his version of "comfort" might not be the most conventional.


    "In a lifetime, a person only has about 36,000 days," Alex mused, hands in his pockets. "No matter how many houses you own, when you sleep, you only take up three feet of space. To sum it up in four simple truths¡ªpeople are like flowers in a pot, life is a tangled mess of threads, no matter how grand your house is, it''s just a temporary stop¡­ and that little box? That''s your grandfather''s forever home now."


    There was a long pause before he continued. "He lived a long life, more than eighty years. You should let him rest now. It''s not a tragedy¡ªit''s a well-lived life coming to a peaceful end."


    "Waaahhh¡­" Sera had been holding back her tears, but Alex''s ''comforting'' words completely shattered her last bit of composure. She broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.


    ''What a heartless bastard! Is this how you comfort someone?!'' Sera thought.


    Meanwhile, Logan and the rest of the family emerged from the hospital room, still locked in a heated argument. It was clear that disagreements over inheritance had already begun.


    The moment they stepped into the hallway, they spotted Sera slumped on the bench¡ªand the man standing beside her.


    Alex Reid.


    Logan''s expression froze for a brief second, but his frustration over arguing with his siblings quickly shifted into something much more eager. He practically ran over, his face instantly changing into one of flattery and submission.


    "Mr. Alex!"


    Alex remained standing casually, one hand still in his pocket, not moving an inch. He raised an eyebrow. "And you are?"


    "I''m Logan Kleinberg," Logan said quickly, his tone filled with respect. "Sera''s uncle. We''ve met before."


    Despite the Kleinberg family''s status as one of the Great Families of the City, in front of Alex, they were nothing big.


    Alex might not have flaunted his true background But his works and past actions were big enough for people to know, but even the little that Logan had been able to dig up was already terrifying enough.


    The rest of the Kleinberg family immediately followed suit, plastering smiles on their faces. They knew very well, this was not a man they could afford to offend.


    Alex gave a slight nod, his expression indifferent, as if he had barely acknowledged Logan''s presence.


    Logan, a seasoned businessman, immediately caught on to the atmosphere. His sharp eyes darted toward Sera Kleinberg, who was still choking back sobs on the bench.


    "Sera," Logan''s tone carried a forced gentleness, but his words were anything but. "Mr. Alex is an honored guest of the Kleinberg family. He came all the way here to visit your grandfather, and this is how you act? Get up and properly serve our esteemed guest."


    "SLAP!" A crisp, resounding smack echoed through the hospital hallway.


    Without any warning, Sera had shot up from her seat and delivered a fierce slap straight across Logan''s face. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The impact turned his head to the side, leaving everyone in the corridor frozen in stunned silence.


    Logan clutched his cheek, his eyes wide with disbelief.


    ''Did¡­ did this bitch just hit me?'' His mind reeled. ''Who gave her the audacity to do this? How dare she lay a hand on me?''


    The moment her grandfather passed, any leverage Sera had should have disappeared along with him. She should have been powerless, without a shred of protection left.


    Yet, here she was, standing in front of him, glaring with eyes that burned with fury.


    "Grandfather is dead! Are you all happy now?!" she shouted, her voice shaking with rage.


    Then, her glare sharpened into something cold, something filled with deep resentment. "You heartless bastard, I will never forgive you."


    ¡­


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 Chapter 110 Some Philosophy

    Then, her glare sharpened into something cold, something filled with deep resentment. "You heartless bastard¡ªI will never forgive you."


    Her gaze swept across the entire Kleinberg family, her voice trembling with pure, unfiltered anger. "You disgusting leeches! Grandfather''s body isn''t even cold yet, and all you can think about is fighting over his inheritance. Why wasn''t it you who died instead of my grandfather?"


    Her furious cries echoed through the long hospital hallway, her grief and rage hanging in the air like a storm ready to break.


    Alex, who had been watching from the sidelines, raised his eyebrows slightly. ''Damn. Didn''t expect her to go full berserk mode like this.''


    Even the most docile of people have their breaking points. Even a cornered rabbit will bite when pushed too far.


    And right now, Sera had completely snapped. The emotional strain, the overwhelming grief, the suffocating pressure, it had all shattered her last bit of restraint.


    Gone was the well-mannered, soft-spoken girl who once carried the aura of a first love. In her place stood someone unrecognizable, a girl who had finally unleashed the rage buried deep inside her.


    And she wasn''t holding back.


    In the span of just a few minutes, she had poured out every bit of anger she had been suppressing, throwing out accusation after accusation with no regard for consequences.


    Yet, despite her ferocity, she was still inexperienced, her insults, though fiery, lacked the polish of a true verbal combatant. Her vocabulary was limited, and her words, though cutting, lacked the finesse of a seasoned fighter.


    Still, she had made her point clear.


    Two of the now old man daughters, their faces already red with fury, were seconds away from firing back with their own sharp tongues. They had already rolled up their sleeves, ready to launch into a full-on screaming match¡ª


    But before they could speak, Logan raised a hand, stopping them in their tracks.


    He wasn''t about to let this turn into a public scene. Not with Alex standing right there.


    Logan held his left cheek, where a bright red handprint was still visible. Despite the stinging pain, he forced a flattering smile as he turned to Alex.


    "Mr. Alex," he said with an air of shamelessness. "I''ll have to trouble you to take care of Sera. Our family has a lot to deal with today, so she doesn''t need to come home tonight."


    Alex blinked. Wow. Just when he thought he had seen it all, Logan managed to hit a new low. This level of brazenness was truly something else.


    "You¡­ you disgusting people! Get lost!"


    Sera, who had been trembling with fury, finally exploded. She looked like a feral cat backed into a corner, her entire body tense, her eyes burning with rage. If the Kleinberg family didn''t leave soon, she looked ready to pounce and start clawing at them.


    Seeing her like this, Logan didn''t dare stay any longer. He quickly motioned for the rest of the family to leave.


    They had more pressing matters to attend to anyway, the old man''s funeral arrangements, the division of assets, and the future of the company. There was no time to waste.


    Within moments, the hallway fell silent once more.


    Sera''s face was tear-streaked, her hair a tangled mess. Her shoulders shook with suppressed sobs as she sniffled, her breath coming out in short, uneven gasps.


    Then, without warning, she turned and ran straight into the hospital room. A second later, a heart-wrenching cry echoed from within.


    The kind of cry that came from the depths of one''s soul. The kind of cry that tore through the air, thick with grief and despair.


    Alex sighed and casually stuck his fingers in his ears.


    ¡­.


    Sera had cried until she was completely drained. Her body felt hollow, her limbs weak. She stood beside the hospital bed, her fingers gripping the sheets as if she could still hold onto her grandfather if she tried hard enough.


    A gentle but firm poke on her back startled her.


    The middle-aged doctor beside her cleared his throat. "Miss Sera, we need to move your grandfather''s body to the morgue. Please step aside."


    Sera numbly shuffled backward, watching as the hospital staff wheeled her grandfather away.


    She wanted to cry again. But no tears came. Not a single drop. The grief had wrung her dry.


    Alex leaned against the doorframe, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. His expression was unreadable as he watched the scene unfold.


    "Death is just like a candle being blown out," he mused. "But life? Life keeps going, no matter how messed up it is."


    Alex was going on fully Philosophical now. Sera didn''t respond. She didn''t even look at him.


    She had never been particularly fond of Alex before, but at this moment, her dislike for him deepened.


    Especially his mouth, God, she hated the things that came out of it. The urge to storm over and slap him across the face was almost unbearable. Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Finally, she took a deep breath and spoke through gritted teeth.


    "Alex, I''ve never liked you," she said, her voice low but firm. "So do me a favor¡ªstop following me around. I don''t want to see you ever again."


    Sera''s voice was flat, devoid of emotion.


    At this moment, she was exhausted. More than anything, she just wanted to find a quiet place where no one could see her and cry until she couldn''t anymore.


    The inheritance, the company, the family fortune, none of it mattered to her.


    Alex wasn''t surprised by her response. After all, the original ''him'' had been nothing more than a hopeless simp for Sera before Rose¡ªone who gave everything and got nothing in return just like in Rose Case.


    Which was absurd.


    And just like Alex had thought before transmigrating in the novel.


    ''With the kind of power and influence the original Alex had, winning over Sera should have been effortless. He could have simply forced the outcome he wanted. But no. That idiot had insisted on love. Love? Love, my ass!''


    Alex had no interest in playing those foolish games. He didn''t care about love, he cared about possession. He wanted to take a somewhat different route he had taken for Rose and Lily.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 111 Seed Of Doubt

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    Alex had no interest in playing those foolish games. He didn''t care about love, he cared about possession. He wanted to take a somewhat different route he had taken for Rose and Lily.


    "I think you''ll come around eventually," Alex said casually.


    Sera shot him a glare. "I hate you. I always have. And I always will." Her voice was firm, unwavering.


    Before, she had been too afraid to say something so direct. She had worried about what Alex might do, worried that rejecting him would lead to consequences for her grandfather or her family, after he had found another girl to fawn over she was free but now he returned.


    But also now¡­ Her grandfather was gone. She had nothing left to fear. Alex didn''t react. Instead, he changed the subject entirely.


    "Now that your grandfather is gone, what''s the plan for the inheritance?" He glanced at her, his tone light but unreadable. "If there''s no specific will, then everything should go to the primary heir aka the eldest son of your grandfather. Kleinberg Industries is worth in billions, after all. You''re just going to let your uncles and aunts take it all without a fight?"


    Sera frowned. Her patience was wearing thin. "I don''t care about the money."


    Alex let out a dramatic sigh.


    "Right. Because money is meaningless," he said, shaking his head. "That''s exactly the kind of thing a billionaire''s granddaughter would say." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sera clenched her fists. She really wanted to hit him.


    Alex continued as if he hadn''t noticed.


    "Listen, that company was your grandfather''s life''s work. If he knew that the people who pulled his oxygen tube were about to inherit it, he''d probably bust out of his coffin just to slap some sense into you."


    Sera bit the inside of her cheek, forcing herself to stay calm.


    After a long pause, she muttered, "I just want a simple life. Like you said, when someone dies, it''s over. Who cares about the inheritance? My grandfather wanted me to be happy, not fight over money."


    With that, she turned and started walking away.


    Just as Sera brushed past Alex, his voice rang out behind her¡­ calm, indifferent, but carrying a weight that made her breath hitch.


    "If you don''t care about the inheritance, what about the real reason your parents died?" She froze. Her foot, which had just lifted off the ground, hovered in the air for a split second before she slowly lowered it.


    Alex chuckled, a low, almost mocking sound. "What''s wrong? Weren''t you leaving?"


    His tone was light, teasing. But his eyes, dark, knowing¡ªheld something much deeper.


    Sera turned back around, her expression tense. "What do you mean by that?"


    Alex leaned lazily against the hospital room''s door frame, looking at her with amusement.


    "Relax," he said, strolling into the room at an unhurried pace. He sat down on the small caretaker''s bed and patted the spot next to him. "Come sit. Let''s have a little chat."


    Sera hesitated, her body stiff with suspicion.


    "Say what you have to say from there." She took a step back, glaring at him as if he were something repulsive.


    Alex''s smile faded, his voice dropping a few degrees colder.


    "This attitude of yours is really starting to annoy me," he said, his gaze sharpening. "Who do you think you''re giving that look to?"


    Sera clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. If looks could kill, Alex would have been reduced to ashes by now.


    But he didn''t care. He never cared.


    "Personally, I think the truth is overrated," Alex mused, stretching his arms behind his head. "What''s past is past. Sometimes, it''s better to let things go. Move forward. Be at peace."


    Sera''s mind was in turmoil.


    For years, she had been haunted by questions surrounding her parents'' deaths. The car accident had been too sudden, too convenient.


    She had investigated on her own, hired professionals to dig into it. But no matter how much time or money she spent, she always hit a dead end.


    Still, she had never once believed that it was just an accident.


    Three minutes passed in silence. Finally, she moved. Slowly, reluctantly, she walked over and sat on the edge of the caretaker''s bed.


    "Now," she said, her voice tight. "Tell me what you know."


    Alex smiled.


    "I know you''re impatient," he murmured, and then, before she could react, his arm slid around her waist, pulling her just a little closer.


    "But don''t worry," he whispered, his grip firm. "I will tell you."


    Sera Kleinberg''s waist was impossibly slim. The sudden physical contact made her entire body go rigid. A deep blush crept up her cheeks, and her heartbeat quickened. Her voice trembled with anger and embarrassment.


    "You¡­ let go of me! If you don''t, I''ll scream for help!"


    ''Scream all you want.'' Alex thought and exhaled slowly, his tone calm. "Stop moving. We have serious matters to discuss."


    Hearing his tone, Sera stiffened but ultimately chose to stay still, listening intently.


    ¡­.


    Alex spoke casually, as if discussing the weather.


    "Did you know that your grandfather once made a will?"


    "A will?" Sera frowned, shaking her head. "No¡­ I didn''t."


    "Your grandfather planned to transfer all his company shares to your father. And just a few days later, your parents died."


    Silence. The words hit Sera like a hammer, leaving her mind blank. No¡­ that''s not possible.


    Her breathing became uneven. It took her several seconds to gather her thoughts, her voice shaky as she forced out a question.


    "It was¡­ my uncle? Logan and the others¡­ they killed my parents?"


    Alex smirked. "You''re not as clueless as I thought."


    Sera clenched her fists so tightly that her long nails dug into her palms. Slowly, she turned her gaze toward the man still pressing a hand against her stomach. Her voice was laced with suspicion.


    "How do you know all this? Even though I had no clue¡­ So how did you find out?"


    Alex chuckled, his grip still firm.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 112 Pervert?!

    "How do you know all this? Even though I had no clue¡­ So how did you find out?"


    Alex chuckled, his grip still firm.


    "There''s nothing I don''t know. If I wanted to, I could even find out the color of your underwear today is."


    "You freaking Pervert!" Sera pouted, shifting uncomfortably. But she quickly suppressed her irritation, this wasn''t the time for petty arguments.


    Taking a deep breath, she narrowed her swollen, tear-streaked eyes at him.


    "Why are you telling me this?" she asked. "And do you even have any evidence? I might dislike my uncle and the others, but I won''t blindly believe you without proof. I refuse to be tricked into helping someone else count their money while being deceived myself."


    Despite her emotional turmoil, she still managed to keep a rational mind. Alex studied her reaction with mild amusement. She was cautious. Smart enough to question things even when overwhelmed by grief and anger.


    That was good.


    Without a word, Alex lifted his right hand and snapped his fingers. The crisp sound echoed through the quiet hospital room.


    A few seconds later, a man in a tailored suit stepped into the hospital room. His name was Mr. Mr. Waters, and he was Alex Butler..


    As he entered, his sharp eyes caught sight of an unexpected scene, Alex had his arm wrapped around Sera Kleinberg''s waist.


    ''The young master is holding her?'' Mr. Waters was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered.


    His admiration grew exponentially, though he wisely averted his gaze and pretended not to notice. Instead, he pulled out a thick folder and handed it over.


    "Sir, here are the documents you requested."


    "Good work, Waters."


    Mr. Waters placed the folder on the table, then turned around and exited the room. Before leaving, he thoughtfully closed the door behind him, ensuring the two were left alone.


    Now, only Alex and Sera remained. Alex picked up the folder and placed it on Sera''s lap.


    "Open it. Everything you want to know is inside."


    Sera hesitated for a brief moment, then unfastened the folder and pulled out the stack of papers. She flipped through the pages, her eyes scanning the contents rapidly.


    With each page she read, her hands trembled. Shock turned into rage, and by the time she reached the final few pages, her entire body was shaking.


    There were photos. Chat logs. Bank transactions. Every single piece of evidence needed to prove Logan had hired someone shady to his dirty work. The details of her parents'' murder were laid out in cold, unforgiving ink.


    Sera let out a bitter, hollow laugh.


    "One hundred and sixty thousand dollars." Her voice was eerily calm, but her fingers clenched the papers so tightly they threatened to tear.


    "Two human lives¡­ and they were only worth one hundred and sixty thousand dollars?" The heir of one of the most powerful families in the City, her parents, had been killed for such a pitiful sum.


    Life was cheap. A strange sensation rippled through her chest, like an electric current surging through her mind.


    Everything clicked into place.


    Her parents had died when she was still a child. But before that, her grandfather had treated Logan and the others quite well. Then, after her parents'' ''accident,'' everything changed.


    Her grandfather must have discovered something. No¡­ he must have known who was responsible.


    But in the end, Logan and the others were still his children. He couldn''t bring himself to destroy his own bloods.


    Back then, her grandfather still held power over the family. Logan and the others must have struggled to keep their crime hidden. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sera''s breath hitched. A chill crept up her spine, like a cold-blooded serpent slithering over her skin. For the first time, she truly understood, her family had been a nest of vipers all along.


    Alex leaned back lazily, his expression unreadable as he spoke in an almost casual tone.


    "Honestly, even without these documents, you should''ve already had some suspicions about your parents'' deaths." His voice was calm, but his words cut through the silence like a blade.


    "It wasn''t hard to figure out. Just ask yourself, who benefited the most from their deaths? That person is usually the biggest suspect." Sera remained silent, her grip tightening around the papers.


    Alex observed her reaction with amusement. Evidence could be fabricated, but the fact that she wasn''t questioning it at all told him everything. Experience more content on My Virtual Library Empire


    She had already suspected it. Maybe she had even investigated on her own, searching for the truth in the shadows. And yet, she had found nothing.


    ''Wow, I''m really useless.'' Sera''s body trembled slightly, teetering on the edge of emotional collapse. But Alex? He was enjoying the show.


    "Let''s be honest," he continued, his voice laced with mockery. "You''ve had doubts for years, haven''t you? You wanted to know the truth, but no matter how hard you tried, you couldn''t find any evidence. In the end, you gave up."


    He leaned in closer, his lips just inches from her ear. His breath was warm, but his words were ice-cold.


    "And yet¡­ despite everything, you still held on to that tiny shred of hope. That ridiculous fantasy."


    Sera flinched on that comment and Alex smirked.


    "You told yourself that maybe, just maybe, Logan and the others were still your family." He let the words sink in before delivering the final blow.


    "You clung to that illusion, even as they pushed you aside and made your life miserable. You kept holding on, desperate to preserve a relationship that was already long dead."


    Sera''s breath hitched. The truth was too cruel to deny. Alex, of course, knew her story all too well. Like many protagonists in dramatic novels, Sera had a complicated past.


    As a child, she had gone missing, an accident that led to her being raised in an orphanage for eight years. A kind-hearted director had taken her in, giving her a home when she had none.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 113 Broken Childhood

    As a child, she had gone missing, an accident that led to her being raised in an orphanage for eight years. A kind-hearted director had taken her in, giving her a home when she had none.


    Then, by some twist of fate, the Kleinberg family finally found her and took her back. For a brief, fleeting moment, she had experienced the warmth of a real family.


    And then, her parents died. A sudden car accident had taken them away before she even had a chance to truly be their daughter.


    Now, sitting here with the evidence laid out in front of her, Sera could no longer deceive herself.


    She had been living in a nightmare all along. Sera had always longed for love.


    Her childhood, marked by loss and uncertainty, had left a deep wound in her heart. She had spent years craving the warmth of a real family, yearning for the affection she had barely tasted before it was cruelly ripped away.


    Even when her uncle and aunts mistreated her, belittled her, and shut her out, she refused to let go. She needed to believe in the idea of family.


    She had told herself that if she just endured it a little longer, if she just tried a little harder, one day, things would change.


    But now, all her illusions were being shattered.


    "Stop¡­ Please, stop¡­" Her voice trembled as she shook her head, desperately trying to block out Alex''s words.


    Her hands clutched the documents in her lap so tightly that the paper crumpled beneath her fingers.


    She didn''t want to hear it. She couldn''t hear it. But Alex? He was just getting started. Watching her break down before him, something inside him stirred, not pity, not sympathy, but excitement.


    Because just moments ago, something very interesting had happened.


    [The protagonist, Sera Kleinberg, has suffered a mental breakdown. Congratulations! You''ve earned 2,000 Critical Points.]


    ''Oh! That''s right. Sera was the protagonist too. And protagonists could also earned him Critical Points.''


    Alex had originally planned to seduce Sera¡ªjust to put a green hat on that so-called ''Chosen One,'' Eric, and watch him spiral into despair. It was supposed to be a tool to weaken Eric, a means to collect points through his suffering.


    But now? Now, things have just gotten way more interesting. Sera was far more fragile than Eric.


    She was emotional, sentimental, and deeply wounded. Her trauma made her easy to push over the edge, and when she broke, she broke hard.


    In just a short time, she had already given him 6,000 Critical Points. Compared to her, Eric was useless.


    Still¡­ as he looked at the girl beside him, tears streaming down her face, her delicate frame trembling in his arms, he felt a faint sense of guilt.


    She looked so small like this. So lost. Alex sighed and reached out, brushing away the tears at the corner of her eye. His fingers were warm, gentle, almost tender.


    "There''s one more thing I haven''t told you," he murmured. "I wasn''t sure if you could handle it."


    Sera flinched, her body stiffening once more. Her mind was already teetering on the edge, barely holding on.


    What could possibly be worse than learning that her own family had murdered her parents?


    Slowly, she lifted her gaze to him. Her eyes, once so full of life, were dull, empty. The vibrant young woman she had been was nowhere to be seen.


    "¡­Tell me," she whispered. Her voice was devoid of emotion. No matter how strong a person was, emotions would always ebb and flow.


    Sera Kleinberg was no exception.


    At first, her mind had teetered on the edge of collapse as she stared at the undeniable evidence before her. Then, under the relentless assault of Alex''s words, the last of her defenses crumbled. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She broke down. She wept. She let out all the emotions she had buried deep inside.


    And once she had cried, her mind, fragile as it was, began to slowly piece itself back together. Not fully. Not yet. But enough for her to push forward, even as she teetered once again on the brink of despair.


    By this point, she believed there was nothing left in this world that could shake her. What could possibly be worse than what she had already learned?


    She had lost everything already. There was nothing left to fear. Alex let out a soft chuckle, his voice carrying a note of amusement.


    "Your grandfather was always in excellent health, wasn''t he?" he mused. "Didn''t it ever strike you as strange? A man as strong as him suddenly falling ill?"


    It was just a simple remark. A passing comment. And yet, in Sera''s mind, it was like a thunderclap. Enjoy new chapters from My Virtual Library Empire


    A cold shiver ran down her spine as her breath hitched.


    "¡­Are you saying my grandfather was murdered?" Her voice trembled, the words barely escaping her lips.


    "That''s just my guess, of course," Alex replied smoothly, watching her reaction carefully.


    But the seed had already been planted. Sera''s hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her already little red palms as a sickening realization took root in her mind.


    "He was their father¡­" she whispered, her voice laced with disbelief. "How could they do something so heartless?"


    Alex gave a casual shrug. "Your father was their younger brother," he pointed out.


    That was all he said. But it was enough. Sera''s entire body stiffened, her breath catching in her throat.


    Then, in an instant, everything clicked.


    Her lips curled into a bitter, hollow smile as a dark, dangerous light flickered in her eyes. "You''re right," she muttered.


    "If they were willing to kill their own brother, then why wouldn''t they kill their own father? They''re nothing more than monsters wearing human skin¡­filthy monsters, wretched beasts who would do anything for money¡­"


    Her mind spun in a frenzy of thoughts, one revelation leading to another. She didn''t need proof. She didn''t need Alex to say another word.


    She knew. Alex observed her carefully, suppressing a shiver that ran down his spine.


    ''This was¡­ interesting.'' He had only offered a suggestion, yet Sera had taken that suggestion and plunged headfirst into darkness.


    ''She had built the story herself, filling in the gaps with her own imagination. I never actually said anything for sure,'' Alex thought to himself. ''This is all you. As for why her grandfather had fallen ill so suddenly? Well, she''d have to ask Eric Vaughn about that.''


    ¡­


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 Chapter 114 It Isnt Free

    ''She had built the story herself, filling in the gaps with her own imagination. I never actually said anything for sure,'' Alex thought to himself.


    ''This is all you. As for why her grandfather had fallen ill so suddenly? Well, she''d have to ask Eric Vaughn about that.''


    It was just another effect of his so-called ''Miraculous Doctor'' aura, an ability that ensured that if he didn''t have patients to save, fate would create them for him.


    If you weren''t sick before, you would be. And it had to be the kind of illness no normal hospital could cure.


    It was basically the same phenomenon that followed a criminal detective protagonist around.


    Alex smirked as another notification flashed in his mind.


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    [The protagonist, Sera Kleinberg, has suffered another breakdown. Congratulations! You''ve earned 3,000 Critical Points.]


    Not bad. Not bad at all.


    Watching the beautiful girl beside him spiral deeper into her despair, Alex finally spoke. His tone was calm, almost indifferent.


    "So?" he asked. "What do you plan to do now?" At this moment, Sera had once again fallen into complete emotional collapse.


    If he pushed her any further, there was no telling what might happen. Alex let out a small sigh. In the end, he wasn''t completely heartless.


    After earning over 10,000 Critical Points from her breakdown, he decided to stop.


    It was a staggering amount, especially compared to that useless Eric, who hadn''t even managed to break 5,000 all this time.


    Sera didn''t speak. She simply sat there, her shoulders trembling, her breath coming in short, uneven gasps.


    Minutes passed. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then, as if something inside her had clicked into place, she slowly lifted her head.


    Her swollen, tear-filled eyes locked onto Alex''s, filled with something that hadn''t been there before, gratitude.


    "Alex¡­" she whispered softly. Her voice was fragile, weak, almost pitiful. Like a drowning girl clinging to the only lifeline in a raging sea.


    "Thank you," she continued, her tone full of genuine appreciation. "Thank you for telling me the truth. If it weren''t for you, I might have lived my entire life in the dark, never knowing the truth. I¡­ I''m really grateful, Alex. If you ever need anything from me¡­ anything at all¡­ I will do it."


    Her words carried a kind of blind devotion, a desperate reliance that would make any man''s heart stir.


    And the way she said his name ''Alex'' soft, sticky, and unbearably sweet, felt like a hook sinking deep into the soul.


    Combined with her tear-streaked face, her delicate, trembling figure, and the way her voice quivered with vulnerability¡­


    Even the most self-controlled of men would struggle to resist the urge to pull her into their arms and cherish her.


    But before Alex could respond, Sera suddenly pulled away. She turned sharply, slipping from his arms and stepping back.


    Her voice, though soft, was firm.


    "I will make them pay." Without another word, she grabbed the stack of documents and moved toward the door.


    She didn''t even bother to take her luxury handbag, which was still resting on the bedside table.


    Her movements were quick and decisive. As if she had rehearsed this exact scenario in her mind countless times before.


    Alex narrowed his eyes slightly. ''Ah¡­ so the little fox finally reveals her tail. Trying to walk away with his things, right in front of him? Did she think she was at a free banquet?'' Sera''s actions were smooth.


    But Alex was faster. Just as she turned toward the door, he moved.


    Alex''s grip tightened around Sera''s delicate wrist, and with a swift motion, he pulled her off balance, sending her sprawling onto the hospital''s escort bed.


    The sudden shift left her momentarily stunned, her breath catching in her throat. She looked as fragile as a porcelain doll, her tear-streaked face and disheveled hair making her appear utterly broken.


    If anyone else had seen her like this, they would have believed she was a helpless girl, completely shattered from the emotional toll of the night.


    But Alex wasn''t just anyone. He knew better.


    Sera was anything but weak. She was clever, resourceful, and above all, determined.


    She had quickly realized that the most valuable asset she could possess right now was the evidence in her hands. With that, she could ensure Logan and his accomplices rotted behind bars for the rest of their lives.


    That was why she had played her role so flawlessly, calling his name in that sweet, pitiful voice, feigning gratitude, and distracting him just enough to slip away with the file.


    Unfortunately for her, he had caught on, or to be more accurate he knew she would do that.


    With his knee pressing against the bed and his weight keeping her pinned, Sera struggled for a moment before realizing that escape was futile.


    She let out a resigned sigh, her body going still as she dropped the act entirely. Her voice took on a more serious tone as she finally admitted, "Alex, we can talk this through."


    Alex arched a brow, unimpressed. "Oh?" He tilted his head, shifting slightly as he casually bounced on the bed, making sure she felt the weight of her position.


    "And what exactly do you have to negotiate with? What leverage do you think you hold?" His voice was smooth, but his words carried the unmistakable air of someone who had complete control of the situation.


    Sera gritted her teeth in frustration. She attempted to lift her lower body in an effort to throw him off, but her strength was no match for him.


    Realizing resistance was pointless, she settled for glaring up at him instead. Her chest rose and fell with each agitated breath, her lips parting as if she was about to launch into a tirade, only to hesitate.


    She had miscalculated.


    Somewhere in her mind, she had believed that the Alex she knew, the one who had once followed her around like a devoted little puppy, eager for her attention before Rose, still existed.


    That same Alex who had always been desperate for her approval, who would have done anything for her, no matter how coldly she treated him.


    But the man in front of her wasn''t that person anymore. He was different now, sharper, more cunning.


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 115 No Choice

    But the man in front of her wasn''t that person anymore. He was different now, sharper, more cunning.


    Her mind raced to recalibrate her strategy, and in the end, she chose to fall back on the most reliable tactic she had: playing the damsel in distress.


    With a pitiful expression, she softened her gaze, her lips trembling as she whispered, "Alex, I really need this. It''s the only way I can bring Logan and others to justice. Please, I''m begging you, help me."


    Any other man might have found it impossible to resist her at this moment, the way her wide, tear-filled eyes shone under the dim hospital lights, the way her voice trembled just enough to stir up protective instincts.


    But Alex wasn''t just any man.


    He scoffed, his expression unreadable as he studied her. "Do you really think that just having these documents will be enough to take down Logan?" His voice was calm, almost amused, as if he was watching a child foolishly believe they had everything figured out.


    Alex Reid smirked as he raised his hand and delivered a sharp smack to Sera''s upturned backside.


    The crisp sound echoed in the quiet hospital room, making her body tense from the unexpected contact. He let out a chuckle, his voice dripping with amusement.


    "If nothing unexpected happens, Logan will take over the Kleinberg Industries soon," he remarked casually, his tone carrying a hint of mockery. "With the entire industry backing him, what do you have to fight him with? Your innocence?"


    His words hit her like a blast of freezing wind in the dead of winter, cutting through her last fragile thread of hope.


    Sera had considered this possibility before. She knew that once Logan inherited the Kleinberg Industries, his power would grow exponentially, making him nearly untouchable.


    But she had refused to face that reality. She had clung to the belief that as long as she had the evidence of his crimes, she could bring him to justice.


    That was how the world was supposed to work, evil should be punished, and villains should pay for their sins.


    Yet now, even that tiny sliver of hope was shattered. Despair settled deep in her chest like a lead weight. She knew the truth. She knew exactly who had murdered her parents. She had undeniable proof of their crimes in her hands.


    And still, there was nothing she could do to stop them. ''Why? Why am I so powerless?''


    Tears welled up in her eyes, and before she could stop them, they spilled over. The overwhelming helplessness consumed her, crushing her last bit of composure.


    With a broken sob, she buried her face in the sheets and let it all out, her body shaking from the force of her cries.


    [The Female Lead, Sera Kleinberg, has suffered another breakdown. Congratulations! You''ve earned 3,000 Critical Points.]


    ¡­.


    Alex watched patiently as Sera''s sobs gradually subsided, the storm of her emotions finally quieting.


    Once she had cried herself out and was left limp from exhaustion, he decided it was time to move.


    He slipped off her body, but before she could react, he grabbed her smooth, slender legs and pulled them straight into his lap.


    "Your shoes are filthy," he commented idly.


    "Ah¡ª!" Sera''s entire body stiffened. Her face burned with a deep flush, her breath catching in her throat.


    If it had been any other situation, any other man who dared to lay a hand on her like this, she wouldn''t have hesitated to send him flying with a brutal kick.


    But now¡­ now she stayed completely still, not even attempting to resist. Because no matter how much his touch made her blood boil with indignation, her thirst for vengeance burned hotter.


    Her rage, her hatred, her desire to see Logan suffer, those things had taken over every inch of her mind. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logic had been thrown to the ground and trampled underfoot.


    Alex clicked his tongue in apparent disgust, his brows furrowing as he stared at Sera''s shoes.


    "What''s this? How did your shoes get so dirty?" His tone carried a hint of displeasure, as if the sight of a little dirt was truly offensive. Without waiting for her reaction, he reached down and slipped the shoes off her feet.


    The cool air brushed against her bare skin, and Sera instinctively curled her toes, yanking her legs back as she stared at him in disbelief. "You¡­ What are you doing? Why did you take off my shoes?"


    Alex didn''t even blink as he replied with a perfectly serious expression, "I heard you twisted your ankle. I need to check it."


    "¡­.?" Even a fool wouldn''t believe such an obviously fake excuse. Yet, at this moment, Sera had no choice but to go along with it.


    She clenched her fists, biting back her frustration. He was right about one thing, she couldn''t take down Logan on her own.


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    Even if she had solid evidence proving that he was responsible for her parents'' deaths, it wouldn''t be enough.


    Logan, once he took over Kleinberg Industries, would be too powerful. He could easily manipulate the law, dodge any punishment, and continue living his life without consequences.


    Without her grandfather''s protection, she was nothing more than a university student. Just a helpless girl with no support, no allies, and no power.


    If she wanted revenge, she had to rely on someone else. And in all of the City, only one person had the influence to challenge Logan and Kleinberg Industries.


    Alex Reid. Not the other three major families. Not any other hidden force. Only him.


    Just as these thoughts solidified in her mind, Sera suddenly felt a strange sensation creeping up her legs.


    Alex was no longer satisfied with simply holding her feet in his lap. His fingers, filled with mischief, traced teasingly along her curled toes, before slipping under her soles.


    Her entire body went rigid. A violent shudder ran through her spine, as humiliation surged through her veins like fire.


    She clenched her teeth, holding back any reaction, but the sheer frustration, both physical and emotional, was unbearable. It wasn''t just the humiliation of being toyed with. It was the crushing weight of her own helplessness.


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 116 Three Days To Think

    Sera clenched her teeth, holding back any reaction, but the sheer frustration, both physical and emotional, was unbearable. It wasn''t just the humiliation of being toyed with. It was the crushing weight of her own helplessness.


    She hated this. Hated that she had to endure it. Hated that she had no choice.


    Still, she bit down on her lip and refused to make a sound. Because she knew, if she reacted, if she let even the slightest noise escape, this man would only enjoy it more.


    [Female Lead ''Sera Kleinberg'' has suffered a mental breakdown. Congratulations, you have gained 1,000 Critical Points.]


    Alex Reid sighed as if disappointed. "Really? That was enough to break you? I barely even did anything."


    He leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear, his voice dripping with quiet amusement.


    "Miss Sera," he murmured, his tone dark and taunting, "you wouldn''t want your enemies to walk free, would you?"


    Sera''s breath hitched. Her nails dug into her palms more in anger as she forced herself to meet his gaze.


    "You¡ª" Sera wasn''t stupid. In fact, she was incredibly smart. That was precisely why she could hear the unspoken implications behind Alex''s words.


    Their bodies were nearly pressed together, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating from him, close enough that she could hear the steady rise and fall of his breath, deep, heavy, and deliberate.


    The strange sensation at her feet only intensified, sending an uncomfortable shiver down her spine. With all these stimuli pressing down on her at once, an overwhelming sense of danger took hold of her.


    "You¡­ What do you mean by that?" Her voice was shaky, hesitant, but she already knew the answer.


    She just didn''t want to believe it. No, it couldn''t mean that. It mustn''t mean that. But Alex Reid''s response shattered any remaining illusions.


    "Exactly what it sounds like."


    His fingers continued to trace along her delicate, snow-white foot, his grip firm yet teasing. "If you want my help, you''ll have to show me some sincerity."


    Sera''s stomach twisted. He was playing with her, both in words and in actions.


    She clenched her teeth, her fingers digging into the sheets beneath her. She had always known Alex was nothing more than a rich and arrogant, but now¡­ she realized how wrong she had been.


    This man was dangerous. A wolf hiding beneath the guise of a spoiled Richboy. Had he been eyeing her from the beginning? Has this all been a setup?


    Her thoughts spiraled into chaos, but she forced herself to speak. "We¡­ We can talk about this. But can you at least put my foot down first?"


    Her voice was strained, nearly breathless.


    The position he had forced her into was unbearable. She had been thrown onto the hospital bed face-down, while he loomed behind her, pressing her legs into his lap. One of her feet was trapped in his grasp, and he had been toying with it ever since.


    It was humiliating and Uncomfortable.


    Every nerve in her leg had long since gone numb, yet at the same time, the sensation of his touch made her skin crawl.


    It was as if a thousand tiny insects were crawling up her leg, both unbearable and oddly stimulating in a way that disgusted her.


    Alex scoffed. "If I can''t even touch your feet, what kind of negotiation do you think we''re having?"


    His grip tightened slightly, making her flinch. "If you want something, learn to ask properly. Are you even in a position to negotiate?"


    Sera squeezed her eyes shut, biting her lower lip so hard that she tasted blood.


    She had no choice. Not right now. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision. "At least give me some time to think¡­ I¡ªI really don''t feel well." Her voice cracked, trembling with barely contained emotion.


    It was too much. She had just learned the truth about her parents'' deaths. Her grandfather, the only person left who truly loved her, was gone.


    And now, she was being humiliated by a man she loathed. Mentally, physically, emotionally, she was breaking. Piece by piece, Sera was shattering.


    Sera had always been strong-willed, with a resilience that most people could only dream of. If it had been anyone else, an ordinary person, they might have already collapsed under the weight of despair.


    Knowing exactly who killed your family. Having undeniable proof of their crimes. Yet being utterly powerless to do anything about it.


    And now, on top of all that, she was being harassed by a man she could neither fight off nor escape from. If she were any weaker, she might have already lost all will to live.


    "Fine." Alex finally pulled away, standing up as if nothing had happened. Before stepping back, though, he casually landed a firm slap on her backside.


    Smack!


    "You have three days to think it over," he said.


    Not bad. Pretty firm.


    With the suffocating weight of his body finally lifted off of her, Sera felt an overwhelming sense of relief. She had been terrified that he might take things even further right here in the hospital room.


    This man was dangerous. Unpredictable. She couldn''t get a read on him at all.


    Forcing herself to move, she attempted to stand up, only to feel her legs buckle beneath her. Her entire body was weak, a mixture of exhaustion and lingering numbness from the way Alex had handled her.


    As soon as she put weight on her legs, she lost her balance and collapsed back onto the hospital bed.


    If it had been Eric Vaughn, the so-called male lead, or even the old version of Alex Reid, the desperate, lovesick fool she had once known, either of them would have rushed to her side, worriedly fussing over her condition.


    But this new Alex Reid? S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


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    He simply stood there, one hand lazily tucked into his pocket, looking completely indifferent. "I''ll take you home."


    "No, no, that''s really not necessary!" Sera immediately shook her head, her voice quick and panicked. "I live on campus. It''s not far from here. I can manage on my own."


    Alex Reid arched a brow. "You sure you can even walk?"


    "I¡­ I can take a taxi."


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 117 Let Me Give You A Ride

    "You sure you can even walk?"


    "I¡­ I can take a taxi."


    But before Sera could argue any further, Alex made the decision for her. Without a word, he stepped forward and effortlessly scooped her up into his arms.


    "Ah¡ª!" Sera let out a startled yelp, her body tensing as she instinctively tried to push against him. But the moment her gaze met his, she froze.


    His expression was calm. Cold. Completely unreadable. He wasn''t asking. He wasn''t giving her a choice.


    Realizing this, she stopped struggling, her weak protests dying in her throat. In the end, she simply allowed herself to be carried, obedient and quiet, like a helpless little puppy that had been picked up by its owner.


    This man is too much¡­ too domineering¡­ too infuriating¡­


    Sera pouted, lips pressed together in frustration. But when she noticed the curious stares from the hospital staff and passing patients, her face turned red with embarrassment.


    Before anyone could recognize her, she quickly buried her head against Alex''s chest, shielding herself from their prying eyes.


    A few minutes later, they arrived at the hospital''s parking lot.


    Among the countless luxury cars parked in neat rows, Alex Reid immediately spotted his own, an eye-catching Car.


    A true masterpiece of engineering. The kind of car that made heads turn wherever it went. And, of course, it was fucking expensive but not for him.


    Truth be told, his original self, the old, desperate Alex Reid, would have never chosen something so common. A mere hundreds of thousand dollar car was nothing in his eyes.


    But back then, he had been obsessed with looking like the perfect match for Sera and Rose, which was why he had settled for something more accessible.


    Now, though? He smirked to himself, amused by the thought. The only thing left to decide was whether she would willingly climb into his car¡­ or if he''d have to throw her in himself.


    The deep growl of the engine filled the night air as Alex sped out of the hospital parking lot, the powerful sound of car cutting through the quiet streets like a beast on the hunt.


    Inside the car, Sera sat stiffly in the passenger seat, her posture tense. Her hands clutched at the hem of her dress, knuckles slightly pale from how tightly she was gripping the fabric.


    She kept her gaze locked on the road ahead, though her attention never strayed far from the man driving beside her.


    Alex didn''t say a word. Neither did she. The silence between them was heavy, thick with unspoken thoughts and emotions.


    The only sound that remained was the steady hum of the car''s engine, filling the void between them.


    As the car neared a busy intersection, Sera finally spoke, her voice quiet yet firm.


    "Pull over at the next corner." She gestured toward the approaching crossroad. "I''ll walk back to campus from there. It''s better if no one sees me getting out of your car."


    Though she had once been the young heiress of the Kleinberg Family, she had always kept a low profile at school. Hardly anyone knew her true identity, and she preferred it that way.


    If anyone saw her stepping out of a luxury sports car like this, rumors would spread like wildfire.


    She could already hear it, whispers of her being some rich man''s kept woman. She wasn''t about to let that happen.


    Alex glanced downward, his eyes briefly flicking toward her feet. "And what, exactly, are you planning to do about your shoes?"


    Sera''s breath caught in her throat. Right. Her shoes were still in the hospital room. She had completely forgotten.


    Her bare feet instinctively curled against the leather seat, trying to make herself smaller, as if that would somehow make the issue go away.


    "I¡­ I already texted my friend," she mumbled, keeping her gaze downcast. "She''s bringing me a pair."


    But as she spoke, a memory surfaced in her mind, one she desperately wanted to forget.


    Alex Reid''s hands. His touch. The way he had shamelessly toyed with her feet back in the hospital room.


    A sudden heat rushed to her cheeks, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t shake the image from her head.


    Without another word, Alex Reid pulled the car into a designated public parking spot by the curb.


    At that moment, Sera''s phone rang. She picked it up instantly.


    "Hey, where are you?" came the familiar voice of her friend. "I''m at the intersection, but I don''t see you. Do you see me?"


    Sera''s grip on the phone tightened slightly. "Yeah, keep your voice down. I can see you." Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    "What? But I don''t see¡ª"


    Sera sighed and cut her off. "Turn around. You see that sports car parked behind you?"


    There was a short pause on the line.


    Then¡ª


    "Wait¡­ THAT Ferrari?!"


    Sera friend spun around, her gaze locking onto the unmistakable red sports car parked just a few feet away. Her eyes widened in shock as she quickly jogged toward it.


    As she got closer, her expression shifted from confusion to pure disbelief.


    Because stepping out of that sports car¡­ was none other than Sera herself. And through the windshield, her friend could clearly see the driver.


    Alex Reid. For a moment, her brain short-circuited. She knew who he was, of course. Everyone did.


    He had spent months shamelessly chasing after her best friend, throwing himself at Sera''s feet like some love-struck fool.


    But what she hadn''t expected, what she couldn''t believe, was that he had actually succeeded. Had he really managed to win her over?


    Sera quickly slipped on the shoes her friend had brought her, then grabbed her friend''s arm and hurried away from the parking lot.


    "Hey, slow down!" Her friend protested, nearly stumbling as she was dragged forward. "Sera, you called me to bring you shoes, and now you''re running off without explaining? What exactly were you two doing? You lost your shoes? Were things that intense?"


    ¡­


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 Chapter 118 Seras Friend Misunderstanding

    "Hey, slow down!" Sera''s friend protested, nearly stumbling as she was dragged forward. "Sera, you called me to bring you shoes, and now you''re running off without explaining? What exactly were you two doing? You lost your shoes? Were things that intense?"


    She gasped dramatically, her eyes full of exaggerated shock.


    Sera shot her an exasperated glare. "Don''t be ridiculous. Nothing happened between us. I just left the hospital in a rush and lost them, that''s all."


    Her friend, however, was far from convinced. She clicked her tongue, shaking her head in mock disapproval. "Uh-huh, sure. And I''m supposed to believe that the Sera, our school''s most proper, cold-as-ice princess, just happened to ''lose'' her shoes while in his car?"


    She stole a glance back at the sports car, her gaze falling on the man sitting behind the wheel.


    Alex Reid. Damn. Even she had to admit, this guy was unfairly good-looking. But it wasn''t the kind of pretty-boy, soft-featured handsomeness that some girls liked.


    Nor was it the warm, sunshine-like charm of a boy-next-door type. No, Alex had a different kind of appeal. The kind that was dangerous was completely different from his past self.


    The kind that made him look like he belonged in a villain''s role in some romantic drama, the cold, arrogant CEO type who toyed with people just because he could.


    And if he really was like those fictional villains¡­ then she had a bad feeling about this. Her best friend might be in trouble.


    Still, she couldn''t help but tease. "Well, well¡­ Looks like our university''s number one beauty has finally been ''picked.''" She let out a dramatic sigh.


    "What a tragedy. I thought you''d at least hold out a little longer."


    Sera groaned. "I told you, nothing happened!"


    "Yeah, yeah, sure," Though her friend still, unconvinced. She turned her gaze back toward the Ferrari, watching as the red sports car idled at the curb, its engine humming softly.


    Alex hadn''t driven off yet. It was like he was watching them. Or rather, watching Sera.


    Sera friend narrowed her eyes. This man¡­ What was he really after?


    Meanwhile, still sitting in his car, Alex Reid leaned back in his seat, lazily tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. His gaze flickered toward the system panel floating in his vision. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His lips curled into a smirk.


    "Tsk. Eric, you''re really useless." He had expected more resistance from the so-called ''protagonist.''


    So far, Sera had given him over 10,000 points worth of Critical points in just a few hours.


    And yet¡­ Eric Vaughn? Barely 5,000, it was just pathetic.


    Shaking his head, he muttered under his breath, "Even the ''heroine'' is handling this better than you. What a waste of a ''chosen one.''"


    But just as the words left his mouth¡ª


    [Ding!]


    A notification popped up.


    [The protagonist Eric Vaughn has suffered a severe mental breakdown! Congratulations! You have gained 3,000 Critical points!]


    Alex Reid''s smirk froze.


    ''¡­Huh?'' His fingers stopped tapping. What the hell was that about? Just a second ago, Eric had been holding steady, barely earning him any points at all.


    And now¡­ this? A whole 3,000 points, all at once? Something must have happened. Something big. His brows furrowed slightly. What exactly was Eric Vaughn doing right now?


    ¡­.


    At City Police Department, Detention Centre:


    Eric wasn''t messing around. But someone sure as hell was about to mess with him.


    "Get the fuck away from me!" he snarled, his voice echoing off the cold tiled walls of the restroom.


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    His entire body was pressed into the furthest corner, one hand braced against the wall while the other trembled as he pointed at the doorway. His finger shook, not from fear, but from sheer rage.


    Standing at the entrance, staring at him with an unsettling, unblinking gaze, was a skinny man with glasses.


    Yes. The glasses guy.


    Ever since Eric had been locked up, he had relied on brute force to establish dominance. The first day inside, he had beaten a gang of blond thugs so thoroughly that they didn''t even dare to breathe too loudly around him.


    After that, life behind bars had been relatively peaceful. Or so he had thought. The blond gang had submitted, sure, but then he had appeared.


    A frail-looking man. Quiet. Timid. The kind of guy who looked like he''d be bullied wherever he went.


    And yet, this scrawny glasses-wearing bastard had been stalking him since day one.


    Watching him eat. Watching him sleep. And worst of all¡­ Following him to the damn bathroom.


    Eric had tried to ignore it at first. Maybe the guy just respected him. Maybe he wanted protection. After all, Eric had wiped the floor with the gang.


    He remembered the first time he''d caught the man sneaking after him.


    Eric had smirked in disdain, thinking, You wanna follow me? Fine. But be prepared to see what a real man looks like.


    So, when he had gone to relieve himself, he had turned around, expecting to see the look of intimidation on the glasses guy''s face.


    What he hadn''t expected¡­ Was to see the man''s eyes light up with excitement. A chill had run down his spine. Something was wrong.


    Then, later that night, he had overheard the other inmates talking about why this guy had been locked up.


    Not for theft. Not for fraud. Not for any of the usual petty crimes. No. For sexual assault. And the worst part? His victims weren''t women. He had been caught before. Multiple times.


    Eric had frozen in place, his blood turning ice-cold. Panic. Pure. Unfiltered. Panic.


    ''Oh, hell no.'' At first, he had considered handling the situation like he had with the blond gang, beat the guy into submission.


    But then¡­ he realized something horrifying. What if the glasses guy liked that? What if beating him up would only make things worse?


    If brute force was a solution, then the gang of blond thugs wouldn''t have been so scared of the glasses guy.


    ¡­


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    ¡­


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    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 119 Trying

    If brute force was a solution, then the gang of blond thugs wouldn''t have been so scared of the glasses guy.


    In fact, the harder they had beaten him, the more excited he had gotten. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Eric prided himself on being a skilled martial artist, a rogue healer with a killer instinct, one hand saving lives, the other taking them.


    But psychological disorders? Yeah¡­ those weren''t in his field of expertise. There was no cure for pure, unfiltered depravity. The only solution? Stay the hell away from him.


    "Hey. Hey man. I beg you," Eric pleaded, his voice breaking. His pride was in tatters, but his survival instincts had long taken over. "Can you just go away? Please? I can''t relive while you''re watching!"


    His entire body was tensed, pressed against the restroom wall.


    Having another grown man stare at him while he tried to relieve himself was the kind of nightmare that could haunt someone for years.


    Suddenly, a memory surfaced. An old warning from his master before he left the mountain:


    "The world outside is a complicated place, Eric." Complicated? Complicated didn''t even begin to describe this situation. This was full-on hard mode.


    To his immense relief, the glasses guy finally turned and hobbled away, his steps uneven.


    Then¡ªclick. The restroom door shut. Eric let out a shaky breath, resting his forehead against the cold wall. But even with the guy gone, he could still feel those crazed eyes burning into him. Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    Instinct kicked in. Something was wrong. Slowly, Eric lifted his head and turned toward the door.


    And that''s when he saw it¡­ A tiny sliver of space, a barely visible crack between the door and the frame.


    And through it¡­ Two wide, unblinking, deranged eyes staring straight at him.


    "AH! FUCK!" Eric lost it. He could already tell, he wasn''t going to get a single second of sleep tonight.


    This night was going to be hell.


    ¡­.


    Xxxx University:


    Girls'' Dormitory:


    Back in her dorm room, Sera kicked off her shoes and climbed straight into bed. She was exhausted. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, her emotions tangled in knots.


    Yet, despite her fatigue, she didn''t shower, didn''t change, just laid there, stomach-down on her mattress, resting her chin on her hands as she stared at her phone.


    Then, after a long moment, she tapped open her notes app. Her fingers hesitated above the screen before she started typing:


    "Xxxx Mall underground parking lot¡­ no, wait, that''s not right." Her brows furrowed.


    "The security footage there doesn''t last long. So how the hell did Alex get those surveillance recordings?" She bit her lip, frowning. Something didn''t add up. And then there were those chat logs.


    Logan. That bastard had probably deleted those messages and any records of him involved a long time ago.


    So how? How had Alex Reid gotten his hands on them? The deeper she thought, the more unsettling the answer became.


    Sera mulled over the situation for what felt like hours, but she still couldn''t make sense of it. No matter how many angles she tried to approach the issue from, nothing added up.


    Eventually, she decided to shift her focus.


    "If the accident wasn''t just an accident, then I should be able to get the police to reopen the case. If they reinvestigate it properly, there must be something they can find."


    But almost as soon as she had the thought, another wave of doubt hit her.


    "But¡­ it''s been three years." Evidence from that long ago would be next to impossible to recover. Even if traces of the crime had existed, time would have already erased them.


    ''Then how? How did Alex have evidence? Where did he even get it from?'' Her head ached. No matter how she looked at it, something wasn''t right.


    But she had no other choice¡­Even if the odds were against her, she had to at least try.


    ''I''ll go to the police station tomorrow. If the car crash was a setup, then there must be something left behind¡ªa mistake, a clue, anything.''


    Her memory had always been sharp, not quite photographic, but sharp enough to recall small details most people would overlook.


    Even though she hadn''t had much time to examine the documents Alex had shown her, she had memorized quite a bit of the information.


    And with those pieces of the puzzle, tracing things back would be much easier. At least this way, she wasn''t chasing after a lead completely blind.


    ¡­.


    The Next Morning:


    City Police Department:


    Sera stepped out of the taxi and took a deep breath before heading inside.


    The police station had a heavy atmosphere like always, the kind of weight that came from years of crime reports, confessions, and closed cases.


    She was led to a small office where a middle-aged officer with graying hair sat behind a desk. His uniform was crisp, his posture rigid, he was the kind of man who had been in law enforcement long enough to see just about everything.


    Captain Brooks. His gaze was steady as he listened to her explain why she was here.


    ¡­


    ..


    .


    "So, you believe your parents'' accident wasn''t an accident?" His voice was even, but there was a trace of skepticism in it.


    Sera''s fingers clenched into fists, but her expression remained calm.


    "Yes," she said, her tone firm. "I was young when it happened. Back then, I didn''t understand much, but now I do. And I know, the probability of my parents'' deaths being intentional is very high."


    Captain Brooks exhaled slowly and leaned back in his chair. Cold cases weren''t unheard of in the department, but reopening a closed investigation was an absolute headache.


    Especially one that was three years old. Time had a way of erasing details, and in cases like these, even the most crucial evidence could be long gone.


    His fingers drummed against the desk as he studied her.


    "If you want us to reinvestigate," he said, choosing his words carefully, "you''ll need something solid. Some kind of evidence."


    ¡­


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 Chapter 120 No Evidence

    "If you want us to reinvestigate," he said, choosing his words carefully, "you''ll need something solid. Some kind of evidence."


    His sharp eyes locked onto hers.


    "So, Miss Sera¡­do you have¡­ any?" Sera Kleinberg hesitated for only a second before speaking. "I don''t have any concrete solid evidence, but¡ª"


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    She carefully laid out everything she knew¡ªher parents'' accident, the suspicious circumstances, the possible motives. She even shared her theories, her reasoning.


    But she left out one crucial detail. It was about Alex Reid and the file he showed her. The officer listened in silence, his expression growing grimmer with each passing second.


    ''If what Sera said was true, then this wasn''t just a tragic accident. It was murder. Hired. Planned. Executed. A case like that couldn''t be ignored But it''s nothing more than a theory in the end without concrete proof.''


    His fingers tapped against the desk as he processed the situation.


    "Miss," he said finally, his voice steady but firm, "if your uncle and his siblings really had a motive, then it''s worth investigating. But at the moment, this is just speculation. Without solid proof, we can''t do much."


    Then, after a pause, his expression softened slightly.


    "That said, if you can provide any leads, anything at all, we''ll open an investigation immediately. I need to warn you, though¡­" His brows furrowed. "Three years have passed. Most of the evidence is likely gone. The chances of overturning this case are slim, but we''ll do our best."


    Sera clenched her fists. She wanted to argue. She wanted to tell him that Alex had already found detailed evidence, that if he could do it, surely the police could too.


    ''Was one man really more capable than an entire police department?'' But she forced herself to stay quiet.


    Instead, she sat there, struggling with frustration, trying to make sense of it all. Just then, a cheerful voice broke through her thoughts.


    "Hey, here¡ªmilk tea for you!"


    "And here is yours, I got your favorite¡ªthe pitch-black mystery special!"


    "And for you, I know you only drink lemon water, so I brought extra!"


    Outside the interrogation room, a young officer grinned as he handed out bags of takeout drinks.


    He was Jed, the newest recruit at the Police Department. Despite his casual, easy-going demeanor, he wasn''t just any rookie¡ª


    He had graduated at the top of his police academy class and was one of the most promising young officers on the force.


    After distributing the drinks to the other officers, Jed casually sipped his own taro milk tea and made his way toward the interrogation room, holding an iced green tea in his other hand.


    Just as he arrived at the door, officer Brooks stepped out. Without missing a beat, Jed handed him the green tea and took another sip of his own drink.


    "So, Captain," he asked, chewing on a boba pearl, "why the long face?" Captain Brooks let out a heavy sigh.


    He gestured toward the interrogation room, where Sera sat patiently, and then explained the entire situation to Jed.


    When he was done, Jed raised an eyebrow.


    "So, it''s just a family feud?" Captain Brooks shook his head.


    "That''s not the problem," he said. "The problem is that Logan is a member of the Kleinberg Family."


    Jed''s expression turned serious.


    "Captain, we''re not going to ignore this just because Logan is from the Kleinberg Family, right?"


    "Of course not," Captain Brooks replied immediately, shaking his head. "But listen, Logan isn''t some amateur. If he was involved in this, you can bet he planned every detail carefully. A person like him wouldn''t leave behind any obvious evidence."


    He sighed again.


    "And let''s be real¡ªit''s been three years. Even if there were clues back then, how many do you think would still exist today? There''s almost no chance of overturning this case."


    ''Almost zero.'' Jed thought for a moment, then glanced toward the interrogation room.


    "Mind if I talk to her?" Captain Brooks nodded. "Go ahead." Then he turned and walked away, leaving Jed to handle the conversation.


    With that, Jed pushed open the door and stepped inside. He sat down across from Sera, his expression friendly but professional.


    "Nice to meet you, Miss Sera. I''m Officer Jed."


    Sera straightened her posture. "Nice to meet you, Officer Jed."


    Jed leaned forward slightly, keeping his tone light.


    "So, can you tell me why you suddenly want to reopen the case? Did you discover something new?" Sera shook her head.


    "No, there''s no major evidence I have found," she admitted. "But¡­ My grandfather passed away a few days ago. And when that happened, my uncle and aunt nearly fought each other over the inheritance."


    Her hands clenched slightly in her lap.


    "It made me think of my parents," she continued. "What if their deaths weren''t an accident? What if they were killed because of the same kind of family conflict?"


    She hesitated for a moment before adding,


    "I still remember, when my father was alive, my grandfather valued him more than anyone else in the family."


    Inside the interrogation room, Sera kept her head down, brows tightly furrowed.


    "You seem anxious," Jed observed.


    "A little¡­" Sera admitted hesitantly.


    "Is someone threatening you?" Jed''s gaze locked onto her, sharp and unwavering, studying her expression for the slightest reaction.


    Sera''s body stiffened.


    ''How does he know?!'' Her first thought was that Jed might be working for Alex. ''Was he the police informant Alex had placed inside the department? If so, then telling him anything would only put her in greater danger.''


    A flicker of fear flashed through her eyes, so quick that most people wouldn''t have noticed.


    But Jed did. That split-second reaction confirmed his suspicion. Someone was indeed pressuring her.


    He was just about to press further when the sound of hurried footsteps interrupted.


    "Captain, there''s a female body found in the southern suburbs. Possible homicide."


    "Alright. Gather the team. We''re moving out."


    Roughly two and a half minutes later, the interrogation room door swung open. A uniformed officer poked his head inside.


    "Jed, there''s a case. Captain wants you to come along." Jed took one last glance at Sera before standing up. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Got it." He turned back to her and gave a reassuring nod.


    "This conversation isn''t over," he said with a small smile. "Let''s continue it after I''m back." With that, he left the room, leaving Sera alone with her thoughts.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 121 Sophia

    "This conversation isn''t over," he said with a small smile. "Let''s continue it after I''m back." With that, he left the room, leaving Sera alone with her thoughts.


    Sera sat still, staring at the closed door. Her mind was in turmoil. Jed knew. Maybe he didn''t know the details yet, but he had already sensed that someone was controlling her. That wasn''t good.


    She needed to be more careful. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to calm down. Panic would only make her reckless.


    At that moment, her phone vibrated inside her bag. She took it out and glanced at the screen.


    [Incoming Call: Sophia]


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    "Sophia?"


    "Sera, where are you? Are you still at the police station?"


    "Yeah."


    "Geez, what are you doing there? Did something happen?"


    Sophia, Sera''s college roommate, was the kind of girl who had zero awareness of how cruel the world could be. She was innocent, kind-hearted, and¡­ incredibly na?ve.


    In short, the kind of person who would walk into a scam with a smile, thinking she had made a new friend.


    Sera forced herself to sound normal. "It''s nothing serious. Just some personal matters."


    "Are you okay?"


    "I''m fine."


    "Then hurry back!" Sophia whined. "We''re supposed to go shopping today, remember?"


    ''Shopping?'' Sera had completely forgotten. Before she could answer, Sophia continued excitedly,


    "Oh! And guess what? The man from the business school name Logan, asked me out!"


    Sera''s grip on her phone tightened.


    ''Logan?'' The name sent a chill down her spine. Sophia kept talking, completely unaware of Sera''s sudden silence.


    "He''s so handsome! And he''s rich too! I mean, I know people say he has a bit of a bad reputation, but that''s just gossip, right? He seems really nice!"


    Sera''s heart pounded.


    ''No. No, no, no. This is bad.'' She had tried so hard to keep herself away from Logan''s attention. But now, her clueless roommate had walked right into his sights.


    Sera forced herself to speak calmly.


    "Sophia, listen to me. You can''t go out with him." S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Huh? Why not?"


    "Because¡ª" Sera hesitated.


    ''What could I say? That Logan was a dangerous man? That he might have been involved in her parents'' deaths? That he was the kind of person who wouldn''t hesitate to destroy anyone who got in his way?''


    Sophia would never believe her. So instead, she said, "Because I need you to go shopping with me instead."


    Sophia groaned. "Seriously? But¡ª"


    "No buts," Sera interrupted, forcing a lighthearted tone. "You promised, didn''t you? Besides, I need some new clothes, and I need your fashion advice."


    Sophia hesitated. "¡­Fine. But you owe me treat"


    "Deal." Sera hung up, exhaling deeply. She had bought herself some time. But it wasn''t enough.


    She needed to find a way to keep Sophia far, far away from Logan.


    Jed had originally planned to dig deeper into Sera''s parents accident. But with the sudden emergence of a murder case, his priorities were forcefully shifted.


    As a fresh graduate from the police academy, he was still a rookie in the field. Yet, now he was being pulled straight into the deep end, a real homicide case. It was a rare opportunity to gain firsthand experience, so he had no choice but to go along.


    Meanwhile, Sera left the police station alone.


    As she stepped outside, she looked up at the heavy, overcast sky. The air felt thick, as if it was on the verge of a downpour.


    Her heart was just as cloudy.


    ''Would the police actually follow up on her case? Would they find anything? Or would this all be swept under the rug, just like three years ago?''


    These thoughts just ringed in his mind again and again. She didn''t know. But one thing was clear, her inner balance was shifting.


    A decision that she had been hesitant to make was slowly becoming inevitable.


    ¡­.


    Xxxx Avenue was the busiest and most extravagant street in the City.


    It was home to Night Bar, the most famous nightclub in the area. A place where money flowed like water, where the city''s elite, celebrities, and underworld figures gathered to indulge in their vices.


    More importantly, it was one of Alex''s businesses. Despite being the owner, Alex rarely visited.


    Compared to the chaotic, hormone-fueled energy of a nightclub, he preferred the slow, refined atmosphere of a lounge.


    But tonight, he made an exception.


    Why? Because he was waiting for the second female lead to make her entrance.


    It was a well-known fact that every clich¨¦ novel followed a certain pattern when it came to the protagonist''s female companions:


    ?The Aristocratic Lady:- Graceful, poised, and raised in the lap of luxury, she carries herself with an air of elegance befitting her prestigious lineage. Beneath her refined demeanor lies a sharp intellect and a will of steel, making her a formidable presence in any room.


    ?The Fiery Detective:- Fiercely independent and unafraid to speak her mind, she is a dedicated officer with a strong sense of justice. Her temper often gets the best of her, leading to frequent clashes with the protagonist, but beneath her tough exterior is a heart that longs for connection.


    ?The Ice Queen CEO:- Commanding, ruthless, and the very definition of power, she has built an empire with her own hands. She demands excellence from everyone around her, yet behind closed doors, there exists a side of her that few ever get to see¡ªa vulnerable, lonely heart longing for warmth.


    ?The Struggling Beauty:- Sweet, kind-hearted, and full of quiet resilience, she comes from a humble background and works tirelessly to support herself. Though life has not been easy, she never loses her optimism or her gentle nature, drawing others to her like a beacon of light in the darkness.


    ?The Adoring Little Sister:- Innocent, cheerful, and full of admiration for the protagonist, she sees the world through bright, trusting eyes. Whether by blood or by bond, she clings to him with unwavering devotion, always believing in his strength and kindness.


    And tonight, the ''The Struggling Beauty'' was supposed to appear. Her setup was always the same¡­ A sick mother or grandmother in need of expensive medical treatment.


    A desperate struggle to make ends meet. A part-time job in a nightclub or some store. A clueless thug who decided to harass her.


    And at the perfect moment, the protagonist appears, playing the hero. A classic, overused storyline.


    Alex still found it amusing. Sitting at the dimly lit bar, he ordered a simple drink.


    "One non-alcoholic drink." The bartender, a short-haired woman with a flirtatious smile, immediately recognized him.


    "Right away, boss. Please wait a moment." Although Alex rarely showed up, everyone in the bar knew who he was.


    After all, it was standard protocol for villains in powerful organizations to be instantly recognized by their subordinates.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 122 Night Club

    After all, it was standard protocol for villains in powerful organizations to be instantly recognized by their subordinates.


    The classic trope in any protagonist-centered story was this: the lower-ranked underlings of an organization would always fail to recognize the main character.


    In fact, they might even go out of their way to mock him. Then, just as the tension reached its peak, a higher-up would appear, recognize the protagonist instantly, and the underlings would be left gaping in shock, realizing too late whom they had just provoked. At that moment, the protagonist''s display of dominance would be complete.


    Sitting at the dimly lit bar, sipping an non-alcoholic drink, Alex couldn''t help but imagine a scenario that would elevate his mood.


    He wished that, right now, some bold individual would stand up in the middle of the club and shout the classic line: "Tonight, all drinks are on me!" That would be quite the spectacle.


    This wasn''t just any club; this was the most famous and high-end establishment in the City. A single night''s revenue could reach nearly hundreds of thousand. That sum wasn''t much to him, just spare change, really.


    Taking a sip of his drink, he casually turned to the bartender and asked, "Have there been any new hires recently? Temporary staff, perhaps?"


    The bartender, a short-haired young woman, was momentarily taken aback. It wasn''t every day that their boss personally struck up a conversation with her.


    She quickly ran through her memory before answering, "There is one¡ªRiley. She joined last week. But she doesn''t accompany guests for drinks. Lane takes good care of her."


    A new hire, just last week. And she was already being looked after by the club''s manager? That was a strong indicator. Alex Reid narrowed his eyes slightly. Just to be sure, he asked, "Is she good-looking?"


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    The bartender blinked in surprise before flashing a knowing smile. "She''s gorgeous. Riley is the campus from the University, and completely natural too. Word is, she took this job because she''s in desperate need of money."


    Having worked at the bar for a while, the bartender had long since learned to read the room. She knew when to speak, and more importantly, what to say.


    The moment the boss asked about a new hire''s appearance, she was certain, tonight, their boss wasn''t here just to drink.


    That was precisely why, when answering his question, she had made sure to emphasize the words completely natural.


    She had a decent relationship with Riley, but business was business. If the boss wanted something, well, that was just the way the world worked.


    "Call Lane over," Alex Reid instructed.


    Lane was the manager of his bar, as well as the person overseeing all of his nightclub businesses. If anyone knew the details about a particular employee, it would be Lane.


    "Understood, boss." With that, the bartender gave a respectful nod before turning away to fetch Lane.


    ¡­.


    Near the bar counter, a young woman stood quietly, looking completely out of place in the dimly lit nightclub.


    She wore the standard uniform of the club, but no matter how one looked at her, she didn''t belong here.


    Her long black hair was neatly braided into twin plaits, and she wore large, black-framed glasses that gave her a bookish, innocent look.


    Her demeanor was reserved, and there was a subtle nervousness in the way she held herself, as if she wasn''t quite sure where to stand.


    A young man with bleached yellow hair swaggered over, a cigarette lazily hanging from the corner of his lips.


    In one hand, he held a glass filled with a deep amber liquid, the strong scent of alchol rising from it. He leaned in close, smirking as he slid the drink toward her.


    "Hey, gorgeous," he drawled. "Drink this, and I''ll drop another ten grand at your bar tonight."


    The girl stiffened. Her hands instinctively clenched at the hem of her uniform as she hesitated. Finally, in a small, timid voice, she said, "Th-thank you¡­ but I don''t drink."


    The young man blinked, as if he had just heard something utterly ridiculous. Then, a second later, he let out a loud, mocking laugh.


    "You don''t drink?" He repeated, incredulous. "Then what the hell are you doing working in a bar?"


    "I¡­ I''m just here to work," she murmured, lowering her head even further. Her voice was so soft that, in the midst of the club''s pounding electronic beats, it was nearly impossible to hear her.


    The man''s expression darkened. His inebriated mind, clouded by both alcohol and arrogance, twisted her words into something offensive.


    "The hell are you playing at? Acting like some innocent little girl," he sneered. "What kind of proper girl works in a bar, huh?"


    He had already had quite a bit to drink, and now that a mere bar girl was daring to turn him down, his drunken pride flared. His grip on the glass tightened, and his eyes burned with irritation.


    "I''m asking you one more time¡­ are you drinking this or not?" His voice dropped, his tone carrying an unmistakable threat. "If you don''t drink, you''re disrespecting me."


    "I¡­" Riley''s breath caught in her throat. Her heart pounded as she instinctively took a step back, but the counter was already behind her. She had nowhere else to retreat.


    This job paid handsomely to her per night¡ªit was the best-paying work she had ever had. She couldn''t afford to lose it. It had been her roommate who helped her get this position, and she desperately needed the money.


    But now, faced with the man''s aggressive stance and the oppressive weight of his gaze, her mind went blank. She didn''t know what to do.


    Just as she felt herself cornered with no escape, a tall figure stepped smoothly between them.


    A woman, dressed in a sleek black bodycon dress, stood with effortless authority between Riley and the drunkard.


    "Well, well, well¡­. Sir," the woman said, her voice smooth yet ice-cold. "You''ve got some guts. Flirting with our club girls right under my nose?"


    The moment the drunkard heard that voice, his drunken haze evaporated like smoke in the wind.


    "L-Lane?" His breath hitched as a wave of sobriety hit him. "L-Lane¡­ What are you doing here?"


    Riley''s tense shoulders instantly relaxed. Relief flooded her chest, and for the first time all night, she felt safe.


    Lane was a half-Russian, half-Chinese beauty. She had inherited the tall, statuesque figure of her Russian ancestry, paired with the delicate, refined facial features of the East.


    She was the kind of woman who exuded a commanding presence just by standing there, elegant yet dangerously sharp.


    With a casual motion, Lane pulled Riley behind her, placing herself squarely between the frightened girl and the drunk man.


    As she did, her sharp gaze flickered to the side, as if glancing toward someone in the distance. A flicker of something unreadable passed through her eyes.


    But for now, her focus remained on the man before her. And she wasn''t amused. But she quickly regained the aura of a nightclub queen.


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 Chapter 123 Riley

    But for now, her focus remained on the man before her. And she wasn''t amused. But she quickly regained the aura of a nightclub queen.


    With her arms crossed in front of her chest, she lifted the two magnificent assets, something that seemed to exist only in drama, resting them atop her forearms.


    The deafening beat of the music pounded through Bar, a relentless rhythm that pulsed through the air like an electric current. The atmosphere was thick with heat and the scent of alcohol, laced with the unmistakable tension of raw, unfiltered desire.


    But despite the sweltering environment, the blonde-haired young man was drenched in cold sweat.


    He might have been the son of some extra rich family''s, a privileged boy with money to burn, but even he knew there were limits.


    This Bar was not just another high-end club for rich kids to throw their weight around. There was a backing behind this bar, a power that even he wouldn''t want to mess with.


    He had seen it happen before.


    There had been other ignorant people in their circle, someone even wealthier and more influential than himself. One night, after downing too many strong drinks, that fool had decided to try his luck with Lane. He had showered her with lewd remarks, thinking his family name could shield him.


    It hadn''t.


    Lane had shut him down immediately, and not just with words. She had given him a well-placed, merciless kick, the kind that ensured his child would never be born. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The man had ended up in the hospital, and by the time he was discharged, his family''s influence and business was in so much loss.


    A fate like that¡­ was not something the blond boy dared to risk. His throat felt parched. He quickly plastered on an apologetic smile, trying to defuse the situation before it escalated further.


    "L-Lane, I¡ªI had too much to drink tonight," he stammered. "Don''t take it to heart, alright? I¡ªI''ll apologize to the lady directly right now."


    Without waiting for a response, he picked up his glass of deink, tilted his head back, and downed the entire thing in one gulp. The burn of alcohol seared his throat, but he didn''t dare flinch.


    Turning to Riley, he forced out, "Miss, I¡­ I said some things I shouldn''t have. It was the alcohol talking. Please, don''t take it personally."


    His words were hardly sincere, but his fear? That was very real.


    Lane''s gaze remained frosty. She crossed her arms, the motion only emphasizing her curvaceous figure, and let out a cold chuckle.


    "Sir," she said, her voice carrying a dangerous edge. "That apology of yours¡­ doesn''t sound very heartfelt."


    The man stomach clenched. "Th-then¡­ what do you think I should do?"


    Lane''s lips curled into a smirk. "Well, how about this? Why don''t you sign up for a club premium membership? Show some generosity and help our frightened little lady here meet her sales quota."


    Wang nearly choked.


    Thia club premium membership costs a fortune¡­ you can guess this is ipen for only wealthy and influential people only so¡­ that price was reasonable¡­ You can think of it like a normal bar but with an economy side and then there is another 1st class side.


    That wasn''t pocket change, even for a wealthy person like him. He had money, but dropping a tgat in one night was going to sting. Still¡­ what choice did he have?


    "A..A ¡­Alright," he gritted out through clenched teeth. "I''ll do it."


    He fished out his phone, made the transfer, and watched as some money disappeared from his account.


    The second it was done, he didn''t waste another moment, he turned and bolted out of the bar, eager to put as much distance between himself and Lane as possible.


    Only when his figure vanished into the crowd did Riley let out a breath she hadn''t realized she was holding.


    She turned to Lane, her voice soft but filled with curiosity. "Lane, why are you here?"


    She had always been cautious while working at Club. This place was chaotic, filled with all sorts of people, some harmless, some dangerous.


    It wasn''t a place where a girl like her could afford to be careless. In a place like this, making the wrong move could mean being sold off without even realizing it.


    After a week of working together, Riley had already placed Lane into a special category in her heart, the trustworthy one.


    In a place like this bar, where people came and went with ulterior motives, trust was a rare commodity.


    But Lane had never once deceived her. Not only had she always looked out for her, but she had also never tried to push her into anything she didn''t want to do.


    To Riley, Lane was like a good friend, someone reliable, someone good. Her gaze, clear and untainted, was filled with nothing but trust.


    "I¡­" For a moment, Lane found herself speechless.


    That pair of trusting eyes, so pure, so full of naive sincerity, made her feel an unfamiliar pang of guilt. She wasn''t someone who usually hesitated with words, but right now, she wasn''t sure what to say.


    In a club like this, it was hardly unusual for a girl to get hit on by drunk, arrogant men. It was practically routine.


    Most of the women who worked here had their own motives, their own ambitions. Many weren''t just here for a paycheck, they were here to fish for gold.


    And then there was Riley.


    The girl was stunning, so beautiful that she didn''t seem to belong in a place like this at all. Her eyes were too bright, too clean, untouched by the filth of the world. She was like an untainted white lotus, blooming in the midst of a murky swamp.


    The first time Lane had met her, she''d thought the same thing, a girl like this doesn''t belong here.


    But then she''d learned how desperate Riley was for money. And so, Lane had arranged for her to work at the front desk, a job that paid well and kept her somewhat protected.


    Since Riley had started working at club, the bar''s revenue had seen an unexpected ten percent increase.


    But that wasn''t the real reason Lane looked after her. No, the real reason was that, in Riley, she saw a reflection of her past self.


    "Lane?" Riley''s soft voice broke through her thoughts. Seeing Lane lost in thought, the girl tilted her head slightly, concern flashing in her eyes.


    Lane snapped out of it.


    "Oh!" She averted her gaze, almost guilty, before finally speaking.


    "Our boss wants to see you¡­ talk to you." The words came out a little forced.


    Riley blinked in confusion. "Your boss?"


    Lane didn''t answer right away. Her fingers lightly tapped against her arm, her posture stiff.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 124 Drinker

    "Boss?" Riley blinked, her large, expressive eyes filled with shock.


    She had only been working at this club for a week, but in that short time, she had heard countless rumors about the elusive owner of the club.


    Some claimed he was a tall, rich, and handsome business tycoon, while others whispered that he was a powerful underworld figure. There were even rumors that he had deep connections within city.


    Because of all these conflicting stories, Riley had grown increasingly curious about the man she had never met yet had heard so much about.


    But why would someone like him want to see a newbie employee like her?


    "The boss is here tonight," Lane explained, already prepared with an excuse. "He wants to assess the new staff members and see how they''re doing."


    "Assess new staff members?"


    Riley looked even more confused. Her eyes, as clear as spring water, held not just naivety but also a hint of nervousness. "But¡­ but I don''t know how to do anything! I can''t sing, I can''t dance, I don''t have any special talents¡­"


    Lane forced a reassuring smile, though deep down, she felt like a brothel madam luring an innocent girl into trouble.


    "Don''t worry," she said, voice gentle but firm. "The boss is a very nice person." At least, that was what she told herself to ease her own guilt.


    ¡­.


    The VIP Lounge:-


    The top floor of the club housed its most exclusive VIP rooms, a stark contrast to the wild, electrifying atmosphere of the main dance floor below.


    Each suite had its own unique theme and luxurious design, offering complete privacy and comfort.


    One of the club''s greatest selling points was its impeccable soundproofing. No matter how deafening the DJ''s beats were downstairs, the VIP rooms remained silent sanctuaries, perfectly insulated from the chaos.


    Alex lounged comfortably on the large leather sofa, his posture relaxed, one leg crossed over the other. He swirled a glass of Sidecar in his hand, the amber liquid catching the dim, moody lighting of the room.


    On the low glass table before him sat another cocktail, a Dry Martini, untouched, and an unopened bottle of high-proof Vodka, its presence a silent invitation for something stronger.


    A soft knock came at the door. Moments later, it opened.


    Lane stepped in first, her high heels clicking against the marble floor. Behind her, half-hidden in her shadow, was a small, timid figure.


    A delicate, helpless little thing.


    "Boss," Lane said, her voice composed but her expression unreadable. "I''ve brought her." Lane stepped aside, revealing the girl she had been shielding.


    "This is our new employee, her name is Riley." With her protective barrier gone, Riley suddenly found herself standing directly in front of the club''s mysterious owner.


    Already nervous to begin with, she now felt completely exposed under his gaze. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides as she stiffly bowed. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "S-S¡­ Sir, hello!" Her voice wavered slightly, carrying a soft, almost trembling tone. She stood ramrod straight, eyes fixed forward, looking as disciplined as a student undergoing military training.


    Alex lifted his gaze, but instead of looking at the anxious girl in front of him, his attention landed on Lane.


    Lane, whose blood carried half Russian heritage, had a figure that could only be described as explosive.


    The kind that strained the very fabric of her dress, leaving little to the imagination. She was the type of woman that could drive men insane with just a glance.


    If a room full of lecherous men saw her, they would probably lose their minds, yelling "Step on me, Miss!" without shame.


    In the original plot, Lane was someone Alex had picked up in Russia of course he doesn''t remember clearly when as it was before he had transmigrated. From then on, she remained by his side, serving as his right-hand woman, much like the refined yet ruthless Mr. Waters.


    Though her area for now was only in this bar and not outside.


    Later in the plot, when the protagonist, Eric Vaughn, launched his attack, Lane sacrificed herself to buy time for Alex''s escape like Mr. Waters in the Ethan one. Poisoned by Eric, her death was nothing short of tragic.


    But right now, none of that had happened yet.


    Lane suddenly felt something odd in the way her boss was looking at her. It wasn''t the usual commanding gaze he carried, but something else, something she couldn''t quite put her finger on.


    Instinctively, she decided it was best to leave as soon as possible.


    "Boss, I''ll leave you two to talk," she said casually, already turning toward the door. "There''s still work outside I need to take care of."


    Alex gave a slight nod, granting his silent approval.


    However, just as Lane reached for the door handle¡ª "Wait, Lane! You''re leaving?"


    Riley''s voice shot up an octave, her panic clear as day. She turned toward Lane in alarm, like a lost child about to be abandoned in unfamiliar territory.


    Lane was her only lifeline in this place! She might have been a little naive, but she wasn''t stupid.


    Being left alone in a private VIP room with a man she barely knew? A man as powerful and enigmatic as the club owner? That just didn''t seem right!


    But before she could even finish processing her thoughts, Lane had already stepped outside¡­ And the door clicked shut. Experience more content on My Virtual Library Empire


    The private VIP room fell into complete silence, so quiet that the faint sound of ice melting in a glass seemed deafening. The air carried the subtle scent of cocktails, blending with the lingering tension.


    Riley stood stiffly near the door, her posture as rigid as a student being scolded by a strict teacher. She swallowed nervously before speaking, her voice soft and hesitant.


    "S-Sir¡­ hello."


    Alex barely acknowledged her, offering only a small nod before taking another sip of his drink. He had no intention of making small talk.


    In his past life, his alcohol tolerance had been average at best. But after arriving in this world, he had purchased a skill from the system''s marketplace, "Bottomless Drinker" after browsing for some time in the system shop. His capacity for alcohol had skyrocketed, making him immune to intoxication.


    ¡­


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    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 125 Just One Sip

    In his past life, his alcohol tolerance had been average at best. But after arriving in this world, he had purchased a skill from the system''s marketplace, "Bottomless Drinker" after browsing for some time in the system shop. His capacity for alcohol had skyrocketed, making him immune to intoxication.


    In simpler terms, when it came to drinking, he could confidently declare: I''m not singling anyone out, but all of you here are amateurs compared to me.


    Since Alex didn''t seem interested in speaking, Riley remained obediently silent. But her curiosity got the better of her.


    Every few moments, she would sneak a glance at him, only to panic and lower her gaze whenever she thought he might notice.


    After a brief pause, she''d peek at him again, then quickly look away like a guilty child caught red-handed.


    Alex resisted the urge to sigh. ''Is she a grade schooler or what?'' Placing his glass down, he finally spoke, his tone casual yet direct.


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    "Is there something on my face?" Riley jolted upright.


    "A-Ah?! N-No, nothing!" Her hands instinctively clenched the hem of her shirt, her nervous energy making her fidget like a restless kitten.


    Alex leaned forward slightly, resting his forearm on his knee. "Can you sing?"


    "Sing?" She blinked rapidly before shaking her head. "Not really¡­ Does being tone-deaf count?"


    ''So, that''s a no.'' He exhaled lightly before trying again. "What about dancing?"


    "Dancing¡­ um, also not really. Do warm-up exercises count?" Alex Sigh. At this point, even a restaurant wouldn''t hire her as a waitress.


    He looked her over, taking in the simple, almost makeup-free face. Despite her plain appearance, her beauty was undeniable.


    Her straight bangs, reminiscent of a high school girl, framed large, clear eyes that held traces of anxiety, yet beneath that nervousness, there was something else.


    A kind of pure, naive foolishness. A rare sight in a place like Club. Of course, there was a reason behind this contradiction, why someone so untainted had chosen to work in a place that catered to the wealthy and the corrupt.


    Her grandmother was sick. Not just any illness, but cancer. Late-stage. The kind of diagnosis that meant towering medical bills and slim chances of survival.


    And why was it specifically late-stage cancer and not some other common condition? Simple. Because if it were something easily treatable with modern medicine, then how else would the Miraculous doctor, Eric Vaughn, get his grand entrance?


    In reality, cancer, especially late-stage, offered little to no hope for recovery. Even at mid-stage, the chances of survival were very¡­ very slim.


    But in the world of brainless urban power fantasies?


    Forget the late-stage. Even if cancer had reached some new stage, all it took was the protagonist making a casual move, and the disease would be cured within minutes.


    In the original plot, Eric Vaughn had visited the Club for a drink, only to come across Riley being harassed by a few small-time thugs.


    The moment he laid eyes on her, he was stunned by her beauty, a once-in-a-lifetime masterpiece, he had thought.


    Naturally, the heroic protagonist couldn''t just stand by.


    So, he beat the thugs to a pulp, causing quite a bit of collateral damage in the process. Glass shattered, tables flipped, and several club decorations were reduced to rubble.


    When the club later demanded compensation, did Eric take responsibility? Of course not. Instead, he turned around and beat up the club''s security team as well.


    And that was that.


    After leaving the club, a tearful and grateful Riley revealed why she had taken up a job at such a place, her grandmother''s illness.


    Eric, being the prodigy Miracle doctor that he was, immediately declared: "Your grandmother''s illness? I can cure it."


    From then on, things naturally fell into place, and the sweet, innocent girl became completely enamored with him.


    Alex''s lips curled into a faint smirk as he rested his hand on the table.


    "You can''t sing or dance¡­" He tapped his fingers lightly against the glass. "But surely you can drink?"


    "D-Drink?" Riley stammered, her expression shifting slightly. "I¡­ I don''t¡­ I can only drink a little." Her first instinct was to say she couldn''t drink at all.


    But when she caught the faint displeasure in the boss''s gaze, she quickly swallowed her words and revised her answer.


    ''A young, wealthy, and handsome man like him wouldn''t force me to drink just for the sake of it¡­ right? He''s probably only suggesting this because I have no talent, and he doesn''t know what else to do with me¡­Wait¡­ If I had outright refused just now, would that have annoyed him? Would I have lost this easy job that pays 500 dollars a night for minimal effort?''


    Riley congratulated herself on her quick thinking. Looking at Alex, like understanding workplace dynamics like a pro!


    Alex pushed a glass toward her.


    "Then drink this." On the table sat a special dry martini, personally requested from the bartender. Unlike a regular dry martini, this one was crafted to hit hard and fast.


    Mercy? That''s the protagonist''s concern. A villain should act like a villain.


    Riley''s eyes widened as she stared at the glass.


    "Ah¡­ The whole thing?!"


    Although Riley had only been working at club for a week, she had already learned a thing or two about cocktails. And unfortunately, she recognized the drink in front of her.


    A dry martini¡ªone of the stronger cocktails. One sip, and she might be fine. The whole glass?


    She would definitely get drunk. She didn''t want to get drunk. She couldn''t get drunk.


    "Sir¡­" Riley hesitated, her fingers tightening around the hem of her dress. "I still have to go to the hospital after work to take care of my grandma. If I get drunk, there''ll be no one to look after her." sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She lowered her gaze, hoping that by showing her vulnerability, she could earn the big boss''s sympathy.


    Alex let out a quiet sigh.


    "Fine. Just one sip, then."


    ¡­


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 Chapter 126 Desperate Plea

    "Fine. Just one sip, then." By lowering the bar, he left her with no room to refuse. One sip instead of a full glass.


    Riley hesitated. She was na?ve, but she wasn''t foolish. If she kept refusing, she might really upset him.


    Biting her lip, she took two steps forward, carefully picking up the glass. Just as she brought it to her lips, she met his gaze¡ªcold and unreadable.


    Her heart skipped a beat. In her panic, her ''small sip'' turned into a large mouthful.


    The drink was smooth, surprisingly refreshing, with a faint citrusy sweetness lingering on her tongue. It wasn''t as harsh as she had feared.


    For a brief moment, she even thought¡ªMaybe¡­ I could take another sip?


    But what she didn''t realize was that her face was already flushed red, all the way to her ears. This particular dry martini had been specially mixed by the bartender. The alcohol burn was mild, but its effects?


    Immediate. Alex gave a small nod of approval.


    "Your name is Riley, right?" He leaned back, voice casual. "Where are you from?"


    "My¡­ my hometown is in the country side," she murmured, her voice softer than before. A light buzz had settled into her head, making everything feel a little¡­ floaty.


    Alex saw the change and seized the moment. With the right words and just a little push, walls crumble.


    And with alcohol? Even faster. Soon, the conversation flowed. Riley, who had been reserved just moments ago, started to open up.


    Bit by bit, her secrets spilled out.


    "¡­Late-stage cancer?" Alex frowned, as if troubled by the news. "That''s¡­ a difficult situation." His voice carried just the right amount of sympathy.


    At his words, Riley''s lips trembled. The emotions she had been suppressing, the stress, the fear, the helplessness, burst free all at once.


    Tears welled up in her eyes. Then¡­ "Waaahhh!" She collapsed onto the couch, sobbing uncontrollably.


    "Grandma is my only family!" she wailed, gripping the fabric of the sofa. "Even if there''s only the tiniest chance, I have to save her¡­ I have to!"


    Alex didn''t soften his words. "Late-stage liver cancer." He swirled the remaining liquor in his glass, watching the liquid catch the dim light. His voice was cold, detached¡ªmerciless.


    "To put it bluntly, that''s practically a death sentence. No matter how much effort you put in, it could all be for nothing. In the end, you''ll just drain your savings, and you''ll still lose her." Riley''s entire body tensed.


    "And the worst part?" He leaned back, his tone calm but cutting. "The treatment you''re paying for? It''s not a cure¡­ it''s just prolonging her suffering." His words struck deep, right into the most fragile part of her heart.


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    "¡­I¡ªI know," Riley choked out between sobs, her small hands clutching the fabric of her dress so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Tears streamed down her face, her breath coming in uneven gasps. "But¡­ but what else can I do?" Her voice broke.


    She wasn''t stupid. She knew what late-stage liver cancer meant. She knew the survival rate was nearly nonexistent.


    She knew that in modern medicine, there had never been a successful case of recovery from it. And yet¡­ she still clung to hope.


    There are cases of people surviving other types of cancer. So why¡­ why couldn''t my grandma be the exception? Though she doesn''t know that her grandmother is that one exception¡­


    Her thoughts spiraled, drowning in desperation. People don''t feel grief the same way. Riley was collapsing under the weight of her pain, while Alex? He was enjoying this.


    Watching her emotions unravel, watching the cracks deepen, it was exhilarating. This should be enough. If he pushed any further, she might actually break. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex set his glass down and moved closer, settling beside her on the couch. Then, slowly, he reached out and patted her back.


    The warmth of his touch, so unexpected, made Riley flinch. His next words, however, changed everything.


    "Actually," he said, voice dropping just slightly, "late-stage liver cancer isn''t completely untreatable. I have a friend."


    Riley froze. Her breath caught in her throat, her body going rigid. Then¡ªshe snapped her head up.


    Her tear-streaked face, still flushed from the alcohol, lifted toward him. Her wide, swollen eyes shimmered with unshed tears. And in them, for the first time since the conversation started, there was hope.


    At that moment, as she stared at Alex, it was as if she was looking at light.


    The private lounge was heavy with the scent of alcohol, its dim lighting casting long shadows over the plush leather seating.


    Riley''s cheeks were flushed from the effects of the drink, her head swimming in a haze of intoxication and exhaustion. Strands of her dark hair clung to her tear-streaked face, disheveled from her earlier breakdown.


    She lay sprawled over the soft sofa, her legs bent beneath her, sheer stockings pressed against the cool floor. Her body felt weak, drained¡ªbut Alex''s words struck her like a jolt of electricity.


    Her hazy mind barely had time to process, but instinct alone forced her upright. ''What did he just say? Did he mean he had a way to save my grandmother?''


    For a moment, her chaotic thoughts cleared, and in her unfocused, watery eyes, a flicker of hope ignited. It has to be true.


    Alex was powerful, wealthy, and well-connected. If anyone could know a way to save her grandmother, it would be him.


    Driven by desperation, Riley moved on her knees, shifting slightly to face him fully. Her delicate fingers clutched the hem of his expensive suit, her grip trembling yet firm.


    "Sir," she pleaded, her voice raw, fragile. "You must have a way, right? You can save my grandmother, can''t you?"


    Alex looked down at the girl kneeling before him, meeting her pleading gaze with a calm, unreadable expression.


    The alcohol was already working through her system, making her more emotional, more reckless, but the sheer desperation in her voice kept her momentarily grounded.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 1 - 1: Prologue!

    Alex was just an ordinary 20-year-old college dropout stuck in the monotony of a dead-end job. His life was far from glamorous, working long shifts at a convenience store to make ends meet, living in a cramped apartment with peeling wallpaper, and spending his free time reading novels and gaming.


    Novels had become his lifeline, a temporary escape from his mundane reality. He devoured countless stories of overpowered protagonists, magical worlds, and cunning villains. It wasn''t just entertainment; it was a way to forget about the stack of unpaid bills on his kitchen counter and the calls from his landlord demanding overdue rent.


    One of the novels he was reading kow was A Cheesy Novel of bashing and villains getting faceslapping. It was clich¨¦, filled with stereotypical characters, a cold-hearted heroine, an arrogant plot armor protagonist, and green tea heroines.


    But it was Alex''s guilty pleasure. He loved hating the overbearing antagonist, a spineless simp who threw away his company and everything for the affections of the manipulative heroine, only to meet a tragic end.


    "What an idiot," Alex often muttered to himself while reading. "If it were me, I''d never fall for a woman like that. Who sacrifices everything for someone so fake?"


    But in truth, he envied the drama and excitement of those fictional worlds. His real life was devoid of meaning or ambition. He had no close family, no friends to rely on, and no dreams to chase.


    One particularly exhausting evening, after finishing a double shift at the convenience store, Alex stumbled back to his apartment. He collapsed onto his worn-out couch with a groan, his head pounding from lack of sleep.


    Turning on his old laptop, he opened the latest chapter of the already mentioned cheesy and clich¨¦ novel.


    "Seriously, how do you mess up a life this good?" he muttered, shaking his head. "The guy had money, power, everything. If I were him, I''d be unstoppable."


    He leaned back, staring at the ceiling. A thought struck him, one he''d had countless times before.


    "If only life were like a novel¡­ maybe I''d get a second chance to do things right."


    Little did he know, the universe, or fate, had heard his wish.


    That night, as Alex drifted off to sleep, an intense wave of dizziness washed over him. His chest tightened, and his breathing grew shallow. Panic set in, but before he could fully process what was happening, everything went black.


    When he opened his eyes, he was no longer in his tiny apartment.


    The stale smell of instant noodles and the hum of the city were gone, replaced by the leather interior of an expensive car and the faint scent of cologne.


    Looking down, Alex noticed his hands, clean, manicured, and unfamiliar. A sleek black card rested between his fingers.


    His reflection in the rearview mirror wasn''t his own. It was someone else entirely, a handsome, polished face he''d only ever seen in the pages like in those drama''s.


    "Alex," Rose Winters said, her tone sharp and dismissive, "listen closely¡­" Rose''s voice was as cold as the winter wind cutting through the luxury shopping mall''s parking lot. Her sharp tone carried an air of disdain that made Alex''s grip on the steering wheel tighten slightly.


    "It was because you begged my parents¡­ that''s the only reason I agreed to come out with you." Rose''s voice was sharp and unyielding, her piercing gaze locking onto Alex as if daring him to argue. Her eyes, cold and resolute, lingered for a moment too long, making it clear that her words were no mere exaggeration.


    Alex sat in silence, his lips pressed into a tight line. He wanted to defend himself, to say something¡ªanything¡ªbut the intensity in her tone left no room for rebuttal. She crossed her arms, her stance rigid and unapproachable, her next words cutting even deeper.


    "I hope you won''t use my parents to threaten me ever again," she snapped, her voice dripping with disdain. The harshness in her tone was a stark contrast to her composed exterior. "We''re just ordinary friends, Alex. Not whatever you''re imagining."


    Her declaration struck him like a blow. Though Alex flinched inwardly, he forced himself to appear calm, his face a mask of indifference. Yet Rose wasn''t done. Her expression softened briefly, but the change felt more like calculated pity than genuine kindness, adding insult to injury.


    "I''m heading up to shop," she said curtly, her words delivered with finality. "You can stay here in the parking lot and wait for me."


    Without waiting for a response, she spun on her heel, her high heels clicking rhythmically against the pavement as she walked away. The sound seemed to echo in the silence she left behind, each step amplifying the tension that lingered between them.


    Alex remained rooted in his seat, watching her retreating figure. The cold air inside the car seemed to grow heavier, mirroring the knot of frustration and confusion building in his chest.


    But just as he thought the moment was over, Rose suddenly paused mid-step, her body stiffening as though struck by a thought. She turned back, her cold, calculating gaze locking onto Alex once more.


    Without a word, she marched toward the car with determined strides. Leaning through the open window, her hand darted into Alex''s coat pocket with practiced precision, pulling out a sleek black credit card. Her movements were deliberate, smooth¡ªlike someone who''d done this too many times to hesitate. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A million dollars as a monthly allowance," she said, her tone filled with entitlement. She held the card up, examining it with a detached air, as if it were her rightful due. "That was your promise to me, wasn''t it? So, the money in this card?" She glanced back at him, her expression unwavering. "You gave it willingly. I didn''t force you to do anything."


    The tone of Rose made it clear she didn''t wanted the money from Alex but she was taking it because he wanted it, because he forcefully dragged her here. Because he begged his parents to go out with him.


    It was pity nothing else. And she was doing it because her parents yold her to not because she wanted to.


    Alex could feel her words burrow into his mind, each one laden with a calculated edge.


    Straightening up, she slammed the car door shut with a force that made the entire vehicle shudder. Without another glance, she turned and strode toward the luxurious mall entrance. Her figure disappeared into the crowd, the echo of her heels fading into the distance.


    Alex sat frozen in the driver''s seat, his expression unreadable. His fingers drummed absentmindedly against the leather steering wheel, but inside, his thoughts churned violently.


    The scene replayed in his mind like a disjointed dream, her cold demeanor, her piercing words. None of it felt real.


    "Did I¡­ transmigrate?" The question slipped from his lips, his voice barely audible as realization struck him.


    Fragments of memories not his own surged through his mind, unraveling the truth. He could see it clearly now, his life wasn''t his own anymore.


    "I''ve transmigrated into a cheesy web novel?" The words tasted surreal as they left his mouth. The absurdity of the situation crashed over him, yet everything suddenly made sense: the extravagant lifestyle, the bizarre interaction with Rose, the over-the-top drama.


    Leaning back in the luxurious leather seat, Alex ran a hand through his hair as the memories settled into place.


    "Wait¡­ wait¡­ Wait¡­ I''m the CEO of the Reid Industries now?" he muttered, leaning back in the leather seat as the memories gets settled.

 Chapter 2 - 2: First Step for Survival!

    "Wait¡­ I''m the CEO of the Reid Industries now?" he muttered, leaning back in the leather seat as the memories solidified.


    He recognized the plot immediately. The body he now inhabited belonged to Alex Reid, the infamous antagonist of the novel.


    The original Alex was a textbook overbearing CEO, a man with wealth, power, and a tragic backstory. But instead of using his position wisely, the fool had squandered everything.


    After inheriting the Reid Industries, a global business empire, following his parents'' tragic deaths, the original Alex had thrown himself headfirst into disaster. Obsessed with Rose, the cunning and manipulative green-tea beauty of the story, he had made reckless decisions to win her favor.


    "An idiot of epic proportions," Alex muttered, shaking his head recalling what the previous pwner of this body had done. The more he recalled, the more speechless he became.


    The original Alex''s downfall was inevitable. His blind devotion to Rose led him to ruin, and in the end, he was betrayed by her and the story''s protagonist. His empire crumbled, his reputation was destroyed, and he met a tragic end.


    "All that¡­ for a two-faced woman?" Alex''s lips curled into a bitter smirk. "Is this guy''s brain missing screws or what?"


    But now, things are different. He wasn''t the same Alex Reid. He had no intention of following the original''s footsteps into his own destruction. If anything, he saw this as an opportunity, a chance to rewrite the story.


    "If I''m the villain now, then fine. I''ll play the part," Alex said, his voice steady and determined. "But this time, I''ll rewrite the ending."


    As his thoughts solidified, a crisp electronic chime suddenly sounded in his mind. His eyes widened in surprise. A blue panel appeared in front of his eyes.


    [Ding!]


    [System Activated!]


    Detecting the host''s desire to alter the original storyline.


    Activating [Villain System]¡­ sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A mechanical voice echoed in his mind, clear and emotionless. Alex''s heart skipped a beat.


    "A system?" His eyes lit up with excitement, and a grin tugged at the corners of his lips. As a seasoned or whatever you may call it, who read lots of novels and other stuff and he was that reader of novels, he instantly recognized the significance of this development.


    [Mission Unlocked: Eliminate the moles planted by Rose in the Reid Industries.]


    Reward: $10 billion in cash upon mission completion.


    The mission details appeared in his mind, and Alex''s smirk deepened. "A system that rewards me for cleaning up this mess? Perfect." Not only there was a reward for my survival now but also a starting points as to what to do now.


    Surveying the current state of his life, Alex felt a wave of confidence wash over him. The Reid Industries was in chaos, riddled with internal disputes and a collapsing cash flow. The original Alex had left behind a disaster, but now, he had the tools and his goal to survive now to turn things around.


    "Time to get to work," Alex muttered, pulling out his phone. He dialed a number, his tone steady and commanding.


    "Hello, Waters?" he said as the call connected.


    Mr. Waters, the loyal butler who had served the Reid family for decades, answered immediately. "Yes, Sir? What can I do for you?"


    In the original novel, even after Alex was betrayed by Rose and the protagonist, leading to the downfall of the Reid Industries, Mr. Waters remained loyal to original Alex. He was one of the few who stayed loyal to the end, even attempting to avenge Alex.


    But no matter how hard he tried, the protagonist''s overwhelming plot armor crushed all his efforts, leaving him to watch helplessly as everything crumbled without the protagonist doing even something.


    Now, hearing Alex''s voice over the phone, Mr. Waters was momentarily stunned. His usual calm demeanor faltered, replaced by two emotions which were surprise and that of confusion.


    "Hello!? Sir, you there?" he asked again as he didn''t get a reply, unsure of the sudden silent on the call.


    "Ahh! Sorry¡­. there''s something I need you to do," Alex said, his tone calm yet commanding, carrying a weight it hadn''t held in months. "Announce a meeting for all senior executives of the Reid Industries, every department head and manager must attend. Ten minutes from now."


    Mr. Waters hesitated. The shock in his voice was unmistakable. "Sir¡­ Are you sure?"


    This question was not unwarranted. Ever since Alex had become obsessed with Rose, he had completely neglected his duties as the company''s CEO.


    All responsibilities, decisions, and even damage control had fallen on Mr. Waters'' shoulders not like it stopped the company''s downfall but you can say the company was still standing because of him. For Alex to suddenly take such decisive action was nothing short of abnormal for behaviour


    "Yes, I''m sure. Just do as I say," Alex replied firmly, his voice leaving no room for doubt. He then softened his tone slightly, as if acknowledging the burden Mr. Waters had carried. "You''ve worked hard all these years, Waters. But let me tell you something¡­ a little secret of mine if you would like to call it that way¡­ These past few months, I''ve been pretending."


    "Pretending?" Mr. Waters repeated, his tone laced with disbelief.


    Alex''s voice turned cold, cutting through the conversation like a blade. "I needed to see how deep the rot ran. How many of the leeches and moles Rose planted were festering and leeches of us inside this company."


    There was a pause, his words sinking in, before he continued. "But now I''ve seen enough. It''s time to take back what''s mine and set things straight in the company."


    His next words were sharp and resolute, filled with an unshakable determination. "I''m taking control of the Reid Industries again Starting by removing this gilthy parasites from my company. From this moment forward, I''ll personally lead the purge and set things straight for my company."


    For a moment, there was silence on the other end of the line. Then, Mr. Waters let out a laugh, deep, relieved, and filled with genuine joy. It wasn''t just laughter; it was the sound of someone who had waited far too long for this moment¡­ dreaming that he was right to trust Alex all this time¡­ and here he was.


    "Sir¡­ You''ve finally woken up!" His voice trembled slightly as he spoke, a rare case of a show of emotion for the seasoned butler. "I''ll make the arrangements immediately! The company''s been waiting for this day for far too long!"


    Alex couldn''t help but feel a small smile tug at his lips. Mr. Waters'' enthusiasm was infectious, but he quickly regained his composure. "Good. I''m counting on you¡­ Waters."


    The butler responded with a proud and happy voice, "Leave it to me, sir!" before the call ended.


    Hanging up the phone, Alex leaned back in the driver''s seat for a moment, his thoughts racing. There was no time to waste waiting for Rose. She was now a thing of the past, a mistake of the original Alex Reid¡­ not his.


    ¡ª¡ª


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 Chapter 3 - 3: Taking The First Step!

    Alex started the car, the engine roaring to life, and without hesitation, pressed down on the accelerator. The sleek vehicle shot forward, weaving through the city streets with precision. His destination was clear, the towering headquarters of the Reid Industries.


    The Reid Industries Building stood as a monument of power in the heart of important district.


    The skyscraper, soaring to an impressive 128 stories, dominated the skyline. It was not just a building; it was a symbol of the company''s legacy and influence over the years, a legacy that was now under threat from some two faced girls and protagonist.


    As Alex drove, his mind replayed the events of the novel. Every detail, every betrayal, every downfall was etched into his memory of course not all minor things or such as every scene, he didn''t have eidetic superhuman computer memory to remember every last word he ever read or anything.


    But he knew of some important events and some minor ones which would be helpful.


    "If the original storyline continues as it did¡­" he muttered to himself, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. "In three months, this building won''t even belong to me anymore."


    In the original novel, Rose''s manipulative schemes, backed by her family''s greed, had infiltrated the company with Rose family members. With the protagonist''s covert assistance, the Reid Industries was slowly devoured from within Itself without going any suspicious to Rose or her family members.


    Of course many would have definitely suspected them, but no one would have dared to speak or slander the girl original Alex was in love with on fully simp mode agreeing to everything she asked as absurd as it will. And just like that billions of dollars in assets were siphoned off, and the empire collapsed like a house of cards.


    Alex''s jaw clenched as anger bubbled within him. The original Alex Reid had walked straight into their trap, blind to the betrayal festering around him.


    "Not now though! I will not let that happen. Definitely Not!" Alex muttered, his voice low but fierce. His eyes burned with resolve. "Now that I''m here, there''s no way I''ll let that happen. Never¡­ Never"


    Arriving at the Reid company, Alex parked his car in the reserved VIP space which were for top executives of the company, the screech of the brakes echoing in the underground area. He stepped out of the car, his polished shoes clicking against the concrete as he made his way toward the private elevator.


    Every step he took made another clinking sound.


    The employees he passed along the way cast him surprised glances, whispering among themselves. It had been months since Alex had come to his own company so such reactions were fully justified. Many of them had assumed he was more interested in Rose than the company''s affairs.


    But now, seeing the sharp look in his eyes and the confidence in his stride, they couldn''t help but feel that something had changed. Something definitely changed.


    Alex''s sudden appearance sent some doubts of whispers throughout the building. The sleek, towering walls of the Reid Industries Its company seemed to amplify the murmurs as employees paused their work to steal glances at their CEO.


    "Wait, isn''t that the CEO? I thought he was out shopping with Rose," someone whispered, their voice barely audible over the clicking of keyboards and shuffling of papers.


    "Yeah, he never leaves her side. Why''s he back so suddenly? And where''s Rose?" another replied, their tone laced with confusion.


    "Strange¡­ The CEO''s acting different today."


    As Alex walked past, the soft hum of gossip grew louder, though no one dared speak too openly in his presence.


    "Hey, do you notice something about him? He''s¡­ different." Said one of the employee in the company


    "You''re right! He used to walk like he didn''t have a care in the world, all sluggish and weak." After hearing the comment another employee decided to speak her thoughts too.


    "But now, his steps are firm, his posture commanding. And that expression¡­ it''s so serious. Honestly, it''s kind of hot." A female employee said with a smile on her face.


    "Yeah, you''re right. He looks so much more¡­ manly like this. I didn''t know the CEO could be this handsome!" Said one of the other female employee.


    Despite the hushed conversations around him, Alex''s face remained impassive. He strode through the lobby with purpose, his sharp gaze making even the boldest employees look away, pretending to be busy with their tasks.


    As he stepped further into the lobby, the staff quickly straightened up, greeting him with polite nods and well-rehearsed smiles.


    "Good morning, Sir!"


    "Good morning, sir!"


    The employee that came near him gave their greetings.


    Alex responded with a curt nod, his expression calm and unreadable. He paused for a moment near the reception desk, his deep voice breaking the stillness. "You should have received the notice by now from my butler? Are all the preparations done just as I have asked for?"


    The receptionist, a bright-eyed young woman with neatly tied hair, immediately straightened her posture. Her hands fumbled slightly with the tablet she held, the device wobbling as she scrambled to respond.


    "Y-Yes, sir!" she stammered, her voice shaky but earnest. "Everyone has been informed and is ready. They''re just waiting for you now." Her nervous smile wavered, and she glanced up briefly, trying to gauge his reaction.


    "Good," Alex replied, his tone firm and precise, leaving no room for doubt or further questioning. His piercing gaze lingered for a second longer, making her heart skip a beat before he turned away without another word. The sound of his polished shoes echoed sharply against the marble floor as he strode toward the elevators, each step purposeful and unwavering.


    Inside the elevator, Alex caught his reflection in the sleek steel walls. The image staring back at him was calm and composed, though his eyes held a steely determination that hadn''t been there in the past. His sharp expensive suit fit him perfectly, exuding professionalism and control. He adjusted his tie slightly, his fingers brushing against the silk fabric as his thoughts raced.


    ''This is it,'' he told himself as the elevator began its ascent. ''No more hesitation. No more excuses. If this company is going to thrive, it starts now¡­ today.''


    Meanwhile, the atmosphere on the upper floors was electric with tension. Employees clustered in small groups near their desks, murmuring in hushed tones. Their conversations were just discussing themselves, or thier company CEO appeareance in months things something was going to happen.


    "What''s going on? Why''s the CEO calling everyone up like this?" one whispered, their brows furrowed.


    "It''s been ages since the last time he addressed us all together," another replied, shaking their head. Their lips pressed into a thin line, betraying their worry.


    "I heard it''s something serious," a third added, glancing around nervously as if afraid someone might overhear.


    Their whispers faded into silence when the elevator chime echoed softly through the hall. Everyone instinctively turned toward the polished double doors of the top-floor conference room.


    Inside, the room buzzed quietly with subdued conversations. Rows of senior and mid-level managers sat in neatly arranged chairs, some tapping their pens anxiously while others straightened their ties or adjusted their notes. The air felt thick with unease, like the calm before a storm.


    "What do you think this is about?" a middle-aged manager murmured to the colleague seated beside him. He leaned forward, his forehead creased with concern.


    "I have no idea," the other whispered back, shaking their head. "But for the CEO to gather us like this¡­ it can''t be good."


    Their speculation was cut short by the sudden, forceful swing of the double doors. The sharp thud as they opened echoed across the room, commanding immediate attention.


    Alex stepped inside, his commanding presence instantly silencing the quiet murmurs. His gaze swept across the room, taking in the rows of faces staring back at him.


    Some looked relaxed while some a little bit nervous but none show that on their facex, their hands clenched tightly in their laps, while others held a stiff, guarded posture, their expressions unreadable.


    The faint sound of his steps as he walked to the front of the room seemed almost deafening in the otherwise silent space.


    ¡ª¡ª


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 Chapter 4 - 4: Clearing Out Parasites!

    Alex stepped inside, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room like a storm. His presence alone was enough to silence even the quietest whispers.


    The managers shifted uncomfortably in their seats, feeling that Something wasn''t right with the way Alex was Looking¡­ he was serious.


    Without saying a word, Alex walked to the head of the long, polished conference table. Every step he took was Made a clicking sound from his shoes, exuding an unshakable confidence that made the atmosphere somewhat heavier.


    Mr. Waters, standing respectfully to the side, quickly pulled out Alex''s chair. Alex took his seat, his movements precise and calm, radiating the poise of someone completely in control.


    "Sir," Mr. Waters began, his voice steady and clear. "All personnel are present. We''re ready to begin whenever you deem necessary ."


    Alex nodded slightly, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the room. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him as a faint smile tugged at his lips.


    Alex nodded slightly at Mr. Waters'' words, signaling him to proceed. Then, without a moment''s hesitation, Alex reached out to the stack of documents before him and pulled out a folder with deliberate precision. He held it up, his eyes locking on Mr. Waters.


    "Waters, read this aloud," Alex instructed. His voice was calm, yet there was an unshakable firmness in his tone, one that demanded obedience without question.


    Mr. Waters accepted the folder, his brows furrowing slightly as he flipped it open. The moment his eyes scanned the contents, they widened in shock.


    The list was bold, decisive, and entirely unexpected. It wasn''t just a memo; it was a declaration of war. Still, he quickly composed himself, his expression neutral but his grip on the papers slightly tighter.


    After a brief glance at Alex, seeking silent confirmation, Mr. Waters stood tall and began reading aloud. His deep, steady voice echoed through the silent conference room like a hammer striking metal.


    "Effective immediately, the following personnel changes will be implemented at Reid Industries, and just to made clear ''Effective Immediately'' mean right now," he announced, pausing for a moment to let the weight of his words settle.


    He continued, his tone unwavering. "Effective immediately, the termination of Chief Financial Officer, Charles Winters."


    The room remained silent, but the tension was palpable. All eyes darted toward Charles Winters, who visibly stiffened in his seat.


    "Termination of HR Manager, Samuel Winters," Mr. Waters went on, his voice cutting through the butter smoothly with a hot knife.


    "Termination of Vice President, Thomas Winters."


    And then the list continued, each name hitting like a slap on their faces. With every announcement, the atmosphere in the room grew heavier, and murmurs of disbelief began to ripple through the crowd.


    "What''s going on? These are all people from Rose''s family!" whispered one of the managers, her voice barely audible but filled with shock.


    "Didn''t the CEO used to grovel at Rose''s feet? What''s the meaning of this?" another asked, leaning toward his colleague. The auricity speaking the word ''grovel'' while Alex was right in front of him can be used as a reference that no one gave so much shit about what Alex wanted or not.


    "Has the CEO fallen out of love with her or something?" someone else speculated, his tone a mix of confusion and disbelief.


    "No way! He''s been going after her now for like years. Why would he suddenly change now?"


    It was unthinkable for them to be hearing this, for all this time Alex is just doing what Rose or her family wanting him to be, of course some knew they were just hsing him for their own like the name just called out.


    But as usual none dared to speak them, fearing of losing thier job in the company, thats why most people even sugarcoat the Rose family in the company always flattering them whenever they could hoping to get on their good side.


    The murmurs grew louder, the managers exchanging confused glances and hushed theories about Alex''s sudden and uncharacteristic actions. It was clear that no one had seen this coming, not even those who had known Alex for years.


    Alex let the noise rise for a moment, his expression calm and unreadable. Then, just as it began to spiral out of control, he stood up from his chair, his movements slow and deliberate.


    "Humhm! Humhm!" Alex coughed and the room fell silent almost immediately, Alex demanding attention from his eyes and coughs.


    "After conducting an internal investigation¡­ over the past few weeks¡­" Alex began, his voice calm yet laced with authority, "I''ve discovered that these individuals¡­ have been nothing but parasites within this company."


    He paused, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room, ensuring that every person heard his words clearly.


    "This Industries pays you to generate profits, to contribute to its growth¡­ not to leech off it like freeloaders," he continued, his tone growing colder. "You''ve fed off the company''s resources, draining its lifeblood¡­ and given nothing in return. Such behavior will no longer be tolerated."


    His words cut through the room like a blade, leaving a stunned silence in their wake. For a moment, no one dared to speak or even move. The realization of what was happening began to dawn on the employees, and murmurs of understanding replaced the earlier confusion. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "So that''s what this is about!" someone whispered, their tone filled with relief As to not have to tolerate those bastards anymore. "These people went too far, and I think CEO''s finally had enough!"


    "Honestly, those guys were a nightmare," another one muttered under their breath. "They did whatever they wanted just because of Rose''s influence."


    "They''ve been ruining this company for years now. It''s about time someone cleaned the house!" another chimed in, their voice filled with approval.


    While the staff exchanged quiet thoughts, the dismissed members of the Winters family sat stiffly in their seats, their faces pale and ashen. For them, this wasn''t just an unexpected dismissal, it was a devastating blow to their plans. Their positions in the Reid Industries weren''t just jobs; they were their golden tickets to power and wealth. Losing them was¡­ unthinkable.


    Charles Winters, the now-terminated Vice President, finally broke the silence. Rising from his seat, he glared at Alex with a mix of desperation and anger. His hands clenched into fists at his sides as he struggled to maintain a polite tone, which he usually maintained in front of Alex.


    "Sir, don''t you think this is going too far?" he protested, his voice growing slightly louder. "We''re senior executives, and we''ve worked hard for this company. Removing us without proper procedures isn''t just appropriate¡­ but also like throwing mud in our faces."


    He paused, taking a deep breath to steady himself before continuing, his tone turning more formal and calculated. "As executives, any terminations of this nature should at least be discussed in a board meeting. There should be a vote, a formal process. Don''t you think you should reconsider?"


    Alex leaned back in his chair, his expression as calm and unyielding as ever. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, the sound echoing faintly in the tense silence. Then, he let out a soft chuckle, though there was no humor in it.


    "Huh! Imbecile as always!"


    (A/N: So, how was the chapter did you enjoy it? What do u think will happened? And more importantly how will Rose react to all these? Will she be angry? Frustrated? Or maybe some other reaction?)


    ¡ª¡ª


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 Chapter 5 - 5: Rose this… Rose that!

    Alex leaned back in his chair, his expression as calm and unyielding as ever. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, the sound echoing faintly in the tense silence. Then, he let out a soft chuckle, though there was no humor in it.


    "Huh! Imbecile as always!"


    "There''s nothing to reconsider," Alex said, his tone calm but with a final clarity that sent chills down the room especially those who were terminated. His gaze straightened slightly towards them, his sharp gaze locking onto Charles Winters For speaking out to him. "And as for a board meeting¡­ You say?"


    He smirked, the corners of his lips curling into a cold smile. It''s like they are not even trying to apologize but more like threatening him now. "That''s unnecessary."


    His next words landed like a hammer, silencing even the faintest whispers. "Because ''I AM THE CEO.''"


    The room fell into a stunned silence, Charles Winters''s protests dying straight in his throat.


    Just as he said those words a mechanical voice sounded in his mind and a system panel appeared in front of him, indicating that the matter was solved.


    [Ding!]


    [System Notification: Task Complete!]


    "Congratulations, Host, for successfully removing the parasites from the company."


    "Reward: $10 billion has been deposited into your personal account."


    "The source of funds has been optimized to appear from the most reliable origins. The Host need not worry about any complications that may arise from the system reward." S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hearing the system''s crisp announcement, Alex''s lips curled into a faint smile. His eyes glinted with satisfaction as he leaned back in his chair, looking every bit the powerful CEO he was becoming or he already was.


    "Cleaning parasites and helping me survive and even giving me rewards for those?" he muttered to himself, his tone laced with amusement. "This thing really knows how to make me move forward and even motivate me to do it."


    While Alex savored his small victory and his rewards, the dismissed members of the Winters family sat frozen in their seats. Their faces were pale, and their carefully constructed facades of confidence had cracked under the weight of Alex''s decisive actions that he had just decisively taken.


    None of them looked more furious than Charles Winters. His face darkened, his clenched fists trembling as Alex''s cold words replayed in his mind.


    Again and again it was like a replay button was inside his mind and someone was tapping on that button again and again.


    Forcing himself to maintain a semblance of composure, he thought bitterly, ''So, you''re determined to kick us out, huh? You bastard. Fine. Don''t blame me for what is going to happen next!''


    Just as the tension began to simmer down lightly, another figure rose to retorts Alex, Charles, another senior executive with ties to Rose. Unlike the other Winters family, Charles carried himself with a sense of calculated defiance.


    "Sir," Charles began, his voice steady and measured, though there was an edge of boldness in his tone. "I understand this. You are the CEO, and your decisions are yours to make and no one else. However, there''s something I must make clear."


    He straightened his posture, making a show of addressing the room. "The individuals you''ve dismissed are critical to the operations of the Reid Industries. They''re the backbone of this company!"


    Several of the other executives exchanged uneasy glances, but Charles didn''t pause. He continued with growing conviction.


    "Removing them without proper replacements will cause significant damage to the company. It will harm our operations, lower morale, and even destabilize the company value and many more things."


    Charles''s tone shifted, becoming more confrontational. "And let''s not forget your relationship with Rose. Have you even considered how she would feel about this? Such an impulsive decision could damage more than just the company, it could damage your personal life and your ''relationship with Rose.''"


    As Charles spoke, the other Winters family members quickly chimed in, their voices creating a chorus of objections that filled the room.


    "Exactly! Sir, please reconsider!"


    "If you insist on this, the company''s reputation and finances could suffer beyond thinking¡­"


    "And don''t forget, we''re Rose''s family. Your actions will undoubtedly affect your relationship with her."


    Their confidence was palpable, built on years of leveraging their ties to Rose to control the original Alex Reid. They believed that chanting her name in this problem would force Alex to hesitate, perhaps even backtrack on his decisions he had just made.


    But nothing was going to go the way they were thinking, at least not this time. As Alex didn''t hesitate. He didn''t falter.


    "Ha ha¡­ huh!" Instead, a cold chuckle escaped his lips, sharp and filled with disdain. His piercing gaze landed on Charles, who visibly stiffened under the intensity of Alex''s eyes and his just small laugh and sigh.


    "What makes you so confident that your absence will cripple this company?" Alex asked, his voice calm yet carrying an unmistakable edge.


    Charles blinked, caught off guard by the back question of Alex even when he mentioned Rose and his relationship with her, but before he could respond, Alex leaned forward, his tone turning more cold, calm¡­ and deadly.


    "Have you forgotten how you got into this company in the first place? Maybe you did? Well let me remind all of you then." The room fell silent, Alex''s words were like it was not Alex but someone else in his face or body with the way he was talking and the way he questioned or talked back and answers but at the same time satisfaction others get at the sudden change in Alex¡­


    "It was me who brought you parasites into this company!" Alex said, his voice rising slightly, brimming with authority. "And today, it is me who will make sure you''re thrown out like the trash And parasites you are and as for damage¡­ well it is inevitable as when you remove parasites from a body it will bleed a little and that is just how it works but don''t forget it is also healed!"


    His words were like a hammer, shattering the confidence of the Winters family. Several of them flinched, their faces paling.


    Alex leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room. "I had planned to let you leave with some dignity, but since you''re so insistent on playing games with me¡­" His voice turned icy, each word sharper than the last. "Don''t blame me for what is going to happens next!"


    Turning to Mr. Waters, Alex''s tone became commanding. "Waters!"


    "Yes, Sir!" Mr. Waters responded immediately, standing at attention by Alex side.


    "Effective immediately, all personnel I mentioned earlier are to cease their duties," Alex ordered, his voice firm. "Audit their activities from the day they were hired."


    The room was deathly silent as Alex added, "If any irregularities are found, no matter how minor, report them directly to the relevant authorities."


    The Winters family''s confidence crumbled in an instant. Panic spread across their faces as the gravity of Alex''s words sank in.


    "You¡­ You can''t be serious!" Charles stammered, his earlier bravado completely gone.


    "Sir, please¡­ have mercy! We''re family to Rose!" another family member pleaded, desperation dripping from their voice.


    "That''s right!" Samuel added, his tone frantic. "Rose won''t be happy about this, she''ll be furious if you go through with this!"


    The mention of Rose''s name seemed to embolden them, as if her influence could still sway Alex.


    "Huh! Rose this¡­ Rose that. Huh!"


    ¡ª¡ª


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 Chapter 6 - 6: Despair Of Winters Family!

    The mention of Rose''s name seemed to embolden them, as if her influence could still sway Alex.


    "Huh! Rose this¡­ Rose that. Huh!" S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Alex only sneered. His expression grew colder, his disdain for them more visible and evident.


    "Rose?" he repeated, his tone filled with mockery. "And what is she supposed to be? A goddess I have to kneel to? My master or something?"


    The biting sarcasm in his voice made the Winters family flinch, their desperation growing.


    Alex stood up slowly, his presence looming over them like an unstoppable force. He looked at the Winters family from his position, his expression one of utter disdain.


    "Let me make this clear," he said, his voice deadly calm. "Rose''s name holds no power here. Atleast not anymore."


    "Do you really think I care about her opinion?" Alex leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze piercing through the Winters family eyes. His voice was calm, but the disdain dripping from his words was unmistakable.


    "Do I need her permission to make decisions in my company? Do I need her permission to sit, stand, shit or something?" His tone rose slightly, every word hitting with the weight of a rock on their head.


    He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table as he continued, his voice cold and resolute. "Let me make this clear. I don''t care if Rose is unhappy. Even if she were standing right here in front of me, I''d still ensure every one of you pays for what you''ve done! No, maybe a more drastic measure to be honest."


    His words were like a thunderclap in the room. He slapped everyone in the The Winters family with his words as their paled faces visibly, their trembling hands betraying their growing panic pr their previous calm.


    The other attendees in the room watched the scene unfold in stunned silence. For years, Alex had been the laughingstock of the company, a man who bent over backward for Rose and her family, letting them walk all over him.


    But now, that version of Alex was nowhere to be seen. In his place stood a sharp, commanding figure, someone who wouldn''t hesitate to sever ties, no matter how deeply they were rooted.


    Their shock quickly turned to awe. Many had suffered in silence under the oppressive rule of the Winters family, who had abused their positions and thrown their weight around, shielded by Rose''s influence.


    For years, their actions had bred resentment within the company, but no one had dared to stand up to them.


    Well that was¡­ Until now.


    Alex let the silence linger for a moment, watching as the room digested his words. Then, his voice broke the stillness once more, calm but firm. "Additionally, Dominic, Leo Turner¡­"


    He listed off a series of names, each belonging to long term employees who were best in the company who had been relegated to obscurity under the Winters family''s reign.


    "All the names I just mentioned will fill the positions vacated by Charles Winters and the others."


    The weight of his announcement hit the room like a wave. The individuals he had named were seasoned professionals, loyal, hardworking, and highly capable.


    For years, they had been overlooked and suppressed, their talents wasted in menial roles. Now, Alex''s decision was giving them the opportunity they had long deserved.


    Several of the newly promoted employees stood up, their emotions barely contained. Their voices trembled with gratitude as they expressed their loyalty.


    "Thank you, Sir, for your trust!" one of them said, his hands trembling slightly as he bowed deeply.


    "We will give everything we have to serve the company!" another added, her voice filled with resolve.


    It was clear that for these employees, this was more than a promotion. It was a moment of vindication, a recognition of their loyalty and dedication after years of being overlooked. They were determined to repay Alex''s trust with unwavering effort.


    Dominic, one of the newly appointed executives, stepped forward. He was a middle-aged man with a calm demeanor and an air of calmness and thoughtfulness. Clearing his throat, he addressed Alex with measured respect.


    "Sir, I know your actions are for the company''s benefit," he began, his tone cautious yet sincere. "But replacing so many people so quickly will undoubtedly put financial and operational strain on our company."


    He glanced around the room, his concern mirrored in the expressions of the other newly appointed executives. "Would it be better to approach this transition gradually? It might help stabilize the company during the restructuring."


    The others nodded in agreement, their worries were clear and very much to look into. They were excited about their new roles, but they couldn''t ignore the potential risks of such rapid changes.


    Alex, however, waved off their concerns with a simple gesture, his expression remaining calm.


    That was before¡­ even he had to look into this slowly if he didn''t have a system and the reward he just got for removing the Winters family from the company.


    "There''s no need to worry about the financial impact," he said, his voice steady and firm. "I have only one goal: to get this company back on track as quickly as possible, no matter the cost."


    He leaned forward slightly, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room. "Your task is to focus entirely on this goal. Leave everything else to me."


    The order and authority in his tone left no room for argument related to this matter. Just as the executives were about to respond, Alex reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a sleek black card, placing it on the table with a deliberate motion.


    "This card holds $10 billion," Alex stated plainly, as though the amount were insignificant. "It''s more than enough to cover any loss, turbulence or anything caused by the restructuring."


    The room fell into stunned silence. The sheer amount of money Alex was willing to inject into the company left everyone speechless. For a moment, no one moved, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief.


    "Ten billion¡­ dollars" someone muttered under their breath, their voice barely audible.


    "This¡­ This is unbelievable," another whispered, their eyes wide.


    While the other executives struggled to process what they had just heard, the Winters family members sat frozen in their seats, their faces twisted in disbelief and panic. They had thought Alex''s actions were bold before, but this was on an entirely different level.


    He was prepared. He was prepared from the start.


    Charles, his earlier bravado completely shattered, tried to speak but could barely get the words out. "You¡­ You can''t be serious, Sir¡­" his eyes widened as he looked at Alex finally seeing the grim situation which he should have seen the moment he got terminated.


    Alex glanced at him, his expression still the same but the one who had a new face of a deapair was now Charles. Then, slowly, he leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze locking onto Charles.


    "Serious?" Alex repeated, his tone cold and biting. "I''ve never been more serious in my life to be honest."


    The sheer amount of money Alex was willing to put into the company left the room stunned, except for the Winters members.


    (A/N: How is story going are you liking it? You can put suggestion for the future chapter which I can take Into consideration or maybe some bashing scenes you would like to see. Well dint forget to comment and add this novel to you Library for more amazing updates.)

 Chapter 7 - 7: Unaware Rose!

    For a moment, the only sounds were the soft gasps of disbelief from the newly appointed executives.


    They exchanged looks, their surprise gradually replaced by admiration. Alex''s actions weren''t without any backup plan. This wasn''t a man making empty promises; he was fully committed to restructuring the Reid Industries, no matter the cost.


    One by one, their faces lit up with new smiles. The message was clear: Alex wasn''t just talking about change, he wasn''t just bluffing what, he was making it happen.


    The Winters family, however, sat frozen in their seats. Their pale faces betrayed the panic brewing within. Alex''s actions to clean the company fully wasn''t just talk, it was a fully planned, like a gamble he was playing but the only thing that takes away the word gamble here is that the winner was already decided and they were on the losing side.


    If Alex truly conducted a thorough investigation, everything they have done and all the money they''ve gotten under the table and the things they''d hidden would come to light.


    The years of embezzlement, the tampered accounts, the misappropriated funds, it would all be exposed. And when that happened, they wouldn''t just lose their positions. They''d lose all their freedom with it not even getting to live in a house.


    Charles, seated at the center of his family members who were terminated with him, felt his heart pounding as panic began to claw at him and others. His mind raced, replaying every shady deal, every fraudulent report¡­ everything he and they have all done in the company¡­ and the result wasn''t exactly pleasant even in their thoughts.


    "If he really investigates us¡­" The thought alone sent a chill down his spine. "The money we siphoned off, the accounts we tampered with¡­ we''ll be sent straight to prison, no questions asked!" Charles clenched his fists tightly, the veins in his hands bulging as desperation set in. He couldn''t let that happen.


    "I can''t just sit here and let this happen. I need a way out. I need¡­ a plan." Suddenly, an idea struck him. Or rather, a name. Rose. Charles''s eyes darkened as he remembered her.


    "This is all her fault," he muttered under his breath, his frustration bubbling to the surface, he had already imagined why Alex was doing it and why he was taking out on all of them.


    "All these years, she''s treated Alex like her lapdog, collaring him around her side and using him for her benefit¡­" His words grew sharper in his mind. "She must''ve pushed him too far this time. That''s why he''s lashing out at us now!" He gritted his teeth, his thoughts spiraling.


    "I have to call Rose. She''s the only one who can fix this mess now. If anyone can pull him back to his senses, it''s her."


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, all the things that were happening in the Reid Industries clearly remained oblivious to Rose and she was blissfully unaware of the storm Alex was unleashing back at the Reid Industries on her family.


    She was in her time, leisurely browsing through the lavish interiors of a high-end store in one of the city''s most luxurious shopping malls. Around her, eager sales associates flitted about, their voices filled with practiced flattery for customer with fat pockets.


    "Miss Rose, this dress looks stunning on you!" Flatter one of the female sale associates.


    "And this one is absolutely perfect for your figure! You look so elegant in it!" Another koined in not wanting to leave a commission that she will get afterwards.


    Rose smiled faintly, enjoying the attention and praises she get. She didn''t need their words to know how good she looked, but it was nice to hear all the same.


    "Fine, just wrap it all up," she said casually, waving her hand as if she were brushing off something trivial like buying a candy at a local shop.


    The sales associates exchanged excited glances, rushing to package the items she had chosen. Their energy was infectious as they gathered designer outfits, luxury accessories, and premium cosmetics, all to be paid for in one grand transaction.


    Rose reached into her handbag and pulled out a sleek black card, the same one she had swiped from Alex''s hands earlier. She held it out to the cashier with a smile on her face, her expression one of complete nonchalance.


    "Charge it," she said simply. The cashier took the card with a deep bow, her eyes widening slightly as she recognized what she was holding.


    "This card¡­ It''s a black card! I heard that there''s no spending limit on these cards!" One of the sales associates whispered excitedly to a colleague as she processed the transaction.


    Looking at the name embossed on the card, one of the sales associates couldn''t resist making a comment. "Miss Rose, this must belong to your boyfriend, right? For him to let you use something like this, he must truly adore you from the heart!"


    At those words, Rose''s smile faltered slightly. Her brows knit together, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face. "Don''t say something so nonsense like that again," she snapped lightly, her tone still polite but clearly dismissive.


    "This card''s owner is not my boyfriend," she continued, her voice regaining its calm. "We''re just regular friends, nothing more, nothing less."


    The associate nodded quickly, a professional smile plastered on her face. "Oh, right. Just friends," she said, though inwardly, she rolled her eyes.


    "Not your boyfriend? Please. No one gives a black card to a mere ''friend.''" Laughed one of the previous sales associates.


    But Rose believed her own narrative tha letting others thoughts in her mind for her¡­ it doesn''t matter what others think.


    In her mind, Alex''s devotion was entirely his choice, something he did of his own free will. She told herself she never asked him for anything, never forced him into anything, and their relationship remained nothing more than ''ordinary friends.'' S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And nothing more than friends.


    To her, his behavior was simply an indulgence, an expression of his affection. Nothing more. She stood in the mall, her posture graceful as she admired her reflection in a nearby mirror and glaring back at herself from the mirror, convinced that Alex''s generosity and loyalty were unshakable.


    Just then, her phone buzzed, breaking her train of thought. She glanced at the screen and saw her Aunt''s name flashing across it.


    Rose picked up the call, her tone light and carefree. "Hello Aunt? I''m shopping right now. Is something wrong?"


    The response she received was far from what she expected to hear from the other side.


    "Shopping?!" her Aunt nearly screamed into the phone, her voice sharp and filled with frustration. "You''re out shopping while we''re in a literal crisis here?"


    Rose blinked, startled by the outburst. "What do you mean, literal crisis? What''s going on?" Her Aunt didn''t hold back. "Do you even know what''s happening? Alex just held a meeting and fired every single member of the Winters family from the company!"


    "EVERY LAST ONE DO YOU UNDERSTAND? EVERY LAST ONE." Came a shout that for a second Rose that she put the phone away for a second.


    "What?" Rose''s voice was filled with disbelief.


    "And that''s not all!" her Aunt continued, her tone growing more irritated and angry. "He''s ordered a full audit of all our financial activities within the Reid Industries. He''s digging into everything, EVERYTHING!"


    Rose''s expression froze, her heart skipping a beat. "That''s impossible," she muttered, gripping her phone tighter. "Didn''t you tell him about our relationship? About the connection between our families?"


    (A/N: So, how was it? Did you like the reaction and if anyone had noticed I''m making chapters big like around 1.2-1.3k words. Dont forget to comment if you like the novel and send power stones for support and add it to library for more updates.)

 Chapter 8 - 8: One Humiliation After Another!

    Rose''s expression froze, her heart skipping a beat. "That''s impossible," she muttered, gripping her phone tighter. "Didn''t you tell him about our relationship? About the connection between our families?"


    "Oh, Charles told him, alright!" her Aunt snapped, her words dripping with sarcasm. "But do you know what he said? He didn''t care! He stood there in the meeting room and made it clear while looking inyo the eyes of your father, he''s targeting every single one of us!"


    Her voice rose in anger. "And you¡­ you''ve brought this on all of us! You''ve strung him like a dog for years, acting all high and mighty like you''re some queen!" Her Aunt''s tirade continued relentlessly, each word hitting Rose like a slap on her beautiful face.


    "You dangled yourself just out of reach, thinking you could control him forever. Well, guess what? He''s done with you! And now we''re all paying the price for your stupidity!" Another slap came onto her face from her Aunt from the other side of the phone.


    Rose''s face darkened as her Aunt''s accusations sank in. She clenched her jaw, trying to suppress the mix of emotions welling up inside her, anger, disbelief, and an unfamiliar sense of uneasiness. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You should''ve just married him when you had the chance," her Aunt spat bitterly. "Be a good little trophy wife and live the high life. But no, you had to keep him chasing after you, and now look what''s happened! You''ve ruined everything for our family for nothing but your stupid little dignity!"


    The scolding ended with a string of curses before from the other side were rapid high breaths because of speaking high and louder in anger.


    Rose lowered her phone slowly, her hands trembling as she stared at the screen. Her thoughts raced, her Aunt''s words replaying in her mind.


    "Aunt! Don''t worry. I''ll handle it," she said on the phone but it was like under her breath, though her voice lacked its usual confidence. She clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms as a sense of unease crept into her heart more and kore by the second.


    "Alex, what the hell are you thinking?" she hissed, her voice low and sharp. "After all these years, how dare you treat me like this?" Ending the call, Rose stormed toward the parking lot, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floors. She was determined to confront Alex and demand an explanation for his behavior.


    But before she could even leave the mall, an employee hurried after her, wearing an awkward expression.


    "Miss Rose," the employee called out hesitantly, stopping a few steps behind her.


    Rose turned, irritation flashing across her face. "What is it?"


    The employee glanced down briefly before meeting Rose''s gaze, her tone cautious. "There''s¡­ an issue with your card."


    Rose blinked, confused. "What? Are you out of your mind?" She pulled out the sleek black card and held it up for the employee to see. "Do you even know what this is? It''s a black card! Forget about a few pieces of clothing; I could buy your entire store with this card!"


    The employee nodded quickly, her expression apologetic. "Yes, I understand that, Miss Rose. But¡­ the card has been Blocked. It''s no longer usable."


    "Blocked?" Rose repeated, her voice faltering slightly as an uneasy feeling crept into her chest.


    She quickly pulled another card from her bag, one Alex had given her in the past. "Try this one instead," she said sharply, handing it over with a hint of desperation in her tone.


    The employee bowed slightly and hurried away to process the new card in a carding machine. Rose stood there, tapping her heel impatiently against the floor, her irritation growing with each passing second.


    Two minutes later, after trying some times the employee returned, her expression even more awkward than before.


    "Miss Rose," she began cautiously, her voice quiet, "this card is also¡­ blocked and cannot be used."


    Rose''s face went pale. She stared at the employee, unable to process what she had just heard. Her anger was reaching its limit by every second after her mother called.


    And now this.


    "What¡­ what did you just say?" She demanded, her voice trembling.


    The employee glanced at her nervously, a mix of pity and curiosity in her eyes. "I''m sorry, Miss Rose, but neither card is valid anymore, either they are blocked or Wholly deactivated from the bank side."


    Rose''s hands began to tremble, her grip on her purse tightening as a wave of suppressed rage surged through her.


    For as long as Rose could remember, she had relied on Alex''s cards for everything, shopping, dining, vacations, whatever she wanted. Carrying her own money had always seemed unnecessary when she had someone as compliant as Alex to foot every bill without question.


    And who would do that without any second question or asking her.


    But now, with the cards suddenly being blocked and not valid anymore for purchasing, a wave of humiliation swept over her, threatening to drown her usual calm face. The whispers and curious stares of the mall employees felt like knives stabbing at her pride with every second.


    "Forget it! I don''t want any of this anymore!" She snapped, snatching the blocked cards back from the hand of a sales girl. Her voice was sharp, loud enough to make the entire store pause their murmur.


    Without waiting for a response, she spun on her heel and stormed out of the store, her movements stiff with barely restrained fury. Behind her, the employees exchanged quiet whispers, their judgment unmistakable as some even laughed at the scene; it was like a live drama scene.


    "Probably some mistress who got dumped by her sugar daddy," one murmured, watching Rose''s retreating figure with a smirk.


    Rose heard none of it. Her mind was racing as she marched toward the parking lot, her heels clicking furiously against the polished floor.


    ''How dare he? How dare he? How dare Alex humiliate me like this?'' She clenched the cards tightly in her hand, her knuckles turning white.


    She had trusted him to provide for her, to keep her life smooth and effortless. And now, not only had he blocked all the cards, but he had done so without any single warning, leaving her humiliated in front of all the strangers in the mall, even someone as lowly as the sales man and women.


    But it wasn''t just the cards. Her anger flared as she remembered the call from her Aunt. ''He fired the Winters family? All of them? After everything I told him? After he promised to take care of them, no matter what?'' Her clenched teeth could be heard if someone was near her but alas there was none.


    Her thoughts spiraled as she reached the underground parking lot, her only focus on confronting Alex and demanding answers to all this. She expected to see his car waiting for her, just as it always was, no matter how long she took or how late it was.


    But when she arrived, she froze. The parking spot where Alex''s car should have been was empty. She blinked, her mind struggling to process what she was seeing.


    "He¡­ left?" she whispered, disbelief lacing her voice.


    (A/N: Did you enjoyed it? Well I have nothing much to say other than if you enjoy the chapter please add this novel to library and don''t forget to comment. See you all in the next chapter.)

 Chapter 9 - 9: Faceslap again and again…!

    "He¡­ left?" she whispered, disbelief lacing her voice. Her eyes scanned the surrounding area, searching for any sign of his car. But the parking lot was quiet, the sound of her heels echoing in the emptiness.


    "He actually left?" For a moment, Rose stood there, completely stunned. Normally, Alex would wait for her, no matter how long she spent shopping or how much time she spent. He would always be there, patient and accommodating, like a loyal servant who existed solely to cater to her whims and wishes.


    But now, not only had he left, but he hadn''t even bothered to tell her. And the cards matter another one.


    "This¡­ What''s going on today?" she muttered to herself, her voice tinged with disbelief. "This isn''t like him¡­ Not at all." Shaking off her shock, Rose reached into her bag and pulled out her phone. Her fingers trembled slightly as she scrolled through her contacts and dialed Alex''s number.


    He''ll answer, she told herself firmly, trying to push down the unease that was creeping into her chest. He always answers. Yes he always answers but at the same time nothing is going right today.


    The phone line rang, and for a moment, she felt a flicker of relief. But then, an automated voice greeted her almost instant after ringing:


    "The number you have dialed is currently on another call¡­"


    Her brows furrowed. She hung up and tried again.


    "The number you have dialed is currently on another call¡­"


    She frowned deeper, her irritation growing. She tried again. And again.


    And again.


    And again.


    And again.


    And again.


    And again.


    And again.


    After the tenth attempt, the same message greeted her, each time more frustrating than the last.


    Rose''s hand tightened around her phone as unease settled into her chest, heavier and more suffocating with every passing second.


    And then, like a thunderbolt, the realization struck her. Alex hadn''t just left the parking lot. He had blocked her. Her eyes widened, her lips parting slightly as she stared at the phone in disbelief.


    "Alex¡­ put me on my number on his blacklist!?" she muttered, her voice trembling with a mix of shock and rage. Her grip on the phone faltered for a moment before tightening again.


    Realizing that she had been blocked by Alex, Rose''s first reaction was pure rage.


    Her grip tightened around her phone, her nails digging into her palm. ''How dare he? How dare he block her?'' But the moment she calmed down, her sharp mind quickly formulated a countermeasure. Without hesitation, she pulled out another phone from her handbag, her private number.


    This was the phone she never used to contact Alex. The one she kept strictly for personal matters, separate from him. In fact, whenever she used the phone for Alex, she made sure to turn it off at night, just to prevent him from bothering her while she rested.


    But right now, none of that mattered.


    She needed answers.


    Without wasting another second, Rose dialed Alex''s number again.


    This time, the call went through.


    After a few rings, a familiar voice answered on the other end.


    "Hello? Alex here! Who is this?" The moment she heard his voice, Rose exploded.


    "Alex! What the hell do you think you''re doing? Do you seriously think you can just cut me off like this? Let me warn you¡­ if you don''t fix this right now, I will never speak to you again! You hear me? I''ll make sure you never get the chance to see me again!" Even now, Rose still believed Alex was her loyal, obedient lapdog. She believed that he loved her¡­ he was in love with her even now when she didn''t care about his feelings the past few years.


    But what she didn''t expect¡­ was his response.


    "Oh? You''ll never contact me again?" Alex''s voice was calm, indifferent even. "Perfect." And just like that, he moved to hang up.


    Realizing what was about to happen, Rose panicked. "Wait! Don''t hang up!"


    There was a short silence before Alex sighed. "What else do you want?"


    Rose took a deep breath, forcing herself to steady her voice, though her anger was still present in his tone and voice.


    "Answer me, Alex¡­ why did you fire the Winters family from the company? Do you even understand what you''ve done?" she demanded, her voice sharp.


    "And what about my cards? Why did you block all of them? Do you not remember what you said? That you''d always give me a million dollars a month for my living expenses?" She wasn''t finished.


    "And one more thing¡­ Why did you leave the parking lot? I told you to wait for me! How dare you leave without my permission?" Her voice grew shriller with every question, her fury reaching a boiling point.


    But what she didn''t expect¡­ was Alex''s sheer indifference once again. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Are you done?" His tone was flat, as if he couldn''t be bothered.


    "Yes, I''m done!" Rose snapped.


    Unlike her agitation, Alex''s voice remained eerily calm.


    "Do I need to explain to you my every action?" He asked. It was just a simple question. Yet, when Rose heard it, it was like a slap on her face and a thunder like clapping in her ears..


    "What¡­ What did you just say?" She thought she had misheard him. Alex¡­ the same Alex who had spent years worshiping the ground she walked on¡­ was questioning her?


    For a moment, she was too stunned to react. The change in his demeanor was so drastic, so incomprehensible, that she couldn''t process it.


    This wasn''t the same Alex she knew.


    This wasn''t the same man who trailed behind her like a shadow, waiting on her every word.


    He was different. Too different.


    "You¡ª" Rose tried to speak, but her words caught in her throat.


    But Alex didn''t care to continue the conversation. Just as he was about to hang up, a thought suddenly crossed his mind.


    "Oh, right. I almost forgot," he said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "All these years, I''ve probably spent over a billion dollars on you, haven''t I?" His tone was casual, as if he were merely commenting on the weather.


    "But now that we''re done here fully, I expect you to pay it all back." And with that, he ended the call. "I wouldn''t bother with Interest but the amount should be repaid." As he finished speaking he hung up the phone not even bothering to listen back from the other side.


    Rose stood frozen, the phone still pressed against her ear. Her mind went blank.


    "What¡­ did he just say?" Her grip on the phone tightened as her breath quickened.


    We''re done?


    Pay him back? All the money she had spent from his card.


    A second later, the realization crashed down on her, and rage unlike anything she had ever felt surged through her veins.


    "Alex, you bastard! Who the hell do you think you are?" she screamed So loudly that only her scream was in the silent parking lot, her hands shaking. Her eyes getting red through anger, her hands clenching, her teeth gritting against each other and her fingers almost ready to shatter the phone in her hand.


    (A/N: Hahah Extra Chapters guys!!! Did you enjoyed it? I hope it was to your satisfaction. Well I have nothing much to say other than if you enjoy the chapter please add this novel to library and don''t forget to comment. See you all in the next chapter.)

 Chapter 10 - 10: PayBack!

    "Alex, you bastard! Who the hell do you think you are?" she screamed So loudly that only her scream was in the silent parking lot, her hands shaking. Her eyes getting red through anger, her hands clenching, her teeth gritting against each other and her fingers almost ready to shatter the phone in her hand. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Alex, you bastard! Who the hell do you think you are?" she screamed, her hands shaking.


    "You think you can talk to me like this? You think you can just throw me away like I''m nothing?" She was seething in rage now, her entire body trembling with fury.


    "I swear¡­ I will make you regret this for the rest of your life!" Her chest heaved as her anger boiled over.


    "And those billions? You willingly gave them to me! Why the hell should I pay you back? That money is mine!" Her breaths came out ragged, her fingers trembling from the sheer intensity of her emotions.


    "There''s no way I''ll return a single cent! Never!" But no matter how much she raged, no matter how much she screamed¡­


    Alex wasn''t listening. Because for the first time in his life and because he already hung up the phone¡­ He was done with her wholly and fully.


    Rose''s furious screams echoed through the underground parking lot, her voice seething with rage. But no matter how loudly she yelled, Alex couldn''t hear her anymore, there was no one in the parking lot to hear or anyone.


    ¡­.


    Just as Rose''s temper spiraled out of control In the mall parking lot with screaming and cursing, a familiar electronic voice rang in Alex''s mind.


    [Ding!]


    [System Notification!]


    [Congratulations, Host!]


    [You have successfully pushed the heroine into a rage-induced breakdown¡­]


    [You have officially shed your status as a ''simp.'' The next phase of the system mission is now unlocked.]


    [New Mission: Ensure the complete bankruptcy of the Winters family.]


    [Reward: Master of Geomantic Energy.]


    [Would the Host like to accept the mission?]


    Alex''s eyes flickered with interest as he processed the system''s words.


    "Bankrupt the Winters family?" he murmured, a small smirk appearing on his lips. He only hesitated for a brief moment before answering firmly, "Accept the mission."


    [Ding! Mission accepted successfully!]


    But before Alex could fully process the task, the system chimed again.


    [Bonus Challenge Unlocked!]


    [Details: If the Host can not only bankrupt the Winters family but also force to pay her back for everything she had done. An additional hidden reward will be granted!]


    Alex blinked in mild surprise.


    "A hidden mission?" he mused, then let out a low chuckle. "Well, since we''re doing this, we might as well go all the way." After confirming the mission, Alex reached for the intercom button on his desk.


    Ten seconds later, a tall, distinguished-looking older man entered the room¡­ Mr. Waters'', the Reid family''s long-time butler and one of Alex''s most trusted aides.


    "You called for me, Sir?" Mr. Waters'' asked respectfully.


    Alex wasted no time getting to the point.


    "Waters'', I need a full report on all business dealings between the Winters family and our company. ''ALL OF IT.''"


    Since he was about to go all the way in revenge mode on them, he needed to understand exactly how deeply the Winters family was involved with his company.


    Waters'' didn''t even need to check the files before responding.


    "Sir, If I may¡­ the Winters family is nothing more than a second-rate building materials distributor. They were never particularly noteworthy in the industry¡­" Waters'' paused for a moment before sighing.


    "The only reason they''ve grown to their current status is because you have been supporting them from behind the scenes." Waters finished as he laid the final sentence.


    Alex''s expression darkened slightly at those words.


    So it was the old Alex who had gone out of his way to bring the Winters family to this high status, using company resources to prop them up and their whole family.


    A sneer formed on Alex''s lips.


    "All that kindness and efforts¡­ And what did I get in return?" He scoffed. "Not even a single touch of Rose''s hand. I handed them everything, even nearly giving them my company, and what did they do? Treat me like a fool¡­ a dog waiting for their daughter''s command."


    He shook his head, exasperated at how much of a simp the previous Alex had been.


    "Waters," he said, turning his sharp gaze to the butler, "so you''re telling me that the entire Winters family business is dependent on us?"


    Waters'' nodded. "Yes, Sir!"


    Alex leaned back in his chair, a smirk forming on his lips. "Well then, this makes things far too easy." With a flick of his wrist, Alex issued his next order.


    "Waters, draft an official company announcement."


    "Yes, sir," Waters'' responded immediately.


    Alex''s voice was steady and unwavering as he dictated the notice: "Effective immediately, the Reid Industries will sever all business ties with the Winters family."


    "In addition, all outstanding project payments owed by the Winters family must be settled in full within the shortest time frame possible." Alex ordered as he stopped in the middle for a moment before continuing.


    "And from this moment forward, the Reid Industries will have no further dealings with the Winters family in any way." Mr. Waters, who had served the Reid family for years, was momentarily stunned.


    "Sir¡­ if we issue this announcement, the Winters family will be ruined," Mr. Waters said cautiously, already understanding the consequences.


    The Winters family''s entire business was built on the support of the Reid Industries. The moment Alex cut them off, their cash flow would dry up, and their suppliers would abandon them.


    Without Alex''s backing, they would collapse¡­ quickly and in the most brutal way possible and the humiliation cherry on top.


    Alex didn''t bother answering directly.


    Instead, he simply chuckled, his eyes filled with a mysteriously fun glint.


    "I don''t just want to bankrupt the Winters family," he said smoothly, his tone eerily calm.


    "I want Rose to pay for all she has done to me in the past years, with Interest if possible."


    Receiving Alex''s orders, Mr. Waters was about to leave to carry them out. However, just as he reached the door, something suddenly came to mind. He stopped in his tracks, turned around, and hesitated for a moment before speaking.


    "Sir, there''s something else. I''m not sure if you remember¡­" He yet again hesitated before saying anything about this matter as it contradicts the order he just received from Alex.


    Alex raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"


    Mr. Waters'' continued, "Three days ago, the Winters family sent an invitation for a Party banquet. They specifically requested your presence to support the event."


    "Do you still wish or plan to attend?" Asked Mr. Waters as he looked in Alex''s direction.


    Alex''s fingers tapped lightly against the desk as his eyes darkened. "Oh?" He immediately understood the reason behind the Winters family''s invitation.


    (A/N: Hahah Extra Chapters again¡­ guys!!! And this is the last one there may not be any chapter tomorrow. So enjoy it¡­ if you enjoy the chapter please add this novel to library and don''t forget to comment. See you all in the next chapter.)

 Chapter 11 - 11: Party!

    Alex''s fingers tapped lightly against the desk as his eyes darkened. "Oh?" He immediately understood the reason behind the Winters family''s invitation.


    They didn''t invite him because they respected him as a person. They invited him because of his status as the CEO of Reid Industries and to make a full use of his status.


    The Winters family had done this many times before, using his presence to gain credibility, to attract investors, and to elevate their social standing to much higher and higher till now.


    And yet, despite knowing their true motives, the old Alex had always eagerly attended those like a good dog¡­ why? Because of Rose.


    Like a fool. Like a biggest fool.


    Mr. Waters carefully observed Alex''s expression before asking again, "Sir, do you still wish to go or should I send a reply to them from you?"


    Alex let out a low chuckle.


    "They want to use me as a stepping stone for their own success and then use me today in this so-called their party to attract more investors and gain more favours and credibility from my presence ?" His lips curled into a smirk. "Waters, is the official announcement about severing ties with the Winters family ready?"


    "It''s been drafted and finalized, sir." Mr. Waters replied to the question in an instant with his graceful manner.


    "Good." Alex stood up from his chair, buttoning his suit with smooth, deliberate movements. His eyes gleamed with something like he wants to play a dangerous game now after all the things he had done till now.


    "Bring the announcement with you." Alex said. "We''re going to the banquet." With that, Alex strode toward the door, his steps steady and his expensive shoes making clicking sounds indicating the silence he left behind..


    ¡­.


    Time skip:


    Winters Family Mansion


    Banquet Hall: sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On the other side of the city, the Winters family remained blissfully unaware of the storm about to descend upon them.


    The grand banquet hall was brightly lit, the atmosphere lively with laughter and conversation.


    At the entrance, Rose''s father, Harold Winters, stood with a confident smile, personally greeting all the guests as they arrived.


    But despite his outward composure, impatience flickered in his eyes.


    "Where the hell is this bastard Alex?" he muttered under his breath, glancing at his watch. "The banquet starts at five, and it''s already three. Shouldn''t he be here early to prepare?"


    Beside him, Rose''s mother, Lillian Winters, crossed her arms, her expression equally displeased.


    (A/N: For those who think that Charles or his wife is Rose''s mother or father. It is like a big family where you can call Charles and his wife like an uncle or aunt. But for respect they call each other like that so they feel like family or whatever. So don''t get confused by this. Hmm yes like a goddaughter, godfather or etc¡­ )


    "Really! I mean really. What''s wrong with that boy?" she scoffed. "We invited him to support our event, and he doesn''t even have the shred of decency to arrive early for this important matter?"


    Their words were filled with dissatisfaction.


    Despite being the ones benefiting from Alex''s status, they treated him as if it were an obligation, as if they owed Alex and everything he has and will have, for them Alex was like a dog. If they said sit, he should sit from their perspective and if said come here he sould come here with respect¡­ An obligation or as they like to think of it.


    And why wouldn''t they?


    After all, they knew their daughter had Alex wrapped around her finger fully. No matter how they treated him, no matter how dismissive they were, Alex had always come running back to them no matter what and that is what solidified this perspective in them.


    He had no family alive, no real support system¡­ to help him¡­ from their point of view everything Alex owned is already theirs and it will be finalised¡­ once he married Rose, wouldn''t this already make his company belong to the Winters family?


    Using Reid Industries resources to support their household? That was to be expected.


    ¡­.


    Inside the Banquet Hall


    "Mr. Winters! It''s been so long¡­ you''re looking hmmm¡­ as young as ever every year!" Said one of the guest reaching the heights of flattery.


    "Mr. Winters, you''ve made quite the fortune these past few years. You''ve been keeping all the good deals to yourself, haven''t you?" Another followed the suit in the scheme.


    "Mr. Winters, I''m honored that you personally came to welcome me." came another flattering and why wouldn''t it come though?


    Laughter and compliments filled the hall as countless businessmen and influential figures arrived, exchanging pleasantries with Harold Winters.


    But deep down, they all knew the truth.


    These people weren''t here for him.


    They were here because of Alex Reid.


    Because of Alex status and his Industries.


    The man who would¡­ supposedly¡­ become Harold Winters''s future son-in-law¡­ aka Rose Husband.


    To disrespect the Winters family meant to risk offending Alex. And no one in their right mind would want to burn that bridge as long as they do not want to risk losing in their life.


    But as the banquet''s starting time inched closer, Harold''s patience began to grow tense.


    More guests arrived, yet the man of the hour¡­ Alex¡­ was nowhere to be seen.


    Harold''s brows furrowed in frustration.


    "Where is that boy?" he muttered under his breath. "Don''t tell me he''s not coming¡­"


    "Impossible!" Lillian Winter''s voice immediately dismissed the idea. She glanced around the banquet hall and frowned.


    "Rose isn''t here either," she muttered, realization dawning upon her.


    "They went out together at noon¡­ Could it be," Her eyes widened as a horrifying thought crossed her mind.


    "Oh no¡­ They wouldn''t have," Panic surged through her as she turned to her husband.


    "This won''t do! I need to call Rose right now! I cannot let that bastard Alex take advantage of her!" Harold Winters raised an eyebrow at his wife''s sudden agitation.


    (A/N: Hahah did you guys liked mass release Chapters of yesterday!!! if you enjoy the chapter please add this novel to library and don''t forget to comment. See you all in the next chapter.)

 Chapter 12 - 12: Different!

    "Isn''t that a bit extreme?" he asked, confused. "I mean, Alex has already invested billions into our family and Rose''s future."


    "You know nothing!" Lillian snapped, cutting him off with an exasperated glare like he didn''t understand what she was referring to or the real motive.


    "If he wants to be with my daughter, he better be ready to pay something worth at least ten billion! Minimum!" She crossed her arms, her voice full of arrogance and a statement that is ''true'' from her and her family perspective.


    "As for all the money he''s already given us? That was his choice. It has nothing to do with us." Harold blinked at his wife''s reasoning before nodding in agreement.


    "You''re absolutely right!" he said, his expression firming.


    "We cannot let that little brat take advantage of Rose for free. Hurry, call her!" Just as Lillian reached for her phone, a sleek black car pulled up at the entrance of the estate.


    The heavy door swung open, and a tall, imposing figure stepped out.


    ¡­.


    The moment Alex stepped onto the estate grounds, the entire banquet hall seemed to shift.


    Conversations quieted, and eyes turned toward him. Especially among the younger women present. Despite knowing that Alex was obsessed with Rose, many of them couldn''t help but fantasize.


    "Why does Rose get all the luck?" one of them murmured in a low voice, staring at him with barely concealed admiration. "If only Alex liked me instead¡­"


    "He''s so handsome, so young, and on top of that, he''s the perfect marriage candidate. It''s such a waste that he''s already taken." Even among the older women, there was a hint of regret.


    For many wealthy families in attendance, Alex was the ideal husband for their daughters. Any father would have been thrilled to have a young, successful man like him marry into their family and join their family.


    The murmurs of envy and admiration filled the air.


    And the more Harold Winters listened to them, the more smug he felt and a smirk formed on his face enjoying the envious face and talks of others.


    ''You''re all jealous, aren''t you? Hahaha you all should be.'' he thought to himself, barely suppressing a grin.


    ''But oh well¡­ what does it even matter? Alex already belongs to our family. So, all you can do is just hope and show envy on your face like always.'' He cast a glance at his wife, who seemed equally pleased.


    After all, it wasn''t just about Alex''s money, it was about control.


    Alex was completely devoted/obsessed with Rose. He followed her around like a lost puppy, never questioning anything. And once they get married, his entire fortune would be tied to none other than Winter''s family.


    Harold''s thoughts were practically dripping with arrogance.


    ''The best part is¡­ Alex only cares about us. He listens to everything Rose says.'' He thought but¡­ On the outside, however, he maintained a stern, unimpressed expression as he looked at Alex.


    "You''re late," Harold said, furrowing his brows. "The banquet starts at five. Do you not know how to show up early to greet the guests?" Lillian crossed her arms, her expression equally disapproving like she was talking to a servant.


    "Being late is bad enough," she scoffed. "But where is Rose? You left with her¡­ did you seriously not have the decency to bring her back?" Their words were sharp, their tone filled with arrogance.


    They expected Alex to bow his head, to apologize, to act as their obedient son-in-law.


    But what they didn''t realize¡­ Was that Alex was no longer the so-called obsessed with Rose Alex or the Lost puppy Alex who always shimmed at their face.


    ¡­.


    Alex paid no attention to Harold and Lillian Winters'' questioning. Without sparing them a glance, he stepped forward, passing them without giving them a single glance or reply from their earlier question, walking straight into the party with a calm yet imposing presence.


    "Alex! What''s the meaning of this?" Harold called out, as he saw how he disrespected him and his wife, his voice tinged with displeasure.


    "You don''t see us standing here?" Lillian added, her tone sharp as she moved to block his path.


    But before either of them could take another step, Waters smoothly positioned himself in front of them.


    "Mr. and Mrs. Winters," Waters said politely but firmly, "Sir Alex has no interest in speaking with you." His words carried a finality that made both Harold and Lillian pause.


    Despite his age, Waters''s posture was firm, his aura composed. It was clear he wasn''t just a simple butler¡­ he carried himself with the air of someone who had seen and handled far more powerful figures than them.


    Not like they were to begin with without Alex, he had seen them rising as they took benefits of Alex nature.


    Harold and Lillian, though furious, found themselves speechless. They could only watch helplessly as Alex strode into the party without sparing them a second glance.


    ¡­.


    "What''s going on today?" Lillian muttered, watching Alex''s back with an uneasy expression. "He looks¡­ different."


    Harold nodded slowly, his frown deepening. "Something''s off. Should we call Rose and ask what''s happening?" Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone and dialed his daughter''s number.


    ¡­.


    Far across the city, Rose was still trying to process Alex''s bizarre behavior when her phone rang. Seeing her father''s name on the screen, she immediately answered.


    "Dad? What''s wrong?" Rose asks as she puts a phone to her ear, she is already angry from Alex''s behaviour that everything seemed like an irritation to her.


    Harold''s voice was serious. "Rose, what''s going on with you and Alex lately? He came to the party we held and invited him, but he looked¡­ strange."


    The moment she heard those words, Rose''s body stiffened.


    "What did you say?" she asked sharply. "He''s at the party?" S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes, he just arrived. Why? Is something wrong?" Asked Harold, feeling something uneasiness.


    Rose''s heart pounded in her chest. Alex''s sudden change in demeanor, his refusal to answer her calls, the way he left her alone at the mall¡­


    Everything had been completely out of character.


    (A/N: So, here is a new chapter, protagonist will be introduced in the next chapter or maybe after the next chapter. Some faceslapping is coming some revenge too. And lastly don''t forgot to comment and add this novel to you library if you liked it. Show your support.)

 Chapter 13 - 13: ‘Real’ Protagnist!

    Rose''s heart raced in her chest, the rhythm pounding with an intensity that mirrored the storm brewing in her mind.


    Alex''s behavior over the past few hours had been inexplicably unpredictable¡­he had completely shut her out, refusing to answer her calls, leaving her alone at the mall, his actions growing colder and unpredictable by the hour.


    This was nothing like the Alex she knew. This wasn''t the man who had once been so attentive and obsessed with her, so affectionate, so¡­ there.


    Now, as if to add fuel to the fire, he had gone to the Winters estate''s party, and he had done it alone.


    That small detail kept hitting at her in Rose''s mind, as an unsettling thought gripped her chest with icy fingers.


    ''What if he''s planning something?'' Was the only thought after thinking about it in Rose mind.


    "Dad, listen to me," she said urgently, cutting through the line with a note of panic in her voice.


    "Don''t engage with Alex. Just leave him alone for now. I''ll be there as soon as I can." Her voice shook with tension, but she didn''t give him a chance to respond before she quickly ended the call.


    Without wasting another moment, she called a cab from her mobile, her mind racing with a thousand questions and worries.


    She told the driver the destination¡­the Winters estate, trying to quell the rising anxiety that was on her mind since her Aunt call and the cards that were declined.


    ¡­..


    Inside the glittering banquet hall of the Winters estate, Alex stood at the center of a growing crowd of powerful figures, effortlessly basking in their attention.


    The party was in full swing, people dressed in extravagant attire, glasses clinking, laughter filling the air. It was a scene straight out of the pages of a high-society novel, but Alex barely noticed. His focus was somewhere else entirely.


    One after another, prominent business leaders approached him, eager to extend their congratulations and compliments.


    "Alex, you''re truly a rising star in the industry," said one businessman, his tone reverent, as if Alex''s success were something to be marveled at. Others eagerly followed suit, adding their praise.


    "A toast to you, Alex! May your business continue to thrive¡­ more, more, and more." Another voice chimed in, as glasses of champagne and cocktails were lifted in his honor.


    "To your success!" The words rang out as clinks of glass filled the air.


    Smiling with practiced ease, Alex clinked glasses with each individual in turn, responding with the effortless charm of a man who had mastered the art of socializing in high society.


    The transformation was almost jarring. Gone was the Alex who once spent all his time chasing after Rose, the man who had been a lovesick fool, ignoring business connections, neglecting the very industry he now dominated.


    That version of him was a distant memory, a shameful past if you need a word for it.


    Yet, despite the celebrations around him, Alex''s mind was far from at ease. Amid the applause and the laughter, his eyes flickered toward something, or rather, someone¡­ at the edge of the room.


    From the corner of his eye, Alex saw a young man following through the crowd with an effortless grace. He was strikingly handsome, with an aura of charisma that seemed to draw people toward him like a magnet.


    Despite his youthful appearance, there was an air of maturity in his every gesture and word. His smile was infectious, his laugh genuine, and the way he carried himself made him seem like someone who had been born into this world with a high status, comfortable among the most powerful figures in the room.


    The circle of admirers around him grew rapidly, like a metal to magnet pull that no one could resist. The man was like the life of the party, his every word causing laughter to echo throughout their crowd.


    Alex''s lips curled into a thin, knowing smile. He had seen this before.


    "So¡­ you''ve finally appeared," Alex muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing in recognition. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The young man was none other than Ethan Carter¡­ the protagonist of the very novel Alex had been trapped in.


    Three months from now, in the original timeline, Ethan would form an alliance with Rose, and together they would tear through Alex''s empire.


    Bit by bit, Alex''s company would be systematically dismantled from the inside out. Ethan, with his inexplicable luck and connections, would leave Alex in ruin, stripped of everything he had fought for.


    But it wasn''t just his wealth that would be lost.


    Ethan would push Alex into a corner so dark and inescapable that it would lead to a tragic end, with Alex''s life in tatters, and his final choice one of desperation.


    Ethan wasn''t some hidden heir to a fortune or the son of a tycoon waiting for his moment to shine. No. Ethan was something worse. He was simply a man with plot armor, an absurd stroke of luck and fate that defied all logic.


    With his sheer ability to manipulate the world around him, Ethan could crush anyone who stood in his way, no matter how powerful they were. He was a walking narrative force, and Alex knew all too well the consequences of crossing him.


    The danger was absolutely real.


    Alex clenched his jaw as a flash of cold calculation flickered in his eyes. This wasn''t just a chance encounter. No, this was the first step in a series of events that would inevitably lead to his downfall.


    If Ethan was here, it meant the timeline was already working on their way to the end, and the events that would set the wheels in motion had already begun.


    Just as Alex was lost in thought, processing the Ethan''s appearance, a sudden chime echoed through his mind, breaking his concentration.


    [System Notification!]


    [Ding! ]


    [System Alert: A "Heaven''s Chosen One" has been detected near the Host.]


    [Warning: Due to the overwhelming luck of the protagonist, any direct conflict may result in unpredictable outcomes.]


    [Initiating "Luck Protection Mode" to shield the Host from forced plot interference.]


    [Additionally, as a preemptive countermeasure, the system is rewarding the Host with¡ªMaster of Geomantic Energy!]


    (A/N: So, did you enjoyed it? I know¡­ I know there wasn''t that much in this chapter other than the introduction or the appearance of the main protagnist. But I''m working on it in next chapter or maybe in the next two chapters Alex will go there wuth his hidden props.)


    Don''t forget to add this nicel to library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 14 - 14: VIP Table!

    [System Notification!]


    [Ding! System Alert: A "Heaven''s Chosen One" has been detected near the Host.]


    [Warning: Due to the overwhelming luck of the protagonist, any direct conflict may result in unpredictable outcomes.]


    [Initiating "Luck Protection Mode" to shield the Host from forced plot interference.]


    [Additionally, as a preemptive countermeasure, the system is rewarding the Host with¡ªMaster Of Geomantic Energy!]


    "Luck Protection Mode?" Alex frowned slightly, processing the words flashing in his mind.


    "What exactly is that?" he wondered. The system quickly responded with a detailed explanation. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Notice! The reason protagonists are considered "Heaven''s Chosen Ones" is because they unknowingly steal luck from those around them.]


    [The higher the protagonist''s fortune, the better their luck and the more unnatural their successes become.]


    [The reason novel protagonists survive impossible situations isn''t because of skill, it''s because of their overwhelmingly high Fortune Value!]


    [By activating the Luck Protection Mode, the Host''s fortune will no longer be drained or manipulated by the protagonist''s existence.]


    Alex''s expression shifted slightly as he processed this information.


    "So, to put it simply, protagonists succeed because they leech the fate and opportunities that were meant for others?" It made sense. Too much damn sense.


    The constant coincidences, the miraculous survivals, the endless strokes of luck, protagonists thrived not because they were better, but because the world itself bent to favor them.


    And in the original storyline? Alex had been the prime victim of this fate being stolen.


    Ethan Carter had taken everything from him¡­ his company, his wealth, his status¡­ and in the end, even his life.


    ''But now?'' The game had changed. For the first time, the villain was immune to the protagonist''s plot armor.


    ¡­.


    The system''s voice chimed again.


    [System Notification: To ensure the Host does not suffer an untimely downfall, an additional skill has been granted.]


    [Reward: Master Of Geomantic Energy.]


    Alex''s eyes widened slightly. ''Geomantic Energy?'' His mind immediately ran through the potential applications.


    Geomantic Energy wasn''t just about arranging energy or whatever is in tgat name¡­ It was about understanding the flow of energy, manipulating fortune, and influencing success or failure.


    At a master level, it meant being able to see luck itself¡­ to alter fate, enhance wealth, and even bring misfortune upon enemies.


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk. "This is insane¡­" a smile unknowingly forming on his face.


    [System Notification: The Host''s Geomantic Energy expertise surpasses even those of legendary geomancers. No Heaven''s Chosen One can ever match it.]


    "Wait¡­" Alex''s smirk widened. "You''re telling me that even if Ethan somehow learned Geomantic Energy, I''d still be better than him?" I asked and the answer came in an instant.


    I asked this question because I''m damn well informed on how these protagonists worked¡­ because of some fated encounter they could get the hell any energy or whatever.


    [Correct.]


    ''Hahahaha¡­ System, you''re just¡­ how should I say it¡­something else.'' Alex laughed internally.


    ¡­.


    While Alex was still processing his newfound advantages, he suddenly noticed movement at one of the exclusive dining tables.


    His gaze sharpened. Alex''s eyes narrowed, focusing on the scene before him.


    Ethan Carter had made his move. Ethan had decided to act, making his presence known in a bold way. Unlike the other tables, this one only had five people seated. This table was different; it only had room for five, setting it apart from the rest.


    But despite the low number, every single one of them was a business tycoon in the industry, a figure who stood at the very peak of something in the outside world.


    Each person at this table was a big shot in business, holding top positions in their fields. These were people so powerful that not even the wealthiest guests dared to approach their table.


    These were individuals so influential that even the richest people in the room kept their distance. Yet¡­ Somehow, Ethan had seamlessly inserted himself into their circle¡­ like it was like a hike in the park for him and a very natural thing to do.


    *But somehow, Ethan fit right in with them, as if it was just a walk in the park for him.*


    And judging by the way these people were laughing and nodding in interest, Ethan wasn''t just fitting in¡­ he was thriving.


    From the laughter and nods, it was clear Ethan wasn''t just fitting in; he was excelling.


    His casual manner, his unshakable confidence, his effortless charm¡­ everything about him screamed the protagonist''s aura.


    His laid-back style, rock-solid confidence, and easy charm made him seem like the main character of the story.


    The surrounding guests could only watch in envy and disbelief.


    The other guests could only look on, filled with jealousy and astonishment.


    "Who is that kid?" someone whispered.


    "Who''s that young guy?" someoneelse followed the suit and murmured quietly.


    "How did he even get into that table?"


    "Must be someone with crazy connections. Look at how easily he''s blending in!"


    Alex watched the scene unfold with a small smile.


    "As expected of the protagonist¡­ effortlessly mingling with the most powerful people in the room. Just like a main character would, mixing with the top dogs so easily."


    But unlike the spectators, Alex wasn''t impressed. Unlike the onlookers, Alex wasn''t amazed; he was intrigued.


    And he wasn''t going to let Ethan monopolize the spotlight without a fight.


    Alex''s smirk deepened.


    "Let''s see how things change now that I know the entire story¡ªand I have a system to back me up."


    Without hesitation, he stepped forward, striding toward Ethan''s table with usual calm body.


    Without pausing, he moved forward, walking towards Ethan''s table with steady confidence.


    If this was supposed to be the protagonist''s grand entrance into high society¡­ If this was meant to be Ethan''s big introduction to the elite. Then it was time for Alex, the so-called villain, to make his move.


    ¡­.


    As soon as Alex approached the VIP table, the atmosphere instantly shifted.


    "Ah, Alex¡ªThere you are!" One of the senior businessmen, Walter Lane, CEO of the Another Big Group, immediately called out in a warm and enthusiastic tone.


    "We''ve been chatting here for ages, wondering where you had disappeared to! Thought you were avoiding us old men," he joked, laughing heartily.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon!.)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 15 - 15: Backup Plan?!

    "We''ve been chatting here for ages, wondering where you had disappeared to! Thought you were avoiding us old men," he joked, laughing heartily.


    The other people at the table also turned their attention toward Alex, their expressions filled with respect for Alex.


    Even though Alex was the youngest among them, his wealth and power placed him on equal footing with these top-tier figures.


    Especially Walter Lane, he was particularly fond of Alex and wasted no time in greeting him with genuine warmth.


    "You brat," Walter Lane grinned, slapping Alex''s shoulder lightly. "Ever since you became CEO, you don''t even visit us anymore!"


    Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "How could that be? I''ve just been too busy with work." Their easygoing exchange drew envious glances from the surrounding guests.


    The younger elites, in particular, couldn''t help but admire Alex. To be so young, yet treated as an equal by business giants? That was something few could ever dream of achieving.


    Just as the conversation between Alex and Walter Lane was going smoothly, the older man suddenly gestured to someone sitting beside him.


    "Let me introduce you to someone special today," Walter Lane said, his tone filled with admiration.


    "This young man here may be young, but he''s got some serious skills¡ªjust like you!" Alex''s gaze followed Walter Lane''s gesture and landed on a familiar figure.


    A handsome, confident young man, effortlessly blending into the elite circle.


    The true protagonist of this story.


    Ethan Carter.


    "Oh?" Alex raised an eyebrow, pretending to be intrigued.


    "Huh?! You''re not someone who gives compliments lightly. If even you speak so highly of him, then he must be someone truly exceptional."


    Of course, through his system, Alex already knew exactly who Ethan was.


    This was the protagonist of the original storyline.


    But he wasn''t about to let that show. Or show that he knew Ethan. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Instead, he played along¡ªcurious, but not overly eager.


    "Walter Lane, that''s not fair," another ine chimed in. "If he''s so outstanding, hurry up and introduce him properly!"


    "Yeah, don''t keep us in suspense!" another executive added with interest.


    Walter Lane let out a hearty laugh and turned back to Ethan.


    "You all don''t know this yet, but this young man is quite something," he said excitedly.


    "Not only does he have a remarkable understanding of things like energy, but his face-reading skills are incredibly accurate like a super detective!" He leaned forward conspiratorially, lowering his voice just enough to sound mysterious.


    "I even heard that he''s deeply knowledgeable in traditional medicine¡ªa true expert in Chinese healing arts¡­ you know the acupuncture ones and many more!" As Walter Lane continued singing Ethan''s praises, Alex couldn''t help but inwardly scoff.


    So, he really is the standard urban novel protagonist¡­


    If someone told Alex that Ethan could also predict the future, tame mythical beasts, and hack government satellites, he wouldn''t even be surprised at this point.


    As Walter Lane finished his introduction, the expressions of the other people at the table shifted.


    One by one, they turned their attention toward Ethan, studying him with curiosity.


    "¡­That''s impressive," one of them admitted, sounding intrigued.


    "So young, yet skilled in so many fields?" another one murmured in disbelief.


    "This is truly rare," another one added, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.


    Even though they were top-tier business people, there was a certain mystique surrounding individuals with knowledge in Energy and traditional medicine.


    And Ethan? He was perfectly playing the role of an enigmatic, humble genius. Noticing the shift in atmosphere, Ethan internally rejoiced.


    But outwardly, he maintained a calm, collected expression.


    "Oh! Really! You exaggerate," Ethan said with a polite chuckle, shaking his head modestly.


    "I''ve only dabbled a little in these areas. I wouldn''t call myself an expert." Said the protagonist with an aloof and no care in the world like he was mentioning buying a lollipop from a local store casually.


    But despite his words, his demeanor was calculatedly perfect¡­ a balance of humility and quiet confidence. It was the kind of act that made people even more interested in him.


    "Haha! Modest, I see," one of the business tycoons laughed.


    "Young man, you''re quite impressive. Let''s exchange contacts." Suggested one of tge people on the table.


    "Indeed, we should stay in touch. I might need your expertise someday." Another chimned in with a softy laugh.


    Ethan''s heart swelled with excitement. These weren''t just ordinary businessmen.


    These were some of the most powerful figures in the city¡­ men who could change his entire future with a single favor.


    ''If I can establish relationships with these people¡­ Then my rise to the top will be unstoppable!'' Thought Ethan as he looked at the people in front of him.


    With an easy smile, Ethan politely exchanged contact information with the people on the table, acting as if he wasn''t overwhelmed by the sheer level of success he was about to attain.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, at another part of the Party hall, Harold Winters had also taken notice of what was happening.


    His eyes narrowed as he observed Ethan effortlessly building connections with the city''s elite.


    For a moment, a thought crossed his mind.


    "If Alex can''t provide for my daughter in the future¡­ then perhaps¡­ this young man might be a better choice." Harold''s expression flickered.


    ''If I could introduce Rose to Ethan Carter¡­ Perhaps I could secure another powerful connection.'' Greed flashed in his eyes as he slowly started formulating a backup plan for himself and his daughter Rose.


    ¡­..


    Just as the atmosphere in the party hall was heating up, a sudden commotion broke out at the entrance.


    Rose had arrived.


    Her heels clicked sharply against the marble floor as she stormed in, her eyes burning with fury.


    She had come with one goal¡­ to confront Alex and demand an explanation for his outrageous actions. But just as she was about to march over to him, her gaze inadvertently locked onto Ethan Carter.


    And at that moment¡ª Everything else faded into the background. Ethan noticed her, too. Although it was their first time meeting, and they were separated by a sea of people, their eyes found each other like magnets.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 16 - 16: Staring Contest?!

    And at that moment¡­ everything else faded into the background. Ethan noticed her, too. Although it was their first time meeting, and they were separated by many people in between, their eyes found each other like magnets.


    For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Yet, something shifted in the air. Rose felt her heart skip a beat. She had never seen such an extraordinary man before¡­ his confidence, his aura, his presence. He wasn''t like the spineless men she was used to manipulating.


    He exuded dominance, but not the overbearing kind. It was the natural kind, the kind that drew people in, making them want to get closer.


    On the other side, Ethan was equally mesmerized.


    Rose''s stunning figure, her elegant yet fiery temperament, she was unlike any woman he had encountered before.


    It was as if fate itself had planned their meeting. Watching this Clich¨¦ scene unfold, Alex couldn''t help but chuckle to himself.


    "Hmph! No surprise there." Even in this setting, even with so many people around, the protagonist and heroine still managed to lock eyes and fall into instant attraction.


    ''Now this is what I should call a ''live at first sight with the protagnist'' in the middle of saying something.'' It was as if some invisible force was ensuring that they would meet and begin their story together.


    "I must say Classic novel logic." Alex''s smirk deepened. "Looks like these two were destined to be together, huh?" But that didn''t matter to him.


    If Rose wanted to throw herself at Ethan, let her. Alex wasn''t playing by the same script¡­ plot or whatever it is anymore.


    After what felt like a few seconds of staring at the contest, Rose finally snapped back to reality. She had almost forgotten why she had rushed here in the first place.


    Turning away from Ethan, though not without a lingering glance, she went straight toward Alex, her anger straight at her face. Her high heels clicked against the floor like war drums.


    If not for his butler stepping forward to block her, she might have lunged at Alex right then and there. But even with the barrier between them, Rose had no intention of holding back. Her voice rang out across the entire hall, filled with indignation.


    "Alex! You better explain yourself right now!" Everyone''s attention snapped toward them. Even Ethan raised an eyebrow, curious about the scene of anger.


    Rose, however, didn''t care about the audience. She was angry and she was a novel heroine so you can guess the next thing¡­ yes they don''t care.


    "You dare freeze all my cards?!" she shouted. "And on top of that, you fired my relatives from your company?!" Her chest heaved with rage as she pointed a perfectly manicured finger at him.


    "Do you have any idea what you''ve done?!" She took a deep breath, her eyes filled with cold arrogance. "Let me make one thing crystal clear, Alex," she sneered.


    "After today, I will never marry you. Even if you begged me on your knees, it''s never happening!" She tossed her hair over her shoulder, her eyes gleaming with pure disdain.


    "You can regret all you want, you can apologize, but I will never take you back!" Her words echoed through the banquet hall. The tension in the air was thick, the surrounding guests watching in shock and intrigue.


    In the past, a confrontation like this would have crushed the original Alex fully. He would have scrambled to apologize, groveled at her feet, and begged for forgiveness, all in desperate hopes of winning her forgiveness again.


    But this wasn''t the old Alex anymore. Alex, unfazed, turned to his butler with a calm expression.


    "Waters." Alex said, looking at the side to his butler.


    "Yes, Sir?" His butler as quick as always replied Immediately.


    "Slap her a few times. She''s getting too noisy." The words stunned the audience.


    For a second, no one reacted. Even Rose''s mind went blank. She had never expected this response.


    His butler, however, had no hesitation. "Yes, Sir!" Without a moment''s delay, Walter took a step forward.


    Rose''s eyes widened.


    "You¡­ you wouldn''t dare¡ª"


    SMACK!


    A crisp slap echoed through the silent party hall.


    Before Rose could even fully process what had just happened¡­


    SMACK!


    Another slap landed, sending a quick little shockwave to her cheek and some of the faces ''what is going on through the room''. Gasps erupted among the guests.


    The Party hall fell into complete silence.


    ¡­.


    A burning pain spread across Rose''s cheek, her skin still tingling from the force of the slap. But more than the physical pain, it was the sheer shock that left her speechless.


    She couldn''t believe it. Alex had actually ordered his butler to slap her¡­ and that too in front of everyone.


    Not just once, but twice.


    For years, she had treated him like her obedient little lapdog, confident that no matter how much she humiliated or toyed with him, he would always come crawling back.


    But now¡­ He had actually dared to talk back and retaliate?


    The Party hall was completely silent, every guest frozen in place as they processed what had just happened.


    Then, hushed murmurs began to ripple through the crowd.


    "Wait¡­ isn''t Alex supposed to be obsessed with Rose? Why would he humiliate her like this?"


    "Are you an idiot? Can''t you see? Rose played him for years, and now Alex has had enough." sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Tsk¡­ without Alex''s support, the Winters family is finished."


    "Well, that''s what she gets. If she had just married him earlier, she wouldn''t be in this mess."


    Disdainful whispers filled the room.


    For the first time in her life, Rose¡­ who had always basked in admiration¡­ was the subject of mockery, pity and humiliation.


    The realization of this made her blood boil.


    "Alex¡­" Her voice trembled with fury as she gathered herself, her breathing erratic.


    "How dare you hit me? You''re just a pathetic loser who has always been at my beck and call! You think that just because you''ve grown a spine, you can humiliate me?! I''ll¡­ " She lunged forward like a wild animal, ready to claw at him.


    But Alex? He didn''t even flinch. He simply stood there, unbothered. And before she could reach him¡­


    He spoke.


    "I suggest you calm down," Alex said, his tone indifferent to whatever happened and whatever insults she threw at him.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 17 - 17: Stupidity!

    "I suggest you calm down," Alex said, his tone as indifferent as ever, completely unaffected by the insults and rage she hurled his way. His sharp gaze cut through her like a blade. "If you have time to throw a tantrum, you should be worrying about your debt instead."


    Rose froze mid-step, her fiery expression faltering into confusion. "¡­My debt?" she repeated, narrowing her eyes in frustration. "What the hell are you talking about?"


    Alex didn''t bother responding to her directly. Instead, he turned to Waters, his butler, with a small nod. The man stepped forward, holding a thick folder in his hands.


    "Read it," Alex instructed curtly, his voice cold and commanding. Waters gave a slight bow before opening the folder and clearing his throat.


    "During the years of your relationship with Alex Reid¡­" Waters began, his voice steady and loud enough for everyone in the room to hear clearly. He held the crowd''s attention as he continued.


    "¡­You received the following: Ten luxury properties, totaling one hundred and thirty-six million, five hundred thousand dollars."


    A murmur rippled through the room, but Waters didn''t pause.


    "Designer clothes, handbags, and jewelry, valued at four million, ninety-five thousand dollars."


    Some guests exchanged stunned glances, the weight of the numbers starting to sink in.


    "Five luxury sports cars, valued at two million, seven hundred and thirty thousand dollars."


    Now, gasps could be heard. A few people leaned closer to whisper in disbelief.


    "A monthly allowance of a million dollars every month, totaling thirty-six million dollars."


    The whispers grew louder, a low buzz filling the air as shock turned to scandal.


    "And lastly¡­ uncountable expenses on vacations, private jets, and extravagant parties, beyond calculation." Waters paused for dramatic effect, letting the room stew in the sheer extravagance of the list before delivering the final blow.


    "The total calculable sum¡­ over two hundred million dollars." The moment the figure left his lips, the entire party hall erupted into murmurs. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What the hell?! She spent that much money on him?" One guest said in a somewhat loud tone. Just shocked at the amount she had spent from Alex.


    "Over two hundred million dollars?! For one woman?!" Said another guest.


    "I always knew she was using him, but this¡­" Another murmur in a unsaid disbelief.


    "That''s not even a relationship¡­ that''s a sponsorship."


    For years, everyone had assumed Alex willingly spoiled Rose out of blind devotion, but hearing the cold, hard numbers laid out so plainly made it impossible to deny the truth.


    It wasn''t love.


    It was daylight robbery.


    Even Ethan Carter, the so-called protagonist of the night and a man who prided himself on his wealth, furrowed his brows slightly. He couldn''t hide his shock, murmuring to himself, "I''ve never spent that much on anyone¡­ spent¡­ I haven''t even thought of something like this¡­ not even close."


    Rose stood rooted to the spot, her face pale as a sheet. Her hands clenched and unclenched at her sides as she struggled to process the accusations being hurled her way.


    She tried to convince herself that Alex was exaggerating, that this was some sort of cruel joke to humiliate her. But the weight of the stares and whispers around her told her otherwise.


    And then Alex spoke again.


    "You heard it," he said, exhaling slowly. The faint curl of smoke from his cigarette danced in the air as his sharp eyes locked onto her trembling form. "I won''t waste my breath arguing with you."


    He took a step forward, his tone colder than ice. "Over two hundred million dollars. We''re done now, so I''ll be generous."


    Rose''s breath hitched as his words stabbed at her like daggers. She wanted to shout, to argue, but no sound escaped her lips.


    "I''ll even let you keep the money of ''over'' word¡ªconsider it a charity donation," Alex continued, his gaze piercing through her. "But the rest?" His voice grew even colder, filled with quiet authority.


    "I want it back. By this afternoon. Send the full amount to my personal account." The room was dead silent. Every guest, every business mogul, every socialite held their breath.


    Everyone was eagerly waiting to see how Rose would react. Rose stood there, completely still, like a statue.


    For the first time in her life, words failed her. She wanted to yell at Alex, to throw insults, to convince herself she was still in charge.


    But she couldn''t. Deep inside, she knew this was a catastrophe, not just for her but for everyone involved.


    While Rose was silent, her parents, Harold and Lillian Winters, were panicking. They knew exactly what Alex''s words implied.


    This was about more than just money; it was about the survival of their family business. On the outside, the Winters seemed like a powerhouse of wealth and influence.


    But the reality? Their success was all propped up by Alex''s support. Without him, they were nothing.


    Their businesses weren''t independent; they only thrived because of their connections to Reid Industries. If those connections were cut off, the Winters would crumble in a day.


    Harold practically ran to Alex, his smile shaky. "A-Alex, my boy! This must be some kind of mix-up¡­ Yes! A misunderstanding!!" He rushed, trying to calm the situation with a voice that was both frantic and polite.


    "Young folks argue sometimes, we get that! But there''s no need for this to go further, right? We''re family, after all!" Lillian added quickly, nodding her head like a bobblehead.


    "That''s right! Rose knows she''s made mistakes, but there''s no need for such drastic steps," she said, smiling through her own panic.


    "How about this? You two make up, we set a date for the wedding, and¡ª" Lillian started to suggest, but before she could finish, Rose exploded at the mention of ''wedding.''


    "Wedding?!" Rose''s rage flared up again as she turned to face her parents with a glare. "Are you out of your mind? After what he did to me today, you want me to marry him?" She pointed angrily at Alex.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!! And thank you ''Bluevirus'' for being the first one to support through Golden Ticket (GT).


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 18 - 18: Cliché Entry!

    "Wedding?!" Rose''s rage flared up again as she turned to face her parents with a glare. "Are you out of your mind? After what he did to me today, you want me to marry him?" She pointed angrily at Alex.


    "Did you not see him slap me in front of everyone?! You expect me to marry a man who humiliated me? Have you lost it?" Her parents looked at her, but Rose wasn''t finished. She crossed her arms, staring down Alex with defiance in her eyes.


    "And let''s get this straight¡ªthose gifts, the cash, the cars¡ªhe gave them to me of his own free will!" She scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Once you give something away, it''s mine. I don''t owe him anything." Her voice dripped with arrogance, as if she truly believed her own words.


    Her declaration left the banquet hall stunned. Whispers grew louder among the guests, their looks now bordering on disbelief.


    "I always thought she was just a spoiled brat, but this... this is something else."


    "Does she think she can just walk away with everything?"


    "She''s ruined herself. If she had any chance before, it''s gone now."


    Even Ethan Carter, the one often seen as the hero, frowned. ''This woman... she''s stunning, but she''s a financial disaster waiting to happen.'' He knew better than to get tangled with someone with such entitlement.


    For a long moment, Alex did nothing, letting the gravity of Rose''s words sink in. Then, without any warning, he flipped the entire banquet table over.


    CRASH!


    Plates broke, wine glasses shattered, and food and drink splattered everywhere. The hall went eerily quiet. Alex''s eyes turned even colder, his face like a mask of death. When he spoke, his voice was low, commanding, filled with a terrifying calm.


    "You''re still playing this game? You think you''re entitled to everything I''ve given you? You really believe you have some power over me?" He let out a chuckle, but there was no humor in it, only disdain.


    "I''ll say this one last time." His eyes narrowed, his aura suffocating. "I am not interested in your daughter. Not even a little bit." Harold and Lillian froze, their faces pale.


    "And as for you, Rose¡­" Alex exhaled slowly, taking a deep drag from his cigarette. Then, as he blew out the smoke, his voice turned into a decree of doom.


    "One hour."


    "All Two Hundred Millions Dollars. Deposit it into my account." His words were calm, but the pressure behind them was undeniable. "On top of that¡ªevery single cent the Winters family has drained from Reid Industries over the years¡­"


    "¡­I want it paid back in full." His voice grew colder.


    "If you don''t comply¡ª" His gaze locked onto Harold, Lillian, and Rose. "I promise you¡­"


    "¡­by tomorrow morning, every single one of you will be sitting in a much worse place¡­ and the place will be very short for all of you." His tone was absolute¡ªnot a threat, but a guarantee.


    The fear that flashed in Harold and Lillian''s eyes was immediate. Rose, for all her arrogance, felt an unfamiliar sensation creeping up her spine. Terror.


    ¡­.


    Although Rose couldn''t make sense of Alex''s sudden change, she and her parents understood one dire reality:


    If they had to return all the money Alex just asked for, it would devastate their finances. Without that money, their business empire would crumble overnight. But if they refused to pay...


    Alex had made it clear; they''d end up in a worse place. There was no escape. For the first time, the Winters family was facing their darkest moment.


    Rose''s eyes turned red, her mind racing as she scanned the Party hall for any way out. She was used to being the one pulling the strings, manipulating situations to her favor. Now, she was the one trapped.


    Her eyes then fell on someone across the room. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And of course by coincidence she looked at none other than the protagonist himself who was in his own world and was enjoying the scene.


    Ethan, sitting confidently among the elite, young, powerful, and unaffected by the chaos around her. He wasn''t looking at her with disdain like everyone else.


    A glimmer of hope sparked in her heart. ''Maybe... maybe he can save us.''


    Rose''s demeanor changed in an instant. Her gaze filled with a mix of helplessness and vulnerability, silently pleading for help, hoping to stir Ethan''s protective instincts.


    Ethan noticed Rose''s desperate look from across the hall. His eyebrows knitted together. ''...Is she asking me for help?''


    A moment of doubt crossed his face. They had never even spoken before; why would she look to him now? But seeing her teary, pleading eyes something inside him shifted.


    "A woman like her, publicly shamed and desperate..." He monologues to no-one but himself. And then added, "How can I just sit back and do nothing?"


    His hands balled into fists beneath the table. He was supposed to be the hero, right? And here was a damsel in distress, looking right at him. It felt like destiny. Plus...


    Didn''t he have skills in Fortune? If he could bend Walter to his will with his kills, surely he could do the same with Alex.


    His confidence surged. A plan crystallized in his mind. This was his chance to make a name for himself. If he stepped in to save Rose and her family, they''d owe him. It would secure his status among the elite.


    His hesitation melted away.


    With deliberate, slow movements, Ethan pushed back his chair and rose to his feet. His smile was calm, reassuring as he looked at Rose and gave a slight nod.


    "Don''t worry, I''ve got this." Without another moment''s pause, he turned to face Alex.


    Ethan''s voice cut through the tension-filled silence of the hall, smooth and assertive.


    "Alex Reid..." Every eye in the room shifted to him.


    "You''re the CEO of Reid Industries, a man with immense power and prestige." He pointed towards Rose, his face the picture of moral outrage.


    "Isn''t it a bit¡­ beneath you to be tormenting a woman like this?" Said Ethan and then just like this, after hearing so called righteous dialogue guests burst into murmurs like he just have declared the end of the world or something.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!! And thank you ''Bluevirus'' for being the first one to support through Golden Ticket (GT).


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 19 - 19: Favor!

    "Isn''t it a bit¡­ beneath you to be tormenting a woman like this?" Ethan said, his voice echoing through the banquet hall. The moment the words left his mouth, the guests erupted into whispers, as if he''d just announced the apocalypse.


    For a moment, Rose was frozen in place. Then, as the truth sank in, her heart leaped with joy.


    ''He''s helping me! I knew it! A man like him wouldn''t just stand by!'' Her eyes shone with admiration, looking at Ethan like he was her personal hero.


    The guests, however, were not all on the same page:


    "Wait¡­ what''s his deal? Why is he interfering in Alex''s business?"


    "Yeah, this isn''t his problem. Alex was just taking back what''s rightfully his."


    "Does this guy not know who Alex is?"


    A few guests exchanged curious, narrowed glances.


    "Maybe he''s trying to play hero."


    "Or maybe¡­ he thinks he can actually go against Alex."


    Meanwhile, Alex, who had been watching this play out with a hint of amusement, took a slow drag from his cigarette. The glow of the ember was brief before he exhaled a long stream of smoke. His gaze lingered on Rose, cold and unreadable, before he finally turned to Ethan.


    "¡­And who the hell are you?" His tone was calm, yet the words carried a weight that seemed to compress the air in the room.


    Ethan''s confident smirk faltered for just a second. A shadow of doubt passed over his face, but there was no going back now. He placed a hand over his chest, offering a smile meant to disarm.


    "I believe Sir Walter introduced us already. But let me introduce myself again¡­ I am Ethan Carter. And I think a man of your stature shouldn''t waste his time ruining a woman over money." His delivery was calculated, aiming to paint himself as the noble one while subtly questioning Alex''s honor.


    The strategy was clear¡ªforce Alex into a corner: back down and look weak, or stand firm and seem petty.


    Ethan was already picturing the outcome, Rose grateful, the guests in awe of his bravery, and Alex forced to reconsider his actions. It was the perfect setup for a hero''s moment.


    But there was one critical error in his plan. Alex wasn''t following the script.


    Alex didn''t respond right away. He just looked at Ethan, his expression hardening. His lips curled, not into a smile, but into something more menacing, more threatening.


    The atmosphere in the room thickened, as if the very air had turned solid. The spark in Ethan''s eyes dimmed slightly. Something about Alex''s look felt off, not at all like the reaction he''d anticipated. Before he could fully grasp the peril he''d just invited upon himself...


    Alex spoke.


    "¡­So, you think you can lecture me?" His voice was steady, but each word seemed to carry a ton of weight.


    "You think you have the right?" He tilted his head, his eyes narrowing dangerously.


    Then, a smirk played on his lips, but it was devoid of any warmth.


    "¡­Interesting." The room went silent, like a graveyard. Ethan Carter had just entered a war zone he was unprepared for.


    The tension was already sky-high, but then Walter, with his sharp gaze, turned to Ethan.


    "Ethan, sit down," Walter commanded, his tone heavy with experience from countless corporate skirmishes. His usual calm had vanished, replaced by stern authority.


    "You''re causing trouble, and trust me¡ªI won''t be able to save you if you overstep." His warning was crystal clear.


    But Ethan?


    Ethan just smiled, his confidence unshaken.


    "Sir Walter! You''re misunderstanding. I''m not here to cause trouble," Ethan said smoothly, his voice dripping with moral superiority.


    His eyes shifted to Alex, his face calm but with a hint of condescension.


    "I simply can''t stand by and watch a helpless woman be treated so cruelly." He paused dramatically, ensuring his words echoed throughout the room.


    Then, as if offering a grand, gracious gesture, he continued¡ª


    "Alex, why don''t you sell me a favor?" His smile widened, his tone reasonable yet laced with arrogance.


    "Let Rose Winters and her family go. In return, I''ll owe you a favor." As soon as Ethan''s proposal landed, the hall fell into a shocked silence.


    Then, whispers broke out:


    "¡­Did he just say he wants Alex to ''sell him a favor''?" Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Who does this kid think he is?"


    "He''s acting like his ''favor'' is worth something. Does he not know who Alex is?"


    The sheer audacity left everyone in disbelief. They couldn''t fathom where Ethan''s confidence stemmed from. Was he out of touch with reality?


    Or did he truly believe his name held enough clout to barter with Alex Reid?


    But while confusion reigned among the guests, Alex?


    Alex was amused. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully, fingers drumming on the table.


    "Oh? Let''s see where this goes." Ethan, completely misinterpreting the quiet, thought Alex was considering his offer seriously.


    To him, this was just the usual formula. The calm before the storm. He assumed that Alex was hesitating, conflicted, perhaps even intimidated.


    As for the murmurs of the guests? He dismissed them entirely.


    "How many times have I seen this in my past experiences?" Ethan thought smugly.


    ''They always doubt me at first¡­ But once the reversal happens, their shock makes my victory even sweeter.'' In his mind, he was already several steps ahead.


    The hero standing up against injustice. The powerful businessman was forced to acknowledge his brilliance. The stunned gasps of the audience as he turned the tide in his favor.


    And most importantly¡ªRose looking at him with admiration, realizing that he was the true man worthy of her attention.


    Yes. This was how the story was supposed to go. Ethan decided to push forward. He ignored Alex''s silence, ignored the confusion of the guests, and went in for the final move.


    With a knowing smile, he continued¡ª


    "I''m sure. I know you''re wondering why my favor is worth it. I''m sure Sir Walter has already mentioned it¡ªI am highly skilled in Fortune Skills." His tone carried absolute confidence, as if this was his ultimate trump card.


    "Having a true Fortune Skills Master owing you a favor¡­ now that is something worth considering." He smiled knowingly, waiting for the inevitable acceptance.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 20 - 20: Refusal!

    "Having a true Fortune Skills Master owing you a favor¡­ now that is something worth considering." He smiled knowingly, waiting for the inevitable acceptance.


    As Ethan finished speaking, the guests finally understood his angle.


    "He''s using his skills as leverage¡­"


    "Now it makes sense. A lot of the ultra-rich take this very seriously."


    "If he really is a master, Alex might actually consider this deal."


    Even Walter Lane''s expression shifted slightly, his brows furrowing.


    "Alex," he said cautiously, his voice steady.


    "Ethan Carter does have a point. The changes he made to my estate''s layout dramatically improved my business." Walter assured Alex and then continued again, "If there''s even a chance that his skills are legitimate¡­" Walter trailed off, but his meaning was clear.


    In novels like this Fortune Skills was no joke in high society. Many top businessmen had spent millions on renowned geomancers, hoping to increase wealth and prosperity.


    If Ethan really was a master, then his favor might be valuable after all. For the first time that evening, it seemed like Ethan had turned the situation in his favor.


    Even Rose''s parents, Harold and Lillian Winters, perked up with renewed hope. Maybe¡­ just maybe¡­ This Person Ethan Carter could save them after all.


    ¡­.


    Walter Lane''s words once again stirred the banquet hall, drawing curious murmurs from the crowd.


    People were already intrigued by Ethan Carter, but now? Now, they were looking at him with a mix of awe and fascination.


    Even Rose''s eyes shone with unhidden admiration as she stared at him.


    "I knew it¡­ I knew he was the one! So handsome, so powerful¡­ even the business elites of other Industries respect him!" Her breath quickened, her cheeks flushed with excitement.


    She had never looked at Alex this way¡ªnot even once.


    And for the first time that night, she felt hopeful.


    ''If Ethan is on my side, then maybe¡­ just maybe¡­ I can turn this around!''


    ¡­.


    Ethan himself was soaking in the attention.


    The hushed whispers, the admiration, the respect in people''s eyes¡ªit all made his confidence soar. This was his moment. This was his story. He could already see the narrative forming.


    The powerful but ruthless villain, Alex Reid, rejecting the hand of friendship. The righteous but brilliant hero, Ethan Carter, offering salvation to the oppressed Winters family.


    And then¡ª


    The grand reversal, where his wisdom, his knowledge, his power would prove superior.


    "This is how it''s supposed to be."


    ''The protagonist takes center stage, and the villain gets crushed underfoot.'' And so, with a smug half-smile, he turned toward Alex, his voice filled with mock sympathy.


    "Alex, do you really think that just because you don''t respect skills, it won''t affect you?" His eyes gleamed with amusement. "You''re making a grave mistake here."


    ¡­.


    But unlike what Ethan expected, Alex didn''t react at all. He didn''t flinch. He didn''t waver. In fact¡­ He laughed.


    A cold, slow, almost mocking chuckle. Ethan''s smugness flickered. Something felt wrong. Alex took a deep drag from his cigarette, exhaling slowly before speaking in a calm, but bone-chilling tone.


    "You actually think that knowing a bit of Fortune Skills qualifies you to negotiate with me?" His lips curled into a smirk, eyes filled with undisguised contempt.


    "And what if I don''t want your so-called ''favor''?" He flicked the ash from his cigarette onto the floor. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What if I simply want to destroy the Winters family for fun?" His voice was eerily casual. Like he was discussing the weather. But the weight of his words crushed the air in the banquet hall. The confidence in Ethan''s eyes flickered for the second time.


    ¡­.


    The audience was left in complete disbelief.


    "Wait¡­ he just straight up rejected it?"


    "He really doesn''t care at all about things like this?"


    "Does he even realize what he''s turning down? Ethan Carter is a master!"


    But while they were shocked, Alex''s attitude remained unchanged.


    And that was terrifying.


    Ethan Carter had come into this expecting a script¡ªwhere Alex would either comply or be forced to comply.


    But now? Now, it was clear. Alex wasn''t following the script. And Ethan had no backup plan.


    ¡­.


    Seeing Ethan hesitate, Rose felt a surge of irritation. Wasn''t Ethan supposed to be the one to resolve this? Wasn''t he supposed to crush Alex? Why was Alex still so confident?


    Unable to hold back, she snapped. "Alex, you''re being completely unreasonable!" Her voice trembled with anger, but also desperation.


    "You''re doing this on purpose! You just want to destroy my family!" Her tone was accusatory, her expression filled with hatred and disbelief.


    Even now, she refused to believe that Alex was simply done with her. To her, everything had to revolve around her.


    ¡­.


    As Rose cast her helpless, doe-eyed gaze toward Ethan Carter, her expression was a perfect display of vulnerability¡ªa delicate beauty in need of saving.


    And Ethan? The moment he saw it, something ignited within him.


    ''A woman like this¡­ I have to protect her.'' His heart swelled with righteous determination.


    This was his moment. His chance to prove his worth, to establish his dominance, to make Alex regret underestimating him. His voice rang out, firm and unwavering¡ª


    "Mr. Alex, I gave you a chance, but since you refuse to take it¡ª" He took a deliberate step forward, his movements oozing confidence.


    "Then don''t blame me for what happens next." He turned toward Rose, offering a charming, reassuring smile.


    "Miss Winters, since Mr. Alex does not believe in my fortune skills expertise¡­" He placed a hand over his chest, his voice deep and self-assured.


    "Allow me to assist your family instead." His words resonated like a decree, an undeniable promise of salvation. "I trust the Winters family is willing to place their faith in me?"


    Rose didn''t hesitate. She practically jumped at the offer, nodding fervently.


    "Of course! I believe in you, Mr. Carter! Your Skills will surely save my family!" Her eyes shone with pure adoration, her lips parting slightly as if she were looking at a divine savior.


    Compared to Alex''s cruel indifference, Ethan''s righteousness was like the warmth of the sun after a bitter winter.


    And just like that¡ª


    Her heart was his.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 21 - 21: Cutting Ties!

    Compared to Alex''s cruel indifference, Ethan''s righteousness was like the warmth of the sun after a bitter winter.


    And just like that¡ª Her heart was his. She no longer had any doubts.


    Ethan Carter was the real man she should have been with all along.


    ''This is fate. This is destiny!'' She couldn''t wait to watch Ethan humiliate Alex in front of everyone. The guests, who had initially dismissed Ethan, began to reconsider.


    Walter Lane, who had been cautiously observing, finally spoke up.


    "Alex, I think you might be making a mistake." He sighed, shaking his head.


    "You don''t understand. Ethan Carter''s Fortune Skills expertise isn''t just some gimmick¡ª" He leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice. "He gave me just a few pointers on my estate''s layout, and within twenty-four hours, I made an additional millions of dollars in profit."


    A collective gasp spread across the hall.


    "Million?! In one day?!"


    "If he''s that good¡­ doesn''t that mean his skills are real?"


    "No wonder Walter was so respectful toward him. I thought it was just courtesy, but¡­"


    Even Harold Winters, Rose''s father, felt his hands tremble with excitement.


    "Million of dollars in a day¡­ if we get his full guidance, how much more could we make?" Harold already began to have a dream.


    ''A Two Hundred Million? A billion?'' If he can help earn Millions of dollars in a day, even hundreds of millions would be a cheap change.


    If Ethan really was as powerful as he seemed, then Alex''s Two hundred million wouldn''t matter in the slightest.


    For the first time that night, since this drama began Harold felt hope again.


    ¡­.


    At that moment, the atmosphere in the party hall shifted dramatically.


    Whether it was Harold Winters, Rose, or the countless guests, they all turned their gazes toward Ethan Carter with a strange expression.


    It wasn''t just admiration anymore. There was a hint of expectation, a lingering question¡ª


    "Can he really pull this off?" Ask someone in the guest but particularly to no one but imposing a question.


    But Ethan? He didn''t care about the looks he was getting. He only had one target¡ªAlex Reid. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In his mind, everything was already set in stone. Alex would beg. He would come crawling back, realizing his mistake. And when that moment came¡ª Ethan would simply walk away, cold and indifferent.


    ''A man like him doesn''t deserve my mercy. I''ll make sure he regrets this for the rest of his life!'' Thought Ethan Carter with a small smirk, he had already taken half the people in the party to his side as a Hero figure.


    Clap. Clap. Clap.


    The sudden sound of deliberate applause echoed through the hall. It wasn''t rushed. It wasn''t polite. It wasn''t celebratory. It was mocking.


    Cold. Calculated. Ethan froze for a second, his brows furrowing as an uncomfortable feeling crept into his gut.


    Something felt off. He turned toward Alex¡ª Only to see the man rising from his seat, a smirk playing on his lips. Alex''s gaze was calm. Way too calm.


    "Good. Very good." His voice carried a dangerous undertone, but his expression remained unreadable.


    "So, you''re determined to involve yourself in this mess?" For some reason, Alex''s reaction unnerved Ethan. It wasn''t the reaction he expected. But he couldn''t back down now. He squared his shoulders, forcing himself to maintain his composure.


    "Mr. Alex, you misunderstand." His voice remained steady, carrying an air of righteousness.


    "I''m not here to stir up trouble." He glanced toward Rose, then turned back to Alex, his tone filled with self-assured morality.


    "I simply can''t stand by and watch a man of your status bully a defenseless woman." His eyes sharpened.


    "The Winters family¡ªI will help them, no matter what." He expected shock. He expected hesitation. Maybe even anger. But Alex? He merely let out a soft exhale, his smirk never faltering.


    And then¡­ He turned away, addressing his butler, Mr. Waters, as if Ethan didn''t even exist.


    "Waters," Alex said casually, waving his hand to his butler. "That document I asked you to prepare¡ª" His tone was calm, yet it was cold throughout the entire room.


    "Announce it now." A beat of silence. Then, his butler stepped forward, pulling out a neatly prepared document.


    His voice rang through the hall, clear and decisive.


    "Following an extensive internal investigation, Reid Industries has discovered that the Winters family, as a corporate supplier, has engaged in no less than thirty separate cases of regulatory violations within the last five years."


    "These infractions have resulted in a confirmed financial loss of over one billion dollars for Reid Industries. That is not including the previous statements"


    Gasps erupted among the guests.


    "One billion?!" Said one of the guests as he spat out some drink just by thinking about the amount.


    "They caused that much damage?!" Said in disbelief another guest.


    But the butler wasn''t finished.


    "As we have gathered substantial evidence of these violations, Reid Industries will be officially filing a lawsuit and every other available against the Winters family, demanding full financial compensation for the damages incurred."


    He took a breath before delivering the final blow.


    "Additionally, Reid Industries will be permanently terminating all business relations with the Winters family, effective immediately." The moment he finished speaking, the entire hall fell into a shocked silence.


    As the butler finished reading the ''Announcement'', the banquet hall fell into stunned silence.


    For a brief moment, no one spoke.


    Then¡­ The realization hit. And it hit hard.


    "Holy shit¡­ Did he really just announce a complete financial severance, and his way of saying he no longer has any relationship with the Winters family?"


    "He''s not just cutting ties¡ªhe''s demanding compensation too?!"


    "With this move, the Winters family is completely doomed!"


    The murmurs grew louder, turning into a wave of exclamations as the full weight of Alex''s actions sank in.


    Just moments ago, Harold Winters and his family were still riding the high of hope. Ethan Carter had promised salvation. They had believed they still had a chance.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 22 - 22: Consequences!

    But now? Their faces turned deathly pale. If demanding the return of Rose''s lavish spending had pushed them into a crisis¡­ Then this lawsuit and business severance were the final nail in their coffin.


    "W-We''re finished¡­!" Harold staggered, his breathing growing erratic. This wasn''t just a simple financial hit. This was a full-scale corporate execution.


    Before Harold could even process the nightmare unfolding before him¡­ The true consequences arrived.


    The moment the other business executives realized what Alex had just done. Their instincts kicked in immediately.


    "If Alex is cutting ties with the Winters family¡­" S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Then we have to distance ourselves too from them now unless you wanna get yourself involved with Reid Industries!"


    A wave of business elites surged forward, their expressions filled with panic and urgency.


    And just like that all the people who had the business with Winters family and their payment weren''t still done, stuck with a realisation.


    They will not get their payment if not now. And just like that. One after another, they surrounded Harold, their voices overlapping chaoticall.


    "Mr. Winters, my company is experiencing some cash flow issues¡ªlet''s settle the balance on our last order now."


    "Harold! You still owe me my money on the payment of another order! If Alex moves to freeze your company''s assets, I''m going to suffer losses too!"


    "Winters! Pay me back my money NOW!"


    "Mr. Winters, my company is small, we can''t afford instability! I need my payments settled immediately!"


    Fury and desperation filled their faces as they grabbed onto Harold''s suit, their demands escalating.


    In the span of seconds, Harold Winters had gone from an esteemed businessman to a desperate debtor, surrounded on all sides.


    And yet, even amidst the chaos, the real horror had yet to unfold. Because Harold Winters didn''t have the money to pay them back.


    ¡­.


    "Everyone, please calm down!" Harold Winters frantically raised his hands, trying to soothe the growing mob around him.


    His forehead was drenched in sweat. His voice trembled as he forced out a weak reassurance.


    "Even if Reid Industries cuts ties with us, I swear¡ªwe will settle all outstanding debts on time. There''s no need for this chaos!" But his words fell on deaf ears. No one believed him.


    "Do you take us for fools? Without Reid Industries backing you, this Winters family is nothing!" Came a hurling insult straight at Harold''s face.


    But it wasn''t the only thing¡­ another and another came one after another.


    "That''s right! If we don''t get our money now, who knows if we''ll ever get it!"


    "Harold, come on, we''re old friends¡ªjust pay me first, will you?" As the crowd''s aggression intensified, Harold felt his chest tighten. He was being crushed from all sides, and he knew¡­ If he didn''t find a solution immediately, the Winters family was finished.


    And so, in his desperation, he turned to Alex. His expression was one of pleading, frustration, and disbelief.


    "A-Alex¡­ isn''t this too much?!" He gritted his teeth, his voice carrying an undercurrent of desperation. "After everything, we''re still family. Do you really have to push us our family to this point?"


    The reaction he was expecting¡­ he didn''t get it. He was hoping for pity if it could aolve his problem at this moment.


    But Alex? He didn''t even blink. His expression remained completely indifferent.


    Instead, he turned, And cast a mocking glance toward Ethan Carter.


    "Mr. Winters¡­" Alex''s voice was smooth, almost lazy. Yet every word cut deep.


    "Didn''t Mr. Carter here promise to save your family?" He let out a soft chuckle, tapping his fingers on the table. "Why aren''t you turning to him for help?" The moment Alex finished speaking¡ª


    Harold froze. Then, his eyes widened. ''That''s right! Ethan Carter had promised to save them!'' Harold whipped his head around, eyes locking onto Ethan.


    His voice rose in urgency, "Ethan! Just earlier, you swore you''d help my daughter! That you would support our family! Are you really going to just stand there and watch?!" The moment Harold shouted, the entire banquet hall''s attention shifted.


    One by one, the creditors, suppliers, and business associates all turned toward Ethan.


    Their expressions sharpened with realization.


    "Wait¡­ didn''t this guy just promise to help?"


    "Yeah! He said he would ''save'' the Winters family!"


    "Isn''t that basically admitting responsibility?"


    Voices of mutual understanding spread through the guests. And suddenly, all those angry creditors redirected their focus. They closed in on Ethan.


    "Young man, you said you''d help, didn''t you?"


    "Does that mean you''ll be paying Winters'' all debts?"


    "Yeah! If you''re so capable, why not prove it now?!"


    At that moment¡­ Ethan''s face turned visibly stiff. His back tensed, his hands clenching involuntarily. He had been so caught up in proving himself, so obsessed with gaining Rose''s and other admirations¡­ That he never considered the real-life consequences of his empty promises.


    And now? It had come back to bite him. "T-This¡­" Ethan struggled to find words, his confidence visibly cracking under the weight of so many eyes.


    The murmurs grew louder. The guests, who had once admired his charisma, now looked at him with doubt and suspicion.


    "So he was all talk after all¡­"


    "I thought he was some genius, but he''s just bluffing his way through."


    "If he can''t even settle this, how can anyone trust his so-called Fortune skills?"


    "Looks like Alex was right not to give him any respect." The admiration¡ªgone. The trust¡­ shattered. Now, they saw him for what he truly was¡ªan arrogant fool who had overestimated himself.


    Harold''s expression twisted in horror as he realized the truth. Ethan had nothing. His voice trembled with rage.


    "You¡ª!" Even Rose''s admiration wavered, her idolized view of Ethan faltering as she processed what was happening. This was the man she thought could replace Alex? This was the man she thought could save her family?


    Her fingernails dug into her palms as her face flushed with shame and disbelief. With no way out, Ethan gritted his teeth, forcing himself to speak¡ª


    "Mr. Winters, Fortune Skills isn''t some magic trick! It takes time! Opportunities! The right conditions!" He answered calmly and then continued, "Even if I wanted to help right now, there''s no way to fix things instantly!" His voice grew weaker with every word, as if he himself was struggling to believe his own excuse.


    But the creditors? They had no patience for excuses.


    "Bullshit!"


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 23 - 23: Disappointment!

    But the creditors? They had no patience for excuses.


    "Bullshit!"


    "You were so confident earlier¡ªwhere''s all that bravado now?!"


    "Didn''t you just say you made Walter Lane Millions in a single day?!"


    "If you can do that, why not solve this in one day too?!"


    Ethan''s jaw tightened. He had been completely cornered.


    "So after all this, you really were just bluffing?" Harold Winters'' voice was filled with disbelief and frustration. He had trusted Ethan. He had placed his family''s future in Ethan''s hands.


    And now? Now it was clear¡­ This so-called ''genius'' was nothing more than a con artist.


    "I should''ve known!" Harold clenched his fists, his face darkening. "How could someone so young be as powerful and influential as Alex?!"


    Even Rose, who had been utterly captivated by Ethan, felt the sting of disappointment. In her mind, Ethan Carter was supposed to be a miracle worker, her savior, the man who would lift her from despair.


    But in the end¡­ He was nothing. Nothing but a fraud. She had traded away Alex''s wealth and loyalty for a man who couldn''t even back up his own words.


    Her nails dug into her palms, her lips pressed tightly together as anger and shame swirled within her.


    Even Walter Lane and the other major business figures could no longer hide their disappointment.


    They had genuinely believed Ethan was the real deal. Walter, in particular, felt a sting of humiliation. He had sung Ethan''s praises, even defended him against Alex¡­ And now, in front of everyone, Ethan had completely crumbled.


    "I really thought this kid had potential." Walter sighed, shaking his head. "Turns out he''s just another talker." And if Walter had already lost faith in him.


    The rest of the business world wasn''t far behind. The wave of mockery and doubt swept through the banquet hall like a wildfire.


    Ethan''s face turned red, his hands clenching at his sides. He wanted to explain. He wanted to tell them¡ª


    "Fortune Skills isn''t instant! Luck and fortune take time!" He said desperately, but it didn''t matter. No one believed him anymore.


    Because at the moment when it mattered the most, he had failed. He had nothing to show. And then¡ª His gaze landed on Alex Reid.


    The man responsible for his humiliation. And Alex? He sat there, watching him with an infuriating smirk, his eyes filled with amusement. That was it.


    Ethan snapped. His rage erupted like a volcano, and he pointed directly at Alex, his voice trembling with anger.


    "Alex Reid¡­ you planned this, didn''t you?! You set me up!" The party hall fell silent again as Ethan''s furious allegations began to echoed.


    But Alex¡­ he didn''t even bother responding. He just raised an eyebrow, as if watching a child throw a tantrum.


    Ethan''s teeth gritted so hard they nearly cracked. Fine. If Alex wanted a fight, he would give him one. He turned sharply toward the business elites sitting beside Walter Lane, his eyes burning with defiance.


    "Walter, Stane, Marco¡­ all of you!" He called them out by name, making sure every guest in the hall could hear.


    "Do you really think I''m lying?" He took a deep breath, then smirked¡­ A forced, desperate smirk.


    "I''ll give you all one last chance!" He raised a hand, gesturing grandly. "Trust in me, and I will guarantee your fortune! With my Fortune expertise, your businesses will flourish, your futures will be secured!" His voice boomed with confidence, trying to regain control of the situation.


    And then¡­ He turned back to Alex, his smirk widening into a full sneer.


    "As for you, Alex¡­" His voice dropped into a venomous whisper, filled with undisguised malice.


    "Three months. That''s all I need. In three months, I will make sure you lose everything. Your wealth, your power, your company¡­ I will leave you with nothing." His words dripped with venom, his confidence restored through sheer arrogance.


    The crowd gasped at his bold declaration.


    "Three months to ruin Alex Reid?!"


    "Is this guy insane?!"


    "Alex''s assets are so vast that even if he did nothing for a hundred years, he''d still be richer than everyone here combined!"


    "And yet this kid thinks he can destroy him in just three months?!"


    The laughter started small, but soon, the entire banquet hall was filled with chuckles and mocking sneers.


    Ethan Carter. The so-called Fortune Skills genius. Had just made the most ridiculous statement of his life. The banquet hall remained filled with skepticism.


    No matter how boldly Ethan Carter spoke¡ªAfter his earlier humiliation, most people struggled to take him seriously.


    "Is this guy still trying to act like some grandmaster?"


    "After all that nonsense, he still dares to run his mouth?" sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But despite the doubt, there was something about him. A presence, an aura¡ªa protagonist''s momentum.


    Even as he stood there, humiliated and exposed, he still carried himself with unwavering confidence. And that alone¡­ Made people hesitate.


    They didn''t believe him, but they couldn''t completely dismiss him either. That was the power of a so-called "chosen one."


    Alex simply chuckled. He wasn''t the least bit threatened by Ethan''s theatrics. Because unlike before¡­ He had a system. He had System rewards and its knowledge too.


    Everything Ethan Carter could see¡­ Alex could see as well. But more than that. Everything Ethan couldn''t see, Alex could.


    It was like comparing a beginner trying to read the stars to a master who had already mapped out the entire cosmos.


    If Ethan''s Fortune skills understanding was on the first floor¡­ Then Alex was already standing at the ninety-ninth. So now? Now, he would just watch.


    Watch as Ethan continues to dig his own grave.


    Ethan, still radiating unshakable confidence, suddenly pointed toward a middle-aged businessman seated among the elite.


    "Mr. Stane!" The man, Stane, a well-known gaming tycoon, raised a brow.


    Ethan smirked. "You made your fortune in gaming. At your peak, you even became one of China''s richest men. But after that, your success¡­ stagnated. Every game you''ve published since then has been a complete failure." He said and then proceeded to ask him another question.


    "Tell me, do you know why?"


    A wave of murmurs rippled through the hall.


    Even Stane himself looked puzzled. He folded his arms, his expression unreadable.


    "And what exactly are you trying to say?" As Ethan smirked knowingly, Alex couldn''t help but chuckle.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 24 - 24: A Decorative Object?

    "And what exactly are you trying to say?" As Ethan smirked knowingly, Alex couldn''t help but chuckle.


    "Ah¡­ here we go again." He had already guessed what Ethan was going to do next. Because this was Ethan''s usual trick. It was always the same pattern:


    Step 1: Point out a real problem in someone''s life.


    Step 2: Make a vague, mystical claim about why it happened.


    Step 3: Pretend to have the solution.


    It was a cheap parlor trick, something that worked only because of the power of suggestion.


    But Alex? He wasn''t just seeing through the illusion. He had already surpassed it. Ethan''s smirk widened.


    "You see, Mr. Stane¡­ The reason your fortune has been declining isn''t because of bad business decisions." He took a dramatic pause, letting the tension build. "It''s because of a single object."


    "A vase." Gasps filled the hall. Ethan raised his voice, delivering the final punchline.


    "Years ago, you had a vase placed at the entrance of your house¡ªright in the center of the main hallway. While it was there, your fortune flourished." He said and stopped for a dramatic turn and than recealed the reason like on some drama.


    "But the moment you gave that vase away¡ªEverything started to go downhill." Ethan Finished and then added.


    "Am I wrong?" For a brief moment, the tension in the hall shifted once again.


    Stane''s face twisted in thought, his brows furrowing deeply. His mind raced as he searched through his memories. And then¡­ realization struck.


    "Wait a minute¡­ that does sound right." His voice carried a mix of shock and suspicion. "Ever since I gave that vase away, my fortune really did start declining!" A hushed silence spread across the room.


    And then, Ethan Carter delivered the final blow. Ethan''s smirk widened as he spoke with absolute certainty¡ª "That vase was the financial focal point of your home¡ªyour Fortune Skills ''core.'' By giving it away, you didn''t just lose a decorative item."


    "You handed over your prosperity." He let the weight of his words sink in before casting a meaningful glance toward one of the other business elites¡ª Walter Lane.


    His tone turned playful, yet dangerously sharp.


    "Tell me, Walter¡­ Do you think I''m wrong?" Walter Lane''s expression stiffened immediately. His entire demeanor changed, his shoulders tensing, his gaze flickering slightly.


    It was a minuscule reaction, something most wouldn''t notice. But in a room filled with ruthless businessmen and cunning socialites, such a shift didn''t go unnoticed.


    Even Stane, who had initially been lost in thought, suddenly snapped his head toward Walter. His eyes narrowed, suspicion burning bright.


    "Wait a damn second¡­" He gritted his teeth as realization dawned. "You were the one who insisted on buying that vase from me. You offered an insane price, even when I told you it was just decoration." His voice rose as anger flooded his veins. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Did you know about its Fortune properties all along?!" His fists clenched as he stepped forward, his rage mounting. "You bastard! You stole my fortune!" Walter''s face was drained of color. He raised his hands in defense, his voice filled with panic.


    "I swear, I didn''t know! This is just a coincidence¡ª!" Said Walter as he faced Stane.


    "Coincidence my ass! You scammed me!" The banquet guests watched in stunned silence as two of the city''s top business tycoons erupted into a heated argument.


    For once, no one cared about maintaining social decorum. The sheer shock of the accusation was too much to ignore. And amidst it all¡­ Ethan Carter stood tall, watching the chaos unfold with a victorious smirk.


    Slowly but surely, the murmurs returned. But this time¡­ They weren''t mocking Ethan. They were in awe.


    "Wait¡­ so everything Ethan Carter said was true?"


    "Did he really expose a hidden Fortune Skills conspiracy?!"


    "How did he even know about the vase?! That''s insane!"


    "I can''t believe it¡­ but I think he''s actually the real deal!"


    For the first time since the banquet began. The power dynamics had shifted again. Where there had been doubt and ridicule. Now there was respect. Caution. Even fear.


    All eyes turned to Ethan Carter. And he felt it. The admiration. The reverence, the awe, this was what he had been waiting for.


    ''Heh¡­ now they finally understand.'' Ethan straightened his posture, drinking in the gazes that surrounded him.


    The last few minutes had been rough. For a while, it had seemed like he would lose all credibility. But now? Now he had turned the tables. Even Walter Lane and the other elites.


    The very people who had mocked him moments ago, were now reevaluating their opinions. He could feel it. Their desire to be on his side. Their hesitation. Their growing belief.


    "This is how it should be. Wherever I go, I will be the center of attention. I will be the one they admire, the one they fear." He muttered to himself as his confidence soared.


    And then, he turned to Alex. His smirk deepened. Ethan Carter was basking in his moment of glory.


    For the first time tonight, he felt like the true protagonist once again. He had successfully turned the tide of the banquet, earning the admiration and fear of the elite.


    And most importantly. He had forced Alex into silence. Or so he thought. Ethan turned to see Alex''s reaction, expecting to see shock, disbelief, or maybe even grudging respect.


    But instead¡­ Alex just looked¡­ unimpressed. No, more than that. He looked amused.


    There was no panic, no hesitation, no reaction of a man who had been outplayed. Instead, Alex''s expression was calm, relaxed, and¡ª Mocking.


    It was the way a teacher looks at a student who just got the answer completely wrong but is still bragging about it.


    And that¡­ That made Ethan furious.


    "What the hell is with that look?!" Ethan''s brows furrowed deeply. A creeping sense of unease began to settle in his chest.


    ''Why isn''t he reacting the way I expected? Why does he still look so¡­ confident?'' More importantly¡ª ''Why does he look at me like I''m an idiot?" The more he thought about it, the more irritated he became.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 25 - 25: You Are Fraud!

    ''Why isn''t he reacting the way I expected? Why does he still look so¡­ confident?'' More importantly¡ª ''Why does he look at me like I''m an idiot?" The more he thought about it, the more irritated he became.


    And before he even realized it. He had spoken aloud. His voice dripped with frustration as he glared at Alex.


    "Alex¡­ After all this, do you still not believe in my abilities?" The banquet hall fell into an anticipatory silence. Everyone turned toward Alex, waiting to see his reaction.


    And finally¡ª Alex spoke. His lips curled into a lazy smirk. His tone was calm, almost playful. "Believe?" He nodded slightly, tapping his fingers on the table.


    "Oh, I believe." Ethan''s chest swelled, thinking Alex was finally conceding. But then¡ª Alex''s tone shifted. His smirk widened as he continued¡ª "I believe¡­ That your Fortune skills are absolute garbage."


    After saying those words the hall fell into silence. Dead silence. Then¡­ A gasp rippled through the banquet hall.


    Ethan''s face darkened instantly. "What¡­ did you just say?!" His hands clenched into fists, his body trembling with anger. "You''re calling my Fortune Skills trash?!" His voice rose, filled with disbelief.


    "Do you even realize who you''re talking to?! I just exposed a financial conspiracy in front of everyone! And you still dare to question my skills?!"


    The anger on Ethan''s face was visible. The face of someone who always believed that everything will always go its way.


    Ethan couldn''t stand it. His most powerful weapon, his Fortune Skills, was being openly mocked. And by Alex Reid, of all people.


    The same man who had spent years as Rose''s obedient lapdog. The man who had never once challenged fate, who had always followed the script, never daring to step out of line.


    But now¡ª Now he dared to look down on him?! Ethan''s fists clenched, his face burning with frustration.


    "What the hell do you know?!" His voice rose, his anger barely restrained. His sharp glare locked onto Alex, his pride wounded beyond measure.


    "I built my entire reputation on my Fortune techniques! Do you think you can just dismiss it with a few words?!" His chest heaved, his breathing heavy. This wasn''t just about a simple disagreement anymore.


    This was about his legitimacy. This was about proving that he was the protagonist. The one destined to be at the top. The one who should be admired. The one who could not be challenged.


    Silence followed his outburst, tension crackling in the air. Walter and Stane, standing nearby, exchanged uncertain glances. They had seen Ethan''s abilities firsthand.


    And regardless of their personal feelings toward him¡ª They couldn''t deny that his Fortune Skills had worked for them. Walter, always composed, took a step forward. His voice was calm yet firm.


    "Alex, I understand your skepticism. But I can personally vouch for Ethan''s abilities." His words carried weight. Walter was not the type to speak without reason.


    Stane, standing beside him, let out a low sigh.


    "As much as I dislike him¡­" He cast a sideways glance at Ethan, his expression sour. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I have to admit¡ªhis readings on my situation were eerily accurate. He might be arrogant, but his skill is real." His admission caused a ripple of agreement to spread through the room.


    "That''s true¡­ he did expose a major financial shift."


    "Even if he''s obnoxious, we can''t ignore his results."


    People nodded, whispering among themselves. The energy in the room had shifted.


    Doubt, which had been clouding Ethan just moments ago, started to fade.


    And in its place¡ª Confidence. Ethan could feel it. The momentum was coming back to him. His fear of losing control? Gone. Now, only arrogance remained. A smirk crept onto his lips as he looked back at Alex.


    "Well, Alex? Are you still going to doubt me?" His voice was filled with amusement, as if the idea of losing this argument was laughable. His gaze swept across the banquet hall, where several elite businessmen stood in his defense.


    "I told you¡ªI don''t just talk big." His tone was smooth, dripping with superiority. "Even the top tycoons in this room can attest to my abilities." He spread his arms, basking in the attention, as if this moment was something he had orchestrated all along.


    "What about you?" His eyes narrowed slightly.


    "Do you have any proof that my Fortune Skills are wrong?" A mocking chuckle escaped his lips.


    "Or are you just jealous that I''ve surpassed you?" His words, sharp and taunting, rang throughout the hall. Then, after a dramatic pause, he spoke once more.


    "I''ll give you one last chance, Alex." He took a single step forward, tilting his head. His smirk widened, his confidence soaring.


    "Admit that you were wrong." His voice was almost gentle, like a teacher offering a foolish student a chance to correct himself. "Admit that my Skills is superior." He let the words linger.


    "And I might just forgive your ignorance." The hall buzzed with anticipation. All eyes were on Alex. Would he back down? Would he admit defeat? Ethan stood tall, convinced that Alex had no way out.


    And then¡ª Alex laughed. It wasn''t a forced chuckle. It wasn''t a scoff of disbelief. It was a genuine, amused laugh. And somehow¡ª That single laugh sent a chill down Ethan''s spine.


    Because it wasn''t the laugh of a man who had been defeated. It was the laugh of a man who already knew the outcome. Alex finally stood up from his seat. His movements were slow, deliberate. His expression? Unreadable. He didn''t look angry. He didn''t look rattled.


    He looked¡­ bored. Then, he spoke. "I don''t need to prove that your Skills is garbage." His voice was light, almost playful. He tilted his head slightly, the corner of his lips quivering in amusement.


    "You already did that yourself." The banquet hall fell into dead silence. Ethan''s smirk disappeared. His face twisted, his eyes flashing with irritation.


    "What the hell are you talking about?!" His voice was sharp, demanding an answer. But the way Alex was looking at him¡­ Like he was nothing more than a joke¡­ That was what truly sent his blood boiling.

 Chapter 26 - 26: Ten Times The Loss!

    Alex simply smirked. The moment Alex spoke, the entire party hall fell into a tense silence. Ethan Carter''s expression darkened instantly.


    His heart pounded, a mixture of rage and deep-seated unease gnawing at him. This was not how things were supposed to go. He had been the one in control, the one commanding the room''s attention.


    But now¡ª Now all eyes were on Alex. And worse¡ª They were looking at him with something he had never seen before.


    Genuine trust. Alex leaned back slightly, his smirk unwavering. His tone was smooth, effortlessly cutting through Ethan''s outrage.


    "You''re asking why I doubt you? Why I call your Feng Shui amateurish?" His gaze sharpened, locking onto Ethan.


    "It''s simple." He gestured toward Walter Lane, his tone carrying a note of mocking amusement.


    "Walter, you were impressed because this clown helped you make you over millions in a day, right?" Walter hesitated for a second, then gave a slow nod.


    "Yes¡­ That''s true¡­" Alex chuckled, the sound carrying a chilling certainty. "And tell me¡ªsince that day, has your fortune continued to improve?" Walter frowned. He hadn''t thought about it before¡ª But now that Alex mentioned it, he realized something.


    His investments had been stagnating ever since. In fact¡ª Everything had felt off. A growing discomfort settled in his chest as he muttered, "No¡­ actually, it hasn''t¡­" Alex''s smirk widened.


    "Exactly. Because Ethan Carter didn''t bring you fortune. He stole from your future." Gasps rippled through the crowd.


    Ethan''s face twisted in fury. "You''re lying!" he snarled. But Alex? He wasn''t even fazed. Alex turned next to Stane, his voice calm yet undeniable.


    "And you." Stane stiffened.


    "You were ready to rip Walter apart over a vase, convinced he stole your fortune." Stane gritted his teeth.


    "Damn right I was!"


    Alex chuckled softly. "Then answer me this¡ªif that vase was truly a fortune-bringer, why didn''t Walter''s wealth skyrocket the moment he took it?"


    Stane froze. Because¡­ It hadn''t. And Walter? His expression darkened with realization.


    "Now that I think about it¡­ my finances didn''t change at all after getting that vase¡­ In fact, I completely forgot about it." The hall fell silent.


    Ethan''s hands trembled. "This¡­ this is just a coincidence!" He was losing ground. The once adoring crowd was turning into a jury ready to pass judgment.


    And then¡­ Alex delivered the final blow. Alex''s voice lowered, but the weight of his words was suffocating.


    "Stane, tell me something. When you first got that vase¡­ long before you even met Ethan¡­ did it ever crack?" Stane''s face twisted in shock.


    "How the hell did you¡ª?" Alex''s smirk deepened.


    "I knew it." His next words sent a chill through the banquet hall. "That vase was never a treasure. It was a time bomb. The moment it developed a crack, it stopped gathering fortune and started leaking disaster." He let that sink in before delivering the final truth.


    "If Walter hadn''t taken it from you¡­ You wouldn''t just be losing money right now. You''d be dead." Stane staggered backward, his face drained of all color.


    Walter Lane''s hands clenched tightly, sweat dripping down his temple.


    The guests¡­ The same people who had praised Ethan minutes ago¡­ Now they looked at him silently.


    And Ethan Carter? He was frozen in place. This wasn''t just a debate of skill anymore. Alex had dismantled everything.


    Stane stood frozen, his brows furrowed deeply, his mind spinning as Alex''s words dug into his psyche like a sharp blade.


    Everything made sense.


    "If that vase really was a fortune-bringer, like Ethan said¡­ then why didn''t Walter''s wealth explode after he took it?" His chest tightened, his gaze flickering toward Ethan Carter, who was trying his best to keep his composure.


    "Did I really get deceived?" The confidence he had just moments ago¡ª It was crumbling. And before the tension in the air could settle¡ª A sudden ringing sound shattered the silence.


    Ring! Ring!


    Ring! Ring!


    Walter Lane''s phone vibrated violently in his pocket, the sharp ringtone cutting through the thick atmosphere of the banquet hall.


    He frowned, pulling out his phone, and without hesitation, answered. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The voice on the other end¡ª Shaking. Panicked. Almost desperate.


    "Sit! Sir! It''s an emergency!" Walter''s expression darkened instantly.


    "What is it?" His secretary''s voice trembled, sounding like he was on the verge of tears.


    "Sit, the three million worth of stocks you invested in yesterday¡­ they just hit their lowest possible amount!" Walter''s grip on his phone tightened.


    "What did you say?" His breath caught in his throat, but before he could process the information¡ª


    The secretary''s next words sent a cold chill down his spine.


    "No, wait¡ªanother stock just hit their lowest amount! And another! Oh my god¡ªSir, all of your stocks are collapsing!" Walter''s heart slammed against his ribs, a cold sweat breaking out across his back.


    A sudden, sinking dread settled in his stomach as the gravity of the situation crashed down on him.


    "Sir, listen¡­ although you made three million yesterday¡­" The secretary choked on his words, his voice cracking under pressure. "But in just this single day¡­ You''ve lost at least thirty million!"


    "You have lost at least ten times of the profit that you made!"


    BOOM.


    It felt like a thunderclap inside Walter''s mind. The party hall, once filled with whispered conversations and murmurs, suddenly felt eerily quiet.


    And in that silence, Walter felt his blood run cold. Ethan Carter had promised him fortune. But instead¡­ He had brought him ruin.


    Walter Lane''s hand trembled slightly as he gripped his phone, his mind still struggling to process the shocking revelation.


    "I made three million yesterday¡­ and today, I lost ten times of that amount total thirty million?" His voice came out as a barely audible whisper, more like he was repeating it to himself rather than asking for confirmation.


    A chill ran through him. And in that moment, Alex words from earlier echoed in his mind.


    "This is what happens when you recklessly borrow fortune from your own future." His fingers slowly curled into a fist, his breath growing uneven.


    He turned his head, his gaze dark and full of suspicion¡­ Straight at Ethan Carter. And he wasn''t the only one. Stane, Walter, and the other business leaders in the room all slowly turned to look at Ethan.


    Their expressions ranging from doubt to outright hostility. They had put their faith in him. They had believed in his so-called "Fortune Skills."


    And now? Now, they wanted answers.


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!! And thank you ''GiovanniG'' for supporting through golden ticket.)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 27 - 27: Stealing Luck Points!

    Ethan''s breath hitched. Cold sweat dripped down the back of his neck as he felt the collective pressure of the room bearing down on him.


    "Why¡­ Why is this happening?" Everything was fine before! He had used this same technique before¡­ He had gained praise, admiration, and influence. But now.


    Now it has completely backfired. It felt like an unseen force was suppressing him. No, not just suppressing. Crushing him. His gut twisted in alarm, but the more terrifying part was.


    He had no idea why. The Fortune Skills he had used should have worked! There was no reason for this to happen.


    Unless¡­ His panicked gaze flickered toward Alex Reid. That calm, unbothered expression. That hint of amusement in his eyes. That damn smirk. Ethan''s fingers twitched.


    "No way¡­ No way in hell¡­ Could it be¡­?" A horrifying realization began to take root in his mind.


    "Did he interfere with my Fortune Skills?!" But how? No¡­impossible! Alex was just some Industry heir, not a Fortune Master! Yet. Everything had gone wrong the moment Alex challenged him. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The mocking whispers filled the Party hall, each word a dagger to Ethan Carter''s pride. His face burned red, his jaw clenched so tightly that his teeth might crack.


    He could feel it¡­ the loss of control, the unraveling of everything he had built up. The admiring gazes that once surrounded him were gone. Now, all that remained were eyes filled with disappointment, doubt, and even contempt.


    Harold Winter, who had previously placed his full trust in Ethan, now looked at him as though he were nothing more than a fraud.


    Walter Lane¡­ He looked like he wanted to dig a hole and bury himself, he had personally vouched for Ethan, after all.


    But the most gut-wrenching blow? Rose. She had once looked at him with admiration, as if he were a knight in shining armor. Now? Now, her gaze had dimmed, her confidence in him shattered beyond repair.


    Ethan felt his breath hitch, his chest tightening.


    If it weren''t for his protagonist''s fate and novel plot armor protecting him, he swore he might have spat out a mouthful of blood right then and there.


    Just as Alex was enjoying the view and sensation, a System Notification¡­ A crisp, mechanical voice rang in Alex''s mind.


    [Ding!]


    [Congratulations, Host, for successfully suppressing the protagonist!]


    [You have stolen 777 Luck Points from Ethan Carter!]


    [Protagonist''s remaining Luck Points: 4922.]


    [Due to the successful suppression of the protagonist''s fate, the company''s downfall event has been delayed¡­]


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk.


    ''Not bad, not bad at all.'' Suppressing the so-called ''Chosen One'', robbing him of his precious protagonist''s fortune, and even delaying his company''s scheduled demise¡­


    ''I must say¡­ A perfect evening.'' Alex thought as he enjoyed the view and the tingling sensation of the moment.


    ''I should keep pushing him down whenever I get the chance. Who knows? Maybe I can delay my company''s collapse indefinitely.'' His thoughts flickered with amusement, but he knew¡ªthis was far from over.


    With a casual wave, Alex turned from his position and then began to go toward the party hall exit.


    Just as he reached the grand doors of tge Winters mansion. He suddenly stopped. Then, turning his head slightly, his voice rang out clearly for all to hear.


    "Rose." His tone was calm, but the weight of his words sent a shiver down her spine. "Don''t forget what I told you. If I don''t receive the two hundred millions dollars in my account by this afternoon¡ª"


    "I''ll make sure you¡­ that this situation would look like an amusement park compared to the place you will be going to go together with your whole family.." His gaze was ice-cold, indifferent, as if he were merely stating a fact, not making a threat.


    And then¡­ he turned to Harold Winter, his expression filled with an almost mocking politeness.


    "Mr. Winter, I sincerely wish you good fortune in your future business endeavors. You''re going to need it." A small snarky laugh escaped Alex mouth as move and with that¡­ Alex walked out.


    The second his figure disappeared beyond the doorway, reality crashed down upon the Winter family.


    And within moments¡­ The sharks closed in. The Fall of the Winter Family officially Begins. The moment Alex left, the remaining businessmen in the hall sprang into action.


    One by one, investors, creditors, and business partners surrounded Harold Winter like a pack of starving wolves.


    "Mr. Winter, let''s settle the payments now!" Said one of the guests who was listening and seeing the whole thing.


    "You borrowed ten million from me¡ªdon''t even think about running away from it!" Said one of the creditors.


    "My company can''t afford to wait any longer, you need to return my investment immediately!" Another rapid angry voice came from the group.


    "Your family is finished anyway¡ªjust pay up!"


    Harold Winter felt his head spin. His face twisted in agony, his hands clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms.


    "Alex¡­ you ruthless bastard!" He had cut off all business ties, thrown their financials into chaos, and left the Winter family to fend for themselves.


    Now¡ª Now, they were drowning.


    ¡­.


    One Hour Later:


    Winter Estate:


    For the next hour, Harold Winter did everything he could. He made promises, begged for extensions, tried to negotiate settlements¡ª But deep down, he knew¡ª The Winter family was finished.


    Their business was crumbling, their financial partners were pulling out, and their stocks were plummeting like a sinking ship.


    The foundation he had built for years¡­ was turning to dust right before his eyes. High-ranking employees were resigning in groups, all of them not even wanting to have ties with the Winter family.


    Company shareholders were scrambling to sell off their stocks, hoping to escape before the inevitable collapse.


    The once prosperous Winter family name. Had turned into a financial death trap overnight. And when the dust settled. Harold Winter finally collapsed into a chair, his breath coming in ragged gasps.


    For the first time in his life. He felt completely, utterly powerless. His hands trembled, his body numb with shock. A dark thought crossed his mind.


    "Is it even worth living like this anymore¡­?" His gaze turned vacant, his mind drifting to the idea of ending it all. But before he could sink any further into despair.


    His eyes landed on Rose. And in an instant. That numb despair transformed into pure, burning rage. Rose, sensing his father''s gaze, instinctively took a step back.


    "Dad¡­? Why are you looking at me like that?" Before she could react¡­


    SMACK!


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


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 Chapter 28 - 28: Do Whatever It Takes!

    "Dad¡­? Why are you looking at me like that?" Before she could react¡­


    SMACK!


    A sharp slap echoed through the hall, sending her stumbling backward. A red mark immediately bloomed on her cheek like her name Rose.


    The Party hall! The very same hall that had once been filled with prestige and luxury. Now stood frozen in shocked silence. Rose clutched her stinging cheek, her eyes widening in disbelief.


    Her father¡­ had just slapped her.


    "I''LL TELL YOU WHY I''M LOOKING AT YOU!" Harold Winter roared, his voice hoarse with fury.


    His hands shook, his chest heaving with uncontrollable rage.


    "I WARNED YOU! I TOLD YOU TO STOP PLAYING AROUND AND JUST MARRY ALEX!" All the rage he had been holding was now finally coming out from his body.


    "HE ADORED YOU! HE WOULD''VE GIVEN YOU EVERYTHING! BUT NO¡ªYOU HAD TO KEEP HIM CHASING YOU LIKE A FOOL!"


    Rose staggered, her ears ringing from the loud angry voice of his father and the slap that had done half the work.


    "Dad, I¡ª" She tried to speak for herself but Harold Winter wasn''t finished.


    "AND NOW LOOK AT US!" His eyes were bloodshot, his rage consuming him.


    "YOU TOYED WITH HIM FOR YEARS¡ªAND NOW HE DOESN''T WANT YOU ANYMORE! AND BECAUSE OF YOUR STUPID GAMES¡­ DIGNITY¡ª OUR FAMILY IS RUINED!"


    His voice shook with bitterness, with regret, with unfiltered hatred toward her stupidity.


    "Was your act worth it? Was pretending to be a pure, untouchable goddess WORTH DESTROYING OUR FAMILY?!"


    Rose''s knees buckled, her mind blanking out.


    The sudden slap had left Rose stunned, her cheek burning from the impact. But more than the pain. It was the public humiliation that made her tremble with anger and disbelief.


    "Dad! How could you yell at me like this?" she cried out, clutching her cheek, her eyes welling with unshed tears. Her voice trembled, but it still carried an undertone of defiance.


    "I never liked Alex to begin with! He was the one who willingly out of his own will chased after me, throwing money at my feet like an obedient dog!" Tears escaped from her eyes as she continued.


    "I never forced him to do anything¡ªif he wanted to spoil me, how is that my fault?!" Her words, so brazen and unapologetic, sent a wave of murmurs through the banquet hall.


    Yet! One voice stood out above the rest.


    "Exactly! She''s absolutely right!" The person speaking? None other than Ethan Carter. Despite being utterly humiliated moments ago, he still found himself nodding in agreement, his eyes filled with admiration.


    "Rose is a goddess¡ªof course men should worship her." A twisted grin formed on his lips. "It''s Alex who''s truly disgusting. A man who willingly becomes a lapdog should accept his fate. He had no right to take back what he gave."


    It was clear. The so-called ''protagonist'' had morals just as twisted as hers. Before Rose could even process Ethan''s pathetic attempt at justifying her actions, a sharp, disdainful scoff reached her ears.


    It came from her own mother, Lillian Winter. The older woman crossed her arms, her lips curled in disgust. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You''re really something, aren''t you?" Lillian sneered. "Sure, Alex was doing that out of his own will¡­ but do you think men will keep throwing money at you forever?"


    "Even a dog expects a treat after doing tricks!"


    Rose''s eyes widened in shock, unable to believe what she was hearing. Her own mother was siding against her?!


    Lillian shook her head, clearly exasperated. "Look at you. You''ve been acting like a damn princess, thinking you could keep leading Alex on forever." Her gaze turned icy cold.


    "Do you even understand the situation we''re in right now?" Her voice dropped to a chilling whisper.


    "Without Alex, we''re finished." Rose bit her lip, but before she could refute, her mother leaned in closer¡­ And spoke words that made her heart clench in dread.


    "You should''ve at least given him something. If you''d just let him have you once, he''d still be under your control." The Party hall fell silent. Even Ethan Carter, who had been nodding along a moment ago, froze in place.


    But Lillian wasn''t done. "Instead, you strung him along, keeping yourself ''pure'' like you were some untouchable queen. Now, look what happened." Her tone was icy, ruthless.


    "Alex is done with you. You lost your golden meal ticket, and because of you, our entire family is on the verge of collapse!" She clenched her fists, her expression twisted with rage.


    "How does it feel, Rose? How does it feel knowing you''re the reason your family is going down in flames?!" Rose staggered, her breath hitching in panic. She wanted to scream, to argue¡­ But she couldn''t.


    Because deep down¡­ she knew her mother was right. She had overplayed her hand. She had been so sure Alex would always crawl back to her, no matter what.


    And now¡­ Now, he had cut her off completely. And without him, she was nothing.


    Harold Winter, who had been silent all this time, finally took a deep breath.


    When he spoke, his voice was grim, unwavering. "There''s only one way to fix this." His cold gaze landed directly on Rose.


    "You need to make Alex forgive you." His words felt like an iron decree, each syllable pressing heavily against her chest. "Without his backing, our company is doomed. The Two Hundred Million Dollars he''s demanding? That''s just the beginning."


    His fingers tightened into a fist, his expression dark.


    "Rose, you need to go to Alex''s house immediately. Do ''whatever'' it takes to win him back." The implication in his words was clear. Nothing was off-limits.


    Rose''s stomach twisted. "I''m not going!" she protested, shaking her head violently. "He was just my lapdog! You want me to beg him now?!" Her voice cracked in desperation, but her father''s expression remained cold and unmoved.


    Lillian Winter stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with calculation. "You don''t have a choice. If Alex still wants you, that''s our only hope." Her lips curled into a cruel smirk.


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


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    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 29 - 29: Entry Denied!

    Lillian Winter stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with calculation. "You don''t have a choice. If Alex still wants you, that''s our only hope." Her lips curled into a cruel smirk.


    "If he tries to take you to bed, then let him. In fact, I''m hoping he does." Rose stiffened, her breath catching in her throat.


    "M-mom, you''re not serious, are you?!" Rose asked in disbelief, her mother¡­ her mother was suggesting it.


    Lillian snorted. "What''s the problem? That''d mean he still has feelings for you." She crossed her arms, her gaze sharp.


    "As long as you can get him back on your hook, we can recover." Her voice lowered to a near-whisper, but every word cut like a blade. "It''s either that, or you can start getting used to being poor again."


    Rose trembled, her fists clenching so tightly her nails dug into her palms. She had spent years living in luxury. Wearing designer clothes. Driving luxury cars. Living in a mansion.


    She couldn''t go back to a normal life. She refused to. She wanted to resist, to fight back. But her mother''s words had already planted fear deep in her heart.


    She knew what she had to do. Even if it meant humiliating herself. Even if it meant swallowing her pride.


    She had to make Alex forgive her. Or else¡­ Her life of luxury would be over. Forever.


    ¡­.


    Not far away, Ethan Carter had been listening in on Harold Winter and Lillian''s conversation with Rose.


    And the more he heard¡­ The wider his eyes became, his expression shifting from shock to utter disbelief.


    "What the hell is this?" His mind raced. "Are these people insane?! They''re actually forcing her to go back to Alex?! Not just that¡ªthey''re even hoping he''ll¡­ sleep with her?" Ethan felt his blood boiling, his fists clenching so tightly his knuckles turned white.


    "No! I won''t let this happen! How could they even think of sacrificing someone as perfect as her?! She''s mine! The one destined to stand by my side!" His body tensed, instinctively ready to rush forward and pull her away.


    But just as he was about to move¡­ He forced himself to stop. Reality slapped him hard. The humiliation he had suffered earlier in the banquet hall was still fresh in everyone''s minds.


    The moment he had been exposed as a fraud. The way people mocked and dismissed him. The fact that Harold and Lillian no longer trusted him.


    If he tried to step in now, what would happen? They''d just humiliate him again. No¡­ he couldn''t afford to be humiliated again. He had to be smart about this.


    Instead of acting recklessly. He reached for his phone. His fingers hovered over the screen for only a second before he dialed a number.


    The call connected almost immediately. A woman''s voice answered.


    Smooth. Cool. Unreadable.


    "Ethan? You haven''t called me in a while." Ethan''s grip on the phone tightened.


    His tone was serious, urgent. "Lily¡­ I need your help." The person on the other end? Lily. A woman currently studying abroad. A woman with a special connection to Alex Reid. Because she was his half-sister.


    And Ethan was about to use her to turn the tables.


    ¡­.


    Back at the Winter residence. Harold Winter stood beside his car, his eyes locked on Rose, his expression grim and unwavering.


    Rose, however, was far from composed. She was seething with frustration, her emotions a chaotic mix of anger, humiliation, and panic.


    But most of all¡­ Fear. Fear of losing everything. Her pride screamed at her to resist, to refuse, to throw a tantrum and demand things go back to how they were.


    But her survival instincts? They forced her into silence. Because she knew¡ª Without Alex, her luxurious life was over.


    Harold''s voice was sharp, cold, and absolute. "Remember this, Rose¡­ our family''s future rests on your shoulders. You must make Alex forgive you."


    "NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES." His stern gaze bore into her, leaving no room for argument.


    Then¡ª With a harsh press of the gas pedal, he sped off, leaving her standing alone outside Alex''s private neighborhood. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She was on her own. She took a deep breath. Slowly, she reached into her purse, pulling out a compact mirror. She checked her reflection, quickly adjusting her makeup, ensuring that she looked as flawless and delicate as ever.


    Because if she was going to manipulate Alex again. She needed to be perfect. Taking one final breath to steady herself¡­ She walked toward the gated entrance.


    But then¡­ Something unexpected happened. She was stopped.


    "Excuse me, miss." A uniformed security guard stepped forward, his stance professional yet firm.


    "This is a private residence. No unauthorized visitors are allowed entry." Rose blinked, momentarily stunned. Her brows furrowed in irritation.


    "Do you even know who I am?" she scoffed, flipping her hair back in an attempt to regain control of the situation.


    "I''m Rose Winter. The girlfriend of Alex Reid, the CEO of Reid Industries!" She folded her arms, looking at the guard with thinly veiled arrogance.


    "Now, step aside. I don''t have time for this nonsense." The guard, however, remained completely unfazed.


    Instead, he narrowed his eyes slightly, as if evaluating whether to even bother entertaining her words. Then, with a calm, measured tone, he responded¡ª


    "Miss Winter¡­ is it?" He glanced at a clipboard in his hand, as if double-checking something.


    Then, he sighed. "I''m sorry, but CEO Reid has given specific instructions. Anyone by the name of ''Rose Winter''¡ªis to be permanently denied entry into the estate." The guard said blocking the way and in the end he added.


    "Under all circumstances."


    Rose''s entire body went rigid. Her mind blanked for a second as the words sank in. Then¡­ Her ears started ringing.


    "W-What¡­?" She barely managed to choke out the words.


    "You''re saying¡­ Alex banned me?" The guard nodded without hesitation.


    "That''s correct, Miss Winter. CEO Reid was very clear about this. You are not to be allowed inside, no matter what you say or do."


    Rose staggered slightly, her breath hitching as she struggled to comprehend what she had just heard.


    "He¡­ he actually banned me?!" Her eyes darted around frantically, as if searching for some kind of explanation.


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 30 - 30: How Delusional Rose Can Be…!

    "He¡­ he actually banned me?!" Her eyes darted around frantically, as if searching for some kind of explanation.


    "I personally came to apologize! And Alex still refuses to see me?!" Rose''s voice rose in disbelief as she stared at the security guard. Her expression twisted with frustration and sheer incredulity.


    "I am the woman Alex loves the most!" Her voice dripped with entitlement, as if that simple fact alone should open every door for her.


    "You''d better go report to him right now! Tell him clearly¡ª" She folded her arms, chin tilted high as she issued her ultimatum. "This is the one and only chance I''m giving him. If he doesn''t cherish it¡­ then I will never see him again!" Even at this point, even after being rejected so thoroughly, she still believed¡ª That Alex must still love her.


    Why else would he go to such extreme lengths? Why else would he cut ties with her so dramatically?


    To her, the only explanation was that he was just throwing a tantrum, trying to get back at her for ignoring him all these years.


    The security guard, however, merely looked at her with the kind of blank amusement one might have when watching a particularly clueless fool. His voice was calm, almost pitying.


    "Sir gave specific instructions. If a woman named Rose Winter tries to enter¡ªdeny her entry. No exceptions. No mistakes." Rose staggered slightly, her breath hitching as the words sank in. But the next sentence was what truly shattered her confidence.


    "Miss Winter, perhaps CEO Reid did like you once. But that time is over. Now?" The security guard gave a slow, deliberate shake of his head.


    "He has absolutely no interest in you anymore." The finality in his tone felt like a dagger to her chest.


    For the first time¡­ The possibility that Alex truly did not love her anymore¡­ Began to creep into her mind. And then¡ª The last, casual remark sealed her humiliation completely.


    "So please, Miss Winter, don''t block the entrance. There will be cars passing through soon, and if you get hit, people might think you''re trying to scam us for money." It was a mocking jab¡ªbut it hit her harder than any insult.


    A shiver ran down her spine. She felt light-headed, dizzy. How had things changed so fast? How had she gone from being worshipped to being treated like an insignificant pest?


    It wasn''t just Alex. Even people like this lowly security guard dared to mock her now. Her nails dug into her palms. No. No, she refused to accept this.


    She couldn''t. If she lost Alex, She lost everything. The status. The luxury. The admiration she had grown addicted to. Without Alex''s love. She was nothing.


    "I have to fix this. I have to get him back!" Her mind spun in desperation, searching for a way. And then, An idea struck. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "That''s it!" Her eyes flickered with determination. "I''ll wait for him! I''ll kneel here if I have to, until he forgives me! He used to worship me, he still loves me! He just needs to see that I''ve changed!"


    With that thought solidified in her mind, she did something she had never imagined herself doing before.


    She dropped to her knees right there at the entrance. No hesitation. No shame. Her pride? She tossed it aside. Because nothing was more important than getting Alex back.


    She would endure humiliation if it meant restoring her past life. If it meant regaining the spotlight. If it meant being adored again.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, Inside the Villa¡­


    Unbeknownst to Rose, Alex had no idea she was kneeling outside. Even if he did know¡­ He wouldn''t care.


    At that moment, he was focused on far more important matters. An older gentleman entered the room, his movements calm and precise.


    He carried a thick folder filled with documents.


    "Sir." The butler, Mr. Waters, gave a respectful nod before placing the documents on the table. His tone was serious, almost hesitant.


    "The investigation you requested is complete." The butler informed Alex and Alex glanced at him, his fingers idly tapping against the armrest of his chair.


    "And?" The butler opened the folder, scanning the contents before speaking.


    "Aside from the Winter family¡­ there are several others within the company who have engaged in illicit activities." His voice darkened slightly.


    "They''ve embezzled large sums, manipulated company resources for personal gain, and secretly diverted assets." He looked up, his expression grim.


    "The most concerning part? These people¡­ are all major shareholders." Alex''s eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained unreadable.


    "Big fishes, then." The butlet hesitated for a brief moment before adding¡ª "What''s truly baffling, Sit¡­ is how well they''ve hidden their tracks."


    "On the surface, they appeared completely clean. Had we not conducted this deep investigation¡­ no one would have suspected them. May I ask¡­ how you managed to predict their involvement?" Alex simply smiled faintly. He didn''t respond.


    Because the answer was simple. He had already seen it all before. He had read the novel''s original plot. He knew exactly who had contributed to the downfall of Reid Industries.


    The same corrupt executives who, in three months'' time, would betray him and side with Ethan Carter.


    The very people who would help Ethan seize control of the company and force him into ruin.


    Not this time. "If I eliminate them now¡­ Ethan will have no leverage. His so-called ''business takeover'' will be nothing but a joke." His fingers drummed against the desk, his smile growing colder.


    "Time to clean house or the company." He looked up at His butler, his tone calm but resolute.


    "Prepare the termination orders. And make sure every single one of them is removed. I want all company shares back under my control." The butler nodded firmly.


    "Understood, Sir." As the butler exited the room, Alex leaned back, his gaze sharp and calculating.


    These people are like cockroaches to be honest. The world is trying to help him but creating more opportunities, and Alex has no doubt he will come in contact with the top executives of his company.


    "Without those traitors¡­ Let''s see how Ethan plans to bring me down now."


    ¡ª


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 31 - 31: Shareholders Meeting!

    The moment Alex picked up the documents, his expression turned icy. With a swift motion, he waved his hand.


    "Let''s go. To the company!" His voice carried a weight that left no room for hesitation.


    "Call put to all the shareholders¡­ Immediately." His gaze sharpened as he added, "We''re holding a meeting."


    His butler nodded. And then went to fulfil the order.


    ¡­.


    Five Minutes Later: At the Estate''s Entrance:


    A sleek luxury car pulled up at the estate''s entrance.


    Rose, who had been kneeling at the gate with a pitiful expression, immediately perked up. Her heart pounded with excitement as she saw Alex''s car approaching.


    "He came to see me¡­ he must have been moved by my sincerity!" She quickly adjusted her posture, making sure she looked as weak and pitiful as possible. In her mind, Alex would surely get out of the car, help her up, and beg for her forgiveness.


    However, reality was cruel. The car didn''t slow down. Instead, it roared past her in a flash, kicking up a cloud of dust.


    "Ugh¡ª!" A wave of dirt and exhaust hit her face. Rose coughed violently, her once carefully applied makeup now smeared with dust and irritation.


    Just as she was about to curse in frustration, the car suddenly came to a stop a few meters ahead.


    Her heart skipped a beat.


    "He''s regretting it! Yes! He realized his mistake and stopped for me!" With renewed hope, she quickly wiped her face and adjusted her appearance. She took a deep breath, preparing herself to put on the most fragile and sorrowful expression possible.


    The tinted window slowly rolled down.


    Alex''s cold gaze met hers, sending a shiver down her spine.


    "Rose, let me remind you," his voice was indifferent, emotionless. "There are only two hours left until five o''clock. If you don''t come up with the Two Hundred Millions dollars by then¡­" He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.


    "You''re going to go to the very nice place I prepared for you and your family." Without another glance, he rolled up the window, stepped on the accelerator, and sped away.


    Rose stood frozen in place, her expression blank.


    The joy she had felt a moment ago shattered like glass.


    ¡­.


    Reid Industries:


    By the time Alex arrived at the company, a group of shareholders had already gathered at the entrance, waiting for him. Alex''s erratic and different actions had thrown them into a state of unease. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Why did he call us all here?" One of them whispered nervously.


    "Yeah, and why make us wait outside like this? Something doesn''t feel right¡­"


    "I have a bad feeling about this. Just a few days ago, he purged half the company''s executives. What if we''re next?"


    "Calm down," another shareholder said, though his voice lacked confidence. "We are shareholders, after all. He can''t just get rid of us that easily. If we stick together, there''s nothing to worry about."


    "Right. As long as we stand together. Alex won''t be able to do anything reckless." A false sense of security settled among them.


    Then, Alex''s car pulled up. A shareholder, eager to curry favor, quickly stepped forward and opened the car door for him.


    "Sir Alex, there was no need to summon us all here personally," he said with a flattering smile. "If you needed something, a simple phone call would have sufficed." His voice was dripping with fake politeness, but Alex saw right through him.


    With a slow, deliberate smile that didn''t reach his eyes, Alex replied, "Oh, but this is something important. A very¡­ big matter."


    Without another word, he reached out, and Mr. Waters, his ever-loyal butler, promptly handed him a thick stack of documents.


    Alex casually tossed the papers at the shareholders. The crisp sound of paper rustling filled the air as they fumbled to catch them. When they saw the bold red title on the first page, their faces paled instantly.


    [Reid Industries ¨C Share Transfer Agreement]


    Alex''s smirk widened as he watched their expressions crumble.


    "Let''s not waste time," he said coolly. "Shall we get started?"


    ¡­.


    The bold words on the cover of the document left the shareholders stunned.


    "Share transfer agreement? Is Alex planning to buy us out?" One of the shareholders shared his concerns regarding the file and the matter at hand.


    "What does this mean? Does he want to be the sole shareholder of the company?" One more raised his voice among them. Clearly none of them were happy from the news they received nor was there any reason for them to be happy.


    "This is outrageous! Is he trying to cut us out of the business completely?" One more shareholder raised his voice in anger, his eyes showing how much he meant that.


    Their expressions quickly shifted from surprise to anger. Though the company''s value had taken a hit after the Reid Industries previous issues, it was still highly profitable. The annual dividends they received were a significant source of income.


    Now Alex was demanding they surrender their shares, which was essentially cutting off their golden goose. Naturally, they couldn''t accept this.


    "Everyone, calm down. Why don''t you take a look at the details first?" Alex''s tone was calm, almost indifferent, as if the matter didn''t require much discussion.


    "And after that¡­ If there''s no issue, just sign it." His demeanor was nonchalant, a sharp contrast to the rising tempers of the shareholders.


    The more composed he appeared, the angrier the shareholders became.


    "This is ridiculous! If you want us to surrender our shares, you owe us an explanation!"


    "What kind of attitude is this, Alex?"


    "There''s no way I''m giving up my shares!"


    "Me neither!"


    They exchanged glances, silently agreeing to stand together against Alex.


    Alex noticed their unspoken pact but remained unfazed. His lips curled into a faint smile, one that seemed to mock their resolve.


    "Are you sure you don''t want to take a look at the agreement in your hands?" he asked, his voice laced with subtle amusement.


    "There''s no need!"


    "We won''t sell our shares no matter what!"


    "Exactly! We refuse to sell!"


    The shareholders'' voices grew louder, their determination clear in their tone. The commotion quickly drew attention from nearby employees.


    ¡ª


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 32 - 32: Ten Fucking Dollars!

    "What''s going on? Why are the CEO Alex and the shareholders arguing?" One of the employees asked as they looked at the meeting room.


    "Yeah, aren''t they supposed to be on the same side?" Another one asked in confusion.


    "I heard that the CEO is planning to buy out their shares. He wants to own the company outright." One of them spoked likely treating it as a rumour and thought of telling them.


    "Seriously? That''s ruthless! He''s taking everything for himself?" Another employee jabbed at the previous statement.


    Whispers and speculation spread among the crowd as more employees gathered to watch the drama unfold.


    One of the shareholders, Eric, stepped forward. As the second-largest shareholder in the company, he felt obligated to defend himself and the other shareholders.


    "Alex, don''t you think you''re going too far?" Eric said, his tone stern but cautious.


    "We''ve been with this company since the beginning. This move of yours will leave everyone feeling betrayed!"


    Alex turned to him, his expression shifting to one of mild amusement.


    "Eric, I almost forgot about you. Your contract has a special clause in it. Why don''t you come over and take a look?" He handed a specific document to Eric, his smile deepening as he did so.


    Hearing this, Eric felt a flicker of hope.


    ''Could it be that he isn''t planning to kick me out? Maybe this is only targeting the smaller shareholders?'' The thought filled him with relief. He glanced at the other shareholders, who were starting to look worried.


    However, Eric''s relief was short-lived.


    As his eyes scanned the document, his expression froze, then twisted into pure rage.


    "What the hell is this, Alex?" he shouted, his voice trembling with anger.


    "Ten dollars?! You''re offering ten dollars for my shares?ARE YOU FUCKING PLAYING WITH ME?"


    Eric''s fury was palpable. If there hadn''t been people around, he might have lunged at Alex right then and there.


    His shares represented 15% of the company. Based on the current market valuation, they were worth in billions.


    And yet, Alex had the audacity to offer him ten dollars.


    Not in billions or millions but in mere Ten Dollars¡­ you can imagine the anger Eric is feeling right now. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Are you insane? Why don''t you just rob me outright?! Ten dollars? This isn''t a buyout¡ªit''s outright robbery!" Eric stated with anger and fury in his eyes kike he could kill Alex right now if he can.


    "He''s blatantly toying with us!" The shareholders erupted into fury, their voices rising in outrage.


    Some clenched their fists tightly, while others exchanged sharp glances, as though seeking unity in their anger. Their faces flushed red with frustration, and a wave of irritation and anger spread through the group.


    "Eric, why are you so worked up?" Alex''s voice was calm, almost unnervingly so.


    He leaned back slightly, exhaling a faint puff of smoke, his posture utterly relaxed as if he were merely observing a minor inconvenience.


    "At least finish reading the entire document. Who knows? There might be a surprise waiting for you on the next page."


    Eric froze mid-retort, his anger momentarily caught in his throat. His instinct was to argue back, but something about Alex''s gaze made him hesitate.


    It wasn''t just confidence¡ªit was something colder, sharper, as if Alex were already in complete control of the situation.


    His fingers tightened around the paper as he hesitated, his mind racing. After a tense pause, he reluctantly flipped to the second page.


    The moment Eric''s eyes landed on the contents of the next page, his breath hitched. His face paled several shades, and the hand holding the document trembled as if it suddenly weighed a ton.


    "A¡­ Al¡­ Alex¡­ what¡­ is the meaning of this?" Eric stammered, his voice trembling with disbelief.


    "I''ve worked hard for this company for so many years. Even if I haven''t done anything extraordinary, I''ve at least put in my fair share of effort¡­" His voice grew louder as he spoke, desperation leaking into every word.


    "So what if I used the company''s name to make some extra money on the side? Do you really need to go this far against me?" His outburst echoed through the room, his frustration spilling over as he looked at Alex with a mix of fear and indignation.


    "You''re asking me if this is necessary?" Alex murmured, his tone casual yet deliberate.


    He pulled a cigarette from his pocket and lit it with a calm, almost practiced ease. Taking a long drag, he exhaled slowly, the faint trail of smoke curling lazily in the air. His calm demeanor was in stark contrast to Eric''s rising panic.


    "Of course, it''s necessary," Alex continued, his voice steady and cold. "Sure, the money you''ve made isn''t a small amount compared to your shares¡­" He glanced at the trembling Eric, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.


    "But if I report you for embezzling billions from the company¡­" Alex leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering as though sharing a secret. "That''s enough to land you in rotten prison for the rest of your life, isn''t it?"


    Eric staggered back a step, his legs nearly giving out beneath him. The blood drained from his face, and his breathing became shallow as the weight of Alex''s words settled on him.


    "And that''s not all," Alex added, his tone growing darker. "If you push me to that point¡­ when you''re locked up, what happens to your wife and kids without your protection?"


    The words were like daggers, cutting deep into Eric''s chest. His hands shook violently, and sweat began to bead on his forehead.


    "Do you think their lives will be any easier?" Alex''s voice softened, but the underlying threat was unmistakable.


    Eric''s heart pounded in his chest as a cold chill ran down his spine. His imagination ran wild, conjuring images of his family''s suffering, and he instinctively raised his hands as if to shield himself from the words.


    Cold sweat dripped down Eric''s face as his lips quivered.


    "This¡­ this¡­" His voice cracked, unable to form a coherent response.


    He had always prided himself on his ability to profit behind the scenes from other prying eyes¡­ secretly and stealthily, but now those very actions had become a noose tightening around his neck.


    ¡ª


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 33 - 33: Revoked!

    "I¡­will¡­ sign." Eruc said in a whisper, but not loud enough for Alex to hear.


    Alex of course heard it clearly but it made it more interesting he said, "what are you saying¡­ Please speak a little bit louder."


    "I¡­I''ll sign!" Eric suddenly blurted out, his voice filled with panic.


    "As long as you let this matter go, I''ll sign!" His words came in a rushed stream, his pride completely shattered. He looked at Alex with pleading eyes, desperation written all over his face.


    Alex tilted his head slightly, observing Eric''s breakdown with an expression of mild amusement. With a small nod, he finally spoke.


    "Good. As long as you sign, I''ll make sure this document stays buried." He flicked the ash from his cigarette, his tone softening ever so slightly.


    "And don''t worry¡ªI won''t ask or try to get back the money you''ve already made." He gestured lazily with the cigarette in hand. "You''ll still have enough to live a comfortable life with your wife and kids."


    Eric''s shoulders slumped, and a bitter smile crossed his face as he exhaled deeply.


    "Thank¡­ you¡­ thank you¡­ Alex," he muttered, his voice barely audible.


    He understood that Alex had already won, and resistance was futile. Alex had given him an exit¡ªa chance to walk away with some dignity and a fraction of his wealth intact. It was far better than the alternative of getting a case on his life and then rotting in some prison for the rest of his life.


    And that too while leaving his family alone, with the money Alex spared him with he could atleast live well for his life with his family.


    Without wasting another moment, Eric picked up the pen with trembling hands and signed his name on the document.


    The room fell silent, save for the faint scratch of the pen against paper As Eric signed on them.


    ¡­.


    In front of everyone, the company''s second-largest shareholder signed his name on the document. The rest of the shareholders were left utterly dumbfounded.


    Their expressions ranged from shock to disbelief, and hushed murmurs began spreading through the room.


    "What is Eric doing? Didn''t we agree to stick together?" one of them whispered, his face contorted in confusion.


    "Exactly! How could he backtrack this quickly?" another chimed in, clenching his fists in frustration.


    "Did he seriously sell his shares for ten dollars? What in the hell is that even supposed to mean?"


    Their voices were tinged with disbelief, their unity starting to waver as doubt crept in.


    Meanwhile, Eric handed the signed document back to Alex, his face wearing a forced, awkward smile.


    "Alex, now that this is settled, may I take my leave?" Eric asked cautiously, bowing slightly.


    Alex gave him a casual wave, his expression mocking yet composed. "Of course, Eric. Best of luck in your future endeavors. I hope fortune smiles on you wherever you go!"


    Eric gave a stiff nod, forcing a smile on his face as he practically scurried out of the room, his back hunched like a man fleeing from a nightmare.


    The remaining shareholders were left speechless as they watched him leave and that too in such a panic.


    "Did he seriously give up all his shares and leave with a blessing?!" one of them finally burst out.


    "Fortune smiles on him? More like he''ll get hit by a truck the moment he steps outside!"


    Just as the muttering grew louder, Alex''s cold gaze swept across the room, silencing everyone instantly.


    The atmosphere grew tense as the remaining shareholders froze under his piercing stare. A chill ran down their spines as they realized they were now his focus. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His icy demeanor seemed to pierce straight through them, and they could feel their confidence draining away.


    "Everyone¡­ stay strong!" one of them whispered, trying to rally the group.


    "Eric may have betrayed us, but we can''t back down!"


    "That''s right! We may have fewer shares, but we must stick together!" another added, his voice trembling but determined.


    They exchanged nervous glances, nodding in agreement, trying to bolster their collective courage.


    Alex chuckled softly, shaking his head. The sound was low but carried a sense of disdain.


    "Ha! Where do you even get this ridiculous confidence to stand against me?" Alex leaned forward slightly, his sharp gaze sweeping over them like a predator sizing up its prey.


    "Let me make this clear. After Eric''s departure, your combined shares don''t even add up to seven percent."


    His words cut through the room like a blade. The shareholders'' faces paled, and some began shifting uncomfortably in their seats.


    "What authority do you think¡­ you have in front of me?" Alex''s tone was calm, yet the weight of his words left no room for argument.


    Before they could muster a response, Alex''s voice grew colder.


    "From this moment on, I hereby announce¡­" He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as he delivered his next words with absolute finality. "The year-end dividends for the shareholders are officially canceled!"


    The room erupted in stunned gasps, but Alex wasn''t finished.


    "Furthermore, all privileges and benefits for shareholders within the company are hereby revoked!" He waved his hand dismissively, as if brushing away their protests before they could even begin.


    The remaining shareholders were stunned into silence.


    "What?! No, this can''t be happening!" one of them muttered, his voice trembling. Their pale faces showed the dawning realization of how powerless they truly were.


    For them, the only perks of holding shares in the company were the year-end dividends and the exclusive benefits. With those stripped away, their shares were practically worthless.


    Worse still, given the circumstances, no one in the market would even consider buying their shares.


    "What''s the point of holding onto this stock now?" one of them muttered bitterly, his voice barely above a whisper.


    "Alex! Please, don''t do this!" one of them cried out, his tone desperate.


    "If it''s the shares you want, I''ll sell them! I''ll sell them right now!"


    "Me too! I''m willing to sell my shares as well!" another chimed in hurriedly.


    Just a minute ago, they had been rallying together to resist Alex''s dominance. Now, they were tripping over one another in their rush to sell their shares.


    ¡ª


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 34 - 34: Victory!

    "Alex! Please, don''t do this!" one of them cried out, his tone desperate.


    "If it''s the shares you want, I''ll sell them! I''ll sell them right now!"


    "Me too! I''m willing to sell my shares as well!" another chimed in hurriedly.


    Just a minute ago, they had been rallying together to resist Alex''s dominance. Now, they were tripping over one another in their rush to sell their shares.


    Alex smirked, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes as he watched them scramble. His gaze was sharp, looking at each shareholder''s reaction with a mix of delight and disdain.


    "Now that''s the spirit," he said, pulling out a stack of transfer agreements from his leather briefcase. His tone was light, almost mocking, as if he were enjoying a game where he held all the cards.


    "If you''d been this cooperative from the start, I wouldn''t have had to waste time playing hardball." His voice echoed slightly in the large boardroom, filled with tension and the scent of fear.


    He handed the agreements to the panicked shareholders one by one. The papers rustled as they passed from hand to hand, each shareholder''s face a mask of confusion and dread.


    But as they skimmed through the documents, their expressions turned to shock and outrage. The room filled with murmurs of disbelief.


    "Alex, I don''t mind selling my shares, but this price¡­ this can''t be right!" one of them stammered, holding up the document with trembling hands. His voice cracked under the weight of his indignation.


    "Exactly! Based on market value, our shares are worth at least more than 100 million dollars and even more. Why are you only offering only so little?!" Another shareholder joined in, his voice rising in pitch as panic set in.


    "That''s a daylight robbery Alex! How is this fair?!" Their voices grew louder as they protested, but Alex''s expression remained calm, almost serene in the storm of their discontent.


    "There''s no mistake," Alex replied coolly, his eyes looking at the shareholders.


    "Don''t rush. Take a look at the rest of the document before you say another word." His tone suggested he was in full control, and perhaps he had been all along.


    Though they were suspicious, the shareholders flipped to the next page, their hands shaking. The moment their eyes landed on the contents, their faces drained of color, turning ashen.


    Every wrong transaction they had ever made using the company''s resources was laid out in excruciating detail. Small schemes, large profits¡ªeverything was meticulously documented in black and white.


    Some of the shareholders could barely even remember some of these deals until now. It was as if Alex had been standing behind them, silently watching their every move for years.


    "Has he been monitoring us this whole time?" one of them whispered, his voice trembling with fear. He looked around, half expecting to find hidden cameras or microphones.


    "Does this mean he''s known everything we''ve done all these years?" Another shareholder''s whisper was laced with terror, their confidence shattered by the revelations on the paper.


    The thought sent a chill through their spines. Sweat began to bead on their foreheads as they realized just how deep Alex''s control truly ran. The air in the room felt colder, and suddenly even heavier with the contents of their secrets were now that exposed.


    Alex''s voice broke through their rising panic. "So, do any of you still have complaints about the price in share value?" His question was calm, but the icy undertone made it clear he already knew the answer.


    "No, no! Not at all!" one shareholder quickly responded, his voice devoid of the earlier defiance.


    "I think the price is more than fair!" Another added, the tremor in his voice betraying his fear. They didn''t dare show a shred of resistance, their previous confidence replaced by a palpable dread.


    "Good. Then sign the papers," Alex said, his tone suddenly turning ice-cold. His sharp gaze swept over the group like a blade, cutting through their pretenses.


    His words were not just a command but a threat veiled in calm. As he added, "Or are you waiting for me to hand all this evidence over to the authorities?" the room seemed to shrink, the walls closing in with the weight of his words.


    "No, no! Please don''t!" one shareholder pleaded, his voice cracking with fear.


    "No¡­ No Alex, we''ll sign immediately!" another chimed in, desperation clear in his tone.


    Panic spread like wildfire among the remaining shareholders. Without another word of hesitation, they each grabbed their contracts, their pens moving frantically as they signed their names and pressed their seals.


    The sound of pens scratching paper was the only noise in the otherwise silent room, save for the heavy breathing of those signing their fates away.


    As the scene unfolded, the onlookers employees in the room were utterly stunned. Whispers began to circulate among the observers.


    "Weren''t these shareholders so determined just a moment ago?" someone muttered under their breath, their voice tinged with disbelief.


    "Yeah, they were all about standing together. What happened? Now they''re scrambling to sign!" another onlooker whispered, shaking their head in amazement.


    "Look at them! They''re signing as if they can''t wait to get it over with," a third chimed in, eyes wide as they watched the once-proud shareholders fall from grace.


    The whispers grew louder as the crowd exchanged bewildered glances, the atmosphere charged with the shock of the turnaround.


    Hearing the murmurs around them, the shareholders kept their heads low, their faces flushed with embarrassment.


    None of them dared to meet anyone''s gaze. They slinked out of the room one by one, their postures hunched as if they were trying to disappear entirely.


    They knew all too well that Alex had been merciful. If he had chosen to report their wrongdoings to the authorities, they wouldn''t just lose their shares.


    They''d likely end up in rotten prison, facing years behind bars, with nothing left but shame. The mere thought of it sent shivers down their spines, their future suddenly dark and uncertain.


    Alex handed the thick folder of documents to Woolie, his trusted aide standing behind him, a silent witness to the power play.


    With deliberate slowness, he lifted his head to gaze at the towering headquarters of Reid Industries, its glass fa?ade glinting under the sun, reaching toward the clouds like a monument to his newfound dominion.


    He took a long drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling around him, adding to the air of mystery and control.


    Exhaling a plume of smoke into the crisp air, he murmured, his voice low but firm, "From now on, the Reid Industries will run under my command alone."


    The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to fall silent, acknowledging his victory.


    ''How good it feels¡­ when everything goes according to your plan!'' Alex thought as he relished the moment of victory.


    Just then, the sharp ringtone of his phone broke the stillness, cutting through the silence like a blade.


    ¡ª


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 35 - 35: Lily!

    ''How good it feels¡­ when everything goes according to your plan!'' Alex thought as he relished the moment of victory.


    Just then, the sharp ringtone of his phone broke the stillness, cutting through the silence like a blade.


    Alex reached into his pocket, fishing out his phone. As he glanced at the screen, his brows furrowed slightly, a hint of surprise disrupting his otherwise composed face.


    "Lily?" he muttered, the name catching him off guard. His voice was a mix of curiosity and irritation.


    "What''s she calling me for all of a sudden?" he thought aloud. Curiosity flickered in his eyes as he swiped to answer the call.


    Lily was Alex''s half-sister, sharing the same father but born to different mothers. Growing up, the two barely had any interaction.


    Their relationship was distant at best, and their personalities were worlds apart. Of course, these minor details weren''t the main issue. The real problem lay in the original storyline.


    The protagonist of the novel, who was deeply family-oriented, had an unwavering sense of responsibility for his loved ones.


    This extended to his sister, whom he doted on excessively. Despite her unreasonable demands, he always indulged her without hesitation.


    However, Lily, being the villain''s sister, ended up entangled in the battle between Alex and the protagonist.


    Rather than supporting her brother, she inexplicably fell for the protagonist. Not only did she become hopelessly infatuated with him, but she also betrayed Alex.


    In the critical moments of the story, she provided crucial intelligence about Alex''s plans to the protagonist, effectively sabotaging her own brother.


    Her actions pushed Alex closer and closer to the edge, leaving him with no way out.


    Given this backstory, Alex had no fondness for his sister in this life. Normally, he wouldn''t even consider answering her call.


    But since the timeline hadn''t yet reached the point of their fallout, Alex decided to pick up. He needed to maintain his current knowledge of the plot and ensure nothing interfered with his plans.


    With a sigh, he pressed the answer button.


    "Alex! What are you doing?" Lily''s irritated voice came through as soon as the call connected. Her tone was sharp, filled with impatience.


    "Why did it take you so long to answer my call?" She demanded, her voice echoing slightly in the airport''s vast space.


    "Do you need something?" Alex''s voice was cold, devoid of emotion. He didn''t bother to hide his irritation.


    "I''m back from the abroad!" Lily announced with excitement. "Come pick me up at the airport! Hurry up¡ª"


    *Beep, beep, beep!*


    Before she could finish, Alex hung up on her. He rolled his eyes, muttering to himself, "Seriously? All that fuss for something like this? Can''t she just call a cab back from the airport? Did her legs stop working?"


    Mr. Waters, his butler, who stood nearby, asked hesitantly, "Sir, do you need me to arrange for someone to pick up Miss Lily?"


    "Pick her up? Why bother?" Alex scoffed. "She can do whatever the hell she wants. She can come back on her own. Let''s get back to work." With that, Alex strode into the company building, leaving the matter behind without a second thought.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, on the other end of the line, Lily was fuming. She glared at her phone as the busy tone echoed in her ears.


    "Alex, how dare you hang up on me!" she exclaimed, her face twisting with anger. "Just you wait! When I get there, I''ll make you pay for this!"


    Her rant was interrupted by the sudden ringing of her phone. Seeing the name on the screen, her fiery demeanor immediately softened.


    "Ethan?" she cooed, her voice turning sweet and delicate. "Why are you calling me, Ethan?" Lily asked, her voice calm but curious.


    "You''re worried about Rose?" she repeated, pausing for a moment. A flicker of unease crossed her face before she steadied her tone. "I understand. Leave it to me¡ªI''ll make sure she''s alright."


    "She''s still at Alex''s villa?" Her brows knitted in thought. "Alright, I''ll head there immediately."


    "Ethan, there''s no need for thanks." Her voice softened, though a trace of bitterness lingered. "As long as I can support you in any way, that''s all that matters to me."


    Once the call ended, Lily''s expression hardened, her previous composure giving way to frustration.


    "Rose is important to him," she murmured. "Alex, you''ve crossed a line. Whatever grudge you hold, it''s not Rose''s burden to bear. This can''t go unaddressed."


    With quiet determination, Lily grabbed her bag and signaled for a cab. There was no time to waste.


    Making up her mind, Lily didn''t even bother waiting for Alex to come to the airport, not like he was going to come. Instead, she stopped a cab and headed straight for Alex''s villa.


    ¡­.


    Back at the company, Alex remained aware of Lily''s intentions. After finishing his work, he returned home.


    As he drove past the villa gate, he noticed Rose still kneeling there. Without sparing her a single glance, he passed by as if she didn''t exist.


    Once inside the estate, he addressed his butler.


    "Waters, how much time until 5 p.m.?" Alex asked.


    "Ten minutes, sir," Mr. Waters replied promptly.


    "Good." Alex''s tone was as cold as ever. "If Rose hasn''t returned the Two Hundred Million by then, call the authorities. I want her arrested and thrown in a rotten place."


    "Yes, sir," Mr. Waters nodded, his expression respectful but firm.


    ¡­.


    On the other side of town, having received a direct call for help from Ethan, Lily rode in haste to the gates of Alex''s villa.


    As she arrived, her eyes immediately locked onto Rose, who was still kneeling at the entrance. Her clothes were dusted with dirt, her delicate figure trembling slightly in the cold wind. The pitiful sight struck a nerve in Lily, and her expression darkened with anger.


    "Alex, you''ve gone too far this time!" She muttered under her breath, her tone seething with frustration.


    In just a few quick strides, Lily reached Rose''s side and bent down to help her up.


    ¡ª


    Magic Castle ???? = 5 Bonus Chapter.


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 36 - 36: Lily’s Mistake!

    "Alex, you''ve gone too far this time!" She muttered under her breath, her tone seething with frustration.


    In just a few quick strides, Lily reached Rose''s side and bent down to help her up.


    "Who are you?" Rose asked hesitantly, her voice soft but cautious. She looked at Lily''s face, noticing the faint resemblance to Alex. A glimmer of hope flickered in her eyes as if she had grasped onto a lifeline.


    "I''m Alex''s sister," Lily explained, her tone firm but laced with concern. "What are you doing kneeling out here?"


    "Alex''s sister?" Rose''s face lit up with sudden excitement, as if she''d found the one person who could mediate. She gripped Lily''s arm tightly.


    "Does this mean Alex has forgiven me? Please, tell him I''m willing to do anything if he''ll take me back! I''ve been kneeling here for so long, but he still won''t come out to see me. I''m begging you, please help me!" Her voice cracked, filled with desperation.


    Lily froze for a moment, taken aback by Rose''s words. Then her brows furrowed in disbelief.


    Lily stared at Rose, her disbelief evident in her furrowed brows. "You''re still trying to get back with Alex?" she asked, her tone measured but sharp, as if trying to make sense of what she''d just heard.


    Rose nodded hesitantly, her expression earnest.


    Taking a steadying breath, Lily crossed her arms. "Rose, are you even aware of what you''re doing?" she asked, her voice calmer now but firm. "Ethan went out of his way to ensure you''d be protected, yet here you are, groveling at Alex''s feet. Do you understand the position this puts him in?"


    Rose blinked, clearly confused. "Ethan?" she repeated, the name unfamiliar on her lips.


    Lily''s eyes narrowed, her patience wearing thin. "Yes, Ethan," she said firmly. "The man who has been looking out for you all this time. And yet, you don''t even know his name?" Her words carried both incredulity and disappointment.


    "I¡­ I don''t understand," Rose admitted, her voice uncertain.


    Lily straightened, her posture radiating quiet authority. "Ethan has taken risks to ensure your safety and wellbeing. The least you can do is stop fixating on someone who''s already made it clear he doesn''t care about you," she said, her words deliberate. "Instead of kneeling here, think about what you''re doing to yourself. Think about the people who genuinely care about you."


    Rose bit her lip, the weight of Lily''s words finally sinking in. "I¡­ I didn''t know," she said quietly, lowering her gaze.


    "Now you do," Lily replied, her voice softening. "I won''t stand by and let anyone take advantage of Ethan''s goodwill¡ªnot even you. If Alex has wronged you, I''ll confront him, but you need to start respecting yourself and the people who are truly in your corner."


    Without waiting for Rose''s response, Lily extended her hand. "Come on. Let''s get you cleaned up and sort this out."


    Without giving Rose a chance to respond, Lily grabbed her wrist and pulled her to her feet.


    "Come with me," Lily said decisively, her grip firm. "I''m going to settle this with Alex right now."


    Rose stumbled slightly as Lily dragged her along, her mind still reeling from the whirlwind of accusations and declarations. She didn''t know who she was talking about or why Lily seemed so adamant about protecting her, but she didn''t dare to argue.


    Although Rose found Lily''s earlier words strange and difficult to follow, the latter part of her statement was crystal clear¡ªLily intended to help her confront Alex and seek justice. This realization filled Rose with an uncontainable sense of relief and joy.


    "Let''s go! Follow me!" Lily said decisively, her tone leaving no room for objection.


    With Lily leading the way, Rose trailed behind her, and the two headed straight inside the villa.


    When they reached at the gate of Alex''s villa, Lily didn''t waste a second. She stood at the front gate and shouted, "Alex! Get down here right now!" Her voice echoed through the quiet neighborhood.


    "Did you not hear me? I said get down here!" she bellowed again, her impatience clearly showing.


    Inside the villa, Alex furrowed his brows as Lily''s shouting reached his ears. He glanced toward the window, his expression cold and indifferent.


    Ignoring the commotion, he continued what he was doing, seemingly unbothered by the noise.


    However, Lily wasn''t one to back down easily. After shouting for a while with no response, her frustration boiled over. She placed her hands on her hips, took a step back, and began kicking the gate.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The sound of her kicks reverberated loudly thepugh the surroundings and she continued to do so.


    "Alex, get out here this instant!" she yelled furiously between kicks.


    She didn''t stop there. Her voice grew louder and sharper as her anger escalated. "Why did you make Rose kneel outside at the entrance of the villa? Are you out of your mind? Don''t you know she''s someone Ethan cares about?"


    Her declaration was loud enough to carry through the entire complex. Curious residents peeked out of their windows, their attention now fully drawn to the escalating scene.


    "Do you think you''re invincible or something?" Lily shouted, her voice dripping with disdain. "How dare you treat Ethan''s woman like this! Get down here and apologize to her right now!"


    Inside the villa, the commotion hadn''t gone unnoticed. As the noise grew louder, Mr. Waters, Alex''s long-time butler, decided to intervene. He walked briskly to the door and stepped outside, his demeanor calm but firm.


    "Miss Lily," he began, bowing slightly, "please understand that Sir Alex is currently occupied with important matters. I kindly ask that you lower your voice and avoid disturbing him."


    "Occupied?!" Lily''s voice rose, her anger flaring. "Do you even know who I am? I''m his sister! Get out of my way!"


    "Forgive me, Miss Lily, but I cannot allow you to enter without the Sir Alex permission," The butler intervened and replied, his tone polite but unwavering.


    Lily''s patience snapped. Her eyes narrowed, and she took a menacing step forward. "MOVE. NOW."


    When Mr. Waters didn''t budge, Lily''s fury erupted. "You think you''re something special, huh?" she spat. "Fine, if you won''t move, then I''ll make you!"


    Without warning, Lily raised her hand and slapped Mr. Waters across the face.


    Smack!


    The sound of the slap echoed in the air. A bright red handprint instantly appeared on Mr. Waters weathered cheek, but he remained rooted in place, his expression calm despite the humiliation.


    "Are you going to move now?" Lily demanded, her voice dripping with anger.


    Mr. Waters didn''t flinch. He stood firm, silently enduring her outburst.


    Seeing his defiance, Lily''s temper flared even hotter. "Still not moving? Fine, let''s try this again!"


    Smack!


    ¡ª


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    Lily''s fiery determination left no room for negotiation. Whatever her plan was, Rose could only follow along and hope it wouldn''t escalate further.

 Chapter 37 - 37: Slap her back!

    Seeing his defiance, Lily''s temper flared even hotter. "Still not moving? Fine, let''s try this again!"


    Smack!


    The second slap landed on the opposite cheek, leaving another vivid red mark. Yet, Mr. Waters still refused to yield.


    "Are you deaf?" Lily growled. "I said move!" S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Despite the pain and humiliation, Mr. Waters remained silent, his resolve unshaken.


    Just as Lily raised her hand for another strike, a deep, icy voice rang out. "Enough!"


    The sound stopped Lily in her tracks. She turned to see Alex descending the stairs, his expression as cold as a storm and clear irritation in his eyes.


    In truth, Alex had started making his way downstairs after the first slap. However, the moment he saw Lily strike Mr. Waters a second time, his gaze slapped, and his anger became palpable.


    Walking up to Mr. Waters, Alex placed a hand on the older man''s shoulder, his voice softening as he asked, "Are you alright, Mr. Waters? I''m sorry because of me¡­" but before he could...


    Mr. Waters, moved by the concern in Alex''s eyes, shook his head. "Sir, I''m fine. And you should not be apologising to me instead it should be me that should be apologising¡­ I apologize for not handling the situation better."


    Alex''s gaze lingered on the red marks on Mr. Waters''s face, his jaw tightening. Though the butler''s words were humble, Alex couldn''t suppress the anger simmering beneath the surface.


    "You''ve done nothing wrong," Alex said firmly, his voice carrying an unyielding authority. "From now on, no one is allowed to lay a hand on you¡ªno one¡­ not even me."


    The warmth in Alex''s words stirred a deep sense of loyalty in Mr. Waters, even as he felt guilty for causing trouble. "Sir¡­ Thank you¡­ for such Kind Words¡­" he murmured, bowing his head.


    "No¡­ there is no need to apologise for such matters¡­ instead I should have prevented something like this."


    Lily stood to the side, her expression twisting in fury as she watched Alex descend the stairs.


    And talking to some servant and not her. Clearly ignoring her for some mere servant. He should be facing her right now¡­ yet, instead of addressing her directly, his first concern was for Mr. Waters, his faithful servant. This disregard only fueled her anger.


    "Alex!" she snapped, her voice laced with impatience. "I''m talking to you! Are you deaf, or are you just ignoring me?"


    Her words went unanswered. Alex inspected Mr. Waters''s injuries with calm precision, his expression darkening with each passing moment. Finally, he spoke, his voice carrying a chilling authority.


    "Mr. Waters, whoever hit you¡ªreturn the favor. Exactly as they did to you." Alex said, looking at Lily.


    "What did you just say?" Lily''s disbelief was palpable, her voice rising in shock.


    "You''d hit me, your own sister, over a mere servant?" she exclaimed, incredulous. "Am I hearing this right?"


    Even Mr. Waters, who had long served by Alex''s side, was stunned by this order.


    "Sir¡­" he began, his tone uncertain, as though questioning whether he had heard correctly.


    Alex''s gaze sharpened, his voice turning colder. "Do it. Hit her back."


    Mr. Waters hesitated for only a moment before nodding. Turning toward Lily, he raised his hand, and with a swift motion¡­


    Smack!


    A crisp slap echoed through the room.


    Lily staggered slightly, her cheek instantly reddening from the force of the blow. Her eyes widened in disbelief. This¡­ this was unprecedented.


    In the past, no matter how outrageous her behavior, Alex would never lay a hand on her. But today¡­


    "Thank you, Sir," Mr. Waters murmured, his voice trembling with emotion.


    The warmth in his chest was overwhelming. For years, he had served the Reid family without complaint, enduring countless slights in silence.


    Never had he expected Alex to stand up for him¡ªespecially not against his own sister.


    But this time, Alex had proven otherwise.


    Lily finally snapped out of her daze, clutching her reddened cheek. Her voice rose in an enraged screech. "Alex, you''re insane! You had him hit me¡ªfor a servant?!"


    "Servant?" Alex''s tone was calm, but the underlying edge was sharp enough to cut. "He''s more loyal than you''ve ever been."


    Then, without sparing Lily a glance, he issued another command.


    "Mr. Waters, from what I heared it wasn''t just one slap¡­ hit her again." Alex said or more like order him and likely Mr. Waters hesitated no longer.


    Smack!


    The sound echoed again, louder this time.


    "Not hard enough. Do it again," Alex ordered, his expression unchanging.


    Smack!


    Another slap landed.


    "Nah¡­ nah nah nah the angle was a little but off. Do it again but with the right angle."


    Smack!


    "You''re holding back Waters. Use more force."


    Smack!


    "The posture isn''t right. Try again."


    Smack!


    "Again."


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    Time after time, Mr. Waters followed Alex''s instructions, each slap ringing louder than the last. By the end, Lily''s once-pristine face was swollen and red, her cheeks puffed up like a pig''s snout.


    Mr. Waters''s hand trembled with pain from the repeated strikes, his palm red and raw. Yet, every time Alex issued a command, he obeyed without hesitation.


    Meanwhile, Lily stood frozen, her pride and dignity shattered alongside her composure. Tears welled in her eyes, but her anger rendered her speechless.


    "Enough," Alex finally said, his tone calm but cold.


    Mr. Waters stepped back, lowering his hand. His gaze was filled with gratitude, yet a trace of guilt lingered as he glanced at Lily.


    Alex turned his piercing gaze toward Lily, his voice cutting through the heavy silence. "Remember this, Lily. I won''t tolerate anyone disrespecting the people loyal to me, especially someone who is here for me rather than even my own family¡ªnot even you. If you can''t grasp that, then don''t bother showing your face to me or here ever again."


    Lily''s lips quivered, but she said nothing. She turned and stormed off, her steps heavy with humiliation.


    Behind her, Mr. Waters bowed deeply to Alex, his voice thick with emotion. "Sir, thank you for standing up for me¡­"


    Alex''s gaze softened slightly as he responded, "You''ve earned it, Mr. Waters. You were always by my side no matter the circumstances. And I won''t allow anyone to trample over you¡ªnot even my own FAMILY."


    ¡ª


    Magic Castle ???? = 5 Bonus Chapters


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


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    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 38 - 38: It’s Time Now!

    After comforting Mr. Waters Alex turned towards Lily who was storming off like a thief, Alex shouted at her not letting her off that easily.


    "And where do you think you are going?" Alex shouted at Lily from behind. Lily stopped midstop, she didn''t even cross the gate which she came from Rose by her side.


    Of course Rose wasn''t storming off like Lily she stayed behind as she was inside the villa now.


    "I''m not done yet." Alex looked at Lily with his cold and calm eyes.


    Lily just didn''t and couldn''t able to grasp the whole situation. She could accept her face being slapped until it swelled like a pig''s head¡ªthat wasn''t what shocked her the most.


    What truly baffled her was how Alex, the brother who had once been utterly obedient to her, had completely changed. The man who used to comply with her every whim, no matter how unreasonable, now seemed cold, distant, and untouchable.


    Lily couldn''t comprehend it.


    Meanwhile, Rose stood frozen nearby, paralyzed by what she had just witnessed. Her carefully rehearsed words, meant to win over Alex, evaporated from her mind in an instant.


    When the slapping show was hapoening¡­ Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Speak," Alex finally said, his cold voice breaking the silence.


    Mr. Waters stepped back respectfully, positioning himself behind Alex.


    "I¡­" Lily stammered, clutching her swollen cheek. Words escaped her, her mind blank. She had been so utterly stunned by what had happened that she no longer knew what to say.


    This brief pause gave Rose the opening she needed.


    Realizing her chance, she took a step forward, her voice trembling but determined.


    "Alex, I know I was wrong!" she pleaded.


    "I shouldn''t have treated you the way I did before. Please¡­ give me another chance. I''ll do anything to make it right!" Her tone softened, growing almost pitiful.


    "I promise to go along with whatever you want. You can do whatever you like, and I won''t ask for a monthly allowance of a million anymore. Half will be enough." Her gaze flickered with hope as she continued.


    "Also, I won''t treat you like a backup anymore. I''ll make sure you''re my top priority. Just don''t take back the ask for those things you gave me, and please¡­ don''t sever the Winter family''s business ties with your company." Her voice grew quieter, almost a whisper.


    "Can''t we go back to the way things were?"


    Rose thought she had made a massive concession, enough for Alex to relent. Surely, with her ''generous'' offer, he wouldn''t refuse her.


    On the side, Lily stood frozen, her mind reeling at the absurdity of the situation.


    ''Didn''t Ethan say Rose was his woman?'' Lily muttered to herself in disbelief. ''Then why is she begging Alex like this?''


    Alex listened to Rose''s words in silence, his expression unreadable.


    After a moment, he let out a quiet, almost mocking chuckle. "Even now¡­ you still think you''re in the position to bargain with me?" he said coldly, his gaze sharp enough to pierce through her remaining confidence.


    "Unbelievable." He didn''t bother explaining further. There was no point in reasoning with someone so¡­ DELUSIONAL.


    Alex''s eyes flicked to the clock on the wall before returning to Rose.


    "Enough with the pointless nonsense," he said, his tone like ice. "You''ve got ten minutes left until five o''clock. If I were you, I''d start preparing the money."


    Without sparing her another glance, Alex turned his back to Rose and walked away, his back straight and unyielding.


    "Alex, you¡ª!"Rose''s expression twisted as her pleas fell on deaf ears. Realizing there was no hope left, her frustration boiled over into fury. The mask of humility she had worn moments ago shattered, revealing the venom beneath.


    Her voice turned sharp, her face contorted with anger.


    "Alex! You ungrateful fucking bastard!" Her hands clenched into fists as she let her rage spill out.


    "Back then, when you were groveling at my feet like a dog, I only ignored you! Was that really so unforgivable?" She took a step forward, her tone dripping with malice.


    "And now you''re turning the tables on me? Fine! Let me tell you something, Alex. I''m not giving you a single cent of that Two Hundred Millions!" Her voice grew louder, harsher, her eyes glinting with spite.


    "Not only that, but I''m going to expose you. I''ll make sure the entire world sees the pathetic things you did while chasing after me. Everyone in the city will know that the mighty CEO of the Reid Industries was nothing but a lowly simp!" She smirked, her words laced with venom.


    "You want to humiliate me? I''ll make sure you''re the one who''s left with no face to show in this city!" Her hateful outburst filled the room, but Alex didn''t flinch. He paused in his steps, turning back to glance at her.


    His calm demeanor only served to heighten Rose''s fury, but it was clear¡ªher words held no weight to him anymore.


    The storm brewing within Rose finally exploded. Her composure shattered, and she pointed at Alex, unleashing a barrage of insults with the ferocity of a scorned woman. Her voice was loud, sharp, and filled with unrestrained fury.


    Alex heard her rant but didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he came to a stop and turned his attention to Mr. Waters, his trusted butler.


    "Waters, what time is it?" Alex asked, his tone calm but carrying an undercurrent of finality.


    The ever so ready butler glanced at his watch and replied, "Sir, it''s five minutes to five. The authorities have already been contacted. They should arrive any moment now."


    As if waiting for just this moment, several officers clad in official uniforms stepped onto the scene. The leader, a composed man with a no-nonsense demeanor, walked up to Rose, flashing his credentials ID.


    "Ms. Rose," he began in a steady tone. "We''ve received a report that you are implicated in misappropriation of a significant amount of personal property. Furthermore, you''ve failed to comply with multiple warnings to return it. Please cooperate and come with us."


    Rose, who had been brimming with confidence just moments ago, froze in her tracks. Her smug expression twisted into disbelief as she gawked at the officers.


    "Alex, are you serious?" she stammered, her voice faltering. "You''re really going to send me to Prison?"


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 39 - 39: New Mission!

    "Alex, are you serious?" she stammered, her voice faltering. "You''re really going to send me to Prison?"


    As to ask the same question Lily too raised her voice like she forgot the slaps she had just received a few seconds ago.


    "Alex, are you serious?" Lily''s voice trembled as she stared at him in disbelief. "You''re really going to send her to jail?"


    Alex didn''t answer. Instead, he gave a small nod to the officers standing nearby. Without hesitation, one of them stepped forward, pulling out a pair of handcuffs.


    "Wait¡ªno!" Rose gasped, her voice rising in panic. But it was too late. The cold metal snapped tightly around her wrists. She froze, too stunned to resist as the officers began leading her away.


    "Take her," the officer in charge said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.


    Rose stumbled as she was escorted out, her face pale and drained of its usual confidence.


    The haughty, sharp look she always carried had vanished, replaced by pure disbelief and fear. She looked like a shadow of herself, hollow and defeated.


    Alex glanced at his watch as she disappeared from sight. The faintest smirk tugged at his lips. "Five o''clock sharp," he murmured, almost to himself. "Right on time."


    Lily stood frozen, rooted to the spot as if the air around her had turned to stone. Her eyes darted between the empty doorway and Alex''s unreadable face. Her lips moved as if she wanted to speak, but no words came.


    Then Alex turned his gaze to her. His cold, sharp eyes pierced through her like ice, making her shiver.


    "Still standing here?" he asked, his voice calm but carrying a weight that made her knees weak. "Or do you want to join her in prison?"


    Lily''s heart sank, and a chill ran down her spine. "W-What?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. She could barely breathe under the pressure of his words. Panic surged through her, and before she could think, her feet moved on their own.


    She spun around, stumbling as she rushed out of the villa. Her legs felt shaky, barely able to carry her as she fled. The cold evening air hit her face like a slap when she finally made it to the gates of the villa complex.


    Leaning against the wall for support, Lily clutched her chest, gasping for air. Her hands trembled as she tried to steady herself, but the scene she''d just witnessed played over and over in her mind.


    ''How could he do this?" she whispered, her voice tight with anger and disbelief. "Has Alex lost all sense? Sending Rose to prison¡ªdoes he even understand what this means to Ethan?''


    Her fingers curled into fists, trembling as her nails pressed into her palms. The initial shock had faded, leaving a fire burning in its place. Her mind raced, but one thought stood out clearly: this couldn''t end here.


    Without a second thought, she pulled out her phone. Her fingers trembled as she dialed a number she knew by heart. The line rang once, twice, and then connected.


    "Lily?" Ethan''s steady voice came through, warm and filled with concern. "What''s wrong? Why are you calling so late?"


    "Ethan!" Lily''s voice cracked as she spoke, her emotions spilling out. "It''s Rose! Alex had her arrested! He just sent her to prison like she''s nothing!"


    Ethan''s tone immediately shifted, his calm turning into alarm. "What? Rose is in prison? Why? What happened?"


    "I don''t know!" Lily cried, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "He didn''t even hesitate! He just¡ªhe just handed her over like she was some criminal!"


    There was a pause on the other end of the line, but Lily could hear Ethan''s sharp intake of breath, the tension in his silence.


    "What?!" Ethan''s tone sharpened, his usual calmness replaced by a cold edge. "Tell me everything that happened."


    Lily quickly recounted the series of events, including how Alex had ordered Rose''s arrest. She even mentioned Alex allowing his butler to retaliate when she had stepped out of line.


    "And then¡­ he didn''t care about anything! Not about Rose, not even about me being his sister!" she finished, her voice rising with emotion.


    "Thank you for telling me," Ethan said, his tone softening slightly. "Are you all right?"


    "I''m fine," Lily assured him, her anger momentarily replaced by warmth at his concern. "It doesn''t hurt. Don''t worry about me."


    A pause followed before Lily clenched her phone tightly, determination flaring in her eyes. "Ethan, I can''t let Alex treat Rose this way. It''s unacceptable. You care about her, and I can''t stand by while he does this to her!"


    "What do you mean?" Ethan asked cautiously, but Lily''s resolve was already set.


    "I''ll help you take him down," Lily declared. "I know Alex inside and out. I''ll give you everything¡ªinternal company data, secrets, every weakness he has! With this, you''ll make him and his entire company pay the price."


    Her words carried a burning determination, and in her heart, she had already committed to her plan.


    Lily was still meticulously planning to steal internal documents from Reid Industries. Her sole aim? To prove her loyalty and devotion to Ethan Carter.


    Meanwhile, Alex Reid sat at home, calmly reflecting on the unfolding events.


    "If I follow the plot''s trajectory¡­" Alex mused, leaning back in his chair, "¡­Lily''s next move will be falling under Ethan Carter''s charm. She''ll steal critical internal documents from Reid Industries, exposing our bidding strategies. That, in turn, allows Ethan to leverage the information and ruthlessly suppress the company''s growth and expansion."


    He tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, his expression unreadable. "The plot''s already been altered to some degree. But the question remains¡­ will Lily still sneak into the company and attempt to steal those documents?"


    As Alex pondered, the familiar sound of the system''s notification rang in his mind.


    [Ding!]


    [Detected: Host''s sister has initiated plans to steal internal company documents.]


    [Mission: Protect company files from theft.]


    [Mission Reward: Advanced Hacker Skills!]


    Alex chuckled softly, a trace of sarcasm in his voice. "So, things are still going according to the original storyline, huh?"


    He leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "System, let me confirm something. As long as I prevent the internal documents from being leaked¡ªno matter the method¡ªit counts as completing the mission, right?" S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    System Chimed in his mind and answered with its mechanical voice.


    [Correct. Any successful method of protecting company interests will be considered task completion.]


    ¡ª


    Magic Castle ???? = 5 Bonus Chapters


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 40 - 40: A Secret Plan!

    System Chimed in his mind and answered with its mechanical voice. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Correct. Any successful method of protecting company interests will be considered task completion.]


    Hearing the system''s confirmation, Alex smiled faintly. "In that case, this should be simple."


    He straightened up and called out, "Mr. Waters."


    The elderly butler appeared promptly, bowing slightly. "Yes, Sir. Do you need something?"


    Alex handed a stack of thick documents to him. "Take these and place them in the safe in my office."


    Mr. Waters accepted the files without question. "Understood."


    "After that," Alex added, "I want you to arrange for someone to monitor Lily''s movements around the xx : xx clock. If she tries to access my office, pretend you didn''t notice and let her proceed without interference."


    A flicker of understanding crossed Mr. Waters'' face, and he nodded. "I understand. I''ll make the arrangements immediately." He then turned and left with the documents in hand.


    ¡­.


    On the other side of the city, Lily was still riding the high of her phone call with Ethan Carter. She was determined to win his praise as soon as possible. Without wasting a moment, she set off for Reid Industries.


    Despite her earlier confrontation with Alex at the villa, word of their argument hadn''t reached the company yet. Everyone there still believed Lily was cherished by Alex.


    "Good day, Miss Lily!"


    "Good day, Miss Lily!"


    "Hello, Miss Lily!"


    Staff members greeted her warmly as she walked past, their expressions full of respect. To them, Lily was the beloved younger sister of their boss, and no one dared treat her poorly.


    With no obstacles in her way, Lily easily reached Alex''s office. She stood before the safe, her heart pounding with excitement.


    Back when Alex had trusted her completely, he had shared the safe''s password with her. Little did he know that the sister he trusted most would one day betray him so deeply.


    Lily entered the password confidently, and the safe clicked open. Inside was a thick stack of documents. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she carefully removed them.


    "These are Reid Industries'' future development plans!" she whispered, her hands trembling slightly. The weight of the papers felt like a tangible symbol of power.


    "With these, Ethan will have everything he needs to crush my brother''s company!" A triumphant smile spread across her face as she pictured Ethan praising her. "He''ll definitely see me as incredible once I hand these over¡­"


    The thought of Ethan''s approval filled Lily with joy and anticipation. She didn''t spare a single thought for what would happen to Alex. In her mind, his downfall was a small price to pay for earning Ethan Carter''s admiration.


    Carefully packing the stolen documents into her bag, Lily glanced around to ensure no one had seen her. Once she was certain the coast was clear, she turned and headed for the door.


    However, just as she reached the exit, she froze. Standing there was Mr. Waters, his posture straight, his expression unreadable.


    "Good day, Miss," Mr. Waters greeted her in a tone devoid of any warmth or emotion.


    The sudden encounter startled Lily, and her heart nearly leapt out of her chest. She froze momentarily, but as she observed Mr. Waters'' impassive face, she realized he didn''t seem to suspect her. Quickly regaining her composure, her tone shifted into irritation.


    "Why are you standing here so sneakily?" she snapped. "Trying to scare me to death or something?"


    She scolded Mr. Waters without a second thought, brushing past him with an air of superiority. Her pace quickened as she walked away, eager to escape the building unnoticed.


    From his spot by the door, Mr. Waters quietly watched Lily''s figure disappear down the hallway. Once she was out of sight, he took out his phone and made a call.


    "Sir," Mr. Waters reported, his voice steady and professional, "as per your instructions, I didn''t stop Miss Lily. From the moment she entered the office to when she left, no one interfered with her. She''s taken the confidential documents from your safe." He paused for a moment before adding, "Do you want me to call the authorities?"


    A chuckle came from the other end of the line. Alex''s voice was calm, yet there was an edge to it.


    "So, she went through with it after all," Alex remarked, his tone laced with a cold amusement. "No, don''t call the authorities. Pretend nothing happened. Let the company run as usual."


    "Understood, sir." Mr. Waters ended the call but couldn''t help pondering his employer''s actions. "Why didn''t he stop her? Is it because he still can''t bring himself to go that far?"


    Though he would never question Alex''s orders out loud, the question lingered in his mind.


    What Mr. Waters didn''t know was that Alex wasn''t hesitating out of sentimentality¡ªfar from it. He had already devised a plan, one that extended far beyond simply stopping Lily.


    "She betrayed me," Alex muttered to himself, leaning back in his chair as he lit a cigarette. "She took my files and is probably handing them over to the so-called protagonist right now." He exhaled a long trail of smoke, his expression indifferent.


    "Calling the cops would be letting my dear sister off too easily," Alex mused, his tone cold.


    He took another drag of the cigarette, his mind racing as he calculated his next moves.


    "Lily¡­ you''ve siphoned at least ten million from me over the years, haven''t you? All those deposits, all those ''emergencies'' you needed help with." He chuckled to himself. "And now, you''re using that money to try and bring me down?"


    His eyes narrowed, and his expression turned razor-sharp.


    "Why waste all that money on him? Wouldn''t it be better if it all came back to me? I''ll take what''s mine and then some."


    Alex tapped the ash off the end of his cigarette, his lips curling into a smirk.


    "Just wait, Lily. You''ve made your move, and now it''s my turn."


    ¡ª


    Magic Castle ???? = 5 Bonus Chapters


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 41 - 41: Two Choices!

    Before sending Lily to prison, Alex had one last thing to take care of¡ªrecovering the Millions of dollars she had gotten from him over the years.


    Fortunately, he already had a plan.


    "But to get my hands on that money," he murmured, gripping the steering wheel tightly, "I need to find someone first."


    Without wasting any time, Alex grabbed his car keys and strode out of his penthouse, his polished leather shoes clicking against the marble floors. His expression was calm, but his sharp gaze was locked on something important.


    The person he was looking for was Liam full name Liam Jensen.


    In the Novel original storyline, Liam had been one of the protagonists aka Ethan Carter''s one of the rarest assets¡ªa brilliant businessman and a visionary developer. Most of Ethan''s commercial empire had been built on Liam''s talent alone in the novel.


    There was no way Alex was going to let someone like that fall into Ethan''s hands just like it did in the novel. More importantly, Liam was the key to draining Lily''s money.


    "In the original plot of the novel, Ethan only found Liam after he''d already started his own company. Right now, he should still be struggling in the slums," Alex muttered under his breath, pressing down on the accelerator.


    As he drove, he pulled out his phone and made a call. "Waters, go to the city hospital, room 308," he instructed. "Speak with the hospital director and have the patient moved to a VIP room, if not have them move to one of the hospitals under our company."


    A pause. Then, his voice softened just a little. "Make sure they get the best medical care available for the patient. No expenses should be spared."


    "Understood, Sir," Mr. Waters didn''t know what Alex was doing or why he was doing this but nonetheless he replied immediately confirming he received the order.


    Hanging up, Alex turned his focus back to the road, maneuvering his black expensive car through the winding streets.


    The sleek, polished vehicle looked completely out of place as he entered one of the city''s poorest neighborhoods.


    The roads were cracked, the buildings old and dilapidated, their walls stained with graffiti and the crack from the time.


    The moment his car came to a stop, dozens of curious eyes turned in his direction. Some were wary, others intrigued. People in this part of the city didn''t see cars like his very often¡ªespecially not one with tinted windows and a presence that exuded¡­ charm and wealth.


    Alex ignored them.


    Stepping out of the car, he adjusted the cuff of his tailored suit and walked straight into a run-down apartment building.


    The air inside was thick with the scent of damp wood and old concrete. The dim hallway lights flickered, casting long shadows against the cracked walls.


    Alex climbed the creaking staircase to the third floor, his footsteps echoing in the silence.


    At the end of the hallway, he stopped in front of a worn-out wooden door. The faded number on it barely clung to the surface.


    Knock. Knock.


    The door creaked open a few inches, revealing a middle-aged man with tired eyes and a gaunt face.


    He looked exhausted, his features lined with the weight of unspoken struggles. In his hands, he held a dented food container, the smell of cheap broth wafting through the doorway.


    Alex met his gaze unflinchingly. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Liam Jensen." Alex asked, confirming he really was the one he was looking for or not. Though the knowledge he have from the novel he is the one he is looking for.


    The man''s fingers tightened around the food container as he hesitated, his wary eyes scanning Alex''s face.


    "Who are you?" Liam asked, voice low and cautious. Though he confirmed with his actions and dialogues that he was indeed Liam Jensen he was looking for.


    Alex smiled faintly. "Good. I found the right person."


    Without waiting for an invitation, he took a step forward, his presence filling the small doorway.


    Liam stiffened slightly. Everything about this man¡ªthe way he carried himself, the effortless confidence in his posture, the expensive fabric of his suit¡ªscreamed wealth and power. He didn''t belong here.


    "You know me?" Liam asked, his voice edged with suspicion.


    Alex smirked. "Not just know you¡ªI know everything about you."


    Liam''s body tensed.


    "I know your mother is gravely ill," Alex continued, his voice calm but deliberate. "I know you gave up your own company to take care of her. I know you''ve been working yourself to the bone just to pay her medical bills."


    Liam''s grip on the food container tightened until his knuckles turned white.


    "How do you know all that?" His voice was sharper now, defensive. "Who the hell are you?"


    Alex finally introduced himself.


    "Alex Reid. CEO of Reid Industries."


    Liam''s eyes widened slightly.


    "Reid Industries¡­" Of course, he had heard of it. Even in the darkest corners of the city, people knew the name.


    Reid Industries was ''one'' of the most powerful Industries in the city¡ªa company built on ruthless ambition and sheer business acumen.


    Liam exhaled slowly, his mind racing.


    Why would someone tycoon like Alex Reid come looking for him?


    Liam Jensen tightened his grip on the dented food container, his mind racing. The man before him wasn''t just anyone¡ªhe was Alex Reid, one of the most powerful businessman in the city. Liam had seen his name in newspapers, on television, associated with billion-dollar deals.


    And yet, here he was, standing in a dimly lit hallway of a run-down apartment building, in front of a man who had nothing.


    Liam''s voice was wary. "What do you want from me?" he was wary as to why someone of this stature would come to a place like this and to be more precise for him.


    Alex didn''t bother with small talk. His sharp gaze locked onto Liam''s. "I''ll make this simple." His tone was calm, precise¡ªcutting straight to the heart of the matter. "I''m here to give you two choices."


    ¡ª


    Magic Castle ???? = 5 Bonus Chapters


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 42 - 42: I Accept!

    Alex didn''t bother with small talk. His sharp gaze locked onto Liam''s. "I''ll make this simple." His tone was calm, precise¡ªcutting straight to the heart of the matter. "I''m here to give you two choices."


    Liam remained silent, but his body tensed. The weight of the moment pressed down on him, thick and suffocating like those in suspense drama.


    Alex glanced at the cheap food container in Liam''s hands.


    "Option one," he said smoothly. "Throw that away and come with me."


    Liam''s breath hitched.


    "From this moment on, you will work for me." Alex''s voice carried no hesitation, no room for argument. "I won''t waste your time with empty promises¡ªI''ll give you results."


    His next words sent a chill down Liam''s spine.


    "I''ll make sure your mother is admitted to the best hospital in the city. She''ll receive top-tier medical treatment." He paused deliberately, letting the weight of his words sink in.


    "That early-stage stomach cancer? I''ll make sure she has a 99.9% chance of a full recovery."


    "And it is 99.9% recovery, remember it is not 100%¡­ I''m not god."


    Silence.


    Liam''s fingers curled around the food container for support as he took in the words of Alex, his knuckles whitening.


    ''How did this man know about my mother''s illness? How much did he know about me? Or to be more precise ''WHY?'''' Were Liam thoughts at the moment.


    Alex met his gaze again, calmness in his eyes as he spoke again¡­


    "Or¡­" His voice lowered slightly, his words deliberate, unrelenting. "Your second option: You can keep walking down that hallway, pretending like this conversation never happened. Keep holding that lunchbox and go deliver food."


    His next words felt like a blade.


    "Two months from now, your mother''s condition will worsen. The cancer will spread, and there won''t be anything left to save."


    Liam''s breath came shallowly.


    His life had been a constant struggle¡ªday after day, hour after hour, scraping together just enough money to keep his mother''s treatments going. Every sleepless night, every backbreaking shift, every meal he skipped¡ªit had all been for her.


    And now, here stood a man offering to take that burden away with a single choice.


    Alex''s voice was calm, almost indifferent, but the weight behind his words was suffocating.


    "Make your choice."


    Liam Jensen felt his hands clench involuntarily.


    "You¡­ want me to work for you?" His voice was hoarse, struggling to process the sheer gravity of what was happening.


    He looked down at himself¡ªhis threadbare clothes, his scuffed shoes, the exhaustion that clung to his very being.


    Why would someone like Alex Reid¡ªa man at the top of the business world¡ªcare about him?


    Liam wasn''t even worth mentioning in the corporate world anymore. With his current situation, forget about Reid Industries¡ªhe wouldn''t even qualify for a struggling startup.


    Alex exhaled impatiently.


    "I don''t have time for pointless questions." His gaze bore into Liam''s. "Yes or no. Decide now."


    Liam''s chest tightened.


    He looked down at the lunchbox in his hands¡ªcold rice, cheap vegetables, the best he could afford. The only thing he could still do for his sick mother.


    And for the first time, it felt utterly meaningless.


    His grip loosened.


    Then, without hesitation, he turned and threw the lunchbox off the balcony.


    It tumbled through the air, spilling its contents onto the cracked pavement below.


    Alex let out a low chuckle.


    "Good choice."


    He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, dialing a number with practiced ease.


    The line connected instantly.


    "Mr. Waters, is it done?"


    "Yes, Young Master. Everything is in place."


    Alex extended the phone toward Liam.


    "Take a look for yourself."


    Liam hesitated before accepting it.


    The screen flickered to life, showing a live video feed¡ªhis mother.


    But the setting was completely different from what he remembered.


    Gone was the dim, overcrowded hospital ward with flickering lights and peeling walls.


    Now, she lay in a pristine private suite, bathed in soft sunlight from wide, spotless windows. The air in the room looked fresh, clean.


    Nurses bustled around her, adjusting IVs and checking monitors with practiced efficiency. A team of doctors stood nearby, their white coats crisp, deep in discussion.


    Liam recognized some of them immediately. They weren''t just doctors. They were specialists. The kind he had seen on the news, their names come from week to week in news and newspaper about their achievements and how they saved patients.


    His breath caught in his throat.


    "Mom¡­?" His voice cracked. On the screen, his mother turned her head, her eyes lighting up when she saw him.


    "Liam!" Her voice was filled with relief and gratitude. "These people¡ªyour boss¡ªhe''s an incredible man!"


    "They transferred me to the best hospital, gave me a private room, and there are so many doctors checking on me."


    Her voice wavered slightly, thick with emotion. "Some of them¡­ I''ve seen on the news before. Real specialists!" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She clutched at the hospital blanket, as if still struggling to believe it was real.


    "I don''t know how we''ll ever repay him."


    Liam swallowed hard, his throat tightening.


    His mother had spent her entire life giving to him. She had worked endlessly to raise him, sacrificing everything. And now¡ªfinally¡ªshe could receive something in return.


    He steadied his voice.


    "Don''t worry about that, Mom." His grip on the phone tightened. "Just focus on getting better."


    He ended the call and slowly lowered the phone. Then, with quiet resolve, he turned to Alex. A sharp exhale. A decision was made. Then, without hesitation, Liam dropped to his knees.


    "Thank you." His voice was steady, unwavering. "You saved my mother. From this moment on, I will work for you. No questions asked¡­ whatever you want me to do¡­ I will do it without any questions."


    A flicker of satisfaction passed through Alex''s eyes. He studied Liam for a moment, then exhaled, flicking the ash off his cigarette.


    "Get up." His voice was smooth, commanding. "We have work to do."


    (Note: How did Liam''s Mother know about Alex as Liam''s boss? Well Alex already knew he was gonna accept the offer and his butler already explained to Liam''s mother about him working in their company. Hence she knew)


    ¡ª


    Magic Castle ???? = 5 Bonus Chapters


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 43 - 43: JoySync!

    Liam was known for his hard work in the oroginal work who would do anything. After seeing Alex took care of his mother even before he said anything or accepted his offer, a sense of loyalty was instilled in Liam''s mind for Alex that as soon as he accepted the offer, he immediately switched to work mode.


    "Sir, what job do you have for me...?" Liam asked, his voice steady, revealing his readiness to dive into new challenges.


    "I can start right away!" He looked eager, his eyes almost sparkling with anticipation and loyalty like he really can do anything.


    Liam''s eyes and his words made Alex chuckle, impressed by his loyalty drive.


    "Good, you''re just the person I need!" Alex said, his smile broadening, feeling confident in his choice.


    "Okay, let''s not waste time..." Alex''s tone turned serious, focusing on the task at hand.


    "Go and start a new company now. The Reid Industries will give you all the money you need for your research and data!" Alex explained, clapping Liam on the shoulder, signaling trust in his abilities.


    "While you''re doing your research, you''ll also be the CEO of this new company!" Alex added, watching Liam''s expression for any sign of surprise or doubt.


    "Starting a new company...?" Liam''s brows furrowed slightly, trying to piece together the plan.


    "With money from the Reid Industries?" His voice carried a hint of confusion, but his mind was racing.


    "Sir, do you want me to make a fake company?" Liam speculated, his quick mind catching up to Alex''s intentions. "Are you planning to take money from somewhere using this fake company?" He asked, his tone cautious, not fully understanding yet but eager to clarify.


    Liam, being smart in business, understood Alex''s plan right away. Alex nodded, his expression one of approval.


    "Exactly what I''m thinking!" Alex confirmed, his face showing he was pleased with Liam''s quick comprehension. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "But, Sir..." Liam hesitated, seeking further clarification.


    "Just know I want to take some money through this company, that''s enough for you to know..." Alex reassured him, his gaze firm, indicating it was a matter of trust.


    "Don''t worry about where the money comes from or how we''ll get it. Your job is to run the company and do your research!" Alex''s voice was commanding, laying out the expectations clearly.


    "Work on that tech you had to stop because of your mom''s sickness¡­ and do it as fast as you can!" Alex''s eyes were intense, pushing Liam to remember his past project.


    "Huh..." Liam''s initial shock was visible as he processed the mention of his secret project.


    Liam was surprised when Alex talked about his secret project. But he soon relaxed, realizing it was easy for someone like Alex to find out about his secrets.


    "I understand, Sir!" Liam nodded, his resolve hardening. "I''ll start working immediately from today..." His voice was determined, ready to tackle the new challenge.


    Liam decided not to think about it anymore and got ready to work.


    "Wait!" Alex''s voice stopped him mid-turn.


    "One more thing: everything you invent at the company is owned by the Reid Industries!" Alex''s tone left no room for negotiation.


    "Also, name the company ''JoySync''." He added, watching for Liam''s response.


    "If anyone wants to put money into your company, you must ask for One Hundred Fifty Million dollars!" Alex''s eyes gleamed with strategic intent.


    "Got it, Sir!" Liam responded, his mind already calculating the implications.


    After their quick chat, Alex gave Liam some phone numbers to finish the job before he left, leaving Liam to ponder over the new company.


    .¡­


    On the other side, Lily had taken important papers from the Reid Industries and gave them to Ethan right away after getting those papers, her heart racing with the thrill of her recent act.


    Ethan, looking at the new plans of the Reid Industries after reading the documents Lily gave him, he felt very happy, a smile spreading across his face.


    "Ethan, with these papers..." Lily''s voice was eager, hoping to see justice served. "You can make things right for Rose, right?" Her eyes were wide, filled with hope.


    "Alex is so Arrogant..." Her voice dipped into anger, recalling the injustice. "He sent Rose, whom you loves, to jail!" She clenched her fists, her loyalty to Ethan evident.


    "You have to make him pay!" Her tone was fierce, unaware of the irony in her words, given Alex was once her most caring brother.


    Ethan had been in high spirits until Rose was brought into the conversation. His mood darkened, and anger flickered across his handsome face.


    "Yes¡­ Alex is fully out of his mind?" Ethan murmured to himself, his voice laced with incredulity.


    "Such a beautiful girl like¡­ Rose..." He shook his head, the thought of Rose''s plight in prison stirring his protective instincts.


    "He actually had the audicity to send her to prison." His fists clenched, knuckles whitening with the intensity of his emotion.


    "He must be out of his mind fully!" He spat out the words, his usual calm demeanor replaced by a cold resolve.


    Ethan indeed planned to seek justice for Rose, but not with underhanded methods. Being the protagonist, he believed in facing challenges head-on and achieving victory through it.


    He pushed aside the stolen documents, his eyes meeting Lily''s with a look of firm unwavering will.


    "Thank you for your help Lily!" His gratitude was sincere, but his voice bore a steely edge.


    "But to defeat Alex, I don''t need such despicable methods." He stood taller, his posture exuding confidence.


    "I''ll beat him fair and square!" Ethan declared, his voice echoing with the promise of an honorable battle.


    That was after he already read the documents.


    Lily was visibly moved by his declaration, her eyes sparkling with admiration for Ethan like she had fallen for him even more than before.


    "Wow, you really are the man I admire, Ethan..." She clasped her hands together, her heart fluttering.


    "You''re so manly!" Her cheeks flushed slightly, caught up in the moment.


    "So cool!" She added, her voice almost a whisper of awe.


    "But, Ethan, how do you plan to defeat Alex? Can I help you with anything?" Lily tilted her head, eager to assist.


    ¡ª


    Magic Castle ???? = 5 Bonus Chapters


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 44 - 44: Fifteen Million Dollars Investment!

    "But, Ethan, how do you plan to defeat Alex? Can I help you with anything?" Lily tilted her head, eager to assist.


    Ethan''s response was swift and dismissive as he waved his hand.


    "No need." His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.


    "I can handle it alone!" He affirmed, his eyes narrowing with determination.


    "As for how you can help, don''t worry about it." He paused, giving her a reassuring look.


    "Just remember one thing: keep an eye on any new companies popping up online!" His instruction was clear, his gaze intense.


    "If you see one named JoySync Company, notify me immediately!" He emphasized, knowing this was crucial. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Okay, Ethan!" Lily nodded eagerly, even if she didn''t fully grasp the significance of JoySync Company. Her trust in Ethan''s capabilities was absolute.


    ¡­.


    As Lily monitored the internet for any trace of company name JoySync, Ethan couldn''t help but let a cunning smile play on his lips.


    "Heh, Alex..." He spoke to the empty room, his voice low and menacing.


    "You sent Rose to prison. Now, don''t blame me for what comes next." His voice was cold, a quiet promise of retribution.


    "Once I secure my stake in JoySync¡­" He murmured, already envisioning the power shift.


    "Give it a month¡ªI''ll be standing on equal ground with you. And when that happens, you''ll regret ever crossing me." His confidence wasn''t empty bravado; it was the certainty of someone who knew exactly what they were capable of.


    Ethan''s confidence was rooted in his status as the protagonist, a master of various arts from Fortune Skill to martial prowess. But his ace in the hole was the ''Super Prediction'' system, which had recently fed him a vital piece of information:


    "The researchers at JoySync Company will invent a technology called ''Red Retinal.''" His eyes gleamed at the memory of the notification.


    "This technology can restore vision to the blind..." The potential was enormous, transforming countless lives.


    "Once this technology is announced, JoySync Company''s value will skyrocket." He could almost see the headlines.


    "In just one month, it will become a super company in the country, rivaling the Reid Industries!" His plan was taking shape.


    "Before this, JoySync was just an obscure, near-bankrupt third-rate company!" The contrast was stark, making his strategy clear.


    After digesting this information, Ethan knew what he had to do: acquire JoySync Company before their breakthrough became public.


    ---


    After Lily had successfully helped Ethan track down JoySync Company, his next move was immediate and decisive. He was ready to implement his acquisition strategy. By that very afternoon...


    Ethan, accompanied by Lily, made their way to JoySync Company. The building wasn''t particularly impressive from the outside, but Ethan knew what lay beneath its unassuming facade.


    "Sir Liam, there''s a man and woman downstairs who wish to meet with you," the assistant announced over the intercom.


    "What are their names?" Liam''s voice was tinged with curiosity, knowing well this moment was anticipated by Alex''s foresight.


    "Ethan Carter and the woman name is Lily..."


    In the comfort of his spacious office, Liam paused, his eyes narrowing slightly at this confirmation of events.


    "Exactly as Sir predicted! How miraculous!" he murmured to himself, marveling at the accuracy of Alex''s intelligence network.


    Liam didn''t hesitate; he gave his order to his secretary almost immediately.


    "Take them to the reception room; I''ll be there shortly!"


    ¡­.


    After quickly finalizing the documents on his desk, Liam made his way to the reception room. The door swung open to reveal Ethan and Lily, comfortably seated with cups of tea in hand, discussing something in low tones.


    The moment Liam entered, Ethan''s face lit up with a broad, enthusiastic smile.


    "I''m Ethan Carter and this is Lily¡­, nice to meet you Sir!" Ethan stood up, extending his hand, his demeanor one of genuine interest.


    Despite knowing there was no friendship between Alex and Ethan, Liam chose to maintain a professional distance. He didn''t shake Ethan''s hand or respond to his greeting with warmth.


    "May I know why you two are here to see me? If there''s nothing important, please leave; you see I''m quite busy at the time," Liam said, his voice cool and business-like.


    "Uh..."


    Ethan and Lily exchanged a quick, baffled look, surprised by Liam''s unfriendly reception. Ethan, however, knew the stakes were high, so he swallowed his pride. Keeping his composure, he continued with a friendly smile.


    "I came across your company online and believe it has great potential for growth." Ethan explained as he stopped in the middle for some suspense surprise.


    "So, I''m here to invest in your company!" Ethan declared, his eyes sparkling with ambition.


    Liam sized up Ethan, already knowing the game from Alex''s earlier instructions, but he played his part nonetheless.


    "I wonder what in our company caught the eye of someone like you, Mr¡­ what was the name again¡­ ahh yes Ethan..." Liam asked, his tone feigning ignorance also that of mocking.


    "But if you''re interested in investing, how much are you willing to offer?"


    "Haha, I''m not exactly a big shot¡­ But to be honest, I have high hopes for your company." Ethan''s gesture was grand, sweeping his arm in emphasis.


    "How about this, I''ll invest a full Fifteen Million dollars in assets into your company!" He proposed, like a big shot his voice beaming with confidence as a small laugh on his face like he already knew the outcome.


    "If Sir Liam agrees now, this money will be in your account by tomorrow." Ethan said but he wasn''t finished as he opened his mouth again to speak¡­


    "I just want eighty percent of your company''s shares!" Ethan added, his eyes locked on Liam, watching for any sign of acceptance or rejection.


    Despite Ethan''s status as the urban novel protagonist, adept in various skills and equipped with the Prediction System, money didn''t grow on trees.


    A Fifteen Million dollars was a significant sum, pushing his limits, which demonstrated his high regard for JoySync Company. His willingness to invest so heavily was underpinned by:


    He was certain that within a month...


    Once Liam developed the groundbreaking retinal technology...


    That Fifteen Million dollars would multiply by at least a hundred times at least!


    ¡ª


    Magic Castle ???? = 5 Bonus Chapters


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 45 - 45: Ethan’s Desperation!

    Once Liam successfully developed the groundbreaking retinal technology¡­


    That fifteen million dollars would multiply at least a hundred times. No, not just that¡ªat least a hundred times minimum!


    Once the technology was launched, the company''s value would skyrocket every single day.


    Ethan could already see it in his mind, like a grand web of plans unfolding before his eyes. The numbers, the figures, the possibilities¡ªit was all within his grasp.


    He just had to take the first step, and soon, his investment would turn into an enormous fortune.


    But while Ethan was lost in his thoughts, imagining the future that awaited him, Liam was watching him with a knowing expression. A wry smile played on his lips, a mixture of amusement and disbelief. He found Ethan''s confidence almost entertaining.


    ''Fifteen million dollars? But¡­ didn''t Sir Alex say it had to be one hundred and fifty million?''


    Liam''s thoughts were filled with bemusement. He wasn''t the one calling the shots here¡ªhe was merely executing the instructions given to him.


    He had no idea why Alex had set the price so ridiculously high for such a struggling company, but that wasn''t his concern. His job was simple: follow orders without question.


    With a casual flick of his wrist, Liam made a dismissive gesture, slicing the air like a conductor signaling the end of a symphony.


    "Mr. Ethan¡­ do you really think you can take eighty percent of my company''s shares for just fifteen million dollars?"


    His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable trace of amusement in his tone, as if he was indulging a child''s fantasy.


    "Isn''t that a bit of a pipe dream?" S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His words carried a quiet mockery, making it clear just how absurd he found Ethan''s offer.


    ¡­


    Ethan''s entire body tensed as Liam''s response hit him. His face froze, his eyes widening in pure disbelief.


    ''Fifteen million isn''t enough?''


    According to the system''s information, Liam''s company was currently worth less than a million dollars. That meant his offer was ten times its actual value!


    And yet¡­


    Liam still refused?


    Ethan''s mind raced, trying to make sense of it. Why would someone reject such an incredible offer? Any struggling businessman would have jumped at the chance to turn their failing company into a multi-million-dollar deal.


    But Liam showed no excitement, no hesitation. He was turning it down without a second thought.


    Something was off.


    Ethan knew he couldn''t let this golden opportunity slip through his fingers. No matter how confusing the situation was, he had to act fast.


    His brows furrowed as he met Liam''s gaze, trying to read his expression, searching for any sign that he was open to negotiation.


    He took a deep breath before speaking, his voice firm and serious.


    "Sir Liam, then tell me¡ªhow much do you want?"


    His words were sharp, straight to the point. If fifteen million wasn''t enough, then how much was?


    But just before Liam could answer, Ethan added something important.


    "How much¡­ to sell eighty percent of your company''s shares?"


    There was a determined edge to his voice, but also a subtle hint of desperation. He didn''t want to let this slip away. No¡ªhe couldn''t let this slip away.


    Liam chuckled, a deep, knowing laugh that sent a chill through the room. He tilted his head slightly, observing Ethan with an unreadable expression.


    "HaHaHa¡­" His laughter was smooth, almost pleasant, like velvet sliding through one''s fingers.


    "I can see that Mr. Ethan is both sincere and bold."


    There was a subtle admiration in his words, but beneath that, the unspoken message was clear¡ªthe price was non-negotiable.


    "Since that''s the case, I won''t beat around the bush," Liam said, leaning forward slightly, his sharp gaze locking onto Ethan''s. His voice carried an air of finality, making it clear that there would be no further negotiation.


    "Here''s the deal, Mr. Ethan. If you can offer at least one hundred and fifty million dollars¡ªand not a day later, but by today¡­"


    "I''ll consider it." His words rang out like a challenge, daring Ethan to step up and meet his demands. The room fell into silence for a brief moment as the weight of Liam''s words settled in.


    Then, suddenly¡ª


    SLAM!


    Lily, who had been sitting quietly up until now, slammed her hand onto the table, her patience finally snapping.


    "Are you fucking kidding me?!" she burst out, her voice sharp and filled with disbelief. She shot up from her seat, her eyes burning with anger as she glared at Liam.


    "Let''s not even talk about your company''s current state! At best, it''s worth a million in market value! One million!" she emphasized, as if trying to hammer the reality into Liam''s head.


    "Ethan is offering you fifteen million dollars, which is already ten times your company''s value! He''s showing you a lot of respect with that offer¡ª"


    She took a deep breath, trying to control her frustration, but Liam''s arrogance was just too much.


    "And you have the audacity to ask for one hundred and fifty million?" she spat out. "Why don''t you just go rob a bank while you''re at it? At least then you''d have an excuse for being this ridiculous!"


    Her words were sharp, like bullets aimed straight at Liam''s logic.


    But Liam? He didn''t flinch. In fact, he looked¡­ completely unaffected.


    He let out a quiet sigh and spread his hands in a gesture of resignation, as if he had already expected this reaction.


    His face remained calm, indifferent, as if Lily''s outburst was nothing more than background noise.


    "If that''s the case¡­" he said smoothly, his voice polite but firm, "then it looks like we have nothing more to discuss."


    There was no anger in his tone, no irritation¡ªjust a simple statement of fact.


    "So, both of you, I wish you well¡­ until we meet again."


    With that, Liam rose from his seat, his movements fluid and unhurried. It was as if he had already moved on from the conversation before it even fully ended. He straightened his suit, then turned on his heel and began walking toward the door.


    Ethan and Lily sat frozen, stunned by how easily he dismissed them.


    Was that it? Was he really walking away from fifteen million dollars? Liam reached the door, his hand stretching out to push it open¡­ But just then¡ª


    "Sir, please wait!" Ethan''s voice cut through the air like a knife.


    ¡ª


    Magic Castle ???? = 5 Bonus Chapters


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 46 - 46: [Bonus Chapter] Misunderstanding!

    "Sir, please wait!" Ethan''s voice cut through the air like a knife.


    Liam''s fingers paused just inches from the door handle. For a brief moment, his face showed a flicker of surprise.


    ''One hundred and fifty million dollars¡­ this man is actually considering it?'' Liam''s mind raced as he tried to make sense of it.


    His company wasn''t worth anywhere near that amount. In fact, if he was being honest, even fifteen million dollars was an offer he never expected to hear.


    And yet, Ethan¡ªwho had just balked at the price minutes ago¡ªwas calling him back.


    Liam''s heart pounded slightly as he turned over the thought in his mind.


    ''What in the world does Ethan see in my company that even I don''t? What could possibly make him think it''s worth so much money?''


    Then, as he stood there, turning it over in his mind, he suddenly understood.


    It wasn''t him.


    It wasn''t his company.


    It was Sir Alex.


    Liam''s eyes flickered with realization.


    ''Sir Alex isn''t even here for the negotiations¡­ and yet, he already knew exactly how much the other side could bear.'' Liam had no idea how Alex did it, but one thing was clear¡ªthis was all part of his plan.


    It was almost miraculous.


    Even without being present, Alex had somehow gauged Ethan''s limits with absolute precision.


    Despite the thoughts racing through his head, Liam kept his face unreadable. He didn''t let his surprise show as he slowly turned back around to face Ethan.


    His expression remained cool, composed¡ªhis stance unwavering.


    "What''s wrong?" he asked, his voice smooth and steady. "Is Mr. Ethan¡­ willing to come up with that amount?"


    Though he was asking the question, Liam already knew the answer.


    Lily had been sitting quietly, watching the conversation unfold with wide, disbelieving eyes. But now, she couldn''t stay silent any longer.


    She turned her gaze to Ethan, her expression filled with a mixture of shock, confusion, and growing concern.


    "Ethan, are you seriously considering putting up one hundred and fifty million for this company?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.


    Her brows furrowed deeply as she struggled to understand why Ethan was willing to go to such extreme lengths for a company that wasn''t even worth a million.


    It didn''t make sense.


    Why would he take such a massive risk for something so small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things?


    But Ethan didn''t immediately answer her question.


    Instead, he turned to look at her¡ªhis gaze was calm, steady, yet filled with undeniable sincerity.


    Then, softly but firmly, he asked her just one thing.


    "Do you trust me?" His words were simple, but they carried a weight that made Lily''s heart skip a beat.


    There was something about the way he looked at her in that moment¡ªlike he was laying everything bare, like he was letting her see a part of himself that very few ever did.


    His eyes held no hesitation, no uncertainty.


    Just pure, unwavering belief.


    Lily felt something stir within her.


    She still didn''t understand why Ethan was doing this, but¡­ for some reason, she wanted to believe in him.


    She couldn''t explain it.


    But deep down, her heart was telling her that Ethan must have a reason. That he must know something she didn''t.


    And so¡ªwithout arguing further, without voicing another doubt¡ªLily''s hand slowly slipped into her pocket.


    Her fingers brushed against the smooth surface of her bank card, a silent but significant gesture.


    She was ready.


    If Ethan really needed this money¡­ then she would support him.


    Even though he didn''t know it yet, she had already made her decision.


    Unaware of Lily''s quiet act of trust, Ethan turned his attention back to Liam, his expression serious.


    "So, if I manage to gather one hundred and fifty million, I can invest in your company, right?" he asked, his tone filled with anticipation.


    He needed confirmation. He needed to hear it directly from Liam''s mouth.


    For a moment, there was silence. Then¡­ Liam chuckled. A low, knowing chuckle, as if he had been expecting this very moment.


    Slowly, he leaned back into his chair, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.


    He reached into his pocket and, with smooth ease, pulled out a cigarette. With a practiced flick, he lit it, the small flame briefly illuminating his face before he took a slow, deliberate inhale.


    Finally, exhaling a thin stream of smoke, he spoke.


    "No, no, no¡­" His voice was light, almost amused.


    "I think Mr. Ethan might have misunderstood." Ethan''s brows knitted together slightly. "What do you mean?"


    Liam, now fully relaxed, tapped the cigarette against the ashtray, watching the embers fall before finally meeting Ethan''s gaze.


    "I only said that if you come up with one hundred and fifty million, we will cooperate in the company. That''s a requirement¡ªyou must bring that amount to the table."


    "But that doesn''t mean you get to control my company just because you''ve put up that amount."


    His voice was cool, matter-of-fact, as if he was simply explaining the rules of the game.


    Ethan''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Then what does it mean?"


    Liam took another slow drag of his cigarette before answering.


    "This one hundred and fifty million would be your investment."


    "If the company makes money during this period, you''ll receive dividends according to the percentage of your investment." S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "But if we suffer losses¡­"


    Liam paused for a brief moment, flicking the ashes off his cigarette.


    Then, with a small, almost indifferent smile, he delivered the final blow.


    "Then I''m sorry¡­ you''ll have to accept that risk too." His words were cold, purely business-like, stripping away any illusion of safety.


    He wasn''t making any guarantees.


    If Ethan put in the money and things went well, then yes¡ªhe would make a fortune. But if things went south? Then he would have no one to blame but himself.


    Because once that money left his hands¡­ it wouldn''t be his anymore.


    ¡ª


    Magic Castle ???? = 5 Bonus Chapters


    Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 47 - 47: A Month?!

    "But if we make a loss, then I''m sorry¡­ you''ll have to accept that risk too." Liam''s tone was cold and detached, purely businesslike. His words left no room for negotiation. This was the harsh reality of investment¡ªthere were no guarantees, only risks.


    Lily''s eyes widened in disbelief. Even though she had chosen to trust Ethan, Liam''s outrageous conditions still shocked her. Without thinking, she shot up from her seat, her hands pressing against the table as she glared at him.


    "Are you insane?" Her voice was sharp, filled with indignation. "One hundred and fifty million is enough to buy a stake in Reid Industries¡ªeven if it''s a small one, it still holds real value! And yet, in your rundown company, you''re saying we don''t even get a say in decisions? No basic guarantees at all?"


    Her chest rose and fell rapidly, frustration clear in her expression. She couldn''t believe how bold Liam was.


    "What if you just take the hundred and fifty million and run?" she demanded, her voice rising with each word. The thought of losing that kind of money without any safeguards sent a wave of unease through her.


    Liam, however, remained unfazed. He leaned back in his chair, a slight smirk playing on his lips. His nonchalant shrug only made Lily''s anger boil further.


    "That''s up to you to decide and envision," he said casually. His voice carried a tinge of amusement, but behind it was unwavering confidence. He wasn''t trying to convince them¡ªhe didn''t need to.


    Lily felt her temper flare again, ready to unleash another barrage of protests. But before she could, Ethan placed a steady hand on her shoulder. The warmth of his touch was reassuring, silently urging her to calm down.


    She turned to look at him, and though his expression remained composed, she could see the deep contemplation in his eyes. He wasn''t ignoring Liam''s unreasonable demands¡ªhe was analyzing them.


    Ethan''s gaze locked onto Liam as his mind churned through the implications of the deal. There was no doubt about it¡ªthe conditions were extreme. No investor would normally agree to such terms. But what kept Ethan from rejecting it outright was the information from his system.


    If what his system had predicted was even remotely accurate¡­


    If Liam truly had the capability to develop retinal technology within a month¡­ S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The profits from this deal wouldn''t be as substantial as owning equity in a company, but they would still be astronomical.


    And yet, there was something that didn''t sit right with Ethan. Why was Liam so confident?


    Most people would be cautious when asking for such an enormous sum. They would try to persuade investors, provide reassurances, or at least show some level of concern about convincing them.


    But Liam wasn''t doing any of that. He was acting as if he had already won.


    Why? What made him so certain that Ethan would agree? Where did his confidence come from?


    Ethan''s fingers curled slightly as he weighed his options. Was this sheer arrogance? Or did Liam truly have something up his sleeve that made this gamble worthwhile?


    ''Isn''t he afraid I''ll just walk away? There''s something strange about this, but I can''t quite figure out what it is.''


    Ethan''s mind was racing. Something about Liam''s attitude didn''t sit right with him. He wasn''t acting like someone who was afraid of losing a deal. Instead, he seemed almost indifferent, as if he had the upper hand no matter what Ethan decided.


    The thought unsettled him, but before he could dwell on it any longer, Liam''s voice snapped him out of his thoughts.


    "Mr. Ethan, have you made up your mind or not?" Liam''s tone was sharp, his patience clearly wearing thin. His gaze was cold, and his fingers tapped against the table in irritation.


    "My time is very valuable, and I don''t have any to waste. If this isn''t happening, let''s not drag it out any longer. I have far more important matters to attend to."


    Ethan could tell that Liam was truly ready to walk away. He wasn''t bluffing. If he let this opportunity slip now, there was no guarantee he''d get another chance.


    Liam pushed back his chair slightly, preparing to stand.


    But before he could leave¡ª


    "Alright!" Ethan''s voice rang out, firm and unwavering. There was no hesitation this time. His expression was resolute, his posture straightening as he met Liam''s eyes.


    "I agree to your terms, Sir Liam," Ethan declared, nodding decisively. "But there''s something I need you to understand¡­"


    He took a deep breath, keeping his voice steady. "I can''t come up with Hundred and Fifty million all at once."


    Liam raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.


    Ethan continued quickly, his tone calm but urgent. "I can pay you fifteen million tomorrow, and I just need a little time to gather the rest. Within one month, I''ll transfer the full amount to you."


    Liam studied him, his expression unreadable, but Ethan didn''t waver. He knew this would be a challenge, but he was ready to face it head-on. With his system''s ability to foresee opportunities and his mastery of the Fortune Skill, he was confident he could turn this seemingly impossible goal into reality.


    ''If I push myself to the limit and make use of every advantage I have¡­ I should be able to gather ten billion!''


    Ethan clenched his fists. There was no room for doubt¡ªonly action. If the situation allowed, he was certain he could achieve it.


    But just as he braced himself for Liam''s response, the man let out a low chuckle. Then, he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest, his lips curling into a mocking smirk.


    "No, no, no¡­ Come on, Mr. Ethan, you must be joking. You don''t have Hundred and Fifty million, so why pretend you do?"


    Liam''s voice was laced with amusement, but beneath it was clear disdain. He shook his head as if he found the whole thing ridiculous.


    "Why not just promise to pay me back in a hundred years instead?" he continued, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "By then, you''ll be long gone. Who exactly am I supposed to collect from¡ªyour ghost?"


    He scoffed, shaking his head again. "And don''t even think about saying hundred years it was a joke. I''ll probably be dead too¡­ maybe even sooner."


    ¡ª


    Bonus Chapters on: 500, 1000, 1500 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 48 - 48: [Bonus Chapter] Deal Done!

    Liam scoffed, shaking his head again. "And don''t even think about saying hundred years it was a joke. I''ll probably be dead too¡­ maybe even sooner."


    Ethan''s face burned with humiliation. His nails dug into his palms as his hands clenched into tight fists. His pride had taken a heavy hit, but he refused to back down. No matter how much Liam mocked him, he would prove himself.


    Ethan had never been mocked so openly before. He wasn''t used to this kind of humiliation, and a wave of indignation surged through him.


    His fists clenched at his sides, his face burning with frustration. For a moment, he considered walking away, leaving Liam and his sneering remarks behind.


    But just as he was about to turn on his heel, he hesitated. He couldn''t afford to give up.


    The deal he was chasing promised incredible returns, and if he missed this chance, he might never get another one.


    Taking a deep breath, Ethan forced himself to swallow his pride. He met Liam''s gaze with renewed determination, ready to make another attempt at convincing him. But before he could say another word, someone stepped between them.


    It was Lily.


    Ethan''s eyes widened in surprise. She had been silent this whole time, quietly listening from the sidelines. Now, without warning, she had placed herself between him and Liam, as if shielding him. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Lily, what are you doing?" Ethan asked, his voice laced with confusion.


    Lily turned to him, her expression calm but unwavering. There was a softness in her gaze, but also a quiet strength.


    She wasn''t just acting on impulse¡ªshe had made up her mind. When she spoke, her voice carried warmth, sincerity, and an unshakable sense of loyalty.


    "Ethan, you''re the person I admire the most." Her words were gentle but firm.


    "You''re the man I''ve always looked up to. I can''t just stand by and watch you lower yourself like this." She took a step closer, her eyes never leaving his.


    "Don''t worry, Ethan." She smiled, reassuring him. "I''ll take care of it."


    "I''ll cover the Hundred and Fifty million for you."


    Her words rang through the room, shocking everyone. Even Liam''s mocking expression faltered for a moment.


    Then, without hesitation, Lily reached into her pocket and pulled out a sleek, black bank card. It gleamed under the lights, a symbol of the decision she had just made.


    This wasn''t just any card¡ªit held the money Alex had given her over the years for her studies abroad. She had carefully managed every cent, never spending more than necessary, keeping the funds untouched for years.


    Now, at this crucial moment, she was willing to use it all.


    Not a penny more. Not a penny less.


    Exactly Hundred and Fifty million.


    ¡­.


    The moment Lily placed the card that had money in it on the table, Ethan Carter''s breath hitched. His fingers trembled slightly as he reached for it.


    "Lily, this is¡­" His voice was hoarse, unable to believe what he was seeing.


    Lily, however, remained calm. Her eyes shone with unwavering determination.


    "Ethan, you are the only man I love," she said firmly, her gaze locked onto his. "I can''t stand watching you bow down to anyone else. You were meant to be above everyone, not beneath them."


    Ethan''s heart pounded. No one had ever supported him like this before.


    Lily continued, "This money¡­ My brother gave it to me for my expenses while studying abroad. But over the years, I barely touched it. I saved it all." She took a deep breath, then pushed the check toward him.


    "Now, I want you to take this money and defeat Alex." Her eyes burned with hatred. "Crush him. Ruin him. Make him regret ever going against you."


    For a moment, Ethan was speechless. He stared at the check, his emotions in turmoil.


    Then, his lips curled into a confident smirk.


    "Lily, you have my word." He looked into her eyes, his voice filled with conviction. "I will destroy Alex. I''ll make sure he loses everything!"


    Hearing this, Lily''s face lit up with excitement. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around Ethan, holding him tightly. He wrapped his arms around her as well, feeling the warmth of her body against his.


    Across the room, Liam watched the scene with a look of pure disdain. His arms were crossed, his expression filled with mockery.


    ''Declaring war on Mr. Alex is one thing,'' he muttered under his breath, shaking his head. ''But being this stupid? Do they even know who they''re messing with?''


    ''And does this girl have some mental problems? She is betraying his brother over some shit called love at first sight even though they really aren''t in a relationship.''


    Liam had observed them from the moment he got a call that two people were here to meet him. And the man looks average with a handsome face, but it is just that there is something he can''t stand about this guy¡­ he doesn''t know what it is but there is definitely something.


    His gaze flickered to Ethan and Lily, then to the contract sitting on the table. He had no time for their nonsense anyway.


    "So, are we signing this deal or not?" he said impatiently. "If you''re in, hurry up."


    Ethan snapped out of his thoughts. "Yes, of course!" He quickly pulled out the card and handed it over.


    ¡­


    ..


    .


    The transaction was completed in a few minutes¡ªfunds were transferred, contracts were signed, everything was finalized.


    Liam checked the confirmation, then immediately stood up.


    "Alright, Mr. Ethan," he said coolly. "I have more important matters to attend to. Feel free to show yourselves out." Without waiting for a response, he turned around towards the exit and walked away.


    Ethan watched him leave, a slight frown forming on his face.


    "What''s with his attitude?" Lily muttered. "Does he think he''s better than us?" Lily, Said in disdain, was not even welcoming but was also not showing an attitude that of a businessman on the contrary he was an arrogant man filled with attitude.


    ¡ª


    Bonus Chapters on: 500, 1000, 1500 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 49 - 49: A Month Later!

    "What''s with his attitude?" Lily muttered. "Does he think he''s better than us?" Lily, Said in disdain, was not even welcoming but was also not showing an attitude that of a businessman on the contrary he was an arrogant man filled with attitude.


    Iff it wasn''t for Ethan Lily really would have slapped this man Very early on in the conversation.


    While Lily was thinking that, Ethan was too excited to even care but even then he comforted Lily.


    "He''s probably just busy," Ethan said dismissively. "One month¡­ That man is going to develop revolutionary retinal iris technology in just a month. He must be under a lot of pressure."


    Lily nodded slowly. That made sense.


    He turned back to Lily, his expression softening.


    "Lily, I won''t forget what you did for me today," he said sincerely. "You trusted me, and I''ll make sure you never regret it." He squeezed her hand tightly. "One month from now, I''ll return this investment¡ªno I will return double of this investment."


    Lily''s smile grew even brighter upon hearing those caring words from Ethan Money wasn''t that important for her as much as Ethan.


    "There''s no need for that¡­" she said, shaking her head. "¡­What''s mine is yours, Ethan." She leaned closer, her voice soft and affectionate. "Besides, this money was from my brother anyway. It was just sitting there, doing nothing."


    Her expression darkened slightly.


    "Wouldn''t it be so much better if you used it to destroy him?"


    Ethan''s smirk returned.


    "Alright, Lily." His eyes gleamed with cold determination. "One month from now, I''ll make sure Alex regrets ever crossing me."


    Lily''s heart swelled with joy.


    ''Not only did I help Ethan today,'' she thought excitedly, ''but our relationship has also taken another step forward! This is perfect!''


    With that, she nestled into his embrace, and the two of them walked out together, holding each other close.


    Meanwhile their comradeship was happening in the room, Liam wasted no time. The moment he stepped outside, he pulled out his phone and dialed Alex''s number.


    As soon as the call connected, his voice was calm as he delivered the good news..


    "Sir, everything went exactly as you predicted everything," he reported. "They signed the profit-sharing contract, and the full amount has been transferred into your account."


    On the other end of the line, Alex let out a low chuckle. "Good work," he said, his voice filled with satisfaction and amusement of getting the predicted outcome.


    Liam could almost see or more like imagine Alex smirking through the phone.


    "For now," Alex continued, "forget about everything else. I want you to focus entirely on your research." His tone became sharper, more commanding. "Budget is not an issue. Spend whatever it takes."


    Alex then stopped in the middle as he delivered the last sentence. "I want results in one month." Liam said in a calm voice it wasn''t like he was threatening him but more like encouraging him.


    "Understood, Sir!" The moment the call ended, he took a deep breath, then clenched his fists.


    There was no time to waste. From this moment on, he would dedicate everything to his research. No distractions. No delays.


    One month. That was all the time he had to deliver results. Although he doesn''t know why Alex was so sure of him that he can finish his research in a month.


    But he didn''t think much about it, Alex had said that just put every effort he can into it and¡­ results will come¡­


    ¡­..


    Timeskip:


    A Month Later:


    Time flew by in the blink of an eye.


    On the very last day of month, after working tirelessly for an entire month without rest, Liam finally gets out from the research lab. His body ached from exhaustion, but his eyes shone with an indescribable excitement.


    The first thing he did was pull out his phone and dial Alex''s number.


    The call barely rang twice before Alex picked up.


    "Sir¡­" Liam''s voice trembled with excitement the joy of finishing his research¡­ the joy of being able to do that, "I did it! The retinal iris technology is complete!"


    For a brief second, there was silence on the other end.


    Then Alex chuckled, his tone pleased. "Good Liam. Congratulations! You''ve exceeded my expectations."


    Liam let out a breathless laugh, his heart still pounding from the thrill of success of his research. "You know, when you first told me I would crack this in a month, even I didn''t believe it myself. But somehow, you were right." His voice carried a mixture of disbelief and admiration. "I don''t know how you saw it coming, Sir, but you did. Thank you for giving me a chance."


    Alex''s voice remained calm. "Dont be thankful to me that much Liam¡­ yes it''s true that I gave you a chance¡­ but remember that it wouldn''t have been possible without you¡­ Because I knew your potential even better than you did."


    Liam clenched his fist. "Not only did you take care of my mother, giving me the peace of mind to focus entirely on my research, but you also gave me the chance to complete my lifelong dream." His voice thickened with emotion. "Sir¡­ you''ve given me everything. If anything¡­ I owe you my entire life."


    Alex chuckled again. "I don''t need your gratitude¡ªbut only your results."


    Liam straightened, his resolve hardening. "Understood. The technology is stable. I''ll run final tests tonight to ensure everything is perfect."


    "Good," Alex said. "If the tests confirm stability, we are going to hold a press conference tomorrow."


    "Understood, Sir!"


    That night, Liam worked overtime, conducting a full-scale test on the retinal iris technology.


    By the time dawn broke, all results confirmed one thing¡ªthe technology was flawless.


    Without hesitation, Liam immediately arranged for a grand press conference.


    The moment JoySync Company publicly announced the event of the gathering, the entire business world of City was thrown into a crazy frenzy.


    Countless corporations and entrepreneurs turned their attention to the mysterious company.


    ¡ª S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Bonus Chapters on: 500, 1000, 1500 Power Stones.


    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 50 - 50: Gathering!

    "Wait, what the hell is JoySync Company? Why have I never heard of them before?"


    "Who cares about the company? The important part is the retinal iris technology! If this is real, it can cure blindness! Do you have any idea what that means?"


    "Holy shit. If this tech is legit, then this JoySync Company is about to become a legend overnight!"


    "Have they received any investments yet? If not, we still have a chance to get in on this!"


    "Keep dreaming! A technology like this? Every major corporation is probably already trying to get a piece of the action!"


    "I don''t care! No matter what, I need to get in on this!"


    In just a few hours, the name JoySync Company spread like wildfire.


    Hundreds of business elites scrambled to contact the company, eager to secure a deal before it was too late.


    While the city buzzed with excitement, Ethan Carter sat comfortably in his luxurious penthouse, utterly relaxed.


    Across from him, Lily sat glued to her phone, reading the latest news and social media reactions. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.


    "Ethan, you''re incredible!" she gushed, looking up at him with admiration.


    Ethan smirked, sipping his coffee lazily. "Oh? What''s got you so worked up?"


    Lily practically bounced in her seat. "I didn''t understand at first why you were so insistent on investing in JoySync Company¡­ but now I get it!" She turned her phone toward him.


    "This technology¡ªthis retinal iris breakthrough¡ªit''s going to change the world! You''re about to become ridiculously rich, Ethan!"


    Ethan chuckled, clearly enjoying her excitement.


    Inside, though, he was feeling something much deeper¡ªpride.


    For years, he had clawed his way to the top, facing setback after setback. But now, this was his moment.


    Lily continued gushing. "I mean, just look at the reactions! Investors are going crazy trying to get in! But you¡­ you were the first!" She grabbed his hand, eyes shining. "You saw this coming before anyone else did!"


    Ethan simply smiled, leaning back in his chair. "There''s no need to get excited just yet." His voice was calm but carried a confident edge. "Tomorrow, at the press conference, we''ll officially announce our investment."


    Lily blinked. "You''re waiting until the conference?"


    Ethan smirked. "Of course." He swirled the coffee in his cup, watching it ripple. "Think about it, Lily. When we announce our investment in front of the entire city¡­"


    He lifted his eyes, his gaze filled with amusement.


    "The look on all those major corporations'' faces¡­ now that''s something worth waiting for."


    Lily gasped, then grinned. "Ethan, you''re brilliant."


    She leaned in closer, her voice turning icy. "I just hope Alex Reid shows up tomorrow. I want to see his face when he realizes how badly he''s lost."


    She let out a cold laugh. "He dared to cross us. I can''t wait to see his reaction when we take everything from him."


    Ethan''s smirk deepened.


    "Then let''s make sure tomorrow is unforgettable."


    ¡­.


    The press conference for JoySync Company was set to begin at 9 AM sharp the next morning.


    But by 8 AM, before most guests even arrived, Ethan Carter and Lily had already stepped into the venue, dressed to impress.


    The two of them could hardly contain their excitement. They were waiting for that moment.


    The moment when they would reveal their identities as investors of JoySync Company and watch everyone''s expressions change in shock.


    They imagined the gasps, the whispers, the way people''s attitudes would shift in an instant.


    Lily giggled, linking her arm with Ethan''s. "Just wait, Ethan. The moment they find out who you are, they''ll be falling over themselves trying to get on your good side."


    Ethan smirked. "Of course. That''s how it always works." But while their fantasies were grand, reality was cruel. After Ethan was publicly humiliated at the Winters family Party last time, his reputation in the City had gone down the hill.


    People no longer treated him as the former golden boy he once was.


    In fact, many of the business tycoons who used to flatter him, hoping to build connections, were actively avoiding him.


    At the entrance of the venue, several CEOs and influential figures spotted Ethan from afar¡ªand deliberately changed directions.


    Some pretended to be on a phone call. Others suddenly found something very interesting to look at on the ground. A few even quickened their pace, walking right past him without so much as a glance.


    Ethan''s face darkened instantly. His hands clenched into fists as he watched these people, people who once groveled at his feet, pretend he didn''t exist.


    "Those old bastards¡­" he muttered through gritted teeth. "Acting like they don''t know me now¡­ Just wait. Once my identity as an investor is revealed, they''ll be begging to get back in my good graces."


    Lily, seeing his anger, quickly tried to soothe him. "Exactly! They''re all blind! They can''t see the brilliance in you, Ethan!"


    She huffed, crossing her arms. "They''re just a bunch of shallow fools who only care about money. But I see your true worth! I''ve always known you were destined for greatness."


    Ethan''s expression softened slightly. He reached out and stroked Lily''s cheek. "That''s why I like you, Lily. You actually understand me."


    Lily smiled sweetly and leaned into him. "Of course. And soon, everyone else will understand too."


    While the two were whispering to each other, the atmosphere at the venue suddenly shifted. A row of sleek, luxury cars pulled up at the entrance. One after another, a fleet of high-end vehicles lined up, immediately drawing everyone''s attention.


    People turned their heads, murmuring among themselves.


    "Who is it?"


    "That lineup¡­ looks like someone important just arrived."


    Then, the door of a black stretched Lincoln limousine opened. A man stepped out. Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, exuding confidence and power with every step.


    It was none other than Alex Reid. The second he appeared, the air itself seemed to shift in the atmosphere.


    Every eye in the venue turned toward him. The murmurs grew into excitement.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 51 - 51: Cutting Ties!

    "Is that¡­ Alex Reid?"


    "Damn¡­ he looks even more handsome and powerful in person."


    "Of course, he does! He''s the CEO of Reid Industries! At such a young age, he controls an entire billions of dollar company!"


    "But wait¡­ isn''t he still single? Imagine being his girlfriend¡­"


    "Hah! You? Please. At best, you could be his mistress!"


    "Hey, what''s wrong with that? If Mr. Alex even gave me that chance even in a joke, I''d take it in a heartbeat."


    Not just the women at the venue, but even the top executives of various companies immediately rushed forward to greet him.


    "Mr. Alex! It''s been a while!"


    "Mr. Alex, do you remember me? We collaborated on a project last year!"


    "Mr. Alex, I visited your company recently. We had a discussion¡ªdo you recall?"


    The scene was pure chaos. Everyone wanted his attention, eager to be associated with him. But despite the overwhelming enthusiasm, Alex remained composed, handling each greeting effortlessly.


    Not far away, Ethan watched the entire scene unfold. His jaw tightened. His hands curled into fists. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What the hell¡­" he muttered, his voice filled with frustration. He should have been the one in the spotlight. He should have been the one everyone was fawning over.


    But the moment Alex appeared, everything shifted. It was as if he had been completely forgotten. Lily noticed his expression and immediately grew irritated as well.


    "What''s so great about him, anyway?" she sneered, her lips curling. "Just because he has some stupid company and a little bit of money, people act like he''s some kind of god."


    She scoffed, crossing her arms. "If he didn''t have Reid Industries behind him, he''d be nothing."


    Ethan exhaled sharply, trying to suppress his anger. But deep down, he knew¡ªthis wasn''t just about money. It was a presence. The way Alex just got respect just by showing up.


    The way people naturally goes toward him, without him even trying. And Ethan? No one even noticed he was there after he showed up here.


    And that thought and statement is what angers him the most. ''It should be me¡­ not him.''


    The press conference hall wasn''t particularly large, but the moment Lily spoke, her voice rang clear and sharp for everyone to hear.


    The room fell into stunned silence. For a brief moment, no one spoke. Then, like a spark igniting a wildfire, murmurs spread rapidly through the crowd.


    "Wait¡­ isn''t that Alex''s younger sister?"


    "I thought Mr. Alex adored her. I heard he funded her education overseas and spent over a Tens of miilion dollars on her living expenses alone."


    "Tens of Millions?! If I were his sister, I''d be thanking the gods every day! And she even had the audacity to badmouth him?"


    "What an ungrateful brat. She''s been living off his money and still acts like a victim and a bitch?"


    The whispers grew louder, turning into open discussions. Many people looked at Lily with disdain, shaking their heads in disappointment.


    Lily''s face paled instantly. This¡­ wasn''t what she had expected. She thought people would support her. She thought they would stand by her side.


    But instead, she was being ridiculed. Her fingers trembled slightly, and she opened her mouth to speak¡ªonly for Alex to chuckle.


    The sound was low, almost amused, yet filled with indifference. He waved his hand lazily, as if the entire situation wasn''t even worth his time. His expression was calm, completely unbothered.


    "Everyone, you misunderstand." He leaned back slightly, his posture relaxed. "There''s no need to make a big deal out of this." His lips curled into a faint, almost mocking smile.


    "Lily and I¡­ haven''t been like you know¡­ ''close'' for a long time." It was a very specific thing he said when he worded ''close'' or it can also be interpreted that their relationship isn''t good or that of siblings now.


    The air in the room shifted. People held their breath, waiting for him to continue. His tone remained casual, but his words struck like a hammer.


    "I was blind back then, wasting my energy on someone who didn''t deserve it." His eyes flickered toward Lily for the briefest second before he looked away.


    "But that''s all in the past. There''s no point in bringing it up again." His words were light, yet they carried a heavy weight just by saying those words.


    The People in the room turn against her. For a second, there was silence. Then, another wave of whispers spread through the crowd.


    "Ohhh, now it makes sense! So she was actually kicked out of the family?"


    "No wonder she''s acting like this. She''s bitter because she got cut off."


    "Honestly, good for Mr. Alex. Who needs a backstabbing sibling like that?"


    Some people laughed, their chuckles sharp and cutting.


    Lily''s face turned red with a mix of anger and humiliation. Her body trembled, and she clenched her fists at her sides.


    In the past she had always relied on the fact that she was Alex''s sister. No matter what happened, she thought that relationship would never break.


    But now¡­ Now, he was cutting her off completely. Right in front of everyone. Her breath hitched, and her eyes burned with unshed tears.


    She pointed a shaking finger at Alex, her voice rising. "Alex! What the hell do you mean by that?!" Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her breathing uneven.


    "You are cutting ties with me? Did you even ask for my permission?" She took a step forward, her voice sharper now. "And what''s with this nonsense about you being blind?! Are you calling me that I''m beneath you?!"


    The room fell silent once more. All eyes turned to Alex. But he didn''t react. Didn''t acknowledge her. Didn''t even look at her. It was as if she didn''t exist.


    Lily''s lips parted, but no words came out. The humiliation only deepened. But the people around her weren''t as silent.


    "She''s actually trying to play the victim?" Someone muttered, with a hissed small laugh.


    "If I were in her shoes, I''d be too ashamed to show my face here."


    "She should be grateful that Mr. Alex even spent a single penny on her, let alone over Tens of Millions for her study and living expenses."


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


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 Chapter 52 - 52: Mysterious Investor?!

    "She should be grateful that Mr. Alex even spent a single penny on her, let alone over Tens of Millions."


    Lily''s breathing grew ragged. Her mind was spinning. She had always thought that as long as she played her cards right, she could always rely on Alex.


    But now¡­ That safety net was gone. Tears and Vengeance Her hands clenched tighter. She bit her lip, trying to suppress the lump in her throat.


    Why? Why was everyone turning on her? Why was she the one being abandoned? She was the one suffering. She was the one being left behind.


    Her vision blurred as tears welled in her eyes. Her voice trembled as she whispered, "Why are you all treating me like this?" No one answered. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to speak louder.


    "I''m a woman." Her voice wavered. "Shouldn''t you be protecting me instead of throwing such words at me like this?"


    For a moment, she thought she saw hesitation in some people''s eyes.


    But then¡­ someone scoffed.


    "Wow. So now she''s playing the weak little girl card?"


    Another person snorted.


    "Being a woman doesn''t mean you get a free pass to be an ungrateful bitch."


    Lily''s tears finally spilled over. Her whole body trembled as shame and rage twisted inside her. She felt like she was drowning. Like the whole world had turned against her.


    Desperate, she turned to Ethan. Her last hope. Without hesitation, Ethan stepped forward. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close to his chest.


    His touch was firm, protective. Lily clutched his shirt, her fingers gripping the fabric tightly. Ethan''s expression darkened as he looked around the room.


    At the people who had laughed at Lily. At the businessmen who had just moments ago ignored him. At the ones who had mocked her.


    Ethan voice was cold when he spoke. "Lily, don''t waste your breath on these idiots." His tone was laced with disdain. "They have no idea what you''ve been through." His eyes swept across the room, filled with icy contempt.


    The crowd shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. Some people looked away, while others swallowed nervously. But Ethan wasn''t finished. He let out a low, mocking chuckle.


    "You people disgust me." His words were slow, deliberate, and dripping with venom.


    "All of you are just a bunch of bootlickers, wagging your tails for Alex Reid like hungry dogs." His lips curled into a smirk. "You''re so desperate to please him that you''re willing to throw insults at a helpless innocent girl just to earn his favor."


    The room went deathly silent. No one dared to speak. Some people looked away, ashamed. Others clenched their fists but said nothing.


    Ethan let out another cold chuckle. His eyes gleamed with dangerous amusement.


    "Well, I hope you all remember this moment." His grip around Lily tightened slightly, pulling her closer.


    "Because after this press conference¡­" He paused, his voice dropping to a deadly whisper. "Even if you come crawling to me¡­" His smirk widened. "I won''t give any one of you the chance."


    The words hung in the air like a heavy storm cloud. The message was clear. He was done with them. And he would make sure they regretted this day.


    Even though Ethan Carter''s words had no real proof, the way he said them, his calm confidence, his unshakable tone, made the entire crowd of people in the conference hall fall into a strange silence.


    The powerful executives who had been mocking Lily just moments ago now found themselves hesitating. No one dared to be the first to question him. No one wanted to be the one to take the risk.


    Because Ethan Carter had that kind of presence, one that made people stop and listen, even when logic told them otherwise.


    After a long moment, the crowd started murmuring.


    One businessman leaned toward the person next to him, lowering his voice.


    "What exactly does he mean? Why does it feel like there''s something deeper behind his words? Does he have something to do with this new company." His brows furrowed in confusion, his fingers tapping against his leg as he thought.


    The man beside him stroked his chin, nodding slowly. "You''re not alone. It almost feels like¡­ he''s hinting at something big."


    Then, someone else''s eyes widened as a thought struck him.


    "Wait¡­ Didn''t I hear a rumor? That some mystery investor invested at least Hundred and Fifty million dollars into JoySync Company? That''s how they developed the retinal-iris technology. And that was before they developed it."


    Another businessman sucked in a sharp breath, his face full of shock. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You don''t think¡­ Don''t tell me he''s the one behind it?!"


    One by one, the puzzle pieces started coming together.


    The way Ethan spoke. The confidence in his tone. The arrogance in his posture. The timing of his sudden arrival. The more they thought about it, the more it all made sense.


    And suddenly¡­ The entire room looked at Ethan differently. A moment ago, they had thought he was just an arrogant fool.


    But now¡­ Now, he seemed like something more. A mastermind. A hidden force. The true power behind JoySync Company.


    A Satisfied Smirk was on Ethan was now when he see the other people getting the small idea if not the whole of what he was talking about or hinting at.


    Ethan could feel the change. The way people looked at him had completely shifted. The doubt? Gone. The skepticism? Vanished. Now, all he saw was curiosity. Hesitation. A little fear and¡­ it felt good.


    His lips curled into a smirk, his chest swelling with satisfaction.


    "This¡­ This is how it should be." The attention was back where it belonged. On him. Wrapped in Ethan''s embrace, Lily felt her heart pound with admiration.


    She tilted her head up, her eyes shining with pride.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 53 - 53: Benefactor?!

    "This¡­ This is how it should be." The attention was back where it belonged. On him. Wrapped in Ethan''s embrace, Lily felt her heart pound with admiration.


    She tilted her head up, her eyes shining with pride.


    "As expected of my Ethan¡­" she murmured, her voice soft yet full of emotion. She giggled, her fingers lightly gripping his sleeve.


    "With just one sentence, you shut up all those arrogant old men." Her voice held a hint of amusement, but also deep admiration.


    "Not only that¡­ You''ve got them all doubting themselves now." She leaned in closer, resting her head against his broad chest.


    "You''re incredible, Ethan." Despite all the excitement, all the speculation, all the murmurs, despite all those one person hadn''t reacted at all.


    Alex Reid. Sitting calmly in the front row, he hadn''t even turned around to look at Ethan.


    It was as if¡­ None of this had anything to do with him. For the first time, a flicker of unease passed through Ethan''s heart. His brows drew together slightly.


    "Why isn''t he reacting?" By now, any normal person would be at least a little curious about who truly controlled the JoySync Company.


    But Alex? He was just sitting there, completely unmoved. Almost like¡­ He already knew the truth.


    Ethan clenched his fists, shaking his head. No. That was impossible. There was only one explanation.


    "He''s afraid to face the truth of the present situation." His grip tightened, his nails digging into his palm. "That''s it. He knows that once my connection to JoySync is revealed, he won''t be able to act superior anymore."


    The more he thought about it, the more confident he became. Yes. That had to be it. Ethan lifted his chin slightly, staring at Alex''s back with amusement.


    "Heh¡­ Keep pretending, Alex." His smirk deepened. "Let''s see how long you can act like you don''t care." He leaned back, folding his arms.


    "Once the press conference reveals my partnership with JoySync, let''s see if you can still keep that calm expression." His lips curled into a slow, satisfied grin.


    "This is going to be fun."


    Just then¡­ A wave of commotion rippled through the hall. Someone in the crowd gasped.


    "They''re here! They''re here!" Another voice echoed.


    "The CEO of JoySync has arrived!" Instantly, every eye turned toward the stage. Even Ethan and Lily snapped to attention, barely containing their excitement. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The room fell silent. Cameras were raised, ready to capture the moment. And then¡­ A figure stepped onto the stage.


    The supposed CEO takes the stage, It was none other than Liam Jensen. The genius scientist behind JoySync Company''s revolutionary retinal-iris technology.


    As he walked forward, flashes from cameras flickered like lightning.


    Yet, Liam, he didn''t even blink. Instead, his sharp eyes swept across the audience¡ª And landed directly on Alex.


    For a brief moment, Liam and Alex locked eyes. No words were spoken. But in that instant, something passed between them. Liam gave a slight, almost unnoticeable nod.


    And in response, Alex¡­ simply smiled. That was all. A single, silent exchange. And then¡­ Liam turned back to the microphone, ready to begin the press conference.


    Liam Jensen stood on the stage, his voice steady and filled with emotion as he addressed the audience.


    "Thank you all for coming to JoySync Company''s press conference!" His tone carried a warmth that instantly captured everyone''s attention.


    "I won''t waste your time with unnecessary words¡­" He paused, glancing at the sea of reporters and executives before him.


    "By now, I''m sure many of you have already seen the news." The room fell silent, the anticipation thick in the air.


    "Our company, JoySync, has successfully developed a groundbreaking retinal-iris technology."


    The moment he spoke those words, a ripple of excitement ran through the audience.


    Flashes from cameras flickered like stars in the night sky, capturing every second of this historic moment and the one who made it possible.


    Liam let the moment settle before continuing.


    "I don''t need to explain how revolutionary this technology is. Everyone here understands its potential impact on the world." He swept his gaze across the room, meeting the eyes of several top executives.


    "But today''s press conference isn''t just about announcing this breakthrough." His voice deepened slightly, carrying a new weight.


    "There is something even more important that I want to talk about." Liam''s expression turned serious, his hands gripping the podium as he took a deep breath.


    "As the CEO of JoySync, I must express my deepest gratitude to one person." A murmur spread through the crowd.


    ''Who? Who was worthy of such acknowledgment?'' Were the thoughts that ran through everyone mind in the audience and reporters.


    Liam''s voice grew softer, more on a personal level as he got a little bit of emotional.


    "Because of this person¡­ I was able to overcome my hardest struggles." His eyes seemed to flicker with unspoken memories. "Without their help, JoySync wouldn''t be here today."


    The murmurs grew louder. Executives exchanged looks. Journalists whispered among themselves. Everyone was on edge, eager to know¡­ Who was this mysterious benefactor of JoySync?


    "And without their support¡­" Liam continued, his voice carrying undeniable sincerity, "this retinal-iris technology wouldn''t have been developed to see the light of today which will help so many people in the upcoming future."


    In the front row, Alex sat calmly, listening without any visible reaction.


    He let out a small sigh, shaking his head slightly.


    "This guy¡­" he muttered under his breath. He had specifically told Liam to keep things simple. Yet here he was, making a grand scene out of it.


    Not far away, Ethan and Lily were on the edge of their seats. Lily grabbed Ethan''s arm, her face full of excitement.


    "Ethan, look he is talking about you!" she whispered eagerly. Her grip tightened as she looked up at him with admiration.


    "After all, you were the one who insisted on investing so much money into JoySync back then!"


    Her voice trembled slightly, as if she had just realized how important that decision had been.


    "I didn''t understand it at the time¡­ I didn''t know why you made such a bold move." She bit her lip, her eyes shining. "But now, I get it." She exhaled, overwhelmed with admiration.


    "Your vision¡­ your instincts¡­ they''re on a completely different level."


    Ethan''s heart swelled with pride. Everything was falling into place. The recognition. The respect. The admiration of everyone in this room.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 54 - 54: Rude Guest!

    Ethan''s heart swelled with pride. Everything was falling into place. The recognition. The respect. The admiration of everyone in this room.


    But despite the excitement building inside him, he kept his face calm, as if it was no big deal. With a casual wave of his hand, he signaled Lily to lower her voice.


    "Don''t jump to conclusions." He chuckled softly. His tone was light, but his eyes gleamed with confidence.


    "Maybe someone else helped JoySync too." He smirked slightly. "It would be embarrassing if we got ahead of ourselves." But deep inside, he had already convinced himself. It had to be him. There was no other explanation.


    Back on stage, Liam took another deep breath. His gaze swept across the audience, his tone becoming even more solemn.


    "Since we''ve reached this point¡­" His voice echoed through the hall. "I won''t keep it a secret any longer." He straightened his posture, his presence commanding the room.


    "I sincerely hope¡­ that the person who helped me during my hardest times¡­" He paused. The tension in the air was suffocating. Even the reporters had stopped taking pictures, completely focused on his next words.


    "Will honor my request, which is I''m about to make.." Liam lowered his head slightly, his voice filled with gratitude.


    "In front of everyone here today including the media and reporters¡­ I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart¡­ personally thank them for getting me out of the hell hole I was in..." The entire room froze. Every pair of eyes darted around, searching for a clue.


    Executives whispered among themselves, trying to guess the answer. Journalists clutched their pens, ready to write the headline of the century.


    And at the center of it all, Ethan Carter clenched his fists. His heart pounded in his chest.


    ''It''s me.'' He was sure of it. This was his moment. All he had to do was stand up. But before he could move, Liam spoke again. And his next words sent a shockwave through the entire room.


    ¡­.


    Liam Jensen didn''t hesitate for even a second.


    With a composed yet commanding air, he raised his hand slightly, signaling the crowd to settle down.


    The murmurs that had filled the hall slowly died down as all eyes turned toward him, waiting for his next words.


    The atmosphere grew tense with anticipation, everyone knew something important was about to happen.


    Liam''s sharp gaze swept over the audience as he spoke.


    "For the next thing," he announced, his voice firm yet carrying an air of casual confidence, "I would like the person I''m about to thank to stand up."


    A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he let his words sink in.


    "I want everyone here to see you clearly," he added, scanning the room once more. "Alright?" His tone was inviting, but beneath it was a subtle weight¡ªan expectation.


    ¡­.


    "Ethan, come on! Stand up already!" Lily whispered from the side of Ethan.


    Lily, who had been sitting beside Ethan the whole time, gave him an excited nudge, practically bouncing in her seat. Her eyes were bright with eagerness, and her voice carried an almost impatient energy.


    "Mr. Liam is calling for you!" she urged, lowering her voice just enough so only Ethan could hear her.


    She could barely contain herself. This was the moment she had been waiting for¡­ the moment Ethan would stand and take his rightful place in the spotlight. She could already imagine the envious looks from the crowd, the respect, the admiration. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She wanted¡­no, needed¡­to see it happen.


    Ethan couldn''t help but smile while looking at the energetic Lily as she urged him to stand up.


    "Well," he said, shaking his head slightly as if he had no choice in the matter, "I was planning to keep things low-key. You know, avoid too much attention."


    He let out a light chuckle, playing it off like he wasn''t entirely thrilled about this situation, but his expression told another story.


    "But since Mr. Liam insists¡­" he continued, pausing just for effect, "I guess I have to go along with it." With deliberate slowness, he pushed back his chair and rose to his feet.


    The moment he stood up, the atmosphere in the hall shifted. A ripple of murmurs spread across the crowd, like a sudden gust of wind stirring still waters.


    People turned their heads, eyes locking onto Ethan as if drawn by an invisible force. Some were surprised. Some were impressed. And some¡­ were jealous.


    "Wait¡­ what''s going on?" a voice whispered from somewhere in the crowd.


    "Are you serious?" another person responded almost instantly. "It''s obvious, Mr. Liam is talking about him!"


    "Damn¡­ this is huge! JoySync''s retinal-iris technology is a groundbreaking invention, and Ethan Carter is a part of it?"


    "A part? Are you kidding?" someone else cut in, voice rising with disbelief. "Did you hear how the CEO of JoySync spoke? It sounds like he might just hand the whole thing over to him!"


    A wave of shock spread through the audience, and within seconds, dozens of hushed conversations were breaking out across the hall.


    Ethan could hear every single word. And he loved every second of it.


    ''I knew it. That Hundred and Fifty million wasn''t just a smart investment, it was the best decision I''ve ever made.'' It was a huge sum, way more than what he had initially intended to put in. But now?


    Not only was he about to make a fortune, but he was also regaining something far more valuable.


    His pride. The pride he had lost to Alex Reid. The thought alone sent a deep sense of satisfaction coursing through him. This is beyond perfect.


    The thought of Alex made Ethan instinctively glance in his direction. He was expecting to see something¡ªshock, frustration, maybe even quiet rage.


    But instead¡­ Alex just sat there. Calm. Still. Expression unreadable. Completely unbothered.


    Ethan''s smirk faltered for just a moment. ''What the hell? Things had already reached this point. Shouldn''t Alex be reacting? Shouldn''t he be worried? Did he not realize what kind of impact this would have on his company?''


    A flicker of doubt crept into Ethan''s mind, but before he could dwell on it further, Liam Jensen spoke again.


    "You, sir." Liam''s voice rang through the room, steady yet carrying an undeniable edge.


    "I was in the middle of thanking someone¡­" Liam said in a microphone while looking at him and clearly displeased as someone had just interrupted him at the most important moment.


    "So why did you stand up?"


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 55 - 55: Realisation!

    "I was in the middle of thanking someone¡­" Liam said in a microphone while looking at him and clearly displeased as someone had just interrupted him at the most important moment.


    "So why did you stand up?"


    Ethan froze at those words. His brain stalled for half a second, his body stiffening as if his muscles had suddenly locked up.


    "¡­Huh?" He blinked, as if he had misheard. A strange silence settled over the hall. No one spoke. No one even breathed. For a moment, it was as if the entire world had paused.


    Then¡­ Lily spoke as he heard the most absurd thing in the world "What do you mean?" Lily''s voice broke the silence. She frowned, confusion and slight annoyance flashing across her face as she turned toward Liam.


    "Isn''t the person you''re thanking Ethan?" she asked, her tone growing more assertive.


    "He gave you Hundred and Fifty million to fund your research! That money made all of this possible! If it weren''t for that investment, would you have ever been able to develop retinal-iris technology?"


    She folded her arms, her stance firm¡ªcompletely convinced that she was right.


    Ethan still didn''t speak, but his expression showed the same confusion. Something wasn''t adding up.


    Liam let out a quiet chuckle. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You two¡­" he said, shaking his head, "are hilarious." His voice was calm, but there was a sharpness to it, like a blade hidden beneath silk.


    "Yes, you invested Hundred and Fifty million. That''s a fact. But let''s not forget something important¡ªwe signed a contract." His gaze locked onto Ethan''s, unshaken and unwavering.


    "Everything was written in black and white clearly. You provided funding, and in return, you get dividends if the company makes a profit."


    Liam stopped as to let them get the words fully in their brain to understand and then spoke again.


    "If we failed, you would''ve had to accept the loss. That''s how investments work." His words weren''t just factual. They carried facts. A reminder to what they had signed on.


    Ethan''s expression stiffened. Something wasn''t right. Something felt off. His instincts told him this situation was slipping out of his control.


    Without even looking at her, he raised a hand, silently signaling Lily to stop talking. The last thing he needed was her making this worse.


    He took a slow breath, keeping his voice calm and measured.


    "Alright¡­" Ethan said, choosing his words carefully. "Let''s assume you''re right. Our contract is just a standard investment agreement. But now that your company has successfully developed retinal-iris technology¡­" He leaned forward slightly, his tone still composed, but his gaze sharp.


    "Shouldn''t we be entitled to a fair share of the profits based on our dividend percentage?"


    "No, no, no¡ªMr. Ethan! I think you might have misunderstood something." Liam Jensen''s voice remained calm, but there was a subtle weight to his words.


    He lifted a hand slightly, as if trying to pacify the situation before it could spiral out of control. The entire hall was watching, and tension was shpwing clearly on everyone''s face and mostly on Ethan''s face.


    Ethan narrowed his eyes at him, sensing that something was definitely off. But before he could say anything, Liam continued speaking.


    "Perhaps I didn''t explain this clearly enough earlier," he said, keeping his tone measured. "Yes, our company did develop the retinal-iris technology. That much is true."


    He paused for a brief moment, letting the words sink in before delivering the next blow.


    "But the patent? It doesn''t belong to us." Ethan''s brows furrowed slightly, but Liam wasn''t done yet.


    "And as for the final profits from this technology?" Liam added, tilting his head slightly, his expression still calm. "They have nothing to do with us, either."


    The moment those words landed, Ethan''s entire body went rigid. His heartbeat slammed against his ribs. His pupils shrank slightly as his mind rapidly processed what had just been said.


    "What?!" Then¡ªA chill ran down his spine as a terrifying thought took hold. His expression changed instantly, the confidence he had been exuding just moments ago vanishing in an instant.


    "¡­What did you just say?" His voice was lower now, and despite how hard he tried to control it, there was a slight tremor underneath.


    "I don''t think I heard that right," Ethan said, forcing out a strained chuckle as if trying to convince himself that he had simply misunderstood.


    "You''re telling me that I invested Hundred and Fifty million into your company¡­ but you don''t own the patent?" His voice carried a sharp edge now, his usual composure starting to crack.


    Liam didn''t react to the rising aggression in Ethan''s voice. He remained as calm as ever, standing there like an immovable mountain.


    "Yes," he replied simply.


    Ethan took a step forward, his movements no longer relaxed. His fingers twitched slightly as if resisting the urge to grab Liam by the collar.


    "If that''s really the case¡­" he continued, his tone turning ice-cold, "then what the hell was my Hundred and Fifty million for?" His jaw clenched, and his breathing became slightly heavier.


    ''His!?" Liam thought, ''it was clearly Mr. Alex''s money which he sent to his half sister to study and live abroad and this¡­ man is saying his money?''


    Liam couldn''t help but feel somewhat angry at tge thought that such a foolish person can even exist.


    "Are you telling me that I just threw Hundred and Fifty million into thin air?" His voice was rising now, his emotions barely restrained.


    "Did I just fund your research and development for free?" His fingers curled into fists at his sides.


    "Like some kind of¡­ charity sponsor?" He could feel a wave of heat surging through his chest, a mix of anger, disbelief, and something far worse¡ªhumiliation.


    "No dividends?" he pressed further, his voice growing colder by the second.


    "No profits?" His entire body felt like it was on the verge of boiling over.


    "Mr. Liam¡­" Ethan''s lips twisted into a forced smile, but his eyes were anything but friendly.


    "You''re joking¡­ right?" His words were slow, deliberate, as if giving Liam one last chance to say that this was all just some terrible misunderstanding.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 56 - 56: Return The Remaining Amount!

    "You''re joking¡­ right?" His words were slow, deliberate, as if giving Liam one last chance to say that this was all just some terrible misunderstanding.


    "This isn''t funny," he added, his voice dropping slightly. "That Hundred and Fifty million wasn''t pocket change¡ªit was my blood and sweat."


    His nails dug into his palms. But still no mention of Lily in this but balanty saying ''his'' hard earned money.


    "You''d better not be playing games with me."


    Liam, however, remained completely composed. He showed no fear. No guilt. Not even concern. It was as if he was merely stating facts, as if none of this was a big deal at all.


    "Mr. Ethan," Liam said slowly, his tone carrying an almost lazy indifference. "There are a lot of people watching right now."


    He gestured slightly to the audience, where hundreds of eyes were glued to them, the atmosphere so thick with tension that it felt like the air itself had turned heavy.


    "¡­What reason is there that I would have to lie to you?" Liam''s words landed like a hammer inside Ethan''s skull. It felt like something had exploded in his mind. It wasn''t just him. The entire hall had fallen into a stunned silence.


    "What the hell is going on?" someone in the crowd whispered, struggling to make sense of the situation.


    "From what I''m hearing¡­ Ethan Carter invested Hundred and Fifty million to help JoySync Company develop the retinal-iris technology¡­"


    "But in the end, he won''t even be making a single cent from it?"


    "¡­Wait, wait, wait. Are you saying JoySync Company tricked Ethan Carter?"


    "That''s impossible! Ethan Carter is known for reading the energy of his investments¡ªhow the hell did he not see this coming?"


    The murmurs spread like wildfire. Some people looked at Ethan with pity. Some with amusement. Some¡­ with delight at the misfortune of Ethan.


    And then, a loud scraping sound broke through the whispers as a chair was suddenly pushed back.


    All eyes turned toward Lily, who had abruptly stood up, her face flushed with both disbelief and rage.


    She pointed directly at Liam, her hand trembling slightly from the sheer frustration bubbling inside her.


    "You¡­ you¡­ Liam Jensen!" she snapped, her voice sharp and piercing.


    "What the hell do you mean by this?!" There was no attempt to maintain politeness anymore.


    "When we signed the contract, everything was clearly written out in black and white!"


    "Ethan invested Hundred and Fifty million¡­ And we agreed that we would share in the profits! So why the hell are you only telling us now that you don''t even own the patent?!" Her voice was rising, carrying an undeniable accusation.


    "Are you playing us right now?!"


    The tension in the room was now even more unbearable or more like the entertainment was now even all time high¡­ like a plot twist or climax.


    Hundreds of eyes were glued to Liam, waiting for his response.


    And yet¡ªLiam remained completely unmoved. There was no panic in his expression. No hesitation. No sign of guilt. As if this entire situation was unfolding exactly as he had planned.


    The murmur of the people who were sitting and the cameras flickering light which captured all the moments that were happening in pictures and the cameras that were recording some were even using their mobile phone to record this.


    Spotlights gleamed off polished marble floors, reflecting the cold sweat forming on Ethan''s forehead.


    Hundreds of eyes were locked onto the unfolding drama, a mix of curiosity, amusement, and disbelief filling the space.


    Lily''s face was contorted with rage, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. She could hardly believe what she was hearing.


    Across from her, Liam Jensen remained calm, even amused. He spread his hands in an exaggerated gesture of innocence, his smile light, yet carrying a mocking undertone.


    "Miss Lily," he said, his voice smooth and unhurried. "We run a serious business here, there are many reporters here and even some big media company reporters. Do you really think we have time to play games?"


    His words carried a subtle sting, as if he found her outrage childish, even ridiculous.


    Lily''s expression twisted further, but before she could argue, Liam continued with an almost lazy confidence.


    "Besides, when you signed the contract, didn''t you read it carefully?" He sighed, shaking his head as if genuinely disappointed.


    "Even if you didn''t, let me make it clear for you now." He met Ethan''s gaze directly, his smile never fading.


    "Your Hundred and Fifty million was an investment¡ªnothing more." His voice carried a finality that sent a shiver through the room.


    "You have no control over the company''s operations, decisions, or research." He tilted his head slightly, his eyes glinting.


    "The only thing you''re entitled to is dividends."


    Lily opened her mouth, ready to argue, but Ethan raised a hand, stopping her. His jaw was tight, his eyes dark with anger.


    He inhaled slowly, forcing himself to stay calm. He couldn''t afford to lose his composure now.


    "Fine," he said, his voice controlled but edged with barely concealed fury. "Let''s go by your logic."


    He took a step forward, his presence commanding despite the growing whispers in the audience.


    "We don''t have a say in how you run the company. Sure." His fingers curled slightly, his nails digging into his palms.


    "But after deducting all your research expenses¡­" His voice lowered, carrying an unmistakable warning.


    "Return the rest of the money." A deathly silence followed his words. For a brief moment, there was hope. Ethan wasn''t stupid. The contract was airtight, and there was no way for him to force control over the company.


    But at the very least¡­ He could cut his losses.


    Liam nodded, his expression completely agreeable.


    "That''s a fair request." His tone was so casual, so unbothered, that it almost made Ethan feel relieved.


    For a brief second, he thought Liam was about to hand over a large sum of money and let him walk away with some dignity intact.


    But then¡­ Liam paused, as if thinking carefully.


    "However," he continued, his voice just a fraction softer, forcing everyone to lean in.


    "The contract also clearly states¡­" He smiled, but this time, there was an edge to it.


    "Any losses during the investment period must be shared equally between investors and the company."


    Ethan''s heartbeat quickened at those words¡­ the words ''losses.''


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 57 - 57: True Benefactor!

    "Any losses during the investment period must be shared equally between investors and the company."


    Ethan''s heartbeat quickened at those words¡­ the word ''losses.''


    Liam kept his gaze steady, his words cutting deeper and deeper.


    "During the development of the retinal-iris technology¡­" He let the words hang in the air for a moment before continuing. "We invested heavily¡ªboth in manpower and funding."


    His smile didn''t waver, but his words sliced through Ethan''s remaining hope like a blade.


    "In total, we spent a hundred and forty-nine million, nine hundred thousand and fifteen thousand dollars." The color drained from Ethan''s face. "That leaves us with about eighty five thousand in liquid funds."


    Liam gave him an almost sympathetic look, as if he truly felt sorry for him.


    "But I''m not an unreasonable man." He chuckled, the sound light and amused, as if they were discussing pocket change. "I''ll round it up for you."


    A pause.


    "One hundred thousand dollars." For a moment¡­ Everything stopped. Ethan''s mind went blank. He stared at Liam, unmoving, his lips parted slightly¡ªas if he was about to say something, but his brain refused to process what had just happened.


    Then¡­ The entire conference hall erupted. Laughter. Deafening. Unstoppable. People doubled over, clutching their stomachs.


    "Oh my God! Did I just hear that right?"


    "Hundred and fifty million¡­ and he''s left with one hundred thousand dollars?! In a single month!?"


    "No, no, he should be happy! He didn''t lose everything! Liam was generous enough to round it up!"


    "A single month. Hundred and fifty million. Gone. This is historic!"


    Ethan''s body shook. His face turned scarlet, his breathing uneven. A mix of rage, humiliation, and disbelief surged through his veins.


    How? How could this happen?! He had always been the one in control. He had always been the one laughing at others'' misfortunes.


    But now¡­ He was the joke. His pride¡­ shattered. His reputation¡­ torn apart. And worst of all¡­ He had no one to blame but himself.


    Or so he thought. A desperate thought struck him. No. No, this wasn''t his fault. Someone must have sabotaged him. His eyes darted wildly¡­ searching, hunting.


    Then¡­ He landed on Liam. Yes. It had to be him. Ethan''s hands trembled as he pointed a finger, his voice shaking with rage.


    "It''s you, isn''t it?!" Liam barely acknowledged him. Ethan took a stumbling step forward, his chest heaving.


    "You must be working with someone!" His voice grew louder, his desperation thickening.


    "There''s no way you could have fooled me like this alone! You had help, didn''t you?!" He was yelling now, drawing even more attention.


    "Tell me! How many people are behind this?!" Etha shouted qith the top of his lungs, wanting to blame someone so he could understand it better.


    But Liam? Liam didn''t even look at him. He simply¡­ Remained calm. As if Ethan Carter¡­ Wasn''t even worth a response.


    And as the crowd watched¡­ confused, intrigued, shocked¡­ Liam''s path became clear.


    Alex Reid remained seated, his expression calm, as if everything happening around him was nothing more than background noise.


    Even as Liam Jensen spoke with intensity, even as murmurs of curiosity and excitement spread through the crowd, Alex didn''t move.


    But Liam wasn''t going to wait any longer.


    Before the entire audience, under the watchful gaze of reporters, CEOs, and countless cameras, he took a step forward.


    His stride was firm. His presence, unwavering. His eyes locked onto one man. A ripple of confusion spread through the hall.


    "Wait¡­ why is Liam walking toward Alex?"


    "Wasn''t he supposed to be thanking someone else?"


    "What''s happening?"


    The whispers grew louder. The tension in the air was palpable.


    Then, right in front of Alex, Liam came to a halt. He took a deep breat, his shoulders trembling slightly, not from fear, but from emotion. And then, his voice rang out.


    "Mr. Alex." Liam''s voice was steady, but there was a weight behind every syllable.


    The crowd instinctively fell silent.


    "There was a time when I had nothing. Not even enough money to pay for my mother''s medical bills." The room felt like it had frozen in place.


    A sharp intake of breath rippled through the audience.


    Even the journalists, who had been rapidly jotting down notes, paused for a split second, as if the gravity of his words had hit them as well.


    But Liam wasn''t done. His eyes, burning with raw sincerity, never left Alex.


    "And then, you appeared." His fingers curled into tight fists, as if trying to hold back emotions that threatened to spill over.


    "You didn''t just pay for my mother''s treatment." His voice wavered for the first time, but he pushed forward.


    "You gave me the funds to pursue my research. You believed in me when no one else did." For a moment, there was nothing but silence. Then, Liam let out a soft, almost self-deprecating chuckle.


    His next words carried both admiration and deep apology.


    "I know you don''t like attention." His tone softened. "I know you never wanted recognition." He took a step closer. His eyes shone with unwavering determination.


    "But¡­ please forgive my selfishness." His expression grew more resolute. "Because this is the highest form of gratitude I can offer. And I beg you to accept it."


    And then¡­ Before the eyes of thousands of people, Liam lowered himself into a deep bow.


    And he did not rise. The entire venue held its breath. For a moment, it was as if time itself had stopped. No one spoke. No one moved. Even the sound of cameras clicking had ceased.


    The sight before them, Liam Jensen, the genius behind a world-changing breakthrough, bowing so deeply before Alex Reid, was simply too shocking to process.


    And then, realization crashed over the audience like a tidal wave. A collective gasp spread through the hall.


    Then, the whispers began.


    "So that''s the truth¡­"


    "Liam wasn''t working alone."


    "Behind him was Alex Reid¡­ the true mastermind!" sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The shock quickly turned to awe. The murmurs became exciting.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 58 - 58: Trap?!

    Then, the whispers began.


    "So that''s the truth¡­"


    "Liam wasn''t working alone."


    "Behind him was Alex Reid¡ªthe true mastermind!" sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The shock quickly turned to awe. The murmurs became exciting.


    "No wonder JoySync Technologies, a mid-tier company, was able to develop such groundbreaking retinal-iris technology!"


    "It all makes sense now! With Alex Reid backing them, success was inevitable!"


    "Only someone like the CEO of Reid Industries would have the vision, and the sheer courage to fund such an ambitious project."


    Admiration swept through the room like wildfire.


    "He''s truly on a whole different level."


    The reporters were scrambling to capture every detail, knowing that this revelation was a bombshell that would shake the entire industry.


    Liam''s gratitude. The audience''s reverence. Everything centered on one man¡­ Alex Reid.


    Ethan''s fingers twitched. His breathing grew shallow. His chest felt tight, as if something was crushing him from the inside. His vision blurred with rage. His nails dug into his palms, but he barely noticed.


    His thoughts spiraled into chaos.


    "The retinal-iris technology¡ªI was the one who saw its potential first!" Etham muttered to himself. "I was the one who invested in Liam''s company!" His hands shook violently, but not from fear.


    From pure, unfiltered humiliation.


    "Why¡­ Why is everyone praising Alex Reid?" His heart pounded mercilessly, his emotions threatening to boil over. His investment¡ªhis hundred and fifty million dollars! It was his money that had fueled this project!


    And yet¡­ He was the one who lost everything. While Ethan was being humiliated in front of everyone¡­ Alex was the one being honored.


    His breathing grew erratic, his fury reaching a breaking point. Ethan suddenly lurched forward, his face twisted in rage and desperation.


    His voice, hoarse with fury, shattered the silence.


    "No!" His scream echoed through the hall, filled with resentment, disbelief, and sheer unwillingness to accept reality.


    "This should be my moment! I should be the one in the spotlight!" His eyes, wild and bloodshot, darted across the room.


    But¡­ No one was looking at him. The cameras had shifted away. The audience''s attention was entirely on Alex and Liam.


    The realization hit him like a truck. His entire body trembled.


    "You''re all blind!" His voice cracked with desperation.


    "Without my investment, none of this would have been possible! I should be the one being thanked!" He clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white.


    "This is my achievement! This is my glory!" Ethan shouted from the top of his lunga intended for anyone to side with him or hear him properly.


    But¡­ His words fell on deaf ears. Liam didn''t even glance at him. The audience? Some were already chuckling.


    Ethan Carter''s furious roar echoed through the grand hall, filled with guests, investors, and business elites.


    Yet! No one paid him any attention. Not a single person turned to look at him. It was as if, in that moment, his presence had completely disappeared.


    The reason was clear, from the moment Liam Jensen bowed deeply to Alex thanked him and clearly stated how Alex helped him, the balance of power had completely shifted.


    Lily had been standing in shock, trying to process what had just happened. But when her eyes landed on Liam''s deep, unwavering bow, something in her mind clicked.


    She finally understood everything. Her breath hitched, her body stiffened, and a sharp wave of anger washed over her. Her eyes, filled with disbelief and fury, locked onto Alex.


    Then¡­ she snapped. Her hand shot up, her trembling finger pointing directly at him, and she screamed.


    "Alex¡­!" Her voice shook with rage, yet it rang loud and clear throughout the hall.


    "This was all part of your plan, wasn''t it?!" The emotions she had been holding back burst out all at once.


    "You knew I had a hundred and fifty million in my saving!" Her face twisted with a mix of anger and realization.


    "You knew how much I loved Ethan!" Her voice cracked slightly, but she forced herself to continue.


    "So you set up this entire scheme¡ªjust to use my love for Ethan against me!" She took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she struggled to steady her voice.


    But her fury only grew stronger.


    "You tricked me into investing! You let me believe in this project! You made me think I was helping him!"


    Her hands clenched into fists so tightly that her nails dug deep into her palms, but she barely noticed the pain.


    "And now, after everything, you''ve humiliated Ethan in front of everyone!" Her breathing was erratic, her voice raw from shouting.


    "Alex, do you have any shame at all?!" The weight of her accusation filled the room, yet Alex remained completely calm.


    His expression never changed. That calmness, that indifference, made her explode even more.


    "Are you even human?!" The moment those words left her mouth, a sharp, powerful voice cut through the air like a blade.


    "Enough!" The force behind the voice was so intense that Lily flinched on instinct. She turned, and her eyes met Liam''s. He had stepped forward, his gaze burning with both anger and deep respect.


    But that anger¡­ was directed at her. His presence was overwhelming, and his cold, piercing stare made her feel small. His voice was filled with disappointment and scorn.


    "You have no right to speak to Mr. Alex like that."


    Lily felt a chill run down her spine. But Liam didn''t stop there. His words, once calm and composed, now carried a sharp edge of cold fury.


    "Do you even understand what Mr. Alex has done for you?"


    Lily froze. Her mind went blank for a second. Liam took a step closer, his voice growing heavier.


    "You spent years studying abroad, living in absolute luxury, without a single worry in the world." His words were slow, deliberate, each one hitting her like a slap to the face.


    "Who do you think made that happen?" Lily opened her mouth, but no words came out. Liam''s expression grew colder.


    "Mr. Alex handled everything for you. He made sure you had the best education, the best living conditions, the best future." Lily staggered back slightly, her heartbeat pounding in her ears.


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


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    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 59 - 59: Changing Mind!

    "Who do you think made that happen?" Lily opened her mouth, but no words came out. Liam''s expression grew colder.


    "Mr. Alex handled everything for you. He made sure you had the best education, the best living conditions, the best future." Lily staggered back slightly, her heartbeat pounding in her ears.


    But Liam wasn''t finished. His eyes locked onto hers, sharp and unwavering.


    "Do you even know how much money he gave you?" He paused for a brief second¡ª Then, his voice dropped to a chilling tone.


    "Over a hundred and fifty million." A collective gasp filled the hall. Lily''s breathing stopped. She felt her entire body freeze in place.


    Hundred and fifty million. The realization hit her like a sledgehammer to the chest. Liam''s voice was like a cold wind that cut straight to her bones.


    "And yet, instead of gratitude, you used his money to go against him." Liam shook his head, his expression filled with deep disappointment.


    "Tell me, Miss Lily¡­ between you and him, who is the one who is truly shameless?" Lily wanted to deny it. She wanted to fight back. But¡­ She couldn''t. Because everything Liam said was true.


    The truth was laid out in front of her and she had no way to refute it.


    This hundred and fifty million¡­ Was never hers to begin with. It had always belonged to Alex. And today, he had simply taken back what was rightfully his.


    The people in the conference hall were now completely silent. Then, Liam lifted his hand. Immediately, security guards stepped forward, their movements swift and professional.


    Lily''s body stiffened. Her eyes widened in panic.


    "Wait¡ª!" But the guards didn''t wait. They grabbed her and Ethan without hesitation.


    "Let go of me!" Lily shrieked, struggling against their firm grip.


    "You can''t do this! Don''t you know who I am!"


    Ethan, too weak from his earlier rage, barely put up a fight. With one final shove, both of them were thrown outside the conference hall.


    The heavy doors slammed shut behind them. And just like that, they were gone.


    As silence settled over the hall, Alex suddenly heard a cold, mechanical voice in his head.


    [Ding!]


    [Congratulations! You have successfully suppressed the Fated Protagonist!]


    [You have stolen 1,088 luck points from the protagonist!]


    [Reward: God-Tier Hacking Ability!]


    Alex''s lips curled into a subtle smile.


    "Not bad." With Ethan and Lily gone, the event''s atmosphere completely shifted.


    One after another, high-profile guests turned to Alex, their expressions filled with respect and admiration.


    Many rushed forward, Offering handshakes. Offering business deals. Offering loyalty.


    At this moment, there was no doubt who the real winner was. Alex was no longer a shadow behind the scenes. He was the undisputed center of power.


    And everyone wanted a piece of his success.


    ¡­.


    Outside, Ethan slumped against the pavement. His fingers curled into fists, his nails digging into his skin. His entire body shook with rage. This was supposed to be his victory. This was supposed to be his moment.


    But instead, he had been reduced to a laughingstock¡­ yet again. His throat tightened as he let out a hoarse, shaking whisper.


    "Why¡­ Why does Alex always crush me¡­ every damn time?" Beside him, Lily placed a hand on his shoulder.


    "Because you were too honest, Ethan." Her voice was low and venomous. She leaned in, her breath chilling against his ear.


    "Alex played dirty. And if he fights dirty¡­" Her eyes darkened. "Then so should we."


    "Ethan!" Lily''s voice rang out, sharp and urgent. She grabbed his arm, her grip tight, her eyes burning with an unsettling determination. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ethan turned to her, his brows furrowed in frustration. His body still trembled with anger, his hands clenched into fists.


    Lily took a deep breath, lowering her voice as she leaned closer. "If you ask me¡­ we should play dirty too, there is no line here now."


    Ethan''s eyes flickered with hesitation.


    Lily''s voice grew colder, her tone laced with confidence. "With your intelligence and strategy, if you really went all out against Alex¡­ do you really think he could survive even a single attack from you?"


    A chilling silence settled between them. Ethan''s grip tightened as he mulled over her words.


    Lily didn''t stop. She pushed further, her voice dripping with venom like whispers. "Alex thinks he''s smart, but his little schemes are nothing in front of you. If you just stop holding back¡­ if you really decide to play dirty¡­ you could crush him in an instant."


    Ethan''s lips parted slightly, his breathing uneven. A storm of emotions raged in his chest. Frustration. Resentment. Humiliation. And now¡­ Temptation.


    Lily stepped even closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you really want to keep playing fair, Ethan? Do you want to keep being humiliated by him over and over again? Or are you finally ready to fight back?"


    Ethan''s fists trembled. His mind flashed back to the look on Alex''s face, the smug satisfaction in his eyes.


    Lily''s words echoed in his ears. And then, Something inside him snapped. His hesitation vanished.


    Ethan inhaled deeply, his gaze darkening with a newfound resolve. "You''re right."


    Lily''s lips curled into a dangerous smile.


    "Then let''s make our move."


    Ethan''s eyes flickered with realization as a thought struck him.


    "Lily, do you remember those classified documents you gave me a while back? The ones from Reid Industries?"


    Lily''s expression sharpened. She immediately knew what he was referring to.


    Her heart pounded. "Of course, I remember."


    Ethan''s hands clenched as he nodded firmly. "We need to go get them. Right now."


    He didn''t wait for a response. Without another word, Ethan grabbed Lily''s wrist, and the two of them rushed out.


    They moved quickly, their hearts racing, their minds filled with a single thought¡ª Revenge.


    The moment they stepped into Ethan''s home, he immediately darted toward his study.


    There, tossed carelessly onto a shelf, was a thick folder of documents, one he hadn''t even bothered to look at fully or read it fully before.


    But now, it could be the key to destroying Alex. Ethan grabbed the folder, flipping it open with shaking hands. Lily leaned in, her eyes scanning the pages with intense focus.


    As the two of them read through the documents, their expressions slowly shifted, from curiosity¡­ To shock¡­ To pure excitement.


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 60 - 60: We Have To Move Fast!

    As the two of them read through the documents, their expressions slowly shifted, from curiosity¡­ To shock¡­ To pure excitement.


    Lily''s fingers trembled as she turned another page. Then, she gasped. Her eyes widened as she looked up at Ethan. "Ethan¡­ this¡­ this is huge."


    Ethan, too, was stunned. His breathing turned heavy as his gaze locked onto a particular section of the document.


    A pharmaceutical project. More specifically¡­ A revolutionary scar-removal cream.


    Lily''s hands clutched the paper tightly. Her voice was filled with awe. "This¡­ this formula¡­ if it really works the way these documents claim, then this drug is going to be a massive success!"


    Ethan''s jaw tightened as he carefully analyzed the research notes. "According to the clinical trials, it can reduce scar tissue visibility by over eighty percent. The results are astounding."


    Lily''s heartbeat quickened. As a woman, she knew exactly what that meant. She turned to Ethan, her voice urgent. "Do you have any idea how many women would pay anything to get rid of their scars?"


    Her eyes burned with excitement. "Money won''t be an issue. If the drug works, people will be begging to buy it, no matter the price!"


    Ethan was silent, but a fire had already been lit in his heart. His grip on the document tightened. His mind raced with possibilities.


    Lily''s voice dropped to a low whisper, her words laced with temptation.


    "Ethan¡­ do you realize what this means?"


    Ethan swallowed, his throat dry. "It means¡­"


    Lily finished his sentence, her eyes gleaming with ambition. "That if we take this formula for ourselves¡­ we can completely crush Alex."


    A heavy silence settled between them. The air was thick with tension. Ethan''s heart pounded in his chest. He had lost so much today. He had been humiliated, disgraced, thrown out like trash.


    But now¡­ Now, he had a chance to take everything back. His hands trembled, not with fear, but with excitement.


    Lily took a step closer, her voice almost seductive. "With this, we won''t just ruin Alex¡­ we''ll surpass him. We''ll become bigger than him. Stronger than him. Wealthier than him."


    Ethan inhaled sharply. He had never felt this before, this hunger. This need. This overwhelming desire to win.


    And then, he made his decision. Ethan''s lips curled into a slow, dangerous smirk. His voice was steady, filled with confidence.


    "Lily, you''ve just done something incredible for me." Before she could respond, he pulled her into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around her.


    His heartbeat pounded wildly against his ribs.


    "This time¡­ we''re not going to lose." Lily chuckled softly against his chest, her arms tightening around him. Her voice was smooth, filled with satisfaction.


    "That''s the Ethan I know." Wrapped tightly in Ethan Carter''s embrace, Lily felt a warmth she had never experienced before.


    Her heart pounded, her cheeks slightly flushed as she snuggled into his chest like a well-behaved kitten. She felt safe, cherished, like she truly belonged by his side.


    After a moment of silence, she lifted her head and gazed up at him with bright, expectant eyes. "Ethan, now that we have the formula¡­ how do you plan to use this scar-removal formula I stole from Alex''s company?"


    The moment Alex name was mentioned, the warmth in Ethan''s expression vanished. His jaw tightened, his brows furrowed, and a storm brewed in his darkened eyes.


    "That bastard Alex¡­ he dared to play dirty with me? I was the one who first saw the potential in JoySync Company! And yet, he swooped in and took control, filing the patent before I could even react!"


    Ethan''s voice grew lower, colder.


    "Since he doesn''t want to play in this fair¡­ then I won''t have to either." His lips curled into a smirk, his voice dripping with malice.


    "I''ll file the patent before him. I''ll make it mine." Lily''s eyes widened in excitement, her hands gripping Ethan''s arms.


    "But Ethan, if Alex''s company invented it first¡­ won''t he fight back?" Ethan scoffed, his tone filled with disdain.


    "Patents don''t care about who invented it first, Lily. They care about who registers it first." His smirk deepened as he traced a finger under Lily''s chin, tilting her face up toward him.


    "And once I own the patent, even if Alex produces the drug, it''ll be considered a counterfeit." He let out a low chuckle, his confidence unwavering.


    "I''ll make him pay. I''ll make him regret ever thinking he could outsmart me."


    Lily''s lips curled into a wicked grin, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.


    "Yes! That bastard actually thought he could play games with you? He deserves everything that''s coming to him!"


    She giggled, her fingers brushing against Ethan''s chest. "I can''t wait to see the look on Alex''s face when he realizes his company''s hard work has been stolen right from under his nose!"


    Ethan''s grip tightened on her waist as his eyes darkened with determination.


    "Then let''s not waste time. We are moving fast¡­ no we are moving now." Ethan Carter was not the kind of man to hesitate.


    ¡­.


    By the afternoon, Ethan was already at the patent office, submitting his application with lightning speed.


    But he knew better than to take any risks. He wasn''t going to leave this to chance. Ethan reached for his phone and dialed a number. His voice was calm, yet there was a dangerous edge beneath it.


    "I need a favor." On the other end, a deep voice chuckled. "Pulling strings again, Ethan?"


    Ethan smirked. "This time, it''s worth it." He wasn''t just relying on luck¡ªhe was using every connection he had. With the right people greased, his application was processed at record-breaking speed.


    And by the next morning, the patent was his. As Ethan stepped out of the patent office, a wave of triumph washed over him.


    The crisp morning air felt exhilarating, the sky seemed brighter, victory was within his grasp. He held the official documents in his hands, proof that the scar-removal drug now belonged to him.


    A cold smile spread across his lips.


    "Alex¡­ let''s see how you deal with this."


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


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 Chapter 61 - 61: Thousand Times Better!

    However¡­ Just as Ethan turned to leave, his sharp eyes caught sight of a familiar figure walking toward the entrance.


    An elderly man, dressed impeccably in a refined suit, his expression calm but his hands clutching a folder tightly against his chest.


    Ethan''s pupils contracted.


    Waters. Alex Reid''s trusted man aka also a butler.


    Ethan immediately sensed something was off. His eyes flickered downward, to the very folder the old man was holding.


    For just a brief second, the edge of a document peeked out from between Mr. Waters'' fingers, and Ethan''s heart nearly skipped a beat.


    Because that document looked identical to the patent he had just filed last night. A dark gleam flickered in Ethan''s gaze. He let out a slow, mocking chuckle and strolled forward with a casual arrogance.


    "Well, well, if it isn''t Mr. Waters. What brings someone as important as you to a place like this? Running errands for your boss?" Mr. Waters'' brows twitched, but he said nothing.


    Instead, he subtly pulled the folder closer to his chest, as if trying to shield it from Ethan''s view.


    But Ethan had already seen enough. His suspicions were confirmed. His smirk widened, his tone dripping with false politeness.


    "Oh, what''s this? Some important documents, I assume?" He let out a mock sigh, shaking his head with exaggerated pity.


    "You''d better hold onto those tightly, old man. If something happens to them, Alex is going to be furious, isn''t he?"


    His laughter was light, almost playful, but his words were a thinly veiled threat. Mr. Waters face remained calm, but there was a flicker of unease in his eyes.


    Ethan took one last glance at the folder before turning on his heel and striding away.


    His coat billowed behind him as he walked, his steps full of confidence and triumph.


    Behind him, Mr. Waters stood frozen in place, gripping the documents so tightly that his knuckles turned white.


    Ethan didn''t need to look back. Because he already knew¡­ Alex Reid was too late.


    As Ethan Carter''s figure disappeared down the hallway, Mr. Waters took a deep breath, steadying his emotions before pulling out his phone.


    With practiced precision, he dialed a familiar number. The moment the call connected, his voice lowered, carrying a respectful and cautious tone.


    "Sir, as per your instructions¡­ Ethan Carter has successfully submitted the patent for the scar-removal formula." Mr. Waters informed Alex of the events and then asked for things to do after.


    "What are your next orders?"


    There was a moment of silence on the other end, followed by the sound of a pen tapping lightly against a desk.


    Then, a calm yet amused voice responded.


    "What else?"


    Alex Reid''s tone was casual, almost playful, as if he had anticipated this exact outcome.


    "File our own patent, of course." Hearing this, Mr. Waters hesitated for a brief moment, confusion flickering in his mind.


    "But, sir¡­ Ethan has already registered the patent. Wouldn''t that mean we can''t submit ours?"


    Alex let out a soft chuckle, his confidence unwavering.


    "And? Does that mean we''re not allowed to register our own version?" His words were calm, but there was a hidden sharpness behind them¡ªa sharpness that sent a chill down Mr. Waters'' spine. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He furrowed his brows, trying to process the situation, when suddenly¡ªhis eyes widened in realization.


    Alex''s voice deepened, carrying an undeniable weight.


    "The formula I have isn''t just any scar-removal drug. It''s a thousand times more effective than theirs. It heals faster, lasts longer, and most importantly¡ªit costs far less to produce."


    Alex paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in before continuing, his voice now laced with amusement.


    "Do you understand the significance of that and where I''m going with this Waters?"


    Mr. Waters swallowed hard. The weight of those words¡ªa thousand times more effective¡ªwas not an exaggeration.


    If what Alex said was true¡­ Then Ethan Carter''s so-called patent victory was nothing more than a meaningless piece of paper.


    No matter how fast he had registered it, no matter how well he thought he had played the game¡ªhe had already lost before this supposed so-called battle had even begun.


    Realization dawned on Mr. Waters, and in that instant, his posture straightened with newfound vision and what Alex was playing.


    "Understood, sir! I will guard these documents with my life and ensure our patent is submitted without issue!"


    "Hahaha¡­ Now you are just repeating some old movie line Mr. Waters, just submit it as you do, no need to risk your life or anything.


    The call ended.


    Mr. Waters let out a slow breath and a small chuckle at the last sentence pf Alex and instinctively tightened his grip on the folder, holding it as if it tje most important thing in his life.


    He glanced around cautiously before securing the documents under his arm, then strode towards the patent office with a steely resolve in his eyes.


    He would not fail.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, on the Other Side¡­


    Ethan Carter was completely unaware of what was happening behind the scenes; he didn''t even have the possibility in his mind for something to happen.


    The moment he stepped through the front door of his house, Lily was already waiting for him, her eyes filled with excitement and anticipation of hearing the news of their success.


    She rushed forward, unable to contain herself.


    "Ethan! Did you get it?! Did you manage to file the patent before Alex''s company?"


    Ethan smirked, exuding confidence as he casually shrugged off his coat, tossing it onto the couch without a care.


    His expression was one of absolute certainty, as if success was never in question.


    "Was there ever any doubt?" He crossed his arms and leaned back slightly, letting out a small chuckle.


    "You think I''d let someone like Alex Reid outsmart me?" There was a sharp glint in his eyes, the kind of arrogance that came from knowing he had beaten his opponent to the punch even before the game even began.


    "Do you even know how much effort I put into making sure this went smoothly? I didn''t just submit the patent¡ªI pulled some strings, called in a few favors, and made sure the process was as smooth as possible and as fast as possible."


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


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 Chapter 62 - 62: Almost Forgotten Family!

    "Do you even know how much effort I put into making sure this went smoothly? I didn''t just submit the patent¡ªI pulled some strings, called in a few favors, and made sure the process was as smooth as possible and as fast as possible."


    Lily''s eyes sparkled with admiration, and in her excitement, she threw her arms around Ethan''s neck.


    "Ethan, you''re incredible!"


    "I knew you could do it!" Without hesitation, she pressed a kiss to his cheek, a beaming smile spreading across her face.


    But her excitement quickly turned into serious contemplation. She pulled back slightly and looked up at him.


    "Now that we have the patent¡­ what''s our next move?"


    Ethan''s smirk widened. His gaze darkened slightly as his expression shifted from one of victory to something far more calculating.


    "The next step is simple." His voice dropped a little lower, a hint of dangerous intent laced within it.


    "We find a manufacturer willing to partner with us. We begin mass production immediately. We start buying raw materials before Alex can react."


    His fingers tapped rhythmically against the table as his mind raced through the next phase of his plan.


    Then, a cold glint flashed in his eyes. Lily held her breath as she watched his expression shift into something even darker. Gone was the composed businessman.


    In his place was a predator ready to strike. Ethan leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice into a near whisper.


    "And most importantly¡­" His lips curled into a slow, menacing smile."¡­we use the exact same tactics Alex used against me."


    Lily''s breath caught in her throat. She could feel the weight of his words, the sheer vengefulness behind them. A shiver ran down her spine as she slowly nodded, her own expression hardening.


    "Yes¡­ that''s right." Her lips curved into a smirk of her own. "Alex played dirty first¡ªnow it''s time for him to feel what it''s like to be on the receiving end."


    Ethan''s smile widened as he exhaled slowly.


    "That''s exactly what I''m counting on."


    ¡­.


    After successfully completing the patent application for his special scar removal cream formula, Ethan wasted no time in selecting a manufacturer to collaborate with.


    However, there was one major problem¡­ the cost.


    While the drug''s effects were undeniably impressive, the ingredients required to produce it were extremely rare and expensive.


    Manufacturing it on a large scale required an astronomical amount of money, and only a handful of companies in City had the financial power to invest in such a project. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ethan leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.


    "The Winters family¡­ Even though Alex set them up and dragged them into such pathetic state, they should still have enough money to invest. Even if they''re struggling now, their foundation is strong enough to recover. This could be their chance to turn things around."


    With that decision made, he immediately set out for the Winters Family residence.


    ¡­.


    Ethan was now standing in front of Winters Family household.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    A series of heavy, rapid knocks pounded against the Winters Family''s front door, shaking the frame and echoing through the house like a war drum.


    Inside, Harold Winters and Lillian nearly jumped out of their seats. Lillian clutched her chest, her face paling. "Who the hell is knocking like that?!"


    Harold expression darkened. "Could it be another debt collector?" His hands trembled slightly as he exchanged a nervous glance with his wife.


    Lillian swallowed hard. "Damn it, I knew they''d come again! What do we do if they force their way in? Should we pretend like we''re not home?"


    Before they could come up with a plan, the relentless knocking resumed, even louder this time.


    With no other choice, Harold Winters cautiously approached the door. Taking a deep breath, he swung it open¡­ only to find himself face-to-face with Ethan Carter.


    The tension in the couple''s shoulders eased instantly seeing that it was not a debt collector..


    Lillian let out a dramatic sigh of relief. "For heaven''s sake, it''s just you!" She patted her chest, her heart still racing. "What the hell was that knocking for?! We thought it was another group of loan sharks coming to break our legs!"


    Harold, however, was far less forgiving. His eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms. "You bastard, what are you doing here? You still have the nerve to show up after everything that happened?"


    His tone dripped with resentment as he scoffed. "At the part hall, you were acting so high and mighty, like you had everything under control. We actually thought you were someone important! But what happened in the end? Absolutely nothing! My daughter, my precious Rose, is still rotting in prison!"


    Lillian, standing beside her husband, wasn''t about to let her frustration go unheard. "Not only that, but we''re being chased down by creditors left and right! We can''t even leave the house without fear of being harassed!" She pointed a shaking finger at Ethan.


    "Do you have any idea how much we''re suffering right now? And you have the nerve to show up here like this?"


    Her voice cracked with emotion, her eyes filled with both anger and despair.


    Ethan''s brows furrowed in irritation.


    "Sir, Ma''am," he said, his voice steady despite their hostility. "I know things didn''t go as planned last time, and I won''t deny that. But let''s be honest¡­ was that really my fault? I never made any promises, and I never told you I could magically fix everything." He crossed his arms.


    "If anything, I put myself on the line to help you, and now you''re blaming me for everything that went wrong? That''s a bit unfair, don''t you think?"


    Harold let out a dry chuckle. "Oh, so now we''re unfair? You bastard, spare me the nonsense. What do you really want?"


    Ethan exhaled sharply, reigning in his frustration. "I actually came here out of goodwill," he said, his voice calm but firm. "I know your situation is rough, and I figured I''d offer you an opportunity. A chance to turn things around."


    Harold Winters scoffed. "You? Offering us a chance? What could you possibly have that would help us right now?"


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 63 - 63: Demonstration!

    Harold Winters scoffed. "You? Offering us a chance? What could you possibly have that would help us right now?"


    Ethan didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he simply reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, sharp knife.


    Without hesitation, he raised it to his palm and made a clean, small shallow cut.


    Harold and Lillian''s eyes widened in shock as a thin red line appeared across Ethan''s skin, followed by a slow trickle of blood.


    Lillian gasped. "What the hell are you doing?!"


    Harold frowned, taking a step forward. "Are you out of your mind? If you have something to say, just say it! There''s no need to bring out a knife and start hurting yourself!"


    But Ethan remained unfazed by those words and he did what he had intended to do.


    Reaching into his pocket again, he pulled out a small jar of white ointment. Carefully, he dipped his fingers into the salve and gently applied it to his hand on the wounded area where he made a shallow cut.


    What happened next left Harold and Lillian completely speechless.


    Before their very eyes, the bleeding stopped almost instantly, and the cut began to close at an unnatural speed. Within seconds, the wound was completely gone, as if it had never existed in the first place or like if there was even a cut¡­ not even a small scar. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The couple could only stare in stunned silence.


    Harold''s mouth opened and closed, struggling to find words. Lillian''s hands trembled as she covered her mouth, her breath shaky.


    Finally, Harold managed to stammer, "W-What¡­ What the hell was that?"


    Lillian''s voice was barely above a whisper. "That ointment¡­ Is that¡­ some kind of miracle cream?"


    Their anger, their resentment, their disbelief, all of it vanished in an instant, replaced by something else entirely.


    Awe.


    Seeing the shock and awe on Harold and Lillian''s faces, Ethan let out a small, confident smile.


    "Sir, Ma''am¡­" He spoke with a calm, measured tone, letting his words sink in. "Now, tell me, if a scar-removal ointment this miraculous were to be mass-produced and introduced to the market¡­ what do you think would happen?"


    Lillian, still overwhelmed by what she had just witnessed, gasped. Then, as the realization struck her, she nearly shrieked, "Are you an idiot?! Something like this, something this effective, would absolutely crazed the market! It would sell like crazy!"


    She turned to her husband, excitement flashing in her eyes. "Harold dear, do you realize what this means? If this ointment gets out there, it won''t just sell well, it''ll cause a crazy sensation! People will be fighting to get their hands on it, especially rich women Or who have scars!"


    Harold, however, wasn''t as quick to react. He was still processing what he had seen. His rational mind tried to look for an explanation, but no matter how much he thought about it, there was no denying what had just happened before his very eyes.


    After a long moment of silence, he slowly looked up at Ethan, his expression serious.


    "¡­Ethan," he said cautiously, "are you saying¡­ you have made this cream and you even have a formula for it?"


    Instead of answering right away, Ethan simply smiled. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a document. With an air of casual confidence, he handed it over.


    Harold hesitated for only a second before snatching the file. His fingers trembled slightly as he flipped through the pages, his sharp eyes scanning each line carefully.


    The more he read, the deeper his breathing became. His eyes darted across the document, absorbing every technical detail, every medical term, every piece of legal wording that confirmed beyond a shadow of a doubt.


    This wasn''t just any document. This was a patent authorization. A legitimate, government-verified exclusive patent for the scar-removal medicine.


    Harold''s grip on the papers tightened. The disbelief in his eyes slowly gave way to something else.


    Awe. Excitement. And most of all¡­ an opportunity.


    When he finally looked up at Ethan again, his expression had completely changed. His eyes burned with newfound energy, like a man who had just stumbled upon a golden treasure chest.


    Ethan smirked slightly. "Now do you believe that I have the ability to help the Winters Family climb out of this crisis?"


    Harold swallowed hard before nodding, his voice slightly shaky. "Believe? I¡ªof course, I believe!" His breath came fast, his mind racing. "Actually, back at the party hall, I had a feeling you weren''t just some ordinary young man. But I never imagined¡­ that you had created something this groundbreaking!"


    "This is incredible! Completely Unbelievable!"


    Lillian, who had been peering over his shoulder at the document, clapped her hands together, her frustration from earlier completely forgotten. "Ethan, you''re a genius! If we can get this product to market, our family might not just recover¡­ we could rise higher than we ever have before!"


    Despite their sudden enthusiasm, Ethan remained composed. He leaned back slightly, folding his arms across his chest, and spoke with a hint of amusement.


    "By the way, Sir, Ma''am¡­" He tilted his head slightly. "Is this how the Winters Family treats a benefactor who comes to help them?"


    Harold and Lillian blinked in confusion. Then, they followed Ethan''s gaze¡­ And finally realized that he was still standing outside the front door.


    Harold ''s face immediately turned red with embarrassment. He smacked his forehead and laughed awkwardly. "Hahahaha Look at me! I must be getting old¡­ I completely forgot my manners!"


    He quickly stepped aside. "Come in, come in! Let''s talk inside!"


    "Yes, yes! That was so rude of us!" Lillian exclaimed, stepping forward and personally guiding Ethan into the house.


    Once inside the Winters Family''s grand living room, the atmosphere took a drastic turn.


    If earlier, Harold and Lillian had treated Ethan like an unwelcome guest, now they were practically rolling out the red carpet for him.


    Lillian rushed to the kitchen, bringing out the finest tea they had, carefully brewing a fresh pot. She placed an exquisite porcelain teacup in front of Ethan, her attitude warm and respectful.


    Harold, on the other hand, ordered the house staff to prepare fresh fruit, the highest-quality snacks, and anything else that might make Ethan feel comfortable.


    For nearly half an hour, they fussed over him, treating him like a VIP guest.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 64 - 64: Forty Million Dollars!

    For nearly half an hour, they fussed over him, treating him like a VIP guest.


    Ethan, however, remained indifferent to all the hospitality. After sipping his tea once, he waved his hand.


    "Alright, Sir, Ma''am," he said casually, but with a firm undertone. "That''s enough. Let''s get down to business." Hearing this, Harold Winters and Lillian immediately straightened up, their expressions turning serious.


    Ethan placed his teacup down gently and looked at them intently.


    "So¡­," he began, his tone calm yet authoritative. "¡­I came here to help you, and I do intend to do so. But before we move forward, I need to make something clear."


    His eyes sharpened slightly.


    "You''ve seen the effects of this ointment for yourselves. There''s no doubt that it will become a craze once it enters the market." He paused. "But¡­ because of how effective it is, the raw materials required to make it are extremely expensive."


    "The manufacturing process is complex, and on top of that, we need to build an entire production line from scratch." His voice grew heavier. "The initial investment will be massive."


    Harold frowned slightly, deep in thought. He tapped his fingers against the table and sighed. "I understand that much," he said. "You don''t need to explain the obvious. Our Winters Family''s situation¡­ well, I don''t need to spell it out either."


    He let out a bitter chuckle. "Ever since Alex withdrew his investment, we''ve been thrown into the worst crisis in our history."


    His eyes locked onto Ethan''s. "So tell me, Ethan Carter, how much money are we talking about?"


    Ethan leaned back slightly and exhaled.


    "I''ve done the calculations," he said. "Because the manufacturing process is so intricate¡­ the cost of setting up the production line alone will be close to fifteen million dollars."


    Harold Winters''s expression tensed, and Lillian''s hands gripped the edge of her chair.


    But Ethan wasn''t done.


    "That doesn''t even include the raw materials we''ll need to stockpile in advance." He paused for a moment before raising a single finger.


    His next words shattered the silence like a thunderclap.


    "In total¡­ we need Seventy million dollars."


    For a moment, the entire room fell into a stunned silence.


    Harold Winters and Lillian sat frozen, their faces stiff as if they had just been struck by lightning.


    Seventy. Million. Dollars.


    Even for a family as wealthy as the Winters Family, that was an astronomical number. Especially now that they were drowning in debts.


    A sum that could either ruin them forever¡­ or turn them into titans of the industry.


    The moment Ethan Carter mentioned the number, the atmosphere in the room turned deathly still.


    Seventy million dollars.


    Harold sat frozen in place, his mind struggling to process the sheer scale of the figure. His fingers twitched slightly, his breath caught in his throat. For a long moment, he simply stared at Ethan, as if hoping he had misheard.


    Then, after what felt like an eternity, he let out a dry, humorless laugh.


    "Ethan¡­ oh¡­ Ethan." Harold forced a wry smile, rubbing his temple as if the number had given him a sudden headache. "Do I look like someone who can casually pull out Seventy million dollars?"


    His voice was laced with bitterness as he gestured toward the door.


    "Do you see the situation I''m in?" He shook his head, frustration flickering in his tired eyes. "Debt collectors are practically camping outside my house every day! If I had that kind of money, do you think I''d be spending my days hiding from them? Would I still be struggling to keep my family''s name afloat?"


    Lillian Winters, who had been listening quietly, sighed deeply.


    "Ethan, it''s not that we don''t want to help," she said, her voice carrying the weight of exhaustion. "But our family is on the verge of collapsing¡­ We''re barely holding on as it is."


    Ethan wasn''t surprised by their reaction. He had expected this.


    "I understand," he said with a nod. "Seventy million dollars is a lot. I know that."


    He leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering.


    "But you don''t have to come up with the entire amount on your own."


    His sharp gaze locked onto Harold''s, his next words deliberate and steady.


    "I''ve already secured thirty million dollars on my end."


    Harold flinched. His fingers, which had been resting on the table, suddenly curled into a fist.


    Ethan continued, his voice unwavering.


    "All I need from you is forty million dollars. That''s it."


    Harold''s expression shifted from disbelief to deep contemplation.


    Forty million dollars¡­ It was still an enormous sum, but it was significantly less daunting than Seventy million dollars.


    For the first time, the idea didn''t seem completely impossible. But the risks were terrifying. His gaze drifted toward the scar-removal ointment sitting on the table.


    The image of Ethan''s wound closing before his eyes, the fresh cut disappearing in mere seconds, played over and over again in his mind.


    He swallowed hard. If this medicine could actually hit the market¡­ If it was as revolutionary as Ethan claimed¡­


    Forget Seventy million dollars. Even Seven Hundred Million dollars wouldn''t be out of reach for them if they do the investment!


    A tense silence settled over the room. Harold clenched his fists. His mind was racing. ''This is my last chance. If I don''t take this gamble, sooner or later, Alex will completely destroy me.''


    He took a deep breath, then looked Ethan directly in the eyes. And then, he made his decision.


    "Ethan," he said, his voice firmer than before, "since you have come here with a proposal so incredible and you were willing to trust us, then I''ll trust you this time." His expression hardened, filled with determination and desperation.


    "I''ll mortgage every single property under the Winters family name. Every house, every warehouse, every square meter of land."


    He gritted his teeth. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "If I scrape together everything, I should be able to raise Forty million dollars for this."


    A satisfied smile crossed Ethan''s lips.


    "Good." He nodded. "Then I''ll handle the remaining Thirty million dollars."


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 65 - 65: An Advantage?

    "If I scrape together everything, I should be able to raise Forty million dollars for this."


    A satisfied smile crossed Ethan''s lips.


    "Good." Ethan nodded. "Then I''ll handle the remaining Thirty million dollars."


    With the agreement settled, the once-tense atmosphere shifted. Harold leaned back in his chair, his earlier doubts now replaced with hope and anticipation.


    "Haha! Now this is what I call loyalty!" He laughed heartily, shaking his head in admiration. "Ethan, you''re a true man. You''re nothing like that snake Alex Reid! That bastard stabbed me in the back, but you¡ªyou brought us a future."


    Lillian, who had been hesitant before, now nodded eagerly.


    "That''s right! If our family manages to climb back up again, we''ll owe everything to you, Ethan!"


    Their attitudes had completely flipped. Just a few minutes ago, they were questioning his presence at their door. Now? Now they treated him like an honored guest, a savior.


    Harold, still riding on the high of his decision, leaned forward again.


    "Alright, Ethan," he said seriously. "Since we''ve decided to do this¡­ when do you need the money?"


    Ethan didn''t hesitate and straight up gave the answer.


    "Tomorrow."


    Harold''s smile froze. "¡­Tomorrow?" His eyes widened, his body stiffening. "Isn''t that too soon?!"


    Ethan''s voice was calm but deadly serious.


    "It has to be as soon as possible." His sharp gaze flickered toward the window, as if scanning for potential threats.


    "The Reid Industries is watching us. The moment they realize what we''re planning, they''ll do everything in their power to sabotage our investment." His voice dropped to a cold, dangerous tone.


    "We cannot let them find out.If they do, they''ll block our suppliers, our distributors, and every possible investor who might support us." His expression darkened.


    "We need to move before they strike first."


    Harold sucked in a deep breath. He knew what kind of man Alex was especially now or to be more accurate from the party hall. If that man caught wind of their plans, he would crush them before they even had a chance to rise.


    There was no time to waste. Harold clenched his fists. "Alright," he said. "I''ll head to the bank right now and start the loan process!"


    From that moment on, both Ethan Carter and the Winters Family moved at full speed in the process.


    There was no room for mistakes. Everything had to be done quickly and quietly, before Alex had the chance to react.


    By noon the next day, the Forty million dollars loan amount was successfully transferred into Ethan''s account.


    At the same time, Ethan had also secured his thirty million dollars share.


    With Seventy million dollars in funding officially locked in, Ethan wasted no time.


    Within hours, preparations for mass production had begun for the ointment.


    ?Factory site selection: Completed.


    ?Production line construction: Launched immediately.


    ?Raw material stockpiling: Trucks rolled in non-stop, unloading shipment after shipment.


    Everything was moving at full throttle.


    ¡­.


    One week later, Ethan stood at the newly established factory site, watching as construction workers worked tirelessly, assembling the production line.


    Giant trucks carrying rare medicinal ingredients moved in and out of the facility, ensuring that when the time came, production would begin without delay.


    Looking at the rapid progress, Ethan finally allowed himself to smile.


    He clenched his fists. This time¡­ He would not lose. This time¡­ He would crush Alex Reid.


    ¡­.


    Unbeknownst to Ethan Carter, everything he had worked tirelessly for over the past few weeks, every investment, every risk, every move, was already within Alex ''s grasp.


    Far from scrambling to keep up, Alex had been watching. Waiting. Because this was not a battle of strength. This was a game of patience.


    The city below was a sea of lights, a sprawling like jungle that never slept. But inside Alex''s penthouse office, the atmosphere was eerily calm, almost unnerving.


    His trusted aide aka his butler, Mr. Waters, was pacing in front of Alex''s massive oak desk. There was an unmistakable edge to his movements, a nervous energy that hadn''t been there before.


    "Sir," Mr. Waters finally spoke, his voice tight with urgency. "Ethan Carter''s production line is almost fully operational."


    He stole a glance at his employer, who was seated in his leather chair, completely relaxed, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand.


    "They''ve secured all the raw materials they need," Mr. Waters continued. "The factory is running at full speed, and information has it they''re gearing up for an official product launch in just a few weeks."


    His voice lowered, laced with concern.


    "Are we really going to keep waiting?"


    Alex took a slow sip of his drink before setting the glass down with a soft clink. Then, finally, he stood, strolling toward the massive floor-to-ceiling window.


    He gazed out over the city, his sharp blue eyes reflecting the golden glow of the skyline.


    "Waters," he began, his voice casual yet laced with something dangerous, "do you know why I haven''t made a move yet?"


    Mr. Waters furrowed his brows. "I¡­ assumed you were waiting for the right moment?"


    Alex''s lips curved into a slow, knowing smirk.


    "Exactly." He turned his head slightly, just enough to see the growing confusion on his aide''s face. "Why waste our own resources when Ethan is doing all the work for us?"


    Mr. Waters froze. His breath hitched. And then, suddenly, everything clicked.


    "Sir¡­," he exhaled sharply. "¡­You''re waiting for them to build up their production line¡­ to invest all their money¡­ to stockpile as much inventory as possible¡­"


    His voice trailed off as realization struck like lightning.


    "¡­Then you''re going to make your move to crush them." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex let out a soft chuckle, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and cold precision.


    "We let them launch first," he said smoothly. "And then¡­ we introduce our own product."


    Mr. Waters felt a chill crawl down his spine.


    "But¡­ if we let them release first," he hesitated, "won''t they already have an advantage?"


    Alex turned fully now, facing him with a gaze so calculating that it made the older man''s throat run dry.


    "An advantage?"


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 66 - 66: Unexpected Visit

    "An advantage?" Alex repeated, chuckling.


    "No, Waters. It''s a death sentence." He took a slow step forward, his tone calm but brimming with confidence.


    "Our product will be superior in every way, faster healing, fewer side effects, and most importantly¡­" His smirk widened.


    "¡­a much lower price."


    Mr. Waters stiffened. It was a brutal strategy, that is only if it works but he believed in Alex at least from how he handles everything till now.


    Ethan Carter and the Winters family had risked everything to fund this production. If their product didn''t sell, they would collapse under their own weight.


    And that''s exactly what Alex wanted.


    Mr. Waters swallowed. "But¡­ what happens next? After we take the market?"


    Alex''s smirk didn''t fade. He simply returned to his desk, leaning against it with an air of absolute control.


    "Then," he said softly, "we wait."


    Mr. Waters'' breath caught. ''Wait? What else could they possibly need to wait for?''


    Ethan would already be struggling to survive.


    And then, as if reading his thoughts, Alex gave a slow, deliberate nod.


    "Once Ethan realizes that he can''t sell a single unit, he''ll have no choice." He reached for his whiskey again, taking a leisurely sip before finishing his sentence. "¡­He''ll be forced to sell everything."


    The weight of those words sank into the room like a stone.


    Mr. Waters felt his stomach drop.


    "You mean¡­" He swallowed hard. "The production line? The raw materials?" His voice wavered. "¡­The patents?"


    Alex exhaled, tilting his head slightly.


    "All of it." A silence stretched between them. A heavy, unforgiving silence.


    "Sir!" Mr. Waters'' voice was barely above a whisper. "Are you saying¡­ you''re going to buy everything off them¡­ for pennies?"


    Alex set his glass down. Then he smirked.


    "BINGO!."


    The older man''s legs almost felt weak. This wasn''t even a competition. This was a trap, one so perfectly set that Ethan wouldn''t even realize it until it was already too late.


    And the worst part? There was nothing he could do to stop it.


    Mr. Waters exhaled shakily.


    "¡­You really are terrifying, Sir." Alex only chuckled, picking up his phone and casually dialing a number.


    "It''s business," he said simply, as if discussing something as trivial as a stock investment.


    He let the call ring, amusement flickering in his gaze.


    "Let''s see¡­" he mused. "The Winters family has been bleeding money for years. I wonder¡­" A slow, merciless smirk curled his lips. "¡­just how much more they can lose before they break completely."


    "Was that why you only sent Rose to prison and not her family¡­? ¡­ Sir, did you predict this would happen?"


    ¡­.


    Later:


    Alex sat in his spacious office, the afternoon light casting long shadows through the floor-to-ceiling windows.


    His fingers drummed idly against the polished mahogany desk, his piercing gaze locked onto the small white container placed before him.


    Across from him, Mr. Waters stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his usual composed demeanor tinged with the faintest trace of urgency.


    Alex finally spoke, his voice smooth and measured.


    "Is this it?" His fingers stopped drumming, and he picked up the small container, rolling it between his fingers with a calculated slowness.


    Mr. Waters gave a firm nod, watching Alex Carefully.


    "Yes, Sir. This is a sample of our special formula." A brief silence stretched between them before Mr. Waters hesitated, his brows knitting together.


    "But¡­ Sir¡­ Do you really want Ethan Carter to get his hands on this?" Mr. Waters asked confirming ine more time from Alex, he though understood it was Alex plan but he couldn''t exactly figure out what the plan was.


    Alex smirked. There was something coldly amused in his expression as he set the jar back down with a soft clink.


    "Of course."


    Mr. Waters didn''t reply immediately, but his lips pressed into a thin line. His loyalty to Alex was unquestionable, yet he couldn''t help but feel uneasy about this strategy and plan.


    Alex leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other.


    "This isn''t just about selling a product," he said, his voice carrying a quiet certainty. "It''s about control. Right now, Ethan thinks he is in control."


    He let the words hang in the air, his smirk widening.


    "But soon¡­ he''ll start to doubt everything."


    ¡­.


    At Ethan Carter Manufacturing Factory:


    The rhythmic hum of machines filled the vast production facility, the scent of sterilized metal and freshly unpacked materials lingering in the air. Workers moved efficiently, making last-minute checks on the assembly lines.


    Ethan Carter stood near one of the conveyor belts, sharp eyes scanning the progress. His tailored suit, though a contrast to the factory setting, did nothing to lessen the commanding presence he exuded.


    Etahn held a clipboard, his sharp features set in concentration.


    "By tomorrow," Ethan mused, nodding in approval, "we''ll be fully operational."


    He gave a satisfied nod to himself. "Everything''s running on schedule. The first batch should be ready for market within days."


    But before Ethan could assess any further, the rapid clack of dress shoes echoed down the hallway. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Harold Winters burst into the room, his usually calm expression replaced with thinly veiled panic.


    "Ethan¡ªwe have a problem."


    Ethan turned slowly, his smirk unfaltering.


    "You''re always so dramatic, Harold," he teased. "What is it this time?"


    Harold ran a hand through his graying hair, exhaling sharply.


    "Waters is outside." For the first time, the air around Ethan shifted. The amusement in his expression didn''t fade completely, but a new sharpness settled in his gaze.


    "Reid Industries CEO Alex Butler himself and also his aide, is at my factory gates?"


    Harold gave a firm nod. "Yes. And not alone. He''s got two assistants with him."


    His grip on his clipboard tightened. "This doesn''t feel right." Ethan remained silent for a moment before finally exhaling a slow breath.


    "Let him wait."


    Harold blinked. "Wait? Ethan, this is practically Alex''s right-hand man. He wouldn''t just show up without a reason."


    Ethan rolled his shoulders, a smirk returning to his lips. "Exactly. And that''s why I''m going to hear him out." With that, he turned and strode toward the entrance.


    Harold cursed under his breath before reluctantly following.


    "I swear, if that old man tries something¡­"


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 67 - 67: A Warning

    Outside the Factory Gates:


    Outside, standing just beyond the sleek metal gates of the factory, was Mr. Waters.


    Despite his advanced age, the man stood tall, his expression impassive. Flanking him were two younger assistants in neatly pressed suits, their hands folded in front of them like well-trained bodyguards.


    But what caught Ethan''s attention the most, what truly intrigued him, was the small white bag clutched in Mr. Waters'' hand.


    Ethan slowed his steps, taking in the scene before finally flashing a mocking grin.


    "Well, well, well¡­ if it isn''t the mighty Mr. Waters Aka Alex Butler, lurking around my factory like some common spy." He crossed his arms, his smirk widening.


    "Should I call security, or do you actually have a reason for loitering at my gates?" Mr. Waters didn''t flinch. Instead, he lifted the small bag ever so slightly, his voice as steady as ever.


    "Ethan Carter," he said evenly, "do you know what you''re really producing here?"


    Ethan let out a short laugh. "I built this factory. I funded it. I hired the best scientists in the country. You tell me¡ªdo I know what I''m producing?"


    Mr. Waters fingers curled tighter around the bag.


    "Then explain this." With an exaggerated motion, he tossed the small white bag toward Ethan.


    Ethan caught it easily, his brow furrowing slightly. He turned the bag over in his hand before pulling out a small jar of cream.


    Ethan took an unconscious step closer, peering at it.


    Harold, on the other hand, tensed instantly.


    "What is this?" Ethan asked, his tone unreadable.


    Mr. Waters didn''t hesitate.


    "The exact same product you''re making," he replied coldly. "And we''ve had it for months."


    The words hung in the air like a dagger.


    Harold clenched his fists. "That''s impossible!" he snapped. "We spent months researching this and refining this formula! How the hell could you possibly have an identical formula?!"


    Mr. Waters sighed, shaking his head.


    "Don''t take my word for it. Test it yourself." He gestured toward the jar in Ethan''s hand.


    "If you think I''m lying, run a full analysis. Compare it to your own formula." A slow, almost imperceptible smile tugged at his lips.


    "You might be in for a surprise."


    For the first time, Ethan''s amusement flickered.


    He turned the jar over in his hand, his gaze darkening. He was confident in his product¡ªbut what if this was more than just a bluff?


    If Alex truly had an identical formula¡­ Then what the hell had he been playing at all this time?


    More importantly¡­ What was his next move?


    As Mr. Waters turned to leave, he threw out one last, chilling remark over his shoulder before he began to walk the way he came here.


    "Oh, and one more thing, Mr. Ethan¡­" His gaze flicked back, locking onto Ethan''s. "If we were really trying to steal your formula¡­ don''t you think we would have stopped you before you built this factory?" And with that, he was gone.


    Leaving behind nothing but a lingering sense of unease.


    It was nothing but a friendly visit by Alex Butler which he did on Alex Orders, it was just a simple warning for smarter people but as Ethan wasn''t one of them he thought nothing of this.


    Ethan showed a shocked face just for a show but for him this was like a show playing like he wrote it or planned it.


    Why? Because he already have a patent for this.


    So, In the end it doesn''t really matter for him even if they had a formula¡­ which is their formula to begin with or even if they produce it.


    ¡­.


    "Hahaha! This is incredible!"


    Harold Winters couldn''t contain his excitement as he watched Mr. Waters stumble away from the factory gates.


    His back was hunched, his steps unsteady with rage, and from the way his fingers trembled, it was clear he was barely containing the humiliation burning inside him.


    After years of enduring suppression under Reid Industries, after being treated like an ant beneath their feet at the party hall, after suffering countless setbacks¡­


    Today, they had struck back.


    And it felt damn good.


    Harold turned toward Ethan Carter, his face still flushed with exhilaration. His eyes were bright, filled with a renewed sense of power¡ªas if, for the first time in a long time, he could finally breathe. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This is all thanks to you, Ethan." His voice was thick with emotion, a mix of admiration and gratitude. "If it weren''t for you, I don''t know how much longer we''d have had to bow our heads to those bastards at Reid Industries. But today¡­" His hands clenched into tight fists, his expression fierce.


    "Today, we finally made them taste their own medicine!"


    Ethan chuckled, his expression calm, but his eyes gleaming with quiet satisfaction.


    "Mr. Harold, you don''t have to thank me." His voice was steady, but there was a sharp edge hidden beneath his words.


    "Reid Industries is our common enemy." His jaw tightened slightly, the cool night air brushing against his skin. "And we''re just getting started."


    Harold nodded fervently, his heart pounding with adrenaline.


    "You''re right! We need to keep up the momentum." His excitement reignited, and he turned toward the factory.


    "I''ll go push the workers to speed up production! The sooner we launch our scar removal cream, the sooner we can bury Reid Industries for good!"


    With that, he marched off, his energy renewed.


    Ethan, too, was about to head back inside¡­ But just as he turned, something caught his eye.


    Right there, at the factory gates, lying near the entrance like an abandoned piece of trash¡­


    A small, white bag. It was barely noticeable, light, unassuming.


    Ethan frowned. His instincts were sharp, honed by years of experience, and something about this felt¡­ wrong.


    "Wait a second¡­" He strode forward, his boots crunching against the gravel, and crouched down.


    The moment his fingers brushed against the material, his heart skipped a beat.


    Printed on the bag, in neat, bold letters¡ª


    "Reid Industries Scar-Healing Cream ¨C Trial Sample" Ethan''s expression changed instantly.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 68 - 68: A Trap All Along

    "Reid Industries Scar-Healing Cream ¨C Trial Sample" Ethan''s expression changed instantly.


    A wave of unease rolled through him.


    "What the hell is this?" His mind raced. ''Was this what Waters had been trying to do all along? Had he deliberately left this behind? Was this¡­ a warning? Or something else entirely?''


    Ethan''s grip tightened around the bag.


    If Reid Industries was already distributing free samples, it meant their product was ready for the market.


    And that meant¡­His eyes darkened.


    "Could they have another formula?" His voice was low, almost a whisper to himself. "If their product is already perfected¡­ then what does that mean for us?"


    His fingers clenched around the bag.


    "No. I need to test this myself."


    With a sudden sense of urgency, he shoved the trial ointment into his pocket and strode directly into the factory, his pace quickening.


    A few streets away, inside the sleek interior of a black expensive black car, Mr. Waters sat calmly in the back seat.


    His earlier display of frustration? Gone. His supposed humiliation at the factory gates? An act.


    His wrinkled hands rested on his lap, but his sharp eyes were locked onto the factory entrance.


    And when he saw Ethan pick up the sample and take it inside, a cold smirk tugged at the corners of his lips.


    With steady fingers, he pulled out his phone and sent a message.


    "Sir, the fish has taken the bait." A few seconds later, his screen lit up with a reply.


    "Well done, Waters. Now let''s sit back and enjoy the show."


    A low chuckle escaped Mr. Waters'' lips as he placed his phone down.


    ¡­.


    Inside the factory, Ethan was already moving.


    He found a quiet, isolated spot, away from the prying eyes of workers and executives. His hands moved quickly as he ripped open the sample packet, revealing a small, pristine jar of cream.


    It was barely enough for one application, but it would do. His fingers hovered over the jar for a second.


    Then, without hesitation, he turned toward the nearest brick wall. His eyes darkened.


    "Let''s see if this is the real deal." Taking a deep breath. He dragged his hand against the rough surface. A Sharp pain came instantly as he did that.


    A thin, crimson line appeared across his palm, blood welling up immediately.


    Ethan hissed but barely reacted.


    "Damn, went too deep¡­" he muttered under his breath. But this wasn''t the time to hesitate. Ethan Carter sat in his office, staring down at the scar on his arm.


    A deep, jagged wound that had once cut straight to the bone.


    He had purposely left it untreated, wanting to personally test the effectiveness of the new scar-removal formula his company was about to release.


    With careful precision, he applied the cream onto his skin.


    Seconds passed. Then a minute. Then two. And right before his eyes¡­ The scar began to vanish.


    At first, the red and inflamed tissue softened, blending in with the surrounding skin. Then, the rough, uneven texture smoothed out, as if the wound had never been there in the first place.


    By the five-minute mark, his arm was flawless. Not a single mark. Not a single blemish. It was Perfect.


    Ethan''s breath hitched. His fingers slowly traced over his skin, feeling nothing but smooth flesh.


    The previous formula¡ªthe one Lily had stolen from Alex''s company¡ªhad been powerful, but it could only fade scars by 80% at best.


    But this? This was absolute. He picked up the packaging again, flipping it over. And that''s when his entire body went still.


    The price.


    $100.


    His fingers tightened around the box.


    $100?!


    Ethan''s heart pounded in his chest.


    The scar-removal drug his company had been working on had a raw material cost of nearly is tremendous compared to normal creams.


    They had already planned to sell it for at least $1000 just to turn a profit. Of course it may look like the tremendous amount but it all comes down to its effectiveness, many rich people would have bought this in thousands.


    While some would have made contracts for its distribution.


    And yet¡­ This new drug was ten times more effective and sold for only $100?


    Ethan hands trembled. His breathing quickened. His vision tunneled as he realized the full weight of the situation. This wasn''t just competition. This was an execution.


    And the one holding the blade to his throat¡­ Was Alex Reid. Ethan shot up from his chair, pacing across his office.


    Every single nerve in his body screamed that something was wrong. He rushed to the window and looked down at the factory floor.


    Hundreds of workers were moving at full speed.


    The assembly lines were running nonstop, processing raw materials into the final product.


    Forklifts carried stacks of ingredients, filling up the warehouse with supplies meant to last for months of mass production.


    Delivery trucks came and went, transporting massive shipments into storage. The entire operation was working like a well-oiled machine.


    And yet¡­ It was all for nothing. Ethan stiffened. If Alex launched his product at the same time. If his drug was not only more effective but also drastically cheaper.


    Then Reid Industries would wipe them out instantly. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Their company would be left with mountains of unsellable stock. Millions of dollars investments would vanish overnight.


    Their suppliers, their distributors, every connection they had built, would turn against them in favor of the cheaper, superior product.


    Ethan''s lips parted as a horrifying realization struck him.


    "I walked straight into a trap." His hands balled into fists. Alex hadn''t just beaten him to the market. He had set him up from the start.


    Every move Ethan had made, every investment, every deal, every rushed decision, had played right into Alex''s hands.


    His jaw clenched. ''No. I''m not going to let this happen.'' He turned on his heel and stormed out of the office.


    Ethan marched straight into the factory, his voice cutting through the noise.


    "STOP EVERYTHING!" The factory froze.


    Workers turned, their faces filled with confusion as the assembly line slowed to a halt.


    Ethan didn''t waste a second. He spun toward the procurement manager.


    "Cancel all incoming raw material shipments!"


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 69 - 69: Backstabbing?

    "Cancel all incoming raw material shipments!" Ethan shouted over his phone, his tone sharpened and loud. "I don''t care what deals we made¡ªI don''t want a single extra shipment entering this facility!"


    Then he turned to the production team.


    "Shut down all machinery. Right now."


    The factory went silent.


    The constant hum of production disappeared, leaving only a thick, suffocating tension in the air.


    The workers exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of what had just happened.


    And then¡­ A loud, booming voice echoed across the factory floor.


    "What the hell is going on here?!" Ethan turned just in time to see Harold Winters, one of the company''s biggest investors, storming toward him.


    The man''s expression was a mix of frustration and disbelief as he took in the halted production lines and confused workers.


    He stopped in front of Ethan, his eyes burning with anger.


    "Ethan, what the hell are you doing?! We''re supposed to be ramping up production, not shutting it down!"


    Ethan took a deep breath and then said to Harold.


    "Harold, listen to me. We have to stop. Right now."


    Harold''s brows furrowed deeply.


    "Stop? Are you out of your damn mind? We''ve already invested millions into this operation! Do you have any idea what shutting down now will cost us?!" Ethan held his ground.


    "Harold, we''ve been set up."


    Harold scoffed, crossing his arms.


    "Oh, really? By who?"


    Ethan''s expression turned ice-cold.


    "Alex Reid.."


    Harold froze for a second. But then his frustration boiled over again.


    "Alex? What the hell could he possibly do?"


    Ethan''s voice was calm but sharp.


    "He has a better version of our drug. It''s not just more effective¡ªit''s significantly cheaper."


    Harold''s eyes twitched as he processed that information.


    Ethan continued, his tone dead serious.


    "If we launch our product now, we''ll be dead before we even have a chance. We need to stop while we still can."


    A heavy silence settled over them. Then¡­ Harold exploded.


    "STOP?! ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!" His voice shook the factory walls, making several workers flinch.


    "Do you take me for a fool, Ethan?! We have a drug that works! A drug that can dominate the market! And now you''re telling me it''s all some elaborate trap?" Harold took a threatening step forward, his face twisted with rage.


    "Or maybe¡­ you just want to take the profits for yourself." Ethan''s eyes narrowed dangerously. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Are you seriously accusing me of that?"


    Harold laughed coldly.


    "What else am I supposed to think? You suddenly halt production, cancel shipments, and now you''re telling me this is all some grand scheme?" He leaned in, his voice low and accusing.


    "Tell me, Ethan¡­ are you screwing me over?"


    The air grew heavy. The tension between them was like a bomb waiting to explode. Ethan exhaled slowly, his voice deadly calm.


    Ethan Carter felt his face burn with humiliation. Harold Winters was pointing a finger directly at his face, his booming voice echoing across the factory floor.


    The older man''s rage was palpable, his chest rising and falling with each angry breath.


    Ethan clenched his fists.


    As the protagonist of this story, he Should had never been humiliated like this before, but ut was changed way before.


    But now wasn''t the time to fight back. Not yet. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to remain calm. His voice was steady, but his eyes held urgency.


    "Mr. Harold, please, you have to trust me. I swear on everything, I''m not lying to you."


    Harold''s face twisted in disbelief, but Ethan pressed on.


    "Reid Industries has created a superior version of our scar-removal drug. Not only is it more effective than ours, but it''s also significantly cheaper. There''s no way we can compete with them."


    Ethan''s tone became more desperate.


    "If we continue pouring money into production, it''ll be like throwing our investment straight into the trash!"


    Harold narrowed his eyes. There was a brief pause, but only for a moment.


    Then¡­ Harold scoffed. A sharp, mocking sound filled with disbelief.


    "Reid Industries also has a scar-removal drug?" He folded his arms. "Alright then, show me. Where is it? Where did you even get it from?"


    Ethan stiffened. For the first time, he was caught off guard. His mouth opened and closed before he finally spoke.


    "Uh¡ªwell¡ª" He quickly searched for the right words. "I got it from Waters Alex butler earlier. There was only a small amount, and I already used it to test the effects."


    Ethan lifted his hand, showing his index finger.


    "Mr. Harold, look! I just cut myself earlier, but after applying the the cream that I got from him earlier¡ª" He wiggled his finger.


    "Not even a single scar remains!" His voice was full of earnest conviction. His expression was completely serious. And yet, Harold only got angrier.


    His jaw clenched. His face darkened with suspicion. Then, his voice exploded like a cannon.


    "BULLSHIT!"


    Ethan flinched. But Harold wasn''t done.


    "You think I''m an idiot?! Where''s the damn scar, huh? I don''t see a damn thing!" Harold stepped forward, his voice sharp with fury.


    "You think you can play me, boy? You think I''m some gullible old man you can just fool with a few words?!"


    Ethan felt his throat go dry.


    "No! Mr. Harold, I swear it''s real! You have to believe me! I really did have a wound, and after using the drug¡ª" Just as Ethan was explaining to Harold everything in a hurry, Harold''s angry voice cut him off completely.


    "BELIEVE MY ASS!" Harold cut him off with a furious roar. His eyes were wild with rage, his veins popping from his forehead.


    "Do you think I was born yesterday?! I could cover my whole body with our current cream, and I STILL wouldn''t get those results! And you expect me to believe some miracle drug can erase scars INSTANTLY?!"


    His hands balled into tight, shaking fists. And then¡­ His voice dropped to a dangerous low.


    "Listen to me, Ethan¡­ Carter. I don''t care what tricks you''re playing, but I''ll warn you right now¡ª" Harold took another step forward, his glare like a knife pressing against Ethan''s throat.


    "This is my last investment. Every damn cent I have is in this project." His eyes burned with desperation and fury. "If this project fails¡ª" His voice turned chilling. "I don''t care if I have to die. I''ll make sure you go down with me."


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 70 - 70: Turns and Twist

    "This is my last investment. Every damn cent I have is in this project." His eyes burned with desperation and fury. "If this project fails¡ª" His voice turned chilling. "I don''t care if I have to die. I''ll make sure you go down with me."


    Ethan''s breath hitched. A cold sweat ran down his back. Harold wasn''t bluffing. This was a man at the end of his rope. A man who had nothing left to lose.


    And now¡­ All of his rage was directed at him.


    Before Ethan could even process what was happening, Harold whirled around and shouted toward the factory floor.


    Harold wasted no time.


    The moment he was done threatening Ethan Carter, he turned to the stunned factory workers, who had all frozen in place, watching the confrontation unfold.


    His voice boomed across the massive production floor¡ª


    "LISTEN UP! KEEP WORKING!"


    The workers jumped in shock, their hesitation instantly replaced by urgency.


    "Get back to your stations! Everything runs as usual! I don''t care what''s happening¡ªthis factory DOES NOT stop!"


    Immediately¡­ The factory floor roared back to life. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The heavy machinery rumbled, conveyor belts groaned as they started moving again, and workers scrambled back to their tasks.


    The forklifts resumed transporting raw materials, their engines growling as they carried the precious ingredients to the production lines.


    In less than a minute¡­ The entire factory was back in full operation. As if Ethan''s desperate attempt to shut it down had never happened. Harold turned back to Ethan, his sharp gaze filled with warning.


    His finger jabbed directly at Ethan''s chest¡ªhard enough to make Ethan stumble slightly backward.


    "Listen here, brat!" His voice was low and dangerous, filled with pure, unfiltered rage.


    "If that miracle drug of yours isn''t in our hands by the time production is finished¡ª" His lips curled into a snarl. "I will personally make you regret it."


    Ethan felt a chill crawl up his spine. This was no empty threat. Harold meant every word.


    And then¡­ Without giving Ethan a single chance to respond. Harold turned on his heel and stormed out of the factory.


    His heavy footsteps echoed against the concrete floor, heavy with finality. Ethan could only watch in silence. His body felt frozen in place. His mind was spinning.


    He had spent so much effort trying to stop this disaster. And in the end, everything had spiraled completely out of his control.


    Now¡­ Instead of halting production, things were about to move even faster.


    Ethan Carter stood outside the factory, his jaw clenched so tightly it felt like his teeth might crack.


    His fingers curled into fists, nails digging into his palms, but the pain did nothing to quell the storm raging inside him.


    Inside the massive industrial complex, machines roared like a relentless beast, tirelessly churning out product.


    Workers moved in a synchronized frenzy, carrying materials, adjusting controls, and overseeing the endless production lines.


    His money was flowing into this project like water through a broken dam. And he couldn''t stop it.


    His breathing was uneven, chest rising and falling as he struggled to suppress the frustration boiling within him.


    He had been so sure of his plan¡ªso convinced that he was in control. But now, as he watched the factory devour resources at an unstoppable pace, he felt the crushing weight of his own helplessness.


    This wasn''t just a bad business decision. It was a catastrophe waiting to happen. He had to find a way out before it was too late.


    A soft, familiar voice snapped him out of his daze.


    "Ethan, what''s wrong? You look really upset."


    Ethan''s head jerked up as if an electric shock had run through his spine. His sharp gaze locked onto the person speaking¡­ Lily.


    She stood a few feet away, her brows furrowed in worry, her large eyes searching his face for answers.


    For a brief moment, Ethan didn''t respond. His mind was moving too fast, rearranging puzzle pieces that had been scattered all this time.


    Then¡­it hit him all at once. His breath caught in his throat.


    "Wait a second¡­ Our formula came from Reid Industries'' vault." His stomach twisted into knots as realization slammed into him like a freight train.


    Every muscle in his body tensed, his heartbeat hammering against his ribs.


    "And now they''re about to launch a product that''s cheaper and more effective?" His pupils shrank, an icy chill creeping down his spine.


    This wasn''t just bad luck. This was a setup. A whole damn set up from the very beginning. A cold sweat broke out on his skin as he finally understood the full extent of what had happened.


    Reid Industries hadn''t simply lost their secret formula. They had given it away on purpose.


    And the worst part? Lily had been the one to steal it.


    His gaze snapped toward her, his eyes dark with an unreadable emotion. Lily, sensing something was wrong, took a small step back, suddenly feeling uneasy.


    "Ethan¡­? W-Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked hesitantly. Her voice was soft, unsure. Her fingers twitched slightly, gripping the hem of her sleeve.


    For the first time since she had met him, Ethan''s presence felt dangerous.


    Then just like in a drama a twist happens.


    SLAP!


    The sharp crack of skin against skin echoed through the air like a gunshot.


    Lily''s head snapped to the side, strands of her dark hair flying across her face. A fiery pain bloomed across her cheek, her skin instantly flushing red from the force of the impact.


    The world around her seemed to freeze for a moment, her breath caught in her throat, eyes wide with disbelief.


    She staggered backward, her legs nearly giving out beneath her. Her trembling fingers slowly reached up, touching her burning cheek.


    "E-Ethan¡­?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, as if she couldn''t believe what had just happened.


    Tears welled up in her eyes, her vision blurring as she struggled to process the situation. She had never once thought that Ethan would ever lay a hand on her.


    Ethan, on the other hand, looked furious beyond words.


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


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 Chapter 71 - 71: Reality Denial

    Ethan, on the other hand, looked furious beyond words.


    His chest heaved, his breath coming in harsh, uneven gasps. His entire body was trembling, not with fear, but with pure, unfiltered rage. His hands were still clenched into fists, his nails pressing so deeply into his skin that it threatened to draw blood.


    "Do you have any idea what you''ve done?!" he roared, his voice thick with fury.


    Lily flinched, her heart pounding violently against her ribs.


    "The formula for the cream you had stolen¡ªit was a damn trap¡­ a set up¡­ A FUCKING SET UP!" Ethan''s voice cracked with frustration, his brows furrowed in a mix of anger and disbelief.


    His breathing was heavy, ragged, like a man teetering on the edge of sanity. His mind was racing, but the only thing he could see was the sheer scale of the disaster unfolding before him.


    Lily tried to form words, her lips parting slightly as if to protest, but no sound came out.


    Ethan''s glare hardened, and he took a step closer, forcing her to shrink back.


    "Because of you, I walked straight into Alex Reid hands!" His words slammed into her like a hammer, each syllable carrying the full weight of his betrayal and rage. His voice was laced with something far worse than just anger.


    It was hatred. Lily''s knees nearly buckled. The way he was looking at her¡­ It was as if he no longer saw her as someone he loved, but as someone who had destroyed him.


    Ethan''s hands shook at his sides, his breathing unsteady. His entire world had come crashing down around him and Lily was the one who had lit the match.


    Lily held her face, her fingertips trembling as they pressed against the burning sensation spreading across her cheek. The stinging pain wasn''t just physical¡­ it cut deeper than that. It was a wound to her heart.


    She stared at Ethan, her eyes red with unshed tears, lips trembling as she struggled to contain the overwhelming emotions surging within her.


    "Ethan¡­ I really don''t know anything about this." Her voice was shaky, fragile, like glass on the verge of shattering.


    Her chest rose and fell unevenly, her breath hitching as she fought back sobs.


    "I love you so much, sniff and yet¡­ you hit me?" Her voice cracked at the end, and as if that was the final straw¡ªtears finally spilled over.


    Sniff!


    Sniff!


    She cried, her shoulders shaking as she wiped her face with the back of her hand. The pain in her heart was unbearable, but amidst her sorrow, a single thought surfaced.


    Wait.


    This¡­ this isn''t Ethan''s fault. Her body stiffened as her mind raced, trying to piece together the events leading up to this moment.


    Or to be exact trying to deny the reality in which Ethan hate her or just hit her on the cheek and shouted at her.


    ''If what Ethan said was true¡­ If Reid Industries had prepared a stronger and more effective formula beforehand¡­ If Ethan''s downfall was planned from the very beginning¡­ Then there was only one person responsible for this.''


    Her ability to deny the scene before her eyes and trying to cover up what just happened and blaming someone else for what she did out of her thought was incredible.


    Her teary eyes flickered with something dark, something sinister.


    "It''s him. This is all his fault¡­ Alex." Her fingers curled into tight fists, her hands veins popping up and pure hatred surged through her veins and showed in her eyes.


    "That bastard! He knew I was coming! He switched out the files before I could take them!" Her breathing became ragged, anger quickly replacing her earlier sorrow.


    "If he hadn''t done that¡­" she thought, her expression twisting in rage. "Ethan wouldn''t have been trapped and set up! He wouldn''t have hit me!"


    The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Her eyes burned with hatred, her jaw clenched so tightly it ached.


    "Alex, you snake like bastard¡­ You''re going to pay for this!" Just as Lily was about to act, the deep rumble of engines filled the air.


    The sound of multiple vehicles approaching cut through the current heavy atmosphere like a blade.


    The crowd turned their heads, eyes widening as they watched a fleet of luxury cars glide into the factory grounds.


    At the center of the convoy, a sleek, black stretch limousine came to a slow, deliberate stop. Its polished surface gleamed under the harsh factory lights, exuding an air of untouchable power and wealth.


    The door opened. A polished black leather shoe stepped out first.


    Then¡­ Alex emerged. Dressed in an impeccable dark suit, his movements were calm, unhurried, as if he owned the very ground he walked on.


    His piercing gaze swept over the factory, taking in the scene before him. There was no urgency in his expression¡­ only coldness, calculated confidence.


    The moment Lily laid eyes on him, something inside her snapped.


    Her vision turned red.


    "Alex, you despicable, shameless bastard!" Her voice pierced the air like a battle cry. Without hesitation, she lunged forward like a wild beast, eyes burning with fury.


    "You dare switch it with the fake documents?! You deliberately sabotaged me just to trap and ruin Ethan!"


    Her accusations were venomous, her tone dripping with rage. There was no logic, no restraint only the raw, overwhelming desire for revenge.


    She charged at him, her hands raised, ready to claw at his face. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    SMACK!


    The moment she got close, a sharp slap landed across her face. The impact was brutal. Lily''s head snapped to the side, strands of her hair flying in the air as her body staggered backward uncontrollably.


    She lost balance. Her knees buckled, and with a small gasp she collapsed onto the cold, hard ground.


    The world spun for a moment in her eyes. The left side of her face getting somewhat red and burning up, a scorching reminder of what had just happened.


    The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth where she had accidentally bitten her tongue. For a few long seconds¡­ she was completely dazed.


    Her mind couldn''t process what had just occurred. The pain. The humiliation. The sheer shock. Then¡­ it all hit her at once. Her breath caught in her throat as she slowly lifted her head.


    Alex stood before her, towering over her like an unshakable mountain.


    Lily lay sprawled on the ground, her breath uneven, her mind a whirlwind of shock and humiliation.


    Her cheek throbbed with pain, the sharp sting of Alex''s slap still burning against her skin. For a moment, her thoughts were blank, her ears ringing from the sheer force of the alap she had gotten from Alex''s hand.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 72 - 72: Sound of Horrors

    Lily lay sprawled on the ground, her breath uneven, her mind a whirlwind of shock and humiliation.


    Her cheek throbbed with pain, the sharp sting of Alex''s slap still burning against her skin. For a moment, her thoughts were blank, her ears ringing from the sheer force of the alap she had gotten from Alex''s hand.


    She slowly lifted her trembling hand to her face, her fingers grazing the sore, swollen skin. It took a few seconds before her mind finally caught up with what had just happened.


    Alex had slapped her. He actually dared to slap her. Her pupils were constricted. Impossible. She had been slapped before¡ªbut by Ethan.


    Ethan, who was furious. Ethan, who was blinded by his own losses and frustrations. Ethan, who, despite hitting her, was still someone she loved.


    But Alex? Alex had no right. He wasn''t her lover. He wasn''t her boss. Who did he think he was?!


    Lily''s breath grew heavy, her hands clenching into fists. The mix of pain, anger, and disbelief turned into something raw, something uncontrollable.


    "Alex!" She practically screamed his name, her voice filled with fury and humiliation.


    Her body shook as she scrambled to her feet, ignoring the dizziness that clouded her vision.


    She pointed a trembling finger at him, eyes burning with rage.


    "You bastard! You dared to hit me?!" Her chest rose and fell violently, her breath hitching from the sheer force of her emotions.


    She took a step forward, ready to lash out.


    "Ethan can hit me! Fine! I accept that!" Her voice cracked with emotion.


    "But you? You think you have the right?! YOU?!" Alex remained completely still.


    Alex''s gaze as usual were steady, detached¡ªlike she was nothing more than an insect buzzing in his ear.


    When he finally spoke, his voice was calm, indifferent, almost condescending.


    "I suggest you calm down." He didn''t sound angry. He didn''t sound apologetic either. He simply didn''t care. His sharp eyes locked onto Lily, as if waiting for her next move, as if daring her to act.


    "Take a good look around," he continued, his tone casual, almost lazy. "Enjoy the outside world while you still can. Your time is running out."


    Lily froze. Her rage flickered for a brief moment, a sliver of confusion flashing through her tear-stained eyes.


    What¡­ did he mean by that? But there was no time to think. Because suddenly¡­ The distant sound of sirens resound through the surroundings.


    Lily was trembling, her emotions spiraling out of control. She didn''t care about anything else at this moment¡ªher mind was filled with only one thought.


    Alex had set her up. He had her steal those documents. He had turned Ethan against her. He had made her suffer!


    The rage inside her erupted like a volcano. Her fists clenched, nails digging into her palms as usual, and her breath came in ragged gasps.


    She wanted to kill him.


    Without thinking, she lunged forward, ready to claw at him, to hurt him, to make him feel even a fraction of the pain she was experiencing.


    But before she could even take more than two steps¡­ The loud, piercing sound of sirens filled the surroundings yet again but this time more louder.


    Lily''s body stiffened as the sound grew louder, closer.


    She turned her head in disbelief, her eyes widening as a convoy of police vehicles with flashing red and blue lights rolled into the factory gates.


    The vehicles came to an abrupt stop. Doors flew open, and a team of officers in dark uniforms stepped out, moving with precision and authority.


    The factory, which had been filled with tension already, suddenly fell into absolute silence. Even the workers, who had been secretly watching from the sidelines, felt a chill crawl up their spines. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Something serious was about to happen. Lily''s breath hitched. Her legs felt weak. Her mind struggled to keep up, trying to make sense of the situation.


    Then, she remembered Alex''s words from just moments ago.


    "Take a good look around and enjoy the outside view. Your time is running out." Her stomach dropped.


    She snapped her gaze back to Alex, who was standing there calmly, his hands in his pockets, looking completely unbothered.


    That smug bastard¡­ He knew this was coming. Lily''s face paled as realization hit her like a brick wall. Her lips trembled. Her voice was hoarse when she spoke.


    "Alex¡­ what¡­ what is this?" Lily asks, as she begins to remember the scene of before when she went to Alex with Rose and a scene just like this happened but not to her but to Rose.


    Alex tilted his head slightly, as if amused by her confusion. His sharp gaze locked onto her, and his lips curled into a faint smirk.


    "What do you think it is?" His voice was light, almost mocking. Then his tone turned ice-cold.


    "Or do I need to spell it out for you? So you can imagine what you have done?" He took a step forward, closing the distance between them.


    Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, he lifted a hand and gestured toward the officers.


    "You stole confidential documents from Reid Industries." His words were clear and firm, carrying a weight that made Lily''s knees wobble.


    "And you handed those documents to our direct competitor." His eyes darkened, his smirk fading.


    "That''s corporate espionage, Lily." He paused for a moment, letting those words sink in. Then, with a tone colder than steel, he delivered the final blow.


    "That means you''re going to where every thief or criminal goes¡­ but still guess where to?" Lily froze. Her lips parted, but no words came out.


    "Don''t want to answer huh! Well let me answer it for you¡­. It''s a prison." The blood drained from her face at the mention of prison, her mind screaming that this couldn''t be real.


    ''Prison? No. NO!''


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 73 - 73: One Hundred Thousand

    "Don''t want to answer huh! Well let me answer it for you¡­. It''s a prison." The blood drained from her face at the mention of prison, her mind screaming that this couldn''t be real.


    ''Prison? No. NO!'' She whipped her head around, eyes darting toward the uniformed officers approaching her.


    This isn''t happening! Her breathing turned erratic, panic surging through her veins. She took a step back. Then another.


    "No!" she shrieked, shaking her head violently. "I didn''t do anything wrong!" Her voice cracked, raw with desperation.


    "I¡­ I was tricked! It wasn''t my fault!" She turned to Ethan, her tear-filled eyes begging for help.


    "Ethan! Help me! You know I didn''t mean to¡ª" But Ethan didn''t move.


    He just stood there, his expression unreadable. Lily''s stomach twisted into knots. Her last hope was slipping away.


    ''No. No, no, no!'' Her body lurched forward, trying to escape. But before she could even move an inch¡ª


    Click!


    A cold, metallic sensation clamped around her wrists. Handcuffs. Her heart stopped. The officer gripping her arm tightened his hold, his voice emotionless.


    "Miss Lily, you are under arrest for corporate espionage. You have the right to remain silent."


    Lily lost it. She struggled wildly, her movements erratic and desperate.


    "NO! LET GO OF ME!" She thrashed, her breath turning into panicked gasps.


    "YOU CAN''T DO THIS TO ME!" Her screams were shrill, echoing across the factory.


    "SOMEBODY HELP ME! I CAN''T GO TO PRISON! I WON''T!"


    Despite being forcibly pushed into the car, Lily continued to struggle, her voice trembling with desperation.


    "Ethan, please save me!" she cried, her hands gripping the edge of the car door. "I don''t want to go to prison!"


    Her eyes, filled with panic and helplessness, locked onto the figure standing not far away¡ªEthan. She had always believed that as long as he was there, no one could hurt her. But now, at this moment, he didn''t move. He didn''t say a word. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her pleas were met with silence.


    The cold, metallic clunk of the car door closing echoed in the air, shutting her inside. The last thing she saw before the tinted windows blocked her view was Ethan''s face, his expression dark and unreadable.


    Lily pressed her hands against the window, her fingers trembling as she watched the only person she could rely on become smaller and smaller in the distance. The car drove off, leaving behind a trail of dust.


    Ethan stood there, motionless, his expression clouded with anger and frustration. His sharp gaze finally shifted toward the man standing beside him¡ªAlex, the person responsible for everything.


    This man had deceived him, tricked him into investing in the construction of this factory, only to collapse it from the inside, leaving Ethan to take all the blame. And now, as if that weren''t enough, he had even dragged Lily down with him, ensuring that she was also sent to prison.


    The thought of it sent a surge of fury through Ethan''s veins. His voice was laced with bitterness as he spoke.


    "Alex, did you come all the way here just to enjoy the show?" His words were cold, his eyes filled with disgust. "Well, you''ve seen what you wanted to see. Now that the joke is over, you can leave."


    But instead of leaving, Alex simply smiled, his expression calm and composed. He raised a hand and waved it lightly.


    "Leave?" he repeated, shaking his head. "No, no, no, Mr. Ethan¡­ You''ve misunderstood me." His voice carried a casual arrogance, as if he were in control of the entire situation.


    "I didn''t come here to watch your downfall." Alex''s smile deepened, his eyes flashing with amusement. "On the contrary, I came here to help you."


    "Help me?" Ethan couldn''t help but laugh. It was a cold, mocking laugh, filled with disdain. "You? Helping me?"


    His eyes narrowed as he looked at Alex, his patience running thin.


    "Alright, Alex, I''d love to hear this¡ªtell me, exactly how do you plan to help me?"


    "It''s simple." Alex curled his lips into a smirk, his tone casual, as if he were talking about something trivial.


    "You know very well that this factory is useless now, right?" He spread his hands, his expression one of mock concern. "So, I''ve come here out of goodwill¡­ to buy it from you."


    "How much are you offering?" Ethan''s brows furrowed tightly. His voice was tense¡ªhe already had a bad feeling about this.


    Alex didn''t answer right away. Instead, he simply raised one finger.


    Ethan''s heart skipped a beat. His eyes narrowed as he quickly guessed, "Ten million?!"


    But the moment the words were about to leave his mouth, Alex''s smirk deepened, confirming his worst fears.


    "Alex, are you out of your mind?" A surge of fury shot through Ethan. His voice rose in anger as he glared at the man in front of him.


    "Do you have any idea how much I poured into this factory?!" He took a step forward, his fists clenched. "I spent a total of seventy million dollars building this place¡ª" His voice was filled with frustration as he continued, his breath heavy.


    "I built an entire production facility just to manufacture your so-called ''miracle drug'' that turned out to be a scam."


    "And now, the production lines are fully completed, the raw materials are stocked up, and everything is brand new, untouched!"


    "Yet, you have the audacity to offer me just one ten million dollars only?! It''s been less than half a month! You might as well just rob me!"


    But Alex remained unfazed. He waved his hands dismissively and chuckled. "No, no, Mr. Ethan, don''t be so worked up."


    His expression remained annoyingly calm as he added, "I never said I was offering Ten million Dollars."


    Hearing this, Ethan''s anger cooled¡ªjust a little. His expression returned to normal, but his eyes were still filled with suspicion.


    "Then how much are you offering?" His voice was stiff, his patience wearing thin. Alex raised his hand again, showing the same single finger.


    His smirk grew wider. "Didn''t I already signal it just now?" He tilted his head slightly. "Mr. Ethan, did you not understand?" His voice was slow, deliberate.


    And then, in the next moment, he dropped the bombshell.


    "I''m offering¡­ One hundred thousand."


    ¡ª


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    ¡ª


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 74 - 74: After Taxes

    "I''m offering¡­ One hundred thousand."


    "Cough! Cough! Cough!" Ethan had barely regained his composure when he heard Alex''s outrageous offer. His breath caught in his throat. His chest tightened, his vision blurred for a moment, he was so enraged he almost passed out on the spot.


    It took him several moments of violent coughing before he could steady himself. Even then, his face was flushed with anger, and his body trembled with suppressed fury.


    "You bastard! Are you fucking kidding me?!"* Ethan''s voice was hoarse, his eyes burning with rage as he glared at the man before him.


    "I invested seventy million into this place¡ªfucking seventy million! And it''s only been half a damn month!" His hands clenched into fists, his entire body tense with frustration.


    "Now, with a fully built production line, already stockpiled raw materials, and a factory that''s practically just started aka brand new, you have the nerve and audacity to offer me fucking one hundred thousand dollars?!" His voice dripped with disbelief, his chest rising and falling rapidly.


    "Are you treating me like a fool? Or do you just enjoy screwing me over?!"


    But Alex''s face remained as calm as ever. Not a flicker of emotion crossed his expression. He didn''t even seem mildly amused¡ªjust completely indifferent.


    With a casual shrug, he let out a light chuckle. "If that''s how you see it, then by all means, hold on to your factory, Mr. Ethan."


    He adjusted the cuffs of his suit and sighed, as if this entire conversation was nothing more than an inconvenience to him.


    "I just hope¡­" He took a step back, his smirk barely visible. "That when my special drug hits the market, your factory is still worth something."


    With that, he turned, heading toward his car. But before he could do that¡­


    "Wait." Ethan''s voice cut through the air, sharp and urgent. Before he could stop himself, he stepped forward, blocking Alex''s path.


    Alex turned his head slightly, the smirk never leaving his face. "What is it now, Mr. Ethan?"


    Ethan said nothing at first.


    He just stood there, his chest rising and falling with deep, labored breaths.


    Inside, his mind was spinning, wrestling with this whole situation nowhere.


    If he refused to sell now, what would happen in a few weeks?


    Alex''s special drug would flood the market. Ethan''s factory, designed specifically for producing the now-banned version, would be completely useless.


    The machinery? Worthless. The raw materials? Unusable. The investment? Gone.


    At that point, forget one gundred thousand¡ªeven if he begged someone to take it off his hands, they wouldn''t want it.


    That bitter realization hit him like a dagger to the chest. His jaw tightened. His nails dug into his palms.


    Forcing down the rage that threatened to explode, Ethan finally spoke through gritted teeth¡­


    "Fine." His voice was low, hoarse, filled with bitter resentment.


    "One hundred thousand. And The factory will be yours."


    "Hahaha! Now that''s more like it, Mr. Ethan!"


    Alex let out a hearty laugh, his tone filled with amusement. He didn''t bother with any unnecessary words¡ªhe simply flicked his wrist, gesturing toward Mr. Waters, his ever-reliable aide.


    Mr. Waters, already prepared for this moment, immediately stepped forward, presenting a stack of neatly prepared contracts.


    The sight of the documents made Ethan''s heart sink. His eyes darkened as he turned to Alex, his voice low and biting.


    "These contracts¡­ they were ready before you even spoke to me." A realization dawned on him, his chest tightening.


    "Alex, you planned this from the very beginning, didn''t you?"


    Clap. Clap. Clap.


    Alex suddenly began applauding, slow and deliberate.


    His smirk widened, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he looked straight at Ethan.


    "Now that''s the kind of insight I expect from Mr. Ethan." His voice was light, almost playful. There was not the slightest attempt to hide his intentions.


    "That''s right. I knew this day or to be exact this situation would come. And I was ready for it." Hearing this, Ethan felt a surge of fire rise in his chest.


    He had been tricked. Completely, utterly played.


    "This bastard set me up from the very start!" His fingers twitched at his sides, itching to land a punch on that smug face, but he forced himself to keep his composure.


    He took a deep breath, swallowing the bitter taste of humiliation.


    His gaze locked onto Alex''s, cold and unyielding.


    Without another word, he grabbed the pen, barely sparing the documents a glance, and signed with a sharp, forceful stroke.


    The second he was done, he thrust the contracts toward Mr. Waters turned on his shoes, ready to walk away.


    But just as he took his first step¡ª A casual conversation between Alex and Mr. Waters drifted into his ears.


    "Sir, the contract is signed."


    "Good. Eighty Thousand dollars to him."


    Ethan''s steps froze mid-stride. His head snapped back, his face twisted in disbelief.


    "Wait¡­ what?! What¡­ did you just say?" Ethan''s face froze. His breathing hitched, and a deep frown etched itself across his forehead.


    "Didn''t we agree on a Hundred Thousand just now!" His voice rose with urgency. "Why am I only getting eighty?!"


    His fingers tightened into fists, his knuckles turning white as he glared at Alex, demanding an explanation.


    But instead of answering, Alex simply gave him a bewildered look, as if he couldn''t understand why Ethan was even asking.


    Then, with a slow, almost lazy motion, he pointed at the contract in Mr. Waters''s hands.


    "Didn''t you read before you just signed?" His voice carried a hint of amusement. Tapping the document lightly with his finger, he continued, "It''s all written right here."


    Then came the final stab¡ªdelivered with the same casual tone.


    "Transaction taxes of the total amount are your responsibility. After deductions, you''re left with exactly eighty thousand."


    BANG!


    The words had barely left Alex''s mouth when Ethan''s world started spinning.


    His vision blurred, his breath caught in his throat, and his chest tightened like a steel band was crushing it.


    "You¡­ you¡­!" His lips moved, but no sound came out. A wave of dizziness crashed down on him like a tsunami.


    Then¡­ his knees buckled. With a heavy thud, Ethan collapsed to the ground, completely unconscious. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex glanced down at him, expression completely indifferent. Then, turning to Mr. Waters, he adjusted his cuffs and spoke as if nothing had happened.


    "Alright. Let''s go. We''ve got a factory to check and take over."


    With that, he stepped into the car, the deal sealed¡ªon his terms, and his terms alone.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 75 - 75: Lily’s Mother

    Ethan lay motionless on the ground, unconscious. But Alex didn''t spare him even a glance. His focus was elsewhere.


    "Alright. Let''s go. We''ve got a factory to check and take over."


    With that, he stepped into the car, the deal sealed¡ªon his terms, and his terms alone.


    "Actually wait¡­ the factory is already ours¡­ Waters, start the car. We''re heading to the Police Dapartment." His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge to it.


    "Let''s see how my dear sister is doing right now."


    "Understood, Sir." Mr. Waters responded without hesitation, his movements smooth and practiced as he pulled open the car door.


    Alex stepped in without another word, settling into the leather seat as the car smoothly rolled forward.


    Inside the vehicle, he leaned back, fingers tapping idly against his knee. His mind wasn''t entirely on Lily''s predicament¡ªher suffering was merely a side attraction.


    He had a far more important reason for heading to the Police Department. Alex had spent a long time analyzing the original novel.


    Originally, Lily and Ethan had teamed up against the villain aka Alex. Together, they had almost backed Alex into a corner, forcing him to the brink of ruin.


    And just when it seemed like everything was over for him¡­ His stepmother, Trisha Wells, had appeared. But she hadn''t come to save him.


    Far from it. She had arrived only to celebrate her daughter''s success. When Alex had once begged her for help, she had refused.


    No¡­ she had done worse than refuse. She had kicked him while he was down, watching coldly as he was dragged to his demise.


    Alex''s fingers curled slightly, his grip tightening.


    "If things are still following the original plot¡­ Then today is the day Trisha Wells makes her appearance." The timing was almost too perfect.


    She should be arriving at the Police Department¡­ right about now. But now that the story had changed, would she still come?


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk. "It doesn''t matter." He had already rewritten so much of the narrative.


    If she showed up, he would deal with her accordingly. And if she didn''t¡­ Well, he had other plans.


    Shaking his head, he put aside the speculation. He would find out soon enough. Barely five minutes later, the sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of the Police Department''s entrance.


    Even before stepping out, Alex could hear it.


    A sharp, shrill voice echoed through the hallways, filled with panic and arrogance all at once.


    "Let me go! Do you hear me?!" Lily''s voice was raw, almost hysterical.


    "I already called my mother! She''ll be here any minute now to get me out of this hellhole!" Her words were rushed, desperate, but there was still an unmistakable air of superiority in them.


    "Do you even know who my mother is?" Her voice rose, practically shrieking. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "She''s Trisha Wells! From the Wells family, one of the Great Families!" The guards standing nearby exchanged looks, clearly unfazed by her outburst.


    But Lily didn''t notice¡ªor maybe she just didn''t care.


    "Do you people even understand what that means?" She took a deep breath, her face flushed red from screaming.


    "If you don''t release me right now, the moment my mother arrives¡­ Every single one of you will pay for this!"


    She glared at the officers with unshaken arrogance, as if they were nothing more than insects beneath her feet.


    ¡­.


    Inside the holding area of the police department, Lily'' sharp voice echoed through the halls.


    "Let me go! Do you hear me? I already called my mother! She said she''s on her way to get me out of here!"


    Her hands were tightly bound in cuffs, but she still struggled against the officers holding her. Her expression was furious, her eyes red with frustration and humiliation.


    She was just repeating the same thing agin and again no matter what.


    "You have no idea who my mother is, do you? She''s from the Wells family¡ªone of the top families! If you don''t release me right now, you''ll be in serious trouble when she arrives! Do you think you can handle the consequences?"


    Her threats made the officers guarding her exchange awkward glances. None of them wanted to be the ones to provoke the Wells family.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, in the police department''s main office, Bran, the officer in charge of Lily''s case, was pacing back and forth with a troubled expression.


    He had already received several calls¡ªeach one from figures bigger than him or what he could even handle pressuring him to release Lily immediately.


    The sheer number of influential people backing her was enough to make him break out in cold sweat.


    "Damn it! Why do I have to get caught in the middle of this mess? This isn''t just some small dispute¡ªI can''t afford to offend either side!"


    Bran wiped his forehead, muttering under his breath. His job was already stressful enough, but now he had two major forces clashing right in front of him.


    The Wells family''s influence was undeniable. Even though the Reid family and their company, Reid Industries, had significant power in the city, they couldn''t easily match the level of connections and backing the Wells family had.


    "Should I let her go or not?" Bran sighed, feeling trapped.


    Just then, the heavy doors of the police department swung open, and a group of men in sleek black suits walked in. At the front of the group was none other than Alex Reid.


    Bran immediately straightened his posture and forced a smile.


    "Sir! You''re finally here! You have no idea how much trouble this situation is causing me!" He rushed forward, lowering his voice as he spoke.


    "I''ve been getting calls left and right. Some people are asking me to release Lily. Honestly, I''m stuck here. You need to help me figure out what to do!"


    Alex chuckled lightly, his expression calm and composed.


    "Oh? I heard my dear little sister was causing quite a scene." He glanced toward the holding area, where Lily''s shouting could still be heard. "So, that means she really did call for help, huh?"


    Bran groaned, rubbing his temples.


    "Of course she did! And now her mother, Trisha Wells herself, is getting involved. I don''t want to be caught between you two families." He looked at Alex seriously. "So tell me, how do you want to handle this?"


    Alex''s expression remained unreadable, but a faint smirk played at his lips.


    "So¡­ she''s finally making her move."


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 76 - 76: Lily Outburst

    "So¡­ she''s finally making her move."


    He had expected Trisha to show up eventually. In the original novel, this was the moment she arrived to support her daughter and fully side with Ethan Carter against him.


    He exhaled softly and adjusted his cufflinks.


    "Don''t worry, Bran," he said, his tone reassuring. "I won''t make things difficult for you. Let''s go see my dear sister first. I want to have a little chat with her."


    Bran hesitated for a moment before nodding.


    "Fine. Just don''t make my life any harder, alright?"


    "Huh?" Bran''s eyebrows twitched as he observed Alex''s calm expression as he asked for Lily''s cell visitation.


    He had expected Alex to show some hesitation or concern after hearing Trisha Wells name.


    After all, the Wells family wasn''t just any wealthy family, even if they didn''t were one of the top families, but they have enough power and influence that could make even the most influential figures in the city think twice before going against them.


    But Alex? He remained completely unfazed, his face as indifferent as ever.


    Bran couldn''t figure him out.


    ''Does he really not fear the Wells family?''


    For a moment, Bran considered pressing the issue, but he quickly dismissed the thought. These power struggles between the elite had nothing to do with him. The less he got involved, the better.


    "Alright, Sir," Bran said with a sigh. "Come with me." With that, he turned and led Alex toward the detention area.


    Inside the holding cell, Lily sat on the cold bench, her arms tightly wrapped around herself as she shivered.


    The four gray walls surrounding her felt suffocating. There were no windows, no sunlight¡ªjust the dim glow of a flickering overhead light. Time seemed to lose meaning in this place.


    Lily was used to luxury, soft silk sheets, fine dining, and a life where she never had to lift a finger for anything. But here?


    Here, she felt like a caged animal.


    Her hair was a mess, her clothes slightly wrinkled from all her earlier thrashing. Her usually flawless appearance was now disheveled, and her face, which had always been carefully maintained, showed traces of exhaustion and frustration.


    She had only been locked up for less than an hour, yet she already felt like she was going insane.


    Suddenly, footsteps echoed down the hallway.


    When Lily looked up and saw Alex approaching, her eyes widened with fury. She rushed to the cell door, gripping the cold metal bars tightly.


    "You bastard, Alex!" she shrieked, her voice filled with pure hatred. "Are you even human?! How could you throw me in a place like this?!"


    Her fingers turned white as she clenched the bars.


    "Let me out right now!" she screamed. "Do you hear me?! Let me out this instant!"


    Lily''s furious screams echoed through the confined space, but Alex remained unfazed. Instead of responding with equal anger, he simply smiled¡ªa calm, almost amused expression on his face.


    "My dear sister¡­" he drawled, his voice laced with mockery. "Are you already breaking down from just this little bit of suffering? It hasn''t even an hour since you locked up in this place"


    He took a slow step forward, his posture relaxed as if he were merely chatting about the weather. His eyes, however, gleamed with cold amusement.


    "This is only the beginning," he continued, his voice steady but cruel. "Once the formalities are done, you''ll be officially detained."


    Alex deliberately paused, letting his words sink in her mind before he added with a smirk, "By then, you''ll be thrown into a cell with real criminals. The environment will be much worse than this."


    He tilted his head slightly, as if picturing the scenario.


    "Imagine this¡ªmore than a dozen people crammed into one small room," he mused, his tone light but filled with malice. "The stench of urine, sweat, and unwashed feet all blending together. A true high-class experience for someone like you, isn''t it?"


    His smile widened as he continued, "I really hope¡­ you, our spoiled little princess, can endure it."


    Just as he was about to turn away, he suddenly snapped his fingers as if he had just remembered something important. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Oh, right!" He feigned excitement. "You don''t have to worry too much. I''ll make sure to have a little chat with some of my ''friends'' inside." His grin turned sinister. "They''ll be sure to give you a very special ''welcome''."


    Lily''s face turned red with rage. Her body trembled, not just from anger but from the sheer humiliation of her situation.


    "Alex, you¡­!" she spat, struggling to form coherent words. Her breathing was ragged, and her fists clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms.


    "You just wait! I swear, if you do this to me¡­" Her voice grew shrill as she fought to maintain control. "My mother will never let you off!"


    She screamed the last part as if the mere mention of her mother''s power would change her fate.


    But Alex? He only let out a chuckle¡ªcasual, indifferent, as if her words were nothing more than the ramblings of a fool.


    Digging a finger into his ear, he lazily flicked away imaginary dust before glancing at her with a look of pure disdain.


    "You''re really still trying to threaten me?" he scoffed. His eyes gleamed with mockery. "Do you actually think just because your mother is from the Wells family, I''d be afraid?"


    He let out a low laugh, shaking his head as if he had just heard the most ridiculous joke.


    "A mere branch member of the Wells family¡­" He sneered, taking a step closer, his presence suffocating. "That too a family who is not that big of a figure. Even if she were a direct daughter of that family head, I wouldn''t give a damn."


    His words were sharp, each one carrying an air of absolute confidence. Before Lily could scream back in response, a loud voice suddenly erupted from the entrance of the cell.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 77 - 77: Trisha Wells

    "A mere branch member of the Wells family¡­" He sneered, taking a step closer, his presence suffocating. "That too a family who is not that big of a figure. Even if she were a direct daughter of that family head, I wouldn''t give a damn."


    His words were sharp, each one carrying an air of absolute confidence. Before Lily could scream back in response, a loud voice suddenly erupted from the entrance of the cell.


    The moment or to be exact the person I was waiting for finally appeared in her all arrogance.


    "I''d love to see who in the cuty have this much arrogance that he treat my daughter this way!"


    The powerful voice boomed, filled with fury and authority.


    Alex''s expression didn''t change, but Lily''s eyes widened in shock. She turned her head so fast it was as if she had been struck.


    A woman, elegantly dressed in luxurious attire, stepped into view. Her presence alone was enough to silence the entire room. She looked to be in her early forties, yet her aura radiated power, elegance, and dominance.


    The second Lily saw her, the anger in her expression was instantly replaced with raw desperation.


    "Mom!" she cried out, nearly stumbling as she rushed forward. Tears welled up in her eyes as she grabbed onto her mother''s sleeve, her voice breaking with emotion.


    "You''re finally here! You have to save me! Look at me¡ªlook at what he''s done to me!" She pointed at Alex, her face twisting with rage and desperation. "It''s all because of him! He set me up! You have to get me out of here!"


    While Lily was panicked and emotional, Alex remained completely unmoved. If anything, his gaze turned even colder at the sight of the woman before him.


    This woman¡ªTrisha Wells¡ªwas not just his stepmother. She was the reason his life had changed forever.


    Once upon a time, the Reid Industries had the potential to rise to the very top. There were several major deals on the horizon¡ªdeals that, if successful, would have cemented the Reid Industries as one of the most powerful enterprises, rivaling even the three great families of the South.


    But then, she interfered.


    His so-called stepmother, Trisha, had deliberately sabotaged those business deals. She didn''t care about the Reid Industries future. She cared only about one thing¡ªsecuring her own wealth and power.


    Because of her manipulations, the deals fell through. The company suffered a massive setback.


    His father, once a strong and proud man, was devastated by the loss. The stress, the disappointment, and the betrayal were too much for him. In the end, it cost him his life.


    Yet, even in the wake of tragedy, Trisha showed no remorse. She didn''t even pretend to grieve. Instead, the moment the dust settled, she took half of the family fortune and walked away without a second thought.


    The Reid Industries was thrown into chaos. Employees left, investors pulled out, and the future looked bleak.


    If not for Mr. Waters relentless efforts to hold everything together, there wouldn''t even be a Reid Industries left today.


    And now, this woman had the audacity to appear before him again? Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex''s lips curled into a smirk¡ªone that carried neither warmth nor kindness.


    ''Let''s see what tricks you have, Trisha fucking Wells.''


    ¡­.


    "Enough! Be quiet!"


    Trisha''s sharp voice cut through the tense air as she shot a cold glare at Lily.


    The moment her mother''s voice came down, Lily clamped her mouth shut. Her body trembled slightly, but she dared not make another sound.


    With her daughter momentarily silenced, Trisha turned her attention to Alex. Her elegant yet oppressive presence filled the small space, and her almond-shaped eyes¡ªsharp and calculating¡ªlocked onto him with a piercing gaze.


    "Tell me, Alex," she said in a slow, deliberate tone. "What exactly do you mean by this?"


    She crossed her arms, her expression unreadable.


    "No matter what happens, Lily is still your half-sister¡­" She let her words hang in the air before narrowing her eyes. "And this is how you choose to treat her?"


    Alex didn''t respond right away. Instead, he chuckled¡ªa quiet, almost mocking laugh that only deepened the chill in the room.


    "My dear stepmother," he said with a smirk. "You really have the¡­ what is it called¡­ ahh yes ''nerve'' to show up here after all these years?"


    He leaned back casually, looking her up and down as if assessing whether she was even worth his time.


    "You ran off with half of the company''s assets after my father died," he continued, his voice tinged with amusement. "And now you have the audacity to come back and lecture me?"


    His words were calm, but each syllable carried an undeniable weight.


    Trisha''s face darkened at his accusation.


    "What are you trying to say?" she demanded, her voice rising in anger. "Is this how you speak to your own mother?"


    She let out a scoff, tossing her hair back. "And let''s be clear¡ªwhen your father died, I simply took what was rightfully mine. What''s wrong with that?"


    Her eyes glinted with cold rationality. "It was my share of the wealth. It''s only natural that I took it."


    Alex''s expression didn''t change. If anything, the sneer on his lips deepened.


    "Let''s get one thing straight," he said, his voice carrying the finality of a hammer striking an anvil. "I don''t have a mother like you."


    His eyes turned sharp, cutting straight through the woman in front of him.


    "So do me a favor and get lost."


    The blunt dismissal caught Trisha off guard. She blinked, momentarily stunned. For the first time, a flicker of guilt, however faint, crossed her face.


    Perhaps, deep down, she knew she had been ruthless back then. But she wasn''t the type to dwell on the past.


    Instead of arguing about old grievances, she shifted gears.


    "I won''t hold your grudges against you," she said smoothly, as if she were doing him a favor. "I didn''t come here to argue about the past."


    She stepped forward, her voice laced with authority.


    "Let''s talk about the real issue here. Tell them to release your sister now, and I''ll forget about everything that''s happened today."


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 78 - 78: Two Face-Hypocrisy

    "Let''s talk about the real issue here. Tell them to release your sister now, and I''ll forget about everything that''s happened today."


    Alex couldn''t help it, he actually laughed.


    "Forget about everything?" he echoed, amusement dripping from his tone. His cold eyes studied her, as if he were looking at a particularly absurd joke.


    "Do you even know what your precious daughter has done?"


    Trisha let out an impatient sigh. "Of course, I know."


    She waved a hand dismissively.


    "She was just acting a little impulsively. All she did was steal some little documents from the company. It''s hardly a big deal."


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    Trisha, completely unfazed, continued in a matter-of-fact tone, "Besides, you already anticipated her actions, didn''t you? Your company didn''t suffer any real losses. In fact, I heard you even made a profit from this whole thing."


    She arched a brow, as if she had just made a brilliant argument. "Shouldn''t you be thanking your sister for that?"


    Alex stared at her, momentarily speechless. Not because he was at a loss for words, but because the sheer absurdity of her reasoning was almost laughable.


    "Are you seriously telling me¡­" he said, voice slow and deliberate, "¡­that I should be grateful¡­ to her?"


    Trisha nodded without hesitation.


    "Exactly!" she affirmed, as if it were the most logical conclusion in the world.


    "And let''s take it a step further," she continued smoothly. "Even if you refuse to thank her, you should at least try to understand her actions."


    She gestured toward Lily, who had been listening quietly, nodding along with her mother''s every word.


    "She only did what she did because she was chasing true love," Trisha said with conviction. "She just wanted to help someone she cares about. To stand beside the man she loves."


    She sighed, shaking her head. "How can you blame her for that?" S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hearing her mother''s words, Lily immediately chimed in, her voice filled with self-pity.


    "That''s right!" she cried, gripping the bars of her cell. Tears welled in her eyes, but there was a stubborn gleam in them.


    "I only did this because I wanted to make Ethan happy," she insisted, her voice trembling with emotion. "Why are you punishing me for that?"


    She looked at Alex with a mixture of desperation and defiance.


    "Why do you have to be so cruel to me?"


    Inside the dimly lit detention cell, Lily clung desperately to her mother''s words, nodding eagerly as if repeating them enough times would somehow make them true.


    Tears streamed down her face, accentuating her disheveled appearance. With her hair in disarray and her once-pristine clothes now wrinkled and stained, she looked utterly pitiful.


    Trisha''s heart ached at the sight.


    Her daughter, her precious, delicate daughter, reduced to this miserable state? It was unbearable.


    Without hesitation, she turned to Alex, her expression hardening.


    "You heard her, didn''t you?" she demanded, her voice laced with authority.


    "She was just following her heart! Chasing true love! Not only did you refuse to help her, but you threw her in prison?" She took a step forward, her fury intensifying.


    "What kind of brother are you?" she spat. "Let her go. Now!"


    Alex had been watching their act in silence, but at that moment, he''d had enough.


    His patience snapped.


    "Let her go?" His voice was like ice, his eyes narrowing into sharp slits. "Let her go, my ass!"


    His words exploded through the room like a thunderclap.


    "I challenge anyone to even try!" he roared, his presence filling the space with overwhelming pressure.


    The temperature seemed to drop as his cold gaze swept over them.


    "You two must think I''m blind," he continued, his voice laced with venom. "Do you really believe I don''t see through this pathetic performance?"


    He let out a sharp, humorless laugh.


    "If I hadn''t been prepared, if I hadn''t anticipated her betrayal, do you know what would have happened?" His gaze locked onto Trisha like a predator ready to strike.


    "She didn''t just steal some little harmless documents," he snarled. "She stole classified company secrets."


    "She handed them over to our competitor. She put billions of assets at risk. And for what?" His voice dripped with contempt. "For her so-called ''true love''?"


    His anger flared.


    "Since when does ''true love'' justify betraying your own family?" he spat. "Since when does ''true love'' mean using my company as a bargaining chip?"


    "Since when does ''true love'' give her the right to stab me in the back?" His glare bore into Lily, who trembled violently, unable to meet his eyes.


    Trisha opened her mouth to argue, but for the first time, no words came out.


    Alex''s sheer force of will crushed any weak excuses she had prepared.


    And Lily? She sat frozen, her face drained of all color. But Alex wasn''t done.


    "I''ll make this clear," he said, his voice firm and unwavering. "Lily is not leaving this cell. She''s going to rot in here and regret every choice she made."


    He turned to the elderly butler standing quietly by his side.


    "Waters!" he commanded. "Tell them exactly how much damage she''s done."


    Mr. Waters, a man of discipline and precision, stepped forward with a respectful nod.


    "According to our company''s financial reports," he stated methodically, "the actions committed by Miss Lily have resulted in both direct and indirect losses totaling nearly Two hundred and eighty millions dollars."


    His voice was calm but firm, each word landing like a hammer on an anvil.


    "And given the severity of the financial damage, as well as the corporate espionage charges¡­" He hesitated only for a second before delivering the final blow.


    "If prosecuted to the full extent of the law, Miss Lily will spend the rest of her life in prison."


    Alex didn''t hesitate. "Good." He nodded in satisfaction. "Gather the evidence and submit everything to the authorities immediately."


    "Yes, Sir." Mr. Waters bowed slightly before turning to leave.


    Trisha''s face twisted in horror.


    Lily, still trembling, finally snapped out of her daze.


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 79 - 79: Lily’s Broken Pleas

    "Yes, Sir." Mr. Waters bowed slightly before turning to leave.


    Trisha''s face twisted in horror.


    Lily, still trembling, finally snapped out of her daze.


    The moment those damning words left Mr. Waters''s mouth¡ªthe rest of her life in prison¡ªLily froze. Her mind went blank. Her body turned cold.


    No. No, this couldn''t be happening.


    "Spending my entire life in prison?" Her lips trembled as she repeated the words, unable to accept reality.


    Then, panic hit her like a tidal wave.


    "Mom! Mom, help me!" she screamed, her voice raw with fear. Tears streamed down her face as she grabbed onto Trisha''s arm with both hands, clutching it so tightly her knuckles turned white.


    "I can''t stay here! Not even for another day!" she wailed. "Mom, please get me out of here!"


    But when Trisha didn''t answer immediately, Lily turned to the one person she had spent years belittling and betraying.


    The very person whose trust she had shattered. Her older brother. Her only lifeline.


    "Brother! Brother!" She cried even harder, reaching through the iron bars, desperately trying to grab Alex''s sleeve.


    "I''m your sister! Your real sister!" No she wasn''t, she was just playing the family card now¡­ how pitiful.


    "I was just confused! I wasn''t thinking clearly!" Her voice cracked with emotion, and she frantically shook her head, trying to convince herself as Reidch as him.


    "You can scold me, you can hit me¡ªI don''t care! Just don''t send me to prison! I swear I''ve learned my lesson! I really, really know I was wrong!"


    "Please forgive me!" But this time¡­ Alex didn''t even spare her a glance. He acted as though she didn''t exist.


    His expression remained indifferent, his gaze cold and detached. The same way she had ignored his struggles in the past and in the original plot.


    The same way she had abandoned him when he needed family the most. Now, it was her turn to feel the sting of being discarded.


    Instead of acknowledging her, he turned to Bran, the police director overseeing the case.


    "Mr. Bran," Alex said calmly, his voice carrying unmistakable authority. "You''ve seen everything for yourself." He adjusted his cuffs, his sharp eyes locked onto the older man.


    "Let me be clear¡ª We will never agree to any settlement. Lily stole confidential corporate data from my company. That alone is enough to convict her." His tone darkened.


    "And if¡ªfor any reason¡ªLily is allowed to leave this cell for even one second before trial¡­" He didn''t finish the sentence. He didn''t need to. The unspoken threat in his eyes said more than words ever could.


    Bran felt a cold sweat break out on his back. This was Alex. One of the most powerful man in the city. And in this case, he wasn''t just powerful¡ªhe was also right.


    Every shred of evidence pointed to Lily''s guilt. The stolen data. The financial losses. The corporate espionage.


    If Bran had even half a brain, he knew there was only one correct course of action. He swallowed hard before turning to Trisha, who still looked too stunned to speak.


    "Miss Trisha Wells," he said carefully, wiping the sweat from his brow. "You''ve seen the evidence yourself. Given the severity of the crime, your daughter''s imprisonment is inevitable."


    His expression turned firm.


    "I''m simply following the proper legal procedures. So please, don''t make things difficult for me."


    Trisha''s face twisted in fury. Trisha fell silent, her piercing gaze fixed on Alex. A cold smile crept onto her lips.


    "Alex¡­ You really think just because you''ve made a name for yourself in city, you can talk to me like this?" Her voice was calm, but the underlying menace was unmistakable.


    "You''ve made your move¡­ Now don''t blame me when I make mine." The words weren''t just a threat. They were a promise.


    Bran felt a chill run down his spine. He clenched his fists beneath the table, forcing himself to stay composed.


    Because he knew¡ª Trisha wasn''t just bluster. She had the power to back up every word. As a member of the Wells family, she wasn''t just another wealthy socialite.


    If she could mobilize the full strength of the Wells family¡­ Even Alex might struggle to hold his ground.


    At the very least, it would be a bloody battle. But Bran wasn''t stupid. Right now, the evidence was ironclad.


    Even if the Wells family wanted to protect Lily, openly defying the law would be a direct challenge to the legal system, and to face Alex Reid on the side¡­ Nah!


    Would they really risk their reputation and influence for a spoiled girl who had committed corporate espionage?


    That¡­ remained to be seen. Meanwhile, Alex had already predicted this. Trisha won''t just sit still after this. She''ll go straight to the Head of the Wells Family.


    Her greatest weapon wasn''t her own influence. It was the family behind her. If she managed to sway head of the Wells family, things could get complicated.


    But¡­ Alex smirked.


    "Why should I wait for her to make the first move? If she''s planning to rally the Wells family against me¡­ then I''ll strike before she even gets the chance."


    His eyes gleamed with confidence. With his newly acquired Fortune Skill Mastery, he had a unique advantage.


    For a family as old and powerful as the Wells, money and status weren''t their only concerns.


    Legacy. Future generations. The fortune of their descendants. That was what truly mattered.


    And when the head of the Wells Family had to choose¡ª Would he side with a married-off granddaughter with a personal vendetta? S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Or a Fortune Skill master who could alter the Luck of someone? The answer was obvious.


    After all, many of the things Ethan got In the original plot was because of his fortune skills mastery and of course some braindead force too¡­


    Alex chuckled, his expression sharp.


    "Let''s see who plays their hand better."


    ¡ª


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 Chapter 80 - 80: Wells Family Mansion

    With the Fortune Skill Mastery granted by the system, Alex had absolute confidence in turning the tide against Trisha.


    After all¡­ A master of Fortune Skill, someone capable of altering destiny a little bit¡­ And a married-off granddaughter with nothing but a grudge to hold onto¡­


    Who would the Head of the Wells Family Choose to stand by? Who would he risk offending?


    The answer was clear. Alex didn''t even need to say it out loud. The old man would know better. Having made up his mind, Alex wasted no time.


    "Drive to the Wells residence," he ordered. The convoy immediately changed direction, its engines roaring to life.


    A fleet of luxury cars sped down the highway, heading straight for the Wells Family estate.


    ¡­.


    The Wells Family Mansion was located deep in the mountains on the outskirts of the City.


    Surrounded by untouched greenery, the estate was built against the mountainside, embracing the principles of Fortune Skill to perfection.


    To ensure ease of access, the Wells family had constructed a private winding road leading up to the mansion¡­one that was strictly monitored.


    Security cameras lined the entire path. Armed security guard patrolled every corner.


    The Wells family''s wealth and influence were evident in every brick and stone. The moment Alex''s convoy began ascending the mountain road, word reached the Wells family estate.


    "What?" Hearing the butler''s report, Edwin Wells, the current head of the Wells family, narrowed his eyes. He is just a current head of the family while he holds power in the family it is not comparable to the real Head of the Family who is very ill.


    Thus he is the Current Head of the Wells family. He oversees all the things now in the Wells Family.


    "Alex? The CEO of the Reid Industries is coming here?" His voice carried a tinge of surprise.


    The Wells family and Reid Industries had never had much business interaction. So why was Alex suddenly paying them a visit?


    Though puzzled, Edwin Wells wasn''t ignorant.


    Alex''s recent actions in the city had caught the attention of many. This young man was no ordinary businessman.


    "Prepare the highest level of hospitality," Edwin Wells finally instructed. "Let''s see what he wants first."


    When Alex''s convoy arrived at the gates of the Wells Family Mansion, a welcoming party was already waiting.


    Edwin Wells himself had come out, accompanied by several high-ranking members of the family.


    After all, even if Reid Industries wasn''t on the same level as the Wells yet, Alex was still a formidable force in the City and business world.


    And more importantly¡­ He was young. Unlike those fading old tycoons, Alex''s future potential was boundless.


    The Wells family wouldn''t make the mistake of underestimating him. With a warm smile, Edwin Wells stepped forward.


    "What an unexpected surprise!" he said with a hearty laugh. "What brings the CEO of Reid Industries all the way to my humble estate today?"


    Alex returned a smile, his eyes sharp yet unreadable.


    "Ha! From the way you say that Mr. Edwin, it almost sounds like you weren''t expecting me."


    Edwin Wells chuckled.


    "How could that be? A guest like you is always welcome."


    "Then let''s not waste time," Alex said.


    "Shall we continue this conversation inside?" Edwin gestured toward the mansion.


    "Of course! Please, come in."


    The two men, one leading and one following, stepped into the Wells Family Mansion with smiles.


    As they walked, Alex took his time observing the surroundings.


    He had to admit¡­the Wells family''s wealth and status were reflected in every inch of this estate.


    Built against the mountains, the mansion was surrounded by a pristine lake right at the entrance, its landscape carefully designed.


    It was clear¡­a master of Fortune Skill had been involved in its construction. But to Alex, someone with true mastery, the so-called "expert''s" work was merely¡­ mediocre.


    Just as they approached the main house, Alex''s expression changed.


    His brows furrowed slightly.


    "Mr. Edwin," he said, his voice calm but deliberate. "Has something felt¡­ off about your family''s Fortune lately?"


    Edwin steps paused.


    "What do you mean?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.


    Alex gestured toward the architecture.


    "The structure is too elongated¡­like a thin, stretched-out rectangle," he pointed out. "This shape disrupts the flow of fortune, creating obstructions in fortune and prosperity."


    He let out a small chuckle, then added, almost as an after thought¡­ "Who designed this layout for you?" The moment Alex spoke, Edwin Wells''s expression darkened slightly.


    Ever since Alex''s Fortune Skill expertise was showcased at the Winters Family hall, his reputation had spread across City elite circles.


    And now¡­Alex had casually pointed out a problem in the Wells family''s estate.


    The truth was, in a family as prominent as the Wells, getting a Fortune reading wasn''t just superstition¡­it was a matter of serious importance to them.


    If what Alex said was true¡­ Then their family''s future could be at stake.


    Taking a deep breath, Edwin Wells asked, "Alex, have you noticed something?" Alex hesitated, a thoughtful look on his face.


    After a moment, he waved his hand dismissively.


    "Forget it," he sighed. "I''d rather not ruin another Fortune Skill master''s reputation." His tone was light, but his words were carefully chosen¡­a deliberate bait.


    Sure enough, Edwin Wells''s curiosity flared instantly. His desire to know only grew stronger.


    "Come on, Mr. Alex, don''t be like that!" he urged. "If there''s an issue, just tell me. I''ll keep it strictly confidential."


    Alex simply shook his head again, keeping up the act. Edwin Wells was starting to lose patience. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At this point, he didn''t care about appearances anymore. Clenching his jaw, he changed his approach.


    A Subtle Warning


    "Mr. Alex," Edwin Wells said, his voice carrying a rare urgency, even a hint of desperation. "This is about the future of my entire family. If there really is a problem¡­ I''m begging you¡­tell me!"


    His usually composed demeanor was nowhere to be seen. The weight of his concern pressed into his tone, his eyes fixed on Alex with unwavering intensity.


    Alex observed him for a moment, his gaze calm yet calculating. The timing was just right. Taking a slow breath, he finally allowed his expression to shift, his features settling into something far more serious.


    "Well then, please, forgive my boldness¡­" Alex said gravely. His tone was even, yet there was a quiet weight behind his words. He met Edwin''s gaze directly, letting the tension build for just a moment before asking,


    "But tell me¡­has your family''s Head been unwell lately?"


    The moment those words left his lips, the atmosphere shifted.


    It wasn''t just Edwin Wells who reacted¡­every high-ranking member of the Wells family standing nearby visibly stiffened. Some exchanged uneasy glances, while others simply froze, their expressions betraying their shock. A strange, almost unnatural silence settled over the group.


    Edwin''s lips parted slightly, but for a brief moment, no words came out.


    How?


    How could Alex have known?


    The Head of the Wells family had indeed been in poor health for some time, but it was an extremely well-guarded secret. Even within the family itself, only a select few had been made aware of the situation. And yet, Alex had pointed it out without the slightest hesitation.


    Was this just a coincidence? Or¡­ did he truly understand something they did not?


    Sensing the hesitation in Edwin''s demeanor, Alex took a small step back, his expression unreadable. His stance was relaxed, as if their conversation was nothing more than idle chatter.


    "Well," he said casually, his tone light despite the heavy air around them. "Since this seems to be a sensitive topic for you, let''s not dwell on it."


    He turned slightly, as though ready to change the subject. But just as he did¡­


    "Wait! No, no¡­hold on!"


    Edwin Wells immediately stepped forward, his voice urgent. His hand shot out, as if to physically stop Alex from walking away.


    There was no avoiding it now.


    Taking a deep breath, Edwin''s face hardened with resolve. He hesitated for only a moment before finally admitting, "¡­I won''t hide it from you anymore, Alex. The truth is¡­the Family Head''s health has indeed been deteriorating."


    A quiet, knowing look crossed Alex''s face. He gave a small nod, his eyes sharp yet unreadable.


    "That explains it," he said simply.


    He turned his gaze toward the grand estate before them. The Wells family mansion was an imposing structure, exuding wealth and power. But Alex wasn''t looking at the expensive stonework or the intricate carvings¡­his focus was elsewhere.


    "The elongated shape of your estate helps accumulate wealth," he began, his tone calm yet deliberate. "But at a cost. It traps the flow of fortune, preventing it from circulating naturally."


    Edwin''s brows furrowed. He followed Alex''s gaze, trying to understand what he was seeing.


    Alex''s eyes then flicked toward the main entrance.


    "Your front gate is too narrow and low," he continued. "While this design might give the illusion of stability, it actually chokes the life force coming into your home." He let his words sink in before adding, "This imbalance may seem beneficial for short-term financial gain¡­ but in reality¡­"


    Alex turned back to Edwin, his expression unreadable yet piercing.


    "¡­it is stifling the health and fate of your family."


    ¡­


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 Chapter 81 - 81: [Bonus Chapter] Some Changes

    Alex''s gaze swept across the estate''s vast courtyard. The Wells family mansion was undeniably impressive, grand architecture, elegant landscaping, but beneath the surface, something felt off.


    His sharp eyes lingered on the trees, the placement of the water features, the structure of the main house. He exhaled softly, then turned to Edwin, his tone casual yet deliberate.


    "Mr. Edwin, your estate''s fortune flow¡­ it''s not right."


    Edwin''s brows furrowed slightly. "What do you mean?"


    "This layout isn''t just affecting your family''s prosperity," Alex continued, his voice steady. "It''s influencing the very life force of this place, your health, your luck, even the simplest things." He gestured toward the surrounding greenery. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Tell me, have you noticed that the trees here struggle to grow as well as those outside the estate?"


    A murmur spread through the gathered family members.


    Edwin''s expression darkened. "Now that you mention it¡­ our gardeners have always complained that the plants in our estate are difficult to maintain."


    Alex nodded as if that was expected. "And the wind, does it ever truly flow through this estate? Or does it feel like the air here is always a little stagnant, a little too still?"


    A woman in the back gasped. "That''s true! The breeze hardly reaches the inner courtyard!"


    "And what about the animals?" Alex pressed. "Have your pets been¡­ unwell? Lacking energy? Or worse, failing to survive for long?"


    His words sent another wave of murmurs through the crowd.


    "My son has had three puppies in the past two years," a middle-aged man admitted. "Each one just¡­ passed away, no matter how well we took care of them. I thought it was just bad luck."


    "My daughter''s plants never last," another chimed in. "She tries so hard, but no matter what, they wilt in weeks."


    "And my grandson," an elderly woman spoke up, her voice tight with worry. "He''s always sick. Constant colds, fevers that come out of nowhere."


    A heavy silence settled over them as realization dawned. Alex didn''t say anything. He let the weight of his words sink in.


    Unlike the younger generation, the older members of the Wells family weren''t just shocked, they were disturbed.


    Edwin clenched his fists, his expression unreadable. For years, he had suffered from mysterious ailments, exhaustion, aches that no doctor could explain. And he wasn''t alone. Several of the family''s elders had battled similar health issues.


    Most had chalked it up to age.


    But now¡­


    "You''re saying all of this is because of the estate''s design?" Edwin''s voice was low, filled with a rare uncertainty.


    Alex gave a small, knowing smile. "I''m saying that your estate has been built in a way that disrupts the natural balance of fortune. Wealth might flow in, but it doesn''t circulate. Instead, it stagnates, suffocating everything else, your family''s well-being, your luck, even your lifespan."


    Edwin inhaled sharply. If what Alex was saying was true¡­ then this wasn''t just about wealth or prestige..


    "What can be done?" Edwin asked, his voice unusually firm. "How do we fix this?"


    Alex tilted his head slightly, pretending to hesitate. "Fixing it isn''t impossible¡­ but it won''t be simple. And I wouldn''t want to undermine the previous consultant who advised you on this layout." He gave a nonchalant shrug. "Wouldn''t want to tarnish another expert''s reputation."


    "Forget about them!" Edwin suddenly stepped forward, gripping Alex''s wrist. His calm demeanor had cracked, replaced by urgency. "If you know how to correct this, then help us. The future of the Wells family depends on it."


    "That''s right, Alex! You must help our Wells family! If you do, we''ll never forget this favor!"


    It wasn''t just Edwin. Several other elders of the Wells family stepped forward, their expressions filled with urgency and sincerity.


    Seeing this, Alex didn''t hesitate any longer. He let out a small chuckle, then nodded. "Since you all trust me so much, I suppose I''ll take on the burden of giving you some guidance."


    "Excellent! That''s exactly what we hoped to hear!" Edwin beamed. "Alex, rest assured¡ªif you help us turn things around, the Wells family will be forever in your debt!"


    Without wasting another second, Alex turned to a group of Wells family guards. His tone was sharp and commanding.


    "Grab some shovels and other tools. We have work to do." The guards hesitated for only a moment before Edwin clapped his hands together. "What are you all standing around for? Do as he says! Now!"


    He wasn''t taking any chances. He even called upon a few of the younger family members to join in.


    In no time, a group of thirty to forty guards and over a dozen young members had gathered, standing at attention behind Alex, waiting for instructions.


    Alex''s sharp gaze swept over the estate once more. Then, he started issuing commands.


    "You there, tear down the front entrance and raise the door height by ten centimeters. Dig thirty centimeters down on both sides of the threshold and bury two high-quality wealth-attracting stones."


    "The pond near the entrance, expand it. Divert fresh mountain spring water into it to improve the flow of fortune."


    "The back of the estate needs a secondary gate to balance the circulation of energy, get started on that immediately."


    "Move in two stone guardian lion statues and place them here. They''ll reinforce the protection of the estate."


    "And this entrance here¡ªseal it off. It''s leaking energy, weakening your family''s overall fortune."


    Orders poured out one after another, precise and confident. The Wells family members didn''t dare question anything. They moved fast.


    Tools clanged. Stone was lifted and placed. Earth was dug up and shifted.


    For hours, the estate underwent drastic transformation.


    Edwin, as the head of the family, wasn''t a complete novice when it came to fortune techniques. As he observed the changes, his admiration for Alex only deepened.


    Compared to the so-called expert who had originally designed the estate''s layout, Alex''s methods were entirely different.


    Even Edwin himself felt the difference. The air seemed lighter. His own breathing felt¡­ easier.


    There really was a change.


    "Move faster!" Edwin barked at the workers. "Do exactly as Alex says! No hesitation!"


    ¡­


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 Chapter 82 - 82: [Bonus Chapter] Grand Feast Celebration

    "Move faster!" Edwin barked at the workers. "Do exactly as Alex says! No hesitation!" The final touches took another half an hour, but once the last modification was complete¡­


    The Effects was immediate.


    A soft breeze drifted through the estate. It was subtle at first, but those who had lived there long enough knew¡ªthis was new.


    It had never felt like this before.


    "This wind¡­ it''s so refreshing. I''ve lived here for decades and never felt a breeze like this inside the estate."


    "Look up! The clouds above the house¡ªthose dark patches that were always there¡­ they''re clearing!"


    "Look at the lotus flowers in the pond! They were wilting just this morning, and now they''re blooming again!"


    "My dog! He was sick for days, barely moving¡­ but look at him now! He''s full of energy!"


    Everywhere, people were witnessing changes with their own eyes. What was once an oppressive, stagnant atmosphere had turned vibrant.


    But before anyone could fully process the miracle happening before them¡­


    A voice called out from the estate''s main building. It was old, yet steady. And as heads turned in disbelief, the sight that met them left them speechless.


    An elderly man, frail yet composed, stepped out of the house, walking slowly toward them.


    The father of Edwin Wells.


    The man who had been bedridden, weak, and unable to even sit up without assistance¡­


    Had just walked out on his own.


    "Grandfather?!"


    "Sir! What are you doing out of bed?!"


    The crowd gasped.


    Even Edwin was stunned. He rushed forward, ready to support the old man. "Father, you shouldn''t be out here! You need to rest!"


    But the old man simply waved a hand, stopping him. "I don''t know why¡­ but today, I feel stronger. My energy is flowing again, and I wanted to come outside for a bit."


    Then, his sharp eyes landed on Alex. There was a moment of silence.


    "Who is this young man?" he asked, looking back at Edwin.


    ¡­.


    As soon as the old man spoke, every pair of eyes in the room turned to Alex.


    Sensing the attention shifting, Edwin quickly stepped forward to introduce him.


    "Father, this is Alex Reid, CEO of the Reid Industries in the City¡­" His voice carried a deep respect. "And more importantly¡ªhe is a great benefactor to our Wells family!" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Without wasting a second, Edwin began recounting everything Alex had done¡ªhow he had identified the flaws in the estate''s fortune layout, how he had issued precise instructions for adjustments, and how the results were already visible for all to see.


    The more he spoke, the more the old man expression shifted from curiosity to astonishment.


    "No wonder¡­" The old man let out a deep breath. "From the moment I woke up today, I felt different. My energy was flowing, my body felt lighter¡­ and by the time I stood up, I couldn''t even believe it myself!"


    His eyes locked onto Alex, filled with gratitude. "So all of this is thanks to you?"


    Alex smiled humbly. "I merely pointed out what needed to be fixed. The results speak for themselves."


    The patriarch''s hands trembled slightly¡ªnot from weakness, but from emotion.


    As the man who had built the Wells family with his own two hands, no one cared more about its future than he did.


    For years, he had watched helplessly as his peers¡ªmany still in their prime¡ªfell ill or passed away.


    And the younger members? They were talented but lacked the foundation of their predecessors.


    If this continued¡­ how long would the Wells family truly last?


    But today, for the first time in years, he felt hope.


    "Ypung boy, do you realize what you''ve done?" The old man''s voice was firm, his words carrying the weight of his old like authority. "You didn''t just improve our estate''s fortune flow¡ªyou saved our family!"


    He turned sharply, facing the gathered Wells family members.


    "Listen well, all of you!" His voice rang out. "From this moment forward, this young boy is a friend of the Wells family¡ªno, more than that. He is our benefactor!"


    "Should he ever need our help, you will do everything in your power to assist him. No excuses!" The declaration was absolute.


    A moment later, every member of the Wells family nodded in unison.


    "Understood, Grandfather!" The atmosphere was heavy with sincerity. Even Alex, who rarely let things get to his head, felt slightly overwhelmed.


    He cleared his throat. "Sir, you''re giving me too much credit. This was just a simple matter."


    The old man chuckled. "Simple for you, perhaps. But for us? A miracle."


    Then, he turned to Edwin.


    "Tell the kitchen¡ªwe are hosting a grand feast tonight! This is a celebration for our benefactor!"


    Laughter filled the hall.


    Alex, seeing no reason to refuse, grinned. "Well, if you insist¡­ I won''t say no to a good meal."


    With that, the group, still buzzing with excitement, made their way to the main hall.


    ¡­.


    The banquet was lavish, as expected from a family of the Wells'' stature.


    The long dining table was filled with exquisite dishes, the finest wines brought out in honor of the occasion.


    But what truly shocked the guests wasn''t just the food¡ªit was the seating arrangement.


    Alex was given the seat of honor. Not beside Edwin. Not near the senior members. He was seated right next to the old man himself.


    Gasps and murmurs spread through the crowd.


    "What''s going on? Grandfather is attending the banquet? But his health¡ª?"


    "Forget that for a second! Who''s that man sitting beside him?"


    "Look closely¡­ even Edwin is sitting below him! What kind of status does this guy have?!"


    The younger members and those who had missed the earlier events were dumbfounded.


    But at the main table, none of the senior members paid any attention to the gossip.


    The old man himself raised his glass, looking at Alex.


    "This toast is for you," he said solemnly. "For giving the my family a future."


    Alex lifted his own glass and clinked it against the old man''s. "To a long and prosperous future for your family."


    One by one, the other senior members followed.


    Edwin. The other family heads. Every powerful figure in the Wells family stepped forward, raising their glasses in Alex''s honor.


    A young man in his twenties, receiving the highest level of respect from their family. The sight left the rest of the family speechless. No one could understand.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 83 - 83: Harold Winters Rage

    After the banquet, Alex Reid prepared to leave. Despite his age, the Old man personally escorted him to the entrance¡ªa rare gesture that spoke volumes about his gratitude.


    As they stepped outside, the old man''s sharp gaze lingered on Alex, a mixture of appreciation and curiosity flickering in his eyes.


    "Young man, you''ve done a great service for our family today," the old man said, his voice measured. "I assumed you had some request for us, yet throughout the entire evening, you never mentioned one." He studied Alex intently. "So tell me, what exactly brought you to the Wells estate today?"


    Alex smiled faintly. "Reid Industries may not be as influential as the Wells family, but I don''t make a habit of asking for favors." His tone was calm but firm.


    "I didn''t come here seeking anything. Fixing the fortune layout of your estate was just part of it." His expression grew serious as he continued.


    "I also came to warn you¡ªsomeone will try to cause trouble for the Wells family soon. When that time comes, don''t let them mislead you. If you do, it could cost your family everything."


    A heavy silence hung between them. The old man eyes darkened, his expression unreadable.


    "Someone is targeting my family?" he murmured, his fingers tightening around the handle of his cane. "And you expect me to believe this without proof?"


    "I don''t expect you to believe anything," Alex replied, stepping toward his car. "But when it happens, remember what I told you." With that, he opened his car door and sat into the driver''s seat, started the engine, and drove off into the night.


    The old man stood there, his gaze following the fading tail lights. His face remained calm, but his thoughts were anything but.


    "Who would dare come after the Wells family?" He scoffed, shaking his head. "It doesn''t matter who they are. If they think they can bring harm to my house, they''ll regret it for the rest of their lives."


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, Trisha Wells was completely unaware of the events that had unfolded at her family''s estate.


    After leaving the Police Department, she didn''t head home as she initially intended. Instead, she got into her car and drove toward a different destination¡ªone she had been debating for hours.


    Ethan Carter''s residence.


    Her grip on the steering wheel tightened as she muttered under her breath. "Lily is completely obsessed with this guy¡­ What kind of man is he?" The curiosity had been gnawing at her, and now, she was determined to find out for herself.


    Following the address she had found, Trisha arrived at an upscale residential complex. The towering buildings exuded elegance, their architecture sleek and modern. Even from the outside, it was clear that this was a place reserved for the wealthy and elite.


    She stepped out of her car, taking in her surroundings with a critical eye. "Not bad," she mused. "If he built this life from scratch, maybe he''s more impressive than I thought."


    Just as the thought crossed her mind, a commotion broke out nearby.


    "Ethan, you son of a bitch! You ruined my life!"


    Trisha''s head snapped toward the source of the voice. A disheveled man, his face twisted in rage, was charging forward with a fruit knife in his grip. His target? A well-dressed young man who moved with effortless composure despite the clear threat.


    Ethan Carter.


    Trisha raised an eyebrow, watching the scene unfold. "Well," she murmured, crossing her arms. "This just got interesting."


    Ethan Carter sprinted down the sidewalk, his breath coming in quick, controlled bursts. Behind him, Harold Winters gave chase, his voice hoarse with fury.


    "I''m telling you, Mr. Harold, this isn''t my fault!" Ethan called over his shoulder. "It was Alex, he tricked us both! I''m a victim just like you!"


    Harold, however, was having none of it. "Do you think I''d believe a single word out of your mouth?" he spat. "I already know everything! Seventy million dollars assets are gone! And you, you bastard, sold them off to Reid for Hundred thousand! Then you turn around and buy yourself a damn luxury apartment? You think I wouldn''t put the pieces together?"


    His voice was raw with rage, his steps heavy and unsteady. Before he could take another stride¡ª


    THUD!


    Harold lost his footing and went sprawling onto the pavement, the impact shaking through his bones. He let out a sharp grunt of pain but didn''t stay down for long. Gritting his teeth, he tried to push himself up.


    Before he could, the complex''s security guards rushed in.


    "Sir, step away!" one of them barked, pinning Harold''s arms behind his back as another restrained him.


    "Let me go! Damn it, let me go!" Harold roared, struggling against their grip. His face twisted with grief and rage. "That bastard ruined my life! My daughter''s in prison because of him! He took everything¡ªmy fortune, my home! What the hell do I have left? I''ll kill him, do you hear me? Let me go!"


    But the guards weren''t listening. With practiced efficiency, they dragged him toward the exit.


    Ethan, still catching his breath, watched the scene unfold. He shook his head, muttering under his breath.


    "This is ridiculous," he grumbled. "Why the hell is he coming after me? I lost everything too! Shouldn''t he be after Alex?"


    Harold continued to curse and struggle, his voice growing distant as he was hauled out of the complex.


    Ethan let out a sigh of relief and turned toward the entrance, ready to put the whole mess behind him. He just wanted to get home, take a shower, and forget the entire ordeal¡ª


    But the moment he turned, he came face to face with an unfamiliar woman standing directly in his path.


    Trisha Wells had been watching the scene unfold from a distance. At first, she hadn''t paid much attention to Ethan amid the chaos of the confrontation. But now that she had a proper look at him, she found herself pausing in surprise.


    The man before her was young, sharp-featured, and carried himself with undeniable confidence. There was an effortless charm about him, the kind that made it easy to see why someone might be drawn to him.


    Her lips curved slightly. No wonder Lily is so taken with him.


    Straightening, she extended a hand. "You must be Ethan Carter. I''m Trisha Wells, Lily''s mother."


    ¡­


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 Chapter 84 - 84: Wishful Backing

    Straightening, Trisha extended a hand. "You must be Ethan Carter. I''m Trisha Wells, Lily''s mother."


    Ethan raised an eyebrow, his gaze flickering over her with quiet curiosity. She was older than him, yet carried herself with the poise of a woman who had seen the world and conquered it. Everything from her well-maintained appearance to the sharp glint in her eyes screamed power and experience.


    She was a beauty. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Still, Ethan kept his expression neutral, offering a polite smile as he shook her hand. "Ah, Mrs. Wells. I''ve heard a lot about you."


    His voice was smooth, measured¡ªjust enough charm without overplaying it.


    Ethan Carter adjusted his posture, flashing a polite yet cautious smile. "It''s a pleasure to meet you." His tone was refined, his demeanor composed.


    Trisha Wells studied him with a scrutinizing gaze, nodding slightly in approval at his etiquette. "I came to speak with you about Lily''s imprisonment." Her voice was steady, but there was a sharp edge beneath it.


    "She''s my daughter, and Alex was behind this, I won''t sit by and let it happen. I need to understand exactly what went down for this situation to occur."


    Hearing Alex''s name, Ethan''s expression shifted, his eyes darkening with resentment. "That bastard," he muttered, barely containing his frustration. "He set Lily up." His jaw clenched. "And not just her¡ªhe set me up too."


    Trisha''s gaze flickered with interest. "Go on."


    Ethan exhaled sharply, his emotions bubbling to the surface. "Alex acts like he''s untouchable just because he has money and power. He never plays by the rules, never gives anyone else a chance. If I had even half the resources he does, I''d be way¡­ way ahead of him by now."


    Trisha considered his words, nodding thoughtfully. She recalled Alex''s arrogant demeanor back at the Police Department, and she couldn''t deny that Ethan''s words rang true.


    "That man has no understanding of how society works," she mused. "All he knows is brute force and manipulation. If not for his family backing, he would''ve been done for long ago."


    A thought crossed her mind, and she turned back to Ethan. "You''re saying that if you had the right support, you could turn things around?"


    Without hesitation, Ethan nodded. "I''m a master of Fortune skills. I know martial arts too. I''m fluent in multiple languages. I have the skills to succeed¡ªAlex just made sure I never got the chance to do anything¡­ everything I do¡­ Alex manipulates it to my disadvantage every single time."


    Trisha tapped her fingers against her arm, contemplating his words. "A man with your talents shouldn''t be wasting away in such conditions," she murmured. "If what you say is true, then perhaps it''s time someone gave you a real opportunity."


    Ethan''s eyes lit up with cautious optimism. "Are you saying¡­?"


    Trisha''s lips curved into a small smile. "I have connections, boy. And I intend to use them." Her gaze sharpened. "You said you specialize in Fortune skills. What about estate planning? You know, like telling what is wrong with estate or the things that shouldn''t be here or there. Are you familiar with that?"


    Ethan straightened his shoulders, exuding confidence. "Mrs. Wells, I can guarantee you¡ªany estate I work on, if given the right modifications, will reach unimaginable heights."


    Trisha''s smile widened. "Good." She clapped her hands together, decision made. "Then let''s put that confidence to the test."


    She took a step closer, her tone carrying a hint of authority. "Have you heard of the Wells family estate in the mountains?"


    Ethan''s brows furrowed. "You mean the Wells family? One of the powerful families in the cuty?"


    "That''s the one," Trisha confirmed. "And I happen to be a member of that family." She let the weight of her words settle before continuing, "Tomorrow, I''m taking you to meet them. Show them your skills. Impress them." Her voice lowered, almost conspiratorial.


    "If you succeed, you''ll have the full backing of the Wells family. That means power, resources, and¡ª" she paused, her eyes gleaming, "¡ªa chance to make Alex regret ever crossing you."


    Ethan''s heart pounded with excitement. If he could secure the Wells family''s support, Alex would no longer be untouchable.


    A slow grin spread across his face as he extended a hand. "Mrs. Wells, you have a deal."


    Trisha shook his hand firmly. "Good. Just remember¡ªthis isn''t charity. Prove yourself, and the Wells family will stand behind you. Fail¡­" She let the unspoken consequence hang between them.


    Ethan''s grip tightened. "I won''t fail."


    As the conversation between Trisha Wells and Ethan continued, she found herself growing increasingly fond of the young man. His composure, intelligence, and confidence left a lasting impression on her.


    After just a few exchanges, Trisha had already made up her mind¡ªEthan was the perfect match for her daughter.


    ''No wonder Lily was interested in him!'' she thought, her eyes gleaming with approval. ''He''s outstanding¡ªfar beyond what I expected!''


    A hint of regret flickered in her heart. Her daughter was still locked away in prison, unable to see what was happening outside. But as her mother, Trisha was determined, if Lily couldn''t fight for herself right now, then she would do it for her.


    ''Lily, you may be in prison, but I won''t let Alex get away with what he did to you! And don''t worry after I deal with Alex, I will get you out in no time.'' With that resolve in mind, she wasted no time.


    ¡­.


    The next morning, Trisha personally drove Ethan to the Wells family estate. A man of his talents and potential deserved a much bigger platform¡ªone that she was more than willing to provide.


    By the time they arrived at the Wells estate, it was just past noon, and the air carried the distinct aroma of a lavish family lunch.


    The moment they stepped into the estate, a man with sharp, calculating eyes glanced up from his seat. His expression was unreadable¡ªbordering on cold.


    "Why are you back?" he asked, his tone indifferent.


    This was Marshall Wells, a key figure in the family''s affairs and one of Trisha''s harshest critics.


    Trisha, of course, knew exactly why he was displeased with her.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 85 - 85: Past Grudge

    Years ago, when she had been closely associated with Reid Industries aka Alex father''s wife and Alex Stepmother''s, Marshall had urged her to leverage that connection for the benefit of the Wells family.


    Had she supported her husband''s ambitions fully in the past, Reid Industries could have served as the Wells family''s stronghold in the heart of the city.


    But instead, Trisha had gone against Marshall''s advice. She had made decisions that led to the severance of ties between the Wells family and Reid Industries, costing them a foothold in the city.


    Even now, the Wells family, one of the big families, remained the only one without a proper base in the city.


    And Marshall never forgave her for it.


    Trisha, however, was unfazed by his attitude. Instead of reacting to his hostility, she turned to Ethan and gestured toward him with a smile.


    "Marshall, let me introduce you to someone, Ethan Carter," she said, her voice smooth and confident. "Don''t be fooled by his young age; his name carries weight in the city."


    Marshall raised a brow, but he remained silent.


    Trisha continued, "Ethan''s mastery of the Fortune skill and martial arts has earned him the respect of the city''s many top people. Many consider him an invaluable advisor."


    That piqued Marshall''s interest. He finally gave Ethan a proper look, his sharp gaze scrutinizing him from head to toe.


    Given the recent events involving Alex Reid and the Wells estate, Marshall had become particularly intrigued by the art of fortune assessment and estate positioning.


    ''First, Alex Reid makes waves with his so-called expertise,'' Marshall mused. ''And now, another one appears?''


    Though skeptical, he couldn''t deny his curiosity.


    His gaze hardened. "Tell me, boy, is the art of fortune assessment so common these days that we can stumble upon so-called experts anywhere?" S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ethan met Marshall''s stare with a polite smile. His posture was relaxed, but his confidence was undeniable.


    "I wouldn''t call myself an expert," Ethan replied humbly. "I only have a basic grasp of the fundamentals."


    Marshall Wells chuckled lightly, though his gaze still carried a hint of skepticism.


    "Well, well, Mr. Ethan, you''re quite modest," he said, his voice carrying a mix of amusement and intrigue. "I didn''t expect someone so young to already be a master of the sonething."


    Though he remained doubtful, Ethan''s composed demeanor and Trisha''s confidence in him had already begun to shift Marshall''s attitude.


    After a brief pause, Marshall finally stepped aside, gesturing toward the inside.


    "In that case, Mr. Ethan, please come inside." Both Trisha and Ethan exchanged a glance, silently celebrating this small victory.


    For Trisha, this was especially exhilarating. Seeing usually aloof and dismissive Marshall suddenly become receptive was nothing short of a miracle.


    She turned to Ethan, her face glowing with excitement.


    "Ethan, you really are something else," she whispered, unable to hide her admiration. "No wonder Lily had her eyes on you! Just by revealing your expertise, you''ve already changed his attitude completely!"


    Ethan, though equally pleased, maintained his usual calm exterior.


    "There''s no need to celebrate just yet," he said, his tone casual but confident. "Wait until I actually demonstrate my abilities. That''s when you''ll see what real skill looks like."


    Trisha nodded enthusiastically. "I can''t wait!"


    With that, they followed Marshall into the estate. The moment they stepped inside, the atmosphere changed entirely.


    Marshall, who had initially been indifferent, suddenly seemed eager to play the role of a proper host.


    He immediately instructed the butler to bring refreshments, ensuring that Ethan and Trisha were treated to the finest tea and a selection of exquisite pastries.


    That was all because of Alex''s previous visit and performing his abilities of fortune skill. If Ethan can do the same or even better, his standing in the family will get big and he can even gain the Head of the family favor.


    Such hospitality was a stark contrast to his earlier cold demeanor, and both Ethan and Trisha took note of it.


    As they settled into their seats, Marshall took a slow sip of tea before speaking again, his tone now much more measured.


    "If you truly are as skilled as Trisha claims, Mr. Erhan," he said, setting down his cup, "perhaps you wouldn''t mind giving us some insight into the Wells family''s estate layout? As a master of the Fortune skill, surely you can offer some valuable guidance."


    Ethan had been waiting for this exact opportunity.


    The moment Marshall posed a quest-like challenge like those in game, a confident smile appeared on his face.


    "If that''s what you want, Mr. Marshall, then of course, I''d be happy to." Without hesitation, Ethan stood up. His movements were smooth and assured, his posture exuding complete confidence.


    "There''s no time like the present. Let''s take a look at the estate''s layout now," he said.


    As he spoke, his gaze swept over the room, already analyzing the subtle details of the environment.


    "I won''t make any grand claims," he continued, "but I can promise you this, any house or mansion I assess and adjust will bring prosperity and stability for at least eighty years. Your family will thrive, and your business will flourish."


    Marshall''s eyes flickered with interest.


    "Eighty years, you say?" he murmured.


    Ethan nodded firmly.


    Marshall chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "Very well, then. Let''s see if you can back up your words, Mr. Ethan."


    Rising from his seat, he gestured for Ethan to follow him. Trisha eagerly stood up as well, her excitement barely contained.


    She had no doubt that Ethan was about to leave the Wells family utterly speechless.


    Ethan Carter approached the grand entrance of the Wells family estate with a confident stride, his hands casually clasped behind his back. His eyes swept over the towering gates, analyzing every detail with the precision of a seasoned master.


    "The Fortune skill always starts with the main entrance," he began, his voice steady and authoritative. "The entrance serves as the gateway between public and private energy¡ªa crucial boundary that dictates the flow of prosperity."


    Trisha Wells and Marshall Wells stood nearby, listening intently as Ethan continued his assessment.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 86 - 86: There Is Nothing To Improve

    Trisha Wells and Marshall Wells stood nearby, listening intently as Ethan continued his assessment.


    "There''s an old saying¡ª''A closed door is like a mountain.'' If the house entrance is poorly designed, it suppresses growth and stifles fortune. Without the right alignment and positioning, no matter how strong a family''s foundation is, their prosperity will remain stagnant."


    He took a step forward, tracing the lines of the pathway with his gaze.


    "The ideal layout is something known as the ''Soaring Dragon Formation.'' It channels energy upwards, lifting a household''s fortune to new heights like a dragon strength. If done correctly, it can ensure steady growth for generations like a dragon immortality."


    Ethan then straightened up, a smirk playing on his lips.


    "And when it comes to understanding the this Formation, I''d dare say¡ªI rank second to none." His tone was filled with unwavering confidence.


    Trisha beamed with pride. Ethan truly had a way of making even the most complex concepts sound powerful and compelling.


    Marshall, however, remained skeptical, his arms crossed as he waited for Ethan to elaborate.


    Ethan took another step toward the entrance, ready to point out its flaws and suggest improvements. But the moment his eyes locked onto the estate''s grand gate, he froze.


    His confident expression shattered in an instant, replaced by pure shock.


    "What the¡ªhell?!" Ethan took a step back, blinking rapidly, as if he couldn''t believe what he was seeing.


    His mind raced to process the details, his voice slipping into a stunned whisper.


    "This¡­ this is insane."


    Trisha frowned. "Ethan? What''s wrong?"


    Ethan exhaled sharply, pointing at the entrance. "This isn''t just a well-designed layout¡­ This is a near-perfect execution of the entrance."


    Marshall raised an eyebrow, his interest finally piqued. "Oh?"


    Ethan stepped closer, his fingers tracing the air as he analyzed the intricate details of the structure.


    "The way the pathway is angled, the precise positioning of the gate pillars, the subtle but deliberate curves in the layout¡ªeverything is aligned flawlessly to channel energy upward. It doesn''t just create a strong flow of fortune¡­ it propels it straight to the heavens."


    His tone grew more intense, his admiration evident.


    "This isn''t just a right. This is the best Layout¡ªan enhancement so rare that even top masters would struggle to replicate it."


    Trisha and Marshall exchanged glances.


    "So¡­ that''s a good thing, right?" Trisha asked.


    Ethan let out a breathless laugh. "Good? It''s incredible. Whoever designed this formation has an unparalleled level of skill. I''ve studied this art for years, but this¡­" He shook his head in disbelief. "This is on another level."


    Ethan Carter stood frozen in front of the Wells estate''s grand entrance, his expression shifting between disbelief and frustration. He had been prepared to impress, to showcase his unmatched expertise in the Fortune skill. But now¡­


    His gaze darted across the layout, analyzing every inch of the architectural masterpiece before him.


    This¡­ this isn''t just good. This is perfection!


    For someone with a system-enhanced mastery of Fortune skill, admitting that another''s work surpassed his own was unthinkable.


    "Impossible¡­" he muttered under his breath, clenching his fists. "With my system''s advantage, who in the world could have created something this flawless?"


    He refused to accept it. There had to be a flaw somewhere.


    Determined to reclaim his confidence, Ethan stormed toward the inner courtyard.


    "I refuse to believe the entire estate follows such a high-level layout! There must be something I can improve¡ª"


    Yet, as soon as he stepped into the courtyard, his voice caught in his throat.


    His pupils dilated. His breath hitched.


    Ethan stumbled back a step, his mind reeling.


    "This¡­ This can''t be real."


    His system should have warned him, should have told him if something this advanced existed here. But now, standing in the heart of the Wells estate, he felt like an amateur witnessing a master''s work for the first time.


    "No¡­ No way." His voice wavered as he turned and rushed toward the back of the estate, desperate to prove himself.


    But the moment he arrived, Ethan''s knees nearly buckled. His fingers twitched, his entire body trembling with shock.


    "The front gate follows the incredible formation¡­" he whispered in disbelief. "The courtyard houses the too¡­ And now, the rear entrance is guarded by this incredible formation and array?"


    He swallowed hard.


    "Who¡­ Who the hell designed this place?" His mind raced for answers, but before he could process it, his system chimed in with an emotionless notification.


    [Ding!]


    [Host''s Fortune skill proficiency is at the beginner level. Unable to replicate or modify advanced or top-tier formations.]


    Ethan''s face darkened.


    He had always believed that, with the system''s help, he stood at the pinnacle of the field; it doesn''t matter which field. Yet now, standing within the Wells estate, he felt utterly¡­ inferior.


    Behind him, Trisha Wells was watching Ethan''s frantic movements with increasing impatience. Her fingers drummed against her arm, her lips pursed.


    "This idiot¡­" she muttered under her breath. "I brought you here to impress the Wells family, to make yourself invaluable to them."


    Yet for the past several minutes, Ethan had done nothing but gawk, mutter to himself, and dash around like a madman.


    Finally, she couldn''t take it anymore.


    Marching up to him, she jabbed a finger into his side.


    "Hey! Snap out of it!" she hissed. "What the hell are you doing? You''re supposed to be showcasing your skills, not standing around looking like a lost puppy!"


    Ethan, still recovering from his shock, turned to her with a pained expression.


    "I¡­ I was supposed to give them guidance," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But Trisha, this estate''s layout is too perfect. There''s nothing for me to improve."


    Trisha''s eyes twitched.


    "¡­ Are you kidding me?"


    She had been banking on Ethan using his abilities to secure their position within the family. And now he was standing here telling her he was useless?


    ¡­ sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


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    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 87 - 87: Delusion Idea & Fraud

    "¡­ Are you kidding me?"


    She had been banking on Ethan using his abilities to secure their position within the family. And now he was standing here telling her he was useless?


    "You''re supposed to be a damn expert," she snapped. "And now you''re telling me you have nothing to say?"


    Ethan let out a long, exhausted sigh. "If I critique something this flawless, I''ll only make a fool of myself."


    Trisha felt the last shred of her patience snap. ''So you''re just gonna stand there and admit defeat?''


    Not far away, Marshall Wells had been silently observing the entire exchange.


    By now, he had seen enough.


    So that''s how it is, he mused. Another so-called Fortune skill master who can''t back up his words.


    He had encountered plenty of frauds before¡ªpeople who claimed to be masters, yet crumbled the moment they were asked to prove themselves. Ethan Carter, despite all the hype, was no different.


    His gaze turned cold.


    "I had a feeling this would be a waste of time," he muttered under his breath.


    Turning away, he addressed a nearby servant.


    "Escort the guests to the lounge if they wish to stay and then see them outside," he said indifferently. "I have other matters to attend to."


    With that, he walked away, leaving Trisha and Ethan standing there in tense silence.


    ''Damn it¡­ this was a complete disaster.'' Trisha clenched her fists. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡­.


    Marshall Wells didn''t waste another second on them. Without even waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, leaving Ethan and Trisha standing there in awkward silence.


    As soon as he was out of sight, Trisha finally lost her patience.


    "What the hell was that, Ethan?" she snapped, crossing her arms. "I went out of my way to bring you here, to help you build connections with my family¡ªand you completely embarrassed yourself and me!"


    Ethan rubbed the back of his head, clearly uncomfortable.


    "I know, I know¡­ This whole thing caught me off guard," he admitted. "But come on, we didn''t walk away empty-handed."


    Trisha scoffed. "Oh, really? And what exactly did we gain from this embarrassing disaster?"


    Ethan smirked slightly, tapping his chest confidently.


    "A favor."


    Trisha blinked. "¡­ A favor?"


    "That''s right," Ethan said, standing up straighter. "Look, even though I didn''t exactly impress them, I still came here with the intention of helping. Wells Estate already has a Fortune skill master, but I genuinely tried to offer guidance. That alone is enough to put them in my debt, even if just a little."


    Trisha arched a brow, unconvinced. "You think my family cares about intentions? They only respect results."


    Ethan shrugged. "Maybe. But even if it''s a small favor, it''s still leverage."


    Trisha narrowed her eyes, considering his words. After a moment, she sighed, her frustration easing slightly.


    "¡­ I guess you have a point," she admitted reluctantly. Seeing her expression soften, Ethan pushed his advantage.


    "That favor may not be huge," he continued, "but don''t you think it''s enough to get your daughter Lily out of jail?"


    Trisha hesitated.


    Ethan had a point. With the Wells family''s influence, pulling Lily out of trouble wouldn''t be difficult. But was it worth spending a favor on something so trivial? Even she can do that after she dealt with Alex fully.


    "¡­ No," she said finally, shaking her head. "It''s not worth using the favor for that."


    Ethan frowned. "Why not?"


    Trisha crossed her arms again, this time with a thoughtful expression.


    "Think about it. You''ve been struggling under Alex pressure for so long¡ªwhy not take this opportunity to strike back?" Her lips curled into a smirk. "Instead of wasting a favor on something as small as Lily''s release from prison, why not use it to deal a blow to Reid Industries?"


    Ethan''s eyes widened slightly. "You mean¡­ use the Wells family''s influence to suppress Alex?"


    Trisha nodded.


    "Exactly. My daughter may be impulsive, but a little time in jail will do her some good. She needs to learn some discipline anyway."


    Ethan considered her words carefully.


    Using this favor to build his own foundation, weaken Alex, and establish his own influence?


    The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. Slowly, a grin spread across his face.


    ''Why didn''t I think of this?'' Ethan thought he wasn''t this simple minded, but he clearly left out this option and was about to use the incredible favor for something as trivial as Lily''s release from prison.


    "You''re right, Ma''am." He chuckled. "Why waste an opportunity like this? We should use the Wells family''s connections to put pressure on Reid Industries."


    Trisha''s smirk deepened.


    With their plan in place, Ethan and Trisha wasted no time.


    "Ethan, your idea is brilliant," Trisha said with a satisfied smile. "If we rally the major companies in the city against Reid Industries, we can force Alex to surrender part of his project. Not only does this weaken his influence, but we also get a share of the profits."


    Ethan nodded, confidence gleaming in his eyes.


    "And with the Wells family''s backing, we have the leverage to make this work." He paused before adding, "But more importantly, it''s about sending a message¡ªAlex has been suppressing me for too long. Now, it''s time for him to know what it feels like."


    Trisha chuckled. "That''s the spirit."


    Then, she made an offer that nearly made Ethan''s heart skip a beat.


    "You know what? If this plan succeeds, I''m willing to invest two hundred seventy-eight million dollars into your ventures. With that as your foundation, your voice at the negotiation table will carry even more weight."


    Ethan''s hands clenched with excitement.


    "Thank you, ma''am! With that capital, we''ll have even greater control over the situation."


    Trisha smirked. "Just remember who gave you your first big push when you finally make it to the top."


    "Of course," Ethan assured her. "I won''t forget."


    With that, they wasted no time¡ªthey were heading straight to the city to set their plan in motion.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, at the Wells Estate:-


    Back at the Wells'' ancestral home, Marshall sat before the family patriarch, recounting the events that had transpired earlier.


    "Sir, it was exactly as we expected. Fortune skill masters like Alex Reid are rare," Marshall said. "Most so-called ''masters'' are frauds¡ªjust like that person named Ethan Carter Trisha just brought in."


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and send some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 88 - 88: A Favor From Wells Family

    Inside a luxurious private room of an upscale hotel, a group of powerful business moguls sat around a long, polished table.


    The atmosphere was lively, with the clinking of glasses and murmurs of conversation filling the space. However, all eyes soon turned toward one man, Ethan.


    Dressed in a expensive tailored suit, Ethan exuded confidence as he leaned back in his chair, a slight smirk playing on his lips. He had gathered these high-profile executives for an important discussion, one that would undoubtedly shake up the business world in city.


    One of the older CEOs, a man with graying hair and a sharp gaze, was the first to break the silence. He placed his wine glass on the table and looked at Ethan with curiosity.


    "Ethan, you''ve gathered us all here in such a hurry. I assume it must be something significant?"


    The other business leaders nodded in agreement, their interest piqued. Ethan, however, remained composed. His smirk widened slightly as he finally spoke.


    "I assure you, all gentlemen, this is indeed good news." He paused for a moment, allowing suspense to build. Then, with a calm but firm tone, he continued, "I believe all of you are well aware that recently, Reid Industries secured the exclusive rights to the city redevelopment project."


    As soon as he mentioned the Reid Industries, the atmosphere in the room subtly shifted. The mere mention of that name carried weight.


    "Such a massive project," Ethan continued, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, "yet Reid Industries plans to monopolize it entirely. Don''t you think that''s unfair?" His gaze swept across the room, gauging their reactions.


    The room fell into an eerie silence. Then, a few of the CEOs exchanged glances before bursting into laughter. One of them, a stocky man with a cigar in hand, shook his head in amusement.


    "Ethan, are you out of your mind?" he scoffed, taking a slow drag from his cigar. "You''re talking about dividing up Reid Industries'' project as if it''s some small-time deal. Do you even realize what you''re suggesting?"


    Another executive, a lean man with sharp eyes, crossed his arms and leaned back. "Hah! Everyone knows the city redevelopment project is a gold mine, but tell me¡ªwho in their right mind would dare to challenge Reid Industries? Do you have a death wish?"


    Murmurs of agreement filled the room. Some even shook their heads in disbelief, while others outright sneered at Ethan''s audacity.


    The hotel room, once filled with excitement, was now overtaken by ridicule and skepticism. A few of the executives even stood up, preparing to leave.


    But Ethan? He didn''t seem fazed at all.


    Instead, he remained seated, an amused glint flashing in his eyes as he watched their reactions. With an air of absolute confidence, he spoke again.


    "Anyone who wants to leave, can leave¡­ I won''t stop you." His voice was calm, almost casual, yet there was a hint of mystery in it.


    He then leaned forward slightly, his smirk deepening. "But¡­ don''t come complaining to me later, saying I didn''t give you a chance."


    His words sent a confusion through the room. Some of the executives who had been about to leave hesitated.


    They weren''t sure why, but something about Ethan''s demeanor made them pause. It was as if he knew something they didn''t.


    Despite their doubts, curiosity kept them rooted to their seats.


    Seeing that no one else was eager to walk out, Ethan chuckled softly before finally dropping the real bombshell.


    "Yes, Reid Industries may have unparalleled influence in city," he admitted, nodding slightly. "But that doesn''t mean they hold the same level of power as Wells Family."


    The moment he said that, the executives stiffened slightly.


    Ethan then gestured toward the elegant woman standing beside him, who had remained silent until now. All eyes turned toward her.


    "Allow me to introduce someone to you," Ethan continued smoothly. "This is Miss Trisha, the family member of the Wells Family¡ªone of the most powerful families."


    As soon as her name was mentioned, the entire room fell into a stunned silence.


    "The Wells Family?" One of the executives whispered, his face paling slightly.


    Another muttered in disbelief, "Ethan¡­ he actually has the support of the Wells Family?"


    The moment Ethan revealed Trisha''s identity, the entire room fell into a stunned silence. The business leaders present weren''t fools, they all understood the weight of his words.


    With the Wells Family''s backing, Ethan wasn''t just making empty claims; he genuinely had the power to stand against Reid Industries.


    However, just as murmurs of shock and realization began to spread, Ethan let out a low chuckle. His expression was unreadable, a mix of amusement and mystery. Then, shaking his head slowly, he spoke again. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I think all of you have misunderstood something."


    His words immediately captured everyone''s attention. The curiosity in the room deepened, and some executives instinctively leaned forward, eager to hear what he had to say next.


    Ethan deliberately paused, letting the suspense build. After ensuring that he had every pair of eyes in the room fixed on him, he finally continued.


    "There''s something else you should know." His voice was calm, yet the weight behind his words was undeniable.


    "Just a couple of days ago, I visited the Wells Family''s estate." He let that statement settle before adding, "And while I was there¡­ I provided them with my expertise in Fortune Skills and assisted in a major renovation."


    A flicker of confusion passed through the crowd, but before anyone could question him, Ethan smiled knowingly and added,


    "So, to be clear¡ªit''s not that I sought out the Wells Family for support." His voice grew slightly deeper, carrying an air of absolute confidence. "It''s that the Wells Family now owes me a favor."


    The weight of that statement sent another shockwave through the room.


    At first, the business moguls had merely thought that Ethan had managed to form some kind of alliance with the Wells Family.


    But alliances could be fragile, built on mutual benefit rather than true commitment. If Reid Industries retaliated, there was always a chance that the Wells Family would hesitate, considering the power balance in the city.


    But a favor?


    ¡­


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 Chapter 89 - 89: Straight Into Action

    But a favor?


    A favor was a different story entirely.


    If the Wells Family owed Ethan a personal debt, then their reputation was at stake. The Wells Family wasn''t just any ordinary wealthy clan¡ªthey were one of the great forces in the city.


    A family of that stature would never allow their debts to go unpaid, especially not one as public as this.


    In other words, if Ethan called upon them for support, the Wells Family would have to back him, no matter the cost.


    The realization dawned on everyone at the table.


    One of the executives, a man with sharp eyes and a calculating mind, slowly exhaled and muttered under his breath, "If it''s a personal favor¡­ the Wells Family won''t back down. They''ll have to stand with him to the very end."


    Another businessman, one who had been skeptical just moments ago, now looked at Ethan with newfound respect.


    Seeing the shifting expressions around him, Ethan knew the time was right to drive his point home. He leaned forward slightly, placing both hands on the table, and spoke in a clear, unwavering tone.


    "Now, gentlemen, do you still think I''m not qualified to talk about dividing up Reid Industries''s redevelopment project?"


    The room went silent for a few seconds. Then, the atmosphere completely changed.


    A boisterous laugh broke the tension. One of the older executives, a man with a broad frame and a hearty voice, clapped his hands together.


    "Haha! Ethan, you truly are a young man full of promise!" he declared, his previous doubts now gone. "Reid Industries? Hah! With the Wells Family behind you, Reid Industries is nothing more than prey waiting to be taken!"


    Another executive, who had initially dismissed Ethan''s proposal, now grinned and raised his glass.


    "If we''re splitting up Reid Industries''s project, count me in! I''ve been waiting for an opportunity to go against them for years!"


    One after another, the business leaders voiced their support. The doubt and mockery that had filled the room earlier had vanished, replaced by excitement and ambition.


    Ethan leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.


    Everything was going exactly as planned.


    ¡­.


    The morning after the meeting, the business world of city was already in turmoil.


    Rumours had spread fast¡ªEthan had secured the backing of the Wells Family, and now, with the support of dozens of major companies, he was making his move.


    At the break of dawn, a convoy of luxury cars pulled up in front of the towering Reid Industries. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    CEOs, board directors, and corporate representatives¡ªall figures of great influence¡ªstepped out, their expressions grim and determined.


    At the forefront of this strong group stood Ethan, his confidence reaching skies as he led the march straight toward the entrance.


    The receptionists at the front desk immediately sensed that something was wrong. It wasn''t every day that this many top business executives arrived together, let alone with such hostility in their eyes.


    And the fact that Ethan was leading them? Though they didn''t know Ethan personally but they heard how he was involved in the theft with Lily on Company personal projects.


    The staff didn''t dare to delay. One of them immediately picked up the phone and relayed the situation to the highest authority in the building aka Alex.


    ¡­.


    "Oh?" Hearing the report, Alex raised an eyebrow, momentarily surprised.


    "All of top companies?" he mused, tapping his fingers on the sleek wooden desk. "And Ethan is leading them?"


    For a brief moment, he seemed to consider the situation seriously. But then, as if losing interest, he let out a light chuckle and leaned back into his chair.


    "Interesting." He wasn''t the least bit concerned. In fact, there was a hint of amusement in his eyes.


    "Waters," he called out to the elderly butler standing nearby. "Arrange for them to be seated in the conference room."


    "Understood, Sir," Mr. Waters responded respectfully.


    As the butler turned to leave, Alex added casually, "Tell them I''ll be with them shortly¡­ after I finish up here."


    From an outsider''s perspective, one might assume Alex was caught in an urgent business meeting or handling critical company affairs.


    But in reality? He was playing a very simple game where the opponent is so prideful that he thinks he won''t make any mistake despite his past.


    That was the game was playing in real life, but he was playing another game at the moment on his computer screen.


    With a relaxed posture, he continued clicking away at his screen, completely unbothered by the storm brewing in his own headquarters. He played a couple of matches, leisurely enjoying himself, until half an hour had passed.


    Only then did he finally stand, stretch lazily, and make his way toward the top-floor conference room.


    The air inside the meeting room was thick with tension. The assembled executives were clearly growing impatient.


    For half an hour, they had been left waiting, their frustrations mounting with every passing minute.


    Just as murmurs of irritation began to spread, the double doors swung open.


    Alex strolled in, exuding an air of effortless confidence. Dressed in a crisp, tailored suit, he carried himself as if he owned the entire room¡ªwhich, in truth, he did.


    His sharp eyes briefly swept over the crowd before he plastered on a deliberately insincere smile.


    "Ah, my apologies, gentlemen!" he greeted with mock enthusiasm. "I''ve been quite busy, so I hope you all didn''t mind the wait long for me!"


    His voice was light, almost playful, but there was an unmistakable arrogance in his tone.


    Then, shifting his gaze to his butler, he added with feigned disapproval, "Waters, what''s going on here? Our distinguished guests have been waiting so long, yet you haven''t even served them drinks or anything? People might start thinking Reid Industries is so poor we can''t even afford hospitality!"


    The sarcasm was as clear as day.


    The businessmen''s faces darkened instantly. They had come here to negotiate, perhaps even threaten, but instead, they were being mocked.


    Ethan, who had been suppressing his anger since stepping into the building, finally lost his patience.


    "Enough with the act, Alex!" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "We''re not here for drinks or small talk!"


    ¡­


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 Chapter 90 - 90: Trisha’s Backing

    "Enough with the act, Alex!" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "We''re not here for drinks or small talk!"


    He stepped forward, cutting straight to the point.


    "Let''s not waste time. The city redevelopment project is massive, and Reid Industries is trying to take it all for itself? That''s just pure greed." His eyes narrowed. "You can''t handle it alone. So why not share the project¡­ and profit with the rest of us?"


    His words were immediately met with agreement from the crowd.


    "That''s right! There''s more than enough money to go around¡ªwhy should Reid Industries monopolize it?"


    "It''s only fair that we all get a piece of the pie!"


    One by one, the other company executives voiced their support, pushing for a division of the project.


    Alex, however, remained completely unbothered by them or their remarks. He didn''t even bother sitting down, simply standing with his hands in his pockets, looking down at them as if they were insignificant.


    After letting their demands echo through the room, he finally spoke.


    "Are you all done?" His tone was calm, but there was a razor-sharp edge to it. The room fell silent. Alex''s smirk widened slightly, but the look in his eyes was pure disdain.


    "The redevelopment project¡­" he began, deliberately slow. "Reid Industries secured it through skill, connections, and success rate and of course power. We earned it. So tell me¡ª''why'' should we hand any of it over to a bunch of parasites like you?" His words struck like lightning.


    The businessmen''s faces twisted in rage, but before they could respond, Alex raised both hands in a mock gesture of surrender.


    "Of course, if you really think you have what it takes to snatch this project from Reid Industries hands¡­" His smirk turned ice-cold. "Then by all means¡­ declare war or whatever you have in mind or whatever you are going to do."


    Alex''s declaration, "Reid Industries will take on any challenge!" His voice echoed through the vast conference room like a war drum.


    His voice wasn''t loud, nor did he raise his tone, but there was an undeniable but the silence in the room made it resound. It wasn''t arrogance¡ªit was absolute confidence.


    Despite his calm demeanor, the pressure in the air was suffocating. It was the kind of presence that made people instinctively lower their heads, like a predator casually observing its prey.


    The businessmen who had stormed in so aggressively just moments ago now found themselves silent.


    They wanted to speak. They wanted to argue, to fight back. But under Alex''s gaze, their words died in their throats. None of them could muster the courage to challenge him directly.


    The room, once filled with ambition and greed, now felt eerily still. Alex let the silence stretch, his expression one of mild disappointment.


    "Hm?" He arched an eyebrow, glancing around the room. "Is that all?" Shaking his head, he clicked his tongue as if he had expected more.


    "I thought you were here to cause trouble," he said lazily. "I assumed you had something big planned." His lips curled into a smirk.


    "But this?" He gestured vaguely at them. "This is just¡­ pathetic." He exhaled dramatically, then pushed his chair back and stood up.


    "Since this meeting has turned out to be a complete waste of time, I''ll be leaving now." His tone was dismissive, as if he had already forgotten about them.


    And just like that, he turned toward the door.


    "Wait!" A sharp voice cut through the silence, stopping Alex in his tracks.


    Ethan had finally snapped. His face was flushed with anger as he stood up abruptly, his eyes locked onto Alex''s retreating figure.


    "Alex!" he shouted, his voice filled with righteous fury. "Do you really think that just because Reid Industries dominates the city, you can do whatever you want? That no one can stop you?"


    Alex paused but didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he turned his head slightly, glancing at Ethan with an amused expression, as if watching a child throw a tantrum.


    Seeing that he had Alex''s attention, Ethan smirked and continued, his confidence growing.


    "Let me make this very clear," he said, his tone sharp. "Reid Industries will hand over the redevelopment project. Not because I''m asking, but because we have something you can''t compete with."


    He straightened his back and pointed toward the woman standing beside him.


    "You remember her, don''t you?" His voice was filled with triumph. "Your stepmother." The moment those words left his mouth, a ripple of surprise spread through the room.


    All eyes turned to Trisha, the elegantly dressed woman standing silently next to Ethan. A proud member of the Wells Family.


    One of the three great families in the city. Ethan sneered as he continued, his voice dripping with arrogance.


    "She is the family member and the eldest granddaughter of the Wells Family." He narrowed his eyes on Alex. "And thanks to her, I''ve been welcomed into the Wells Family''s inner circle." sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He crossed his arms, his smirk widening.


    "I even helped them with their estate management altering their future fortunes for the better." There was a glint of triumph in his eyes as he leaned forward slightly, as if waiting to see Alex''s reaction.


    "Do you understand what that means?" Ethan pressed on. "The Wells Family owes me. And when the Wells Family owes someone a favor, they pay it back in full."


    His voice grew bolder.


    "Alex, do you really think Reid Industries can go up against one of the great families in the city without any setbacks? Do you honestly believe you can fight against the Wells Family?"


    For a moment, Alex didn''t say a word. His eyes flickered with an unreadable expression.


    ''Oh? This guy moves fast.'' Alex thought.


    Just a few days ago, Alex had been at the Wells Family''s estate himself, offering his own Fortune Skills expertise. And now, Ethan had already wormed his way in and managed to secure their backing?


    ¡­


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 Chapter 91 - 91: Unexpected Guests

    Just a few days ago, Alex had been at the Wells Family''s estate himself, offering his own Fortune Skills expertise. And now, Ethan had already wormed his way in and managed to secure their backing?


    He had to admit¡ªEthan was ambitious. But also¡­ incredibly naive. The room was heavy with anticipation. Many of the businessmen had been on edge, waiting to see how Alex would respond.


    Was this the moment Reid Industries finally surrendered? Would Alex falter, his confidence shaken by the sheer dominance of the Wells family? Would he concede defeat at last?


    Ethan Carter had only one goal that day: to make Alex Reid regret not seizing the opportunity to align with Trisha Wells¡ªthe very woman Ethan had now successfully brought to his side.


    The meeting had been going according to plan. Ethan''s subtle provocations and confident demeanor had begun to sway the gathered executives.


    He could already see it in their eyes: the greed, the desire to take advantage of Reid Industries'' success without doing the heavy lifting.


    Yet, despite everything, Alex sat there as calm as ever, his gaze unwavering. What infuriated Ethan most was that Alex didn''t seem even slightly fazed by the mention of Trisha''s family connections.


    Instead, he simply looked at Ethan with a gaze that could only be described as¡­ amused.


    As if Ethan were a fool playing a game he didn''t understand. That look alone was enough to make Ethan''s stomach twist with unease, but he quickly shoved the feeling aside.


    ''What''s with that look?'' Ethan thought. ''Doesn''t he realize what he''s up against? The Wells family''s influence could crush him if he doesn''t cooperate.''


    Still, Ethan forced himself to maintain his confident smile as he pressed forward.


    "Come on, Alex. Drop the act," Ethan said, his tone half-mocking, half-challenging. "I''m asking you one last time¡ªdo you still think Reid Industries can get the entire city redevelopment project on its own?"


    As if waiting for a cue, several of the gathered executives seized the moment to chime in:


    "Yeah, Reid Industries might be big, but going against the Wells family? That''s just asking for trouble!"


    "Play smart, Mister. There''s plenty to go around¡ªyou can''t expect to keep it all to yourself."


    "Share the project while you still can. Otherwise, don''t blame us when things get ugly!"


    The chorus of jeers and taunts echoed through the room, their confidence growing as they fed off one another''s energy.


    And yet¡­ Alex still didn''t react.


    He neither responded to their words nor showed the slightest trace of fear. Instead, he simply sat there with the faintest hint of a smile at the corners of his lips, as if he were watching a group of children throwing a tantrum.


    To Ethan, that silence was proof of Alex''s fear¡ªproof that, deep down, the mighty CEO of Reid Industries had finally realized he was cornered.


    ''Ha!'' Ethan thought. ''Let''s see how long you can keep up that act.''


    Just as Ethan was about to press further, the heavy wooden doors of the conference room swung open with a low creak.


    All heads turned toward the entrance, and the room instantly fell silent.


    An elderly man stepped inside, his every movement slow yet old senile, exuding the quiet dignity of someone who had spent a lifetime commanding respect.


    His neatly combed white hair, the faint wrinkles etched across his face, and the deep wisdom in his gaze all hinted at decades of experience and authority.


    Beside him stood a middle-aged man whose sharp eyes and composed demeanor suggested he was no stranger to high-stakes negotiations.


    Though he said nothing, his mere presence seemed to fill the room with a sense of tension and anticipation.


    Whispers rippled through the gathered executives.


    "Who are they?"


    "No idea, but they''ve got an aura about them¡­ Like they''re the kind of people who only show up when something bad''s about to happen."


    While the others exchanged confused glances, Trisha''s eyes went wide with shock. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Grandfather?" she blurted out, her voice an octave higher than usual.


    The sudden recognition sent a ripple of surprise through the room. Even Ethan stiffened at the names, though he quickly masked his reaction with a forced smile.


    ''Why are they here? Don''t tell me¡­ They came to back me up?'' For a brief moment, hope surged in Ethan''s chest.


    "That''s it! They must''ve heard about my plan and decided to personally support me. If Wells family old man himself is here to pressure Alex, then there''s no way Reid Industries can resist! Hah, this must be the ''favor'' Trisha mentioned!''


    His confidence fully restored, Ethan straightened his posture, ready to capitalize on the unexpected reinforcement.


    But as the two men stepped forward, their eyes scanned the room briefly before settling¡ªnot on Ethan, not on Trisha¡­ but directly on Alex Reid.


    And then, to the astonishment of everyone present¡­ The old man gave a faint, respectful nod.


    "I trust we''re not interrupting?"


    ¡­.


    Ethan Carter''s thoughts were racing.


    ''It has to be what I''m thinking. Why else would the Wells family show up here?''


    Beside him, Trisha Wells seemed to come to the same conclusion. Her lips curled into a sneer as she stepped forward, her voice laced with mockery as she pointed directly at Alex.


    "Well, well, you brat. When you refused to give me face back at the police department, did you ever imagine this day would come?" Her eyes gleamed with vindictive pleasure.


    "Your company''s cornered, and now even my grandfather''s here to personally put pressure on Reid Industries. This is what you get for going against me! Regretting it now, aren''t you?"


    Gasps and murmurs rippled through the room.


    "So, it really is the Wells family!"


    "No wonder Ethan''s so confident. With backing like that, Reid Industries doesn''t stand a chance."


    "Reid, just hand over a share of the project before you make things worse."


    "That''s right. Ethan''s got powerful connections now¡ªthere''s no point in holding out!"


    ¡­


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    ¡­


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 Chapter 92 - 92: Some Start-up Humiliation

    The once-muted whispers turned into open chatter, and the gathered executives'' excitement became almost palpable.


    Some exchanged gleeful glances, already imagining the profits they''d soon be raking in.


    Others openly smirked, confident that Alex had finally been forced into a corner he couldn''t escape.


    Yet through it all, Alex sat in his chair with the same calm, unreadable expression, his gaze flickering from face to face as though he were merely observing a mildly interesting performance.


    The buzzing conversation swelled to a prak¡­ Until a sudden voice cut through the noise like a whip crack.


    "Trisha. Come here." The room fell dead silent. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Trisha stiffened as the unmistakable voice of her grandfather echoed through the air. Confused, she glanced back at him, her smile faltering slightly.


    "Me?"


    Old man stood at the head of the room, his eyes cold and unyielding. He said nothing more¡ªsimply waited, his expression brooking no argument.


    Though she couldn''t understand what he wanted, Trisha quickly forced her face into a smile and approached the old man.


    "Yes, Grandpa? Do you need¡ª"


    SMACK!


    The sound of the slap echoed so loudly that it seemed to reverberate off the very room they were in.


    Trisha staggered, her vision spinning as pain exploded across her cheek. She barely had time to register what had happened before she hit the floor, landing awkwardly on her side.


    Gasps filled the room as the gathered executives stared in shock, eyes wide and mouths agape.


    "What the hell?"


    "Did¡­ Did he just slap her?!"


    "Wait, why¡ª?"


    The confusion was instant and overwhelming. Moments ago, they had all believed old man had arrived to back Ethan and Trisha. But now¡­?


    All eyes instinctively turned toward Ethan, as if seeking an explanation.


    Under the weight of their stares, Ethan could only stare back, just as surprised as the rest of them.


    "Don''t look at me¡ªI don''t know what''s going on either!" he blurted out, his confidence unraveling as his mind scrambled to make sense of the situation.


    Trisha lay sprawled on the polished marble floor, her cheek burning with a searing pain that seemed to echo through her skull.


    The metallic tang of blood seeped into her mouth, and she blinked rapidly, struggling to process what had just happened.


    The slap was anything but soft.


    "G-Grandfather¡­" she stammered, her voice shaking with disbelief. "Why¡­ why did you hit me?"


    Old man stood tall and unmoving, his eyes as cold as winter steel. He ignored her question entirely, his voice sharp as a blade as it rang through the room.


    "I did not give you permission to move. Get up. Stand straight!"


    His words cracked like a whip in the silence.


    Trisha''s breath hitched. Her pride screamed at her to protest, but the weight of her grandfather''s authority pressed down on her like a mountain.


    Ever since she was a child, she''d known better than to disobey him¡ªespecially when he used that tone. Her hands trembled as she pushed herself up from the floor, legs wobbling as she struggled to her feet.


    "Grandfather, I¡ª"


    SMACK!


    The second blow came even harder than the first, sending her reeling backward. She hit the ground with a choked gasp, a sharp sting blooming across her other cheek as a thin trail of blood trickled from the corner of her nose.


    Stunned silence filled the air.


    No one dared to speak.


    Even the gathered executives, men and women who had weathered countless high-stakes deals and ruthless corporate politics battle, looked on in shock, their earlier excitement now replaced with uneasy confusion.


    "What the hell is going on?" someone muttered under their breath.


    "Isn''t she the granddaughter of the him? Why would he hit her like that?"


    "Did she do something to offend the him?"


    Whispers rippled through the room, but no one dared to raise their voice. The sheer force of the old man''s presence seemed to freeze the surroundings and the peopleitself, as if any sound louder than a murmur would draw his ire.


    Even Ethan Carter stood frozen beside the conference table, eyes wide as he struggled to comprehend the situation.


    ''This¡­ This can''t be right. This old man supposed to be here to support me!'' he thought, heart pounding in his chest. ''So why¡ªwhy is he doing this?!''


    The old man, however, paid no attention to the confusion swirling around him. His gaze remained fixed solely on Trisha as she lay trembling on the floor.


    "Get up," he commanded again, his voice low but iron-hard. "Unless you want a third one."


    Tears stung Trisha''s eyes as she bit down on her lip, tasting blood. Humiliation burned hotter than the pain in her cheeks, she could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on her, their shock, their confusion, their judgment. But no matter how much she wanted to disappear, she knew she had no choice.


    Swallowing hard, she pushed herself upright once more, her legs unsteady beneath her.


    "G-Grandfather¡­" Her voice wavered as she forced herself to meet his gaze. "I-I don''t understand¡­ What did I do wrong?"


    The old man''s expression was carved from stone.


    "You still had the audacity to ask?" His tone was laced with icy disdain. "You disgrace the Wells family name, colluding with outsiders to bring shame upon our family, and you act and ask to stand here and act as if you''ve done nothing wrong?"


    The accusation sent a cold like atmosphere through the room. The murmurs started up again, louder this time, as the gathered executives began to grasp that something had gone terribly, terribly wrong.


    "Wait¡­ What does he mean by ''colluding with outsiders''?"


    "Wasn''t she supposed to be helping Ethan secure a partnership with Reid Industries?"


    "Could it be¡­ that she acted without the Wells family''s approval?"


    The realization sent a chill through Ethan''s veins.


    ''No. No, no, no¡­ This can''t be happening¡ªthis isn''t what was supposed to happen!''


    Desperation clawed at his chest as he tried to make sense of the situation. His mind scrambled for an explanation, clinging to the hope that this was all some kind of misunderstanding.


    ''Maybe¡­ maybe the old man misunderstood. Maybe if I explain¡ª''


    As the thought crossed Ethan Carter''s mind, the corners of his lips began to twitch upward in anticipation.


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


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 Chapter 93 - 93: Self-Delusions

    ''Maybe¡­ maybe the old man misunderstood. Maybe if I explain¡ª''


    As the thought crossed Ethan Carter''s mind, the corners of his lips began to twitch upward in anticipation.


    ''Right¡­ There''s no way the Wells family would personally come here just for Reid Industries. The olan must have come to support me! After all, I helped them with Fortune skills¡ªhow could they not repay that favor?''


    However, fate wasted no time in slapping him across the face. Before Ethan could savor his imagined victory, reality struck harder than any blow.


    After delivering who-knows-how-many slaps to Trisha, the old man¡ªassisted by Edwin¡ªslowly made his way toward the head of the conference table.


    To everyone''s shock, he stopped directly in front of Alex Reid. And then¡­ The room collectively held its breath as old man, and the head of the one of the most influential families in the city, gave a slight bow of respect to Alex in which Alex returned a slight bow of respect.


    "Ha ha ha¡­ I apologise," his voice and laugh, though aged, carried the weight of unwavering sincerity, "I must really apologize. I have failed to educate my family properly and allowed my granddaughter to cause you trouble. Please, I beg your forgiveness. I hope you can find it in your heart to be a big person and overlook this transgression."


    A stunned silence descended upon the conference room, heavier than before.


    The gathered executives, many of whom had been gleefully anticipating Alex''s downfall mere moments ago, now found themselves frozen in place. Their gazes darted from Alex to old man and back again, as if their eyes might somehow deceive them.


    "This¡­ This has to be a dream, right?" one man whispered, rubbing his eyes as if to dispel an illusion.


    "Did I hear that correctly? The Wells family¡­ apologising to Alex?"


    "Impossible. Absolutely impossible! What could Reid Industries possibly have done to warrant this level of respect?"


    No one could comprehend what they were witnessing.


    Even Trisha, still slumped on the floor with her cheeks swollen and blood at the corner of her mouth and nose because of some hard slaps could only stare blankly at her grandfather.


    The man who had always stood above all others, the pillar of the Wells family, was now bowing to the very man she had conspired against. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, the one most shaken by this turn of events was none other than Ethan Carter.


    "This¡­ What the hell is going on?!" His breath came in shallow gasps, his chest tightening with rising panic. ''The old man, Mr. Edwin¡ªthey''re supposed to be here for me!''


    Unable to contain himself any longer, Ethan''s voice broke the tense silence as he sprang from his seat.


    "W-What''s the meaning of this?!" His voice cracked with disbelief. "Sir! Mister! Surely you''re mistaken! I''m the one who helped the family! Shouldn''t you be here to support me?"


    "Support you?" Edwin scoffed, his expression dripping with disdain as he turned to face Ethan.


    "Listen closely, boy," he said, his tone cutting through the air like a blade. "You think your amateur skills are worth our family bowing in gratitude? Let me make this clear: we encounter so-called ''masters'' like you at least a dozen times a year. If we didn''t throw you out the moment you opened your mouth, that was already more respect than you deserved. And you actually thought you were special?" Edwin let out a low chuckle, as though amused by the very idea.


    The words hit Ethan like a sledgehammer to the chest. A wave of humiliation washed over Ethan, leaving his face burning red with shame.


    "Wait a minute¡ªso Ethan never helped the Wells family?"


    "He''s been bluffing this whole time?"


    "Damn it, this bastard! I trusted you! You''ve screwed us all over!"


    The realization dawned on the gathered executives of the other companies like a slap to the face. Their anticipation of Reid Industries'' downfall had turned into collective embarrassment, and their frustration quickly found a new target.


    Accusations and curses erupted from every corner of the room as one by one, the executives who had sided with Ethan turned against him without hesitation.


    "You dragged us into this mess, and now we''re the ones left looking like fools!"


    "Do you have any idea what this will cost us, uou bastard?"


    "Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable¡­"


    Their words struck harder than physical blows. Ethan staggered back a step, fists clenching at his sides as he tried to steady his breath.


    ''No. This can''t be happening. I''m Ethan Carter¡ªthe prodigy, the future king of business! I won''t be humiliated like this!''


    Grinding his teeth, Ethan forced down the panic rising in his chest. His gaze snapped toward Edwin, eyes blazing with defiance.


    "You may look down on me now, but let''s not forget one thing¡ªthe Wells family''s Fortune layout is no ordinary design. I could tell at a glance that it''s the work of a true master, far beyond what any average practitioner could hope to achieve!"


    A murmur rippled through the room at Ethan''s claim. Though many had turned against him, a few couldn''t help but nod in agreement all of them being from the Wells family though.


    "His knowledge of skills isn''t completely baseless¡­ Maybe he''s not as incompetent as we thought."


    "That''s right¡ªonly a true expert could recognize a high-level layout like that. He must still have some skill."


    Emboldened by their whispers, Ethan straightened his back and pointed directly at Edwin.


    "You insult my skills, but unless you can find someone more skilled than me, your words are meaningless! I stand by my claim, when it comes to Fortune skills, I am unmatched in this modern age!"


    As he finished, Ethan lifted his chin, eyes gleaming with pride.


    After all, his confidence came from more than just arrogance, he had the advantage of a system that enhanced his abilities beyond ordinary limits.


    With system help, he had deciphered layouts that should have been impossible for any contemporary practitioner to understand.


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! This arc is going to end soon and a new arrogant protagonist will be introduced with new heroines and new faceslaps targets and more interesting things!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 94 - 94: The Countdown Has Start

    Silence settled over the room as all eyes shifted toward Edwin and The old man, waiting to see their response.


    For a moment, neither of the two men spoke.


    But then¡­ "Hah¡­" A single chuckle escaped Edwin''s lips, low and sharp as a blade.


    "You¡­ unmatched?" he echoed, his tone laced with disdain. "Is that what you truly believe?"


    Ethan''s heart pounded harder in his chest, but he forced himself to hold his ground.


    "Yes! Unless you can present someone more skilled than me, I refuse to accept your insults!" A tense pause followed his declaration¡ªonly to be broken by the sound of old man stepping forward.


    "More skilled than you?" The old man''s voice carried a hint of amusement beneath its sternness. He glanced briefly at Edwin before turning his gaze toward Alex Reid.


    ¡­.


    Ethan Carter stood rooted to the spot, his earlier confidence crumbling beneath the weight of Edwin''s words.


    "Alex?" he echoed, eyes widening in disbelief. The very notion seemed absurd¡ªimpossible even. How could Alex Reid be the one who fuced the Wells family''s Fortune layout?


    "No¡­ No way!" Ethan shouted, shaking his head as if to dispel the thought. "That''s impossible! He''s a businessman, not a Fortune master! How could he possibly outperform me?"


    His voice echoed through the silent conference room, but the only response he received was a soft, derisive chuckle from Edwin.


    "Are you deaf, or just slow to catch?" Edwin asked, folding his arms across his chest. "I said it clearly¡ªAlex''s Fortune skills are leagues beyond yours. And if you''re looking for proof¡­ Well, weren''t you the one who praised the Wells family''s layout as the work of a master?"


    Ethan''s breath caught in his throat.


    ''Wait¡­ I did say that. Back at the Wells estate, I couldn''t stop marveling at the complexity and brilliance of their Fortune design. But¡­ that was Alex''s work?''


    "No! It¡ªit can''t be!" he stammered, eyes darting toward Alex as if searching for a denial that would never come.


    "Can''t be?" Edwin sneered. "Funny¡ªyou didn''t have any doubts when you were singing its praises. Or have you forgotten how you stood there gawking like a fool, calling it the work of a master¡­ ancient master¡­ or whatever?"


    Laughter rippled through the room, harsh and mocking. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Did he really say that?"


    "Yeah! He wouldn''t shut up about how incredible it was. Kept talking like he''d found some long-lost masterpiece!"


    "Hah! And now it turns out that so-called masterpiece came from the very man he''s been trying to tear down!"


    Ethan''s face burned hotter with every word, but he still clung desperately to the last shreds of his pride.


    "Y-You''re lying!" he shouted. "There''s no way someone like Alex Reid could¡ª"


    "Is there a problem with that?" The calm voice sliced through Ethan''s rant like a blade. All eyes turned toward Alex, who had finally broken his silence.


    Seated at the head of the conference table, Alex met Ethan''s gaze with an expression as still and fathomless as a deep lake.


    His posture was relaxed, his tone unhurried, but there was a weight behind his words that seemed to press down on the entire room.


    "It was indeed my work that enhanced the Wells family''s Fortune layout," Alex said simply. "If you need proof, you''re welcome to verify it yourself¡ªthough I doubt you''d even recognize half the intricacies involved."


    "You¡ª!" Ethan''s mouth opened and closed soundlessly, but no words came out.


    He could feel his carefully constructed world collapsing around him, along with the identity he had built upon his supposed mastery of Fortune skills.


    But worst of all was the undeniable truth staring him in the face:


    Alex Reid, the man he had looked down upon and dismissed, had just proven himself to be the true master.


    As Alex Reid''s calm admission echoed through the room, Ethan Carter''s last shred of dignity crumbled into dust.


    ''How¡­ How could this happen?''


    His mind raced through the memories of that day at the Wells estate, how he had stood there, overwhelmed by the brilliance of the Fortune design.


    Every line, every placement had left him awestruck, convinced that only a legendary master could create something so flawless.


    But now¡­ It was him¡­ It was Alex Reid all along.


    ''I¡­ I''m supposed to be the chosen one¡­'' Ethan''s breath hitched as his thoughts spiraled into chaos. ''The system made me invincible, unstoppable. I could crush anyone and everyone beneath my feet.''


    Yet ever since crossing paths with Alex, everything had begun to unravel. No matter what he did, no matter how hard he tried, Alex Reid was always one step ahead.


    "Why?" Ethan whispered hoarsely, his chest tightening with rage and despair. "Why is it always you?"


    No one answered.


    The room was silent save for the murmurs of the gathered executives, each one wearing expressions of disdain and disappointment.


    "Look at him¡­ Still throwing a tantrum after everything."


    "Hmph, calling himself a Fortune master? What a joke."


    "I can''t believe we almost sided with this fraud. If it weren''t for Mr. Alex¡­"


    Their scorn pierced Ethan''s pride like a thousand needles.


    "Urgh!" Blood rushed to his head. His vision swam. "I can''t accept this¡­ I won''t¡­" But before he could utter another word¡­


    Thud!


    A thick gush of blood burst from his lips, and Ethan crumpled to the floor in an unconscious heap.


    "Ethan!" Someone called out, but no one moved to help him. They simply stood there, unmoved by the fallen man at their feet.


    At that moment, a mechanical chime echoed within Alex''s mind:


    [Ding!]


    [Congratulations! You have successfully suppressed the Child of Destiny, Ethan Carter.


    You have gained 1,888 points of Luck Value.


    Notice: Your Luck has now surpassed that of the Child of Destiny. You may now influence and alter the Child of Destiny''s life trajectory.]


    This system prompt and message was the one who started the reverse counter of Ethan Carter Life.


    Alex''s eyes glinted with a cold satisfaction. ''So¡­ now I can finally get rid of him, huh?'' He had always known that Ethan''s strange luck made him nearly untouchable in the world if not dealt correctly.


    Any attempt to get rid of him would have ended badly. No matter the danger, things always seemed to go Ethan''s way.


    But now¡­


    Now, things had changed. That shield of luck was gone, leaving Ethan open and unprotected. Without it, the world was a much riskier place¡­ especially for him.


    ''After all, accidents happen all the time, don''t they? A slip on wet stairs, a loose wire, a car that doesn''t stop in time¡ªso many little mistakes, so easy to explain and understand.''


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


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 Chapter 95 - 95: Trisha Plea’s

    But now¡­


    Now, things had changed. That shield of luck was gone, leaving Ethan open and unprotected. Without it, the world was a much riskier place¡­ especially for him.


    ''After all, accidents happen all the time, don''t they? A slip on wet stairs, a loose wire, a car that doesn''t stop in time¡ªso many little mistakes, so easy to explain and understand.''


    Alex''s lips curved into a faint smile.


    For the first time, he could see the path to a future to finally get rid of Ethan Carter.


    As Ethan lay unconscious, the other executives scrambled to save their own skins.


    "Sir! Please forgive us!" One man bowed so deeply that his tie nearly touched the floor. "We were misled by Ethan Carter''s¡­ this bastard lies! We had no idea about your connection with the Wells family!"


    "Exactly!" Another chimed in, forcing a nervous smile. "If we had known, we wouldn''t have dared to set foot in Reid Industries, let alone cause trouble. It was all a misunderstanding¡ªjust a little misunderstanding!"


    "Yes! Sir, please be merciful. We''re just small businessmen trying to make a living. Surely, you wouldn''t hold a grudge against people like us¡­"


    The air buzzed with desperate apologies as the so-called "elites" of the business world abandoned their dignity in a frantic attempt to appease Alex.


    All of them knew one thing:


    If they didn''t beg for forgiveness now, their careers¡ªand their companies¡ªwould never recover from this day.


    ¡­.


    Desperate pleas echoed throughout the conference room as the gathered executives clung to the faint hope of forgiveness.


    "Sir, please! We were misled!"


    "We swear it won''t happen again! Just give us one more chance!"


    Alex leaned back in his chair, watching the scene with a faint smile that didn''t reach his eyes. Without a word, he reached into his pocket, pulling out a lighter. The faint crackle of the lighter sounded unnaturally loud in the tense silence.


    Click.


    Flick.


    The tip of the lighter flared to life, glowing a dull red as Alex took a long, slow drag. Small fire curled from the lighter, the faint haze drifting through the air.


    Then¡ª


    BANG!


    Without warning, Alex kicked the table in front of him, flipping it over with a loud crash that echoed through the room like a thunderclap.


    Documents, glasses, and scattered nameplates tumbled to the floor as the stunned executives jerked back in shock.


    "Did you all think me and this company was some street-side market?" Alex''s voice cut through the air like a whip. His tone, once calm and measured, now carried a razor-sharp edge. "A place you can walk into whenever you please and leave without consequences?"


    No one dared to speak. No one dared to breathe.


    Even the people and the Wells family people exchanged uneasy glances. Though they stood on Alex''s side, the sudden force of kicking the table and shouting¡­ even they got uneasy for a second there.


    But Alex paid them no mind. His gaze swept across the room like a predator surveying cornered prey.


    "You want to leave?" His voice dropped to a low growl, each word laced with unyielding authority. "Fine. The door''s right there."


    He looked at them as he played with his lighter, lighting a thin stream of fire before delivering the final blow.


    "But if you want to leave this building today¡­ You''ll each pay one hundred and forty million dollars."


    From the moment the old man from Wells family had revealed his identity and declared his support for Alex Reid, every executive in the room understood that leaving without paying a price was impossible. Yet, none of them had anticipated the price would be as steep as one billion dollars.


    "Sir, please¡ªwe know we were wrong!"


    "Right, right! This whole thing was just a misunderstanding! Can''t you lower¡­ the amount a little?"


    "Yeah, give us a chance, Sir. We can still be helpful in the future!"


    Their desperate pleas overlapped, a chorus of fear and regret.


    Alex spread his hands in a gesture of indifference. "ahhh¡­ you don''t want to pay? Huh?!" He raised an eyebrow and shrugged casually. "That''s fine¡­"


    A beat of silence.


    "¡­But you''ll leave a leg behind." His tone was light, almost conversational, as if discussing the weather. Yet, the room''s temperature seemed to drop several degrees.


    Everyone''s gaze instinctively darted toward the unconscious figure of Ethan Carter, still lying on the floor, blood staining the carpet. Their eyes then flicked to Trisha Wells, her cheeks still red from the blows she''d suffered.


    The message was clear.


    The asking amount¡ªor a leg.


    "Decide." Alex''s gaze swept across the room, eyes cold and unyielding.


    "Sir¡­" One of the older executives hesitated before cautiously asking, "If we pay the asking amount¡­ you''ll let today''s incident slide, right?"


    Alex''s smile didn''t reach his eyes. "You think you''re in a position to negotiate?"


    "You¡ª" The man''s face flushed with anger, but before he could finish, the executive beside him placed a hand on his shoulder and stepped forward.


    "Alright! I''ll pay!"


    "Me too!"


    "As long as you can overlook today''s events, I''ll gladly consider it the price of gaining a friend like you!"


    It began with one, then two. Before long, the entire room had fallen into line.


    Because no matter how painful it was to part with a billion dollars, the alternative was unthinkable. Money could be earned again.


    A lost leg, however, could never be replaced.


    ¡­.


    Thirty minutes later¡­


    The once-crowded conference room now stood nearly empty, the air thick with the lingering scent of cigarette smoke and fear. Each executive had left after transferring the required sum, their faces pale and drawn.


    Mr. Waters approached from the side, bowing slightly. "Sir, what should we do with him?" He gestured toward Ethan Carter, still unconscious on the floor.


    "Throw him out," Alex replied without hesitation.


    "Understood." Two security guards stepped forward and hoisted Ethan up like a sack of garbage. Without a word, they carried him out of the room.


    As Alex''s gaze shifted, his eyes landed on Trisha Wells, who stood near the wall, trembling. Feeling his gaze, her face paled further, and she took a step back.


    "Alex¡­ Please¡­" Her voice cracked as she forced a smile, her lips trembling. "Don''t¡­ don''t do this. I''m your stepmother. We''re family¡ªfamily should love and support each other, right?"


    ¡­


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 Chapter 96 - 96: He Is A Cockroach

    "Alex¡­ Please¡­" Trisha voice cracked as she forced a smile, her lips trembling. "Don''t¡­ don''t do this. I''m your stepmother. We''re family¡ªfamily should love and support each other, right?"


    Alex didn''t spare a glance at Trisha Wells'' desperate pleas. Instead, he shifted his gaze toward The old man.


    "Mr. Edwin and Sir, she''s one of yours. How you handle her is up to you."


    The old man and Edwin immediately understood. Alex was giving him the face and not laying hands on her himself thinking he would disrespect them. And in a choice between a distant relative and the man who had single-handedly altered their fate, the decision was obvious.


    Without hesitation, the old man responded firmly, "Although Trisha bears the Wells name, she''s from a distant branch and has no ties to the main family. Moreover, she led an unauthorized intrusion into Reid Industries, causing significant disruption¡­ Sending her to prison would be a just consequence."


    Turning away without a second glance, the old man took out his phone and dialed the authorities.


    "No! Grandpa, you can''t do this!" Trisha''s voice cracked as panic set in. She staggered forward, reaching out toward the older man. "I''m your granddaughter¡ªyour blood! You''re really going to send me to prison? Please, I''ll apologize! I''ll make it right!"


    Her pleas echoed through the room, but no one paid her any attention.


    The old man spoke calmly into the phone. "Yes, we need police at Reid Industries. One individual has caused a public disturbance and needs to be taken in for investigation¡­ Yes, we have the security footage as evidence."


    Click.


    The call ended.


    Trisha''s breath hitched as the walls seemed to close in.


    ¡­.


    Few minutes later:-


    Trisha and her shallow cries continued for minutes until the Police finally came, she begged, cried, and whatever she could hope to do, she even going as far as Alex legs to beg for forgiveness and let him forgive her.


    "No¡­ no, please¡­ I beg you¡­" Before she could say more, the heavy thud of approaching footsteps echoed from the hallway. The police entered, their eyes cold and professional.


    "Ma''am, you''re under arrest for creating a ruckus and trespassing on private property."


    "No! Let me go!" The metallic snap of handcuffs cut off her protests.


    Click. The cold steel encased her wrists.


    "Wait! No! Please¡ª" Her screams faded as she was dragged away.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, in Alex''s office, the atmosphere was far more relaxed. The rich, earthy aroma of tea filled the room, curling from delicate porcelain cups as Alex, The old man, and the Wells patriarch sat around a mahogany table.


    The tension of the earlier confrontation had vanished, replaced by easy conversation and the occasional chuckle.


    After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Alex set down his cup and leaned back slightly, his eyes calm but sharp.


    "Let''s skip the formalities," he said. "I want to redeem the favor of helping the Wells Family."


    The old man smiled. "Speaking with a straightforward man like you is always refreshing, boy."


    Alex''s fingers tapped lightly against the armrest of his chair.


    The old man exchanged a glance with Edwin. Old man gave a slight nod, encouraging him to proceed.


    "Name your favor Alex," Edwin said. Alex''s gaze shifted between the two men, weighing his words carefully before speaking.


    "It''s not a difficult task¡­ for a family with your influence." He paused, allowing the moment to settle before delivering his ultimatum.


    "I want Ethan Carter gone from this world¡ªpermanently."


    Silence. The air seemed to hum with unspoken tension. The old man''s expression barely shifted, though the glint in his eyes sharpened. "By ''gone,'' do you mean¡­?"


    "I don''t care how you do it," Alex replied, his voice as steady as the weight of his demand. "As long as he disappears from the world¡ªand never returns."


    Hearing Alex Reid''s calm words, the old man froze. For several moments, he simply stared at Alex, unable to believe what he''d just heard.


    "Boy¡­ Are you saying you want Ethan Carter eliminated?"


    Alex set down his teacup with a soft clink against the saucer. His eyes met The old man''s without hesitation.


    "Exactly."


    The old man''s breath caught in his throat. Despite all his years navigating high-stakes business and politics, he found himself taken aback by Alex''s directness.


    He had expected tough negotiations¡ªperhaps a steep price or a favor or maybe something even more. But this¡­ This was something else entirely.


    In the heavy silence that followed, Alex leaned back in his chair and picked up his teacup once more. His movements were slow, deliberate, as if savoring both the tea and the tension in the air.


    He didn''t say another word. He didn''t need to.


    This was his office. His territory. No recordings, no witnesses, no evidence. Even if The old man walked out of this room and shouted Alex''s demand to the world, it would be nothing more than hearsay.


    And Alex knew it.


    The old man''s mind spun as he weighed the risks. Removing Ethan Carter wasn''t impossible for the Wells family.


    They had the means, the connections, the capability to make someone vanish without a trace.


    Was it worth the risk?


    Before Edwin could decide, the old man, the man whose wisdom had guided the family through decades of challenges, spoke.


    "Very well," the old man said, his voice steady. "We''ll take care of Ethan Carter for you, Boy and then the favor will be fulfilled."


    "Hold on a second¡­ I just wanted to give you all a heads-up about Ethan Carter. Make sure you plan thoroughly¡ªand maybe have a backup plan¡ªbecause that guy''s like a cockroach. Tough to get rid of and always finds a way to crawl back."


    The old man turned to his grandfather, eyes wide with shock. "Cockroach?!"


    "He''s just too damn lucky. Would you believe me if I told you that when I met him at the Winters family party, I could''ve pointed a gun at his head, pulled the trigger at point-blank range¡ªand he still would''ve survived? No doubt about it. Either the bullet would''ve just grazed his head, the gun would''ve jammed, or the bullet wouldn''t have penetrated his skull. And even if it did, somehow, it would''ve stopped right before hitting his brain."


    The old man and Edwin hesitated, unsure how to respond.


    "We''ll remember¡­" that was all Edwin could say as he and his father made his way to the exit.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 97 - 97: Getting Help From The Target

    Ethan Carter had barely stepped outside in days. The humiliation he had suffered at Alex Reid''s hands yet again still burned fresh in his mind.


    "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! How¡­ how¡­ how the hell is this happening?!" His hands clenched into fists, knuckles whitening as rage bubbled within him.


    "Just how it''s happening?" Ethan couldn''t wrap his mind around it. But like something happened he calmed down instantly and his confidence that was just shattered built up again in him.


    As he once again after getting so many humiliations one after another and one after another¡­ like those things didn''t give him a sign and even if they did and his all past failures he built up those things as grudges¡­ which then directed at Alex Reid.


    "I''ll make him pay for this¡­ I swear I will!" And just like that as quickly as the anger flared, it began to simmer beneath the surface of doubt.


    "Damn it¡­ But who can I turn to now?" One by one, the people he might have called upon had been dealt with by Alex¡ªcut off or forced to submit. Each closed door felt like another wall pressing him into a corner.


    "Is he really going to force me onto a dead end?" As Ethan wrestled with his frustration, the sharp ring of his phone echoed through the room. The sudden interruption made him jolt upright.


    "Who the hell¡ª" taking out the phone, he glanced at the screen before answering.


    "Hello?"


    "Good evening. Am I speaking to Mr. Ethan?" The voice on the other end was familiar, deep and measured, with the faintest hint of amusement. Ethan''s eyes narrowed in recognition.


    "¡­Mr. Edwin Wells?"


    A soft chuckle drifted through the receiver. "Ah, Mr. Ethan, what sharp ears you have." Ethan sat up straighter, his pulse quickening as possibilities began to unfold in his mind.


    "To what do I owe the pleasure of this call, Mr. Edwin?" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Let''s just say¡­ I''ve taken an interest in your recent situation. After looking into what happened at Reid Industries, it''s clear that you were merely caught in the crossfire of someone else''s schemes¡ªnamely, Trisha Wells."


    Ethan''s brow furrowed slightly at the mention of his former ally, though he quickly masked the reaction with a neutral tone.


    "Is that so?"


    "Indeed. Now, if you bear no grudge over that unfortunate incident, I''d like to extend an invitation to meet. There are certain matters I believe we could discuss to our mutual benefit."


    "¡­And where would that be?"


    "The xxxxx Hall. Private Suite 964. I''ll be waiting."


    Before Ethan could respond, the line went dead. He lowered the phone slowly, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.


    "Hah¡­ If I can secure the Wells family''s support, It is not just a granddaughter or daughter of Wells family but the Head of the family itself."


    Without hesitation, Ethan rushed to change into a sharp tailored suit, the glint of anticipation flashing in his eyes.


    ¡­.


    Twenty minutes later, Ethan''s black rental car pulled up in front of the grand entrance of the xxxxx Hall. Its golden-lit facade loomed above him as uniformed attendants bowed and opened the doors.


    Ethan stepped out, adjusted his cufflinks, and strode confidently into the building.


    On the ninth floor, Suite 964 stood at the end of a carpeted hallway adorned with intricate chandeliers and paintings that whispered of wealth and power.


    Pushing open the heavy wooden door, Ethan stepped inside.


    The air carried the faint aroma of aged wine and freshly cooked delicacies. Beneath the soft glow of amber lighting, an old man sat calmly at the head of the table, a selection of fine dishes and wine already arranged before him.


    As soon as Ethan Carter stepped into the private suite, the old man stood up with a broad smile.


    "Ethan, I''ve been waiting for you!" His tone was warm, almost too welcoming. Ethan''s heart swelled with pride.


    ''See? I knew it¡ªsomeone like me wouldn''t be cornered by the likes of Alex Reid!''


    Although inwardly elated, Ethan maintained a composed demeanor as he approached the table.


    "You''re too kind, Sir," he replied, taking a seat opposite The old man. His eyes flicked toward Edwin, who sat quietly beside his grandfather.


    The old man''s gaze was sharp, but his expression revealed nothing.


    "So¡­ may I ask what this meeting is about?" Ethan inquired casually, though anticipation stirred beneath his calm exterior.


    The old man chuckled softly, pouring a glass of wine and sliding it across the table.


    "Straight to the point, I see. Well, to be honest, we could use your expertise, boy."


    "My expertise?" Ethan raised an eyebrow.


    "Indeed. I''ve heard you''re skilled in martial arts and quite knowledgeable in Fortune skill as well¡ªa rare combination for someone so young. Given your talents, we''d like your assistance in¡­ handling a certain individual."


    The old man''s hand made a swift slicing motion across his throat, leaving no doubt as to his meaning.


    Ethan''s eyes widened slightly before a surge of exhilaration rushed through him.


    ''The Wells family needs my help? And that too in ''finishing'' an individual¡­ If I pull this off, I''ll have their backing.''


    Suppressing the grin threatening to break across his face, Ethan responded with a measured nod.


    "Since Sir holds me in such high regard¡­ how could I possibly refuse? May I ask what the plan is?" The old man leaned forward, lowering his voice as if the walls themselves might be listening.


    "Actually, we don''t need you to act directly. Our people will handle the job tonight¡ªout in the hills beyond the city author. The target is skilled and more like a ''cockroach'' that is why we need someone so young with so much talent and skills to review the location and advise us on the best strategy to ensure success."


    "Cockroach?!"


    "Yes! And Of course you will be paid the worth of your trouble in this matter."


    ''That is some¡­ unknown and unusual remark¡­ does that mean the target survives any situation and is resilient like a cockroach?!''


    Before he could think more or come to any conclusion about something.


    From his inner coat pocket, The old man took out a photograph and slid it across the table.


    Ethan picked it up and examined the image¡ªa stretch of uneven terrain, mostly open with sparse cover.


    At first glance, it seemed like a straightforward spot with few places to hide. But Ethan''s sharp eyes quickly picked out the details others might miss.


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 98 - 98: Setting things into Motions

    At first glance, it seemed like a straightforward spot with few places to hide. But Ethan''s sharp eyes quickly picked out the details others might miss.


    "Here," he said, tapping a shallow depression near the center. "This low ground could serve as a perfect hiding spot. The slope would deflect bullets, providing temporary cover. And over here¡ª" He pointed to a cluster of boulders at the edge of the frame. "¡ªthis rock formation could break line of sight, making it easy for someone to evade gunfire or close the distance before your men can react."


    The old man listened intently, nodding as he mentally noted each potential risk.


    "Then there''s this patch of underbrush beside the low ground," Ethan continued. "If the target is fast enough, they could slip into the bushes and disappear before your team knows what''s happening. And once they''re in there, finding them will be like searching for a needle in a haystack."


    The old man''s expression shifted slightly, betraying a flicker of admiration. ''No wonder Alex wants him gone¡­ This kid''s instincts are razor-sharp.''


    "The key to success is limiting the target''s options from the start," Ethan added, placing the photograph back on the table. "Position your shooters here and here¡ª" He indicated two spots overlooking the low ground. "¡ªto cover the depression and the bushes. Station another group near the rocks to block any escape attempts. With this setup, your team will have complete control of the area."


    ¡­.


    For the next half hour, Ethan meticulously examined the map, pointing out each spot where an adversary could find cover.


    His fingers moved across the paper with precision, tracing the contours of hills and the outlines of rocks and shrubs. Old man''s men diligently recorded every detail, scribbling notes as Ethan spoke.


    "¡­And this slope right here¡ªif someone crouches low, they''ll be almost invisible from a distance. Bullets might skim the ground, but they''ll be safe if they stay flat. And that cluster of boulders on the east side? It creates a blind spot where someone could slip through unseen. You''ll want marksmen positioned here and here¡ª" He tapped the map twice. "¡ªto cover both of these routes."


    The old man listened attentively, nodding as Ethan continued. He couldn''t help but be impressed by the young man''s strategic insight.


    ''This kid''s instincts are lethal. Was he in Military pr something.'' Old man thought as he listened to Ethan.


    When Ethan finally leaned back, signaling he was done, The old man clapped his hands together.


    "Ethan boy, your insight is remarkable. Truly the eye of someone genius or unparalleled."


    Ethan waved a hand modestly. "You''re too kind, Sir. I''ve just trained a bit more than most people, and have some expertise in some area¡­ that''s all."


    The old man carefully folded the map and tucked it into his coat pocket before glancing back at Ethan.


    "Even with your guidance, I can''t help but feel cautious. Our target is highly skilled¡ªI wouldn''t want to risk any surprises. So, tell me¡­ would you like to join us tonight? Your presence could make all the difference."


    The offer sent a thrill through Ethan''s chest.


    ''They trust me enough to bring me into the action? This is it¡­ the moment I solidify my place with the Wells family!'' Ethan mind was already made up in the moment.


    "Of course, Sir," he replied with a confident smile. "It would be my pleasure."


    "Excellent! I''ll have a car pick you up tonight. We''ll leave at nine sharp."


    "No problem at all." With that, The old man stood, extending his hand. Ethan shook it firmly, holding back the grin that threatened to break across his face.


    As Ethan watched The old man leave, anticipation buzzed in his veins. Tonight would mark the beginning of his rise¡ªand the end of Alex Reid.


    ¡­.


    Outside the luxury hotel, Edwin and his grandfather stepped into his sleek black car and immediately dialed a number on his phone.


    "It''s done," he said as soon as the line connected.


    "Good. I''ll leave the rest to you, Sir." A voice came from the other side of the line.


    Alex Reid''s calm voice carried a hint of satisfaction before the line went dead. Sliding his phone back into his pocket, Alex tapped the table thoughtfully.


    After a moment, he picked up another phone¡ªa prepaid burner with no ties to his name¡ªand dialed a different number.


    "Hello? Harold?" Alex''s voice was clipped and direct.


    The man on the other end paused, then answered warily, "Yeah¡­ who''s this?"


    "You''ve been looking for Ethan Carter, haven''t you?"


    Harold stiffened. "Who is it? And how do you know?"


    "Let''s just say I have some information that might interest you. Tonight, 9:30 PM. Outskirts of city, up in the hills. Ethan Carter will be there. Don''t miss your chance."


    Before Harold could ask another question, Alex hung up, tossing the burner phone into the nearest waste bin.


    Now¡­ let''s see how this game plays out.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, Harold Winters crouched beside a dumpster, sifting through piles of discarded junk.


    His clothes were tattered, stained with dirt and grease. His once-proud shoulders now sagged beneath the weight of ruin.


    Ever since Ethan had betrayed him, stripping him of his home, his money, and his dignity, Harold had been reduced to little more than a vagrant, scraping by on scraps and dodging debt collectors at every turn.


    But through all the misery, one thought burned brightly in his mind: Revenge.


    He''d spent weeks searching for Ethan, following whispers and rumors across the city. Each lead had ended in disappointment¡ªuntil now.


    The moment he heard Ethan''s name through the phone, Harold froze. His pulse pounded in his ears as the voice on the line delivered its message:


    "Let''s just say I have some information that might interest you. Tonight, 9:30 PM. Outskirts of city, up in the hills. Ethan Carter will be there. Don''t miss your chance."


    Before he could even process the shock, the line went dead.


    For a moment, Harold stood frozen in place, gripping the phone so tightly his knuckles turned white.


    Then, as if a spark had ignited within him, he threw down the trash he''d been holding and reached beneath his ragged coat.


    His fingers closed around the worn handle of a fruit knife¡­ the only weapon he possessed.


    "Ethan, you bastard¡­ You ruined my life. Took everything from me." His breath came in ragged gasps, eyes blazing with fury. "Tonight, you pay for what you did. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth!"


    Stuffing the knife back into his coat, Harold turned and vanished into the shadows of the alleyway. His heart pounded with a singular purpose: vengeance. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡­


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    ¡­


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 Chapter 99 - 99: Target Shooting

    Unaware of the schemes unfolding around him, Ethan boarded the sleek black car arranged by Edwin Wells and his grandfather.


    The leather seats and smooth hum of the engine only added to his growing sense of anticipation. This was it, the moment he''d been waiting for.


    The thought of future things he can do with Wells family direct support brought a smile to Ethan''s lips as the city lights faded behind him.


    Half an hour later, the car pulled to a halt at the outskirts of the city, where the rugged silhouette of the hillside loomed against the night sky.


    The air smelled faintly of earth and grass, mingled with the distant hum of insects. Stepping out, Ethan adjusted his jacket, his eyes sweeping over the area with a discerning gaze.


    The old man was already waiting at the designated spot, hands clasped behind his back, his tailored coat barely stirring in the cool breeze. A faint smile curved his lips as Ethan approached.


    "Boy, right on time," The old man greeted, his tone warm yet measured. "What do you think of the setup?"


    Ethan''s gaze moved across the terrain. The low-lying ground that could have served as cover had been carefully filled in.


    The dense shrubs that might have provided an escape route were gone, leaving only open space. It was as if the landscape itself had been reshaped to ensure no one could evade the gunfire.


    "You''ve done a thorough job," Ethan remarked, stepping forward as his eyes traced the line of sight from several vantage points. "With the low ground filled in and the foliage removed, there''s practically nowhere to hide. Anyone caught here would have no chance of escape."


    The old man nodded, his expression calm. "And if I position several marksmen equipped with machine guns at key points, do you think there''s any possibility of the target slipping through?"


    Ethan tilted his head thoughtfully. The cool wind brushed against his cheek as he weighed the scenario in his mind. "Theoretically? No. With this setup and that level of firepower, it''s as close to a guaranteed kill as you can get. But¡­" He paused, his brows furrowing slightly. "No plan is ever truly foolproof. There''s always a slim chance something could go wrong."


    The old man''s smile deepened slightly. "Caution is wise. Still, I appreciate your insight. In fact, I''d like you to take another look¡ªjust to be certain. Walk through the area as if you were the target. See if there''s anything we might have overlooked."


    Ethan hesitated for a moment. Something about the request nagged at the back of his mind, but he quickly pushed the thought aside.


    After all, this was his chance to secure the Wells family trust¡ªand with it, a future backed by wealth and influence.


    "Of course," he replied, nodding.


    Stepping onto the field, Ethan moved carefully across the terrain, testing the footing as he examined every angle of approach.


    His trained eyes caught subtle details, a slight dip in the ground that could trip someone running at full speed, a scattering of loose gravel that could betray a misstep.


    He circled the area twice, making sure to consider every possibility.


    Finally, he stopped and turned back toward The old man. "No major issues. The terrain''s been prepared well. Any intruder caught here would be trapped with no way out."


    "You''re certain?" The old man asked, his gaze sharp despite the faint smile on his lips.


    "Positive," Ethan replied with confidence. "In fact, I''d stake my life on it. With this setup and your marksmen in place, not even a god could escape."


    The old man''s smile widened, though his eyes seemed colder now. "Well then, I suppose that settles it."


    Turning slightly, he raised his hand with a casual grace and snapped his fingers. "Positions."


    In an instant, the air shifted. Shadows moved atop the surrounding ridges as a dozen figures stepped forward, each raising a sleek black submachine gun.


    The metallic clink of safeties being switched off echoed faintly through the night.


    Ethan''s heart lurched. His gaze darted to the gunmen, then back to The old man. "Sir¡­ what is this?"


    "Don''t worry," The old man replied smoothly. "We''re simply running a final test. After all, you''ve assured me this setup is inescapable. Now, we just need to see if that holds true in practice."


    A chill shot down Ethan''s spine. "You''re testing it on me?!"


    The old man gestured toward the field''s center. "If you''re confident in your assessment, then there''s nothing to fear. Please¡ªstand in the middle, where the target would be. Let''s make this as realistic as possible."


    Ethan''s mind spun. This was wrong, something was horribly wrong. But before he could voice his protest, the distant click of magazines sliding into place echoed like a death knell through the air.


    "Move," The old man said softly, his tone leaving no room for argument.


    Swallowing hard, Ethan stepped into the center of the clearing, his pulse hammering in his chest.


    The silence was deafening as he glanced around, meeting the cold, unwavering gazes of the gunmen encircling him. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The air felt heavier now, thick with tension and the faint scent of gun oil.


    Despite the fear curling in his gut, Ethan forced a smirk. "You''ve got this place locked down tight, I''ll give you that. Anyone standing here wouldn''t stand a chance."


    The old man''s smile faded, his eyes gleaming with something darker. "Good to know. And since you''ve guaranteed the outcome¡­" He lifted his hand one last time¡­ then dropped it.


    "Fire." The surroundings sounds exploded in a hail of gunfire.


    Rat-tat-tat-tat-tat!


    The air shattered with the deafening roar of automatic weapons, muzzle flashes painting the night with bursts of orange light.


    Bullets ripped through the air, churning up dirt and sparks as they struck stone.


    "Shit!" Ethan''s body moved before his mind could catch up. Driven by pure survival instinct, he lunged sideways into a desperate roll, feeling the searing heat of a bullet slicing through his shoulder.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 100 - 100: Run Ethan Run

    "Shit!" Ethan''s body moved before his mind could catch up. Driven by pure survival instinct, he lunged sideways into a desperate roll, feeling the searing heat of a bullet slicing through his shoulder.


    Pain flared through his nerves, but adrenaline shoved it aside as he scrambled to his feet and sprinted toward the nearest cover, a large boulder jutting from the hillside.


    Bullets chased his heels, striking sparks from the rocks as the ground kicked up in bursts of dirt and shattered stone.


    His breath burned in his throat, his wounded shoulder throbbing with each step, but somehow, impossibly, he made it behind the boulder.


    Pressing his back against the rough stone, Ethan clutched his bleeding shoulder and gasped for air.


    "Dammit¡­ dammit¡­!" His pulse pounded in his ears, nearly drowning out the distant shouts of the gunmen. ''Why?! Why is this happening?!''


    From beyond the boulder, the old man''s voice echoed through the night, calm, cold, and final.


    "Ethan Carter¡­ you should''ve known better. No one crosses the Wells family and walks away."


    The thunderous roar of machine guns split the air, and the muzzle flashes painted the night in bursts of orange light.


    "Shit!" Ethan''s heart pounded as instinct kicked in.


    Without thinking, he dove to the side, rolling across the dirt in a desperate attempt to escape the hail of bullets. Dust exploded around him as the ground was torn apart by gunfire.


    Even with the chaos, Ethan''s luck or perhaps something more, saved him. Though it should have been a death trap, he only took a single bullet to the shoulder.


    Gritting his teeth through the pain, he pushed himself up and scrambled toward the nearest cover, a large boulder jutting from the hillside.


    Panting hard, he pressed his back against the rough stone, blood soaking through his shirt. His shoulder throbbed with every heartbeat, but at least he was alive. For now.


    "Oii¡­ you fucking old man! What the hell are you doing?!" Ethan shouted, his voice echoing off the hillside.


    The old man''s calm, almost amused voice answered from beyond the rock. "Isn''t it obvious? I''m here to take your life."


    The words hit harder than the bullet. Ethan''s mind spun as the pieces fell into place.


    ''So that''s why he was so cautious¡­ He wasn''t preparing to kill someone else, he was preparing to kill me! And worst of all¡­ I helped him design the perfect trap for myself.''


    Ethan clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as the reality of the situation sank in.


    ''If I hadn''t left myself a backup plan¡­ I''d be dead already.''


    "Damn you, fucking old man!" Ethan hissed under his breath. "You actually made me dig my own grave!"


    The old man, meanwhile, watched the scene unfold with a faint frown. Despite the overwhelming firepower, Ethan had managed to escape their initial assault.


    He''s faster than I expected¡­ and luckier and then he remembered the words of Alex ''he is like a cockroach''. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Without hesitation, The old man raised his hand again. "Next squad¡­move in!"


    Three black-clad figures emerged from the shadows, each holding a grenade in their gloved hands.


    "Fire in the hole!" One of them called as the grenades arced through the air, their metal casings glinting in the moonlight before landing near Ethan''s hiding spot.


    Ethan''s eyes widened. "What the hell?! Grenades now?! Isn''t this bit of overkill?!"


    The realization hit like a punch to the gut, this wasn''t just a trap. This was enough firepower to wipe out an entire platoon of a military.


    ''They''re not taking any chances¡­ with me.''


    Despite the shock, Ethan didn''t hesitate. His survival instincts kicked in once more. Ignoring the pain in his shoulder, he dove forward, rolling across the dirt as explosions erupted behind him.


    The blasts sent shockwaves through the air, and sharp fragments of stone and metal tore through the space where he''d been seconds earlier.


    Heat and dust filled his lungs as he pushed himself onward, weaving through the chaos with desperate determination.


    His body screamed in protest as shrapnel sliced through his back, leaving a deep gash that burned with searing pain. Still, he kept moving. His only thought was to escape.


    ''Don''t stop. Don''t stop. Don''t stop!''


    Finally, he broke through the barrage, stumbling into the cover of the nearby forest. Branches slapped at his face, and roots threatened to trip his feet, but Ethan kept going, driven by the primal need to survive.


    The old man watched the forest''s edge in silence, his eyes narrowing as Ethan vanished into the trees.


    The faint hum of insects and the distant crackle of flames were the only sounds that remained.


    "¡­He escaped?" The disbelief in his voice was clear.


    One of the gunmen approached cautiously. "Sir, he''s wounded. There''s no way he''ll make it far."


    Edwin and the old man frown deepened as Edwin pulled out his phone and dialed. After two rings, the call connected.


    "Mr. Alex¡­ I have to apologize. It seems that the cockroach managed to slip through our net after all."


    On the other end of the line, Alex remained silent for a moment, the faint crackle of his lighter audible through the phone.


    "¡­I''m not surprised." His voice was calm, almost amused. ''The so-called ''protagonist of fate''¡ªalways finding a way to survive, no matter the odds.'' He exhaled slowly, the sound of his sigh drifting through the other line.


    ''Even with his luck running dry, he still managed to cheat death one more time.''


    The old man glanced toward the forest. "Don''t worry though. He won''t get far. We''ve got teams combing the area. It''s only a matter of time before they find him."


    "See that they do," Alex replied, his voice taking on a sharper edge.


    ''I''ll be waiting at the mountain pass. He has no other way down. When he reaches me¡­ I''ll finish this myself.''


    ¡­.


    Halfway down the mountain, a sleek black car sat parked beside the narrow road. Smoke curled lazily from the half-finished cigarette between Alex''s fingers as he gazed out over the valley below.


    There''s only one path off this mountain.


    Alex tapped the ash from his cigarette, his sharp eyes scanning the darkness with patient anticipation.


    ''You can run, Ethan Carter¡­ but tonight, you won''t escape.''


    ¡­


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 Chapter 101 - 101: Ethan Desperate Grovels

    Branches scratched against Ethan Carter''s face as he stumbled through the dense undergrowth, each ragged breath tearing through his lungs.


    His blood-soaked shirt clung to his body, and every step sent shockwaves of pain through his injured shoulder and back. His vision wavered, dark spots dancing at the edges of his sight, but he forced himself to keep moving.


    ''I can''t stop. Not now¡­''


    Somewhere behind him, the distant sound of search teams echoed through the night, footsteps, breaking branches, faint voices calling to one another. They were closing in.


    Ethan gritted his teeth, wiping sweat from his brow with a trembling hand. His legs burned from exhaustion, and the blood loss was making it harder to think straight. Just when he thought he couldn''t push any further, a shadow emerged from the trees ahead.


    "Who''s there?!" Ethan''s instincts flared, and he staggered to a halt, fists clenching despite his weakness.


    The figure stepped closer, illuminated by a shaft of moonlight filtering through the canopy. It was an older man, his clothes torn and worn from rough living. His eyes widened as they met Ethan''s.


    "Ethan? Is that you?" The man''s voice held both surprise and concern. "It''s me, Harold, Harold Winters!"


    Ethan blinked in confusion, his sluggish mind struggling to process the sudden appearance. "Mr. Harold¡­? What are you doing here?"


    Harold rushed toward him, eyes flicking over Ethan''s bloodied form. "Good God, what happened to you?!"


    "I¡­ I can''t explain right now. They''re after me¡­ I need to¡ª"


    "Say no more, kid!" Harold cut him off, slipping an arm around Ethan''s waist to support his weight. "Come on! We''ve gotta get you out of here before they catch up."


    Ethan hesitated for a moment, but exhaustion and blood loss dulled his instincts. Without questioning why Harold was here, he leaned into the older man''s support, grateful for the help.


    ''At least I''m not alone¡­'' They staggered forward together, branches snapping beneath their feet. But after only a few steps¡­


    Schlick!


    A cold, sharp sensation pierced Ethan''s chest, just below his heart. Pain exploded through his body, stealing the air from his lungs. He gasped, stumbling as his knees buckled beneath him.


    "What¡­?" Ethan''s breath hitched as he looked down. A glint of silver caught his eye, Harold''s hand gripping the hilt of a bloodied knife buried in his chest. His gaze shot up, meeting Harold''s eyes.


    "Mr.¡­ Harold¡­?" His voice cracked with disbelief.


    Harold''s face twisted into a mask of bitter rage. "Damn you, Ethan! You ruined my life!"


    The words hit harder than the knife.


    "What are you¡­ talking about¡­?" Ethan choked out, blood bubbling on his lips.


    "Don''t play dumb!" Harold spat. "Because of you, my family fell apart! I lost everything, my home, my business! You lived in luxury while I had to scrape by like a rat! I won''t let you keep living your perfect life while I rot in the gutter!"


    Before Ethan could react, Harold twisted the knife and yanked it free, sending another wave of agony through his chest.


    "AAAHH¡ª!!" Ethan''s scream echoed through the forest, scattering birds from the treetops. His vision blurred as blood poured from the wound. His legs gave out, and he collapsed to his knees.


    ''This is it¡­ I''m going to die here¡­''


    But somewhere deep inside, a fire still burned.


    ''No¡­ Not like this!''


    Gritting his teeth, Ethan lunged forward with the last of his strength. His hand shot out, grabbing Harold''s wrist before he could strike again.


    The older man''s eyes widened in shock as Ethan wrenched the knife from his grasp and, in one swift motion, slashed across Harold''s throat.


    "Guh¡ª!" Harold staggered back, clutching his neck as blood gushed between his fingers. He collapsed onto the forest floor, eyes wide with disbelief even as the light faded from them.


    Panting heavily, Ethan clutched the knife tightly, his vision swimming as he struggled to stay conscious. The world around him seemed to spin, and each breath came shallower than the last.


    ''I have to keep moving¡­ If I stop now, it''s over.''


    Staggering to his feet, he pressed a hand against his bleeding chest and forced himself forward, stumbling blindly through the forest.


    By the time Ethan reached the mountain''s halfway point, his body was on the verge of collapse. His clothes were soaked with blood, and every step felt like walking through thick mud.


    Yet, through sheer willpower, he kept moving, until he saw a figure waiting by the roadside.


    The faint glow of a cigarette burned against the darkness, illuminating the man''s sharp features as he pkay with his lighter into the cool night air.


    His tailored black coat hung loosely over his shoulders, and the faint gleam of a wristwatch caught the moonlight as he flicked clink gis lighter again.


    Ethan''s heart clenched in his chest.


    ''¡­Alex Reid.'' The realization hit him like a punch to the gut. The cold glint in Alex''s eyes, the faint smirk curling at his lips, it all made sense now.


    "This¡­ this was all your doing!" Ethan''s voice was hoarse, thick with pain and fury. "You planned everything! You set That bastard old man on me¡­ you turned old bastard Harold against me¡­ All of this, because you wanted me dead!"


    Alex took a slow clink of his lighter again, exhaling a deep coldy breath without a word. His eyes, dark and unflinching, watched Ethan with a calm, almost bored expression.


    The silence was deafening.


    Ethan staggered forward, gripping the bloodied knife tightly in his hand. Rage burned through his veins, pushing back the haze of pain.


    "Why, Alex?! WHY?!"


    Compared to Ethan Carter''s bloodshot eyes blazing with fury, Alex Reid remained composed, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.


    "That''s right." His voice was calm, almost casual, as he flicked from his lighter at Ethan Direction. "Everything that''s happened tonight was my doing. But so what?"


    "You¡ª!" Ethan staggered forward, his blood-soaked fingers trembling from pain and rage. But the words caught in his throat.


    Because Alex was right.


    With his body battered from gunshots, shrapnel wounds, and stab injuries, Ethan could barely stand. His vision swam, and his strength was rapidly fading. Fighting back was impossible.


    But even so¡ª His thoughts remain the same.


    ''I can''t die here. I have to survive¡­ No matter what!''


    Ethan forced one foot forward, then another. His steps were unsteady, but determination burned in his eyes as he closed the distance between them. Then, without hesitation¡ª


    THUD!


    He dropped to his knees before Alex.


    Gone was the pride of a so-called "child of destiny." Ethan no longer cared about dignity. Right now, survival was all that mattered.


    "Please, Alex!" His voice cracked with desperation as he bowed his head. "Let me go this time! I swear, if I make it out of this alive, I''ll repay you a thousand times over!" S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Without waiting for a response, Ethan began bowing repeatedly, his forehead striking the rocky ground with dull thuds.


    Blood smeared the dirt as he kowtowed again and again, each impact more frantic than the last.


    Alex watched in silence, his expression unreadable. He''d anticipated a final struggle, maybe some desperate attack, but this? This was almost disappointing.


    ''So this is the so-called ''chosen one''¡­'' Still, watching Ethan grovel at his feet brought a twisted sense of satisfaction.


    After a moment, Alex exhaled a slow breath, Putting his lighter aside before reaching into his coat pocket. He pulled out a car key and casually tossed it onto the ground in front of Ethan.


    "Alright, enough of that. Take the car and go."


    "¡­Y-You''re letting me go?" Ethan''s breath hitched as he stared at the key, his eyes wide with disbelief.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 102 - 102: Last Step… Tik… tok… Tik

    "Alright, enough of that. Take the car and go."


    "¡­Y-You''re letting me go?" Ethan''s breath hitched as he stared at the key, his eyes wide with disbelief.


    Alex shrugged, turning to glance at the dark road winding down the mountainside. "What? You don''t want it? I can always take it back¡ª"


    "No, no!" Ethan scrambled forward, snatching up the key with trembling fingers. His eyes shone with a flicker of hope as he clutched the metal tightly against his chest. "Thank you¡­ Thank you, Alex! I swear, you won''t regret this!"


    Fueled by adrenaline and desperation, Ethan stumbled toward the black Car parked nearby. His vision blurred from blood loss, but the promise of escape gave him the strength to push forward. He collapsed into the driver''s seat, gripping the steering wheel with white-knuckled hands.


    ''I made it¡­ I''m going to live!''


    The engine roared to life, headlights slicing through the darkness as Ethan pressed down on the gas pedal. The tires kicked up gravel as the car sped down the winding mountain road, disappearing into the night.


    Alex stepped closer to the edge of the overlook, watching the red taillights vanish around a curve. He lit another cigarette, the faint glow illuminating his smirk.


    "Even with all the luck in the world¡­ I doubt you can drive down a mountain with no brakes."


    As if on Waiting for it¡ª


    SCREEEEECH!


    The distant sound of tires skidding on asphalt echoed through the night, followed by the harsh crunch of metal scraping against rock. Then¡ª


    CRASH!


    The car broke through the guardrail, tumbling down the steep mountainside in a cascade of twisted metal and shattered glass.


    Sparks and debris scattered through the air as the car rolled over and over before finally coming to a crumpled stop at the bottom of the road.


    Alex exhaled a slow breath of smoke, peering down at the wreckage far below.


    "¡­No way he''s getting up from that."


    The car was barely recognizable, its frame crushed inward from the repeated impacts. Flames licked at the twisted wreckage, illuminating the shattered windshield and warped metal.


    Alex was about to turn away when¡ª


    SCRAPE¡­


    A faint sound echoed from the wreckage. Then¡ª


    THUD!


    The crumpled driver''s side door was shoved open with a metallic groan.


    "What the¡ª?!"


    Alex''s Lighter slipped from his fingers as his eyes widened.


    Through the smoke and flames, a battered figure slowly dragged itself from the wreckage. Blood soaked Ethan''s torn clothing, his face smeared with soot and grime.


    His left arm hung limp at his side, broken from the impact, while his right hand clawed against the ground, pulling him forward inch by inch.


    His breath rasped through cracked ribs, and fresh wounds bled freely from where shards of glass had pierced his flesh.


    Yet somehow¡­ He was still alive.


    "¡­You''ve gotta be kidding me!" Alex whispered under his breath, unable to tear his eyes away from the impossible sight.


    "Gunshot wounds¡­ shrapnel¡­ stab wounds¡­ a car crash off a cliff¡­" Alex listed each injury aloud, shaking his head in disbelief. "How the hell is he still breathing?!"


    Even a man with the strongest luck shouldn''t have survived this much punishment. Yet Ethan, crawling on hands and knees through the dirt and glass, refused to die like a damn cockroach.


    Alex''s eyes narrowed.


    ''¡­But it doesn''t matter. I came prepared for this.''


    Reaching into his coat, he pulled out a sleek black phone and unlocked the screen. A single app was already open, displaying a countdown timer linked to the car''s hidden payload, a remote-detonated explosive he''d installed as a last resort. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    3:00¡­ 2:59¡­ 2:58¡­


    He hadn''t expected to use it, but after everything that had happened tonight, he wasn''t about to leave anything to chance.


    "¡­Sorry, Ethan." Alex''s thumb hovered over the detonate button. "But even your luck has to run out sometime."


    At the bottom of the road, Ethan Carter dragged himself from the mangled wreckage of the car, every breath rattling in his shattered chest.


    Blood soaked through his torn clothes, but against all odds, he was still alive. His gaze lifted toward the mountaintop, where a faint silhouette stood against the night sky. Despite his agony, a smile crept across Ethan''s battered face.


    "Heh¡­ heh¡­ Alex you bastard¡­" His voice was hoarse, but the defiance in his eyes burned bright. "Did you really think¡­ this would be enough to kill me? I''m still standing¡­ I survived!"


    His ragged laughter echoed through the ravine, strained but triumphant.


    "Try all you want¡ªyou''ll never¡ª"


    RING! RING!


    A sharp, metallic ringtone pierced the air, cutting Ethan''s laughter short. His eyes darted toward the wreckage behind him¡ªwhere a faint blue light flickered from within the car.


    "¡­No¡­ No, no, no!"


    BOOM!


    A deafening explosion shattered the night as flames erupted from the car, engulfing Ethan in a fiery inferno. The shockwave rolled through the Road, shaking the ground beneath Alex''s feet.


    From the mountaintop, Alex shielded his eyes against the burst of light. Smoke and fire billowed into the air, casting flickering shadows across the jagged rocks below. The distant echoes of Ethan''s final, desperate scream faded into silence.


    And then¡ª


    [DING!]


    A crisp, resonant chime echoed within Alex''s mind, clear as a bell in the still air.


    [Congratulations!]


    [Objective Complete!]


    [Target: ''Child of Destiny'' ¡ª Successfully Eliminated]


    [Reward Unlocked:


    -Future Information: A new ''Child of Destiny'' will emerge shortly. Their actions will soon begin to unfold. Stay alert and maintain vigilance.]


    [System Update: A new system option will be unlocked soon in the future.]


    [Access will be granted once initialization is complete.]


    [System Process: Analyzing current worldlines¡­]


    [System Process: Monitoring potential ''Child of Destiny''¡­]


    [Advisory Notice: Continuous Observation Protocol Activated]


    [Stay prepared. Future events may impact your mission trajectory.]


    Alex exhaled slowly, releasing the tension of the current protagonist being eliminated from his shoulders as he took fresh air into his lungs and then breathed it out.


    "Damn¡­ Killing a Child of Destiny isn''t easy, even after draining so much of his luck." He chuckled under his breath. "Good thing I had a backup plan."


    "And there will be another protagonist soon. Huh!!!"


    Sirens wailed in the distance as emergency vehicles approached the scene. The city authorities would arrive soon. Alex adjusted his coat, already preparing the airtight alibi he''d carefully arranged.


    ¡­.


    Sure enough, after a brief questioning session at the city''s Police Deoartment, Alex was released without issue.


    His status, combined with solid evidence proving he''d been nowhere near the crash site, ensured the matter was quickly closed.


    Stepping out of the Bureau''s glass doors, Alex adjusted his cufflinks and took a breath of the crisp night air¡­


    ''Now let''s wait for Another pig that will be slaughtered.''


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 103 - 103: Enjoying & New Problem

    Xx Days later:


    It had been a few days since Alex dealt with Ethan. Life had started to feel lighter, like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.


    The tension that had followed him for so long was now gone. With more time and freedom, Alex decided to enjoy the days ahead without thinking too much about the past.


    One evening, Alex found himself at a casino downtown. The flashing lights, ringing sounds of slot machines, and lively chatter filled the air. It wasn''t about winning for Alex¡ªit was about the fun and thrill of the game.


    He sat at a blackjack table, placing bets and enjoying the rush of each card flip. Some hands he won, others he lost, but the excitement made it worth it.


    After a few rounds, he moved to the slot machines, pulling the lever and watching the symbols spin.


    The machine beeped and clinked as coins fell out here and there, but Alex wasn''t chasing a jackpot.


    He played until his pockets felt a little lighter, then stepped away with a smile, satisfied with the night''s fun.


    The next day, Alex decided to visit a nearby bar to relax and clear his head. The warm glow of the lights and soft hum of music created a cozy atmosphere.


    He sat by the counter, ordering a simple whiskey on the rocks. The bartender, a friendly man with a knowing smile, chatted with Alex as he poured the drink.


    Sipping slowly, Alex watched the crowd¡ªpeople laughing, talking, and enjoying their night. The calm buzz of the bar felt like a welcome break from the chaos of the past.


    Over the following days, Alex found joy in simple things. He strolled through the city streets, stopping at shops that caught his eye.


    A sleek leather jacket from a boutique store, a pair of stylish sunglasses from a street vendor¡ªeach purchase brought a small sense of satisfaction.


    He didn''t splurge recklessly, but he allowed himself a few treats to celebrate the fresh start.


    On a sunny afternoon, Alex wandered into a local caf¨¦. The air smelled of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries.


    Finding a seat by the window, he ordered a cappuccino and a croissant, enjoying the peaceful moment as sunlight streamed through the glass.


    Watching people pass by, Alex felt a sense of calm he hadn''t known in a long time.


    When evening rolled around, Alex occasionally returned to the casino, more for the lively atmosphere than the games.


    Sometimes he''d try his luck at roulette, placing chips on red or black just to see what fate had in store. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Other times, he simply watched the crowds, soaking in the energy of people chasing their fortunes. He never let himself get carried away, after all, it was about the fun, not the money.


    On quieter days, Alex stayed home, appreciating the comfort of his space. A good book in hand, soft music playing in the background, these simple pleasures became part of his routine.


    Sometimes, he scrolled through his phone, looking at things he might buy, a new watch, a pair of boots, or a bottle of cologne that caught his interest. Each small purchase felt like a reward of dealing with Ethan.


    Occasionally, Alex visited the local gym to keep himself in shape. The rhythmic clink of weights and steady hum of treadmills created a familiar background noise.


    Lifting weights, running, and stretching helped him clear his mind, releasing the tension that still lingered from time to time. The physical effort grounded him, reminding him of his strength both inside and out.


    Evenings often found Alex exploring new spots around the city. A rooftop bar with a view of the city lights, a hidden jazz club with smooth music and dim lighting, each place offered a different kind of escape.


    Sometimes he met new people, sharing drinks and stories without revealing too much of his past. Other times, he preferred to sit alone, quietly taking in the atmosphere.


    And even giving some money to charities and donating on online streaming, anything to keep him feeling rewarded for some time.


    Alex was now sitting in the office thinking about something.


    Knock!


    Knock!


    Knock!


    "Come in."


    The heavy wooden door swung open, revealing a man dressed in a tailored black suit. He wore a pair of thin gold-rimmed glasses, his demeanor refined yet carrying an unmistakable air of treachery, like a textbook example of a cunning schemer.


    Stepping forward, the man gave a slight bow before speaking in a respectful tone. "Sir, there''s been an incident at our hospital just like you predicted previously, that if someone troublesome appears at our sites and if that happens¡­ it is to inform you immediately. It is a young man who broke into the emergency room and assaulted our doctors¡­" His voice was calm.


    Mr. Waters glanced at Alex''s back, which remained motionless as if the report hadn''t piqued his interest. After a brief hesitation, he added, "That young man seems to be quite close to Sera, the girl who turned you down before Rose."


    Alex finally turned around, his gaze settling on the well-dressed man before him.


    ''He finally appeared huh!''


    Alex leaned back onto the sofa, tapping his fingers against the armrest before speaking in a calm tone. "Go through the legal procedure. Call the Authorities as usual."


    "Understood! Anything else sir?"


    Alex Reid casually poured himself a glass of red wine, swirling the liquid as he spoke in an indifferent tone. "Yes, call the related authorities. Several of our doctors were assaulted, weren''t they? Shouldn''t he compensate for medical fees, lost wages, and emotional distress? Psychological trauma and I assume they were seriously injured too?"


    Mr. Waters felt as if a massive question mark had appeared above his head.


    "Oh, right."


    Alex suddenly thought of something, his tone taking on a hint of amusement. "What about the hospital equipment? Any damages? Our medical devices are all imported and quite expensive."


    Mr. Waters, who was still trying to process the situation, quickly snapped back to reality. "One device was damaged¡­ No, actually, three. Each worth hundreds of thousands. And he also seriously injured five highly paid foreign specialists. We definitely need to report this to the authorities."


    Alex Reid nodded in satisfaction. "Now that''s more like it."


    "Understood sit! I will begin the procedure immediately." Mr. Waters said as he left the room to fulfill the order of Alex.


    "As expected of the protagonist, an arrogant bastard beyond reason." This was the first major conflict between him and this second protagonist.


    And just as he was thinking about it, a system message chimed in his mind.


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 104 - 104: New System Features

    [Ding!]


    [Congratulations! Two new system features have been unlocked:]


    ?[Critical Points] ¨C Whenever a Protagonist'' suffered emotional or mental distress, Critical Points would be generated. These points could then be used to purchase various items from the system''s shop.


    ?[System Shop] ¨C Access a variety of items, skills, and enhancements through Critical points.


    [Alert! A New Protagonist Has Appeared!]


    [Warning! Please be advised: You are approaching a pivotal plot event critical to the storyline. Any deviation may result in unforeseen consequences.]


    [Initiating original timeline transmission¡­ Loading 100%]


    [In the original plot, protagonist Eric Vaughn descended from the mountains after over a decade of reclusive training. By chance, he encountered the female lead, Sera, in a city park. Despite the park being filled with people, none stepped forward to assist the elegant young woman, who had twisted her ankle. Seizing the moment, the protagonist utilized his God-level medical skills, acquired through years of isolated practice, to treat her injury on the spot.]


    [Plot Progression Notice: Before the protagonist could capitalize on this encounter, Sera''s phone rang. The call was from the hospital¡ªher grandfather''s condition had abruptly worsened, prompting the family to gather immediately. Please prepare accordingly.]


    Alex Reid smirked. "Now that''s the kind of trashy plot I expected."


    ¡­..


    So after that the story goes like this¡­


    After arriving at the hospital with the female lead, Eric Vaughn wasted no time before taking matters into his own hands.


    Ignoring the skepticism of the Klienberg family and the disdainful looks from various relatives, he boldly declared that he could save the old man.


    And so, he did what every overpowered protagonist would¡­he forced his way into the operating room, ignoring the objections of the doctors and performing an elaborate, mystical acupuncture technique that no ordinary person could comprehend.


    Just like that, the Klienberg family''s old man, also the Head of the Kleinberg family, was pulled back from the gates of death.


    It was a perfectly executed flex.


    The entire Klienberg family stood in stunned silence, their earlier contempt completely shattered. Eric, having successfully showcased his miraculous abilities, had officially secured his connection to the powerful Klienberg family.


    This marked the start of his meteoric rise¡­gaining influence, humiliating arrogant Sirs, and, of course, building his ever-expanding harem.


    ¡­..


    At first glance, the sequence of events almost seemed reasonable in the ridiculous logic of these stories.


    ''But seriously¡­why did he have to hit people while saving a life?! What kind of twisted reasoning made him think it was acceptable to assault trained doctors just because they got in the way of his grandstanding?''


    ''Since when did performing unauthorized medical procedures without a license make him the righteous one?''


    Alex Reid internally cursed the novel''s author logic. But now? His gaze shifted toward the glowing interface of his system''s new feature which was connected to the shop feature.


    The system''s mechanics were absurdly simple: whenever a Protagonist'' suffered emotional or mental distress, Critical Points would be generated. These points could then be used to purchase various items from the system''s shop. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡­..


    Meanwhile, at City State Police Department


    "Officer, I''m innocent. When can I leave? My time is very valuable, you know." Eric Vaughn sat in the interrogation room, his legs crossed in an exaggeratedly casual manner.


    His white dress shirt was wrinkled, and his ripped jeans¡­ complete with strategically placed tears¡­ only served to enhance his mysterious bad-boy aura.


    Even sitting in a police station, his overpowering charisma remained undiminished.


    His insufferable arrogance made the officers around him want to roll their eyes into another dimension.


    "Mr. Eric, this is a police station. Please show some respect," a young officer finally snapped, his patience wearing thin. His expression was stern, his voice sharp.


    But Eric?


    He smirked. A slight, condescending curve of his lips¡­ because he didn''t care.


    Why should he? With his godlike medical skills, he wasn''t just some nobody who had to bow his head in fear.


    Forget the rookie officer in front of him¡­ even if the police Superior walked in, he wouldn''t even bat an eye.


    After all, he was the ''Carefree Miraculous Doctor''¡­ a prodigy¡­ a man who could save lives with one hand and take them with the other.


    And behind him stood three legendary mentors:


    One, a doctor whose medical skills surpassed all known medicine. Another, a poison master feared throughout the world. And the last? A world-class assassin.


    Eric Vaughn was not someone to be trifled with.


    So what if he roughed up a few nobodies? At worst, he''d throw some cash their way, and the problem would be solved auVictoratically.


    His patience was running thin. His fingers tapped against the table rhythmically.


    "Hasn''t the Klienberg family arrived yet?" His impatience was evident.


    As Eric Vaughn impatiently urged the officers, his tone growing increasingly irritated, a middle-aged officer approached, holding a report in his hand.


    "Mr. Vaughn, according to the official report from Reid Medical, your actions have already constituted a criminal offense. The five doctors you assaulted have all been diagnosed with first-degree injuries, and in addition, you damaged three pieces of medical equipment¡­ worth more than half a million each piece of equipment."


    "Bullshit!" Before the officer could even finish, Eric slammed his hand on the table, his face contorted in rage.


    "Watch your attitude!"


    "How dare you talk to Captain Brooks like that?"


    The officers in the interrogation room, already annoyed by Eric''s arrogance, shot him sharp glares. Ever since he was brought in, he had been acting as if the entire police station was beneath him, looking at everyone like they were insects.


    Captain Brooks wasn''t having any of it. He slammed the report down onto Eric''s face.


    "Read it yourself. You illegally performed medical procedures at a hospital without a license, then assaulted the doctors who tried to stop you. Do you seriously think you''re in the right?" Eric clenched his jaw and snatched the report from the table, his eyes scanning the contents.


    Fractured fingers¡­Broken ribs¡­ six of them?! Severe brain trauma¡­ high probability of a vegetative state?!


    His breath hitched. This was impossible. "No way. There''s absolutely no way!" Eric felt his heart drop. He knew how hard he had hit them.


    He hadn''t even used real force¡­ hell, they shouldn''t have had more than a few bruises at worst. So how the hell were they this badly injured?


    "This has to be a mistake! Those people weren''t hurt that badly¡­ I barely touched them!" Eric''s voice wavered, his unease growing.


    Captain Brooks let out a dry chuckle. "The five doctors you attacked? Reid Medical paid a fortune to bring them in from overseas. They were specialists, experts in their fields."


    ¡­


    Bonus Chapters on: 500, 1000, 1500 Power Stones.


    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 105 - 105: New Passive Skill

    "The five doctors you attacked? Reid Medical paid a fortune to bring them in from overseas. They were specialists, experts in their fields."


    "No, no¡­ something''s not right." Eric''s fingers tightened around the report as a wave of unease crashed over him. He had been set up. Someone was screwing him over.


    "I only wanted to save someone! They were the ones stopping me! I had no choice but to act! And besides, I did save the Head of the Kleinberg Family life!" Eric''s voice was edged with desperation now.


    Captain Brooks scoffed. "One thing has nothing to do with the other. Even if you saved someone, it doesn''t erase the fact that you severely injured five people in the process."


    A young female officer with shoulder-length hair crossed her arms, clicking her tongue in disapproval. "Just a second ago, you were saying you didn''t hit them. Now you''re admitting you did. Which is it? Liar."


    Eric''s expression darkened, but before he could retort, Captain Brooks cut in.


    "Enough." He sat down, his voice turning colder. "You should start thinking about compensation. The families of those five doctors are planning to sue you. And let''s not forget the hospital equipment you destroyed¡­ those machines were imported, there aren''t any replacements available in the country. Patients are now left without the tools they need for treatment. This isn''t just a fine, Mr. Eric. This is a criminal offense. You''re looking at jail time."


    The weight of the word ''Jail'' slammed into Eric like a truck.


    Jail? He was the legendary Carefree Miracle Doctor, the man who could save lives with one hand and take them with the other! He had only just left the mountains, and they wanted to throw him into prison?


    This had to be a joke.


    "Where''s the Kleinberg family? Where''s Sera Kleinberg? I need to see them." His panic was barely contained now, but his mind was racing.


    He had definitely been set up. Someone had manipulated this situation to trap him.


    Right now, his only chance at understanding what the hell was going on¡­ and getting himself out of this mess¡­ was to talk to the Kleinbergs.


    ¡­.


    Reid Medical Center


    Outside the VIP Ward


    Several members of the Kleinberg family stood scattered across the hallway, their expressions ranging from irritation to indifference.


    "The hospital wants to hold that kid accountable. Something about this feels off. I think we should stay out of it."


    "Hmph! That bitch, Sera¡­ just when that old fossil was finally about to kick the bucket, she somehow managed to drag in some lunatic and saved him."


    "Watch your mouth! He''s still our father!"


    "Oh, please. Like you haven''t secretly wished for him to die sooner."


    "Enough. Shut up, all of you." The eldest son, Logan Kleinberg, rubbed his temples in frustration before cutting through the argument.


    "The hospital has sent us a compensation request. That punk, name Eric Vaughn, injured multiple specialist doctors when he barged into the emergency room. He also wrecked some imported medical equipment. The total damages are in millions if we include all the things."


    At that, one of the Kleinberg wives shot up from her seat. "That kid did all of that! Why the hell should we pay for it?"


    "Because he''s broke."


    "Then let him rot in prison."


    Logan''s younger sister, Vanessa Kleinberg, crossed her arms, her expression dark. "Isn''t he close with Sera? Let her cover the damages. Our father left her quite the inheritance. Taking out some millions should be nothing for her."


    The hallway remained filled with hushed murmurs and heated arguments.


    ¡­.


    Inside the VIP Ward


    Sera Kleinberg sat quietly beside the hospital bed, resting her forehead in her hand, exhaustion evident in her posture.


    Ever since her parents passed away, she had known that her so-called ''relatives'' despised her.


    It wasn''t a secret. They tolerated her presence purely out of obligation to her grandfather. If it weren''t for his protection, they would have driven her out long ago.


    But what she hadn''t expected was that they wouldn''t even wait for her grandfather to pass away before openly discussing how to split his inheritance.


    It was disgusting. Had she not run into that ''random man'' by sheer luck, her grandfather wouldn''t have made it through today.


    He was the last family she had left in this world.


    ''¡­Wait. What was that doctor''s name again?'' Sera frowned, tapping her temple in frustration. How could she forget to ask?


    In all the chaos, she had been too desperate to save her grandfather. She had barely registered anything beyond his medical skills.


    Thinking back, her first impression of him wasn''t great. There was something about him that felt¡­ insufferably arrogant.


    "And I didn''t even get his contact information." Sera sighed. She had wanted to properly thank him, but it seemed like he wasn''t the type to seek fame or fortune.


    A selfless doctor who only wanted to save lives¡­ Maybe I misjudged him.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile¡­


    [Destined Protagonist ''Eric Vaughn'' has suffered a mental breakdown. Congratulations. You have received 500 Critical Points.]


    Alex Reid raised an eyebrow.


    "Again?" This so-called "Prodigy Doctor" was surprisingly fragile.


    It had barely been an hour since Eric got thrown into a holding cell, and he had already accumulated a total of 2,500 Collapse Points.


    That meant one thing¡ªEric Vaughn ''The Protagonist'' was breaking down alas slowly that is.


    Alex smirked, swirling his wine glass lazily.


    "I know you''re in a hurry, but you''ll have to wait." Sipping his drink, he pulled up the system interface.


    [Name : Alex Reid]


    [Critical Points: 2500]


    [Reward: Extra Gift Pack]


    "Huh?" Alex raised an eyebrow.


    "Starter Gift Pack?" He hadn''t noticed it earlier. Curious, he tapped into it. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Open the Gift Pack."


    [The Gift Pack has been opened. Congratulations, you have acquired the passive skill: Wolf in Sheep''s Clothing and the title: Modern-Day Villain.]


    Alex frowned.


    "Wolf in Sheep''s Clothing? What the hell is that supposed to mean?"


    ¡­


    Bonus Chapters on: 500, 1000, 1500 Power Stones.


    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 106 - 106: Fifteen Days

    "Wolf in Sheep''s Clothing? What the hell is that supposed to mean?"


    [Wolf in Sheep''s Clothing: Charisma +10. Minimum charisma threshold -100.]


    [Modern-Day Villain: Equipping this title increases the probability of encountering Destiny''s Protagonists. Additionally, those related to or near the title bearer are immune to the "IQ Suppression Aura" of Destiny''s Protagonists.]


    The title made sense to him, but the passive skill felt downright insulting.


    "Seriously? Lowering my charisma threshold to negative? That''s just mean."


    Alex grumbled under his breath as he pondered how to deal with Eric Vaughn, the so-called protagonist of destiny.


    Eric, as a protagonist, was practically untouchable like Ethan. The police could hold him for a few days at best, but he''d inevitably be released.


    Once out, Eric would definitely come for revenge.


    He had read this novel too and after the system explained it to him he was sure it was the one he had read, would anyone believe that it was written by the same author?


    And many people came to his second work just to write absurd comments about his first work and belittle him, and even after that many ended up reading that second novel too and after that another review and comments for the second work.


    Alex''s lips twisted into a smirk. He clearly remembered that one of Eric''s three mentors was a world-class assassin. That meant Eric himself wasn''t weak.


    Most importantly, he knew how to use poison.


    Poison was tricky, unpredictable and hard to defend against.


    With that in mind, Alex decisively opened the System Store, his gaze sweeping over the dazzling array of bizarre items and flashy skills. Every single one of them looked tempting.


    Unfortunately, he was poor for now in critical points.


    At the moment, his wealth amounted to a measly 2500 Collapse Points.


    He began browsing.


    [Power Booster: Temporarily triples the user''s strength for three minutes. Side effect: extreme exhaustion and permanent shortening of the user''s¡­ ahem, ''manhood'' by one centimeter. Price: 500 Collapse Points.]


    "Interesting. I''ll buy it and gift it to Eric."


    [Misfortune Talisman: Causes the target to be plagued by bad luck for 24 hours. Price: 500 Collapse Points.]


    "Perfect. I''ll send it to Eric, too."


    [Gender Swap Pill: Physically transforms the user into the opposite sex for three days. Warning: Prolonged usage may cause gradual psychological alignment with the new gender. Price: 1000 Collapse Points.]


    "Oh, now this is gold. Definitely buying this for Eric."


    [Overpowered Pill: Permanently doubles all of the user''s abilities. Side effect: as described by the name. Price: 2000 Collapse Points.]


    Alex''s mouth twitched.


    "What the hell is wrong with this store? Are there no normal items here?"


    ¡­.


    While Alex was busy scrolling through the System Store and its absurdly eccentric products, his butler, Mr. Waters, returned after finishing up some errands.


    "Sir, the hospital''s surveillance footage for that time frame has been completely erased. Additionally, Head of The Kleinberg''s condition remains critical. If you wish, his health could worsen at any moment. With a case of illegal medical malpractice causing death, Eric Vaughn could be looking at a minimum of ten years in prison," Victors reported.


    After a brief pause, he adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and continued, "Furthermore, Kleinberg Family eldest son, Logan Kleinberg, has already expressed to the hospital that they''re ready to withdraw treatment."


    The implications were clear, if Head of The Kleinberg died, Eric Vaughn would take the fall for everything.


    The Kleinberg family, in fact, had been waiting for their old man''s death to divide the inheritance. And as for Eric?


    Aside from Sera Kleinberg, every other member of the family despised this outsider who''d entered their lives uninvited.


    Hearing this, Alex''s lips twitched slightly.


    "Damn, that''s ruthless." He''d only wanted Eric to spend a few days in lockup, but now Victor was ready to have the guy framed for murder and thrown into prison for life.


    Still¡­ Alex found himself smiling. "Why does this heartless plan seem so appealing?" He couldn''t help but feel a little sorry for Sera Kleinberg, though.


    Before Alex could say anything, Mr. Waters spoke again, "While I was investigating Sera Kleinberg, I uncovered something else. Her parents didn''t die in an accident. Some of the evidence suggests it was her uncle, Logan, who orchestrated their deaths. However, the clues aren''t complete enough to bring charges against him." S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex nodded in understanding.


    In the original plot, Sera''s parents were outstanding individuals, highly regarded by the Head of The Kleinberg Family as the prime candidates to inherit the family fortune. Naturally, this made them targets of envy within the family.


    The tall poppy gets cut down first.


    In the internal power struggles of the Kleinberg family, her parents had died in a car accident meticulously arranged by the eldest son Aka Logan.


    ''System, do you have evidence of Logan Kleinberg hiring someone to kill them?'' Alex asked the system, the system worked in mysterious ways and if he could get it from it it would help him in many ways and if not, then it is not like he is paying for it.


    The evidence had long since been buried, and even the police couldn''t find it after all these years. Alex could only turn to the system for help.


    [Yes. Price: 1000 Collapse Points.]


    The cost wasn''t cheap, but Alex figured he''d make Logan pay for it in the end.


    ''Buy it.'' The next moment, a small white USB drive materialized in Alex''s pocket.


    "Waters, take this and print out the contents," Alex said, handing over the USB drive.


    "Understood, Sir."


    "As for the Head of The Kleinberg¡­" Alex paused, considering his next steps.


    "Life is sacred, and we should respect it. Head of The Kleinberg could have been saved, but critical medical equipment was damaged by Eric Vaughn, which caused his condition to deteriorate. I''m sure the Kleinberg family will decide to discontinue treatment themselves."


    Head of The Kleinberg could die in many ways, but it couldn''t be by Alex''s hands.


    The difference between an unfortunate decline in health and a direct murder was very big. Though now protagonist would have to bear the consequences.


    "Understood." Victor nodded without hesitation.


    ¡­.


    Later That Evening


    At the Police Station


    "Gather your things and move quickly inside." A young officer tossed a pile of bedding and some living essentials at Eric, pointing toward an empty cell.


    Eric''s face was dark and grim.


    He, the legendary free-spirited miraculous doctor who saved lives with one hand and took them with the other, was now locked up in a detention center.


    Unbelievable.


    The most frustrating part was that Eric couldn''t get in touch with anyone from the Kleinberg family.


    "What kind of so-called prestigious family are they? Just a bunch of hypocrites." Eric let out a cold scoff, his voice laced with disdain.


    Thanks to his earlier altercation at the hospital, he had been thrown into a detention center for 15 days. On top of that, the hospital was determined to press charges against him, which meant he might actually face prison time.


    "Damn it!" he cursed under his breath.


    ¡­


    Bonus Chapters on: 500, 1000, 1500 Power Stones.


    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 107 - 107: Grandpa Is Dead

    When Eric was first detained by officer Brooks, he assumed he''d just need to explain himself, sign some papers, and be out in no time.


    After all, he had saved none other than the head of the Kleinberg family¡ªone of the four most powerful families in the city.


    They should''ve been grateful to him. If nothing else, they could''ve at least treated him like a valued guest, maybe even offered him Sera''s hand in marriage.


    But instead, things had taken an absurd turn. The officers had tried contacting the Kleinberg family, only for them to coldly claim they didn''t know who Eric was.


    "Hah, Kleinberg family. Bunch of Blind fools!" Eric muttered with a mocking smile as he picked up his bedding and walked toward the cell assigned to him.


    The temporary detention center wasn''t particularly large, but it was crowded with all sorts of petty criminals.


    As soon as Eric stepped inside, all eyes turned toward him.


    When the guards left, a group of young delinquents stood up and slowly approached him, malicious grins spreading across their faces.


    "Newcomers need to learn the rules around here," one of them said, cracking his knuckles.


    Eric smirked, his disdain evident. "Rules? You guys are nothing but ants beneath my feet."


    With three masters who had taught him everything from ancient medicine to assassination techniques, Eric didn''t even see these thugs as a threat.


    Three minutes later¡­


    The cramped cell was a scene of chaos. Seven or eight young men lay sprawled across the floor, groaning in pain.


    "A bunch of trash." Eric clapped his hands together as if dusting off filth, the irritation from the Kleinberg incident momentarily replaced by a sense of satisfaction.


    In the corner of the cell, a frail man with glasses crouched down, watching the scene in awe. His eyes sparkled with admiration as he stared at Eric, his mouth slightly agape.


    "What a powerful¡­man," the bespectacled man whispered, swallowing hard.


    ¡­.


    The Next Morning:-


    At Reid General Hospital, chaos was unfolding.


    "Grandpa¡ªwhere''s my grandpa? What happened to him?" Sera ran through the halls of the hospital, her voice trembling with panic. She had just been sitting in her university class when she received the call.


    The hospital had informed her that her grandfather''s condition had taken a sudden turn for the worse, and a critical notice had been issued.


    She hadn''t even taken the time to put on both shoes properly before rushing out of the building.


    When she finally reached the VIP ward, the corridor was packed with people, and the sound of weeping filled the air.


    Inside the room, the sight was even more gut-wrenching.


    "Dad, how could you leave us like this? What are we supposed to do now?"


    "This is all my fault¡­ Dad, you left us so soon¡­"


    The cries of grief from her relatives echoed in her ears.


    Sera stumbled to the door, her eyes wide as she took in the scene. Her grandfather, her last and only family member she truly cared about, lay lifeless on the bed. Her head buzzed, her mind going blank.


    It didn''t make sense. Just yesterday, his vitals had been stable. He was improving. How could this happen? How could he pass away in the span of a single night?


    It was too fast. Too sudden. Sera couldn''t even process it.


    Just as Sera stood there, frozen in shock, a woman''s voice broke through the silence of the hospital room. It was trembling, thick with tears. "Sera, hurry inside! You''re finally here!"


    The voice belonged to the third daughter of the Kleinberg family, who rushed forward with red, swollen eyes and grabbed Sera''s arm, pulling her into the room.


    Her grip was tight, desperate, as if letting go would make everything crumble. The faint smell of antiseptic lingered in the air, mixing with the heavy weight of grief.


    "Your grandpa¡­ he passed away half an hour ago."


    The third daughter''s words hit like a punch.


    Her voice cracked as she spoke, tears streaming down her cheeks and dripping onto the tiled floor. She wiped her face with the back of her hand, but it didn''t stop the flood of emotion.


    Sera''s heart sank as she stepped fully into the room, her shoes squeaking softly against the polished surface. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Everyone inside turned to look at Sera. The room was filled with Kleinberg family members, each one crying loudly, their faces twisted in sorrow.


    Some clutched tissues, others buried their faces in their hands. The sound of sobbing bounced off the white walls, making the small space feel even more suffocating.


    Among them was Logan, the eldest son of the now dead man. He was wailing so hard he could barely breathe, his broad shoulders shaking with every gasp.


    To anyone watching, he looked like the perfect picture of a devoted son, mourning his father''s loss. His dark suit was wrinkled, his tie loosened as if he''d been tugging at it in despair.


    "It''s all because of that bastard named Eric Vaughn!" Logan suddenly roared, his voice rough with anger and pain. He clenched his fists so tight his knuckles turned white, glaring at nothing in particular.


    "Not only did he fail to cure Dad, but he also wrecked the hospital''s medical equipment! When Dad''s condition got worse and he needed machines to save him, there was nothing left to use! If it wasn''t for that bastard, Dad wouldn''t be dead!"


    His words spilled out like venom, his chest heaving as he spat them. His face was red, veins bulging at his temples, and a few strands of his usually neat hair fell messily over his forehead. The others nodded along, muttering their agreement through their tears.


    Then the eldest daughter of the Kleinberg family stepped forward, her eyes puffy and her voice shaky.


    "That bastard is nothing but a fraud¡ªa fake doctor!" she cried, pointing an accusing finger toward Sera. "Dad still had a chance to pull through, but that con artist used some nonsense acupuncture on him. After that, all hope was gone!"


    She hugged herself as she spoke, her thin frame trembling. Her dress, once crisp and elegant, was now crumpled, stained with tear marks. She shot Sera a look filled with blame, her lips quivering as she tried to hold back another sob.


    ¡­


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    ¡­


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    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 108 - 108: Blaming Game

    "Dad still had a chance to pull through, but that con artist used some nonsense acupuncture on him. After that, all hope was gone!"


    She hugged herself as she spoke, her thin frame trembling. Her dress, once crisp and elegant, was now crumpled, stained with tear marks.


    She shot Sera a look filled with blame, her lips quivering as she tried to hold back another sob.


    The second son of the Kleinberg family joined in, his voice sharp and cutting. "Sera, why did you bring a fraud like that to treat your grandpa? He was always so good to you¡ªhow could you do this?"


    He stood tall, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, his jaw clenched in anger. His eyes, usually calm and calculating, were now stormy with rage. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He paced a few steps, his polished shoes tapping impatiently on the floor, as if he couldn''t stand still with all the frustration boiling inside him.


    It was like the Kleinberg family had planned it. One by one, they pointed the finger at Eric, piling all the blame on him.


    To them, it was simple: Eric Vaughn, the so-called "fraud," was the reason for everything. They repeated it over and over¡ªhe had no medical license, he messed around with treatments he didn''t understand, and he caused their father''s death.


    All the blame was directed at Eric Vaughn.


    Among them, the second daughter of the Kleinberg family was the most outspoken. She lashed out at Sera, accusing her of bringing that suspicious man into the hospital.


    If not for that bastard named Eric reckless interference, her father''s condition wouldn''t have taken such a sudden turn for the worse.


    Sera stood in the cold hospital room, motionless, as harsh words rained down on her. She didn''t argue, didn''t try to defend herself, she just stood there, her eyes brimming with tears.


    She looked at the familiar faces in the room, faces that now seemed so distant, so alien. These were her family, weren''t they? Yet at this moment, they felt like strangers.


    Then, in a quiet, almost fragile voice, she finally spoke:


    "Why didn''t you call me when Grandpa''s condition worsened? Why am I only hearing about this now?"


    Her words weren''t loud. There was no anger, no desperate shouting, just a soft question, as light as a feather. And yet, as soon as it left her lips, the entire room fell into silence.


    Why? The answer was obvious. Because if she knew, she would have insisted on continuing the treatment.


    But no one dared to say that out loud.


    A moment later, the doctor standing by the hospital bed, a middle-aged man with thinning hair, finally spoke up. His voice was calm, but his words carried a weight that pressed down on the entire room.


    "Miss Sera, around two hours ago, for reasons unknown, your grandfather''s condition suddenly took a turn for the worse. We did everything we could to save him. However, one of our critical machines was damaged¡­ by the man you brought here." His tone remained professional, but there was an undeniable accusation in his gaze.


    "Not only that, but five of our top specialists were also injured by him. Because of that, they were unable to perform the emergency procedure. In the end, we had no choice but to issue a critical condition notice. Your grandfather''s four direct relatives signed the agreement¡­ to discontinue treatment."


    Sera took a step back. Then another. The world around her blurred, and the voices faded into a distant hum.


    Before she knew it, she was out in the hallway, her legs giving out beneath her as she collapsed onto one of the chairs. Her whole body felt numb. She buried her face between her knees, her mind spinning in circles.


    Who was to blame for this? Was it the so-called stranger? Perhaps not. Even without him, Grandpa''s condition had already deteriorated beyond saving. He likely wouldn''t have made it through the night anyway. Was it the family''s fault?


    Maybe not. She knew her grandfather''s condition better than anyone. Even if they hadn''t signed that agreement, he would only have lasted a few more hours at most.


    Then who was responsible? Her fingers clenched into fists as a dark thought flickered through her mind. Maybe¡­ It was her own fault.


    ''Why am I so powerless? Why couldn''t I do anything for Grandpa when he needed me the most? Why wasn''t I by his side this whole time?''


    The hospital corridor was busy with doctors and patients passing by, their footsteps echoing through the sterile white halls. Inside the ward, the Kleinberg Family''s sobbing had faded, replaced by heated arguments.


    "I''m the eldest son of this family! I''ve been the company''s vice president for years, managing things under Dad''s leadership. I know the ins and outs of our business better than anyone. Now that he''s gone, the company should naturally be inherited by me. That''s the only way to keep things stable!"


    "Says who?! Many projects, and the biggest deal in the company, was all my doing! If it weren''t for me bringing in the money, you wouldn''t even last as vice president!"


    "Because I''m your older brother! I am the firstborn of the Family! The eldest son has the right to inherit the family assets. Do you have any idea how many people are eyeing Kleinberg Industries from the outside? If I don''t take over, the company will be thrown into chaos!" Logan roared, his voice filled with frustration and authority.


    Their father''s body hadn''t even gone cold, yet his children were already at each other''s throats over the inheritance.


    Sera sat in the hallway, her mind completely blank. She didn''t care about the family fortune. She didn''t care who took over the company. She only knew one thing¡ªher last family member was gone.


    From now on, she was alone again. No one would protect her. No one would love her unconditionally.


    As the siblings continued to argue inside, their faces red with anger, the sound of steady, rhythmic footsteps echoed down the hallway.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 109 - 109: Unexpected Entry

    As the siblings continued to argue inside, their faces red with anger, the sound of steady, rhythmic footsteps echoed down the hallway.


    The atmosphere subtly shifted.


    Two figures dressed in black approached from the far end of the corridor, their presence commanding attention without a single word.


    They moved with a quiet, unshakable confidence, their steps unfaltering until they came to a stop directly in front of Sera Kleinberg.


    She slowly lifted her gaze, her eyes dull and lifeless. Upon seeing who it was, she lowered her head again, expressionless.


    "Did you come here just to laugh at me?" Her voice was quiet, almost indifferent, as if she had already given up on everything.


    The man standing before her¡ªAlex Reid¡ªslid one hand into his pocket, his sharp gaze studying her carefully. There was no denying it, Sera Kleinberg was stunning.


    If anyone ever wondered why she was the female lead in this story, they only had to look at her. She had the face of a first love, the kind that could make men lose their minds.


    98 out of 100. A perfect balance of delicate beauty and graceful allure. Her figure? More than enough to make heads turn. But right now, none of that mattered.


    Her once bright and captivating eyes were now dim, lifeless. Her red-rimmed eyes and pale face gave her a fragile, almost pitiful look, like a helpless little girl locked in a dark room, abandoned and alone.


    Alex Reid clicked his tongue in annoyance.


    "Tch." He hated seeing girls cry¡­ the sorry ones only¡­ like Rose or his step sister Lily he wouldn''t even feel pity for them. With a deep sigh, he leaned against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest.


    "What a mess." He had instructed Waters to intervene slightly, just enough to nudge things in the right direction. But honestly?


    Even without Waters'' interference, that old man wouldn''t have lasted much longer anyway.


    Eric Vaughn''s Acupuncture required a second application within three days. If not, what was meant to save a life would instead take one.


    But Eric was still locked up in the Police Station, and by the time he would get out, the seven-day mourning period for the Kleinberg family patriarch would have long passed.


    Though his death had absolutely nothing to do with Eric, watching the heartbroken girl before him, Alex couldn''t help but sigh. He decided to offer some words of comfort, though his version of "comfort" might not be the most conventional.


    "In a lifetime, a person only has about 36,000 days," Alex mused, hands in his pockets. "No matter how many houses you own, when you sleep, you only take up three feet of space. To sum it up in four simple truths¡ªpeople are like flowers in a pot, life is a tangled mess of threads, no matter how grand your house is, it''s just a temporary stop¡­ and that little box? That''s your grandfather''s forever home now."


    There was a long pause before he continued. "He lived a long life, more than eighty years. You should let him rest now. It''s not a tragedy¡ªit''s a well-lived life coming to a peaceful end." sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Waaahhh¡­" Sera had been holding back her tears, but Alex''s ''comforting'' words completely shattered her last bit of composure. She broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.


    ''What a heartless bastard! Is this how you comfort someone?!'' Sera thought.


    Meanwhile, Logan and the rest of the family emerged from the hospital room, still locked in a heated argument. It was clear that disagreements over inheritance had already begun.


    The moment they stepped into the hallway, they spotted Sera slumped on the bench¡ªand the man standing beside her.


    Alex Reid.


    Logan''s expression froze for a brief second, but his frustration over arguing with his siblings quickly shifted into something much more eager. He practically ran over, his face instantly changing into one of flattery and submission.


    "Mr. Alex!"


    Alex remained standing casually, one hand still in his pocket, not moving an inch. He raised an eyebrow. "And you are?"


    "I''m Logan Kleinberg," Logan said quickly, his tone filled with respect. "Sera''s uncle. We''ve met before."


    Despite the Kleinberg family''s status as one of the Great Families of the City, in front of Alex, they were nothing big.


    Alex might not have flaunted his true background But his works and past actions were big enough for people to know, but even the little that Logan had been able to dig up was already terrifying enough.


    The rest of the Kleinberg family immediately followed suit, plastering smiles on their faces. They knew very well, this was not a man they could afford to offend.


    Alex gave a slight nod, his expression indifferent, as if he had barely acknowledged Logan''s presence.


    Logan, a seasoned businessman, immediately caught on to the atmosphere. His sharp eyes darted toward Sera Kleinberg, who was still choking back sobs on the bench.


    "Sera," Logan''s tone carried a forced gentleness, but his words were anything but. "Mr. Alex is an honored guest of the Kleinberg family. He came all the way here to visit your grandfather, and this is how you act? Get up and properly serve our esteemed guest."


    "SLAP!" A crisp, resounding smack echoed through the hospital hallway.


    Without any warning, Sera had shot up from her seat and delivered a fierce slap straight across Logan''s face.


    The impact turned his head to the side, leaving everyone in the corridor frozen in stunned silence.


    Logan clutched his cheek, his eyes wide with disbelief.


    ''Did¡­ did this bitch just hit me?'' His mind reeled. ''Who gave her the audacity to do this? How dare she lay a hand on me?''


    The moment her grandfather passed, any leverage Sera had should have disappeared along with him. She should have been powerless, without a shred of protection left.


    Yet, here she was, standing in front of him, glaring with eyes that burned with fury.


    "Grandfather is dead! Are you all happy now?!" she shouted, her voice shaking with rage.


    Then, her glare sharpened into something cold, something filled with deep resentment. "You heartless bastard, I will never forgive you."


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 110 - 110: Some Philosophy

    Then, her glare sharpened into something cold, something filled with deep resentment. "You heartless bastard¡ªI will never forgive you."


    Her gaze swept across the entire Kleinberg family, her voice trembling with pure, unfiltered anger. "You disgusting leeches! Grandfather''s body isn''t even cold yet, and all you can think about is fighting over his inheritance. Why wasn''t it you who died instead of my grandfather?"


    Her furious cries echoed through the long hospital hallway, her grief and rage hanging in the air like a storm ready to break.


    Alex, who had been watching from the sidelines, raised his eyebrows slightly. ''Damn. Didn''t expect her to go full berserk mode like this.''


    Even the most docile of people have their breaking points. Even a cornered rabbit will bite when pushed too far.


    And right now, Sera had completely snapped. The emotional strain, the overwhelming grief, the suffocating pressure, it had all shattered her last bit of restraint.


    Gone was the well-mannered, soft-spoken girl who once carried the aura of a first love. In her place stood someone unrecognizable, a girl who had finally unleashed the rage buried deep inside her.


    And she wasn''t holding back.


    In the span of just a few minutes, she had poured out every bit of anger she had been suppressing, throwing out accusation after accusation with no regard for consequences.


    Yet, despite her ferocity, she was still inexperienced, her insults, though fiery, lacked the polish of a true verbal combatant. Her vocabulary was limited, and her words, though cutting, lacked the finesse of a seasoned fighter.


    Still, she had made her point clear.


    Two of the now old man daughters, their faces already red with fury, were seconds away from firing back with their own sharp tongues. They had already rolled up their sleeves, ready to launch into a full-on screaming match¡ª


    But before they could speak, Logan raised a hand, stopping them in their tracks.


    He wasn''t about to let this turn into a public scene. Not with Alex standing right there.


    Logan held his left cheek, where a bright red handprint was still visible. Despite the stinging pain, he forced a flattering smile as he turned to Alex.


    "Mr. Alex," he said with an air of shamelessness. "I''ll have to trouble you to take care of Sera. Our family has a lot to deal with today, so she doesn''t need to come home tonight."


    Alex blinked. Wow. Just when he thought he had seen it all, Logan managed to hit a new low. This level of brazenness was truly something else.


    "You¡­ you disgusting people! Get lost!"


    Sera, who had been trembling with fury, finally exploded. She looked like a feral cat backed into a corner, her entire body tense, her eyes burning with rage. If the Kleinberg family didn''t leave soon, she looked ready to pounce and start clawing at them.


    Seeing her like this, Logan didn''t dare stay any longer. He quickly motioned for the rest of the family to leave.


    They had more pressing matters to attend to anyway, the old man''s funeral arrangements, the division of assets, and the future of the company. There was no time to waste.


    Within moments, the hallway fell silent once more.


    Sera''s face was tear-streaked, her hair a tangled mess. Her shoulders shook with suppressed sobs as she sniffled, her breath coming out in short, uneven gasps.


    Then, without warning, she turned and ran straight into the hospital room. A second later, a heart-wrenching cry echoed from within.


    The kind of cry that came from the depths of one''s soul. The kind of cry that tore through the air, thick with grief and despair.


    Alex sighed and casually stuck his fingers in his ears.


    ¡­.


    Sera had cried until she was completely drained. Her body felt hollow, her limbs weak. She stood beside the hospital bed, her fingers gripping the sheets as if she could still hold onto her grandfather if she tried hard enough.


    A gentle but firm poke on her back startled her.


    The middle-aged doctor beside her cleared his throat. "Miss Sera, we need to move your grandfather''s body to the morgue. Please step aside."


    Sera numbly shuffled backward, watching as the hospital staff wheeled her grandfather away.


    She wanted to cry again. But no tears came. Not a single drop. The grief had wrung her dry.


    Alex leaned against the doorframe, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. His expression was unreadable as he watched the scene unfold.


    "Death is just like a candle being blown out," he mused. "But life? Life keeps going, no matter how messed up it is." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex was going on fully Philosophical now. Sera didn''t respond. She didn''t even look at him.


    She had never been particularly fond of Alex before, but at this moment, her dislike for him deepened.


    Especially his mouth, God, she hated the things that came out of it. The urge to storm over and slap him across the face was almost unbearable.


    Finally, she took a deep breath and spoke through gritted teeth.


    "Alex, I''ve never liked you," she said, her voice low but firm. "So do me a favor¡ªstop following me around. I don''t want to see you ever again."


    Sera''s voice was flat, devoid of emotion.


    At this moment, she was exhausted. More than anything, she just wanted to find a quiet place where no one could see her and cry until she couldn''t anymore.


    The inheritance, the company, the family fortune, none of it mattered to her.


    Alex wasn''t surprised by her response. After all, the original ''him'' had been nothing more than a hopeless simp for Sera before Rose¡ªone who gave everything and got nothing in return just like in Rose Case.


    Which was absurd.


    And just like Alex had thought before transmigrating in the novel.


    ''With the kind of power and influence the original Alex had, winning over Sera should have been effortless. He could have simply forced the outcome he wanted. But no. That idiot had insisted on love. Love? Love, my ass!''


    Alex had no interest in playing those foolish games. He didn''t care about love, he cared about possession. He wanted to take a somewhat different route he had taken for Rose and Lily.


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 111 - 111: Seed Of Doubt

    Alex had no interest in playing those foolish games. He didn''t care about love, he cared about possession. He wanted to take a somewhat different route he had taken for Rose and Lily.


    "I think you''ll come around eventually," Alex said casually.


    Sera shot him a glare. "I hate you. I always have. And I always will." Her voice was firm, unwavering.


    Before, she had been too afraid to say something so direct. She had worried about what Alex might do, worried that rejecting him would lead to consequences for her grandfather or her family, after he had found another girl to fawn over she was free but now he returned.


    But also now¡­ Her grandfather was gone. She had nothing left to fear. Alex didn''t react. Instead, he changed the subject entirely.


    "Now that your grandfather is gone, what''s the plan for the inheritance?" He glanced at her, his tone light but unreadable. "If there''s no specific will, then everything should go to the primary heir aka the eldest son of your grandfather. Kleinberg Industries is worth in billions, after all. You''re just going to let your uncles and aunts take it all without a fight?"


    Sera frowned. Her patience was wearing thin. "I don''t care about the money."


    Alex let out a dramatic sigh.


    "Right. Because money is meaningless," he said, shaking his head. "That''s exactly the kind of thing a billionaire''s granddaughter would say."


    Sera clenched her fists. She really wanted to hit him.


    Alex continued as if he hadn''t noticed.


    "Listen, that company was your grandfather''s life''s work. If he knew that the people who pulled his oxygen tube were about to inherit it, he''d probably bust out of his coffin just to slap some sense into you."


    Sera bit the inside of her cheek, forcing herself to stay calm.


    After a long pause, she muttered, "I just want a simple life. Like you said, when someone dies, it''s over. Who cares about the inheritance? My grandfather wanted me to be happy, not fight over money."


    With that, she turned and started walking away.


    Just as Sera brushed past Alex, his voice rang out behind her¡­ calm, indifferent, but carrying a weight that made her breath hitch.


    "If you don''t care about the inheritance, what about the real reason your parents died?" She froze. Her foot, which had just lifted off the ground, hovered in the air for a split second before she slowly lowered it.


    Alex chuckled, a low, almost mocking sound. "What''s wrong? Weren''t you leaving?"


    His tone was light, teasing. But his eyes, dark, knowing¡ªheld something much deeper.


    Sera turned back around, her expression tense. "What do you mean by that?"


    Alex leaned lazily against the hospital room''s door frame, looking at her with amusement.


    "Relax," he said, strolling into the room at an unhurried pace. He sat down on the small caretaker''s bed and patted the spot next to him. "Come sit. Let''s have a little chat."


    Sera hesitated, her body stiff with suspicion.


    "Say what you have to say from there." She took a step back, glaring at him as if he were something repulsive.


    Alex''s smile faded, his voice dropping a few degrees colder.


    "This attitude of yours is really starting to annoy me," he said, his gaze sharpening. "Who do you think you''re giving that look to?"


    Sera clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. If looks could kill, Alex would have been reduced to ashes by now.


    But he didn''t care. He never cared.


    "Personally, I think the truth is overrated," Alex mused, stretching his arms behind his head. "What''s past is past. Sometimes, it''s better to let things go. Move forward. Be at peace."


    Sera''s mind was in turmoil.


    For years, she had been haunted by questions surrounding her parents'' deaths. The car accident had been too sudden, too convenient.


    She had investigated on her own, hired professionals to dig into it. But no matter how much time or money she spent, she always hit a dead end.


    Still, she had never once believed that it was just an accident.


    Three minutes passed in silence. Finally, she moved. Slowly, reluctantly, she walked over and sat on the edge of the caretaker''s bed.


    "Now," she said, her voice tight. "Tell me what you know."


    Alex smiled.


    "I know you''re impatient," he murmured, and then, before she could react, his arm slid around her waist, pulling her just a little closer. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "But don''t worry," he whispered, his grip firm. "I will tell you."


    Sera Kleinberg''s waist was impossibly slim. The sudden physical contact made her entire body go rigid. A deep blush crept up her cheeks, and her heartbeat quickened. Her voice trembled with anger and embarrassment.


    "You¡­ let go of me! If you don''t, I''ll scream for help!"


    ''Scream all you want.'' Alex thought and exhaled slowly, his tone calm. "Stop moving. We have serious matters to discuss."


    Hearing his tone, Sera stiffened but ultimately chose to stay still, listening intently.


    ¡­.


    Alex spoke casually, as if discussing the weather.


    "Did you know that your grandfather once made a will?"


    "A will?" Sera frowned, shaking her head. "No¡­ I didn''t."


    "Your grandfather planned to transfer all his company shares to your father. And just a few days later, your parents died."


    Silence. The words hit Sera like a hammer, leaving her mind blank. No¡­ that''s not possible.


    Her breathing became uneven. It took her several seconds to gather her thoughts, her voice shaky as she forced out a question.


    "It was¡­ my uncle? Logan and the others¡­ they killed my parents?"


    Alex smirked. "You''re not as clueless as I thought."


    Sera clenched her fists so tightly that her long nails dug into her palms. Slowly, she turned her gaze toward the man still pressing a hand against her stomach. Her voice was laced with suspicion.


    "How do you know all this? Even though I had no clue¡­ So how did you find out?"


    Alex chuckled, his grip still firm.


    ¡­


    Bonus Chapters on: 500, 1000, 1500 Power Stones.


    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 112 - 112: Pervert?!

    "How do you know all this? Even though I had no clue¡­ So how did you find out?"


    Alex chuckled, his grip still firm.


    "There''s nothing I don''t know. If I wanted to, I could even find out the color of your underwear today is."


    "You freaking Pervert!" Sera pouted, shifting uncomfortably. But she quickly suppressed her irritation, this wasn''t the time for petty arguments.


    Taking a deep breath, she narrowed her swollen, tear-streaked eyes at him.


    "Why are you telling me this?" she asked. "And do you even have any evidence? I might dislike my uncle and the others, but I won''t blindly believe you without proof. I refuse to be tricked into helping someone else count their money while being deceived myself."


    Despite her emotional turmoil, she still managed to keep a rational mind. Alex studied her reaction with mild amusement. She was cautious. Smart enough to question things even when overwhelmed by grief and anger.


    That was good.


    Without a word, Alex lifted his right hand and snapped his fingers. The crisp sound echoed through the quiet hospital room.


    A few seconds later, a man in a tailored suit stepped into the hospital room. His name was Mr. Mr. Waters, and he was Alex Butler..


    As he entered, his sharp eyes caught sight of an unexpected scene, Alex had his arm wrapped around Sera Kleinberg''s waist.


    ''The young master is holding her?'' Mr. Waters was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered.


    His admiration grew exponentially, though he wisely averted his gaze and pretended not to notice. Instead, he pulled out a thick folder and handed it over.


    "Sir, here are the documents you requested."


    "Good work, Waters."


    Mr. Waters placed the folder on the table, then turned around and exited the room. Before leaving, he thoughtfully closed the door behind him, ensuring the two were left alone.


    Now, only Alex and Sera remained. Alex picked up the folder and placed it on Sera''s lap.


    "Open it. Everything you want to know is inside."


    Sera hesitated for a brief moment, then unfastened the folder and pulled out the stack of papers. She flipped through the pages, her eyes scanning the contents rapidly.


    With each page she read, her hands trembled. Shock turned into rage, and by the time she reached the final few pages, her entire body was shaking.


    There were photos. Chat logs. Bank transactions. Every single piece of evidence needed to prove Logan had hired someone shady to his dirty work. The details of her parents'' murder were laid out in cold, unforgiving ink.


    Sera let out a bitter, hollow laugh.


    "One hundred and sixty thousand dollars." Her voice was eerily calm, but her fingers clenched the papers so tightly they threatened to tear. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Two human lives¡­ and they were only worth one hundred and sixty thousand dollars?" The heir of one of the most powerful families in the City, her parents, had been killed for such a pitiful sum.


    Life was cheap. A strange sensation rippled through her chest, like an electric current surging through her mind.


    Everything clicked into place.


    Her parents had died when she was still a child. But before that, her grandfather had treated Logan and the others quite well. Then, after her parents'' ''accident,'' everything changed.


    Her grandfather must have discovered something. No¡­ he must have known who was responsible.


    But in the end, Logan and the others were still his children. He couldn''t bring himself to destroy his own bloods.


    Back then, her grandfather still held power over the family. Logan and the others must have struggled to keep their crime hidden.


    Sera''s breath hitched. A chill crept up her spine, like a cold-blooded serpent slithering over her skin. For the first time, she truly understood, her family had been a nest of vipers all along.


    Alex leaned back lazily, his expression unreadable as he spoke in an almost casual tone.


    "Honestly, even without these documents, you should''ve already had some suspicions about your parents'' deaths." His voice was calm, but his words cut through the silence like a blade.


    "It wasn''t hard to figure out. Just ask yourself, who benefited the most from their deaths? That person is usually the biggest suspect." Sera remained silent, her grip tightening around the papers.


    Alex observed her reaction with amusement. Evidence could be fabricated, but the fact that she wasn''t questioning it at all told him everything.


    She had already suspected it. Maybe she had even investigated on her own, searching for the truth in the shadows. And yet, she had found nothing.


    ''Wow, I''m really useless.'' Sera''s body trembled slightly, teetering on the edge of emotional collapse. But Alex? He was enjoying the show.


    "Let''s be honest," he continued, his voice laced with mockery. "You''ve had doubts for years, haven''t you? You wanted to know the truth, but no matter how hard you tried, you couldn''t find any evidence. In the end, you gave up."


    He leaned in closer, his lips just inches from her ear. His breath was warm, but his words were ice-cold.


    "And yet¡­ despite everything, you still held on to that tiny shred of hope. That ridiculous fantasy."


    Sera flinched on that comment and Alex smirked.


    "You told yourself that maybe, just maybe, Logan and the others were still your family." He let the words sink in before delivering the final blow.


    "You clung to that illusion, even as they pushed you aside and made your life miserable. You kept holding on, desperate to preserve a relationship that was already long dead."


    Sera''s breath hitched. The truth was too cruel to deny. Alex, of course, knew her story all too well. Like many protagonists in dramatic novels, Sera had a complicated past.


    As a child, she had gone missing, an accident that led to her being raised in an orphanage for eight years. A kind-hearted director had taken her in, giving her a home when she had none.


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 113 - 113: Broken Childhood

    As a child, she had gone missing, an accident that led to her being raised in an orphanage for eight years. A kind-hearted director had taken her in, giving her a home when she had none.


    Then, by some twist of fate, the Kleinberg family finally found her and took her back. For a brief, fleeting moment, she had experienced the warmth of a real family.


    And then, her parents died. A sudden car accident had taken them away before she even had a chance to truly be their daughter.


    Now, sitting here with the evidence laid out in front of her, Sera could no longer deceive herself.


    She had been living in a nightmare all along. Sera had always longed for love.


    Her childhood, marked by loss and uncertainty, had left a deep wound in her heart. She had spent years craving the warmth of a real family, yearning for the affection she had barely tasted before it was cruelly ripped away.


    Even when her uncle and aunts mistreated her, belittled her, and shut her out, she refused to let go. She needed to believe in the idea of family.


    She had told herself that if she just endured it a little longer, if she just tried a little harder, one day, things would change.


    But now, all her illusions were being shattered.


    "Stop¡­ Please, stop¡­" Her voice trembled as she shook her head, desperately trying to block out Alex''s words.


    Her hands clutched the documents in her lap so tightly that the paper crumpled beneath her fingers.


    She didn''t want to hear it. She couldn''t hear it. But Alex? He was just getting started. Watching her break down before him, something inside him stirred, not pity, not sympathy, but excitement.


    Because just moments ago, something very interesting had happened.


    [The protagonist, Sera Kleinberg, has suffered a mental breakdown. Congratulations! You''ve earned 2,000 Critical Points.]


    ''Oh! That''s right. Sera was the protagonist too. And protagonists could also earned him Critical Points.''


    Alex had originally planned to seduce Sera¡ªjust to put a green hat on that so-called ''Chosen One,'' Eric, and watch him spiral into despair. It was supposed to be a tool to weaken Eric, a means to collect points through his suffering.


    But now? Now, things have just gotten way more interesting. Sera was far more fragile than Eric.


    She was emotional, sentimental, and deeply wounded. Her trauma made her easy to push over the edge, and when she broke, she broke hard.


    In just a short time, she had already given him 6,000 Critical Points. Compared to her, Eric was useless.


    Still¡­ as he looked at the girl beside him, tears streaming down her face, her delicate frame trembling in his arms, he felt a faint sense of guilt.


    She looked so small like this. So lost. Alex sighed and reached out, brushing away the tears at the corner of her eye. His fingers were warm, gentle, almost tender.


    "There''s one more thing I haven''t told you," he murmured. "I wasn''t sure if you could handle it."


    Sera flinched, her body stiffening once more. Her mind was already teetering on the edge, barely holding on.


    What could possibly be worse than learning that her own family had murdered her parents?


    Slowly, she lifted her gaze to him. Her eyes, once so full of life, were dull, empty. The vibrant young woman she had been was nowhere to be seen.


    "¡­Tell me," she whispered. Her voice was devoid of emotion. No matter how strong a person was, emotions would always ebb and flow.


    Sera Kleinberg was no exception. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At first, her mind had teetered on the edge of collapse as she stared at the undeniable evidence before her. Then, under the relentless assault of Alex''s words, the last of her defenses crumbled.


    She broke down. She wept. She let out all the emotions she had buried deep inside.


    And once she had cried, her mind, fragile as it was, began to slowly piece itself back together. Not fully. Not yet. But enough for her to push forward, even as she teetered once again on the brink of despair.


    By this point, she believed there was nothing left in this world that could shake her. What could possibly be worse than what she had already learned?


    She had lost everything already. There was nothing left to fear. Alex let out a soft chuckle, his voice carrying a note of amusement.


    "Your grandfather was always in excellent health, wasn''t he?" he mused. "Didn''t it ever strike you as strange? A man as strong as him suddenly falling ill?"


    It was just a simple remark. A passing comment. And yet, in Sera''s mind, it was like a thunderclap.


    A cold shiver ran down her spine as her breath hitched.


    "¡­Are you saying my grandfather was murdered?" Her voice trembled, the words barely escaping her lips.


    "That''s just my guess, of course," Alex replied smoothly, watching her reaction carefully.


    But the seed had already been planted. Sera''s hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her already little red palms as a sickening realization took root in her mind.


    "He was their father¡­" she whispered, her voice laced with disbelief. "How could they do something so heartless?"


    Alex gave a casual shrug. "Your father was their younger brother," he pointed out.


    That was all he said. But it was enough. Sera''s entire body stiffened, her breath catching in her throat.


    Then, in an instant, everything clicked.


    Her lips curled into a bitter, hollow smile as a dark, dangerous light flickered in her eyes. "You''re right," she muttered.


    "If they were willing to kill their own brother, then why wouldn''t they kill their own father? They''re nothing more than monsters wearing human skin¡­filthy monsters, wretched beasts who would do anything for money¡­"


    Her mind spun in a frenzy of thoughts, one revelation leading to another. She didn''t need proof. She didn''t need Alex to say another word.


    She knew. Alex observed her carefully, suppressing a shiver that ran down his spine.


    ''This was¡­ interesting.'' He had only offered a suggestion, yet Sera had taken that suggestion and plunged headfirst into darkness.


    ''She had built the story herself, filling in the gaps with her own imagination. I never actually said anything for sure,'' Alex thought to himself. ''This is all you. As for why her grandfather had fallen ill so suddenly? Well, she''d have to ask Eric Vaughn about that.''


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 114 - 114: It Isn’t Free

    ''She had built the story herself, filling in the gaps with her own imagination. I never actually said anything for sure,'' Alex thought to himself.


    ''This is all you. As for why her grandfather had fallen ill so suddenly? Well, she''d have to ask Eric Vaughn about that.''


    It was just another effect of his so-called ''Miraculous Doctor'' aura, an ability that ensured that if he didn''t have patients to save, fate would create them for him.


    If you weren''t sick before, you would be. And it had to be the kind of illness no normal hospital could cure.


    It was basically the same phenomenon that followed a criminal detective protagonist around.


    Alex smirked as another notification flashed in his mind.


    [The protagonist, Sera Kleinberg, has suffered another breakdown. Congratulations! You''ve earned 3,000 Critical Points.]


    Not bad. Not bad at all.


    Watching the beautiful girl beside him spiral deeper into her despair, Alex finally spoke. His tone was calm, almost indifferent.


    "So?" he asked. "What do you plan to do now?" At this moment, Sera had once again fallen into complete emotional collapse.


    If he pushed her any further, there was no telling what might happen. Alex let out a small sigh. In the end, he wasn''t completely heartless.


    After earning over 10,000 Critical Points from her breakdown, he decided to stop.


    It was a staggering amount, especially compared to that useless Eric, who hadn''t even managed to break 5,000 all this time.


    Sera didn''t speak. She simply sat there, her shoulders trembling, her breath coming in short, uneven gasps.


    Minutes passed.


    Then, as if something inside her had clicked into place, she slowly lifted her head.


    Her swollen, tear-filled eyes locked onto Alex''s, filled with something that hadn''t been there before, gratitude.


    "Alex¡­" she whispered softly. Her voice was fragile, weak, almost pitiful. Like a drowning girl clinging to the only lifeline in a raging sea.


    "Thank you," she continued, her tone full of genuine appreciation. "Thank you for telling me the truth. If it weren''t for you, I might have lived my entire life in the dark, never knowing the truth. I¡­ I''m really grateful, Alex. If you ever need anything from me¡­ anything at all¡­ I will do it."


    Her words carried a kind of blind devotion, a desperate reliance that would make any man''s heart stir.


    And the way she said his name ''Alex'' soft, sticky, and unbearably sweet, felt like a hook sinking deep into the soul.


    Combined with her tear-streaked face, her delicate, trembling figure, and the way her voice quivered with vulnerability¡­


    Even the most self-controlled of men would struggle to resist the urge to pull her into their arms and cherish her.


    But before Alex could respond, Sera suddenly pulled away. She turned sharply, slipping from his arms and stepping back.


    Her voice, though soft, was firm.


    "I will make them pay." Without another word, she grabbed the stack of documents and moved toward the door. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She didn''t even bother to take her luxury handbag, which was still resting on the bedside table.


    Her movements were quick and decisive. As if she had rehearsed this exact scenario in her mind countless times before.


    Alex narrowed his eyes slightly. ''Ah¡­ so the little fox finally reveals her tail. Trying to walk away with his things, right in front of him? Did she think she was at a free banquet?'' Sera''s actions were smooth.


    But Alex was faster. Just as she turned toward the door, he moved.


    Alex''s grip tightened around Sera''s delicate wrist, and with a swift motion, he pulled her off balance, sending her sprawling onto the hospital''s escort bed.


    The sudden shift left her momentarily stunned, her breath catching in her throat. She looked as fragile as a porcelain doll, her tear-streaked face and disheveled hair making her appear utterly broken.


    If anyone else had seen her like this, they would have believed she was a helpless girl, completely shattered from the emotional toll of the night.


    But Alex wasn''t just anyone. He knew better.


    Sera was anything but weak. She was clever, resourceful, and above all, determined.


    She had quickly realized that the most valuable asset she could possess right now was the evidence in her hands. With that, she could ensure Logan and his accomplices rotted behind bars for the rest of their lives.


    That was why she had played her role so flawlessly, calling his name in that sweet, pitiful voice, feigning gratitude, and distracting him just enough to slip away with the file.


    Unfortunately for her, he had caught on, or to be more accurate he knew she would do that.


    With his knee pressing against the bed and his weight keeping her pinned, Sera struggled for a moment before realizing that escape was futile.


    She let out a resigned sigh, her body going still as she dropped the act entirely. Her voice took on a more serious tone as she finally admitted, "Alex, we can talk this through."


    Alex arched a brow, unimpressed. "Oh?" He tilted his head, shifting slightly as he casually bounced on the bed, making sure she felt the weight of her position.


    "And what exactly do you have to negotiate with? What leverage do you think you hold?" His voice was smooth, but his words carried the unmistakable air of someone who had complete control of the situation.


    Sera gritted her teeth in frustration. She attempted to lift her lower body in an effort to throw him off, but her strength was no match for him.


    Realizing resistance was pointless, she settled for glaring up at him instead. Her chest rose and fell with each agitated breath, her lips parting as if she was about to launch into a tirade, only to hesitate.


    She had miscalculated.


    Somewhere in her mind, she had believed that the Alex she knew, the one who had once followed her around like a devoted little puppy, eager for her attention before Rose, still existed.


    That same Alex who had always been desperate for her approval, who would have done anything for her, no matter how coldly she treated him.


    But the man in front of her wasn''t that person anymore. He was different now, sharper, more cunning.


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 115 - 115: No Choice

    But the man in front of her wasn''t that person anymore. He was different now, sharper, more cunning.


    Her mind raced to recalibrate her strategy, and in the end, she chose to fall back on the most reliable tactic she had: playing the damsel in distress.


    With a pitiful expression, she softened her gaze, her lips trembling as she whispered, "Alex, I really need this. It''s the only way I can bring Logan and others to justice. Please, I''m begging you, help me."


    Any other man might have found it impossible to resist her at this moment, the way her wide, tear-filled eyes shone under the dim hospital lights, the way her voice trembled just enough to stir up protective instincts.


    But Alex wasn''t just any man.


    He scoffed, his expression unreadable as he studied her. "Do you really think that just having these documents will be enough to take down Logan?" His voice was calm, almost amused, as if he was watching a child foolishly believe they had everything figured out.


    Alex Reid smirked as he raised his hand and delivered a sharp smack to Sera''s upturned backside.


    The crisp sound echoed in the quiet hospital room, making her body tense from the unexpected contact. He let out a chuckle, his voice dripping with amusement.


    "If nothing unexpected happens, Logan will take over the Kleinberg Industries soon," he remarked casually, his tone carrying a hint of mockery. "With the entire industry backing him, what do you have to fight him with? Your innocence?"


    His words hit her like a blast of freezing wind in the dead of winter, cutting through her last fragile thread of hope.


    Sera had considered this possibility before. She knew that once Logan inherited the Kleinberg Industries, his power would grow exponentially, making him nearly untouchable.


    But she had refused to face that reality. She had clung to the belief that as long as she had the evidence of his crimes, she could bring him to justice.


    That was how the world was supposed to work, evil should be punished, and villains should pay for their sins.


    Yet now, even that tiny sliver of hope was shattered. Despair settled deep in her chest like a lead weight. She knew the truth. She knew exactly who had murdered her parents. She had undeniable proof of their crimes in her hands.


    And still, there was nothing she could do to stop them. ''Why? Why am I so powerless?''


    Tears welled up in her eyes, and before she could stop them, they spilled over. The overwhelming helplessness consumed her, crushing her last bit of composure.


    With a broken sob, she buried her face in the sheets and let it all out, her body shaking from the force of her cries.


    [The Female Lead, Sera Kleinberg, has suffered another breakdown. Congratulations! You''ve earned 3,000 Critical Points.]


    ¡­.


    Alex watched patiently as Sera''s sobs gradually subsided, the storm of her emotions finally quieting.


    Once she had cried herself out and was left limp from exhaustion, he decided it was time to move.


    He slipped off her body, but before she could react, he grabbed her smooth, slender legs and pulled them straight into his lap.


    "Your shoes are filthy," he commented idly.


    "Ah¡ª!" Sera''s entire body stiffened. Her face burned with a deep flush, her breath catching in her throat.


    If it had been any other situation, any other man who dared to lay a hand on her like this, she wouldn''t have hesitated to send him flying with a brutal kick.


    But now¡­ now she stayed completely still, not even attempting to resist. Because no matter how much his touch made her blood boil with indignation, her thirst for vengeance burned hotter.


    Her rage, her hatred, her desire to see Logan suffer, those things had taken over every inch of her mind.


    Logic had been thrown to the ground and trampled underfoot.


    Alex clicked his tongue in apparent disgust, his brows furrowing as he stared at Sera''s shoes.


    "What''s this? How did your shoes get so dirty?" His tone carried a hint of displeasure, as if the sight of a little dirt was truly offensive. Without waiting for her reaction, he reached down and slipped the shoes off her feet.


    The cool air brushed against her bare skin, and Sera instinctively curled her toes, yanking her legs back as she stared at him in disbelief. "You¡­ What are you doing? Why did you take off my shoes?"


    Alex didn''t even blink as he replied with a perfectly serious expression, "I heard you twisted your ankle. I need to check it."


    "¡­.?" Even a fool wouldn''t believe such an obviously fake excuse. Yet, at this moment, Sera had no choice but to go along with it.


    She clenched her fists, biting back her frustration. He was right about one thing, she couldn''t take down Logan on her own. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even if she had solid evidence proving that he was responsible for her parents'' deaths, it wouldn''t be enough.


    Logan, once he took over Kleinberg Industries, would be too powerful. He could easily manipulate the law, dodge any punishment, and continue living his life without consequences.


    Without her grandfather''s protection, she was nothing more than a university student. Just a helpless girl with no support, no allies, and no power.


    If she wanted revenge, she had to rely on someone else. And in all of the City, only one person had the influence to challenge Logan and Kleinberg Industries.


    Alex Reid. Not the other three major families. Not any other hidden force. Only him.


    Just as these thoughts solidified in her mind, Sera suddenly felt a strange sensation creeping up her legs.


    Alex was no longer satisfied with simply holding her feet in his lap. His fingers, filled with mischief, traced teasingly along her curled toes, before slipping under her soles.


    Her entire body went rigid. A violent shudder ran through her spine, as humiliation surged through her veins like fire.


    She clenched her teeth, holding back any reaction, but the sheer frustration, both physical and emotional, was unbearable. It wasn''t just the humiliation of being toyed with. It was the crushing weight of her own helplessness.


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 116 - 116: Three Days To Think

    Sera clenched her teeth, holding back any reaction, but the sheer frustration, both physical and emotional, was unbearable. It wasn''t just the humiliation of being toyed with. It was the crushing weight of her own helplessness.


    She hated this. Hated that she had to endure it. Hated that she had no choice.


    Still, she bit down on her lip and refused to make a sound. Because she knew, if she reacted, if she let even the slightest noise escape, this man would only enjoy it more.


    [Female Lead ''Sera Kleinberg'' has suffered a mental breakdown. Congratulations, you have gained 1,000 Critical Points.]


    Alex Reid sighed as if disappointed. "Really? That was enough to break you? I barely even did anything."


    He leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear, his voice dripping with quiet amusement.


    "Miss Sera," he murmured, his tone dark and taunting, "you wouldn''t want your enemies to walk free, would you?"


    Sera''s breath hitched. Her nails dug into her palms more in anger as she forced herself to meet his gaze.


    "You¡ª" Sera wasn''t stupid. In fact, she was incredibly smart. That was precisely why she could hear the unspoken implications behind Alex''s words.


    Their bodies were nearly pressed together, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating from him, close enough that she could hear the steady rise and fall of his breath, deep, heavy, and deliberate.


    The strange sensation at her feet only intensified, sending an uncomfortable shiver down her spine. With all these stimuli pressing down on her at once, an overwhelming sense of danger took hold of her.


    "You¡­ What do you mean by that?" Her voice was shaky, hesitant, but she already knew the answer.


    She just didn''t want to believe it. No, it couldn''t mean that. It mustn''t mean that. But Alex Reid''s response shattered any remaining illusions.


    "Exactly what it sounds like."


    His fingers continued to trace along her delicate, snow-white foot, his grip firm yet teasing. "If you want my help, you''ll have to show me some sincerity."


    Sera''s stomach twisted. He was playing with her, both in words and in actions.


    She clenched her teeth, her fingers digging into the sheets beneath her. She had always known Alex was nothing more than a rich and arrogant, but now¡­ she realized how wrong she had been.


    This man was dangerous. A wolf hiding beneath the guise of a spoiled Richboy. Had he been eyeing her from the beginning? Has this all been a setup?


    Her thoughts spiraled into chaos, but she forced herself to speak. "We¡­ We can talk about this. But can you at least put my foot down first?"


    Her voice was strained, nearly breathless.


    The position he had forced her into was unbearable. She had been thrown onto the hospital bed face-down, while he loomed behind her, pressing her legs into his lap. One of her feet was trapped in his grasp, and he had been toying with it ever since.


    It was humiliating and Uncomfortable.


    Every nerve in her leg had long since gone numb, yet at the same time, the sensation of his touch made her skin crawl.


    It was as if a thousand tiny insects were crawling up her leg, both unbearable and oddly stimulating in a way that disgusted her.


    Alex scoffed. "If I can''t even touch your feet, what kind of negotiation do you think we''re having?"


    His grip tightened slightly, making her flinch. "If you want something, learn to ask properly. Are you even in a position to negotiate?"


    Sera squeezed her eyes shut, biting her lower lip so hard that she tasted blood. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She had no choice. Not right now. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision. "At least give me some time to think¡­ I¡ªI really don''t feel well." Her voice cracked, trembling with barely contained emotion.


    It was too much. She had just learned the truth about her parents'' deaths. Her grandfather, the only person left who truly loved her, was gone.


    And now, she was being humiliated by a man she loathed. Mentally, physically, emotionally, she was breaking. Piece by piece, Sera was shattering.


    Sera had always been strong-willed, with a resilience that most people could only dream of. If it had been anyone else, an ordinary person, they might have already collapsed under the weight of despair.


    Knowing exactly who killed your family. Having undeniable proof of their crimes. Yet being utterly powerless to do anything about it.


    And now, on top of all that, she was being harassed by a man she could neither fight off nor escape from. If she were any weaker, she might have already lost all will to live.


    "Fine." Alex finally pulled away, standing up as if nothing had happened. Before stepping back, though, he casually landed a firm slap on her backside.


    Smack!


    "You have three days to think it over," he said.


    Not bad. Pretty firm.


    With the suffocating weight of his body finally lifted off of her, Sera felt an overwhelming sense of relief. She had been terrified that he might take things even further right here in the hospital room.


    This man was dangerous. Unpredictable. She couldn''t get a read on him at all.


    Forcing herself to move, she attempted to stand up, only to feel her legs buckle beneath her. Her entire body was weak, a mixture of exhaustion and lingering numbness from the way Alex had handled her.


    As soon as she put weight on her legs, she lost her balance and collapsed back onto the hospital bed.


    If it had been Eric Vaughn, the so-called male lead, or even the old version of Alex Reid, the desperate, lovesick fool she had once known, either of them would have rushed to her side, worriedly fussing over her condition.


    But this new Alex Reid?


    He simply stood there, one hand lazily tucked into his pocket, looking completely indifferent. "I''ll take you home."


    "No, no, that''s really not necessary!" Sera immediately shook her head, her voice quick and panicked. "I live on campus. It''s not far from here. I can manage on my own."


    Alex Reid arched a brow. "You sure you can even walk?"


    "I¡­ I can take a taxi."


    ¡­


    Bonus Chapters on: 500, 1000, 1500 Power Stones.


    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 117 - 117: Let Me Give You A Ride

    "You sure you can even walk?"


    "I¡­ I can take a taxi."


    But before Sera could argue any further, Alex made the decision for her. Without a word, he stepped forward and effortlessly scooped her up into his arms.


    "Ah¡ª!" Sera let out a startled yelp, her body tensing as she instinctively tried to push against him. But the moment her gaze met his, she froze.


    His expression was calm. Cold. Completely unreadable. He wasn''t asking. He wasn''t giving her a choice.


    Realizing this, she stopped struggling, her weak protests dying in her throat. In the end, she simply allowed herself to be carried, obedient and quiet, like a helpless little puppy that had been picked up by its owner.


    This man is too much¡­ too domineering¡­ too infuriating¡­


    Sera pouted, lips pressed together in frustration. But when she noticed the curious stares from the hospital staff and passing patients, her face turned red with embarrassment.


    Before anyone could recognize her, she quickly buried her head against Alex''s chest, shielding herself from their prying eyes.


    A few minutes later, they arrived at the hospital''s parking lot.


    Among the countless luxury cars parked in neat rows, Alex Reid immediately spotted his own, an eye-catching Car.


    A true masterpiece of engineering. The kind of car that made heads turn wherever it went. And, of course, it was fucking expensive but not for him.


    Truth be told, his original self, the old, desperate Alex Reid, would have never chosen something so common. A mere hundreds of thousand dollar car was nothing in his eyes.


    But back then, he had been obsessed with looking like the perfect match for Sera and Rose, which was why he had settled for something more accessible.


    Now, though? He smirked to himself, amused by the thought. The only thing left to decide was whether she would willingly climb into his car¡­ or if he''d have to throw her in himself.


    The deep growl of the engine filled the night air as Alex sped out of the hospital parking lot, the powerful sound of car cutting through the quiet streets like a beast on the hunt.


    Inside the car, Sera sat stiffly in the passenger seat, her posture tense. Her hands clutched at the hem of her dress, knuckles slightly pale from how tightly she was gripping the fabric.


    She kept her gaze locked on the road ahead, though her attention never strayed far from the man driving beside her.


    Alex didn''t say a word. Neither did she. The silence between them was heavy, thick with unspoken thoughts and emotions.


    The only sound that remained was the steady hum of the car''s engine, filling the void between them.


    As the car neared a busy intersection, Sera finally spoke, her voice quiet yet firm.


    "Pull over at the next corner." She gestured toward the approaching crossroad. "I''ll walk back to campus from there. It''s better if no one sees me getting out of your car."


    Though she had once been the young heiress of the Kleinberg Family, she had always kept a low profile at school. Hardly anyone knew her true identity, and she preferred it that way.


    If anyone saw her stepping out of a luxury sports car like this, rumors would spread like wildfire.


    She could already hear it, whispers of her being some rich man''s kept woman. She wasn''t about to let that happen.


    Alex glanced downward, his eyes briefly flicking toward her feet. "And what, exactly, are you planning to do about your shoes?"


    Sera''s breath caught in her throat. Right. Her shoes were still in the hospital room. She had completely forgotten.


    Her bare feet instinctively curled against the leather seat, trying to make herself smaller, as if that would somehow make the issue go away.


    "I¡­ I already texted my friend," she mumbled, keeping her gaze downcast. "She''s bringing me a pair."


    But as she spoke, a memory surfaced in her mind, one she desperately wanted to forget.


    Alex Reid''s hands. His touch. The way he had shamelessly toyed with her feet back in the hospital room.


    A sudden heat rushed to her cheeks, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t shake the image from her head.


    Without another word, Alex Reid pulled the car into a designated public parking spot by the curb.


    At that moment, Sera''s phone rang. She picked it up instantly.


    "Hey, where are you?" came the familiar voice of her friend. "I''m at the intersection, but I don''t see you. Do you see me?"


    Sera''s grip on the phone tightened slightly. "Yeah, keep your voice down. I can see you."


    "What? But I don''t see¡ª"


    Sera sighed and cut her off. "Turn around. You see that sports car parked behind you?"


    There was a short pause on the line. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then¡ª


    "Wait¡­ THAT Ferrari?!"


    Sera friend spun around, her gaze locking onto the unmistakable red sports car parked just a few feet away. Her eyes widened in shock as she quickly jogged toward it.


    As she got closer, her expression shifted from confusion to pure disbelief.


    Because stepping out of that sports car¡­ was none other than Sera herself. And through the windshield, her friend could clearly see the driver.


    Alex Reid. For a moment, her brain short-circuited. She knew who he was, of course. Everyone did.


    He had spent months shamelessly chasing after her best friend, throwing himself at Sera''s feet like some love-struck fool.


    But what she hadn''t expected, what she couldn''t believe, was that he had actually succeeded. Had he really managed to win her over?


    Sera quickly slipped on the shoes her friend had brought her, then grabbed her friend''s arm and hurried away from the parking lot.


    "Hey, slow down!" Her friend protested, nearly stumbling as she was dragged forward. "Sera, you called me to bring you shoes, and now you''re running off without explaining? What exactly were you two doing? You lost your shoes? Were things that intense?"


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 118 - 118: Sera’s Friend Misunderstanding

    "Hey, slow down!" Sera''s friend protested, nearly stumbling as she was dragged forward. "Sera, you called me to bring you shoes, and now you''re running off without explaining? What exactly were you two doing? You lost your shoes? Were things that intense?"


    She gasped dramatically, her eyes full of exaggerated shock.


    Sera shot her an exasperated glare. "Don''t be ridiculous. Nothing happened between us. I just left the hospital in a rush and lost them, that''s all."


    Her friend, however, was far from convinced. She clicked her tongue, shaking her head in mock disapproval. "Uh-huh, sure. And I''m supposed to believe that the Sera, our school''s most proper, cold-as-ice princess, just happened to ''lose'' her shoes while in his car?"


    She stole a glance back at the sports car, her gaze falling on the man sitting behind the wheel.


    Alex Reid. Damn. Even she had to admit, this guy was unfairly good-looking. But it wasn''t the kind of pretty-boy, soft-featured handsomeness that some girls liked.


    Nor was it the warm, sunshine-like charm of a boy-next-door type. No, Alex had a different kind of appeal. The kind that was dangerous was completely different from his past self.


    The kind that made him look like he belonged in a villain''s role in some romantic drama, the cold, arrogant CEO type who toyed with people just because he could.


    And if he really was like those fictional villains¡­ then she had a bad feeling about this. Her best friend might be in trouble.


    Still, she couldn''t help but tease. "Well, well¡­ Looks like our university''s number one beauty has finally been ''picked.''" She let out a dramatic sigh.


    "What a tragedy. I thought you''d at least hold out a little longer."


    Sera groaned. "I told you, nothing happened!"


    "Yeah, yeah, sure," Though her friend still, unconvinced. She turned her gaze back toward the Ferrari, watching as the red sports car idled at the curb, its engine humming softly.


    Alex hadn''t driven off yet. It was like he was watching them. Or rather, watching Sera.


    Sera friend narrowed her eyes. This man¡­ What was he really after?


    Meanwhile, still sitting in his car, Alex Reid leaned back in his seat, lazily tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. His gaze flickered toward the system panel floating in his vision.


    His lips curled into a smirk.


    "Tsk. Eric, you''re really useless." He had expected more resistance from the so-called ''protagonist.''


    So far, Sera had given him over 10,000 points worth of Critical points in just a few hours.


    And yet¡­ Eric Vaughn? Barely 5,000, it was just pathetic.


    Shaking his head, he muttered under his breath, "Even the ''heroine'' is handling this better than you. What a waste of a ''chosen one.''"


    But just as the words left his mouth¡ª


    [Ding!]


    A notification popped up.


    [The protagonist Eric Vaughn has suffered a severe mental breakdown! Congratulations! You have gained 3,000 Critical points!]


    Alex Reid''s smirk froze.


    ''¡­Huh?'' His fingers stopped tapping. What the hell was that about? Just a second ago, Eric had been holding steady, barely earning him any points at all.


    And now¡­ this? A whole 3,000 points, all at once? Something must have happened. Something big. His brows furrowed slightly. What exactly was Eric Vaughn doing right now?


    ¡­.


    At City Police Department, Detention Centre:


    Eric wasn''t messing around. But someone sure as hell was about to mess with him.


    "Get the fuck away from me!" he snarled, his voice echoing off the cold tiled walls of the restroom.


    His entire body was pressed into the furthest corner, one hand braced against the wall while the other trembled as he pointed at the doorway. His finger shook, not from fear, but from sheer rage.


    Standing at the entrance, staring at him with an unsettling, unblinking gaze, was a skinny man with glasses.


    Yes. The glasses guy.


    Ever since Eric had been locked up, he had relied on brute force to establish dominance. The first day inside, he had beaten a gang of blond thugs so thoroughly that they didn''t even dare to breathe too loudly around him.


    After that, life behind bars had been relatively peaceful. Or so he had thought. The blond gang had submitted, sure, but then he had appeared.


    A frail-looking man. Quiet. Timid. The kind of guy who looked like he''d be bullied wherever he went.


    And yet, this scrawny glasses-wearing bastard had been stalking him since day one.


    Watching him eat. Watching him sleep. And worst of all¡­ Following him to the damn bathroom.


    Eric had tried to ignore it at first. Maybe the guy just respected him. Maybe he wanted protection. After all, Eric had wiped the floor with the gang.


    He remembered the first time he''d caught the man sneaking after him.


    Eric had smirked in disdain, thinking, You wanna follow me? Fine. But be prepared to see what a real man looks like.


    So, when he had gone to relieve himself, he had turned around, expecting to see the look of intimidation on the glasses guy''s face.


    What he hadn''t expected¡­ Was to see the man''s eyes light up with excitement. A chill had run down his spine. Something was wrong.


    Then, later that night, he had overheard the other inmates talking about why this guy had been locked up.


    Not for theft. Not for fraud. Not for any of the usual petty crimes. No. For sexual assault. And the worst part? His victims weren''t women. He had been caught before. Multiple times.


    Eric had frozen in place, his blood turning ice-cold. Panic. Pure. Unfiltered. Panic.


    ''Oh, hell no.'' At first, he had considered handling the situation like he had with the blond gang, beat the guy into submission.


    But then¡­ he realized something horrifying. What if the glasses guy liked that? What if beating him up would only make things worse?


    If brute force was a solution, then the gang of blond thugs wouldn''t have been so scared of the glasses guy. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡­


    Bonus Chapters on: 500, 1000, 1500 Power Stones.


    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 119 - 119: Trying

    If brute force was a solution, then the gang of blond thugs wouldn''t have been so scared of the glasses guy.


    In fact, the harder they had beaten him, the more excited he had gotten.


    Eric prided himself on being a skilled martial artist, a rogue healer with a killer instinct, one hand saving lives, the other taking them.


    But psychological disorders? Yeah¡­ those weren''t in his field of expertise. There was no cure for pure, unfiltered depravity. The only solution? Stay the hell away from him.


    "Hey. Hey man. I beg you," Eric pleaded, his voice breaking. His pride was in tatters, but his survival instincts had long taken over. "Can you just go away? Please? I can''t relive while you''re watching!"


    His entire body was tensed, pressed against the restroom wall.


    Having another grown man stare at him while he tried to relieve himself was the kind of nightmare that could haunt someone for years.


    Suddenly, a memory surfaced. An old warning from his master before he left the mountain:


    "The world outside is a complicated place, Eric." Complicated? Complicated didn''t even begin to describe this situation. This was full-on hard mode.


    To his immense relief, the glasses guy finally turned and hobbled away, his steps uneven.


    Then¡ªclick. The restroom door shut. Eric let out a shaky breath, resting his forehead against the cold wall. But even with the guy gone, he could still feel those crazed eyes burning into him.


    Instinct kicked in. Something was wrong. Slowly, Eric lifted his head and turned toward the door.


    And that''s when he saw it¡­ A tiny sliver of space, a barely visible crack between the door and the frame.


    And through it¡­ Two wide, unblinking, deranged eyes staring straight at him.


    "AH! FUCK!" Eric lost it. He could already tell, he wasn''t going to get a single second of sleep tonight.


    This night was going to be hell.


    ¡­.


    Xxxx University:


    Girls'' Dormitory:


    Back in her dorm room, Sera kicked off her shoes and climbed straight into bed. She was exhausted. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, her emotions tangled in knots.


    Yet, despite her fatigue, she didn''t shower, didn''t change, just laid there, stomach-down on her mattress, resting her chin on her hands as she stared at her phone.


    Then, after a long moment, she tapped open her notes app. Her fingers hesitated above the screen before she started typing:


    "Xxxx Mall underground parking lot¡­ no, wait, that''s not right." Her brows furrowed.


    "The security footage there doesn''t last long. So how the hell did Alex get those surveillance recordings?" She bit her lip, frowning. Something didn''t add up. And then there were those chat logs.


    Logan. That bastard had probably deleted those messages and any records of him involved a long time ago.


    So how? How had Alex Reid gotten his hands on them? The deeper she thought, the more unsettling the answer became.


    Sera mulled over the situation for what felt like hours, but she still couldn''t make sense of it. No matter how many angles she tried to approach the issue from, nothing added up.


    Eventually, she decided to shift her focus.


    "If the accident wasn''t just an accident, then I should be able to get the police to reopen the case. If they reinvestigate it properly, there must be something they can find."


    But almost as soon as she had the thought, another wave of doubt hit her.


    "But¡­ it''s been three years." Evidence from that long ago would be next to impossible to recover. Even if traces of the crime had existed, time would have already erased them. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Then how? How did Alex have evidence? Where did he even get it from?'' Her head ached. No matter how she looked at it, something wasn''t right.


    But she had no other choice¡­Even if the odds were against her, she had to at least try.


    ''I''ll go to the police station tomorrow. If the car crash was a setup, then there must be something left behind¡ªa mistake, a clue, anything.''


    Her memory had always been sharp, not quite photographic, but sharp enough to recall small details most people would overlook.


    Even though she hadn''t had much time to examine the documents Alex had shown her, she had memorized quite a bit of the information.


    And with those pieces of the puzzle, tracing things back would be much easier. At least this way, she wasn''t chasing after a lead completely blind.


    ¡­.


    The Next Morning:


    City Police Department:


    Sera stepped out of the taxi and took a deep breath before heading inside.


    The police station had a heavy atmosphere like always, the kind of weight that came from years of crime reports, confessions, and closed cases.


    She was led to a small office where a middle-aged officer with graying hair sat behind a desk. His uniform was crisp, his posture rigid, he was the kind of man who had been in law enforcement long enough to see just about everything.


    Captain Brooks. His gaze was steady as he listened to her explain why she was here.


    ¡­


    ..


    .


    "So, you believe your parents'' accident wasn''t an accident?" His voice was even, but there was a trace of skepticism in it.


    Sera''s fingers clenched into fists, but her expression remained calm.


    "Yes," she said, her tone firm. "I was young when it happened. Back then, I didn''t understand much, but now I do. And I know, the probability of my parents'' deaths being intentional is very high."


    Captain Brooks exhaled slowly and leaned back in his chair. Cold cases weren''t unheard of in the department, but reopening a closed investigation was an absolute headache.


    Especially one that was three years old. Time had a way of erasing details, and in cases like these, even the most crucial evidence could be long gone.


    His fingers drummed against the desk as he studied her.


    "If you want us to reinvestigate," he said, choosing his words carefully, "you''ll need something solid. Some kind of evidence."


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 120 - 120: No Evidence

    "If you want us to reinvestigate," he said, choosing his words carefully, "you''ll need something solid. Some kind of evidence."


    His sharp eyes locked onto hers.


    "So, Miss Sera¡­do you have¡­ any?" Sera Kleinberg hesitated for only a second before speaking. "I don''t have any concrete solid evidence, but¡ª"


    She carefully laid out everything she knew¡ªher parents'' accident, the suspicious circumstances, the possible motives. She even shared her theories, her reasoning.


    But she left out one crucial detail. It was about Alex Reid and the file he showed her. The officer listened in silence, his expression growing grimmer with each passing second.


    ''If what Sera said was true, then this wasn''t just a tragic accident. It was murder. Hired. Planned. Executed. A case like that couldn''t be ignored But it''s nothing more than a theory in the end without concrete proof.''


    His fingers tapped against the desk as he processed the situation.


    "Miss," he said finally, his voice steady but firm, "if your uncle and his siblings really had a motive, then it''s worth investigating. But at the moment, this is just speculation. Without solid proof, we can''t do much."


    Then, after a pause, his expression softened slightly.


    "That said, if you can provide any leads, anything at all, we''ll open an investigation immediately. I need to warn you, though¡­" His brows furrowed. "Three years have passed. Most of the evidence is likely gone. The chances of overturning this case are slim, but we''ll do our best."


    Sera clenched her fists. She wanted to argue. She wanted to tell him that Alex had already found detailed evidence, that if he could do it, surely the police could too.


    ''Was one man really more capable than an entire police department?'' But she forced herself to stay quiet.


    Instead, she sat there, struggling with frustration, trying to make sense of it all. Just then, a cheerful voice broke through her thoughts.


    "Hey, here¡ªmilk tea for you!"


    "And here is yours, I got your favorite¡ªthe pitch-black mystery special!" S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "And for you, I know you only drink lemon water, so I brought extra!"


    Outside the interrogation room, a young officer grinned as he handed out bags of takeout drinks.


    He was Jed, the newest recruit at the Police Department. Despite his casual, easy-going demeanor, he wasn''t just any rookie¡ª


    He had graduated at the top of his police academy class and was one of the most promising young officers on the force.


    After distributing the drinks to the other officers, Jed casually sipped his own taro milk tea and made his way toward the interrogation room, holding an iced green tea in his other hand.


    Just as he arrived at the door, officer Brooks stepped out. Without missing a beat, Jed handed him the green tea and took another sip of his own drink.


    "So, Captain," he asked, chewing on a boba pearl, "why the long face?" Captain Brooks let out a heavy sigh.


    He gestured toward the interrogation room, where Sera sat patiently, and then explained the entire situation to Jed.


    When he was done, Jed raised an eyebrow.


    "So, it''s just a family feud?" Captain Brooks shook his head.


    "That''s not the problem," he said. "The problem is that Logan is a member of the Kleinberg Family."


    Jed''s expression turned serious.


    "Captain, we''re not going to ignore this just because Logan is from the Kleinberg Family, right?"


    "Of course not," Captain Brooks replied immediately, shaking his head. "But listen, Logan isn''t some amateur. If he was involved in this, you can bet he planned every detail carefully. A person like him wouldn''t leave behind any obvious evidence."


    He sighed again.


    "And let''s be real¡ªit''s been three years. Even if there were clues back then, how many do you think would still exist today? There''s almost no chance of overturning this case."


    ''Almost zero.'' Jed thought for a moment, then glanced toward the interrogation room.


    "Mind if I talk to her?" Captain Brooks nodded. "Go ahead." Then he turned and walked away, leaving Jed to handle the conversation.


    With that, Jed pushed open the door and stepped inside. He sat down across from Sera, his expression friendly but professional.


    "Nice to meet you, Miss Sera. I''m Officer Jed."


    Sera straightened her posture. "Nice to meet you, Officer Jed."


    Jed leaned forward slightly, keeping his tone light.


    "So, can you tell me why you suddenly want to reopen the case? Did you discover something new?" Sera shook her head.


    "No, there''s no major evidence I have found," she admitted. "But¡­ My grandfather passed away a few days ago. And when that happened, my uncle and aunt nearly fought each other over the inheritance."


    Her hands clenched slightly in her lap.


    "It made me think of my parents," she continued. "What if their deaths weren''t an accident? What if they were killed because of the same kind of family conflict?"


    She hesitated for a moment before adding,


    "I still remember, when my father was alive, my grandfather valued him more than anyone else in the family."


    Inside the interrogation room, Sera kept her head down, brows tightly furrowed.


    "You seem anxious," Jed observed.


    "A little¡­" Sera admitted hesitantly.


    "Is someone threatening you?" Jed''s gaze locked onto her, sharp and unwavering, studying her expression for the slightest reaction.


    Sera''s body stiffened.


    ''How does he know?!'' Her first thought was that Jed might be working for Alex. ''Was he the police informant Alex had placed inside the department? If so, then telling him anything would only put her in greater danger.''


    A flicker of fear flashed through her eyes, so quick that most people wouldn''t have noticed.


    But Jed did. That split-second reaction confirmed his suspicion. Someone was indeed pressuring her.


    He was just about to press further when the sound of hurried footsteps interrupted.


    "Captain, there''s a female body found in the southern suburbs. Possible homicide."


    "Alright. Gather the team. We''re moving out."


    Roughly two and a half minutes later, the interrogation room door swung open. A uniformed officer poked his head inside.


    "Jed, there''s a case. Captain wants you to come along." Jed took one last glance at Sera before standing up.


    "Got it." He turned back to her and gave a reassuring nod.


    "This conversation isn''t over," he said with a small smile. "Let''s continue it after I''m back." With that, he left the room, leaving Sera alone with her thoughts.


    ¡­


    Bonus Chapters on: 500, 1000, 1500 Power Stones.


    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 121 - 121: Sophia

    "This conversation isn''t over," he said with a small smile. "Let''s continue it after I''m back." With that, he left the room, leaving Sera alone with her thoughts.


    Sera sat still, staring at the closed door. Her mind was in turmoil. Jed knew. Maybe he didn''t know the details yet, but he had already sensed that someone was controlling her. That wasn''t good.


    She needed to be more careful. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to calm down. Panic would only make her reckless.


    At that moment, her phone vibrated inside her bag. She took it out and glanced at the screen.


    [Incoming Call: Sophia]


    She hesitated for a moment before answering.


    "Sophia?"


    "Sera, where are you? Are you still at the police station?"


    "Yeah."


    "Geez, what are you doing there? Did something happen?"


    Sophia, Sera''s college roommate, was the kind of girl who had zero awareness of how cruel the world could be. She was innocent, kind-hearted, and¡­ incredibly na?ve.


    In short, the kind of person who would walk into a scam with a smile, thinking she had made a new friend.


    Sera forced herself to sound normal. "It''s nothing serious. Just some personal matters."


    "Are you okay?"


    "I''m fine."


    "Then hurry back!" Sophia whined. "We''re supposed to go shopping today, remember?"


    ''Shopping?'' Sera had completely forgotten. Before she could answer, Sophia continued excitedly,


    "Oh! And guess what? The man from the business school name Logan, asked me out!"


    Sera''s grip on her phone tightened.


    ''Logan?'' The name sent a chill down her spine. Sophia kept talking, completely unaware of Sera''s sudden silence.


    "He''s so handsome! And he''s rich too! I mean, I know people say he has a bit of a bad reputation, but that''s just gossip, right? He seems really nice!"


    Sera''s heart pounded.


    ''No. No, no, no. This is bad.'' She had tried so hard to keep herself away from Logan''s attention. But now, her clueless roommate had walked right into his sights.


    Sera forced herself to speak calmly.


    "Sophia, listen to me. You can''t go out with him."


    "Huh? Why not?"


    "Because¡ª" Sera hesitated.


    ''What could I say? That Logan was a dangerous man? That he might have been involved in her parents'' deaths? That he was the kind of person who wouldn''t hesitate to destroy anyone who got in his way?''


    Sophia would never believe her. So instead, she said, "Because I need you to go shopping with me instead."


    Sophia groaned. "Seriously? But¡ª"


    "No buts," Sera interrupted, forcing a lighthearted tone. "You promised, didn''t you? Besides, I need some new clothes, and I need your fashion advice."


    Sophia hesitated. "¡­Fine. But you owe me treat"


    "Deal." Sera hung up, exhaling deeply. She had bought herself some time. But it wasn''t enough.


    She needed to find a way to keep Sophia far, far away from Logan.


    Jed had originally planned to dig deeper into Sera''s parents accident. But with the sudden emergence of a murder case, his priorities were forcefully shifted.


    As a fresh graduate from the police academy, he was still a rookie in the field. Yet, now he was being pulled straight into the deep end, a real homicide case. It was a rare opportunity to gain firsthand experience, so he had no choice but to go along.


    Meanwhile, Sera left the police station alone.


    As she stepped outside, she looked up at the heavy, overcast sky. The air felt thick, as if it was on the verge of a downpour.


    Her heart was just as cloudy.


    ''Would the police actually follow up on her case? Would they find anything? Or would this all be swept under the rug, just like three years ago?''


    These thoughts just ringed in his mind again and again. She didn''t know. But one thing was clear, her inner balance was shifting.


    A decision that she had been hesitant to make was slowly becoming inevitable.


    ¡­.


    Xxxx Avenue was the busiest and most extravagant street in the City.


    It was home to Night Bar, the most famous nightclub in the area. A place where money flowed like water, where the city''s elite, celebrities, and underworld figures gathered to indulge in their vices.


    More importantly, it was one of Alex''s businesses. Despite being the owner, Alex rarely visited.


    Compared to the chaotic, hormone-fueled energy of a nightclub, he preferred the slow, refined atmosphere of a lounge.


    But tonight, he made an exception.


    Why? Because he was waiting for the second female lead to make her entrance.


    It was a well-known fact that every clich¨¦ novel followed a certain pattern when it came to the protagonist''s female companions:


    ?The Aristocratic Lady:- Graceful, poised, and raised in the lap of luxury, she carries herself with an air of elegance befitting her prestigious lineage. Beneath her refined demeanor lies a sharp intellect and a will of steel, making her a formidable presence in any room.


    ?The Fiery Detective:- Fiercely independent and unafraid to speak her mind, she is a dedicated officer with a strong sense of justice. Her temper often gets the best of her, leading to frequent clashes with the protagonist, but beneath her tough exterior is a heart that longs for connection.


    ?The Ice Queen CEO:- Commanding, ruthless, and the very definition of power, she has built an empire with her own hands. She demands excellence from everyone around her, yet behind closed doors, there exists a side of her that few ever get to see¡ªa vulnerable, lonely heart longing for warmth.


    ?The Struggling Beauty:- Sweet, kind-hearted, and full of quiet resilience, she comes from a humble background and works tirelessly to support herself. Though life has not been easy, she never loses her optimism or her gentle nature, drawing others to her like a beacon of light in the darkness.


    ?The Adoring Little Sister:- Innocent, cheerful, and full of admiration for the protagonist, she sees the world through bright, trusting eyes. Whether by blood or by bond, she clings to him with unwavering devotion, always believing in his strength and kindness.


    And tonight, the ''The Struggling Beauty'' was supposed to appear. Her setup was always the same¡­ A sick mother or grandmother in need of expensive medical treatment.


    A desperate struggle to make ends meet. A part-time job in a nightclub or some store. A clueless thug who decided to harass her. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And at the perfect moment, the protagonist appears, playing the hero. A classic, overused storyline.


    Alex still found it amusing. Sitting at the dimly lit bar, he ordered a simple drink.


    "One non-alcoholic drink." The bartender, a short-haired woman with a flirtatious smile, immediately recognized him.


    "Right away, boss. Please wait a moment." Although Alex rarely showed up, everyone in the bar knew who he was.


    After all, it was standard protocol for villains in powerful organizations to be instantly recognized by their subordinates.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 122 - 122: Night Club

    After all, it was standard protocol for villains in powerful organizations to be instantly recognized by their subordinates.


    The classic trope in any protagonist-centered story was this: the lower-ranked underlings of an organization would always fail to recognize the main character.


    In fact, they might even go out of their way to mock him. Then, just as the tension reached its peak, a higher-up would appear, recognize the protagonist instantly, and the underlings would be left gaping in shock, realizing too late whom they had just provoked. At that moment, the protagonist''s display of dominance would be complete.


    Sitting at the dimly lit bar, sipping an non-alcoholic drink, Alex couldn''t help but imagine a scenario that would elevate his mood.


    He wished that, right now, some bold individual would stand up in the middle of the club and shout the classic line: "Tonight, all drinks are on me!" That would be quite the spectacle.


    This wasn''t just any club; this was the most famous and high-end establishment in the City. A single night''s revenue could reach nearly hundreds of thousand. That sum wasn''t much to him, just spare change, really.


    Taking a sip of his drink, he casually turned to the bartender and asked, "Have there been any new hires recently? Temporary staff, perhaps?"


    The bartender, a short-haired young woman, was momentarily taken aback. It wasn''t every day that their boss personally struck up a conversation with her.


    She quickly ran through her memory before answering, "There is one¡ªRiley. She joined last week. But she doesn''t accompany guests for drinks. Lane takes good care of her."


    A new hire, just last week. And she was already being looked after by the club''s manager? That was a strong indicator. Alex Reid narrowed his eyes slightly. Just to be sure, he asked, "Is she good-looking?"


    The bartender blinked in surprise before flashing a knowing smile. "She''s gorgeous. Riley is the campus from the University, and completely natural too. Word is, she took this job because she''s in desperate need of money."


    Having worked at the bar for a while, the bartender had long since learned to read the room. She knew when to speak, and more importantly, what to say.


    The moment the boss asked about a new hire''s appearance, she was certain, tonight, their boss wasn''t here just to drink.


    That was precisely why, when answering his question, she had made sure to emphasize the words completely natural.


    She had a decent relationship with Riley, but business was business. If the boss wanted something, well, that was just the way the world worked.


    "Call Lane over," Alex Reid instructed.


    Lane was the manager of his bar, as well as the person overseeing all of his nightclub businesses. If anyone knew the details about a particular employee, it would be Lane.


    "Understood, boss." With that, the bartender gave a respectful nod before turning away to fetch Lane.


    ¡­.


    Near the bar counter, a young woman stood quietly, looking completely out of place in the dimly lit nightclub.


    She wore the standard uniform of the club, but no matter how one looked at her, she didn''t belong here.


    Her long black hair was neatly braided into twin plaits, and she wore large, black-framed glasses that gave her a bookish, innocent look.


    Her demeanor was reserved, and there was a subtle nervousness in the way she held herself, as if she wasn''t quite sure where to stand.


    A young man with bleached yellow hair swaggered over, a cigarette lazily hanging from the corner of his lips.


    In one hand, he held a glass filled with a deep amber liquid, the strong scent of alchol rising from it. He leaned in close, smirking as he slid the drink toward her.


    "Hey, gorgeous," he drawled. "Drink this, and I''ll drop another ten grand at your bar tonight."


    The girl stiffened. Her hands instinctively clenched at the hem of her uniform as she hesitated. Finally, in a small, timid voice, she said, "Th-thank you¡­ but I don''t drink."


    The young man blinked, as if he had just heard something utterly ridiculous. Then, a second later, he let out a loud, mocking laugh.


    "You don''t drink?" He repeated, incredulous. "Then what the hell are you doing working in a bar?"


    "I¡­ I''m just here to work," she murmured, lowering her head even further. Her voice was so soft that, in the midst of the club''s pounding electronic beats, it was nearly impossible to hear her.


    The man''s expression darkened. His inebriated mind, clouded by both alcohol and arrogance, twisted her words into something offensive.


    "The hell are you playing at? Acting like some innocent little girl," he sneered. "What kind of proper girl works in a bar, huh?"


    He had already had quite a bit to drink, and now that a mere bar girl was daring to turn him down, his drunken pride flared. His grip on the glass tightened, and his eyes burned with irritation.


    "I''m asking you one more time¡­ are you drinking this or not?" His voice dropped, his tone carrying an unmistakable threat. "If you don''t drink, you''re disrespecting me."


    "I¡­" Riley''s breath caught in her throat. Her heart pounded as she instinctively took a step back, but the counter was already behind her. She had nowhere else to retreat.


    This job paid handsomely to her per night¡ªit was the best-paying work she had ever had. She couldn''t afford to lose it. It had been her roommate who helped her get this position, and she desperately needed the money. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But now, faced with the man''s aggressive stance and the oppressive weight of his gaze, her mind went blank. She didn''t know what to do.


    Just as she felt herself cornered with no escape, a tall figure stepped smoothly between them.


    A woman, dressed in a sleek black bodycon dress, stood with effortless authority between Riley and the drunkard.


    "Well, well, well¡­. Sir," the woman said, her voice smooth yet ice-cold. "You''ve got some guts. Flirting with our club girls right under my nose?"


    The moment the drunkard heard that voice, his drunken haze evaporated like smoke in the wind.


    "L-Lane?" His breath hitched as a wave of sobriety hit him. "L-Lane¡­ What are you doing here?"


    Riley''s tense shoulders instantly relaxed. Relief flooded her chest, and for the first time all night, she felt safe.


    Lane was a half-Russian, half-Chinese beauty. She had inherited the tall, statuesque figure of her Russian ancestry, paired with the delicate, refined facial features of the East.


    She was the kind of woman who exuded a commanding presence just by standing there, elegant yet dangerously sharp.


    With a casual motion, Lane pulled Riley behind her, placing herself squarely between the frightened girl and the drunk man.


    As she did, her sharp gaze flickered to the side, as if glancing toward someone in the distance. A flicker of something unreadable passed through her eyes.


    But for now, her focus remained on the man before her. And she wasn''t amused. But she quickly regained the aura of a nightclub queen.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 123 - 123: Riley

    But for now, her focus remained on the man before her. And she wasn''t amused. But she quickly regained the aura of a nightclub queen.


    With her arms crossed in front of her chest, she lifted the two magnificent assets, something that seemed to exist only in drama, resting them atop her forearms.


    The deafening beat of the music pounded through Bar, a relentless rhythm that pulsed through the air like an electric current. The atmosphere was thick with heat and the scent of alcohol, laced with the unmistakable tension of raw, unfiltered desire.


    But despite the sweltering environment, the blonde-haired young man was drenched in cold sweat.


    He might have been the son of some extra rich family''s, a privileged boy with money to burn, but even he knew there were limits.


    This Bar was not just another high-end club for rich kids to throw their weight around. There was a backing behind this bar, a power that even he wouldn''t want to mess with.


    He had seen it happen before. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    There had been other ignorant people in their circle, someone even wealthier and more influential than himself. One night, after downing too many strong drinks, that fool had decided to try his luck with Lane. He had showered her with lewd remarks, thinking his family name could shield him.


    It hadn''t.


    Lane had shut him down immediately, and not just with words. She had given him a well-placed, merciless kick, the kind that ensured his child would never be born.


    The man had ended up in the hospital, and by the time he was discharged, his family''s influence and business was in so much loss.


    A fate like that¡­ was not something the blond boy dared to risk. His throat felt parched. He quickly plastered on an apologetic smile, trying to defuse the situation before it escalated further.


    "L-Lane, I¡ªI had too much to drink tonight," he stammered. "Don''t take it to heart, alright? I¡ªI''ll apologize to the lady directly right now."


    Without waiting for a response, he picked up his glass of deink, tilted his head back, and downed the entire thing in one gulp. The burn of alcohol seared his throat, but he didn''t dare flinch.


    Turning to Riley, he forced out, "Miss, I¡­ I said some things I shouldn''t have. It was the alcohol talking. Please, don''t take it personally."


    His words were hardly sincere, but his fear? That was very real.


    Lane''s gaze remained frosty. She crossed her arms, the motion only emphasizing her curvaceous figure, and let out a cold chuckle.


    "Sir," she said, her voice carrying a dangerous edge. "That apology of yours¡­ doesn''t sound very heartfelt."


    The man stomach clenched. "Th-then¡­ what do you think I should do?"


    Lane''s lips curled into a smirk. "Well, how about this? Why don''t you sign up for a club premium membership? Show some generosity and help our frightened little lady here meet her sales quota."


    Wang nearly choked.


    Thia club premium membership costs a fortune¡­ you can guess this is ipen for only wealthy and influential people only so¡­ that price was reasonable¡­ You can think of it like a normal bar but with an economy side and then there is another 1st class side.


    That wasn''t pocket change, even for a wealthy person like him. He had money, but dropping a tgat in one night was going to sting. Still¡­ what choice did he have?


    "A..A ¡­Alright," he gritted out through clenched teeth. "I''ll do it."


    He fished out his phone, made the transfer, and watched as some money disappeared from his account.


    The second it was done, he didn''t waste another moment, he turned and bolted out of the bar, eager to put as much distance between himself and Lane as possible.


    Only when his figure vanished into the crowd did Riley let out a breath she hadn''t realized she was holding.


    She turned to Lane, her voice soft but filled with curiosity. "Lane, why are you here?"


    She had always been cautious while working at Club. This place was chaotic, filled with all sorts of people, some harmless, some dangerous.


    It wasn''t a place where a girl like her could afford to be careless. In a place like this, making the wrong move could mean being sold off without even realizing it.


    After a week of working together, Riley had already placed Lane into a special category in her heart, the trustworthy one.


    In a place like this bar, where people came and went with ulterior motives, trust was a rare commodity.


    But Lane had never once deceived her. Not only had she always looked out for her, but she had also never tried to push her into anything she didn''t want to do.


    To Riley, Lane was like a good friend, someone reliable, someone good. Her gaze, clear and untainted, was filled with nothing but trust.


    "I¡­" For a moment, Lane found herself speechless.


    That pair of trusting eyes, so pure, so full of naive sincerity, made her feel an unfamiliar pang of guilt. She wasn''t someone who usually hesitated with words, but right now, she wasn''t sure what to say.


    In a club like this, it was hardly unusual for a girl to get hit on by drunk, arrogant men. It was practically routine.


    Most of the women who worked here had their own motives, their own ambitions. Many weren''t just here for a paycheck, they were here to fish for gold.


    And then there was Riley.


    The girl was stunning, so beautiful that she didn''t seem to belong in a place like this at all. Her eyes were too bright, too clean, untouched by the filth of the world. She was like an untainted white lotus, blooming in the midst of a murky swamp.


    The first time Lane had met her, she''d thought the same thing, a girl like this doesn''t belong here.


    But then she''d learned how desperate Riley was for money. And so, Lane had arranged for her to work at the front desk, a job that paid well and kept her somewhat protected.


    Since Riley had started working at club, the bar''s revenue had seen an unexpected ten percent increase.


    But that wasn''t the real reason Lane looked after her. No, the real reason was that, in Riley, she saw a reflection of her past self.


    "Lane?" Riley''s soft voice broke through her thoughts. Seeing Lane lost in thought, the girl tilted her head slightly, concern flashing in her eyes.


    Lane snapped out of it.


    "Oh!" She averted her gaze, almost guilty, before finally speaking.


    "Our boss wants to see you¡­ talk to you." The words came out a little forced.


    Riley blinked in confusion. "Your boss?"


    Lane didn''t answer right away. Her fingers lightly tapped against her arm, her posture stiff.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 124 - 124: Drinker

    "Boss?" Riley blinked, her large, expressive eyes filled with shock.


    She had only been working at this club for a week, but in that short time, she had heard countless rumors about the elusive owner of the club.


    Some claimed he was a tall, rich, and handsome business tycoon, while others whispered that he was a powerful underworld figure. There were even rumors that he had deep connections within city.


    Because of all these conflicting stories, Riley had grown increasingly curious about the man she had never met yet had heard so much about.


    But why would someone like him want to see a newbie employee like her?


    "The boss is here tonight," Lane explained, already prepared with an excuse. "He wants to assess the new staff members and see how they''re doing."


    "Assess new staff members?"


    Riley looked even more confused. Her eyes, as clear as spring water, held not just naivety but also a hint of nervousness. "But¡­ but I don''t know how to do anything! I can''t sing, I can''t dance, I don''t have any special talents¡­"


    Lane forced a reassuring smile, though deep down, she felt like a brothel madam luring an innocent girl into trouble.


    "Don''t worry," she said, voice gentle but firm. "The boss is a very nice person." At least, that was what she told herself to ease her own guilt.


    ¡­.


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    The top floor of the club housed its most exclusive VIP rooms, a stark contrast to the wild, electrifying atmosphere of the main dance floor below.


    Each suite had its own unique theme and luxurious design, offering complete privacy and comfort.


    One of the club''s greatest selling points was its impeccable soundproofing. No matter how deafening the DJ''s beats were downstairs, the VIP rooms remained silent sanctuaries, perfectly insulated from the chaos.


    Alex lounged comfortably on the large leather sofa, his posture relaxed, one leg crossed over the other. He swirled a glass of Sidecar in his hand, the amber liquid catching the dim, moody lighting of the room.


    On the low glass table before him sat another cocktail, a Dry Martini, untouched, and an unopened bottle of high-proof Vodka, its presence a silent invitation for something stronger.


    A soft knock came at the door. Moments later, it opened.


    Lane stepped in first, her high heels clicking against the marble floor. Behind her, half-hidden in her shadow, was a small, timid figure.


    A delicate, helpless little thing.


    "Boss," Lane said, her voice composed but her expression unreadable. "I''ve brought her." Lane stepped aside, revealing the girl she had been shielding.


    "This is our new employee, her name is Riley." With her protective barrier gone, Riley suddenly found herself standing directly in front of the club''s mysterious owner.


    Already nervous to begin with, she now felt completely exposed under his gaze. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides as she stiffly bowed.


    "S-S¡­ Sir, hello!" Her voice wavered slightly, carrying a soft, almost trembling tone. She stood ramrod straight, eyes fixed forward, looking as disciplined as a student undergoing military training.


    Alex lifted his gaze, but instead of looking at the anxious girl in front of him, his attention landed on Lane.


    Lane, whose blood carried half Russian heritage, had a figure that could only be described as explosive.


    The kind that strained the very fabric of her dress, leaving little to the imagination. She was the type of woman that could drive men insane with just a glance.


    If a room full of lecherous men saw her, they would probably lose their minds, yelling "Step on me, Miss!" without shame.


    In the original plot, Lane was someone Alex had picked up in Russia of course he doesn''t remember clearly when as it was before he had transmigrated. From then on, she remained by his side, serving as his right-hand woman, much like the refined yet ruthless Mr. Waters.


    Though her area for now was only in this bar and not outside.


    Later in the plot, when the protagonist, Eric Vaughn, launched his attack, Lane sacrificed herself to buy time for Alex''s escape like Mr. Waters in the Ethan one. Poisoned by Eric, her death was nothing short of tragic.


    But right now, none of that had happened yet.


    Lane suddenly felt something odd in the way her boss was looking at her. It wasn''t the usual commanding gaze he carried, but something else, something she couldn''t quite put her finger on.


    Instinctively, she decided it was best to leave as soon as possible.


    "Boss, I''ll leave you two to talk," she said casually, already turning toward the door. "There''s still work outside I need to take care of."


    Alex gave a slight nod, granting his silent approval.


    However, just as Lane reached for the door handle¡ª "Wait, Lane! You''re leaving?"


    Riley''s voice shot up an octave, her panic clear as day. She turned toward Lane in alarm, like a lost child about to be abandoned in unfamiliar territory.


    Lane was her only lifeline in this place! She might have been a little naive, but she wasn''t stupid.


    Being left alone in a private VIP room with a man she barely knew? A man as powerful and enigmatic as the club owner? That just didn''t seem right!


    But before she could even finish processing her thoughts, Lane had already stepped outside¡­ And the door clicked shut.


    The private VIP room fell into complete silence, so quiet that the faint sound of ice melting in a glass seemed deafening. The air carried the subtle scent of cocktails, blending with the lingering tension.


    Riley stood stiffly near the door, her posture as rigid as a student being scolded by a strict teacher. She swallowed nervously before speaking, her voice soft and hesitant.


    "S-Sir¡­ hello."


    Alex barely acknowledged her, offering only a small nod before taking another sip of his drink. He had no intention of making small talk.


    In his past life, his alcohol tolerance had been average at best. But after arriving in this world, he had purchased a skill from the system''s marketplace, "Bottomless Drinker" after browsing for some time in the system shop. His capacity for alcohol had skyrocketed, making him immune to intoxication.


    ¡­


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 Chapter 125 - 125: Just One Sip

    In his past life, his alcohol tolerance had been average at best. But after arriving in this world, he had purchased a skill from the system''s marketplace, "Bottomless Drinker" after browsing for some time in the system shop. His capacity for alcohol had skyrocketed, making him immune to intoxication.


    In simpler terms, when it came to drinking, he could confidently declare: I''m not singling anyone out, but all of you here are amateurs compared to me.


    Since Alex didn''t seem interested in speaking, Riley remained obediently silent. But her curiosity got the better of her.


    Every few moments, she would sneak a glance at him, only to panic and lower her gaze whenever she thought he might notice.


    After a brief pause, she''d peek at him again, then quickly look away like a guilty child caught red-handed.


    Alex resisted the urge to sigh. ''Is she a grade schooler or what?'' Placing his glass down, he finally spoke, his tone casual yet direct.


    "Is there something on my face?" Riley jolted upright.


    "A-Ah?! N-No, nothing!" Her hands instinctively clenched the hem of her shirt, her nervous energy making her fidget like a restless kitten.


    Alex leaned forward slightly, resting his forearm on his knee. "Can you sing?"


    "Sing?" She blinked rapidly before shaking her head. "Not really¡­ Does being tone-deaf count?"


    ''So, that''s a no.'' He exhaled lightly before trying again. "What about dancing?"


    "Dancing¡­ um, also not really. Do warm-up exercises count?" Alex Sigh. At this point, even a restaurant wouldn''t hire her as a waitress.


    He looked her over, taking in the simple, almost makeup-free face. Despite her plain appearance, her beauty was undeniable.


    Her straight bangs, reminiscent of a high school girl, framed large, clear eyes that held traces of anxiety, yet beneath that nervousness, there was something else.


    A kind of pure, naive foolishness. A rare sight in a place like Club. Of course, there was a reason behind this contradiction, why someone so untainted had chosen to work in a place that catered to the wealthy and the corrupt.


    Her grandmother was sick. Not just any illness, but cancer. Late-stage. The kind of diagnosis that meant towering medical bills and slim chances of survival.


    And why was it specifically late-stage cancer and not some other common condition? Simple. Because if it were something easily treatable with modern medicine, then how else would the Miraculous doctor, Eric Vaughn, get his grand entrance?


    In reality, cancer, especially late-stage, offered little to no hope for recovery. Even at mid-stage, the chances of survival were very¡­ very slim.


    But in the world of brainless urban power fantasies?


    Forget the late-stage. Even if cancer had reached some new stage, all it took was the protagonist making a casual move, and the disease would be cured within minutes.


    In the original plot, Eric Vaughn had visited the Club for a drink, only to come across Riley being harassed by a few small-time thugs.


    The moment he laid eyes on her, he was stunned by her beauty, a once-in-a-lifetime masterpiece, he had thought.


    Naturally, the heroic protagonist couldn''t just stand by.


    So, he beat the thugs to a pulp, causing quite a bit of collateral damage in the process. Glass shattered, tables flipped, and several club decorations were reduced to rubble.


    When the club later demanded compensation, did Eric take responsibility? Of course not. Instead, he turned around and beat up the club''s security team as well.


    And that was that.


    After leaving the club, a tearful and grateful Riley revealed why she had taken up a job at such a place, her grandmother''s illness.


    Eric, being the prodigy Miracle doctor that he was, immediately declared: "Your grandmother''s illness? I can cure it."


    From then on, things naturally fell into place, and the sweet, innocent girl became completely enamored with him.


    Alex''s lips curled into a faint smirk as he rested his hand on the table.


    "You can''t sing or dance¡­" He tapped his fingers lightly against the glass. "But surely you can drink?"


    "D-Drink?" Riley stammered, her expression shifting slightly. "I¡­ I don''t¡­ I can only drink a little." Her first instinct was to say she couldn''t drink at all.


    But when she caught the faint displeasure in the boss''s gaze, she quickly swallowed her words and revised her answer.


    ''A young, wealthy, and handsome man like him wouldn''t force me to drink just for the sake of it¡­ right? He''s probably only suggesting this because I have no talent, and he doesn''t know what else to do with me¡­Wait¡­ If I had outright refused just now, would that have annoyed him? Would I have lost this easy job that pays 500 dollars a night for minimal effort?''


    Riley congratulated herself on her quick thinking. Looking at Alex, like understanding workplace dynamics like a pro!


    Alex pushed a glass toward her.


    "Then drink this." On the table sat a special dry martini, personally requested from the bartender. Unlike a regular dry martini, this one was crafted to hit hard and fast.


    Mercy? That''s the protagonist''s concern. A villain should act like a villain.


    Riley''s eyes widened as she stared at the glass.


    "Ah¡­ The whole thing?!"


    Although Riley had only been working at club for a week, she had already learned a thing or two about cocktails. And unfortunately, she recognized the drink in front of her.


    A dry martini¡ªone of the stronger cocktails. One sip, and she might be fine. The whole glass?


    She would definitely get drunk. She didn''t want to get drunk. She couldn''t get drunk.


    "Sir¡­" Riley hesitated, her fingers tightening around the hem of her dress. "I still have to go to the hospital after work to take care of my grandma. If I get drunk, there''ll be no one to look after her."


    She lowered her gaze, hoping that by showing her vulnerability, she could earn the big boss''s sympathy.


    Alex let out a quiet sigh.


    "Fine. Just one sip, then."


    ¡­


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    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 126 - 126: Desperate Plea

    "Fine. Just one sip, then." By lowering the bar, he left her with no room to refuse. One sip instead of a full glass.


    Riley hesitated. She was na?ve, but she wasn''t foolish. If she kept refusing, she might really upset him.


    Biting her lip, she took two steps forward, carefully picking up the glass. Just as she brought it to her lips, she met his gaze¡ªcold and unreadable.


    Her heart skipped a beat. In her panic, her ''small sip'' turned into a large mouthful.


    The drink was smooth, surprisingly refreshing, with a faint citrusy sweetness lingering on her tongue. It wasn''t as harsh as she had feared.


    For a brief moment, she even thought¡ªMaybe¡­ I could take another sip?


    But what she didn''t realize was that her face was already flushed red, all the way to her ears. This particular dry martini had been specially mixed by the bartender. The alcohol burn was mild, but its effects?


    Immediate. Alex gave a small nod of approval.


    "Your name is Riley, right?" He leaned back, voice casual. "Where are you from?" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "My¡­ my hometown is in the country side," she murmured, her voice softer than before. A light buzz had settled into her head, making everything feel a little¡­ floaty.


    Alex saw the change and seized the moment. With the right words and just a little push, walls crumble.


    And with alcohol? Even faster. Soon, the conversation flowed. Riley, who had been reserved just moments ago, started to open up.


    Bit by bit, her secrets spilled out.


    "¡­Late-stage cancer?" Alex frowned, as if troubled by the news. "That''s¡­ a difficult situation." His voice carried just the right amount of sympathy.


    At his words, Riley''s lips trembled. The emotions she had been suppressing, the stress, the fear, the helplessness, burst free all at once.


    Tears welled up in her eyes. Then¡­ "Waaahhh!" She collapsed onto the couch, sobbing uncontrollably.


    "Grandma is my only family!" she wailed, gripping the fabric of the sofa. "Even if there''s only the tiniest chance, I have to save her¡­ I have to!"


    Alex didn''t soften his words. "Late-stage liver cancer." He swirled the remaining liquor in his glass, watching the liquid catch the dim light. His voice was cold, detached¡ªmerciless.


    "To put it bluntly, that''s practically a death sentence. No matter how much effort you put in, it could all be for nothing. In the end, you''ll just drain your savings, and you''ll still lose her." Riley''s entire body tensed.


    "And the worst part?" He leaned back, his tone calm but cutting. "The treatment you''re paying for? It''s not a cure¡­ it''s just prolonging her suffering." His words struck deep, right into the most fragile part of her heart.


    "¡­I¡ªI know," Riley choked out between sobs, her small hands clutching the fabric of her dress so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Tears streamed down her face, her breath coming in uneven gasps. "But¡­ but what else can I do?" Her voice broke.


    She wasn''t stupid. She knew what late-stage liver cancer meant. She knew the survival rate was nearly nonexistent.


    She knew that in modern medicine, there had never been a successful case of recovery from it. And yet¡­ she still clung to hope.


    There are cases of people surviving other types of cancer. So why¡­ why couldn''t my grandma be the exception? Though she doesn''t know that her grandmother is that one exception¡­


    Her thoughts spiraled, drowning in desperation. People don''t feel grief the same way. Riley was collapsing under the weight of her pain, while Alex? He was enjoying this.


    Watching her emotions unravel, watching the cracks deepen, it was exhilarating. This should be enough. If he pushed any further, she might actually break.


    Alex set his glass down and moved closer, settling beside her on the couch. Then, slowly, he reached out and patted her back.


    The warmth of his touch, so unexpected, made Riley flinch. His next words, however, changed everything.


    "Actually," he said, voice dropping just slightly, "late-stage liver cancer isn''t completely untreatable. I have a friend."


    Riley froze. Her breath caught in her throat, her body going rigid. Then¡ªshe snapped her head up.


    Her tear-streaked face, still flushed from the alcohol, lifted toward him. Her wide, swollen eyes shimmered with unshed tears. And in them, for the first time since the conversation started, there was hope.


    At that moment, as she stared at Alex, it was as if she was looking at light.


    The private lounge was heavy with the scent of alcohol, its dim lighting casting long shadows over the plush leather seating.


    Riley''s cheeks were flushed from the effects of the drink, her head swimming in a haze of intoxication and exhaustion. Strands of her dark hair clung to her tear-streaked face, disheveled from her earlier breakdown.


    She lay sprawled over the soft sofa, her legs bent beneath her, sheer stockings pressed against the cool floor. Her body felt weak, drained¡ªbut Alex''s words struck her like a jolt of electricity.


    Her hazy mind barely had time to process, but instinct alone forced her upright. ''What did he just say? Did he mean he had a way to save my grandmother?''


    For a moment, her chaotic thoughts cleared, and in her unfocused, watery eyes, a flicker of hope ignited. It has to be true.


    Alex was powerful, wealthy, and well-connected. If anyone could know a way to save her grandmother, it would be him.


    Driven by desperation, Riley moved on her knees, shifting slightly to face him fully. Her delicate fingers clutched the hem of his expensive suit, her grip trembling yet firm.


    "Sir," she pleaded, her voice raw, fragile. "You must have a way, right? You can save my grandmother, can''t you?"


    Alex looked down at the girl kneeling before him, meeting her pleading gaze with a calm, unreadable expression.


    The alcohol was already working through her system, making her more emotional, more reckless, but the sheer desperation in her voice kept her momentarily grounded.


    ¡­


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    ¡­


    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.

 Chapter 127 - 127: Strategy Of Smart People

    The alcohol was already working through her system, making her more emotional, more reckless, but the sheer desperation in her voice kept her momentarily grounded.


    The special blend of dry martini was indeed effective. Perhaps he should consider giving her a raise next month.


    With a measured movement, he reached out and took her small hands in his, feeling the warmth of her skin against his own. Riley was so focused on his words that she didn''t even notice the gesture.


    "You said your grandmother''s illness is late-stage liver cancer," he said smoothly. "With something that advanced, Western medicine is practically useless. Not only would it fail to cure her, but it would also prolong her suffering and drain your finances."


    Riley''s breath hitched. The fear of losing everything, her grandmother, her money, her last shred of hope, gripped her all over again.


    "Then¡­ then what should I do?" Her voice quivered, teetering on the edge of another breakdown.


    Alex''s grip on her hands tightened ever so slightly. "I have a friend," he said, his tone casual yet deliberate. "He comes from a long line of traditional medicine practitioners. Some say he has the power to heal the incurable, to bring the patient who is in cureable back from the brink of death. If he were to take action, there might still be a chance for your grandmother."


    For a second, Riley forgot how to breathe. Her eyes widened in disbelief, the sadness in them instantly replaced by hope.


    "Really?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, as if she was afraid that speaking too loudly would shatter this fragile moment of salvation. "Sir, could you¡ª"


    She stopped herself mid-sentence, realization slamming into her like a wave of cold water.


    ''What am I saying?'' She was just a lowly employee, a nobody. ''How could I possibly have the right to ask a Sir for help?''


    Her throat tightened, and she quickly withdrew her hands, lowering her gaze in shame. "I¡ªI''m sorry, Sir," she stammered, her voice barely holding steady. "That was rude of me¡­ I shouldn''t have asked."


    Alex leaned back slightly, studying her reaction with mild amusement. "It''s fine," he said simply.


    Alex let out a long sigh, his expression unreadable. "To be honest, I wouldn''t really call him a friend," he admitted, his voice laced with a hint of frustration. "Our relationship is¡­ complicated, to say the least. There was a time when we nearly came to blows over some disagreements. And to make things worse, he has a terrible temper and a personality that''s hard to deal with."


    Riley''s hopeful gaze dimmed, and she lowered her head in disappointment. "Sir, maybe¡­ maybe we should just forget about it. My issue isn''t worth troubling you over."


    She spoke the words softly, as if giving up, but deep down, she knew she wanted this more than anything.


    She hated how calculating she sounded in her own head. Pretending not to want something when you desperately did¡­ wasn''t this exactly what a manipulative woman would do?


    Alex, watching her closely, found himself amused by the innocence in her act. Naive girls really are the easiest to manipulate.


    A playful smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he lifted a hand, his fingers gently tilting her chin upward. He forced her to meet his gaze once more.


    Riley knelt before him, her delicate hands still resting on his lap, trapped in his firm grasp. Her large, teary eyes blinked twice, shimmering under the dim lights. And despite the obvious intimacy of his gesture, she did not resist.


    Alex''s voice dropped to a slow, deliberate drawl. "Getting him to help won''t be easy. Aside from his ridiculously high consultation fee, I''d also have to¡­ apologize to that annoying bastard." His tone darkened slightly, as if the very thought disgusted him.


    He sighed again, shaking his head as if resigning himself to fate. "But since you''re my most promising employee¡­ I suppose I have no choice. If apologizing is what it takes, then so be it."


    Riley froze. Her breath hitched, her chest rising and falling in uneven waves as she processed what he had just said. Slowly, she lifted her head, staring at him in complete disbelief.


    At that moment, Alex''s face was burned into her memory. Her heart pounded, her emotions a chaotic mess of gratitude she hasn''t felt like this gratitude in her twenty years of life, relief, and something she couldn''t quite name.


    Without realizing it, her entire body shifted forward, her delicate frame collapsing onto his lap.


    "Thank¡­ thank you, Sir," she whispered, her voice trembling with overwhelming emotion.


    Alex let out a quiet chuckle, his expression utterly relaxed. Honestly, I''d rather you call me by name¡­ but it''s still too soon for that.


    Still, he had played his part perfectly.


    He ran a hand through his hair before continuing, "That being said, he''s not in the country right now. I''ll contact him as soon as possible and try to convince him to come back. But I can''t guarantee when that''ll be." He paused for a moment, as if weighing his words. "I''ll do my best to get in touch with him. And if money is the problem, I''ll pay whatever it takes to bring him back as soon as possible."


    Helping someone always needed to look like an impossible task, even when it wasn''t. The more difficult it seemed, the greater the debt the other person would owe in return.


    If Alex had done this as a mere fluke, her gratitude would have been limited, believing that, for him, it was neither a significant effort nor worth much trouble. However, if he made it seem as though even he would struggle with it, her gratitude would surge and broke through that gratitude limiter


    ¡­


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    (A/N: Next Chapter Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)


    Don''t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 128 - 128: Drunk Riley

    Faced with Alex''s unwavering generosity, Riley suddenly felt uneasy, even a little ashamed.


    He was doing so much for her¡ªgoing out of his way to pull strings, spending an astronomical amount of money, and even humbling himself to apologize on her behalf.


    Yet, what could she possibly offer in return?


    She wasn''t foolish. She might be naive, but she wasn''t oblivious.


    When ordinary people asked for favors, they would at least bring gifts as a token of appreciation. But her request was a matter of life and death, and the price her boss was willing to pay¡­ So much money.


    For that amount of money, he could probably just buy her outright.


    That thought sent her mind spinning. ''I have to do something. But what?'' Her gaze wandered around the room, searching for an answer, until it landed on the glass of martini sitting on the table. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At that moment, a reckless idea took root in her alcohol-clouded brain.


    Without a second thought, she snatched up the glass, raised it high, and, with a determined glint in her eyes, downed the entire drink in one go.


    "Boss, I''ll drink to you!" she declared.


    Alex barely had time to react.


    He watched, stunned, as she tossed back the potent cocktail in a single gulp.


    ''Was this girl insane? A single sip had already left her red-faced and dazed. What did she think an entire glass would do?''


    This wasn''t just any cocktail¡ªthis was a custom-made dry martini, with a significantly higher alcohol content than usual.


    Even seasoned drinkers would feel the burn, let alone someone like her, who had never even touched alcohol before tonight.


    Sure enough¡ª


    "Cough, cough, cough!"


    Riley immediately choked, her delicate frame trembling as the sharp, burning sensation overwhelmed her throat and nostrils.


    The pungent scent of alcohol invaded her senses, making her eyes water.


    A few stray drops slipped down the corner of her lips, trailing down her jawline, soaking into the fabric of her blouse.


    Alex could only stare as the tipsy girl wobbled on her knees, blinking dazedly up at him.


    "Boss¡­ why do you have three heads?" she mumbled, her brows furrowing in confusion.


    Then she giggled, waving a hand in front of her face.


    "Boss, stop moving so much¡­ I can''t keep up!"


    Before he could respond, she pouted and whined, her voice turning into an exaggerated, childlike grumble.


    "Boss, I wanna eat crispy rice crackers¡­ and drink milk tea¡­" Alex blinked.


    What¡­?


    But Riley wasn''t done.


    Her expression lit up, and she clapped her hands together as if she had just discovered the greatest secret in the universe.


    "Boss! This drink is sooo good!" She smacked her lips, savoring the lingering taste. "It''s all sour and sweet¡ªlike lemons and candy! I wanna drink more!"


    Before he could stop her, she reached for a bottle of vodka sitting nearby, her movements clumsy and unsteady.


    She tilted the bottle, sloppily pouring a generous amount into a glass. Half of it spilled onto the table, but she didn''t seem to care.


    Then, in one swift motion, she tipped the glass back¡­ and chugged the entire thing.


    "Gah!" The second the fiery liquid burned its way down her throat, she gasped and coughed violently, her entire body shaking from the intensity of it.


    "Hot! Hot! So spicy!" she wailed, fanning her mouth. Alex watched in absolute disbelief.


    ''Girl, are you seriously treating vodka like it''s a kids'' milk drink?!'' She was gone. Completely drunk out of her mind. Before she had started drinking, she had been quiet and reserved.


    Now?


    She was singing, dancing, and¡ªif her sudden arm movements were any indication¡ªpretending to play basketball.


    ¡­.


    After exhausting herself from all the jumping around, she curled up in Alex''s arms like a tired little kitten, completely letting down her guard.


    It was no wonder that girls who got wasted outside bars were easy to pick up¡ªtheir defenses were long gone, drowned in alcohol.


    The girl, though drained of energy, still couldn''t keep her mouth shut. She continued to mumble nonsense, occasionally spouting a few words in a dialect that was incomprehensible to most.


    Her black-framed glasses, the kind that supposedly made her look smarter, had disappeared somewhere in the chaos. Alex pinched her lower lip and studied her face with mild amusement.


    "Heh, flat as a runway." Though she was on the petite side, he figured there was still potential for ''development'' in the future.


    The authors make their heroines so petite that if not mentioned they will look like in their teens, but she was twenty-twenty one years old.


    Just as he was thinking about something like his next move for the girl, the girl in his arms took a sudden deep breath.


    Alex''s heart tightened. A sense of unease crept up his spine as he instinctively pushed her head away.


    And then¡­ "Ugh¡ª!" She vomited. Everywhere. The pungent stench of alcohol and bile instantly filled the room.


    After emptying the contents of her stomach, the girl curled up again on the couch as if nothing had happened.


    Alex''s expression darkened. A few veins pulsed at his temple as he stood there, staring at the mess in absolute disgust.


    What was supposed to be a beautiful night had been completely ruined. His desire evaporated in an instant.


    With a face full of irritation, he turned and walked out of the room. As for the drunken Riley? Lane would handle her.


    ¡­


    At the City Police Station:


    Detention Center:


    Inside the cold, dimly lit holding cell, Eric Vaughn sat on the hard wooden bench, his face weary. Dark circles hung under his eyes, and his normally neat hair was a tangled mess.


    "Finally got that over with¡­ Damn it, I almost lost my ass back there," Eric muttered, exhaling deeply.


    He glanced at the bespectacled man sprawled on the floor, sleeping like a dead pig.


    "Tch, you thought you could mess with me? I''m Eric Vaughn¡ªthe Miracle doctor who saves lives with one hand and ends them with the other. You''re just a lowly pervert!"


    As he recalled the events of the previous night, a shiver ran down his spine. Goosebumps prickled his skin, and he instinctively clenched his legs together.


    His¡­ lower half still felt the ghost of a cold breeze.

 Chapter 129 - 129: Admitting The Charges

    "I need to get out of here. I can''t stand being locked up with this lunatic any longer. If push comes to shove, I''ll have to use my the favors."


    Eric Vaughn narrowed his eyes, deep in thought.


    As the only disciple of his three revered masters, they had entrusted him with all their personal connections before he left the mountains. But unless absolutely necessary, he had no intention of relying on those favors.


    Just as he hesitated, the door to the holding cell swung open with a loud creak.


    A young police officer stepped inside, his expression unreadable. "You, there''s been a development in your case. Come with me."


    Hearing this, a smug grin instantly curled at the corners of Eric''s lips.


    ''Heh¡­ Took them long enough.'' By his calculations, the old man from the Kleinberg Family must have finally reached his limit. Without another dose of his special treatment, the so-called ''acupuncture'' he had given would soon turn into a death sentence.


    Three days¡­ That''s all it takes. If I don''t administer another one in time, not even a deity could bring him back.


    By now, the Kleinberg Family must have completely lost their minds with panic.


    Eric scoffed internally. ''They thought they could use me and then toss me aside? Who the hell do they think they are?''


    With his hands clasped behind his back, he strode forward arrogantly, stepping past the officer like he owned the place. As he walked, he turned his head slightly and spoke in a lazily commanding tone.


    "Go tell the Kleinberg Family that if they want me to forgive them, they''d better show some sincerity. I want a red carpet rolled out in front of the police station and a hundred taels of gold as compensation."


    His voice deepened, laced with mocking amusement.


    "And the one to personally escort me out¡ª" he sneered, "¡ªmust be that woman Sera herself. If they fail to meet even a single one of these conditions¡­ Heh. Then they can just turn around and leave the same way they came."


    The room fell into a dead silence.


    The officer stood completely dumbfounded, staring at Eric like he had lost his damn mind.


    ''The hell did I just hear?'' His expression twitched. ''Did this guy get brain damage while locked up?''


    ''You''re telling me¡ªthis bastard, who''s in custody for practicing illegal medicine and worsening a patient''s condition to the point of death, still has the audacity to act like a king? Rolling out a red carpet? Who the hell does he think he is, the president son?''


    Suppressing the urge to laugh, the officer led him into the interrogation room.


    Once inside, he picked up a stack of documents and slammed them onto the table in front of Eric.


    "You''re gonna be disappointed," the officer said dryly. His tone was sharp, almost mocking.


    "The old man from the Kleinberg Family? He''s dead." The moment the words left his mouth, Eric''s entire expression shifted violently.


    For the first time, the confidence in his eyes cracked, flashing between shock, disbelief, and something dangerously close to fear.


    "That is Impossible. Absolutely impossible!"


    Eric''s voice rose in a frantic shout, his eyes wild with disbelief. "That old bastard couldn''t have died! There''s no way! There has to be something else going on!" His mind raced. ''No¡­ my diagnosis was flawless.''


    ''My technique was precise. The acupuncture had never failed before. No matter how critical his condition was, as long as he had even a breath left, my acupuncture should have ensured his survival for at least three days. There''s no way he could have just dropped dead before then!''


    The young officer studied him for a long moment before speaking. "Mr. Eric, I suggest you calm down. The Kleinberg Family''s Head was already suffering from a terminal illness. Given the circumstances, your charges are likely to be illegal medical practice and assault. Technically speaking, this doesn''t constitute murder." His voice was calm, even understanding, as if trying to console him.


    "Lacking medical skills isn''t a crime. The charges for fighting might be more severe, but as long as the hospital doesn''t pursue damages for the equipment you destroyed, we can try to be lenient."


    Eric''s expression darkened instantly, his breath hitching in rage. ''Lacking medical skills? This bastard dared to question my expertise? If it weren''t for these damn cuffs, I''d show him with a single needle how fragile his arrogance really is.''


    "The old man couldn''t have died," Eric growled, his hands clenching into fists. "My acupuncture Needles ensured his survival for three days. He wasn''t supposed to die until after that! Someone must have done something. Someone is framing me!" His fists slammed against the metal table with a loud thud, his eyes burning with desperation.


    The officers exchanged subtle glances, their expressions unreadable. Finally, the young officer arched a brow. "So, what you''re saying is¡­ he was supposed to die after three days? Not before?" His voice held a hint of amusement. "Meaning you admit that your treatment would have ultimately killed him?"


    Eric froze. His heart skipped a beat as he realized his mistake. His mouth opened, but no words came out. Shit. He had walked straight into their trap.


    "N-no, that''s not what I meant!" His voice cracked slightly, panic creeping in. "You''re twisting my words! I didn''t kill him! I¡ª"


    "You got that on record?" the young officer asked casually, glancing at a colleague. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yeah," came the immediate reply.


    "Good."


    The young officers in the room exchanged glances, still processing what had just happened. What was supposed to be a routine interrogation, just a standard interrogation after receiving the Kleinberg Family Head death notice, had unexpectedly turned into something far bigger. No one had expected a simple inquiry to yield such a major case.


    Initially, they had assumed this was just about a street brawl, maybe a charge of illegal medical practice at worst. Nothing too significant. But intentional homicide? That was a whole different story. A case like this could mean commendations, promotions, and bonuses.


    One of the officers shook his head in disbelief. "Damn¡­ The old man was already on his last legs. The hospital had issued multiple critical condition notices. He probably wouldn''t have made it more than a few days anyway."


    "And this guy still thought he wasn''t dying fast enough?" another officer muttered, throwing a glance at Eric Vaughn, who sat frozen in his seat, his face pale.


    "Not just that¡ªhe wanted to personally send him off," the first officer added, voice dripping with sarcasm.


    There was a brief silence before someone let out a low whistle.


    "Damn¡­ that''s some next-level lack of conscience right there."

 Chapter 130 - 130: Big Misunderstanding

    Early Morning:-


    City Nightclub:-


    The first rays of dawn crept through the gaps in the heavy curtains, casting a dim glow over the private lounge of club. The air still carried the remnants of alcohol, cigarette smoke, and a faint trace of spilled perfume.


    On the plush leather sofa, Riley stirred from her drunken sleep, her head pounding like a drum. As expected, after an entire night spent passed out in the bar, she had woken up with a fever.


    Two bar staff, sent by Lane to check on her, hovered over her with concerned expressions. One of them hesitantly placed a hand on her forehead, immediately frowning.


    "Riley, you''re burning up! Your forehead is so hot."


    The second staff member reached out to confirm and gasped. "This is bad. You''re definitely running a fever. You should go to the hospital. I''ll let Lane know you need the day off."


    Riley groggily sat up, her long hair a tangled mess. Her vision swam, and her head felt like it was about to split open. She blinked dazedly at her colleagues, her voice barely above a whisper. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Is it¡­ morning already?"


    "Of course it is. What happened last night? Did you drink with the boss?" One of the staff glanced around the room, their gaze landing on a small puddle of vomit not far from the sofa.


    Drink? Oh¡­ right. She had been drinking. Or at least, she had taken a sip¡­ No, maybe it was a full glass?


    Her muddled mind struggled to piece together the details, but everything was a blur. She shook her head slightly, trying to clear her thoughts. "I think¡­ I only had one sip. No¡­ maybe a glass?"


    Her colleague gave her a skeptical look, eyes flicking between Riley, who reeked of alcohol, and the clear evidence of her overindulgence. Their lips twitched.


    "One glass? Riley, come on¡­ Just look at yourself."


    The second staff member sighed, their tone carrying a hint of something else. "Listen, I get it. When the boss calls you to drink, you don''t really have a choice. But still, you shouldn''t push yourself like this. It''s not safe."


    A complicated expression crossed their face as they scanned the disheveled state of the lounge. The upturned glasses, the lingering scent of expensive liquor, and the young woman who, despite her fever, still looked stunningly beautiful.


    Sometimes, just being pretty was a kind of power. Getting called in to drink with the boss¡­ and ending up in this state? It was clear she had seized an opportunity, whether she realized it or not.


    "Anyway, you should go to the hospital. You don''t look good." Their words barely registered in Riley''s mind, but at the mention of hospital, a surge of clarity hit her.


    Right. Grandma.


    Her feverish haze lifted slightly as she remembered, her grandmother was still in the hospital, waiting for her. She had no time to be sick.


    She needed to go. Now.


    Riley slapped her own smooth cheeks forcefully, trying to shake off the discomfort of her hangover. The sharp sting helped clear her mind, at least a little, but the pounding headache remained.


    Seeing this, one of the bar staff couldn''t hold back her curiosity. "Riley, what exactly happened between you and the boss last night?"


    Another staff member leaned in, eyes gleaming with gossip. "Yeah, spill! The boss is so tall, so handsome, and his body is amazing. It must''ve felt incredible, right?"


    "You¡­ What are you talking about?" Riley''s eyes widened in pure confusion. Her expression was completely blank.


    The first staff member gave her a knowing look and sighed. "You probably drank too much and don''t remember a thing." She sounded certain, after all, she had experience in these matters.


    "The boss is such a scumbag," the other staff member muttered, clenching her teeth. ". You dont know what he did with a girl named Rose who was his girlfriend, and his step-sister and his step-mother¡­ they are all in prison. He would have just pulled up his pants and left? Didn''t even bother to cover you with a blanket?"


    Riley''s mind went blank.


    For a moment, she couldn''t process their words. But then, boom. Her thoughts exploded into chaos.


    She wasn''t stupid. At first, she hadn''t considered anything like that, but her colleagues'' words were way too explicit. Way too direct.


    No way¡­


    Her heart pounded wildly as she tried to recall what had happened the night before. The details were hazy, too hazy. She could vaguely remember the boss saying he had a way to save her grandmother, that he was willing to spend millions out of his own pocket to hire a top specialist to treat her.


    She had been so overwhelmed with emotions that she toasted him with a drink. Just one glass. But after that nothing. Her head throbbed painfully. Her body ached. She felt weak and uncomfortable all over.


    ''Did¡­ something really happen?'' Her stomach twisted into knots. This was bad. She felt like crying. ''Her first time¡­ in a bar''s private lounge? Just like that?''


    Drinking was a mistake. She should never have tried to keep up.


    Riley had no idea how she left Nightclub, or how she arrived at the hospital. Her mind was completely clouded the entire way.


    But when she saw her grandmother lying in the hospital bed, all her messy emotions were forcefully pushed aside.


    She took a deep breath, straightened her back, and forced a bright smile onto her face. No matter what, she couldn''t let her grandmother see that anything was wrong.


    ¡­.


    "That idiot Eric Vaughn really said that?" Alex''s voice rose a few octaves, his expression one of disbelief.


    No wonder he''d woken up to a massive surge of emotional breakdown reports from Eric Vaughn. Turns out, the fool had let his mouth run faster than his brain and ended up digging his own grave.


    Mr. Waters, standing at attention, gave a curt nod. "It was my oversight."


    To ensure that the decline of the Kleinberg Family previous Head health seemed completely natural, he had been meticulous, leaving no traces, making sure the autopsy report matched expectations. Everything had been clean.

 Chapter 131 - 131: Purchasing Some Skills

    To ensure that the decline of the Kleinberg Family previous Head health seemed completely natural, he had been meticulous, leaving no traces, making sure the autopsy report matched expectations. Everything had been clean.


    But now, thanks to Eric''s loose tongue, the situation has become tricky.


    Unfortunately, Kleinberg Family''s now deceased head was already cremated. With no body left to examine, there was no physical evidence to take a more severe charge onto Eric Vaughn.


    And that made all the difference.


    Illegal medical practice and intentional homicide were two entirely different crimes, one carried a few years in prison, the other over a decade.


    "It''s fine."


    Alex waved a hand dismissively, entirely unbothered. "I never expected him to be hit with a serious charge anyway. Besides, it won''t be long before someone bails him out."


    A Child of Fate wouldn''t be stuck in a detention center for long.


    Hell, forget about four or five years in prison, if that bastard actually stayed locked up for even fifteen days, it would be a damn miracle.


    But Mr. Waters remained firm, his expression confident. "Sir, no one would dare bail him out."


    Alex shook his head, lips curving into a faint smirk. "If someone wants to bail him out, let them. We need to keep a low profile for now."


    "Hmmmm," Alex sighed out, shifting the conversation. "For the next few days, keep a close eye on the police station. Eric should be getting out soon. Once he''s free, follow him discreetly. His medical skills are legitimate, and the last thing I need is for him to start flaunting them."


    "Understood, Sir."


    Mr. Waters didn''t quite understand why Alex wanted to prevent that nobody from showing off his abilities, but he didn''t question it.


    Orders were orders. After Mr. Waters left, Alex leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand.


    "The detention center probably won''t be able to hold the protagonist for too long. I need to get myself some defensive abilities¡­ fast."


    If Eric were just an exceptionally skilled doctor, Alex wouldn''t be too concerned. But the problem was, that bastard wasn''t just a doctor, he was also a poison master and a trained assassin.


    And poisons¡­ were nearly impossible to guard against. With that thought in mind, he pulled up his system interface.


    [Name: Alex]


    [Critical Points: 50,010]


    [System Inventory: None]


    In just a few days, he had accumulated over fifty thousand Critical Points.


    -Sera Kleinberg had contributed over twenty thousand.


    -Eric Vaughn, with his recent meltdown, had provided nearly another twenty thousand.


    -And the remaining few thousand came from the na?ve and gullible heroine, Riley.


    With this many points, he should be able to buy something to enhance his strength¡­


    Opening the system store, he scrolled for a while, but nothing seemed quite right. Without hesitation, he called out:


    "System, do you have any abilities that increase poison resistance?"


    The store interface refreshed instantly.


    [Poison Immunity (Passive)]


    ?Grants 99% immunity to all known poisons.


    ?Develops resistance to rare and exotic toxins.


    ?Cost: 40,000 Critical Points.


    [Detoxification Pill (One-time Use)]


    ?Completely eliminates all toxins from the body within one minute.


    ?No side effects.


    ?Cost: 5,000 Critical Points.


    One was a permanent passive skill for 40,000 Critical Points. The other was a one-time-use consumable for 5,000 Critical Points.


    A child would be forced to choose. An adult? Take both.


    Who knew if Eric''s poisons included some rare, freakish toxin that could bypass immunity? If the passive skill couldn''t neutralize it, then at least the pill would act as a safety net.


    "I''ll take both."


    [Congratulations! You have obtained the Poison Immunity skill and Detoxification Pill.]


    With his life-saving measures in place, Alex shifted his attention back to the store.


    "System, exchange four Bad Luck Talismans, one Gender-Swap Pill, and one Unstoppable Pill."


    Total cost: 5,000 Critical Points.


    His balance: 50,010 Critical Points ¡ú 10 Critical Points. Completely wiped out. But well worth it.


    ¡­.


    Three days had passed since Head of the Kleinberg Family passed away, and today was the day of his funeral.


    With the family inheritance dispute finally settled, the children of the now passed away head could finally turn their attention to preparing a proper send-off for their father.


    Logan, the eldest son, had emerged victorious, securing control over the majority of Kleinberg Industries shares.


    Now that the battle was over, it was time to put on a different kind of performance for him and others.


    Those who had wished for the old man''s death the most were now the ones crying the loudest and hardest at his funeral.


    To the uninformed outsiders, the Kleinberg Family''s children looked like the very definition of good children, their grief was so intense, it was enough to make even the heavens weep.


    "Ah, the Kleinberg Family''s children are truly devoted. Their father can rest in peace now."


    "Logan, my deepest condolences. Please take care of your health, your father wouldn''t want to see you get so hurt with grief."


    "That''s right, Logan. The departed cannot return, but if your father were watching from above, he''d surely be comforted by your devotion."


    "Your father really knew how to raise his children. Not like mine, I swear, if I ever get sick, my own brats might just pull my oxygen tube out."


    "You too? I bet mine would do the same without hesitation."


    "I only hope my kids can learn from Logan. Even if they were just half as good as he is, I could die without regrets."


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    The funeral was extravagant, attended by all the most powerful figures in the City, prominent politicians, business people, and influential cultural figures.


    And among them was someone who had come not to mourn, but to eat¡ªAlex.


    "Mr. Alex?"


    "Mr. Alex is here!"


    At the entrance, where Logan was standing to greet the guests, he froze in shock the moment he spotted Alex''s familiar figure.


    For a brief second, his expression was filled with disbelief.


    Then, as though struck by divine enlightenment, his mourning facade completely vanished, replaced with sheer delight.


    The fake tears disappeared. The forced sorrow melted away.


    Instead, he grinned ear to ear, suddenly brimming with enthusiasm, and practically sprinted over to greet him.


    "Mr. Alex! For you to come my father''s funeral, it is the highest honor for my Family! Your arrival has elevated this humble occasion¡ª"


    Alex didn''t bother responding. He didn''t even spare Logan a glance.

 Chapter 132 - 132: Family??

    "Where is Sera?" Logan''s voice was loud and clear, carrying across the entrance like a thunderclap.


    Given his position at the doorway, it was impossible for the funeral guests not to notice the commotion. Heads began to turn. Murmurs spread through the crowd.


    After all, rumors had long circulated that the mysterious Alex harbored a special interest in the Kleinberg Family''s youngest granddaughter.


    And now, he had actually shown up at Logan Father and Sera Grandfather? The implications of this were far from ordinary.


    Moments later, Sera emerged from the inner hall, dressed in a somber black mourning dress.


    It had only been two days since she had last seen him, yet she appeared even more worn out, her face pale, her eyes red and swollen from endless tears.


    Then, her gaze landed on Alex, standing tall and indifferent, flanked by the smiling Kleinberg Family members.


    Instantly, disgust flashed in her eyes. "What are you doing here?" she demanded, her voice sharp with resentment.


    Alex met her glare with an expression of pure indifference, as if she had just asked the most idiotic question imaginable. Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    "I''m here to eat, of course." His tone was flat, but his gaze carried the unmistakable look of someone staring at an absolute fool.


    What else would I be here for? Did she really expect him to share in her grief, to mourn so deeply that he became inconsolable?


    Ridiculous. Without another word, Alex brushed past the still-glaring Sera and made his way to an empty table.


    Casually, he pulled out a chair, sat down, and, without the slightest hesitation, grabbed a handful of Snacks from the table and popped them into his mouth.


    A satisfying crunch echoed through the hushed hall. Not bad. The taste was pretty decent. For a moment, the entire room froze.


    The people seated at the same table as him, who had just been chatting merrily, now sat in absolute silence, their faces tense with awkwardness.


    The air had become so thick with unease that it felt like time itself had stalled. Yet, Alex remained unbothered.


    "Why aren''t you eating?" he asked casually, cracking open another snacks. "These are actually pretty good." It was as if he was merely an entertained spectator, waiting for the main act of a grand drama to begin.


    Sera, meanwhile, stood utterly dumbfounded. She couldn''t wrap her head around what Alex was trying to pull. Was he here to mock them? To humiliate them? To make a scene?


    Before she could voice her thoughts, Alex suddenly paused mid-chew, turned his head slightly, and gave her a nonchalant glance.


    "Oh, right. I left in a hurry today and forgot to bring money." His voice was completely casual, as if he were merely making a passing remark.


    Then, he continued in an offhand tone:


    "But since we''re all family, I won''t be giving a funeral gift this time." For a brief second, the entire funeral hall went completely still.


    Then, the whispers began. Family? What did that mean? Was Sera truly connected to Alex now?


    If so, that would change everything. The businessmen in the hall quickly recalculated their future strategies. If the Kleinberg Family had really managed to forge a connection with Alex, then their standing in the City was about to skyrocket.


    No longer just one of the top families, but potentially the most powerful of them all. Logan, standing nearby, felt his heart soar. As a veteran businessman, he knew of the opportunity when he saw it.


    He could already envision the future, the Kleinberg Family rising to dominate the City''s elite.


    His father had spent his entire life trying to achieve this level of status, yet he was the one who had finally made it happen.


    Calming his thrilled heart, Logan forced himself to remain composed, took a deep breath, and, with the widest smile he had ever worn, walked toward Alex.


    "Ah, yes, yes! From now on, the Kleinberg Family and Alex are one family!" Logan beamed, his expression overflowing with fake warmth.


    "Sera is my most beloved niece. Ever since my younger brother and his wife tragic passing, I have been the one raising her. In a way, you could even say I''m half a father to her¡­" His voice dripped with self-satisfaction, as if he had just secured the greatest deal of his life.


    At this moment, Logan felt like he was floating on air. Not even taking over Kleinberg Industries had filled him with this level of euphoria.


    Sera gritted her teeth so hard it was a wonder they didn''t shatter. Her entire body trembled with barely restrained rage.


    If it weren''t for the fact that they were at her grandfather''s funeral, she would have already unleashed hell upon Logan.


    And it wouldn''t be pretty. The last time she had cursed him out at the hospital, she had been painfully aware of one major flaw,


    Her vocabulary wasn''t nearly vicious enough.


    Determined to fix this, she had spent the past few days honing her skills, even taking a deep dive into the darkest corners of online insults.


    Now, her arsenal was fully stocked, her verbal daggers sharpened and ready to strike. But, unfortunately for her, this was not the time nor place to go on a full-scale verbal assault.


    Which pissed her off even more. But just as she was about to explode, A leisurely, unbothered voice cut through the tension. "And just who the hell do you think you are?" The words weren''t loud, but they slammed into the hall like a hammer to glass.


    Alex, still seated casually, barely even glanced at Logan. He lazily cracked open another snacks, popped it into his mouth, and continued,


    "Family? With me?" Alex let out a slow, mocking laugh, his gaze filled with cold amusement. "You? You''re not even worth mentioning." A heavy silence blanketed the hall.


    The air froze. Every single person present, whether a business tycoon, a politician, or a social elite, collectively held their breath.


    Because everyone knew, Alex rarely lost his temper, but when he did, the consequences were catastrophic. For a brief, fleeting moment, Logan completely forgot how to breathe.


    S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 133 - 133: Decision

    Because everyone knew, Alex rarely lost his temper, but when he did, the consequences were catastrophic. For a brief, fleeting moment, Logan completely forgot how to breathe.


    He had been so lost in his own delusions that he hadn''t even considered the possibility of being publicly humiliated, At his own family''s funeral.


    Yet here he was. His face burned, his ears buzzed, and his mind scrambled for a response. But there was nothing. He had no retort. No excuse.


    Because the truth was simple, Alex wasn''t someone he could afford to offend. The guests, who had been struggling to keep a straight face, could barely contain their amusement.


    Eyes darted between Logan and Alex, their expressions a mix of schadenfreude and mockery.


    Some even turned away, pretending to check their phones, lest Logan saw the laughter threatening to spill from their lips.


    To them, Logan now looked like nothing more than a pathetic clown, a man who had overestimated his worth and was now paying the price.


    And he knew it. A heavy, choking rage swelled in Logan''s chest. For years, he had worked his way up the business world, climbing ranks with ruthlessness and cunning.


    No one had ever made him feel this kind of humiliation before. And yet, Could he do anything about it? Absolutely not. Because Logan was not an idiot. There used to be another major families in the City.


    And the missing one? The Winters Family family. Once far more powerful than the Kleinberg Family, yet, completely erased.


    And the reason? Alex. Logan clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. He had just taken over Kleinberg Industries. His seat wasn''t even warm yet.


    If he dared to retaliate, if he even so much as thought about fighting back, He knew exactly what would happen. His entire family would be next. With no hesitation. With no mercy.


    And so, he swallowed his anger, forced a strained smile, and did the only thing he could do. Nothing. "You are absolutely right. I am nothing. Less than nothing."


    Logan forced a smile, his expression groveling as he tried to salvage what little dignity he had left. His back was drenched in cold sweat, but he didn''t dare show even a hint of displeasure. Sera watched this pathetic display unfold, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she felt truly satisfied.


    Although she wasn''t particularly fond of Alex, her hatred for Logan far outweighed any distaste she had for the arrogant Alex.


    Seeing Logan suffer, humiliated, and unable to fight back, it was glorious. So this¡­ This was the power that status and influence could bring? She could get used to this. And it was¡­ Beautiful.


    ¡­.


    Despite everything, Alex truly had only come for the food.


    Once he sat down, he never moved seats. He waited patiently until the dishes were served, ignoring all the hushed whispers and glances directed his way.


    Because as far as he was concerned, As long as the deceased wasn''t his own family, a funeral banquet was still a feast.


    After finishing his meal, Alex set down his chopsticks and picked up a napkin, casually dabbing his mouth. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then, in a tone so light and indifferent, yet carrying a weight that sent chills down the spine, he spoke,


    "Three days have passed. Have you made your decision?" The moment the words left his lips, a heavy silence blanketed their table.


    Sera, who had been bracing for this question, lowered her gaze, her emotions hidden beneath a calm facade.


    "I will give you an answer that satisfies you." Although the funeral banquet was bustling with noise, Logan and the rest of the Kleinberg Family, seated at the next table over, immediately stopped eating.


    Their ears pricked up, and their chopsticks froze mid-air as they focused entirely on the cryptic conversation between Serra and Alex.


    They had been desperately trying to piece together the nature of their relationship.


    And now, hearing this, Could it be? Was Sera finally submitting to Alex? Was this it? Would they leave together right after the funeral? Would they consummate their relationship tonight?


    The Kleinberg Family''s minds raced, already imagining a glorious future where their status soared thanks to Serra''s connection with Alex.


    They could already see it, The Kleinberg Family, rising above all others, secured their place as the number one family in the city. They could barely contain their excitement.


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    Of course, Alex had noticed their eavesdropping.


    And that was exactly what he wanted.


    With an almost lazy air, he picked up his glass of plain water, took a sip, and then, without so much as a pause, casually dropped a bombshell.


    "If you''ve made up your mind, you can come with me now." His voice was unhurried, but it rang out clear and sharp over the chatter of the banquet hall.


    And then, in an even louder tone, he added, "Everything you''ve ever wanted to do but couldn''t, I''ll make it happen for you."


    Then, as if it were the most normal thing in the world, he continued, "As for Logan and his entire family¡­ however you want to deal with them, it''s up to you."


    In an instant, the entire banquet hall fell into a deathly silence.


    The Kleinberg Family, who had been eagerly awaiting a joyous announcement, suddenly froze in place.


    Every single one of them, Logan included, went stiff, their expressions locked in place like broken dolls.


    Wait. What¡­ what did he just say? Did they hear that correctly? Did Alex just offer to let Sera destroy them?


    The Kleinberg Family''s minds went blank, unable to process what was happening. Just moments ago, they had been fantasizing about power and prestige,


    And now, in the span of a few sentences, their entire world had flipped upside down.


    Alex sat there, still calmly sipping his water, as if he had just made the most casual remark in the world.


    The Kleinberg Family couldn''t even breathe.


    The guests gathered around the banquet wore different expressions, their thoughts already stirring with speculation. However, none of them made any rash decisions. Instead, they pricked up their ears, quietly waiting for the situation to unfold further.

 Chapter 134 - 134: Desperation

    The guests gathered around the banquet wore different expressions, their thoughts already stirring with speculation. However, none of them made any rash decisions. Instead, they pricked up their ears, quietly waiting for the situation to unfold further.


    Logan quickly snapped back to his senses.


    His head whipped around toward Sera, who was sitting slightly behind him with her head lowered, making it impossible to read her expression.


    But that didn''t matter, he already knew. That wretched woman must have said something to Alex that she shouldn''t have. She was trying to bring ruin upon the Kleinberg Family.


    Logan clenched his fists under the table, his nails digging into his palms. He knew better than anyone how he had treated Sera over the years since her parents passed away.


    To say it was "not good" would be an understatement, it had been downright terrible. If it weren''t for her grandfather aka his father''s protection, she wouldn''t have survived this long.


    After planning the deaths of her parents, Logan had understood all too well the necessity of eliminating loose ends.


    However, his father had kept a watchful eye on him, his warnings both direct and subtle. As long as his old man was alive, Logan didn''t go too far.


    But now, his father is gone. And Sera had found herself a powerful backer, Alex.


    Logan had no choice but to abandon any thoughts of dealing with her. He had to tread carefully now.


    Yet what he hadn''t expected was for this woman, after clinging to Alex''s side, to not only refuse to help the Kleinberg Family but even whisper poison into his ear. She was actively working against them. Against him.


    Panic gripped his chest like a vice.


    "Alex, please don''t joke about this," Logan blurted out, his voice laced with desperation. His back was already damp with sweat. "Sera is still young. She speaks without thinking. She might not even realize what she''s saying is wrong. On behalf of the my Family, I swear to you, whatever happens from now on, we will follow your lead!"


    Logan was truly terrified.


    He had no idea what exactly that wretched woman had told Alex, but it was undoubtedly something detrimental to both himself and his Family. If her words had swayed Alex into making a move against them, then it was over.


    The Kleinberg Family might hold dominance over the city, but in front of him, they were nothing.


    Everyone in the city remembered the fate of the Winters family. One of the great families, the girl of that family, had made the mistake of offending him. Within a matter of days, their company had collapsed into bankruptcy, and their family had been utterly destroyed and many in Prison even now.


    Yet Alex didn''t even spare Logan a glance. Or rather, he didn''t consider him worth acknowledging in the first place.


    One of the remaining great families of the city? In his eyes, that wasn''t even worth mentioning.


    "I''m full," Alex remarked casually, wiping his hands with a napkin. "Have you made up your mind?" Sera sat still, her fingers clutching the hem of her dress tightly. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ten seconds passed. Then, with a barely perceptible movement, she nodded.


    "¡­Yes." Alex pushed back his chair, ready to leave. But just as he was about to rise, a small hand tugged at his sleeve.


    Sera''s grip was weak, trembling, yet filled with silent desperation. Her voice, soft yet pleading, reached his ears.


    "¡­I need to change my clothes." Alex gave a slight nod. Enjoy exclusive chapters from My Virtual Library Empire


    With his silent permission, Sera lowered her head and quickly left. She kept her gaze down as she walked, trying not to draw attention to herself. But halfway to her destination, her phone vibrated with a message. Curious, she glanced at the screen and opened it.


    The moment she read the contents, her face flushed bright red. "Per¡­!" she muttered under her breath, her grip on the phone tightening.


    As soon as Sera left, Logan could no longer afford to maintain his composure. He didn''t care about the numerous guests watching, didn''t care about losing face in front of them. With a loud thud, he fell to his knees before Alex.


    Desperation overrode his pride.


    Logan was no fool. On the contrary, he was highly intelligent and ruthlessly decisive, otherwise, he wouldn''t have guts to kill his own younger brother the moment he realized his father favored his younger brother over him.


    And from the brief exchange between Alex and Sera just now, Logan had pieced together enough to make a terrifying realization.


    That wretched woman, Sera, had undoubtedly whispered something into Alex''s ear. Pillow talk. Sweet words. Perhaps something even more than words.


    Whatever method she had used, she had somehow convinced him to move against the Kleinberg Family.


    Logan''s teeth clenched so tightly his jaw ached.


    He should have gotten rid of her back then. Sent her to reunite with her parents. Even if his father had been enraged afterward, so what?


    That old bastard had already lost one son. In the end, Logan was his only heir. He wouldn''t have done anything too drastic.


    A dark glint flickered in Logan''s eyes, but he quickly suppressed it.


    Lifting his head, he forced his expression to shift, his usual arrogance melting away into a look of pure desperation and devotion.


    "Alex," he pleaded, his voice laced with urgency. "My Family still has value. We can be useful to you, immensely useful. You know how these things work. Sera is still young, too young to understand the brutal reality of family struggles. Surely, you can see that? Back then, I had no choice but to make that¡­ regrettable decision. It was a matter of survival. But since then, I have treated Sera as if she were my own flesh and blood! I have cared for her as if she were my own daughter!"


    The sheer hypocrisy of his words was laughable.


    Yet he spoke them with such conviction that, to an outsider, they might have sounded almost believable.

 Chapter 135 - 135: Pride Isn’t Worth Life

    Yet he spoke them with such conviction that, to an outsider, they might have sounded almost believable.


    But to Alex? They were nothing more than the desperate ramblings of a man on the verge of ruin.


    Behind Logan, the other members of the Kleinberg Family were just as terrified. They didn''t hesitate. One by one, they fell to their knees, their voices overlapping in frantic pleas.


    "Alex, I swear, we never intended to offend you! If Logan has done something wrong, then punish him¡ªplease, but spare us and our Family!"


    "That''s right! That''s right! On behalf of Sera, we beg you to show mercy. Please, don''t destroy us!"


    "Alex, I¡ªI''m just a streamer! Please, have mercy on me just this once!"


    "Yes, yes! We all respect you! We would never dare to go against you!"


    Their voices rang out in unison, filled with fear, with desperation, with the realization that the fate of their entire family now hung by a thread, one that Alex could cut with a mere flick of his fingers.


    "..."


    Silence filled the air.


    Apart from Logan, no one in the Kleinberg Family truly understood why Alex had suddenly decided to move against them. They were left confused, fearful, grasping for answers. But Logan knew.


    He knew exactly why. It was all because of her. Sera. That wretched woman.


    A few minutes later, Sera returned, now dressed in a fresh set of clothes. She held a bag in one hand, her expression unreadable as she walked back to her seat.


    The moment Logan saw her, he knew his pleas to Alex had been futile. Desperation overtook his pride, and without hesitation, he turned to his next, and only option.


    With a thud, he dropped to his knees before his niece.


    "Sera, please!" His voice trembled with urgency. "Say something to Alex¡ªbeg him to spare the Kleinberg Family!"


    The others followed immediately, their previous arrogance crumbling under the weight of fear.


    "Sera, the Kleinberg Industries was your grandfather''s lifelong achievement! Do you really have the heart to watch it be destroyed?"


    "Sera, I know I was wrong! I apologize! Please, give your aunt another chance!"


    "Sera, you must help us! Please, just this once!"


    Their voices overlapped, filled with panic, pleading, desperation.


    Just moments ago, these very same people would only look at her with scorn, their words laced with mockery whenever they spoke to her.


    Yet now, they knelt before her, groveling like worms.


    Sera looked down at them, the uncles and aunts who once prided themselves on their status, people who loathed losing face more than anything. And now, here they were, on their knees, humiliated in front of all the most influential figures in The City.


    Their precious dignity, their so-called honor, had been trampled beneath their own desperation. A slow, cold satisfaction spread through her chest.


    Everything they cared about, she would personally destroy.


    ¡­.


    "Sera, please, I''m begging you! Help the Kleinberg Family! We raised you, gave you everything, now the Family needs you. You must help us!"


    "Sera, do you really find joy in watching the Kleinberg Family be destroyed? I admit, we may not have treated you well in the past, but putting the facts aside, haven''t you ever done anything wrong?"


    "The Kleinberg Family has never mistreated you! Your grandfather adored you more than anyone¡ªhe cared for you deeply! And now, just after he''s passed, you''re going to personally destroy everything he built with his life''s work? Is that really what you want, Sera?"


    The entire Kleinberg Family was in a state of panic. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They didn''t know what had caused them to offend Alex, but they knew one thing for certain, if they didn''t gain his forgiveness, the Kleinberg Family was finished.


    The Winters family''s fate was a stark warning. It had only been a few months since their downfall.


    A once-powerful family, utterly wiped out in mere days. The terrifying power behind Alex was something they understood all too well. He was someone they could not afford to offend.


    Logan was truly terrified now.


    Still kneeling on the ground, he was a complete mess, his face streaked with tears, his breath uneven as he clutched at the hem of Sera''s clothes in desperation.


    "Sera, please, if you just to forgive me, I''ll give you anything you want! Anything! You can have my shares of the Kleinberg Industries, or whatever else you desire! I don''t care¡ªI''ll give it all to you! Just please, spare me!"


    He wasn''t stupid. Between money and life, he knew which one mattered more. Money could be earned again. But if he lost his life here, there would be nothing left.


    Besides, Sera was still a university student. Even if she inherited the Kleinberg Industries, she wouldn''t have the time to manage it herself. In the end, she''d have to leave it in the hands of someone else¡­ or to be exactly him.


    With just a little maneuvering, a few well-placed schemes, the company would eventually fall right back into his grasp.


    In Logan''s mind, the plan was flawless. It was perfect. But no matter how much he begged, no matter how much the Kleinberg Family cried and pleaded, Sera remained unmoved.


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    Her expression was cold. Distant. Indifferent. Not a single flicker of emotion crossed her face. She had already made up her mind.


    Ever since she discovered the truth, that Logan was the mastermind behind her parents'' deaths, her last shred of hope in the Kleinberg Family had shattered.


    The final thread of so-called ''family bonds'' had been severed. Now, as she watched them kneel and grovel before her, she felt nothing. Not anger. Not sadness. Not even satisfaction. Just emptiness.


    Forgive them? Pleading on their behalf? Ha. Like hell she would.


    She had only climbed aboard Alex''s ship to destroy these people in the first place. Why would she lift a single finger to help them now? If anything, she wished for their downfall to be as miserable as possible.


    Without a word, Sera Kleinberg walked over to Alex''s side, reached out, and took his hand.


    "Let''s go." Alex glanced at her briefly before nodding.


    "Mm." And with that, he rose from his seat and left.


    Only when his figure completely disappeared from view did the suffocating tension in the air finally ease.

 Chapter 136 - 136: Consequences

    Only when his figure completely disappeared from view did the suffocating tension in the air finally ease.


    The guests who had come to attend the funeral let out quiet sighs of relief, and as the fear that had gripped them began to fade, murmurs of discussion broke out among them.


    "I thought the Kleinberg Family had climbed up the social ladder¡­ but it turns out, it was just Sera Kleinberg who secured a powerful backer."


    "No doubt about it."


    "Say what you will, but Logan is absolutely shameless. If it were me, I could never bring myself to kneel and beg like that."


    "Hah. When your life''s on the line, do you think anyone still cares about pride?"


    "..."


    The people attending the funeral weren''t ordinary guests. Everyone present was a person of status in The City, and having witnessed this scene, they were already piecing together the implications.


    What would become of the Kleinberg Family now that they had offended Reid Industries CEO? Would continuing to do business with the Kleinberg Industries put them in danger?


    The weight of that thought sent a chill down the spines of those who still had active partnerships with the Kleinberg Family.


    A few of them couldn''t hold back any longer.


    "Haha Logan, just how did you manage to offend Alex?! If you want to dig your own grave, that''s your business, but don''t drag me down with you! I think I''ll need to reconsider our contract!"


    "Logan, the only reason our family worked with the Kleinberg Family for so many years was out of respect for your father and my grandfather''s long-standing relationship. But now¡­ that he is gone. And my grandfather has passed away too. I suppose¡­ our collaboration should die along with them."


    "Have you completely lost your mind, Logan?! Did you really think that just because you inherited the Kleinberg Family''s assets, you could do whatever the hell you wanted?! Do you have any idea what it means to cross him? Have you forgotten what happened to the Winters family? The Winters family was far stronger than the Kleinberg Family ever was because of Alex, but in just a few days, they were utterly annihilated because of Alex. Do you even remember what happened to them? You''re as good as dead."


    "Logan, please, have mercy on me! I have family to support and children to raise¡ªI can''t afford to take this risk! You''ve offended Reid Industries, how could I possibly continue working with you? I''ll pay every cent of the penalty fee, no complaints! In fact¡­ I will just transferred it to you. Our partnership ends here!"


    "..."


    When a wall collapses, everyone rushes to push it down.


    The funeral wasn''t even over. The food on the tables was still steaming hot. And yet, Logan felt nothing but a bone-chilling cold.


    It wasn''t that these people wanted to kick him while he was down. It was just that the fall of an even mightier family¡ªthe Winters family¡ªhad happened right before their eyes.


    They knew exactly what kind of power they were dealing with.


    "You¡­ You bastards!" Logan''s hands trembled as he stared at the so-called business partners who, just days ago, had practically begged to collaborate with the Kleinberg Industries. Yet now, they couldn''t cut ties fast enough, their expressions filled with fear and contempt.


    Logan had been completely abandoned. And the terrifying part? Alex hadn''t even done anything yet.


    He had merely implied that he intended to help Sera deal with her family. And that alone had left them utterly isolated.


    If Alex actually made a move against them¡­ the Kleinberg Family wouldn''t stand a chance. At that moment, every member of the Kleinberg Family panicked.


    No one even had the time to properly grieve the now deceased old man anymore.


    Guests left in droves. Some slinked away quietly, while others hurried out with barely concealed relief. In mere moments, the once-crowded funeral hall was nearly deserted¡ªleaving only the Kleinberg Family members behind.


    Even the chefs had fled, carrying their pots and pans as they ran. A suffocating silence settled over the ruined funeral. Explore new worlds at My Virtual Library Empire


    "It has to be that just¡­ bitch Sera!" Logan sister snapped, fury twisting her features. "She must have been whispering poison into Alex''s ear, slandering us, making him turn against us! Otherwise, why would he suddenly treat the Kleinberg Family like this?!"


    The collapse of the Kleinberg Family wouldn''t just ruin Logan. It would destroy all of them, everyone in the family except Sera.


    They might not have been able to get control of Kleinberg Industries from Logan, but every single one of them owned businesses that relied on Kleinberg Industries'' support to survive.


    If the Kleinberg Industries fell¡­ so would they. If Kleinberg Industries collapsed, everything they enjoyed, all their wealth, their luxurious lifestyles, their influence, would vanish like smoke.


    They were all tied to the same sinking ship.


    "What do we do now? Alex wouldn''t actually go through with destroying us¡­ would he?"


    "Our Kleinberg Industries is worth at least in billions of dollars. Would he really ruin such a big company just like that? Compared to that bitch Sera, our family is far more useful to him. She''s just a woman."


    "Exactly!"


    "Yess¡­ you''re right."


    The Kleinberg Family members huddled together, desperately scheming, voices rising in chaotic discussion.


    Only Logan remained silent, his face dark as a storm. Seeing his silence, his sisters moved closer, their voices urgent.


    "Brother, say something! You''re the head of the family now¡­ what should we do?" S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Now they remembered I''m their brother?'' Logan let out a cold laugh.


    "When you mocked and ridiculed Sera, did you ever stop to think I was your brother then? Didn''t I warn you? Didn''t I tell you all to stop provoking her and treat her with respect? Did you listen?"


    A tense silence fell over them. Then, Logan''s Sister scoffed.


    "Oh, so it''s my fault now? Why does Sera hate us so much? Isn''t it because of her parents'' deaths? And tell me, Oh'' Big Brother of mine, who knows better than you what really happened to them?"


    Logan''s expression changed instantly. His sharp gaze snapped toward her, filled with undisguised fury and warning.


    "What did you just say?" His voice was dangerously low. "Say it again."

 Chapter 137 - 137: Sera’s Choices

    In The City Hotel.


    The Hotel Alex and Sera were in now was one of the most luxury hotels in the City. A single night in an ordinary room cost no less than tens of thousands of dollars while the top-tier suites had a nightly rate starting at one hundred thousand.


    Of course, there were things that made those rooms expensive. And Of course, this hotel belonged to Alex.


    In the original storyline, the damn author had written an utterly ridiculous and forced ending for his character, a villain doomed to fall due to plot armor.


    However, he had to admit, the wealth and extravagance that came with this villain''s background were truly something to enjoy.


    That''s why sometimes it is hard to believe that someone of this status can be destroyed that easily, that''s why those things are called only stories.


    After arriving at the hotel, Sera went to take a shower.


    Perhaps it was because she had come to terms with her fate, but when she got out from the bathroom, she was dressed in a black silk nightgown.


    The thin straps barely clung to her shoulders, as if her generous curves might snap them at any moment.


    Delicate lace adorned the neckline, enhancing the allure of her figure. Her slightly damp, her wavy hair cascaded down her back, and the lingering droplets of water on her skin only added to her intoxicating presence.


    She looked utterly ripe with sensuality.


    "¡­Thank you for earlier." Sera lowered her head, eyes fixed on the floor. She looked so uneasy that she barely seemed able to find her own toes.


    Alex sat comfortably on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other. He openly admired her figure, her curves, the way the silky clothes clung to her body, the stray droplets of water gliding down her exposed collarbone.


    A smirk played on his lips.


    "Why are you thanking me?"


    "For dealing with Logan and the others." She let out a soft chuckle after saying that.


    "It''s nothing," Alex replied with a casual smile, motioning toward the seat across from him. "Sit."


    Sera''s cheeks instantly flushed a deep shade of red.


    She hesitated, shifting uncomfortably before awkwardly taking small steps forward. Though the distance to the sofa was only three meters, it took her nearly three minutes to cover it.


    When she finally sat down, her nervousness was evident. Her hands clutched the hem of her nightgown tightly, her chest rising and falling far too noticeably. A few moments passed before she finally gathered the courage to speak. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "¡­Everything you said before. Was it true?" She was referring to what he had promised her three days ago, that he would deal with Logan and make them all pay for what they had done.


    Alex met her gaze and answered without hesitation.


    "Of course."


    "But Logan inherited all of Grandfather''s shares and everything. He controls the entire Kleinberg family''s power and its wealth."


    Alex leaned back lazily, his voice slow and deliberate. "Kleinberg family¡­ is it worth much?"


    His tone was indifferent, as if the so-called prestigious Kleinberg family, one of City''s great families, was nothing more than a minor footnote in his eyes. Yes, they owned the Kleinberg Industries, a company valued at over billions of dollars, but to him?


    It was insignificant. That is the charm of the villain, to him these other small and big companies are nothing unless they involve the protagonist himself.


    At that moment, Sera, who had been forced into darkness by her so-called family, suddenly realized something, she had underestimated this man.


    She knew he was mysterious. She knew that even the great families feared him. But beyond that, she had no real understanding of his true power.


    After all, she was still just a university student.


    Alex gave her a lazy glance. "Tell me, how do you want to deal with the your family?" His voice was calm, but his words carried a chilling weight. "I''ll give you the power to decide. Should I bankrupt them, liquidate all their assets, and throw them in prison for life? Or¡­ should I make them disappear from this world?"


    He paused, then suddenly grinned¡ªa sharp, cruel smile. "Or perhaps¡­ let them live a fate worse than death?"


    Sera''s face instantly paled. Alex''s tone was light, as if he were discussing the weather, yet his words sent a cold shiver down her spine.


    Logan had schemed his entire life for the family''s fortune. He had even gone so far as to murder his own younger brother aka Sera Father just to secure his wealth and power.


    And yet, in this man''s eyes, that very fortune was something he could crush with a flick of his wrist.


    If Logan ever realized how laughably small he was in the grand scheme of things, would he regret everything?


    Sera was still young. She hadn''t yet experienced the full cruelty of the world, nor had she been beaten down by society''s harsh realities.


    Her large, expressive eyes widened in shock, round and unblinking. She struggled to process what she had just heard.


    "Disappear¡­ from this world?" She knew exactly what that meant.


    Like Winters family, where their head daughter is still in prison, while her family whereabouts are fully unknown.


    And now, standing in front of her, was the man behind that very tragedy. Alex watched her closely, waiting for her response. Then, after a brief silence, she made her decision.


    "Good," she said, her voice surprisingly steady. "Then make them disappear from this world." For the first time that night, Alex was caught off guard.


    He raised an eyebrow, giving her a long, thoughtful look. The once-na?ve girl had finally stepped into the adult world.


    How terrifying.


    Sera hurriedly waved her hands, her voice flustered. "No, no, that''s not what I meant¡­!"


    Despite everything, despite the betrayal, the pain, and the deaths of her parents, she still couldn''t take that big final step.


    She had lived her life as a sheltered flower, untouched by the bloodshed and cruelty of the world. Murder? That was too extreme, too irreversible.


    Even if Logan and the rest had orchestrated her parents'' deaths, even if her grandfather, the only one who had truly cherished her, had likely fallen because of them, they¡­ were¡­ still¡­ her¡­ family.

 Chapter 138 - 138: Eric Got Bailed…?!

    Even if Logan and the rest had orchestrated her parents'' deaths, even if her grandfather, the only one who had truly cherished her, had likely fallen because of them, they¡­ were¡­ still¡­ her¡­ family.


    She shared their blood. No matter how much she hated them, she wasn''t ready to stain her hands with their lives.


    And so, she chose a different path, one that would make them suffer, endlessly, without escape. A fate worse than death. For the second time that night, Alex was surprised.


    He had expected her to take the moral high ground, to insist that Logan should simply rot in prison for the rest of his life.


    Instead, she had chosen a much crueler road. He had seen saints before. But a devil in the making?


    That was a first. It seemed his first love, the once-soft and innocent girl, was already past the point of no return.


    With that settled, he moved on to more pressing matters.


    "How''s your foot?" Sera blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in question from her family to her health. Then she remembered her injury from earlier.


    She instinctively tested her ankle before answering, "It''s¡­ much better now." Alex narrowed his eyes, clearly unconvinced.


    "Really? I don''t believe you. Come here, let me check." The shameless remark made Sera''s face burn instantly.


    Her chest trembled slightly from the sharp breath she took, her hands balling into tiny fists. She bit down on her lower lip, glaring at him with both embarrassment and frustration.


    This man¡­! Just as she was about to retort¡ª


    "Ring, ring¡ªring, ring¡ª!" The abrupt ringing of Alex''s phone shattered the moment. He sighed and pulled it out, glancing at the screen.


    It was one of his men. At once, he knew what this was about. Logan. Alex pressed the answer button, switching to speakerphone. "Talk."


    He made sure Sera could hear every word. The man voice came through, steady but urgent.


    "Sir, Logan has already started selling off his assets. He''s offloading Kleinberg Industries stocks at dirt-cheap prices, and he just booked a flight to another country."


    As expected. After the mess at the funeral, Waters had stayed behind to keep an eye on the kleinberg family''s movements.


    And now? Logan was running. Alex raised an eyebrow. "Another Country? Well, that''s convenient." His voice carried an almost playful tone, but there was a dangerous glint in his eyes.


    "Give my dear, unlucky brother a message for me. Tell him to make sure our distinguished guests are well taken care of once they arrive. Remind him that my client specifically requested that they suffer a fate worse than death. He needs to be careful, wouldn''t want him accidentally killing them, now would we?"


    He let out a low chuckle.


    Alex knew his so-called elder brother all too well. That man, infamous in underground world, had a reputation for being brutal and unpredictable. If he wasn''t careful, he might end things too quickly, and that would be a problem.


    His client''s request had been clear. No quick deaths. Only misery. And Alex? He was a man of his word.


    Though those type of man aren''t enough to deal with people like Ethan or Eric on the contrary there are chances that they will switch side even if they wouldn''t want to.


    The man on the other side of the phone understood immediately. "Understood, Sir. I''ll pass along the message."


    Before ending the call, Mr. Waters spoke up.


    "There''s another matter, sir. A rookie police officer has been investigating Miss Sera''s parents case. He seems to have found evidence pointing to Logan." The casual expression on Alex''s face vanished.


    His brows furrowed, and his fingers drummed lightly against the armrest of his chair. A rookie police officer? Something about that bothered him.


    With a flick of his thumb, he switched off the speakerphone and brought the phone to his ear. "Avoid any conflict with him," he ordered. "We''re already under surveillance, we don''t need to attract any more attention. For now, we keep our distance from anyone in the system."


    It wasn''t that he was afraid. But dealing with law enforcement was an unnecessary hassle. There were just so few authorities he could control or influence; others were just now wary of him when he bankrupt the Winters family even though it wasn''t that big of a deal.


    "If Logan and his people can leave the country on their own, let them. If they run into trouble, give them a little push to help them on their way." S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once they left the borders, handling them would be so much easier. Of course, he could deal with them here, too. But¡­ it was always smarter to avoid trouble where possible.


    More importantly, that rookie cop. For some reason, the mention of him left an uneasy feeling in Alex''s chest. It was an instinct, a gut reaction, something felt off.


    Like he was forgetting something important. But no matter how hard he tried to recall it, the thought remained just out of reach.


    Better to play it safe for now.


    As soon as Sera heard that Logan was selling off his stocks and assets, she froze. Her face paled instantly. He''s running.


    If Logan escaped to another country, then what? How would she get her revenge? She turned to Alex, her lips parting as if to say something.


    But, he was still on the phone. So in the end, she just clenched her fists and swallowed her words, forcing herself to wait.


    "Sir, there''s one more thing, Eric Vaughn has really been bailed out just as you had predicted." When Mr. Waters received this news, he was completely stunned.


    Alex had guessed it correctly once again. In his Sight Alex was like a prophecy master of somewhat now


    There was a brief silence before Alex finally spoke. "Who bailed him out?"


    "It was the Dawson Family from the Another City," Mr. Waters replied immediately. "Apparently, the Head of the Dawson Family dotes on his granddaughter, and she has a marriage contract with Eric Vaughn. It was something arranged years ago between Eric Vaughn''s master and the Dawson Family."


    Alex froze. His expression stiffened. What the¡­? There was a saying he wanted to curse out loud, but he held it in.


    How the hell was a small city managing to draw out not just five¡ªno, four¡ªof its most powerful families, but now an entirely new one from another city as well?!

 Chapter 139 - 139: Sera’s Request…

    Most wealthy people operated on a direct inheritance system, there weren''t any ridiculous soap-opera-level battles between long-lost relatives fighting over family assets.


    The whole ''noble families everywhere, big Company next in line leads flooding the streets scenario'' only ever happened in clich¨¦ novels written for cheap thrills.


    But what truly left Alex speechless was the fact that in the original plot, Eric Vaughn, the. Miraculous doctor descending from the mountains protagonist, never had any arranged marriage in the first place.


    Of course, given the nature of these "Miraculous doctor" protagonists, it wasn''t unusual for them to have a fianc¨¦e waiting for them.


    It made perfect sense that his unknown master, known for making powerful connections, had arranged a marriage as a way to secure an important factor for him.


    Still¡­ this kind of plot usually belongs in the early chapters of those brainless novels.


    But in Miraculous Doctor''s original storyline, his early plot revolved around saving Sera''s Grandfather life, which in turn led to his romantic scenario with Sera, eventually setting him on his path to showing off his skills and building his harem of many beauties.


    Now, out of nowhere, this ''arranged marriage'' element had suddenly been inserted. What kind of Freaking experiment of a story is this?!


    Alex let out a deep sigh in his heart. "Where is Eric now? Don''t tell me he''s already headed to the Another City?"


    If Eric had gone straight to the Dawson Family to fulfill the marriage agreement, then¡­ did that mean he had to follow him to the Another City too?


    A woman who was the Dawson Family''s most beloved granddaughter and tied to Eric by an engagement? There was no way she wasn''t an important female lead!


    That meant he couldn''t just let this development slide. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But at the same time, he still had two female leads of this story in this City that weren''t fully secured yet. If he ran off to the Another City now, things would get¡­ rather complicated¡­


    Alex found himself caught in an unexpected situation.


    ¡­.


    Mr. Waters reported with a calm but slightly amused tone, "No, Eric was furious about how the Kleinberg family abandoned him after using him. Ever since he got out of detention, he''s been ranting about making them pay for what they did to him."


    Alex raised an eyebrow. "So he''s still in here?"


    "Yes, Sir. I had people keep an eye on him the moment he was released. Just like you said, his medical skills are impressive¡­ but also a bit strange. In less than six hours after leaving detention, four people suddenly collapsed with severe illnesses right in front of him. If you ask me, he''s like a walking curse, wherever he goes, misfortune follows."


    Alex scoffed internally. ''Of course. How else would the story set up convenient opportunities for him to show off and for him to make connection?''


    He narrowed his eyes slightly. "Did he manage to pull it off?"


    Mr. Waters smirked. "No, Sir. No one dared to let him treat them. Before he was even bailed out, I had already arranged for news to spread online, accusing him of practicing medicine illegally, worsening The now deceased Kleinberg family head condition, and even causing his death."


    "Not to mention, he also attacked doctors who tried to stop him and damaged medical equipment, which got him detained in the first place. The story gained a lot of attention online, and now, Eric is quite the infamous figure."


    Not bad Waters. Not bad at all.


    Alex chuckled, then raised another question. "What if he comes across people who don''t follow online news?"


    Though it was rare for people to stay completely offline in this Internet era, Eric was the protagonist, and with his protagonist luck, he was bound to meet someone who hadn''t heard about his so-called crimes.


    Mr. Waters confidently replied, "Thanks to your prediction, Sir, I was well prepared. From the moment he stepped out of detention, I had our people shadowing him at all times. No matter where he goes, they follow. If he tries to treat anyone, they immediately step forward and talk about his ''crimes'' which are posted online to the crowd. With no one willing to trust him, he''s completely unable to show off. I imagine he must be feeling quite frustrated right now."


    Alex smirked. "Good job."


    No wonder Eric suddenly generated several thousand Critical Points'' today.


    Not being able to show off and being frustrated could still earn him some Critical Points, but the amount was nowhere near what he had gained back when Eric was stuck in the detention centre.


    Mild frustration wasn''t enough. He needed true despair. Casually, Alex opened his system inventory, his fingers brushing over the various items inside.


    Each one of them had been specially prepared as a welcome gift for Eric''s when he surprisingly gets released.


    ¡­.


    After hanging up the call, Alex casually reached out and grabbed Sera''s left leg.


    ''First of all, let me make one thing clear. I am not like those old perverts. I''m not into legs, nor do I have a foot fetish¡­ But damn, Sera''s skin is way too smooth!''


    Her legs were flawless, their shape perfect, far superior to those so-called leg models. Honestly, with legs like these, she could earn skme serious money online from those foot fetish perverts¡­


    Sera, sitting beside him, bit her lip, clearly wanting to say something but hesitating.


    Alex noticed her expression and spoke indifferently, "What is it?"


    She hesitated for a moment before finally voicing her concern. "When are you going to help me deal with Logan and Others?"


    Alex let out a small sigh as he slipped off the girl''s slippers, exposing her freshly washed, fair-skinned feet. "No need to rush. The person I intend to deal with won''t be able to escape, no matter where he runs."


    Sera frowned slightly. "But what if he sells off all his assets and shares, takes the money, and flees successfully?"


    That would actually be perfect. Of course, he couldn''t say that outright. Alex pretended to think it over, then sighed. "If he runs to another country, that would be¡­ a bit troublesome."


    Of course he had already taken care of it, but there was no need to just inform her of that when he could get something out of this deal.

 Chapter 140 - 140: Sera’s Decision?!

    Of course he had already taken care of it, but there was no need to just inform her of that when he could get something out of this deal.


    He gently squeezed her soft foot between his fingers, feeling the warmth of her skin. "But it just so happens that I have an some connections who''s based in another country where he is going. He has a little bit of influence over there. As long as he''s there, it doesn''t matter which country or which airport Logan tries to escape to, he won''t get away."


    Sera''s heart skipped a beat. A little bit of influence? If he can ensure that Logan won''t escape no matter where ever he goes, that''s far more than just ''a little bit'' of influence!


    For the first time, Sera began to seriously wonder about Alex''s background. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His brother was powerful enough to have influence across multiple countries, and yet he was completely willing to listen to Alex. That meant Alex himself must be someone even more terrifying.


    She looked at him, her bright eyes filled with emotions she herself couldn''t describe. Then, with a soft voice, she pleaded, "Please¡­ help me."


    Alex smirked. Sarah''s heart raced. He hadn''t outright rejected her. Which meant¡­ he was open to negotiation.


    She blinked her long, curled lashes, her voice soft and tempting. "Alex¡­ Whatever price you name, I''ll agree to it."


    Alex chuckled. His dark eyes slowly roamed over her delicate figure. "You know me, I have no interest in money."


    The moment he said that, Sarah froze. She had said those exact same words to him before, back when they were in the hospital.


    And now, he was throwing them right back at her.


    A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, and her fingers clenched the hem of her dress, her expression turning a little stiff.


    Alex''s voice lowered, carrying a hint of amusement. "Take your time to think about it. We have all night, and I have plenty of patience."


    His fingers lightly traced the curve of her ankle. "Once you agree, I''ll take care of it. With some outside help, Logan won''t be able to escape, no matter where he runs. In the end¡­ he''ll be nothing more than a helpless rat."


    Sarah sat there, silent. She neither answered nor pulled away, letting him continue to play with her legs and feet. A storm of emotions brewed in her heart. Alex simply leaned back, waiting. Because he already knew her answer.


    ¡­


    ..


    .


    The luxurious suite was silent, save for the soft sounds of breathing.


    Alex sat comfortably on the sofa, casually reaching for an orange from the fruit platter. With unhurried precision, he peeled the fruit, his fingers moving effortlessly.


    Instead of using a plate, he placed the neatly separated orange segments directly onto the girl''s bare thighs, treating her as if she were nothing more than a convenient tray.


    Once finished, he leisurely picked up a piece, popped it into his mouth, and continued as if this were the most natural thing in the world.


    Meanwhile, Sera, the unwilling fruit platter, sat frozen, her face flushed with embarrassment.


    Her lips, already red from constant biting, trembled slightly, and the hands gripping the hem of her lace-trimmed nightdress were damp with sweat.


    Her mind was in chaos.


    Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.


    The antique clock on the wall ticked relentlessly, each passing second weighing down on her like a hammer, intensifying her inner turmoil.


    And then¡ª


    "Alright¡­ I''ll do it." The moment she spoke, it felt as if the tension in her body finally gave way. She slumped slightly, her stiff posture loosening.


    In truth, she had already made this choice long ago.


    From the moment she left the funeral with Alex, she had known this was the path she was taking. She had already chosen to give in, to surrender.


    So why hesitate now? There was no turning back.


    A faint smirk appeared on Alex''s lips. He picked up an orange slice and held it to her lips, his gaze expectant.


    Sera hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty before finally parting her lips. Her breath hitched as she took the orange into her mouth, along with his fingers.


    Alex raised an eyebrow. "What are you, a little kid? Since when do you have a habit of chewing on people''s fingers?"


    His tone was light, amused. With deliberate slowness, he withdrew his hand and wiped the moisture off on her cheek, as if she were nothing more than a napkin. Then, he stood up.


    "Get changed." His voice was indifferent, as though none of this mattered in the slightest. Sera sat still, her face burning, her body trembling with a mix of shame and frustration.


    But eventually, she forced herself to move. Standing up on unsteady legs, she reached for the black mourning dress she had removed earlier.


    As she picked it up, she felt his gaze still on her.


    "That expression, can you look any more resentful?" Alex let out a low chuckle, his voice dripping with amusement. "Ah, there it is. The look you save for your enemies."


    Sera lay in Alex''s arms, her body damp with sweat, her chest rising and falling as she struggled to steady her breath whtger it was due to her embarrassment or the things they were going to do Wasn''t clear.


    Tonight will change her.


    Her gaze, once filled with innocence, will hold a newfound sharpness, a glimmer of something darker, colder. As she stared at Alex, her voice was soft yet unwavering.


    "Don''t forget your promise. Logan and his people¡­ they must suffer." She wasn''t stupid.


    Alex was powerful, but what if he had only used her? What if, after taking what he wanted, he simply walked away, leaving her with nothing?


    That was a risk she couldn''t afford. A low chuckle rumbled in Alex''s chest as he idly played with a strand of her hair as she was near his chest, his fingers moving with unhurried ease.


    "Relax. I went through all this effort to make sure your grandfather could rest peacefully¡­ how could I possibly let his most beloved granddaughter be so restless?" His voice was teasing, yet laced with an underlying amusement that made her uneasy.


    "Your dear grandfather''s eldest son¡­ I''ll make sure he''s well taken care of. After all, we''re family."


    ....


    (A/N: Do you guys want a sex scene or should i just skip it and continue with the story. Comment it, if there is no comment by morning I will just skip that scene and continue with the story.)

 Chapter 141 - 141: No One Will Buy It.

    "Your dear grandfather''s dearest son Logan¡­ I''ll make sure he''s well taken care of. After all, we''re family."


    "Enough." Sera snapped, her frustration finally boiling over. She turned, glaring at him, her expression a mix of anger and humiliation.


    "I don''t care about your jokes. Just keep your word." She knew exactly what he was doing. Mocking her. Humiliating her.


    From the moment she had stepped into that black mourning dress, this entire night had been a game to him. And yet, she was powerless to resist.


    Because in this game, he held all the cards. Alex was the only one capable of delivering her so called justice, and that meant she had no choice but to endure. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Riiiiing¡ªRiiiiing¡ª" The sharp trill of a phone broke the tense silence. Alex, unbothered, reached over to grab the device from the pillow beside him. Without any worry, he answered.


    "Speak." A calm, composed voice came through the speaker.


    "Sir, Logan has started liquidating his assets. The stocks of Kleinberg Industries have hit rock bottom, and he''s selling his shares at only a third of their original value now." The man on the other end was Mr. Waters, his tone steady, professional.


    "However," Waters continued, "no one in the City is buying them." It wasn''t hard to guess why.


    After what had happened at the funeral, every major player in the city understood one thing clearly: Kleinberg Industries had offended Alex.


    And in his city, offending Alex was equivalent to signing a ruin warrant. So even though Logan was practically giving away his shares, no one had the courage to take them.


    Mr. Waters had called for a reason, to ask if Alex himself wanted to seize the opportunity. But instead of answering immediately, Alex simply smirked.


    "I see." He wasn''t interested. Why should he pay for something that would soon be his for free?


    Once Logan was completely dusted, once everyone else in the Kleinberg family was out of the picture, Kleinberg Industries would be left with only one remaining heir.


    Sera Kleinberg. And when that happened, her company would belong to him anyway. So why waste money when all he had to do was wait?


    Without another word, he ended the call. His eyes drifted back down to the girl in his arms. Sera was still fuming, but he simply grinned.


    "Your grandfather really does have a¡­ devoted son." His voice was laced with amusement, as if the entire situation was nothing more than an entertaining spectacle.


    Sera felt an unsettling chill creep up her spine as she noticed the change in Alex''s expression. A hint of unease flickered in her eyes as she hesitated before asking, "What''s wrong?"


    Instead of answering immediately, Alex''s hand lazily trailed over her smooth skin before settling on her waist. His voice was casual, almost amused, as he finally spoke. "Logan is selling his shares in Kleinberg Industries at only thirty percent of their actual value."


    Sera''s entire body stiffened. In a flash, she pushed herself up from his embrace, her expression one of sheer disbelief. "That''s¡­. So cheap¡­!" she exclaimed, shaking her head vigorously. "He wouldn''t do that."


    Kleinberg Industries was Logan''s hard-earned prize, something he had schemed and killed for. There was no way he would willingly let it go at such a humiliating price. The mere thought of it felt absurd.


    Alex, however, remained unfazed. He leaned back against the headboard, watching her reaction with mild amusement. "I didn''t expect him to act so decisively either," he admitted, his tone carrying a trace of mockery. "Kleinberg Industries is valued at over billions, and even if he manages to sell off all his shares at this price, he won''t walk away with more than a few hundred million dollars."


    Sera''s lips parted slightly, her mind reeling. Her eyes were blank, unfocused, as she muttered under her breath, "No¡­ That can''t be. How could he do this? Kleinberg Industries was my grandfather''s entire life''s work."


    Alex tilted his head, his gaze sharp yet indifferent. "If he doesn''t sell, he won''t get a single cent. The moment I make my move, his wealth will evaporate into thin air." His voice was steady, calm, as if he were merely stating a fact rather than issuing a threat.


    Then, with a faint smirk, he added, "Believe me, if no one takes the shares at thirty percent, he''ll drop it to ten for selling it more fast."


    For a man like Logan, money was only useful as long as he was alive to spend it. He knew exactly where his priorities lay.


    Sera clenched her hands into fists, struggling to suppress the overwhelming bitterness rising in her chest.


    No matter how much she wanted to deny it, she knew deep down that this was precisely the kind of thing Logan would do. When backed into a corner, he wouldn''t hesitate to sell off even his last scrap of dignity to save his own skin.


    Tears of frustration welled in her eyes as she turned back to Alex, her voice softer now, almost pleading. "This is my grandfather''s legacy. I can''t let that bastard destroy it¡­ I thought he was just going to get some money from the company and will flee but for him to trying to sell the whole company¡­"


    Alex met her gaze without a trace of emotion, his voice cool and steady. "No one in the city will buy it. Even if he gave them away for free, no one would accept them¡­ I mean excluding some greedy and foolish people."


    That simple statement carried an undeniable finality. Sera knew better than to doubt his words. If Alex said no one would dare, then it was maybe somewhat true.


    For a long moment, she simply stared at him, her emotions a turbulent storm beneath the surface.


    Then, as if reaching some unspoken decision, she slowly pulled back the blanket, her delicate fingers trembling slightly as she moved. A silent offering, a wordless exchange.


    Alex''s lips curled into a knowing smirk. The moment of clarity had passed.

 Chapter 142 - 142: Still Feeling the Feeling

    The Next Day:


    Sunlight streamed through the curtains, painting the hotel suite in a warm glow. The golden rays stretched across the luxurious bed, where Sera still lay, barely stirring. She was half-asleep when she felt movement beside her, and with a drowsy groan, she swatted at the air like a child refusing to wake up. Her voice was soft and weak as she mumbled, "What time is it?"


    Alex''s voice, calm and teasing, came from beside her. "Almost eleven. Do all college students sleep in late these days? Too Lazy¡­ You do know that you''re a Lazy gir."


    Sera scrunched up her nose, still refusing to lift her head from the pillow. "L-lazy? Who are you calling lazy?" she grumbled before groaning in frustration. "You bastard¡­ You kept me up half the night! I can barely move, and now you''re blaming me for oversleeping?"


    Alex chuckled lightly, his amusement evident as he placed a bowl of steaming porridge on the bedside table. "A good host always meets the needs of his guests," he said with a smirk.


    Sera huffed, pouting slightly as she recalled the exhausting events of the previous night. The mere memory sent heat rushing to her cheeks, and she quickly pulled the blanket tighter around her body.


    Her legs still felt weak, and she had no idea how she was supposed to make it through the day.


    "I still have classes this afternoon," she muttered, slowly sitting up while keeping herself wrapped in the covers. "How am I supposed to attend like this?"


    Forget attending, she doubted she could even walk properly.


    She shot a glare at the man beside her. "You could''ve been a little gentler¡­ You knew it was my first time."


    Alex, still completely composed, sat on the edge of the bed and ran his fingers through her tousled hair. "Eat first," he said in a coaxing tone. "And don''t worry¡­ I''ve already arranged for someone to inform your school that you''ll be absent today."


    Sera blinked at him, then turned her gaze toward the table. Her brow furrowed slightly when she noticed there was only one serving. "What about you? Aren''t you eating?"


    Alex''s eyes flickered with amusement as he trailed his gaze over her exposed collarbone, the faint traces of his kisses still visible on her skin. His smirk deepened. "I already ate," he said, his voice layered with meaning.


    Sera caught his lingering stare and quickly pulled the blanket higher over herself. Her blush deepened as she looked away, too flustered to retort.


    There was no denying it now. The sweet and innocent ''first love'' persona she had once carried had crumbled overnight. She had stepped into the dark side, and there was no turning back.


    ¡­.


    Logan hadn''t slept a single minute the previous night. He sat in the dimly lit office in one of his mansion, his fingers tapping anxiously against the armrest of his chair.


    His mind was in turmoil, knowing full well that now that Alex had decided to intervene for that wretched woman, no one in the Kleinberg Family would be spared.


    He let out a slow breath, trying to steady his nerves. The situation wasn''t entirely unexpected. In fact, he had anticipated this outcome and had even helped steer things in this direction.


    Sera wouldn''t have dared to act while her grandfather was alive. The only reason she had finally lashed out was because her sole protector had died, leaving her vulnerable to the Kleinberg Family''s cruelty.


    They had treated her like an insect to be crushed underfoot, pushing her further and further until she had no choice but to seek revenge.


    As for the car accident that had claimed her parents'' lives all those years ago? If she had truly wanted to act on that grudge, she wouldn''t have waited until now.


    The real trigger was the loss of her grandfather, the only thing that had kept the wolves at bay.


    Logan scoffed. He had always known that the moment the old man was gone, the fragile peace would shatter. The question now was how much of the Kleinberg Family would survive once Alex was done with them.


    The atmosphere in the Kleinberg Family estate was suffocating. After hearing Logan''s shameless analysis of the situation, the rest of the Kleinberg Family could do nothing but curse him silently in their hearts. However, no amount of insults would change their predicament.


    At this point, the Kleinberg Family was bound together, their fates inextricably linked. If they survived, they would do so as one. If they perished, they would all go down together.


    But now, a full night had passed, and not a many shares of Kleinberg Industries had been sold. Despite Logan offering his stock at a mere thirty percent of the market price, not a single person in the City dared to take the deal.


    "Those bastards! A bunch of spineless, backstabbing cowards!" Logan roared, his fury boiling over.


    With a violent sweep of his arm, he sent everything on his desk crashing to the floor. Papers scattered, glass shattered, and the sound echoed through the room like a final death knell for his failing company.


    The once high-spirited and confident Logan now looked like a man who had aged a decade overnight.


    His face was haggard, his once sharp eyes now dull and bloodshot. His hair was a disheveled mess, sticking out in wild tufts as if he hadn''t touched a comb in days.


    Even his clothes, still the same ones he had worn to the funeral yesterday, were now wrinkled and stained, a stark contrast to the image of the powerful businessman he once prided himself on.


    Everything had been messed up in just one night.


    Ever since Alex had openly declared his intent to move against the Kleinberg Family at his father''s funeral, the collapse of Kleinberg Industries had begun at an alarming pace. One by one, their business partners had turned their backs on them, cutting ties without hesitation with some even going as far as paying money in breach-of-contract penalties just to distance themselves from Kleinberg Industries.


    Contracts that had been all but signed were suddenly withdrawn. Long-time allies and collaborators were scrambling to sever their connections. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 143 - 143: Secret Envelope

    Contracts that had been all but signed were suddenly withdrawn. Long-time allies and collaborators were scrambling to sever their connections.


    By the time dawn broke, Kleinberg Industries found itself completely isolated. And the most terrifying part? Alex hadn''t even done anything yet.


    All he had done was make a simple statement¡ªthat he would personally deal with Kleinberg Industries. That alone was enough to send the entire business world into a panic, making it impossible for Kleinberg Industries to function.


    If this continued, Logan didn''t even need to wait for Alex to take action. Kleinberg Industries would collapse on its own in less than a month.


    And the root cause of all this?


    Sera.


    "That damned woman!" Logan''s voice was hoarse with rage as he clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His bloodshot eyes burned with hatred. "I should''ve killed her back then. I should''ve finished the job instead of leaving her alive to cause this disaster!"


    His breathing was heavy, erratic, almost manic. He had never hated anyone as much as he hated Sera at this moment. But his hatred for her was nothing compared to the burning resentment he felt toward Alex.


    His expression twisted into something ugly, his voice filled with venom. "And that arrogant bastard! What, just because he was born into a powerful family, he thinks he can do whatever he wants? Without his precious background, do any of the company in the city actually fear him? If it weren''t for his background, he''d be nothing! Nothing!"


    Logan slammed his fist onto the desk, his breathing ragged. "What the hell did I do to deserve this? What did I ever do to him? Haven''t I humbled myself enough? Haven''t I swallowed my pride every time I had to grovel in front of him?"


    Although Logan couldn''t uncover the exact details of Alex''s background, that didn''t stop him from making his own assumptions.


    In his mind, Alex was nothing more than a spoiled man, riding on the coattails of a powerful Company. Without that advantage, there was no way he would have been able to throw his weight around in the city the way he did.


    If he had a company as powerful as Reid Industries, he was certain he would have achieved far more. He would have been even more ruthless, more decisive, more successful.


    But raging over his own lack of power wouldn''t change anything. After venting his frustration, Logan forced himself to calm down. He took deep breaths, steadying his nerves, willing his mind to think clearly.


    "There has to be a way," he muttered, pacing the floor. "Kleinberg Industries just came into my hands. I refuse to let it slip away like this. There has to be another way."


    His expression darkened as his thoughts spiraled further. If Alex insisted on forcing him into a corner, then he would make sure that no one got their hands on Kleinberg Industries.


    "Alex, you are the one who pushed me this far," he hissed through clenched teeth. "If you leave me no choice, I''ll burn it all to the ground."


    Just as he was lost in frantic thoughts, a knock sounded on his office door. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Get lost!" Logan snapped, his patience already wearing thin.


    A calm voice responded from the other side. "Sir, it''s me¡ªHugo."


    Hearing the name, Logan''s anger subsided slightly. Hugo was one of the few people he truly trusted. Years ago, in order to prove his loyalty, Hugo had even gone so far as to do skme shady things for him and keep his secrets. That level of devotion was not something Logan took lightly.


    Logan took a deep breath, rubbing his temples. "What is it?"


    "A man from Alex''s side¡ªMr. Waters¡ªjust sent this over." Hugo''s voice was measured, but there was a hint of hesitation. "He said that once you read it, everything will make sense."


    There was a brief pause before Hugo added, "Sir¡­ I think Alex might just be bluffing. He wouldn''t actually move against Kleinberg Industries over a woman, would he?"


    Hugo found the idea hard to believe. Destroying one of the great company of the city, all because of some pretty face? It was absurd. No matter how beautiful Sera was, there was no way she was worth in billions like company.


    To him, it was obvious¡ªAlex was just putting on a show, trying to impress Sera. There''s no way he''d really destroy Kleinberg Industries over this.


    A moment later, the office door swung open from the inside. Logan, still looking haggard and desperate, reached out and snatched the thick, brown envelope from Hugo''s hands.


    Stepping into the room, Hugo carefully closed the door behind him. "Sir, I really think this is all just an act. Alex is only saying those things to keep Sera happy. This file is probably just some kind of business proposal. Maybe he''s offering us a way out. Mr. Waters even said that once you read it, you''ll like what''s inside."


    Logan, hearing those words, felt a flicker of hope reignite within him. He wanted to believe it. He needed to believe it.


    "You''re right," he murmured, nodding quickly. "Of course you''re right. Why would Alex actually destroy Kleinberg Industries? It''s just a performance, a little act to keep that woman entertained. That''s all this is."


    A manic grin stretched across his face as he clutched the envelope tightly. "Kleinberg Industries is worth over billions. No woman is worth that much. No matter how beautiful she is, no man in his right mind would trade billions for her."


    His hands trembled slightly¡ªnot with fear, but with anticipation.


    With a sense of desperation laced with hope, Logan tore open the envelope.


    When he saw what was inside the file folder, he froze like a statue. His face turned deathly pale, and his entire body began to tremble uncontrollably.


    "No¡­ impossible! This is absolutely impossible!"


    "I deleted all of this! How could Alex have it?"


    "Where did he get these photos?"


    He stood there in a daze, completely forgetting that his trusted aide, Hugo, had just entered the office. Staring at the documents in his hands, he recalled what Alex had said to Sera at the funeral. His hands shook as he closed his eyes.


    "Sir, do you like it?" Hugo''s voice came from behind.

 Chapter 144 - 144: Traitor?!

    "Sir, do you like it?" Hugo''s voice came from behind.


    Logan spun around abruptly, gripping Hugo''s shoulders tightly. "You betrayed me?"


    "Sir, what are you talking about? How could I betray you?" Hugo looked completely bewildered.


    Logan threw the photos in his face and sat down on the couch. "Then explain this. What the hell is going on?"


    Hugo picked up a few of the scattered photos and glanced at them. His face instantly turned ashen. "Sir¡­ what is this? Where did these photos come from?"


    "You brought them."


    Logan''s expression was dark and cold. "Only a few people knew about this. Other than me, the only one who knew was you."


    "Sir, it wasn''t me! You know me¡ªI would never betray you!" Hugo dropped to his knees with a loud thud. "Sir, I have even done unspeakable shady things for you! How could I possibly betray you?"


    The office fell into an eerie silence. Logan stared down at Hugo, who was shaking his head frantically, his gaze sharp and ruthless. After a long moment, he suddenly stood up and walked over to him.


    "You''re my most trusted man, and of course, I want to believe you. But these photos¡­ they shouldn''t exist. There''s a good chance the hitman from back then has been found by Alex."


    Logan patted Hugo''s shoulder. "I have high hopes for you. You have a future ahead of you. So think carefully about what we do next. One wrong step, and we''ll both fall into the rotten place."


    Hugo let out a sigh of relief. "Sir, you can''t stay in this Country any longer. I''ll book you the earliest flight to another country. Before the police get their hands on this evidence, you have to leave immediately. Leave the company to me¡ªI''ll make sure your shares are sold off."


    Logan nodded. "And what about you?"


    Hugo didn''t answer. Instead, he said, "Sir, I hope you can take my sister with you."


    Logan nodded in agreement and patted Hugo''s shoulder sincerely. "Hugo, you''re the one I trust the most."


    "Sir, I will never betray you." Hugo got up, ready to make arrangements for Logan''s departure from the Country. He also needed to contact his sister and have her meet at the airport.


    But Hugo had his own plans. Logan had a wife and children, but he had no intention of notifying them. Instead, he would only arrange for his sister to leave with Logan for another country.


    Once there, his sister would have the perfect opportunity to secure a position as Logan''s Wife. And if that failed, she would at least bear a his child.


    Naturally, his own status would rise as well.


    However, just as Hugo turned around and took two steps, Logan suddenly grabbed a golf club from the side and swung it with full force at the back of Hugo''s head.


    Thud!


    Hugo had no chance to resist. Before he even realized what had happened, his vision went black, and he collapsed to the floor.


    Logan cursed under his breath as he unbuttoned his collar and yanked off his tie, tossing it aside. "You really think I''m a damn idiot? You piece of shit, you dared to fucking to sell me out!"


    With that, he swung the golf club again, striking the unconscious Hugo several times.


    "You want me to leave the Country and go to another country while you handle the company? What the hell would I have left, then?"


    "A bastard who could even sell his own sister to me just to climb the ranks¡ªyou''re the last person I''d ever trust! If anyone''s capable of betrayal, it''s scum like you."


    Logan kept cursing as he continued to strike. "Only you and I knew about that incident back then. And you actually had the balls to leak the evidence of my hired hit? And then you come to me and ask if I like it? Like hell I do!"


    He kept going until exhaustion finally set in. By then, Hugo was long dead.


    It didn''t matter¡ªLogan had to go into hiding anyway. Getting rid of a traitor before leaving only made him feel a whole lot better.


    ¡­.


    "Hiss¡­ that really hurts!"


    That afternoon, Sera returned to school from the hotel, feeling utterly exhausted and weak.


    After being tormented by Alex all night, even after a whole day, she could barely walk. Worried that she might end up in another precarious situation at night, she had made the firm decision to return to college. Right now, all she wanted was to collapse onto her small dorm bed, sleep peacefully, and not think about anything.


    "Sera, you''re finally back!"


    Anna, who was sitting at her dorm desk applying makeup with a cheap eyebrow pencil, immediately sprang up from her chair the moment she saw her best friend walk in. She rushed to Sera''s side.


    The two other girls in the dorm also turned to look at the doorway.


    "Something''s off. No, something''s definitely off."


    Anna sniffed the air and circled around Sera. "You smell like a man."


    "Huh? No, I don''t! Stop talking nonsense!" Sera''s eyes darted away as she hurriedly denied it.


    Anna let out a teasing "hmm?" and then, spotting the scarf wrapped around Sera''s neck, despite the sweltering summer heat, she instantly understood everything.


    Just as Anna was about to dig deeper, a voice came from the dorm entrance.


    "Is Sera from Room 303 here?"


    "That''s me!" Sera immediately latched onto the interruption like a lifeline.


    "There''s a guy named Jed looking for you downstairs."


    "Huh?" Sera froze for a moment.


    ''Officer Jed? Why was he here?'' She still remembered him, he had once told her he would help overturn her case. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But why had he come all the way to her dorm? As confusion swirled in her mind, she forced herself to push through the pain and made her way downstairs.


    Not long after, she spotted Jed in plain clothes, standing not far from the dorm building.


    "Officer Jed, hello."


    "Mm." Jed nodded slightly, then sighed with a trace of guilt. "Miss Sera, I''m sorry. The police department got caught up with a major case, and it delayed things. I truly apologize."

 Chapter 145 - 145: Something Is Wrong

    "Mm." Jed nodded slightly, then sighed with a trace of guilt. "Miss Sera, I''m sorry. The police department got caught up with a major case, and it delayed things. I truly apologize."


    "It''s fine." Sera waved her hand dismissively. The car accident case¡­ she no longer cared about it.


    Jed''s expression turned serious. "Last night, I went back to the police department and re-examined the case file on your parents'' car accident. I found several inconsistencies¡ªthings that don''t add up. There are many unexplained doubts. I''ve already summoned the driver responsible for the accident, and he''ll be arriving at the station soon."


    Sera was momentarily stunned but then gave a helpless smile. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her demeanor carrying a quiet elegance, almost like that of a married woman. "Thank you, Officer, but I no longer need the case to be reopened. I appreciate your efforts, but it''s unnecessary now."


    Jed narrowed his eyes slightly, as if he had already anticipated this response.


    "Even so, I''ll continue investigating." Just as he was about to say more, his phone rang.


    "I understand." After ending the call, his brows furrowed deeply. He looked at Sera, whose expression remained unreadable. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Just now, Logan sold off several properties under someone else''s name at a ridiculously low price. It looks like he''s preparing to run."


    Selling off assets under another name, likely because no one dared to take over the company shares. Turning property into cash meant he was preparing for a quick escape.


    For the first time, a flicker of emotion crossed Sera''s face, but she quickly masked it, feigning ignorance. "Why would he sell his properties? Why would he run?"


    Jed stroked his chin in thought. "I don''t know yet, but his actions are highly suspicious. I need to get back to the station."


    Logically speaking, ''Logan had just taken control of the Kleinberg Industries, why would he suddenly liquidate assets and plan an escape?''


    Something was off.


    Jed instincts told him that Logan''s unusual behavior had something to do with Sera. She definitely knew something. But she wasn''t purposely telling him¡­


    Jed frowned slightly.


    As he turned to leave, Sera suddenly spoke.


    "Officer, can you stop investigating? I don''t want to know the truth anymore." Even if the young officer standing before her uncovered something, the most that would happen was Logan going to prison. The rest of the Kleinberg Family would remain untouched.


    But that wasn''t what she wanted.


    She didn''t just want Logan behind bars now, she wanted him and everyone around him to suffer a fate worse than death.


    And the only one who could make that happen¡­ was Alex.


    Jed stood there for a moment, his back to her. Then, after a brief silence, he shook his head.


    Jed''s instincts told him that this case was far from simple, especially since it involved two lives. He couldn''t just drop the investigation because Sera said she didn''t want to know the truth anymore.


    At first, he pursued the case because Sera had come to the police station for it, demanding it to be reopened. But now, he was continuing for the sake of justice, for the deceased.


    Without another word, he waved a hand dismissively and strode away.


    Sera stood in silence, watching his tall, straight figure disappear into the distance.


    "Thank you." If this had been a few days ago, Logan going to prison might have been the outcome she wanted most.


    But now? She wanted something far worse. She wanted them to live in agony, unable to die yet unable to truly live.


    ¡­.


    Xxxx location:-


    "Damn it! I thought city people were supposed to be broad-minded, but they''re just a bunch of short-sighted fools."


    Eric Vaughn was in an utterly foul mood.


    Before he left the mountains, his three masters had painted a vivid picture of the outside world, exciting, full of opportunity. They had told him that with his skills, he could do whatever he pleased, live freely, and enjoy life without restraint¡­ live a life that of a luxury.


    But after coming down from the mountain, reality was nothing like what he had imagined.


    The medical skills he had once been so proud of seemed utterly useless. Worse, instead of bringing him respect, they had only caused him endless trouble.


    Eric wanted to curse the the gods in the situation.


    After spending days locked up in a detention center, he had lost all hope in the Kleinberg Family. At first, he had thought their betrayal was just an isolated case in the city.


    But after his release, he encountered several people suffering from sudden medical emergencies on the street, only to be stopped by their own family members, who refused to let him treat them.


    One particularly obnoxious bastard had even hurled insults at him, his words so vile they were practically unbearable.


    "If I ever find out who spread those lies about me, slandering me as a fraud, accusing me of illegal medical practice, even claiming I''ve killed patients,I swear I won''t let them off!"


    Eric spat on the ground in frustration. A bunch of idiots with no ability to think for themselves. If they died, they had no one to blame but themselves.


    But what frustrated him the most wasn''t the false accusations, it was the fact that, despite encountering several medical emergencies on the way, not a single person had allowed him to help.


    And that¡­ that made him feel utterly stifled. Eric stood outside the fifth pharmacy that had just thrown him out, his face dark with frustration.


    "Damn it! A bunch of ignorant fools!"


    He had already been kicked out of multiple pharmacies, all with the same excuse, no prescription, no purchase. It was as if the entire city had conspired against him.


    Just thinking about it made his blood boil. All he wanted was to buy some medicine and prepare a few potent poisons for self-defense. Was that too much to ask?


    But no, these stubborn city folk followed their so-called "regulations" to the letter.


    The first pharmacy had just refused him. The second one threatened to call the police. The third and fourth didn''t even let him finish his explanation before shoving him out the door.

 Chapter 146 - 146: Man Behind The Shadows…

    The first pharmacy had just refused him. The second one threatened to call the police. The third and fourth didn''t even let him finish his explanation before shoving him out the door.


    Now, after two hours of wandering from store to store, he was still empty-handed.


    Eric took a deep breath, trying to suppress the urge to flip over a table.


    "Enemy is in the hiding, and me in the open¡­ This situation is way too passive. If I don''t turn things around soon, I''ll be the one at a disadvantage."


    He had a strong feeling that someone was deliberately making things difficult for him.


    If he ever found out who it was, he swore he would make them his personal poison test subject.


    But first, he needed to find a way to get the medicine he needed.


    Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly spotted a small, old-fashioned herbal medicine shop at the end of the street. Unlike the modern pharmacies, this one looked like it had been around for decades, its wooden signboard faded and its entrance slightly worn.


    Eric''s lips curled into a grin.


    "Heh. An old-school place like this might just be my lucky break." Without hesitation, he walked toward the shop, ready to try his luck once more.


    ¡­.


    Two Hours Later¡­


    Eric Vaughn''s face was dark with anger. "A bunch of ignorant fools. I need medicine, yet I have to get some quack to write me a prescription? To hell with that."


    This was deliberate. It had to be.


    They had the medicine but refused to sell it to him. Someone was clearly targeting him on purpose. Eric silently memorized the names of the pharmacies, vowing to get revenge one day. But for now, he had more pressing matters.


    "I should go to the Kleinberg Family first. I have no idea how Sera is doing."


    Even after spending most of the past week locked up in a detention center, she was still on his mind.


    "I have to explain everything to her. She needs to know I had nothing to do with her grandfather''s death. And right now, she might be in danger."


    Resting his chin on his hand, Eric muttered, "I should also have the Kleinberg Family gather the medicine I need."


    ¡­.


    The Dormitory:-


    Knock, knock, knock¡ªknock, knock, knock.


    Alex rapped on Sera''s dormitory door.


    Don''t ask how he managed to get into the girls'' dormitory, money has a way of opening doors, literally.


    Don''t ask why he didn''t just ask the dorm manager for a spare key, he already had one that let him in when someone was inside. A key to the door itself? Unnecessary.


    When Sera opened the door and saw him standing there, she froze. "You¡­ what are you doing here?"


    Without a word, Alex pulled her into his arms, nudging the door shut with his foot.


    Because she was at home in her dorm, Sera was dressed casually, perhaps too casually. Her twin ponytails swayed with youthful energy, while her sleeveless white crop top exposed her slender arms and a toned, petite waist.


    A black bra strap peeked through, tracing the curves of her figure. She wore light blue denim shorts that hugged her hips, leaving her smooth, fair legs fully exposed.


    The air was warm, but the real heat came from something else, the unspoken tension of youth and reckless emotions.


    The dorm was empty aside from her. Her three roommates were in class. She had stayed behind, still feeling sore from the other night.


    "You''re crazy. This is a girls dorm. The GIRLS dorm," Sera stammered, trembling slightly in his arms but too afraid to struggle.


    Ever since that night, ever since Alex had taken her¡­ her feelings toward him had become a mess. If she had a choice, she would rather never see him again.


    But¡­


    "Isn''t a dorm the perfect place?" Alex smirked, his hands wandering as he pressed in closer.


    "Y-you¡­!"


    Feeling the shifting pressure on her chest, Sera''s face flushed a deep red. Her misty eyes shimmered as if tears were about to spill, and her damp lips trembled under the soft bite of her pearly teeth.


    Alex couldn''t hold back any longer. With the self-restraint of a so-called gentleman, one who believed in using his lips rather than his hands, he leaned in and kissed her.


    "Mmm¡ª! Stop! This is a girls dorm¡­ someone might hear us."


    "Then keep your voice down," he murmured, unconcerned.


    He had no fear of being overheard because the entire floor, and even the ones above and below, had already been cleared out. Not a single student remained.


    But he didn''t mention that. Where was the fun in ruining the moment?


    After a brief pause, he added, "I''ve already contacted my so-called acquaintance. His people are watching the exits at every major airport in the country seeing he wouldn''t just choose a low rating or price flight¡­ that made things a little easier. The moment Logan shows his face, they''ll take him into custody."


    If you want to capture someone, first give them a way out. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The moment she heard this, Sera stopped resisting. She no longer cared if their voices might carry through the dorm walls. Instead, she took the initiative, shifting from defense to offense.


    "Leave it to me!"


    As the scene sped forward, a thought surfaced in Alex''s mind, one he hadn''t expected.


    As the final note faded, the dormitory returned to silence. Sera took a moment to catch her breath before gathering the strength to stand up from Alex''s embrace, a soft pop sound accompanying her movement.


    Still in a composed state, Alex glanced at a newly received message and stated matter-of-factly, "Logan and others have already boarded a flight to another country. They should arrive later tonight."


    It was faster than he had expected. He had assumed Logan would at least wait until he had offloaded his shares of the company at a mere fraction of their market value before fleeing. Seems the man wasn''t as bold as he had thought.


    Sera, who had just reached for the dorm window, paused. "That fast?"


    "He must''ve realized that no one would buy the Kleinberg Industries shares, so he hurriedly sold off a few properties at dirt-cheap prices and ran with his family." Alex took a sip of water and added, "People are already waiting for him on the otger side."


    Sera nodded in understanding.

 Chapter 147 - 147: Protagnist Is Lost

    "Logan and his people have escaped. The Kleinberg Industries is yours now." Alex looked at the woman as she got dressed.


    "Huh? The Kleinberg Industries is mine?" Sera pressed her lips together, momentarily stunned. She had never thought about the ownership of the company¡ªher only focus had been revenge.


    Alex nodded and gently caressed her smooth, rosy cheek. "The Kleinberg Industries was always meant to be yours. Before your grandfather was hospitalized, he left a will. In it, he clearly stated that if he passed away, all of his shares in the Kleinberg Industries would be transferred to you. However, the lawyer who held the will was threatened by Logan, who used his family''s lives as leverage. In the end, that lawyer betrayed your grandfather. After your grandfather''s death, he never revealed the will¡ªinstead, he hid it."


    This had been mentioned in the original story, though it was the protagonist, Eric Vaughn, who later stumbled upon it by chance.


    ''But now? Well¡­ I''ll just take it for myself.''


    "You¡­ how do you know all this?" Sera''s eyes widened in shock. Her grandfather had never mentioned anything about a will.


    Alex remained calm. "I told you¡ªthere''s nothing I don''t know. If I wanted to, I could even tell you what you''ll be wearing tomorrow."


    As for tomorrow''s¡­ well, if needed, I''ll pick it out for you.


    Sera hesitated, anxiety creeping into her voice. "But¡­ I have no experience running a company. I don''t understand anything about its business."


    The sudden inheritance overwhelmed her. She was just a college student, still studying, with no knowledge of managing a massive comapny. To have the Kleinberg Industries suddenly fall into her hands left her feeling completely lost.


    Alex wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her onto his lap. "Don''t worry. I''ll help you."


    "How about this¡ªI''ll keep a small portion of the shares and transfer the rest to you? I trust you. If it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t even have these shares in the first place."


    Holding onto these shares felt like clutching a burning coal. Sera didn''t believe she had the ability to handle the internal and external affairs of the big company. If she made the wrong move, she might even drive the company to bankruptcy.


    Besides, taking over the company was one thing, but whether she could even gain the trust of its employees and executives was another challenge altogether.


    Keeping a small percentage of shares for dividends to cover her living expenses and handing the majority to Alex seemed like the best option.


    Not only would it ensure that the Kleinberg Industries wouldn''t be torn apart by the powerful families in the City, but with Alex in control, the company might even reach new heights. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, as soon as she spoke, Alex''s expression darkened. His voice turned cold. "How could you say that? Do you take me for some opportunist? Do you think I did all this just to get my hands on your grandfather company?"


    His reaction was immediate and strong, his displeasure evident. "You''re insulting me, you know."


    Sera''s heart skipped a beat at his response. A sudden wave of guilt washed over her. Given Alex''s mysterious background, how could he possibly care about the modest profits of the Kleinberg Industries?


    Few Months Ago, the Winters family was wiped out. But if Alex had truly wanted a share, those families wouldn''t have even had a chance to even rise to that level without Alex.


    That alone proved he wasn''t some greedy schemer¡ªif anything, he didn''t even care about wealth like this.


    I misunderstood him¡­


    Sera quickly shook her head, her face full of remorse. "No, no! I never meant to insult you. It''s just¡­ I don''t have the skills or the time to run a company. I still have college, and besides you, I don''t know anyone else I can trust with this. Please, help me, Alex¡­ please?"


    She leaned in closer, her voice soft and pleading.


    Alex let out a long sigh, looking at the woman in front of him with exasperation. "You''re really just giving me more work, huh?"


    He sighed again, this time with resignation. "I swear, I just can''t say no to you."


    His expression seemed to say, Fine, I''ll take it¡ªbut only for your sake.


    Sera''s lips curled into a smile. "Then I''ll leave the company''s management to you. If you want to change its direction or replace any executives, you can¡­ change your view or anything."


    Alex raised an eyebrow. "Are you teaching me how to do my job now?"


    Sera immediately waved her hands. "No, no! I''m just making a suggestion. I promise, once the company is in your hands, I won''t interfere at all."


    "I don''t need you to teach me¡ªI already know how to make the company bigger, stronger, and even more successful."


    Alex might not be an expert in business management, but he knew how to manage the people who ran the company. That was enough.


    After a brief pause, he suddenly remembered the real reason he was here. "Get ready. We''re going out in a bit."


    "Go¡­ go where?" Sera Kleinberg shifted uncomfortably, rubbing her thighs together. "I can''t walk too far right now."


    Alex chuckled and wrapped an arm around her slender waist. "Just a casual stroll."


    Of course, casual was the last thing this would be.


    Since Eric Vaughn had already been bailed out of detention by the Dawson family from another City, it was time for a proper introduction.


    And if they were going to meet the so-called Son of Luck anyway, how could he not bring along his little girlfriend?


    ¡­.


    In the city on some random road:-


    A ragged young man with disheveled hair wandered aimlessly down the street.


    Eric Vaughn¡­ was lost.


    Before he left the mountains, his master had given him a few hundred bucks for travel expenses. His original plan was to buy a phone and get a SIM card after arriving in the city.


    But things hadn''t gone quite as he had planned.

 Chapter 148 - 148: Eric Views

    Right after coming down the mountain, he hadn''t even found a phone store before running into Sera Kleinberg¡ªwho had twisted her ankle. After helping her to the hospital, he somehow ended up in a detention center.


    By the time he was released, he was starving. His first priority had been to find a restaurant and fill his stomach, and in one meal, he had nearly spent all of his money. Now, he didn''t even have enough left to buy a phone.


    No phone meant no maps or anything.


    And in this massive, unfamiliar city, after hours of wandering in circles, he had completely lost his sense of direction.


    With no money left, no food, and no energy, Eric was exhausted. His lips were dry and cracked under the scorching sun. Eventually, he gave up and collapsed onto a patch of grass by the roadside.


    "What kind of damn place is this? Why are there so many roads?!"


    He was on the verge of breaking down.


    A Prodigy Miraculous doctor who could save lives with one hand and take them with the other¡ªyet here he was, hopelessly lost in the middle of a city.


    Just then¡ª


    "Ding¡ª"


    Three coins suddenly clattered onto the ground in front of him.


    Dazed, Eric squinted up against the blinding sunlight. A young father stood before him, gently patting the head of his little daughter.


    With a solemn voice, the father began to educate his child. "Sweetheart, this is why you need to study hard. Otherwise, you''ll end up like him¡ªno job, no money, no food, and no proper clothes."


    The adorable little girl nodded with her soft, childlike voice. "I''ll study hard, Daddy. But he smells so bad! Let''s go!"


    ''''¡­.!?"


    Staring at the three few cents coins tossed in front of him, he felt his dignity had just taken a serious hit.


    But before they go or turn to leave Eric opens his mouth.


    "Life has its ups and downs¡ªjust because I''m struggling now doesn''t mean I always will be. You are look down on me today, but mark my words¡ªone day, I''ll rise higher than you ever thought possible!" Eric Vaughn said, his eyes blazing with determination as he faced the father and his little daughter.


    Before he left the mountain, his second master had told him: "A man isn''t meant to stay stuck in one place forever. Once you step out into the real world, you''ll have the chance to prove yourself¡ªlike a small-town kid making it big, ready to take on whatever comes your way."


    He had always believed in those words.


    The young father, however, remained unimpressed. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "What''s your education? Did you graduate from a top school? An Ivy League or a prestigious university?"


    "I¡­" Eric Vaughn opened his mouth but couldn''t find the right words.


    He had been raised in a deep mountain forest by his three masters since childhood. He had never even attended elementary school, let alone a prestigious university.


    The young father''s frown deepened. "What do your parents do? Do they have pensions?"


    "I¡­" Eric Vaughn took a step back in shame.


    He had never met his parents. His three masters had told him he was an orphan. As for pensions¡ªnone of them seemed to have one.


    The young father pressed on, relentless. "Do you own a car? A house?"


    "I¡­" Eric Vaughn let out a defeated sigh and dropped to the ground with a thud.


    He had lived in mountain caves his whole life and always traveled on foot.


    Since coming down from the mountain, he had ridden in a car once¡ªa police car. As for a place to stay, he did have one for a while¡ªa detention center.


    The young father delivered the final blow. "What do you do for a living? How much do you earn? Do you have social security benefits? Do you get weekends off?"


    "I¡­" Eric Vaughn''s breathing became ragged, struggling to keep up.


    He had never worked a day in his life or earned a single paycheck. His days in the mountains had been spent mastering medicine, poison, and deadly assassination techniques.


    And as for social security benefits and weekends off¡­ ''What even were those?'' Eruc thought as he looked at them.


    "You have nothing. How dare you shout about ''some random motivational online quotes''?"


    The young father held his adorable daughter''s hand and turned to leave. His mocking voice drifted from afar.


    Eric Vaughn stood frozen on the spot.


    This man¡­ was a genius. For the first time, he started to doubt his master''s words.


    His master had often told him stories of the ''good-for-nothing'' some random country side kid turning his fate around, always emphasizing that Eric''s training in the deep mountains was to prepare him for the day he would descend and amaze the world¡ªjust like how random kid had returned to the to the countryside but not as random but as head of some big Industries.


    But after hearing this random man''s words, Eric suddenly realized¡ªthat random kid may have been called a loser, but at least he had a starting point for him!


    What did he have? Nothing. Not even a single strand of hair.


    With that thought, Eric bent down, picked up the three few cents coins that the young father had tossed onto the ground, blew the dust off them, and stuffed them into his pocket.


    Even though something about that man''s words felt off, the more he thought about it, the more damn reasonable it sounded.


    Just then, a commotion broke out nearby. A crowd quickly gathered, and anxious voices filled the air.


    "Dad! Dad, are you okay?"


    "Dad, don''t scare me! Wake up!"


    "Call 911! Someone collapsed¡ªhurry up and call an ambulance!" S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Someone had collapsed?


    For some reason, the previously disheartened Eric instantly perked up, as if he''d been injected with pure adrenaline.


    Finally! Someone had fallen ill. This was his chance to prove he wasn''t a fraud!


    A confident smile appeared at the corner of his lips before his expression turned deadly serious.


    "This time, I will save the patient with my acupuncture¡ªno matter what. Even if someone tries to stop me, I won''t let them. No one will stop me. I''ll prove to everyone that I am not a con artist!"

 Chapter 149 - 149: A Patient Coincidence

    Eric Vaughn was full of fighting spirit. He clenched his fists, stood up, and patted off the dirt stuck to his clothes. With his head held high, he strode confidently toward the gathered crowd.


    "Step aside, all of you! I''m a doctor, and I''m here to¡­ save a life."


    The people forming a circle instinctively parted, creating a passage for him. Eric walked in with his head held high, stepping into the center of the crowd.


    Lying on the ground was an elderly man with graying hair, his eyes shut tight as he lay unconscious. His breathing was growing weaker by the second, he looked as though he was on the verge of death.


    "A doctor? Who''s the doctor? Where is he?"


    The middle-aged man kneeling beside the old man sprang to his feet at the mention of a doctor. He looked around anxiously, but after scanning the crowd, he saw no one who fit the part.


    Eric Vaughn stepped forward confidently. "No need to look around¡ªI''m the doctor."


    "You?" The middle-aged man''s expression darkened as he took in Eric''s disheveled appearance, his tattered clothes made him look no better than a beggar.


    Since when could just anyone claim to be a doctor? Were his thoughts with some other lines.


    Eric smiled, undeterred. "That''s right. And I''m the one who can save him."


    The middle-aged man''s face hardened. He gritted his teeth and said coldly, "Listen, kid, get out of my sight before I lose my patience. Otherwise, I promise you''ll regret even thinking of such a joke¡­ there''s a life at stake here.."


    If this had been any other day, he wouldn''t have bothered with a madman joking around in front of him. He had always been a tolerant person, he wouldn''t usually argue with someone who was clearly not in their right mind.


    But today was different. His father had collapsed suddenly in the middle of the street, his life hanging by a thread.


    And now, of all times, some clueless idiot was trying to pull a stunt? Did they really think he had no temper?


    A balding man wearing glasses reached out to grab Eric''s arm, his expression one of deep displeasure. "Hey kid, this is not the time to mess around. A person''s life is at stake¡ªdon''t cause trouble."


    "That''s right, that''s right!" A plump middle-aged woman placed her hands on her hips and pulled a red banknote from her wallet. "You''re just here to beg for money, aren''t you? Fine, here¡ªtake it and leave. Don''t make a scene here."


    "And Someone quickly, call 911."


    A trendy-looking young man wearing oversized headphones waved his hand in irritation. "Just take the money and go. If you want to beg, do it somewhere else. If you mess around with the old man''s, can you take responsibility for that?"


    "Daddy, I think this guy is crazy¡­" A little girl clung tightly to her father''s clothes, peeking out from behind him with wide, frightened eyes.


    Eric Vaughn''s arrival had seemingly ignited the fury of the entire crowd.


    Honestly, you couldn''t blame the onlookers for their reaction. No real doctor would dress like a beggar.


    Eric Vaughn''s T-shirt was riddled with dirt and even some small holes like he hadn''t even bathed in weeks, his hair was a tangled mess, and he reeked of sweat and mildew¡ªclearly, he hadn''t bathed in days¡­ bathed it looked like he hadn''t even washed his face.


    A guy dressed like this, claiming to be a doctor? For the onlookers If he didn''t looked like a beggar, he had to be a lunatic.


    "Enough!"


    Eric Vaughn''s furious shout cut through the noise. He jabbed a finger at the unconscious old man on the ground. "I''m the only one who can save him. If you waste any more time, you''ll be planning his funeral."


    Smack!


    A sharp slap landed across his face before he could react. Eric was completely stunned. His cheek burned with pain, his mind momentarily blank.


    "How dare you say such a thing about my father? Are you tired of living?" The middle-aged man let out a cold snort. "I''ve lived this long, and I''ve never met someone so desperate so shameless¡­ saying anything for a few cents and for messing around."


    Eric''s words instantly ignited the crowd''s rage.


    "Holy shit, I''ve never seen someone this shameless in my life! Just because we won''t let you ''save'' him, you start cursing him to die? You''re a real piece of shit!"


    "We already gave you a few dollars! What more do you want?"


    "I swear, I wanna beat the crap out of this guy! Cursing someone''s father to die and that too in front of his son¡ªhe''s the one who deserves it!"


    As the crowd erupted in fury, a well-dressed office worker suddenly spoke up. "Henry Wade? You the Henry Wade? The head of the Wade Family?" S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The moment the name registered, gasps filled the air.


    "The Wade Family¡­ they''re the a well known family in the city! And Henry Wade¡ªhe''s the head of that family. He''s always been low-key and humble, barely ever shows up in public. This is the first time I''ve seen him in person!"


    "That beggar is done for. He actually dared to curse the Wade Family''s head father? He is totalllly done for!"


    The murmurs and hushed discussions filled the air.


    Originally, Eric Vaughn had planned to throw his hands up and walk away with a dramatic motivational quote but when he heard that the man who just slapped him was none other than Henry Wade, the head of the Wade Family, his entire attitude shifted.


    The Wade Family owed him a favor now.


    And no one¡ªnot even god himself¡ªwas going to stop him from reedeming that favor.


    A smirk crept onto Eric''s face. He could already see it: Wade family treating him like an honored guest, the Kleinberg Family drowning in regret.


    This was his moment.


    At the back of the crowd, a red expensive sports car was parked. Sitting casually on the hood was Alex, watching the scene unfold with amusement.

 Chapter 150 - 150: Who Are You?!

    By the usual tropes of urban wish-fulfillment novels, when the Doctor protagonist stepped in to save a life, the patient''s family should have instantly lost all critical thinking.


    The moment he declared, "I can cure this!", they were supposed to believe him unconditionally, without a shred of doubt.


    Yet, Henry Wade had completely shattered that expectation. To be precise, the protagonist''s usual IQ-lowering talent had failed.


    And the reason? Alex''s special title: [Modern Villain].


    This title granted immunity to those nearby, preventing them from being affected by Eric''s reality-warping protagonist aura and the so called iq reduction.


    Henry Wade''s reaction? That was how a normal, rational person should respond.


    Beside him, Sera was also sitting in the car, sipping from a bottle of milk shake. She''d been feeling dehydrated lately and needed to replenish her fluids.


    A sudden stir rippled through the gathered crowd. The tightly packed spectators shifted slightly, creating a small gap, just enough for Sera to glimpse Eric standing in the middle of the commotion.


    "Huh?!" Sera let out a surprised exclamation. "That guy¡­ isn''t he the quack doctor who ''treated'' my grandpa?"


    After her grandfather''s passing, she had learned from the hospital what had really caused his sudden deterioration.


    According to their explanation, after Eric Vaughn''s acupuncture treatment, the old man had indeed seemed to regain vitality, his face glowing, his condition appearing to improve drastically.


    But in reality, this so-called ''recovery'' was nothing more than his final reserves of life force being forcibly drained, a last flicker before the flame went out.


    Once his life force was fully exhausted, his condition had plummeted into irreversible decline.


    The hospital had originally been able to keep him stable, at least long enough for Sera to rush back from school and see him one last time.


    But even that chance was taken away.


    Because Eric had damaged the hospital''s life-support equipment, rendering them unable to sustain the old man. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Because Eric had assaulted the foreign specialists who had been flown in to help, leaving them unable to provide treatment.


    The hospital had tried everything. But in the end, they were powerless. And it was all, every single bit of it, Eric Vaughn''s fault.


    "You know him?" Alex asked, feigning ignorance.


    Sera sighed, her expression darkening. "We met once. I sprained my ankle, and he used acupuncture to treat it. He even promised that he could cure my grandfather''s illness¡­"


    Her voice trailed off, her mood sinking further.


    "But in the end, he was just a fraud. A liar who couldn''t save my grandfather, even¡­.." She didn''t complete the sentence like her throat stopped her.


    Alex put on an exaggerated look of surprise. "Acupuncture for a sprained ankle? That''s a first. Any random doctor in a hospital could''ve just fixed it with a little bit for message."


    "Huh? Really?" Sera felt a wave of doubt creeping in. Back then, she had trusted Eric simply because his acupuncture techniques looked flashy and impressive. She had fallen for the theatrics.


    ''Hmph! So he really was just a fraud.''


    Alex nodded. "Maybe his methods are just¡­ different from standard medical practices. By the way, what''s his name? Which medical university did he graduate from?"


    Sera shook her head, taking another sip of milk shake. "I don''t know. I forgot to ask, and he never said. I didn''t really pay much attention to him."


    Hearing this, Alex nearly burst out laughing.


    "Didn''t pay much attention"?


    ''Oh, that''s rich.''


    "Don''t tell me¡­ he never even went to university?" Alex raised an eyebrow.


    "Uh¡­ I have no idea." Sera absentmindedly took another sip, leaving a thin layer of milky residue on her lips.


    Alex sighed, shaking his head. "You knew nothing about him, yet you let him treat your grandfather?" He couldn''t help but marvel at the sheer power of the protagonist''s IQ-lowering aura. Still, he decided to educate her a little.


    "Medical students go through years of training and need to earn multiple certifications. More importantly, anyone practicing medicine must have a medical license. That''s to prevent unqualified people from making small illnesses worse or¡ªworse, turning serious illnesses into fatal ones."


    Boom!


    Sera''s mind went blank.


    Slowly, she looked up at Alex, her eyes welling with tears. Her lips, still coated in a thin layer of milk shake, quivered.


    "I¡­ I think I made a huge mistake." Until now, she had comforted herself, telling herself that Eric wasn''t to blame. That even without him, her grandfather''s illness was already terminal.


    But after hearing Alex''s explanation, she realized how horribly, horribly wrong she had been. Her grandfather could have lived a few more days.


    And yet, she had recklessly dragged a random self-proclaimed doctor off the street and into the hospital, without asking a single question, without verifying a single thing.


    This was her fault.


    [Female Lead ''Sera Kleinberg'' has suffered a mental breakdown. Congratulations! You''ve gained 2,000 Critical Points.]


    "Don''t worry¡­ you didn''t know anything and more importantly your grandfather wouldn''t blame you."


    Alex reached out and gently wiped the milk shake residue from Sera''s lips with his thumb before stepping down from the his sports car.


    "Come on, let''s go see what''s happening. And while we''re at it, we can ask him which medical school he graduated from."


    Sera quickly followed behind him.


    ¡­.


    The crowd''s accusations and curses seemed to have no effect on Eric Vaughn. He ignored them entirely, instead walking a slow circle around the unconscious, white-haired old man.


    Stroking his chin, he glanced at Henry Wade, the middle-aged man beside him, and spoke with confidence.


    "If I''m not mistaken, your father has hypertension, diabetes, and chronic bronchitis. Right now, he''s experiencing a stroke. If I''m right, he had one just a few days ago and was recently discharged from the hospital, wasn''t he?"


    Henry Wade''s expression instantly darkened.


    "How does he know that?"


    Very few people were aware that his father had been hospitalized for a stroke. On top of that, they had admitted him to a private hospital owned, meaning there was no chance of any information leaking out.


    Unless¡­ This crazy-looking young man had been keeping tabs on them all along. At that thought, Henry''s expression turned cold.


    "Spit it out. Which group do you belong to?"


    In the city, there were some groups that had the resources and the audacity to spy on the Wade Family. The Kleinberg Family used to be a contender, but after recent setbacks, they were too busy saving themselves to meddle in Wade Family affairs.


    Eric Vaughn blinked in confusion.


    "Group? What the hell is he talking about?"

 Chapter 151 - 151: Bad Luck Guy

    After a brief pause, realization struck him. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ohhh¡­ I see where the misunderstanding is."


    He quickly waved a hand. "Hey, you''re overthinking it. I don''t belong to any family or the group whatsoever, My name is Eric Vaughn, and I am a doctor. Your father won''t last until the ambulance arrives. Right now, I''m the only one who can save him."


    His tone hardened.


    "If you don''t want to be making funeral arrangements for him soon, then get out of my way and let me do my job!"


    Henry Wade fell silent.


    He locked eyes with Eric Vaughn, searching for any sign of deceit. For several seconds, he stared, trying to read the young man''s gaze.


    All he saw was arrogance. And absolute confidence. After a moment, Henry Wade glanced at his watch. Nearly a few minutes had passed. And the ambulance still hadn''t arrived.


    Henry lowered his head again to look at his unconscious father, took a deep breath, and turned to Eric Vaughn. "If you can''t save my father, I, promise you¡ªthat you will regret even coming to this place or ever saying you''re a doctor."


    "Let me just do my job, even the foreighn doctors has to step back before me," Eric Vaughn said with a mysterious confidence, so excited he could barely contain himself.


    ''Finally¡­ finally, I could save someone. Finally, someone believed in my medical skills.'' Eric pulled out silver needles from his pocket. This was his chance to prove himself.


    A simple brain clot? No problem. With his acupuncture technique the dying man would wake up in less than ten minutes.


    But¡­ there were troublemakers in the crowd.


    Just as Eric took out his silver needles, a few young guys with colorful hair and phones in their hands pushed through the crowd.


    "You can''t let him treat anyone! This guy''s a fraud, a wandering con artist. His medical skills are fucking terrible, and he goes around tricking people for food and money. That''s bad enough, but he has no conscience, he harms ordinary folks like us. My relative grandmother died because of his so-called treatment!" The yellow-haired guy held up his phone, crying dramatically as if the world was ending.


    "Exactly! Did you see where he pulled those silver needles from? His pocket! What kind of real doctor doesn''t sterilize their needles first? Even if you weren''t sick before, a few pokes from those dirty needles, and you''d be done for in days!" The red-haired guy waved his phone, demanding an explanation with a smug look.


    "Traditional medicine is all about heritage. You claim you''re some doctor who uses acupuncture¡ªfine, then tell us: who''s your master? Is it a family tradition, or are you the star student of some professor from a prestigious university?" The gray-haired guy smirked, holding his phone up with a mocking grin.


    "I know this guy! A few days ago, he barged into a Hospital, smashed dozens of imported medical machines worth hundreds of thousands, and injured tons of doctor they brought in from overseas for a patient. And that''s not all¡ªHead of the Kleinberg family? He secretly treated him, and now that old man''s dead!" The green-haired guy raised his phone, his face full of fake shock.


    "¡­?!"


    When he saw this group of colorful-haired youths jump out, Eric felt like he was about to lose it. ''Why is it always you bunch of animals?''


    These colorful-haired punks had been tailing him ever since he got out of detention. Every time he showed any sign of stepping in to save someone, these jerks popped up to slander him.


    Originally, Eric Vaughn had planned to teach them a lesson. Even though there were five of them, they wouldn''t stand a chance against him single-handedly.


    Whether it was poison techniques or assassin skills, dealing with a few punks like them would be a piece of cake.


    But the problem was¡­ they all had phones. And they were livestreaming.


    What''s more ridiculous? The five of them were filming each other, making sure every single one appeared in the streams.


    This disgusting tactic left Eric Vaughn with no chance to act. Sure, he''d spent years in the deep mountains and forests, but he wasn''t some clueless bumpkin.


    He knew about live streaming, his three masters used to watch it all the time in the mountains.


    If he got caught on camera beating them up, it''d be a disaster. He''d just used his connections with the Dawn family in another City to get out of the detention centre, he couldn''t risk going back in. He had no intention of becoming a jailbird.


    The colorful-haired crew were hired by Alex Butler. Each of them held a phone, live streaming everything.


    Normally, newbies like them wouldn''t get any viewers, but they threw tons of money at it, big gift bags and cash giveaways kept the streams buzzing. Since they started broadcasting, every one of their channels had stayed above 50,000 viewers.


    When the online audience saw Eric step up again, shouting about saving someone, the chat exploded.


    [Holy crap, is this guy the reincarnation of a jinx? This is the sixth one, right? Who runs into six old folks with sudden emergencies in one morning?]


    [Total scripted. No way this happens in real life unless he''s the king of bad luck.]


    [This dude''s legit¡ªI work in the ER at Hospital. We''ve had seven emergencies this morning, and I saw him at five of them in person.]


    [I''m here too! I''ve been following this guy¡ªhe brings disaster wherever he goes. It''s freaking terrifying.]


    [For real, everyone watch out. Stay far away from this walking fucking curse. Anyone who runs into him is doomed. He wants to save people? He''s the fucking reason this all is happening.!]


    [No way someone''s dumb enough to let him try, right?]


    [Whoever lets him treat their family, I think they want them secretly dead¡­ like you know¡­. When someone hires unknown people for hit¡­ its like I''m watching a supernatural drama on streaming¡­ lol]


    "¡­"

 Chapter 152 - 152: Who Are You?

    The viewers'' worldviews were shattered. In real life, they might catch a cold or fever once every couple of months, but here they were, watching Eric Vaughn stumble into six elderly emergencies in one morning just by wandering around. It was absurd, like absurdity opened the door for more absurdity.


    Even though the colorful-haired thugs like guys stepped in to stop him again, Eric didn''t give up on saving the man. This time, he was determined to change how people saw him and slap these ignorant fools in the face when he actually do his work this time and save the man.


    "You''re out of time to think. If I don''t act, your dad will be dead in exactly five minutes¡ªguaranteed."


    Eric turned his back to the livestream, then with the man with his father and locking eyes. His tone left no room for doubt.


    The middle-aged man, Henry, was torn. He lifted his left hand to check the time, nearly ten minutes had passed since he''d called 911 for an ambulance.


    The First Hospital wasn''t far from here; an ambulance should''ve arrived in less than five minutes. But now, almost ten minutes had passed, and there wasn''t even a sign of it or horn of an ambulance.


    Taking a deep breath, Henry finally made up his mind. "Remember what you said. And If anything happens to my father, I will fucking kill you." The ambulance was taking too long, something must''ve gone wrong. He couldn''t wait anymore.


    Henry was panicking. He knew his father''s condition better than anyone. A clot like this, if not treated fast, would kill him. Right now, he had no choice but to treat a dead horse as if it were alive and hope for the best.


    "You just made the smartest decision of your damn entire life," Eric said, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. He stepped toward the white-haired old man. "With me here, your father will be perfectly fine." A little clot? In front of his acupuncture technique it was nothing.


    Finally, a chance to prove himself. Eric Vaughn glanced at the colorful-haired gang who''d been tailing him, especially at the phones they were holding up to livestream.


    ''Hmph! Just watch¡ªwatch me save this old man. Once he''s saved, it''ll be broadcast all over the internet. All the bad rumors about him would turn around.'' Eric Vaughn flashed a confident smile.


    The multi coloured hair punks, still livestreaming, saw Henry actually agree to let this so-called "fraud" treat his father. Panic hit them hard. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They couldn''t let Eric succeed. This job came straight from their boss''s boss''s, failure wasn''t an option. They absolutely couldn''t let Eric Vaughn save anyone.


    And this Wade family head, had he lost his mind? Everyone knew this guy was a con artist, yet he was letting him treat his dad.


    Did he secretly want his father gone for good or something? Thinking about it that way, the colorful-haired gang suddenly felt like Henry''s decision made sense. What a ''devoted'' son.


    The yellow-haired guy spoke up, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Hey man, don''t you know this guy just killed the head of the big family just a few days ago? Are you sure you want him treating your father?"


    The green-haired guy jumped in right after. "No way, no way, man, you''re not doing this on purpose, are you?"


    The gray-haired youth chimed in with a dramatic gasp, "Whoa!"


    Henry stayed silent, his face dark and gloomy.


    Eric Vaughn pulled out his unsterilized silver needles, ready to start his acupuncture work. But in that moment, he felt a familiar gaze on him. Instinctively, he turned his head to look.


    In the next instant, his right hand, holding the needle, froze mid-air. His mouth dropped into an O shape, and his expression shifted from shock to joy in a flash. "Sera?"


    Even through the tiny gap in the crowd, he recognized her instantly, the girl who haunted his dreams.


    Sure, during his few days as a ''guest'' in the detention center, Sera hadn''t visited him once.


    But that was fine, he''d already convinced himself it was because she was too busy. Her grandfather had just passed away, so of course she''d be caught up with that. Eric nodded to himself, satisfied with his inner reasoning.


    Sera noticed Eric staring at her too. That blatant, shameless look made her feel sick. Without thinking, she leaned closer to Alex, wrapping her arms tightly around his.


    That''s when Eric realized there was someone else next to Sera¡­ a man.


    The moment he saw Alex, for some reason, a wave of disgust and irritation hit him hard. What made it worse? This guy was ridiculously good-looking!


    Eric hated anyone better-looking than him. It was the classic setup: the plain hero versus the handsome villain.


    Normally, he''d just dislike guys better-looking than him, in novels it was for a comedy purpose and for seeing the reaction of handsome villains after some nobody steals their girls.


    But seeing the girl he''d been pining for clinging so closely to another man''s arm, and that man''s arm clearly slightly touch her, generous boobs, his hostility and hatred toward Alex shot through the roof.


    ''Damn it, who''s this jerk? How could he be so close to Sera? In broad daylight, under a clear sky¡ªwhat a disgrace! The world was going downhill!''


    His eyes darted between the two of them. Seeing how cozy they looked, were they¡­ a couple? Eric Vaughn''s heart trembled at the thought.


    No way. Absolutely not!


    ''Sera is mine. She is my first love¡ªshe is my first love at sight. No way I''ll let some filthy guy steal her away¡­'' With that thought, Eric dropped the needles, forgot about the dying man on the ground, and stood up.


    He shoved through the crowded people, leaving Henry staring in confusion, and marched right up to the two of them.


    "Ahh ahh Sera, it''s been a while," he said with a slightly loose breath, forcing a grin. He stretched out his right hand, flashing what he thought was a charming smile.


    But Sera didn''t even glance at his outstretched hand. "Who are you?" she asked coldly.


    "I''m Eric! Don''t you remember me?" Panic crept into his voice.


    Sera''s attitude stayed icy. This con artist had tricked her before, and she was already holding back from clawing his face off. "I Don''t know you. Have me met?"

 Chapter 153 - 153: Eric’s Jealousy

    "No way, that''s impossible!" Eric Vaughn''s heart raced as he scrambled to explain. "Sera, think harder! I''m Eric¡­ Eric Vaughn! A few days ago, you sprained your ankle, and I healed it with my acupuncture. You can''t have forgotten that!"


    What a desperate, clingy outburst.


    "He touched your foot?" Alex asked with a playful smile, his eyes glinting with amusement as he looked at her.


    Sera shook her head. "No, I''ve never even met him."


    But that harmless lie left Eric Vaughn totally lost, questioning his entire existence. ''How could this be? Did I get it wrong? No, no way, that''s impossible!'' But why would Sera say something so hurtful like "I don''t know you"?


    Wait a second¡­


    ''It had to be this jerk. He must''ve forced her. With this guy around, Sera couldn''t tell the truth. That''s it¡ªit had to be him!'' S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Eric felt like he''d cracked the case of the world. He glared at Alex and snapped, "What did you do to Sera? I don''t care what you''ve done, but you''d better stop right now, or I won''t go easy on you!"


    ''Sera is mine. She has to be my woman¡ªshe can only be my woman. No way I''ll let some filthy guy steal her away¡­'' With that thought, Eric Vaughn dropped the acupuncture needles, forgot about saving anyone, he just stood up.


    ''I''m basically begging for death here¡­'' Alex chuckled inwardly. With a gentle move, he brushed his thumb across Sera''s lower lip, wiping away a creamy milk stain she''d left behind after sipping her drink.


    ''That was if it was the previous me¡­ the novel one¡­ hehehe.''


    Sera played along like a dream, parting her soft, glossy lips just enough to let the sticky milk residue show. She lightly took his thumb into her mouth for a heartbeat before letting go with a teasing little smirk.


    [The Protagonist, Eric Vaughn, is losing his mind! Congrats, you''ve earned 4000 Critical Points!]


    Holy crap! Even that weirdo drooling over your backside didn''t trigger this much chaos. Guess the heroine''s the real secret weapon¡­ Alex shot a sideways glance at Eric Vaughn, who was practically vibrating with rage. Time to crank it up a notch¡ªthis guy was a goldmine for Critical Points, and Alex wasn''t about to slack off now.


    ¡­.


    Behind them, a row of onlookers stretched their necks like curious geese, soaking in the drama. Further back, Henry stood glowering at his unconscious father, his face so dark it could''ve blended into a midnight shadow.


    Eric Vaughn gnashed his teeth, fury twisting his plain, forgettable features into something almost comical¡ªif it weren''t so pathetic.


    ''You think you can outplay me? Kid, you''re way out of your league¡­ int his one¡­'' Alex grinned to himself, then leaned in and grazed Sera''s earlobe with his teeth, giving it a playful nip.


    "Mmm~" Sera let out a soft, involuntary hum. Her body quivered, and her gorgeous eyes went all hazy and watery. She tilted her head, trapping her shoulder against her cheek, while her legs brushed together like she couldn''t quite keep still.


    "You¡ª!" Eric''s average-Joe face twisted into a snarl, his eyes blazing like he''d just caught his house on fire.


    [The Protagonist, Eric Vaughn, is losing his mind! Congrats, you''ve earned 6000 Critical Points!]


    ''Oh, hell yeah!'' Alex nearly laughed out loud. That little move had hit the lonely guy like a truck¡ªtotal devastation.


    He flicked his tongue across his lips, savoring the moment like it was a fine dessert, then locked eyes with the seething Eric. "What''s so interesting over here, huh?"


    ''Toying with your dream girl right in your face¡­ how''s that for a thrill, buddy?''


    ''You''re dead. You''re so freaking dead¡­'' Eric''s expression crumpled into a mess of rage and desperation.


    If he weren''t clinging to the last scraps of self-control, he''d have already lunged forward and unleashed every deadly trick his third master taught him to wipe this smug jerk off the planet.


    But the street was crawling with people, and cameras were everywhere¡ªkilling was too risky.


    ''Fine, whatever. Messing with the woman I''ve loved? You''ve got three days tops¡­'' Forcing down the urge to kill Alex, Eric clenched his fists so tight they popped like firecrackers.


    Taking a deep breath, he turned his head to the side, quietly planning which poison he''d use later to kill this rotten guy.


    The assassin wasn''t great at killing with weapons, but poison? That was no problem. Even if those colorful-haired punks in the back were filming him with their phones, they wouldn''t figure out when he''d slip the poison in.


    When it came to poison, Eric Vaughn was very confident.


    ''This jerk¡­'' the more he looked, the angrier he got. Eric Vaughn didn''t want to keep staring, so he turned his head away again. But the rotten guy across from him seemed to be doing it on purpose¡ªwherever Eric''s gaze went, the guy shifted to that exact spot.


    [The Protagonist, Eric Vaughn, has a mental breakdown! Congrats, you''ve earned 4000 Critical Points!]


    ''You''ve got to be kidding me!''


    Eric turned his head to the side again. Alex, with his arm around Sera, moved right along with him. After repeating this four or five times¡ª


    [The Protagonist, Eric Vaughn, has a mental breakdown! Congrats, you''ve earned 2000 Critical Points!]


    [Female lead ''Sera Kleinberg'' has a mental breakdown. Congratulations, you''ve earned 1000 Critical points.]


    ''Wait a second¡ªhow are you getting emotional now?'' Alex gently poked Sera''s waist.


    After a few more back-and-forths, Eric couldn''t take it anymore. He snapped, yelling, "Are you sick or something?"


    "Can you fix me?" Alex replied without missing a beat.


    "I¡­" Eric opened his mouth but had no idea what to say. His face twitched, and all the anger bubbling inside him got stuffed right back down.


    He couldn''t exactly say, "Sure, I''ll fix you," could he?


    At that moment, Henry, whose face was dark with frustration and anger, walked over. "You weren''t lying to me, are you?"


    He''d been promised help, but this guy turned into a lovesick fool the second he saw a woman. No matter how you looked at it, he didn''t seem trustworthy.

 Chapter 154 - 154: Comedian?!

    Three more minutes had passed by now.


    Henry was annoyed, but deep down, he was also getting anxious. Over half thirteen minutes had gone by¡ªwhere was the ambulance no one knew. He couldn''t even hear the siren of an ambulance.


    He''d just called City First Hospital, and they told him the ambulance had left very minutes ago, right after his first 911 emergency call. They said it was dispatched immediately.


    But now, more than thirteen minutes have passed since that call.


    How could Henry possibly know that until the main character finished showing off, the ambulance wouldn''t show up?


    For the full explanation, just look at some movies: the bad guy dies, the hero limps out covered in wounds, and only ''then'' do the police cars roll up to the scene.


    Alex coughed lightly and kindly reminded, "Aren''t you going to save someone? If you don''t hurry, the ambulance will get here first."


    Honestly, it takes way too long for the doctor type of hero to show off.


    "I don''t need you telling me what to do," Eric snorted coldly, his eyes full of defiance.


    Before turning away, he spoke to Sera in a ''this is for your own good'' tone. "Sera, trust me, this guy isn''t a good person. He''s definitely not the right match for you. He''s only getting close to you because he''s up to something. Please, keep your eyes open and don''t let him trick you."


    After taking a couple of steps, with his back to her, he added, "My skills are unmatched in the world. I''m absolutely certain I could''ve cured your grandfather''s illness. I don''t know why he passed away so suddenly, but if you still had doubt about me, I''ll prove it to you right now."


    Not only could he prove it to everyone watching online, but he could also show Sera. Eric rubbed his hands together, burning with determination.


    This time, it was success or nothing.


    ''Good luck to you, buddy¡­'' Watching Eric Vaughn march confidently toward the old man, Alex pulled a [Bad Luck Charm] from his system storage and silently teared it, the item effects aiming at Eric.


    The next second, an invisible, mysterious force wrapped around Eric.


    Just as he was striding forward with his head held high, full of confidence, he reached the front of the crowd. Out of nowhere, his left foot landed on top of his right foot. With momentum working against him, he tumbled forward.


    Thud!


    Eric Vaughn faceplanted, his butt sticking up in the air.


    The accident happened so fast that the onlookers didn''t react at first. A moment later, an old lady clutching eggs in a polythene to her chest stammered, "You''re not trying to rob me, are you?"


    Careless. He didn''t dodge in time.


    Standing up from the ground, Eric Vaughn no longer walked with his chest puffed out. Instead, he moved cautiously.


    The crowd quickly parted, making a path for him, terrified he might try to blame them for his fall.


    This time, Eric walked extra carefully, his focus razor-sharp. But after just two steps, the shoelace on his left foot somehow came undone.


    Unaware, his right foot stepped on it, and with momentum kicking in again, he went flying forward once more.


    In that instant, everyone froze.


    "What Is this guy up to?"


    "One fall wasn''t enough¡ªhe had to go for round two?"


    But this spot was not the place to fall forward. Just a moment ago, tumbling ahead didn''t matter much, but this time, Eric was way too close to the old man.


    The old man was sprawled on the ground, half-dead¡ªor maybe fully dead, who could tell? Either way, if Eric went crashing down like a tiger pouncing on prey, the old man''s fate would be crystal clear: game over.


    Eric wasn''t clueless. He sensed the danger in the nick of time. Channeling years of assassin training from his third master deep in the mountains, he twisted his body mid-air and pulled off an insane 720-degree spin¡ªlike something out of a stunt show.


    Thud!


    After the spin, he landed¡­ right on his knees, practically bowing before the old man.


    He dodged it¡ªwell, sort of. Not completely. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "¡­?!"


    "¡­?!"


    "¡­?!"


    "¡­?!"


    The scene turned awkward real fast.


    "Dude, if you''re gonna save someone, just save them. Why''d you throw in a full-on kneeling salute? Are you a comedian or what?"


    "What''s this? A gymnastics routine before saving someone or what? That''s 100% art points, 0% medical skills."


    "WTF MAN?!"


    "Man, you''re actually kinda nice as comedian!"


    The rainbow-haired punk gang seized the moment to toss out some mocking jabs, and even the livestream chat went wild with laughter.


    The crowd burst into mocking laughter all at once.


    Sera couldn''t hold it in either. She covered her mouth, giggling, "Is he a comedian or what?!!"


    In all her years, she''d never seen someone manage to trip and fall the exact same way twice in such a short time.


    "Do you think he can actually save that old guy?" Alex asked with a playful smirk, watching Eric flails around like a clown. Deep down, he marveled at the power of his unlucky talisman.


    ''System-shop stuff really is top-tier.''


    Sera blinked a couple times, then shook her head. "I''d love to believe he could, but he''s just a scammer trying to get attention. No way he pulls it off."


    After all his grandfather death is a reminder to her of that.


    ¡­


    Over there, Eric Vaughn rubbed his scraped knee as he stood up, his guard shooting through the roof.


    Something''s wrong. Really wrong!


    But he couldn''t pinpoint what. That uncertainty made his heart race, and for a moment, he seriously considered ditching the old man and not even bothering with the needles.


    No way. He shook the thought off fast.


    ''I have to prove I''m not some fraud. My medical skills are unmatched! Sera''s still watching¡ªI can''t give up¡­'' After hyping himself up, Eric pulled anotger needles from his pocket.


    "The hell man¡­ jow mnay needles do you actually have in your pocket?!"

 Chapter 155 - 155: A Mistake

    In the blink of an eye, four needles were already jabbed into the old man.


    "Wait¡­ Did I just hit the median nerve wrong?" Cold sweat broke out across Eric''s body, soaking his back.


    He yanked his hand back from the fifth needle, stunned. He''d trained with his first master in the mountains for over a decade, mastering the Acupuncture technique.


    Since then, he''d never slipped up¡ªnot once. How could he botch something as basic as a wrist insertion point now?


    He knew all thirteen points like the back of his hand. Blindfolded, he could hit them perfectly¡ªdepth, position, angle, everything. A rookie mistake like this? Impossible.


    It''s just nerves¡­ Eric forced himself to calm down. His shaky left hand wasn''t cutting it, so he switched to his right. This time, he slowed way down for the fifth needle, aiming for the peroneal nerve near the ankle. No flashy moves¡ªjust a steady, honest jab.


    "Phew!"


    The needle went in fine.


    ''See? Just nerves.'' Eric let out a relieved breath, his confidence creeping back. He grabbed another needle, aimed for the external occipital protuberance at the base of the skull, and with a little flair, drove it in.


    The silver needle hit the brainstem-adjacent point dead-on. But as he reached for the next spot, his eyes widened in horror. The needle¡­ It was in too deep.


    "Hiss!" Eric sucked in a sharp breath, both hands trembling uncontrollably.


    How could this happen?


    The occipital nerve region was the sixth in the Acupuncture technique, and it demanded precision. Messing it up wasn''t just bad¡ªit was deadly. Too deep, and the patient could die.


    Is something dirty at play here?


    A memory flashed back¡ªhis first master''s warning before teaching him the Acupuncture technique: "It has two uses: one to heal the living, two to deal with the drifting."


    Was there something unclean on this old man?


    Eric''s panic spiked.


    He''d only learned to heal people¡ªnot whatever this was!


    ''No, no, no, that''s impossible. It can''t be real¡­'' Eric was freaking out. He wanted to bolt. Saving some random old guy wasn''t worth risking his own neck.


    Just then, the unconscious old man on the ground started twitching. His legs and arms jerked in weird, uneven spasms.


    "Whoa! He''s moving!"


    "No way¡­ is this guy actually the real deal?"


    "Just a few needles, and the man is already showing signs of recovery? That''s unreal¡ªhe might actually be a real doctor!"


    The crowd gasped, marveling as if they''d witnessed a reaction from the lying old man. Even Henry, who''d been tense the whole time, relaxed a bit.


    Guess you can''t judge a book by its cover.


    The praise grew louder, the compliments more extravagant. But to Eric, every cheer felt like a hammer slamming into his chest.


    Dread spread fast.


    He knew exactly what a too-deep insertion at the occipital region meant: at best, severe injury; at worst, certain death.


    This was his first¡ªno, second screw-up. Both on this same old man. That sealed it. There had to be something unclean clinging to this guy.


    No more needles. No more healing. If he kept going, whatever was haunting this old man might come after him next.


    Nobody noticed, but Eric''s crouched legs were shaking like crazy now.


    ''Why did this have to happen to me? No¡­ why didn''t Master teach me how to handle this crap?'' For the first time, Eric felt a twinge of resentment toward his first master.


    If he''d just learned how to properly treat a stroke, he wouldn''t be standing here today, totally helpless and sweating buckets.


    ''No, no, no¡ªthis world runs on science. Ghosts, demons, and all that nonsense don''t exist¡­'' Eric muttered to himself over and over, trying to hypnotize his fear away. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was supposed to be the carefree Doctor¡ªleft hand saving lives, right hand¡­ well, taking them. Wait a second. Didn''t he just jab the occipital nerve region with his right hand?


    "Pfft, pfft, pfft!" He spat out the thought like it was bad luck.


    ''I just want to save lives, not take them. I swear on everything, my intentions are pure!''


    But if Henry, the head of the Wade Family, found out that Eric might''ve just made his father''s condition worse with that needle, there''d be no mercy. Nope, no way.


    He''d barely stepped off the mountain into the bustling city¡ªhis grand adventure hadn''t even started yet! He couldn''t afford to mess up now.


    ''Forget this guy. I don''t need his favor, and I''m done acting cool¡­'' Eric Vaughn chickened out. He had to leave¡ªright now, before things spiraled any further!


    Pulling the silver needle back with a quick flick, Eric stood up, cleared his throat, and put on his best wise-master act.


    "Sir, your father''s stroke has dragged on too long. My needle can only ease things a bit. But don''t worry¡ªonce the ambulance gets here, he''ll be fine."


    Inside, he was practically shaking in his boots, but on the outside? Still the picture of a mysterious, aloof expert.


    Truth was, he could keep going with the needles and fix his mistake at the occipital nerve region. But he was too scared.


    What if there really was something weird¡ªlike some dark energy¡ªin the old man''s body? His next jab wouldn''t save a life; it''d end one.


    And killing someone in front of all these people? That''d be a disaster.


    Even the Dawson family from Another City probably couldn''t bail him out this time. Favors like that were a one-and-done deal.


    Back when he got released by the Dawson family''s pull, it was only because the police lacked hard proof he''d killed grandfather of Sera, No direct evidence, so they let him walk.


    But now? There was a crowd around him¡ªand five idiots livestreaming the whole thing on their phones!


    If he botched this and the old man died, he''d be toast. No escape.


    "It''s already a huge help to ease his condition. The Wade Family won''t forget your kindness. You''ll be rewarded handsomely later," Henry said, his voice firm and grateful.


    "No, no, that won''t be necessary!" Eric waved his hands like he was swatting away flies. "I helped your father because it''s my duty as a doctor, not for any kind of reward."


    Funny how he''d totally forgotten his original plan: save the guy, earn a favor, and hitch a ride on the Wade Family''s big ship.


    What a guy¡ªthis doctor didn''t care about fame or fortune, only about helping people.


    Henry''s respect for him shot through the roof.

 Chapter 156 - 156: Dead…

    "I have something to take care of, so I''ll be leaving now."


    Brushing off Henry''s goodwill, Eric pushed through the crowd, eager to escape this troublesome place. His heart burned with frustration, while Alex stood off to the side, grinning like a cat that had just cornered a mouse.


    In just a few minutes, this so-called "protagonist" had gifted him a massive 20,000 critical points. It was clear how much Eric was suffering inside.


    ¡ª Bad Luck Talisman reigns supreme!


    Eric squeezed past the gawking onlookers, desperate to slip away unnoticed¡ªbut how could Alex let him go so easily?


    Stepping forward to block his path, Alex smirked. "Why the rush? You just saved someone father here! You might not want their money, but surely you wouldn''t refuse a gratitude they want to give you?"


    "I¡ªI don''t need it!" Eric stammered, his forehead damp with cold sweat. "I''ve always lived a humble life, indifferent to fame and fortune. Besides, I''m a doctor¡ªsaving lives is my duty. I ask for nothing in return, not even thanks or gratitude!"


    Right now, all he wanted was to get the hell out of here. A meaningless gratitude was the least of his worries.


    At that moment, Henry stepped out from the crowd. When he saw who was stopping the doctor, his expression shifted.


    Most people here might not recognize Alex, but Henry, head of the Wade Family, known family in the city, certainly did. He didn''t know the full extent of Alex''s background, but one thing was certain: this was someone he couldn''t afford to offend.


    With that in mind, Henry spoke with a respectful nod. "Mr. Alex is right. Mr. Eric, you saved my father''s life, and to my family, that''s no small favor. I understand you don''t care for money or rewards, but a gratitude is the least we can offer."


    "No, no, that''s really not necessary!" Eric protested, panic rising in his chest. He clenched his fists, barely restraining the urge to punch this meddlesome rich pretty boy in the face.


    If looks could kill, Alex would be in a coffin by now.


    Just as Henry was about to say more, a sudden commotion erupted from the crowd.


    "Wait¡ªwhy is he foaming at the mouth?!"


    "He''s vomiting blood again!"


    "Oh my god! He''s bleeding from his eyes, ears, nose¡ªeverywhere!"


    A wave of horror swept through the crowd. Henry turned sharply, his face draining of color.


    His father, who had just been lying there quietly, had stopped twitching¡ªbut now, thick, dark blood oozed from all seven orifices of his face. His skin had taken on a sickly, deathly pallor.


    "Dad! Dad, what''s happening to you?!" Henry shouted, his voice cracking. Panic gripped him as he spun back toward Eric. "Mr. Eric! What''s wrong with my father?!"


    Gasps and shrieks filled the air. Some people covered their mouths in shock; others squeezed their eyes shut, unable to stomach the gruesome sight.


    Bleeding from all seven orifices¡­


    Eric, who had been so eager to leave, felt his stomach drop. His heart pounded as he pushed his way back through the crowd and knelt beside the old man. With trembling fingers, he reached out to check his pulse.


    The moment he felt it, his entire body went stiff. His mind reeled. How¡­ how can this be? This is impossible! Absolutely impossible!


    The old man pulse was fading fast, his life slipping away at an alarming speed. This pulse¡­ Eric had never felt anything like it before¡ªbut he had read about it in his master''s medical texts.


    A dead pulse. This was the pulse of a man whose body had already begun shutting down. Eric''s blood ran cold. How the hell did this happen?!


    Henry''s eyes burned with fury. He shot forward and grabbed Eric by the collar, lifting him off the ground. "What did you do to my father?!"


    Moments ago, his father had been unconscious but stable¡ªthere had still been hope. Now? With blood pouring from every orifice? This was no simple stroke.


    His condition hadn''t just worsened. It had nosedived into something far, far worse.


    "I¡ªI don''t know!" Eric stammered, his mind a whirlwind of confusion. "I only performed standard acupuncture! I didn''t do anything else!"


    Sure, there had been two small mistakes¡ªhe had inserted the needle into the Atlas vertebra point a little too deeply, which might have worsened the old man''s condition slightly¡­ maybe even shaved a few days off his lifespan.


    But this? This was something else entirely.


    There was no way a minor mistake in acupuncture could have caused such a horrifying reaction. He couldn''t explain it. But one thing was crystal clear¡ªhe could not take the fall for this.


    Then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted something that sent a fresh wave of dread crashing over him.


    The five young men with different hair were still live-streaming the entire ordeal. The number of viewers had skyrocketed¡ªtens of thousands of people were watching live.


    If he didn''t do something fast, he was done for. He could already see the headlines. "A Fake Doctor Kills a Patient on the Spot!"


    He could already see his future. Himself, in handcuffs. Him, behind bars. Him, becoming the newest star of the prison system.


    ''No! This old man absolutely could not die here! At the very least, if he had to die, it needed to be in an ambulance or a hospital¡ªnot on a livestream!''


    Eric made up his mind in an instant. Gritting his teeth, he yanked out his silver needles, ready to perform another round of acupuncture. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing this, Henry completely snapped.


    With a furious roar, he lashed out¡ªBAM!¡ªand sent Eric flying with a vicious kick.


    "Haven''t you done enough damage?! You still want to stab my father with more of those filthy needles? What the hell did my father ever do to you?!"


    The crowd was stunned.


    Holy sh*t.


    Holy sh*t.


    HOLY SH*T.


    This guy was a complete lunatic!


    The old man was already bleeding from all seven orifices, yet Eric still wanted to continue? What was he trying to do¡ªmake sure the man didn''t leave this world with a single drop of blood left in his body?


    "What kind of deep-seated grudge did he have against that man? He was torturing the A father right in front of his son!"


    Inhuman. Absolutely inhuman.


    Meanwhile, on the live stream hosted by the five dyed-haired youths, the chat had exploded after a brief moment of stunned silence.


    "This is solid proof¡ªhe''s not just a fraud, he''s a murderer."

 Chapter 157 - 157: No Way Out

    "That man trusted him to save their father, and he turned the man''s father into a blood-spewing corpse."


    "Did anyone call the cops? If this guy isn''t arrested, I won''t be able to sleep well tonight."


    "How does he even have the nerve to call himself a doctor? He''s a killer in a white coat¡­ I mean in beggar clothes!"


    "Suddenly, feeling lucky, those elderly people earlier refused his treatment. They dodged a bullet to be honest!."


    "¡­"


    The internet was in shock. They had seen arrogance before, but this level of audacity? Unheard of.


    The man wasn''t just botching a treatment¡ªhe was killing someone in broad daylight, right in front of the victim''s son!


    Did he have a blood feud with the Wade Family or something?!


    But Eric wasn''t thinking about any of that. He barely reacted to Henry''s furious kick. He didn''t even reach for the needles scattered on the ground.


    Instead, he crawled back to the old man, pressed his fingers to his pulse¡ª And then¡­ his face turned ashen. "The pulse¡­ it''s gone." The words left his lips before he could even process them.


    His mind went blank.


    ''What¡­? How had it only been a few minutes? No¡ªhad it even been thirty seconds since Henry kicked him? Thirty seconds¡­ and the old man was dead?''


    Even with bleeding from all seven orifices, he shouldn''t have died this fast.


    ''How is this possible? What the hell just happened?! Did I just¡­ kill another old man? ¡­Wait. Why did I say ''another''?!''


    A chill ran down Eric''s spine, but before the thought could take root, the distant wail of an ambulance siren echoed through the street.


    For a brief moment, the tension in the air eased. But then¡ª


    "What the hell was that traffic jam all about?" one of the paramedics muttered. "All three roads leading here had Some kind of accidents at the same time. We were stuck for ages, and then, suddenly, all three cleared at once?"


    "Yeah, the roads are usually fine. No idea why everything went to hell today."


    The paramedics exchanged puzzled looks as they rushed toward the scene.


    Inside the ambulance, a doctor muttered a quick prayer. "The patient is an elderly man who suffered a sudden stroke¡­ I just hope we got here in time."


    The moment the ambulance stopped, a team of doctors from the city''s Hospital jumped out, stretcher in hand, and pushed through the crowd.


    "Move! Don''t waste our time!" the lead doctor barked, spotting Eric crouched over the patient. His frown deepened.


    The old man''s condition was critical, and he was still vomiting blood. Henry, consumed by worry for his father, didn''t spare Eric another glance.


    Eric, however, stood frozen, his body rigid as stone. He already knew. It didn''t matter who came. No one could save him now. The man was beyond saving.


    Eric''s fingers twitched. His gaze darted to his needles, still scattered on the ground.


    Now. Everyone was focused on Henry. The doctors were busy with the patient. The crowd''s attention was drawn away.


    Seizing the moment, Eric hurriedly gathered his needles, stuffed them into his pocket¡ª And tried to slip away. But Eric had underestimated the snitches in the crowd.


    "Oi! You can''t leave! No way are you getting away with this!"


    "I knew it! You''re a fraud! You didn''t just fail to save him¡ªyou made his condition worse!"


    "You''re not a doctor or a beggar¡ªyou''re a murderer hiding behind a fake title!"


    And then, the multicolor hair gang made their grand entrance. All five of them stood before Eric, blocking his escape. Each of them held up a phone, live-streaming everything.


    Their shouts snapped the crowd back to their senses. In an instant, more people moved in, cutting off all possible escape routes.


    Eric''s breathing turned ragged. He was trapped.


    Meanwhile, the doctors from Hospital had already lifted the old man onto the stretcher and carried him into the ambulance.


    After a quick examination inside, the lead doctor turned to Henry, removed his mask¡ª


    And sighed.


    "Mr. Henry¡­ my condolences." The words struck like a hammer in mind as he lost his father to just a simple stroke that could have been prevented from a small treatment .


    The lead doctor took a deep breath, his voice heavy with grim finality. "Your father initially suffered a stroke. On its own, it was treatable. But something else happened¡ªhis entire system collapsed. His blood flow reversed, his veins fell into complete disorder, and, to make matters worse, he suffered severe trauma to the back of his head. That injury accelerated his decline beyond what we could control."


    Another doctor removed his mask, shaking his head. "If it had been just a stroke, we might have been able to save him¡­ even now."


    Given that their patient was the esteemed father of Henry, one of the influential figures in the city, the ambulance had been fully equipped with emergency supplies, and the response team consisted of top stroke specialists from Hospital. Yet, even they had arrived too late.


    Henry collapsed to his knees, his mind an empty void. Then, in an instant, the numbness cracked, and fury surged through him like an unstoppable wave.


    With a guttural roar, he shot up from the ground, his body moving before his thoughts could catch up. His eyes locked onto Eric, the man standing behind a wall of multi color hair thugs like man.


    "You!" Henry bellowed, his voice too sadden because of the lost but angry because of who did it. "You killed my father!"


    Eric''s face drained of color. "No! I was trying to save him! You have to listen¡ª"


    "I don''t want to hear your filthy damn lies!" Henry''s fists clenched so tightly his nails dug into his palms. "My father had a stroke! He had a chance! But after you stuck those filthy dirty needles in him, his condition didn''t improve¡ªit got worse! He died¡­ you¡­ fucker!" S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I swear, I didn''t¡ªjust let me explain¡ª"


    "Shut the hell up!" Henry''s voice shook with rage. "Everyone here warned me about you! They called you a fraud! I didn''t believe them at first. But now I see it with my own eyes! You''re not just a fucking con artist. You''re a fucking murderer."


    "I''m not!" Eric''s voice cracked. "You have to listen¡ª"


    "I don''t need to listen to a damn killer!" Henry''s chest heaved. "I swear on my name¡ªon my family''s name¡ªI''ll make you pay for this!"


    With pure, unfiltered rage driving him, Henry lunged.

 Chapter 158 - 158: Poisoned and Boosted

    Eric barely had time to brace himself before Henry tackled him to the ground, raining down punches. He didn''t fight back¡ªnot with so many cameras recording. If he used his skills here, it wouldn''t just be a lawsuit he''d face¡ªit would be a life sentence.


    So all he could do was curl up, shielding his head as the blows landed.


    The doctors who had just stepped out of the ambulance exchanged uneasy glances. It didn''t take long to put the pieces together.


    Before they had arrived, this young man¡­ beggar¡ªEric¡ªhad performed acupuncture on the patient.


    The lead doctor stepped forward, grabbing Henry and pulling him off Eric. Then, crouching down, he stared at the bruised and battered "beggar-doctor" with piercing intensity.


    "Did you perform acupuncture on the patient?"


    Eric, knowing he couldn''t deny it, swallowed hard and nodded. "Yes."


    The doctor''s expression darkened. "Do you have a medical license?"


    "I¡­" Eric''s mouth opened, but the words wouldn''t come.


    "Which medical university did you graduate from?"


    Silence. The air grew thick with darkness presence. The crowd held its breath. Every trained medical professional knew the golden rule¡ªnever intervene unless you are absolutely certain you can help.


    Yet here Eric stood, silent. Every unanswered question dug his grave deeper. The doctors'' gazes turned cold.


    "You have no medical license, no formal training, yet you¡­ you perform an acupuncture on a critical patient?"


    Another doctor pulled out his phone. "You''re coming with us. The police have already been notified."


    [The protagonist, Eric Vaughn, has suffered a total mental breakdown. Congratulations! You have gained 2,000 Critical Points.]


    Eric wanted to run. But he couldn''t.


    Just yesterday, the Dawson family had bailed him out of detention. He had barely spent a day breathing fresh air.


    And now, he was going back in. His fingers tightened around his head as a crushing weight pressed down on his chest.


    ''How did everything spiral so fast? I had only wanted to save a life. So why did my every attempt to help turn into a disaster?''


    Ever since he left the mountain, nothing had gone right. Tears burned at the corners of his eyes. This wasn''t how it was supposed to be.


    ¡­.


    As Eric was dragged away by hospital staff¡ªsoon to be handed over to the authorities¡ªAlex stood back, arms crossed, watching the spectacle unfold with barely contained amusement.


    His system panel was practically on fire. Critical Points incoming. It was like hitting the jackpot. He had never seen numbers climb this fast. Today was shaping up to be a very good day.


    And then¡ª


    [ALERT! ALERT! ALERT!]


    Alex''s entire body tensed.


    ''What the hell?!'' His fingers flew to his system panel.


    [User Status: Poisoned (Detoxification in Progress)]


    His stomach dropped. "Poisoned?! When?!"


    A response flashed across his screen.


    [While Eric Vaughn was being taken away, he secretly poisoned you with a five-toxin blend. However, your ''Immunity to All Poisons'' skill has completely neutralized the effects. Full detoxification will be complete in approximately 30 minutes.]


    Alex let out a slow breath.


    Hiss¡ª


    ''Damn. Five poisons at once?''


    Eric hadn''t just tried to kill him¡ªhe had gone all in. ''The guy had barely been standing, beaten half to death, yet he was still managed to pull this off?''


    That took some serious nerve. Alex''s gaze locked onto Vaughn, who was being shoved into the ambulance, his head hanging low.


    But now Alex knew better. That wasn''t defeat. That was a man who still had cards left to play.


    Slowly, Alex''s fingers curled around the Overpowered Recovery Pill hidden in his pocket.


    At that moment, a wave of relief washed over him. He was incredibly fortunate to have exchanged for this skill in time¡ªotherwise, he might not have made it out alive. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Eric''s poison technique was terrifying. It could silently seep into someone''s body without them even realizing it. If the system hadn''t warned him, he would have remained oblivious until it was too late¡­ of course he wouldn''t have died as he already had a skill¡­ but still¡­!


    "I''m still too careless¡­" Alex clenched his fists, frustration flickering in his eyes.


    ''And the worst part? This was only one of Eric''s skills. The man had been trained by three masters, one in medicine, another in poison, and the third, an internationally renowned assassin, had taught him the art of killing.''


    "If I want to survive, I need to sharpen my real combat skills." His gaze flickered to his collapse points. Thanks to Eric Vaughn, he had raked in a massive amount¡ªover 60,000 critical points in total.


    "System, do you have any combat skill options?"


    Just as he asked, lists of combat related skills popped up in feont of him.


    [Basic Mixed Martial Arts: Includes judo, wrestling, sanda, boxing, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai etc¡­. Price: 60,000 collapse points.]


    [Intermediate Mixed Martial Arts: Includes judo, wrestling, sanda, boxing, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai etc¡­. Price: 100,000 collapse points.]


    Alex stared at the numbers, then at his balance.


    "Oh, come on. Did you seriously price it based on what I have?" He narrowed his eyes, half convinced the system was just toying with him.


    The price was expensive but he expected it, but there was no other choice even if didn''t have expected. If he wanted to keep up, he had to invest in himself. The collapse points he spent now? He''d just have to earn them back¡ªpreferably from the main character or lead heroines.


    "Exchange for Basic Mixed Martial Arts."


    [Congratulations! You''ve obtained ''Basic Mixed Martial Arts.'']


    The moment the notification appeared, a torrent of knowledge surged into his mind. Techniques, movements, and battle strategies from various fighting styles wove together, embedding themselves into his consciousness.


    "Damn¡­ I actually feel smarter." But the changes didn''t stop there. His body also received a subtle enhancement, his reflexes sharpened, his stance steadied, and his muscles felt more responsive.


    However, something was off.


    As he instinctively tried executing some of the more advanced techniques, he realized his body wasn''t quite keeping up. He had the knowledge, but his physical condition wasn''t at the level needed to fully utilize it.


    "So, I need to improve my physique too?" He muttered and exhaled, already suspecting the system''s next move. "System, don''t tell me you just happen to have something for physical fitness?"


    [Yes, we do.]


    "Of course you do."

 Chapter 159 - 159: Partner Works…

    ''Sigh¡­ another old man gone. First Sera Grandfather and now Henry Wade Father.''


    Alex let out a slow, helpless breath. Not that it was his fault¡ªEric Vaughn, that lucky bastard, always seemed to pick old people to save. So, really, everything was Eric''s fault.


    The onlookers, realizing there was nothing left to see, gradually lost interest. One by one, they dispersed, returning to their own lives as if none of this had ever happened.


    "It''s getting late. Let''s go back" Sera said softly. She had been standing outside for too long, and the dull ache in her legs was starting to return.


    Without a word, Alex started the car and pulled away from Road, heading toward their location.


    As the evening deepened, a sleek red sports car streaked across the elevated bridge, effortlessly gliding at 70 miles per hour.


    The fading sun painted the horizon in brilliant shades of orange and crimson. Through the window, the light spilled inside like an overturned paint palette, casting a warm glow over everything it touched.


    Sera''s face, illuminated by the sunset''s soft hues, appeared gentler¡ªalmost delicate. There was a quiet, thoughtful air about her, as if she were lost somewhere between the past and the present.


    Suddenly, she shivered.


    Alex''s hand had landed on her thigh, his fingers resting against the smooth fabric of her black stockings.


    "What are you thinking about?" he asked with a playful smirk, absentmindedly feeling her thigh through sticking with his fingers.


    Sera remained quiet for a moment, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Then, she exhaled lightly and said, "My grandpa used to take me to watch the sunset. It reminds me of those times¡­ nothing else."


    Alex raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. ''You don''t really think I brought you here just to watch the sunset, do you? I took the bridge because it''s the quickest way to the hotel.'' His thoughts were light, but there was an unmistakable smirk playing on his lips with that thought.


    But he didn''t say that. Instead, he waved a hand casually. "If you like it, I''ll bring you here more often."


    It was a simple promise to make¡ªeffortless, even. As for keeping it? Well, that would depend on what suited him best or his convenience.


    Just then, the car''s quiet hum was interrupted by an insistent ringing.


    "Ring ring~ Ring ring~" S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex glanced at the screen. It was a call from feom his man. Without any thought, he answered, putting it on speaker.


    "Sir," came voice came through, steady and direct. "Logan and his family have landed in another country, in the land of the setting sun. The moment they got off the plane, out men took them straight to the cellar¡­ to ''host'' them properly like you had instructed."


    Alex barely reacted. Of course Logan''s family had been stopped. Logan wasn''t some special protagonist with a lucky aura protecting him. Did he really think he could just walk away?


    "Tell my men to take good care of our ''guest,''" Alex said, his tone light, almost amused.


    "Understood." The call ended.


    Alex had deliberately left the speaker on. He wanted Sera to hear every word.


    She sat in silence for a few seconds, her emotions a tangled mix of gratitude and unease. Then, softly, she murmured, "Thank you."


    Sera had always told herself she would avenge her parents¡ªthat she wouldn''t let Logan''s and others get away with what they had done. But now that they had actually been captured, she found herself at a loss.


    Revenge.


    It sounded simple when she said it, but how exactly was she supposed to take revenge when she was here and they were in another country?


    She had sworn to make them suffer, to make them wish they were dead. But how did you even do that?


    Growing up sheltered, she had never truly known cruelty. Never had to deliver it herself.


    Alex, meanwhile, kept his eyes on the road, the fiery hues of the sunset reflecting in the windshield. His voice was casual when he spoke. "I told you I''d keep my word. And I have." He glanced at her briefly before adding with a smirk, "So, how are you going to thank me?"


    "What?" Sera blinked, confused.


    Alex let out a quiet sigh, then motioned toward the sunset painting the sky. "You know, they say that if you grasp the truth in the morning, you can sleep in the night without a single regret." His voice was calm, almost reflective, as if the words carried more weight than he let on.


    She frowned slightly, not entirely grasping the meaning. But when she turned back to see the playful gleam in his eyes, realization dawned. A soft blush spread across her cheeks as she hesitated, then slowly parted her lips, her response silent but understood.


    At that moment, Alex had a fleeting thought. I should really get a new car now.


    ¡­.


    An hour later, Alex was back in his clothes, buttoning up his shirt as he glanced at Sera. Her hair was tousled, her expression still slightly dazed. He let out a long sigh. "The truth that can be spoken¡­ isn''t the real truth."


    Sera, still catching her breath, wiped the corner of her mouth as her face turned an even deeper shade of red. "Alex~¡­" Her voice was soft, uncertain. Then, as if gathering courage, she asked, "Will you take responsibility for me?"


    Alex''s expression shifted. His posture remained relaxed, but his tone grew firm as he focused on the road ahead. "I only see you as a partner. This is just¡­ what partner should be doing as their work."


    "Y-you¡­Jerk!"


    Before he could say another word, something soft and lacy flew at his face. Sera, glaring at him, had grabbed a fancy purple item and hurled it with all her might.


    ''A partner? Is this how you treat someone who''s supposed to be on your side?!''


    "Don''t go throwing clothes around," Alex chided, shaking his head as if scolding a misbehaving child. Then, in a mock-stern tone, he added, "If you keep acting up, I''ll have to discipline you. Your grandpa may be gone, but I can take care of you in his place." He smirked. "Come on, call me happily and sweet tone."


    "Go die, you pervert!" Sera''s face burned as she turned away, pressing herself against the car door. With an angry huff, she kicked at him wildly, her embarrassment only making her more aggressive.

 Chapter 160 - 160: Logan’s Cryful Pleas!

    Hmph! If her grandfather''s spirit was watching, he was probably fuming. He might even break out of his coffin tonight just to give Alex a piece of his mind.


    Alex, unbothered, chuckled. "Relax, I''m not dead yet."


    Because of their little detour, the sky had already turned dark by the time they arrived at the Hotel.


    Inside, Alex wasted no time. He strode over to the hotel''s smart screen, tapped a few buttons, and within seconds, a video call connected¡ªdirectly to that place.


    On the screen, Logan sat slumped against the cold stone wall, his hair disheveled, his body smeared with blood.


    Beside him, a graceful middle-aged woman trembled, her face pale with terror. Next to her, a young man, barely eighteen or nineteen, shrank back, his soft features twisted with fear.


    Thick iron shackles bound all three, clanking with every slight movement.


    The dim glow of the cellar lights illuminated the barrels of red wine stacked around them¡ªjust as Mr. Waters had described. They were locked in a cellar, but the stench of blood tainted the air, drowning out the scent of aging wine.


    Sera froze as the gruesome scene unfolded before her. Her breath caught, her hands flying to her mouth. For several long seconds, she couldn''t speak, couldn''t think, just stared at the screen in shock.


    Then, slowly, she turned to Alex.


    He rose from his chair, his expression unreadable, and walked toward her. A slow, deliberate movement. Then, with a casual elegance, he tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze. His lips curled into a faint smile.


    "As you had wished, my men have treated your uncle''s family¡­ quite well," he said smoothly. His voice was gentle, almost soothing, but the weight of his words was suffocating. "Now, they''re yours to deal with. Do whatever you want with them."


    Sera''s heart skipped a beat.


    She looked back at the video, Logan and others, their bodies battered, their eyes filled with raw terror. Then at Alex, who smiled as if all of this was nothing more than a minor inconvenience.


    For the first time, a flicker of fear sparked in her chest¡ªnot for Logan''s family, but for the man standing in front of her.


    Alex turned back to the screen and switched on the audio. "Let''s start with a little family reunion, shall we?" S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Instantly, desperate voices filled the room.


    "Sera! Sera! Please¡ªlet me go! I''m your uncle! You wouldn''t just stand by and watch me die, would you?" Logan''s bloodshot eyes stared at her through the screen, filled with a mixture of pleading and paranoia.


    "ahhhh Sera, I beg you! Please, ask Alex to spare us!" Logan''s wife wailed. Her once-elegant hair was now a tangled mess, her clothes torn and bloodstained from a whip''s merciless lashings. "We''ll do anything! We''ll serve you like slaves, like slaves¡ªjust don''t leave us here! This place isn''t fit for humans!"


    Logan''s family trembled, their gazes locked onto the woman they had once humiliated and cast aside without a second thought. Now, she was the only hope they had left.


    "Sera, I know I was wrong!" Logan sobbed, his voice raw with desperation. "I¡ªI really messed up. But¡­ but¡­ but I''m still your uncle! Doesn''t that count for something? Please¡ªjust let me live!"


    For the first time, he understood.


    The men who had seized him at the airport, the ones who had dragged him into this hellish cellar¡ªthey were not ordinary people. They weren''t bound by rules, by morals, by anything remotely human. In less than two hours, they had shattered him.


    Logan had lived his whole life in comfort, in safety. He had never once felt true fear.


    Until now.


    Now, he understood what it meant to be powerless. To be at the mercy of those who saw human lives as nothing more than tools, playthings, or disposable nuisances.


    And in that moment, the terror in Logan''s heart reached its peak. For the first time in his life, he truly knew what it meant to beg for mercy.


    ¡­.


    Upon seeing Sera again, they dropped to the ground, their body trembling, their submission absolute. Humility seeped into their very bones¡ªbecause only Sera had the power to pull them from this living nightmare.


    "Sera, I was wrong! Please, I beg you¡­ just¡­ me¡­ just let me go!"


    Logan tried to crawl toward the television screen, his hands clawing at the cold floor. But the chains around his wrists and ankles yanked him back, forcing him into place like a beaten stray.


    No matter how much he struggled, he could do nothing but watch¡ªwatch and wait for judgment.


    Sera, however, felt no sympathy. If anything, a deep, almost serene satisfaction settled over her as she gazed at the pitiful sight before her.


    "Heh¡­ You want me to save you?" Her voice was soft, almost amused, yet it carried a weight that crushed the air from Logan''s lungs. "Then tell me¡ªdid you show mercy to my parents? They never did anything to you, yet you killed them without hesitation."


    A suffocating silence followed. Even across the ocean, Logan and others¡ªwho had been watching¡ªfell eerily still.


    ''How did she know?'' Logan''s pupils shrank, his breath catching in his throat.


    ''How did Sera find out?'' Then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Alex standing beside her.


    Of course.


    Alex. The pieces fell into place instantly. That traitor, must have handed over the evidence to Alex. And if Alex had it, then Sera did too.


    His original plan¡ªto deny everything, no matter what¡ªwas now worthless. Panic clawed at his chest as his mind scrambled for an escape.


    His face twisted in desperation. Tears welled in his eyes, spilling down his weathered cheeks as he tried one last, desperate gamble.


    "Sera, listen to me," he pleaded, his voice quivering. "Let me explain! What happened between me and your father¡ªit was just a family dispute! I only acted because I found out they were plotting against me first! I had no choice¡ªI had to stage that car accident to protect myself! Everything I did was for survival!"


    It had to be said¡ªseasoned businessmen like Logan were masters at spinning lies with unwavering confidence. Without a second''s hesitation, he crafted his story with practiced ease.


    And he wasn''t done yet. He let his tears flow freely, his voice thick with sorrow, playing the victim with every fiber of his being.


    "I was supposed to inherit the Kleinberg family business! Grandpa always intended for me to take over. But your parents¡ª" he let out a choked sob¡ª"they found out and tried to kill me first! What was I supposed to do? Stand by and let them ruin me? I had no choice but to act first¡ªit was self-defense!"


    His performance was flawless. His cries, his agony¡ªit all seemed so real.


    But Sera? She only laughed. A cold, sharp laugh filled with nothing but disdain.


    "You?" she scoffed, her eyes burning with quiet fury. "And what exactly do you think you are?" Her voice dripped with ridicule, each word slicing through his lies like a blade.


    "In both ability and character, my father was leagues ahead of you. You think Grandpa ever considered handing the company to you? Don''t make me laugh. The will had already been drafted¡ªGrandpa chose my father as his successor. And you¡­ you got wind of it, didn''t you?"


    Logan froze. Her next words were a dagger to the heart.


    "And out of sheer greed, you murdered him."

 Chapter 161 - 161: A Beatdown

    Logan stood frozen, his mouth opening slightly but no words coming out. He had no defense¡ªjust silent shame as the scolding echoed in his ears.


    His wife, her face smeared with blood, saw her husband''s uselessness and decided to change tactics. She softened her expression, her voice turning gentle as she played the family card.


    "Sera, we''re family," she pleaded, forcing a pitiful smile. "After your grandfather passed, we''re all you have left. We know we were wrong. Just this once, please forgive us. Let us return home. When we get back, your uncle and I will do everything we can to make up for the past."


    She put on the act of a kind, remorseful aunt.


    But kindness wouldn''t work. Maybe if she tried playing the role of a younger, more naive aunt, it could have worked¡ªbut not with Sera.


    Alex sat quietly to the side, watching the pathetic performance unfold.


    Sera''s patience snapped. Her eyes darkened, and she pushed to her feet, rage burning in her chest.


    "Shut the fuck up," she spat. "You don''t deserve to call me family, not after you all have done to me and my parents."


    She turned, stepping into Alex''s space, breathing heavily as if restraining herself. Then, as if it was the most natural request in the world, she tilted her head toward him and asked,


    "Alex?"


    Alex raised an eyebrow, intrigued. The corner of his lips quirked up ever so slightly as he tilted her chin up with his fingers, his voice as smooth as silk.


    "Sure I know what you''re thinking," he said casually. "But that''ll cost extra."


    Smart girl.


    Alex waved a hand lazily. "Just don''t kill them."


    The screen flickered to life. The video feed revealed three men in well-tailored suits. With practiced precision, they removed their newsboy caps, placing them neatly on a nearby barrel. Then, without a word, they picked up blood-stained sheep whips from the ground.


    Crack! Crack! Crack!


    The first lash landed.


    "AHHHH! AHHHHH!" sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The sound of leather striking flesh mixed with the agonized screams of Logan and others, forming a gruesome, one-of-a-kind symphony.


    Sera watched, her fingers gripping the edge of her sleeve. Despite everything, unease crawled up her spine. No matter how much she despised them, these people were once her family. Their desperate cries were unbearable.


    She clenched her jaw, then looked up at Alex.


    "Alex¡­ turn off the sound."


    "¡­." Of all the things she could have said, he half-expected her to show them somewhat mercy on her role as a heroine.


    Really. Ten minutes later, the video showed the aftermath. The three bloodied figures slumped against the ground, barely recognizable as Logan and his family.


    "Did that make you feel better?" Alex tilted his head slightly, his gaze fixed on Sera. Her carefully maintained facade had crumbled, revealing something far more unsettling beneath.


    Sera shook her head, though there was an unmistakable flicker of excitement in her eyes. "Not really," she admitted, voice steady despite the scene they had just witnessed.


    Alex let out a slow breath, watching her closely. Wow. So this is what happens when a heroine embraces the darkness? I think I like it.


    His lips curled into a faint smirk before he turned his attention back to the video call. Without hesitation, his voice dropped into a smooth, commanding tone.


    "Make it harder."


    The response was immediate. On the screen, two suited enforcers stepped forward, their movements precise and calculated.


    With a practiced grip, they adjusted the brims of their newsboy caps before delivering swift, brutal slashes between Logan''s legs¡ªand his son''s.


    Even with the sound muted, the agony on their faces was deafening. Logan''s body convulsed, his mouth open in a silent scream, while his son crumpled, hands trembling as he clutched at nothing.


    The pain was palpable, the kind that made your stomach turn just from watching. It transcended sound, it was a pain you could feel.


    No wonder they''re called the ruthless. Alex studied the executioners on the screen, noting their efficiency, their sheer ruthlessness.


    A hint of envy crept in. So disciplined, so precise¡­ Maybe I should let some people like them work for me. The thought was fleeting, but tempting.


    Still, he had a more pressing matter to deal with. He turned back to Sera, studying her expression carefully. "Feeling good now?"


    Sera''s shoulders tensed slightly, but once again, she shook her head.


    Alex exhaled sharply. Holy hell. Logan should be grateful to have a niece like this¡ªmost people would have passed out just from watching.


    With a lazy flick of his wrist, he gestured toward the screen again. "Make it even harder."


    Just as the order was given, a suited man in the video feed made a subtle hand gesture, signaling a request for a voice call. The screen shifted. A second later, the sound clicked on.


    "Sir, my boys rounded up some Welsh troublemakers from the horse-betting ring," the man reported in a steady, no-nonsense tone. His voice was smooth, like he''d done this kind of thing a hundred times before¡ªjust another day on the job.


    The implication was clear. Reinforcements had arrived.


    Alex''s smirk deepened. "Good work." Without another glance at the screen, he cut the feed, turning his full attention back to Sera. His voice took on a teasing lilt as he asked, "Now? Feeling good?"


    Sera didn''t answer right away. Instead, she sat motionless, her expression eerily blank. The words had no effect on her¡ªnot fear, not excitement, not even curiosity. She just stared at the now-dark screen, lost in thought.


    Seconds passed, stretching into what felt like an slow motion time. Then, with a slow, almost hesitant movement, she turned her head and locked eyes with Alex.


    The moment their gazes met, something inside her seemed to snap. Her breathing hitched. A flush spread across her pale cheeks, creeping up to her ears. Her fingers curled slightly, as if trying to grasp onto something unseen.


    Alex frowned, caught off guard. What the hell?


    Before he could react, Sera suddenly spun around. Without warning, she plopped herself onto his lap, her body pressing into him as if seeking something, warmth, security, or maybe something else entirely. Her breaths came fast and uneven, her lips curving into a twisted, almost delirious smile.


    "Not yet." There was no hesitation in her voice. No doubt.

 Chapter 162 - 162: New Protagnist?!

    Thirty minutes passed.


    Sera lay limp against Alex''s chest, drenched in sweat, her breath shallow, her voice hoarse. This time, it felt different. The silence that followed was thick, weighted with something neither of them spoke aloud.


    After a long pause, Sera finally whispered, "Logan and others¡­ they won''t die, right?"


    Only now, after everything, did she wonder if she had gone too far. The memory of them¡ªbeaten, broken, barely recognizable¡ªplayed in her mind like a ghostly afterimage.


    Alex smirked, his fingers tracing lazily along her damp skin. His voice was light, teasing, almost mocking. "Feeling bad for them?"


    Sera barely blinked. "No." Her expression remained disturbingly innocent, almost childlike. "We agreed from the start¡ªmake him wish he were dead."


    Alex leaned back slightly, running a hand down his face. Guess I''m the naive one here.


    Just then, a system notification flashed before his eyes.


    [The Protagonist ''Eric Vaughn'': Luck has suffered a major blow. Luck level is reduced. Current luck level: 4.]


    ''¡­?'' Alex''s fingers froze mid-motion.


    ''What the hell? A level¡­ dropped? That wasn''t supposed to happen.''


    Eric Vaughn had started at Luck Level 5¡ªstandard for a protagonist-tier figure. Alex had checked it himself when Eric saved Henry''s father back on Road.


    But now, in less than half a day, it had already dropped? His gaze darkened. Something wasn''t right.


    "What''s going on with Eric''s luck level?"


    A Child of Luck is someone blessed with extraordinary fortune. The world bends in their favor, ensuring they always get what they need at just the right moment.


    But if they lose a major opportunity that was meant for them, their luck begins to fade¡ªhow much depends on the severity of the loss. If their luck level ever drops to zero, they become nothing more than an ordinary person.


    Alex frowned, rubbing his chest as he processed the information. A Protagonist''s fortune could actually decline? That was rare as it wasn''t supposed to happen this fast. What the hell had happened to Eric to make his luck take such a hit?


    Even so, Alex wasn''t about to lower his guard. Eric might have stumbled, but as long as he had even a shred of luck left, he was still dangerous.


    A Protagonist always had tricks up their sleeve.


    No matter how bad things got, they had a way of turning the tables at the last second. It was what made them such a pain to deal with.


    And yet¡ª


    [A New Destined One name ''Jed'' has suffered a mental breakdown. Congratulations. You''ve earned 800 Critical points.]


    Alex blinked. Huh?


    Eric Vaughn''s luck drop was already a surprise, and now another Child of Luck had shown up? When he hadn''t even fully dealt with Eric first.


    ''You''ve got to be kidding me.'' He hadn''t even finished dealing with Eric, and here comes another one falling apart. Just how many of these damn protagonists were packed into this world? It was like they were lining up, waiting to cause him trouble.


    Alex exhaled sharply and pulled out his phone. No sense in wasting time¡ªhe needed information. He dialed his man number.


    "Check someone out for me."


    "Sir¡­ who?"


    "Name : Jed."


    As soon as the name left his lips, the girl sitting in his lap went rigid. Sera''s fingers twitched slightly against his sleeve, her breath hitching.


    "Jed?" she repeated, her voice uncertain.


    Alex narrowed his eyes. "You know him?" S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sera nodded slowly. "I''m not sure if it''s the same Jed you''re looking for, but the one I know is Officer Jed¡­"


    ¡­


    ..


    .


    Without hesitation, she told him everything she knew. Every encounter, every detail, no matter how small.


    Alex groaned inwardly. An officer? A crime-solving protagonist? Just my damn luck.


    The worst types of main characters were the ones bound by law and righteousness. The ones who had unshakable morals, a relentless drive for justice, and an annoying tendency to never give up. That kind of guy was always the hardest to deal with.


    Still, there was no avoiding it. He pressed his phone to his ear. "Check out this Police Officer Jed," he instructed, then ended the call.


    Sera shifted slightly, adjusting her position in his lap. Then, as if it was just a casual comment, she added, "Officer Jed''s a good guy."


    Alex let out a quiet sigh. Of course he is. Every crime-solving protagonist had a heart of gold. But that was exactly what made them such a pain in the ass.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, at the City Police Station¡­


    While Sera was enjoying herself, Officer Jed was drowning in frustration.


    He slammed a fist onto his desk, breathing heavily. "I was so damn close! I almost had that bastard!"


    For days, he had been chasing down the truth behind the car crash that had killed Sera''s parents. His investigation had finally paid off¡ªhe had uncovered solid evidence that Logan had orchestrated the whole thing, hiring someone to carry out the hit.


    He had been this close to personally leading the team to arrest him.


    Then, right as he was gearing up to make his move, a huge murder case landed on his desk. The kind that couldn''t wait. His hands were tied¡ªhe had no choice but to prioritize it, so he sent another squad to take Logan down in his place.


    And what happened?


    The moment his team left the station, Logan''s private plane took off. The bastard had slipped right through their fingers.


    To make matters worse, when the other officers raided the their company, they found something even more disturbing¡ªLogan''s man in his room, dead in his office. Security footage showed him entering the room but never coming out. A short while later, Logan had rushed out in a panic, locking the door behind him.


    Now, Logan had three bodies pinned to his name.


    The atmosphere in the station was tense. The mood was heavy.


    A wanted murderer, dragging his entire family along with him, had managed to escape on a plane. For the city''s police force, it was an absolute disgrace.


    Jed raked a hand through his already-messy hair. "Where the hell did Logan''s plane land?" he demanded.


    Brooks, his fellow officer, let out a long sigh.

 Chapter 163 - 163: You’re Back!

    "We can still track him down. If we coordinate with the local police, they can arrest him and send him back."


    Brooks shook his head grimly. "Not happening."


    Jed''s brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"


    "The second Logan and his family stepped off that plane in another country, they were grabbed by a local gang."


    A sense of unease settled over Jed. "Which gang?"


    Brooks hesitated for only a moment before answering. "They call themselves something¡­ I don''t know the name or maybe they don''t have any¡­ but they would have been working under some real gang with enough influence to pull that off"


    Still, Jed refused to give up. "We can still report it¡ª police might¡ª"


    Brooks cut him off. "Forget it. The gang has too much control over the city. No cop over there is going to risk pissing them off over some fugitive from our side of the world."


    Jed clenched his jaw, his nails digging into his palms. The helplessness made him sick.


    For the first time since joining the force, he swore under his breath. "Damn it."


    His head dropped forward slightly, a bitter chuckle escaping his lips. "A murderer runs from one country to another, only to get kidnapped by a gang the moment he lands. How the hell did things turn into such a damn mess?"


    Brooks stepped closer and clapped a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It''s not on you, man." His voice was firm, unwavering. "Everyone here knows how hard you worked on this. Logan getting away wasn''t your fault¡ªit was bad timing. You''ve only been here a month, and you already cracked a serial killer case. You''re one of the best we''ve got."


    Jed stayed silent for a moment before exhaling sharply. He wanted to believe that. He really did.


    But no matter how hard he tried, the bitter taste of failure still lingered.


    This serial killer case had been a nightmare for the police station for over two months. No matter how many resources were poured into the investigation, the veteran detectives in the bureau kept hitting dead ends.


    The killer left no clues behind, no patterns that made sense¡ªjust bodies. Each crime scene was meticulous, every lead turned into a dead end.


    Then Jed joined the case.


    Within days, he spotted something everyone else had overlooked. A small, seemingly insignificant clue buried in the case files¡ªa minor detail that connected the victims in a way no one had noticed before.


    Following that lead, he pieced together the killer''s habits, movements, and most importantly, their next potential target.


    With Jed''s insight, the station set up an ambush. Everything was planned down to the second, a flawless trap waiting to snap shut.


    And when the killer finally showed up, just as Jed had predicted, they took him down in one swift move.


    The entire station had been buzzing about it ever since.


    "Jed, we all know how good you are," the deputy chief said as he pushed open the door, a thermos of tea in hand. His tone was calm, but there was clear respect in his voice. "But there''s nothing more we can do about the Logan case. That''s out of our hands now. Let the higher-ups sort out that mess."


    He set the thermos down on the desk and leaned against the doorframe, giving Jed a pointed look. "For now, I need you to focus on something else¡ªkeep an eye on the other side of the city. The precinct there says a gang calling themselves the Tiger Crew and they have been stirring up trouble lately. They''re getting bold and seriously messing with public safety."


    Jed frowned. "The Tiger Crew?" He hadn''t heard much about them before. "We''ve got gangs like that in the city?"


    The deputy chief let out a low chuckle, shaking his head as he picked up his tea. "Calling them a gang might be giving them too much credit. It''s more like a bunch of delinquent kids who don''t know what to do with themselves. But their leader? That one''s a different story. Keep your guard up."


    Jed tapped his fingers against the desk. If it were just some reckless teenagers acting out, the precinct wouldn''t have needed to call for help from the main bureau. That meant there was something bigger at play.


    He nodded, then hesitated before asking, "What about Alex Reid? Do you guys know anything about him?"


    The moment the words left his mouth, the room shifted. The Captain Brooks hand froze mid-sip.


    Brooks, who had been casually leaning against the desk, suddenly looked much more serious.


    "You''ve been looking into him?" the deputy chief asked carefully.


    Jed shook his head and picked up his cup of cold water, taking a slow sip. "Not really. Just curious about this Alex Reid of our city."


    The tension eased slightly, and the deputy chief unscrewed his thermos, taking a deep gulp of his tea before setting it down.


    "Alex is the CEO of the Reid Industries," he said, his voice measured. "his mother is dead and stepmother and step sister are in prison. He runs his businesses by the book, doesn''t stir up trouble, and even his nightclubs and bars are completely legit. No underground dealings, no shady transactions. Just clean business."


    Brooks chimed in with a grin. "Not only that, but every holiday, he donates money to build schools and nursing homes and orphanages. You know those new patrol cars we got last year? Alex paid for them out of his own pocket. His company covers a lot of industries, and he''s created a ton of jobs in the city."


    Jed listened carefully, absorbing every word. A man with power, wealth, and influence¡ªyet no criminal record. No missteps. A businessman with a spotless reputation, known for his generosity.


    A model citizen.


    ¡­.


    Eric Vaughn found himself back in the detention center, the cold metal bars closing in around him like a trap he couldn''t escape.


    This time, it was far worse than before. Last time, they couldn''t pin Sera''s grandfather''s death on him¡ªevidence was thin, and he''d slipped through the cracks. But now?


    The situation had exploded into something undeniable. Too many eyes had watched it unfold, and five fools had even live-streamed the chaos, broadcasting every second to the world.


    The victim wasn''t just anyone¡ªhe was the former head of the Wade Family, a towering name in the city, a pillar of power and legacy.


    If it had been some nobody, a wad of cash and a few phone calls would have buried the mess¡ªbig trouble shrinking to a whisper, then vanishing entirely.


    But the Wade Family? That was a storm no one could hush. Trouble didn''t just knock¡ªit kicked the door down.


    As the police van rumbled from Hospital to the city station, Eric sat in the back, wrists chafed by handcuffs, his mind spinning.


    Healing was his gift, his calling. Up on the mountain, his master had glowed with pride, calling him the finest talent calling him the prodigy world had seen in a century.


    "You''re destined for greatness," the old man had said, voice steady with certainty. "Your luck''s the kind most only dream of¡ªtop of the world."


    Eric had believed it, carried those words like a shield. So why, since he''d left the mountain, did every step feel like a stumble into quicksand?


    Twice he''d tried to save someone¡ªtwice they''d died anyway. And both times, he''d ended up here, locked behind bars, the hero turned villain.


    Doubt crept in, gnawing at him. Was he really as good as he thought? The question stung, sharp and relentless.


    For now, he was stuck. The Wade Family was still building their case, so prison wasn''t on the table¡ªyet.


    He paced the detention center, restless, until he ducked into the bathroom for a moment of quiet. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The door banged open just as he stepped inside, and out stumbled a wiry guy with glasses, his eyes gleaming like he''d just struck gold.


    Eric froze, instantly uneasy. The guy''s grin was too wide, too eager, and it sent a shiver down Eric''s spine.


    "What are you staring at?" Eric snapped, his voice tight with irritation. "Stop gawking¡ªget your eyes off me!" He threw a hand up to shield his face, the other waving the guy away like swatting a fly. This creep made his skin crawl.


    "Er¡ªEric Vaughn, you''re back," the glasses guy said, dragging the words out, his cheeks flushing pink as if he''d just spotted a celebrity.


    "I''m not him!" Eric shot back, his patience fraying. "Wrong guy. I''m in a bad mood, so beat it!" He flapped his hand harder, desperate to shake this weirdo loose. The guy terrified him¡ªnot with fists, but with that unnerving, clingy vibe.


    "Quit pretending," Glasses said, stepping closer, his grin widening. "You can''t hide it. The way you carry yourself, that wild look in your eyes, that sharp Adam''s apple¡ªit''s all pure Eric Vaughn. No one else has that spark." His voice dripped with admiration, his gaze locked on like a spotlight.


    Laughter erupted from the other detainees, a chorus of rough chuckles bouncing off the concrete walls.


    Eric''s face burned, shifting from pale shock to red-hot embarrassment. He stared at Glasses, pleading now. "Dude, I''m just a regular guy. I like women¡ªonly women. Please, go bother someone else!"

 Chapter 164 - 164: Again At Police Station

    Eric''s face burned, shifting from pale shock to red-hot embarrassment. He stared at Glasses, pleading now. "Dude, I''m just a regular guy. I like women¡ªonly women. Please, go bother someone else!"


    "No chance," Glasses fired back, bolder than ever. Maybe Eric''s last bailout had fueled this guy''s nerve. "Women? They''re a headache complicated, needy, and half the time they don''t even notice you. You like me, though, and I''m all in for you."


    Eric''s stomach churned. The guy winked, puckering his lips like some lovesick cartoon, and Eric fought the urge to gag. Someone had to stop this lunatic¡ªhe was seconds from losing his mind.


    Just then, the detention center''s iron door groaned open, cutting through the tension. A young officer stepped in, his voice clipped and official. "Eric Vaughn, let''s go."


    Eric''s head snapped up, relief flooding him like cool water on a burn. Handcuffed or not, he didn''t care¡ªthis was his ticket out.


    He practically bounced after the officer, grinning like a kid escaping a nightmare. Even a courtroom felt safer than another minute with that creep.


    The officer led him to the interrogation room and left without a word. Someone new was handling this round.


    Eric slumped into the suspect''s chair, for good reason, and eyed the officer across the table.


    Jed, young and annoyingly handsome, flashed a grin that made Eric scowl. With his own average looks, Eric couldn''t stand anyone who outshone him.


    "Heard you got bailed out a couple days ago," Jed said, peeling off his cap and setting it aside. "What''d you do to land back here so quick?"


    "I''m innocent!" Eric barked, his face darkening as he leaned forward, cuffs clinking.


    Jed didn''t flinch, his tone steady and cool. "You killed Mr. Henry father with your own hands. Dozens of people saw it¡ªthere''s no wiggle room."


    "That''s garbage!" Eric exploded, thrashing against the restraints. "I''ll sue you for lying, slander, you hear me? The old man had a stroke out of nowhere, and the ambulance was a no-show. I stepped in to save him, he''d have been dead without me!" Sure, it hadn''t worked out. Something went sideways, and the old man didn''t make it. But Eric wasn''t to blame, not really.


    Jed leaned back, his gaze hardening. "That''s exactly what makes you dangerous," he said, voice low and firm. "You didn''t just fail¡ªyou turned a dying man''s last breath into a joke and your call for going to prison, it''s like you''re a monster."


    Eric stared, chest heaving. A monster? No. He was a dictoru caught in a curse he couldn''t break. But as Jed''s words sank in, the room felt smaller, the air heavier. Maybe the mountain''s luck had run dry¡ªand all he had left was regret.


    Eric Vaughn''s voice cracked as he fought to defend himself, desperation spilling out with every word.


    "I''ve been framed! I didn''t kill that old man¡ªI swear it! Someone''s pinning this on me, and I don''t know why!" His mind raced, replaying the bizarre moment when the old man''s face suddenly erupted in blood, his body crumpling to the ground without warning.


    It happened in a flash, too fast to process, too strange to explain. None of it added up, and the confusion gnawed at him like a hungry dog.


    Jed, the interrogator, let out a sharp, icy snort. "It''s not about what you say, Eric¡ªit''s about what the evidence screams." He shoved his chair back with a screech, rising to his feet with a slow, deliberate menace.


    "Let me ask you something, pal: how do you manage to leave a trail of bodies every time you play doctor? Most people couldn''t pull that off even if they tried¡ªand trust me, they wouldn''t want to."


    Eric''s temper flared, his face flushing as anger surged through him. His bloodshot eyes locked onto Jed, wild and furious.


    "I''ve been framed! Someone else took out the Kleinberg family head¡ªnot me! And that old man? His death was a freak accident¡ªI don''t even know how it happened! One second he was fine, the next he was gone!" His voice boomed, raw and ragged, echoing off the cold walls of the interrogation room.


    Jed smirked, shaking his head like he''d heard it all before. "Excuses, huh? I watched your little livestream on the Road¡ªyou know, the one where you were ''saving'' people? Bowing and kneeling, twirling those acupuncture needles like some kind of circus act. It was painfully obvious you didn''t have a clue what you were doing. I''ve never seen anyone botch things up that badly¡ªand so publicly, too."


    Eric froze for a split second, then exploded again, his voice shaking with defiance. "Okay, fine¡ªyes, the two people I treated died! But I didn''t mean to hurt them! I was trying to help¡ªI swear!" His words tumbled out, frantic and human, laced with a desperation that begged to be believed.


    Jed shrugged, unimpressed. "Really? I don''t buy it. Too many con artists out there these days, and you fit the bill."


    "I''m not a scammer!" Eric shot back, his voice rising. "I trained as an acupuncturist¡ªI know what I''m doing!"


    "Oh, sure," Jed fired back with a mocking grin. "And I trained with wizards in the mountains. Tell me another one."


    "I''m not lying!"


    "Really?"


    "Yes, really!"


    "I don''t believe you."


    Eric was on the verge of losing it completely. His fists clenched so tight his knuckles turned white, and he imagined storming down to the police station''s front desk to file a complaint about this smug, infuriating cop.


    How could they let someone this dense interrogate him? Were they scraping the bottom of the barrel for officers now?


    Jed shifted gears, leaning back in his chair. "Last time you were here, I heard you wouldn''t stop yelling for Sera to come see you. What''s your deal with her? You know her or something?"


    Eric''s head snapped up, his frustration melting into sudden hope. "Sera? You know Sera?" His eyes lit up, wide and pleading. "Please, you''ve got to tell me where she is! She''s in danger¡ªthe guy who killed her grandfather could be right beside her right now!"


    Bang! Jed slammed his fist on the table, making Eric jump. "Who do you think you are, huh? You don''t get to make demands here." S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 165 - 165: Delusional Eric…

    BANG!


    Jed slammed his fist on the table, making Eric jump. "Who do you think you are, huh? You don''t get to make demands here."


    "I''m telling the truth!" Eric''s voice cracked with panic, his hands trembling.


    "Really?"


    "Yes, really!"


    "I don''t believe you."


    Eric''s mind spun into a furious spiral. This idiot! Can he just keel over already? How does a moron like this even work here? He wanted to leap across the table and throttle Jed''s smug face.


    If they weren''t in a police station, he''d have slipped this jerk a dose of his homemade poison and watched him squirm. In all his years, he''d never met anyone who got under his skin like this.


    Still, despite his rage, Eric forced himself to focus. "If you know where Sera is, please¡ªjust tell her to stay away from the guy next to her. He''s dangerous. I''m almost certain he''s the one who killed her grandfather." His voice softened, thick with worry. No matter how much Jed pushed him, he couldn''t stop caring about Sera.


    Jed rolled his eyes, his lip curling in disdain. "Blaming others, huh? Typical. I can''t stand people like you¡ªtroublemakers who drag everyone down with them¡­ fully delusional and most dangerous type." He huffed, crossing his arms. "You''re a proven killer, Eric Vaughn. Why would I trust you over Alex Reid? He''s a respected businessman¡ªdone more for this city than you ever will. You? You''re just a disaster waiting to happen."


    Alex Reid. So that was the creep''s name. Eric filed it away, a dark smirk flickering in his mind. What a pathetic name for a dead man walking. He''d already slipped Alex three of his custom poisons¡ªnasty stuff, slow and brutal.


    Without the antidote, the guy had maybe a week left, tops. But if Sera was still with him, what if that slime tried something? The thought twisted Eric''s gut into knots. He wouldn''t let that happen¡ªnot to her.


    Jed leaned back, legs crossed, oozing confidence. "Eric Vaughn, your excuses are done. You practiced medicine illegally¡ªno license, no training¡ªand you killed Mr. Henry''s father. We''ve got it all: the livestream, security footage, Mr. Henry''s statement, and proof you''re not even close to being a doctor. The evidence is airtight. What''s left to say?"


    Eric''s heart sank like a stone. His face went pale, sweat beading on his forehead as Jed laid out the case. Everything the cop said was real¡ªtangible, undeniable.


    But he knew he hadn''t meant to kill anyone. Doubt crept in, clawing at his certainty. What''s real? What''s true? Could his skills¡ªhis pride, his passion¡ªactually be the problem?


    "No¡­" he muttered, shaking his head. "No way. My skills are solid. It''s not my fault!" His voice broke as he shouted, "I''m not a murderer¡ªI wanted to save people! And Sera¡ªshe''s still in danger!" Even now, cornered and crumbling, his concern for her burned bright.


    BANG!


    Jed slammed the table again, towering over him. "Enough! Quiet down!" He circled the table, placing firm hands on Eric''s shoulders. His voice dropped, slow and steady. "Look at me. Others might not listen, but I will. Just tell me everything¡ªstart to finish."


    Eric''s racing heart slowed a fraction. He couldn''t tear his eyes away from Jed''s¡ªdeep, steady, almost hypnotic, like they held a quiet promise.


    "Oh¡­" he breathed, caught off guard. But then a wave of nausea hit him.


    ''What am I doing? Drooling over this guy''s eyes like some lovesick fool?'' He forced a shaky grin, trying to play it cool, but a dribble of drool escaped his lips. He was a mess¡ªand he knew it.


    Grabbing Jed''s hands, he clutched them tight, rubbing them with a goofy, nervous energy. "Hey, handsome, what do you want to know? My bank password? Oh, wait¡ªno bank account. How about the size of my¡ªuh¡ªlittle friend downstairs? That juicy enough for you?"


    Jed coughed, pulling back with an awkward laugh. "Uh, no¡­ wait what the fuck¡­ Let''s¡­ keep it to the facts, you delusional?"


    Jed''s face hardened, shadows pooling under his sharp cheekbones as he flipped open the manila file with a flick of his wrist. "Here''s how this works: I ask the questions, you answer. That''s it." His voice was low, edged with steel.


    "Okay, okay!" Eric Vaughn latched onto Jed''s hand like a lifeline, his fingers gripping tight.


    A goofy, dazed grin spread across his face, and a thin line of drool slipped from the corner of his mouth, glistening under the harsh fluorescent light.


    He looked like a man teetering between panic and absurdity.


    ¡­.


    The clock struck midnight, casting long shadows over Dawson home. The old villa stood like a relic of forgotten times, its weathered walls steeped in history and whispered secrets.


    Some geass like substance clung to the faded brick, and the faint glow of lanterns spilled warm light across the cobblestone path. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Inside, the current head of the Dawson family, stepped through the creaky front door with his wife, at his side.


    The air smelled of aged wood and nostalgia. Ahead, in the dimly lit living room, his father¡ªthe head¡ªsat slumped in a high-backed armchair, facing away from them.


    His white hair gleamed like frost under the soft lamplight, and his frail frame seemed to sag under the weight of his years.


    At a glance, he was just an ordinary old man¡ªnothing striking, nothing grand. Even up close, he remained stubbornly¡­ normal.


    "You''re here," the head rasped, his voice trembling with age, cutting through the stillness.


    "Yeah," he replied, his tone clipped. He was a sturdy man with a square jaw, looking forty but carrying fifty years in his tired eyes.


    He dropped onto the wooden sofa nearest the armchair, studying his father''s weathered profile.


    "Dad, that guy''s a total wreck. Two days ago, we burned through a fortune in favors to get him out from detention, you know that. And what does he do? Not even forty-eight hours later, he''s locked up again, this time for killing some innocent guy on the street!"


    He''d never imagined someone could be that reckless¡ªuntil he saw it himself. It was like watching a train crash in slow motion.

 Chapter 166 - 166: Disagreement for Eric

    As they talked, footsteps came softly down the stairs. A woman in her thirties walked down with a relaxed sway, her sharp features softened by the loose sweater she wore.


    After losing her fianc¨¦ in a plane crash years ago, she had found comfort in her father''s home.


    "Exactly, Dad!" she said, her voice full of frustration as she reached the last step.


    "I''ve told you so many times¡ªthis doctor is a fake, but you never listened. You even called me ''all hair and no brains.'' Remember that?" She grabbed a banana from the fruit bowl, peeling it quickly and angrily before taking a big bite.


    "And now you''ve promised Lena to him? To a killer? That''s just crazy!"


    The old man''s hand struck the armrest with a loud crack, the sharp sound cutting through the room. He turned in his chair, his cloudy eyes burning with anger as he glared at the couple before him. "Are you two trying to put me in my grave?" he barked, his voice unsteady but full of force. "When I was at death''s door, that miracle doctor saved me. He''s my savior¡ªmine!"


    His daughter-in-law pressed her lips into a thin line, her elegant fingers twisting the edge of her silk scarf.


    Your savior, maybe¡ªbut not ours, she thought bitterly. Why should my daughter be tied to him? Why not someone else?


    The forced engagement had troubled her from the start, but when she learned that this so-called doctor had treated two people¡ªonly for both to die¡ªher frustration turned to fury.


    She had watched the livestream from the livestream, unable to resist looking into the man her father-in-law had chosen for her sweet Lena.


    What she saw sent a chill through her. A doctor? No¡ªthis man was a disaster waiting to happen, a reckless fraud who played with needles and left nothing but death behind him.


    His hands trembled as he leaned forward, his voice calm but edged with urgency. "Look, maybe the doctor who saved you was the real deal¡ªI''ll give you that. But his apprentice? He''s not the same. Plenty of rich kids waste their family''s legacy¡ªwhat makes you think he''s any different? Medicine isn''t something you just inherit." He shook his head, disbelief clear in his expression.


    "Since he started practicing, he''s ''saved'' two people¡ªboth elderly¡ªand both of them died. A real doctor charges money to heal people. This guy? He just leaves bodies behind."


    His words dripped with sarcasm. How many more old men could this so-called miracle worker find to ''rescue'' before people caught on?


    Across the room, a woman tossed aside a banana peel and grabbed a crisp, seedless cucumber from the bowl, biting off a chunk.


    "Last time you got him out of trouble, it cost us a fortune in favors¡ªfine, we handled it. But this time? He killed one of the father of the Wade Family head. And now his family is swearing they''ll make sure he rots in prison." She spoke quickly, her voice slightly muffled by the bite of cucumber, but her point hit hard.


    The old man sighed, his bony hands tightening around the handle of his cane as he pushed himself up from the armchair. Slowly, he shuffled to the window, gazing out at the dark sky scattered with stars.


    "I know," he said quietly, his voice growing steadier. "Even if he''s a disaster, his teacher isn''t. We have to get him out¡ªno matter what it takes."


    He had seen it with his own eyes: the man who trained him possessed skills that defied reason¡ªmedicine so advanced it could pull someone back from the brink of death or extend a life beyond its natural course. That kind of genius wasn''t luck, and it certainly wasn''t something a fraud could fake.


    "Dad, do you even hear yourself right now?" The broad-shouldered man shot up from the leather couch, moving as if a spring had snapped inside him.


    His boots thudded against the polished hardwood as he strode toward his father, who remained seated by the fireplace, calm as ever.


    "You''re willing to drag us into a war with a dangerous family¡ªall for some worthless nobody who isn''t even worth the air he breathes?"


    Getting that man out of detention wasn''t just a favor¡ªit was an insult to the other family involved. Sure, they weren''t as powerful, not by a long shot, but they weren''t the kind to forgive and forget. They had sharp claws and an even sharper memory. Picking this fight meant lighting a fuse that could burn slow and ugly, and he could already smell the smoke.


    "Dad, listen," his daughter''s voice cut through the thick tension like a blade. She tossed the half-eaten cucumber onto the coffee table with a dull thud and rushed to his side, gripping his sleeve tightly. Her eyes were wide with concern. "That family may not be as strong as us, but why start a fight we don''t need? We have enough problems as it is. The big players in the city are already circling, just waiting for us to make a mistake."


    She wasn''t wrong. She ran one of the family''s businesses, and right now, she was in the middle of closing a deal that could define her year. That family was her key partner¡ªthe perfect ally to seal it. If this situation spiraled out of control, months of late nights and careful planning would go up in smoke.


    The old man didn''t react. He simply leaned back, his weathered face catching the flicker of the firelight as he gazed at the ceiling, as if the answers were hidden in the shadows. "My mind''s made up," he said, his voice quiet but firm, carrying the weight of a lifetime of difficult choices. "This is the last time I step in. After this, he''s on his own. Our family washes its hands of him." Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He let out a slow, heavy sigh, and for a moment, it was as if the decision had drained the life from him. His shoulders slumped, his figure seemed smaller, older¡ªlike another line had just been etched into his already worn face.


    No one argued. When he spoke like that, it was final. His word was stone¡ªunbreakable, unmovable.

 Chapter 167 - 167: Mr. Protagnist Aunt

    The Old man''s son stormed out of the estate, his wife close behind, her heels clicking sharply against the gravel path. They climbed into the sleek black car, the doors slamming shut as the engine rumbled to life. Inside, the silence was thick, suffocating. Then she snapped.


    "What the hell are we supposed to do now?" she burst out, kicking the dashboard in frustration, her voice trembling with anger.


    His grip on the steering wheel tightened, knuckles turning white. "You know how he is. Once he makes a decision, that''s it. No one changes his mind."


    She turned to him, eyes blazing. "I''m not talking about that idiot. I''m talking about our daughter''s engagement!"


    He didn''t answer right away, just stared out at the dark road ahead as the trees blurred past. That only made her angrier.


    "Are you seriously okay with this?" she pressed, voice rising. "Our little girl being forced to marry a murderer?"


    "What am I supposed to do, huh?" he shot back, his tone sharp but laced with frustration. "It wasn''t my call. You know how these things work¡ªdecisions like this need his approval, even if I''m the one running things."


    She crossed her arms, jaw tight. "I don''t care who made the decision. My daughter is not tying her life to a killer. Over my dead body."


    He glanced at her, one eyebrow raised. "So what''s your plan?" sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I''m going to the city," she said, her voice cold and firm. "I''ll break it off myself."


    ¡­.


    The next morning, sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, glinting off the stack of papers Alex had spread across the table.


    He leaned back in his chair, a steaming mug of coffee in one hand, and picked up the file Mr. Waters had dropped off at dawn. It was about Jed¡ªa name that already made his stomach twist.


    He flipped through the pages, and with every line, his headache grew. Alex lived by one rule: everyone''s got a crack, a weak spot you can pry open.


    But Jed? This guy was a freaking fortress. Perfect grades since kindergarten, scholarships piling up like trophies, and a medal from every competition he''d ever entered.


    Graduated top of his class, aced the bar exam on his first swing, no vices, no dirt, not even a parking ticket. Teachers adored him, friends swore by him, bosses sang his praises. Jed was the kind of guy who''d rescue a kitten from a tree and then build the tree a better branch.


    Alex smirked, sipping his coffee. "Fine, maybe I''ve got him beat in looks, height, and a solid night''s stamina. But everything else? This guy''s my shadow¡ªand he''s winning."


    It wasn''t just Jed''s r¨¦sum¨¦ that bugged him. It was the whole package. Born into a cushy family, raised with the best schools and the kind of moral compass that pointed straight to justice, Jed was a walking hero clich¨¦.


    He hated crooks with a fire that burned bright and clean¡ªnothing like Eric Vaughn, who''d been dragged up by grizzled mountain hermits with more scars than principles.


    Guys like Jed made Alex''s skin crawl, especially since Jed worked inside the system, while Alex was still clawing his way off a blacklist. One slip, and Jed could lock him up without breaking a sweat.


    "Son of a¡ª" Alex muttered, tossing Jed''s file onto the table with a slap. He wasn''t done yet. If the golden boy was untouchable, maybe his family wasn''t. He grabbed another stack of records and started digging.


    Every crime novel he''d ever read had that twist: the upright hero with a dirty relative, forced to choose between blood and justice. Jed might be spotless, but family''s messy by nature. Alex cracked his knuckles and got to work.


    Jed''s dad had been a law professor, respected and sharp as a tack, until a car crash took him out thirteen years ago. His mom went with him¡ªboth gone in a flash. Classic orphan origin story, leaving ten-year-old Jed with his grandparents.


    Grandma was a retired high school teacher, sweet but strict, until sickness claimed her three years back. Grandpa, a gruff old cop with a chest full of medals, followed her two years later. No parents, no scandals¡ªjust a kid raised on honor and oatmeal.


    Then Alex hit gold: an aunt. Not a blood relative, but adopted. The story was straight out of a movie. Jed''s grandpa had busted a trafficking ring back in the day, saving four kids. Three went home; one didn''t.


    Her parents died in a wreck while searching for her, leaving her alone. So Grandpa and Grandma took her in, gave her a name: Mary.


    Alex pulled her file, his grin widening. Female, 31, owner of an import-export company with stakes in half a dozen others.


    She was tough, ambitious, a real go-getter. But here''s the kicker: her business was tangled up with the Wade family''s turf.


    She wanted to grow, to climb higher, but the Wades kept slamming the door in her face, boxing her in at every turn. It was personal¡ªand it was messy.


    "Jackpot," Alex whispered, leaning back with a satisfied nod. Jed might be a saint, but his aunt was a fighter with a grudge. And that was a crack Alex could work with.


    Alex flipped through Mary''s file, his fingers pausing on a glossy photo tucked between the pages.


    His lips curled into a sly, slow grin. In the picture, Jed''s aunt stood tall and striking, her beige dress clinging to her curves like it was painted on¡ªhugging her full hips and accentuating a chest that demanded attention.


    She radiated elegance, her posture graceful yet relaxed, with a warm, dazzling smile that lit up her gentle face. At least two billion dollars backed that beauty, and Alex couldn''t help but whistle under his breath.


    Suddenly, a spark flared in his chest. He needed to get close to Jed, the crime-solving golden boy. After all, Jed had no uncle, and poor Mary was out there all alone¡ªa strong woman raising her nephew like a son after his parents died in his teens.


    How tragic, how noble. And Alex? Well, he just so happened to have a surplus of charm and fatherly vibes to spare.

 Chapter 168 - 168: Visit

    "Time to meet this perfect little hero in person," he muttered, tapping the file against his knee. First, he''d size up Jed''s luck¡ªsee what he was really dealing with. Alex propped his chin in his hand, his mind already spinning. "Oh, and Eric Vaughn''s still rotting in detention. Perfect."


    He chuckled, imagining the two "lucky heroes" crossing paths behind bars. The hot headed doctor and the flawless detective¡ªwhat a showdown that''d be. His grin widened. This was going to be fun.


    ¡­.


    Noon. Police Station, Detention Center.


    Eric Vaughn slumped against the cold concrete wall, his chest heaving as he let out a shaky breath.


    Finally, some peace. That creepy glasses guy¡ªwho''d been hounding him like a rabid dog¡ªlay sprawled on the floor, knocked out cold.


    Eric''s hands still tingled from the syringe he''d used, the fifth dose of sedative he''d jabbed into the freak over the past few days.


    Problem was, the guy kept waking up faster each time, like his body was laughing at the drugs.


    So this time, Eric didn''t mess around¡ªhe''d doubled the dose, watching the creep''s eyes roll back as he hit the ground hard.


    Eric barely had time to savor the quiet before the guards hauled him off again. The interrogation room loomed ahead, its sterile white walls and buzzing fluorescent lights making his stomach churn.


    He''d lost count of how many times they''d dragged him in here since locking him up. Each visit left him feeling like he''d been chewed up and spat out, especially after that freak of an officer got in his head.


    The memory hit him like a punch¡ªsitting there, forced to babble like some lovesick fool, all moony-eyed and pathetic.


    He gagged, the nausea rising so fast he could''ve sobbed right there, snot and all.


    "What the hell did that psycho do to me?" he muttered, rubbing his temples. It wasn''t normal.


    Hypnosis didn''t twist you up like that, bending your mind until you didn''t recognize yourself. Whatever it was, that cop hadn''t shown his face since, and Eric wasn''t sure if that was a blessing or a curse.


    Handcuffs bit into his wrists as they chained him to the chair. Voices drifted through the door¡ªlow, clipped, and way too calm for this hellhole.


    "You''re here."


    "Yeah, where is he?"


    Eric''s head snapped up, his glare locking onto the door. That voice¡ªhe''d know it anywhere, even if he clawed his way out of a grave. It was burned into his skull.


    The door swung open, and Alex strolled in, hands in his pockets, a lazy smirk playing on his lips. "Well, well, we meet again," he said, his tone light, like they were old buddies catching up over coffee.


    A glowing panel flickered into Alex''s vision:


    [Main Character: Eric Vaughn]


    [Genre: Prodigy Doctor]


    [Luck Level: 4]


    [Personality: Hot-tempered, arrogant, stubborn, loves talent and women]


    Alex''s smirk twitched. As expected, Eric''s luck had taken a hit¡ªdown from where it used to be. Not surprising, considering the guy was cuffed and fuming like a cornered animal.


    Eric''s eyes blazed with raw hatred. "Hmph!" he snarled, teeth grinding as he leaned forward against the restraints. "You better keep your filthy hands off Sera, or I swear I''ll make you regret it."


    To Eric, Alex sniffing around Sera was a crime worthy of a death sentence from his perspective. She was his woman, untouchable, and this smug bastard had the nerve to even think about her.


    Alex sighed dramatically, shaking his head. "Look, kid, I was gonna cut you some slack¡ªfor your precious goddess''s sake, of course. But here you are, spitting venom instead of kissing my boots in gratitude. Guess nice guys really do finish last." He shrugged, all mock disappointment.


    He''d come to the station with a two-part plan: scope out Jed, the crime-solving prodigy, and twist the knife in Eric a little more, racking up those sweet breakdown points.


    Too bad Jed was off chasing a murder case up north¡ªtypical hero stuff. The guy probably couldn''t walk ten feet without tripping over a corpse. Eric, though? He was right here, ripe for the picking.


    "Shut your mouth!" Eric roared, his face red, chest heaving like he''d run a marathon. "You disgusting pig, if you so much as touch a hair on Sera, I''ll break out of here and end you. I swear it."


    "A hair?" Alex stood, sauntering over to pat Eric''s shoulder like he was comforting a sulky kid. He leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper.


    "Nah, I''d use two fingers at least." He paused, letting that sink in, then grinned. "You''re getting me all fired up, doc. Think I''ll go pay your girl a visit right now."


    With that, he spun on his heel and headed for the door, leaving Eric''s stunned silence in his wake.


    "Wait¡ªyou''re dead!" Eric blurted, panic cracking through his rage. "You hear me? Dead!"


    Alex stopped, glancing back with a raised brow. "Oh yeah? How''s that?"


    Eric''s smirk returned, oily and triumphant. "Wanna know? Get on your knees and beg."


    He was back in control¡ªor so he thought. Three different poisons were already snaking through Alex''s veins, slipped in days ago.


    Death within a week, no question. The symptoms hadn''t hit yet, but Eric could picture it: the sweat, the shakes, the slow crawl to the grave. He had Alex right where he wanted him.


    "Arrogant boy," Alex said, pointing at him with a playful grin. Then he turned and walked out, not even a flicker of worry on his face.


    Eric blinked. Wait¡ªwhat? That''s it? No pleading, no questions, just¡­ leaving? Didn''t he feel the poison gnawing at him? How could he stroll away like that?


    "Hey! Get me out of here, and I''ll spill everything¡ªsave your life, too!" he shouted, desperation creeping in. "You know I''m a doctor!"


    He couldn''t take it anymore. The detention center was a nightmare¡ªcreeps like the glasses guy lurking around¡ªand the cops were just as bad. He needed out.


    Alex didn''t break stride. "A Nightmare doctor who kills his patients? Nah, you''re right where you belong. Have fun."


    "Alex, stop! Get back here!" Eric''s voice cracked as he screamed, the door swinging shut behind Alex''s retreating figure. "How am I supposed to live like this live without Sera?!"


    Bang! The door slammed, and a notification pinged in Alex''s mind:


    [The Protagonist ''Eric Vaughn,'' had a mental breakdown. Congratulations, you''ve earned 2000 Critical points.]


    S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 169 - 169: Free Again

    University, Girls'' Dorm:-


    Sera sat cross-legged on her bed, sunlight spilling through the open window and warming the pages of her textbook.


    It was Saturday, and the dorm was a ghost town¡ªher roommates off on dates or slinging coffee at the campus shop.


    The quiet was a rare treat, and she sank into it, her pencil scratching steadily as she tackled her homework, the world outside fading to a soft hum.


    Sera didn''t need cash¡ªher family had plenty¡ªand her body ached from the waist down, a dull throb that kept her glued to the dorm all day.


    She sprawled across her bed, textbooks scattered around her like a fortress, her pencil scratching away at equations.


    The soreness was a nagging reminder of Alex, and she shifted uncomfortably, trying to focus. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Knock, knock, knock! A sharp rap jolted her from her thoughts.


    "Come in," she called, her voice soft but distracted, not bothering to lift her eyes from the page.


    The door creaked open, and Alex stepped inside, shutting it with a quiet click. He crossed the room in a few easy strides, his gaze locking onto Sera as she hunched over her work.


    Her curly hair was swept up in a messy bun, exposing the smooth curve of her pale neck, glowing faintly in the afternoon light.


    She wore no makeup, just a flimsy purple nightgown with thin straps that barely clung to her slim shoulders.


    The fabric stretched tight across her chest, rounding out in a way that made the straps look one wiggle away from slipping.


    Below, tiny white sleep shorts hugged her thighs, riding up as she fidgeted, flashing a glimpse of black lace underneath¡ªdelicate, floral, and bold.


    ''Black today, huh?'' Alex noted with a smirk, his eyes glinting.


    Sera didn''t hear a reply to her invite, so she set her pen down and turned. Her breath caught when she saw him. "What are you doing here again?"


    He''d already shown up twice yesterday, leaving her drained and wobbly. Now, with her lower half still protesting, the sight of him made her want to crawl under the covers and hide.


    Since he''d sunk his claws into her life, that part of her hadn''t known peace. She frowned, exhaustion tugging at her features like she might collapse right there.


    "You," Alex said simply, his voice low and teasing.


    As a villain worth his salt, he never broke a promise. He''d told Eric Vaughn he''d visit his precious goddess to blow off steam, and here he was, right on schedule.


    The dorm''s AC hummed, pumping cool air into the room, but it couldn''t touch the heat creeping up Sera''s neck.


    A faint blush bloomed across her pale cheeks. She wasn''t some naive freshman anymore¡ªAlex had seen to that. Biting her lip, her misty eyes shimmered, threatening to spill as she wrestled with herself. She couldn''t say no to him, not really.


    Her chest rose and fell faster as she pleaded, "This is the girls'' dorm, Alex. The walls here are thin¡ªsomeone might hear. And my roommates could walk in any minute."


    Her voice trembled, but there was a spark in it, a hint of thrill beneath the fear. She''d learned to play the game, thanks to him.


    "Doesn''t that make it more fun?" Alex grinned, tapping his foot lightly against the floor like a dare. "Come here."


    Sera''s stomach twisted, but she swallowed her pride, pushing down the shame burning in her throat.


    She slid off the bed and shuffled toward him, her bare feet whispering against the cool tiles. When she reached him, her knees buckled, hitting the gray floor with a soft thud¡ªa pale, striking contrast against the dull dorm carpet.


    ¡­.


    An hour later, Sera sat in Alex''s lap, her hair a wild tangle spilling over her shoulders, her face flushed a deep pink.


    Her misty eyes stared off, dazed and unfocused, as her hoarse voice rasped out, "Alex, you were incredible today."


    She didn''t like him¡ªnot deep down¡ªbut she couldn''t deny the rush he brought, a maddening mix of ecstasy and exhaustion.


    Yesterday had been two relentless rounds, and today he''d come back just as fierce, his stamina and skill leaving her breathless.


    Alex stood, gently easing her off him. "I won''t keep you from your books. Staying too long might wear you out more than you can handle."


    "Thanks," she murmured, a flicker of warmth cutting through her haze. For once, it felt like he''d actually considered her.


    She was his now¡ªmind, body, everything¡ªmolded by his hands. And Alex? He just smiled, thinking of the jackpot of breakdown points he''d scored off her surrender.


    "You''re welcome," he said, brushing a quick kiss against her cheek before heading out, leaving her to piece herself back together.


    ¡­.


    The Dawson family didn''t waste time. Once the old man barked the order, their network in the city sprang into action.


    They tracked down Henry, the Wade family''s point man, and leaned on him hard¡ªpressure laced with smooth promises.


    Henry clenched his jaw, fighting it, but in the end, he caved. Compared to the Dawsons from another city, the Wades were big fish in a small pond¡ªpowerful, sure, but no match for a big family. Henry dropped the charges, and just like that, Eric Vaughn was cut loose.


    As the cops marched him out of the detention center, the skinny glasses guy lingered in the shadows, his eyes glinting with a weird mix of longing and certainty. He muttered to himself, convinced Eric would stumble back into his orbit someday.


    Eric stepped into the blinding midday sun, the heat hitting him like a slap. He threw his arms wide, ready to crow. "I''m free again!" His voice boomed, a triumphant laugh bubbling up as the weight of the cell fell away.


    But the high didn''t last. His face darkened, eyes narrowing as grudges clawed their way back to the surface.


    Eric didn''t forgive, and he sure as hell didn''t forget. Those pharmacies¡ªsmug little shops with shelves full of medicine they''d refused to sell him¡ªstill burned in his mind.


    He''d been dragged off to jail before he could settle the score, but they were still on his hit list. Given half a chance, he''d grind them into dust.

 Chapter 170 - 170: Engagement Breaks

    Eric Vaughn limped across the street, his legs trembling like they might buckle any moment. Jail had spit him out hours ago, but freedom tasted sour without a dime or a plan.


    He''d been hauled off before he could settle the score with Alex¡ªthat snake who''d dared lay a hand on Sera, the woman who lit a fire in Eric''s chest. To him, that was a sin worth a slow death.


    "Three poisons pumping through you, Alex," he muttered, voice low and jagged. "Let''s see you crawl out of that."


    He shoved his hands toward his pockets, but his fingers snagged on shredded fabric. Both sides hung in tatters. He sighed, letting the frustration slip away¡ªfor now. A cab would''ve been sweet, but his wallet was as hollow as his luck. Two steps toward the bus stop, a black car screeched to a halt, tires clawing the pavement. A woman stepped out, middle-aged and wrapped in designer threads¡ªstuff Eric couldn''t name but knew cost more than he''d scrape together in a year.


    He bit back the "Watch it, you idiot!" burning on his tongue and flashed a grin he hoped looked charming. "Hey there. Who''re you?"


    "You''re Eric Vaughn?" Her voice was cold, her eyes scraping over him¡ªtorn pants, wrinkled shirt, dirt smeared on his knuckles. Disgust flickered across her face, plain as day.


    Eric didn''t catch it, puffing up like a street rooster. "That''s me. And you?"


    No idea who she was, but that car screamed money and muscle.


    "You don''t even know who bailed you out?" she said, her tone sharp enough to slice through bone. Inside, she thanked her lucky stars she''d come herself. If her daughter got tangled with this wreck, she''d never live it down.


    "You''re with the Dawson?" Eric blinked, a smirk tugging at his lips. They''d sent someone to fetch him in style?


    His brain kicked into gear. Alex was probably choking on his own blood by now, but his fortune was still ripe for the taking. Eric wasn''t about to let it slip away. With the Dawson backing him, he could snatch it all¡ªclean and legal, too. Two stints in lockup had taught him the value of playing smart. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yeah," he said, grin stretching wide. "This is gonna be perfect."


    "Glad you think so," she replied, nodding curtly as she fiddled with a gold bracelet. "But here''s the deal. To spring you, the Dawson family burned bridges with the Wade family. We called in favors, traded perks¡ªmore than a lowlife like you could pay back in ten lifetimes."


    Eric''s stomach twisted, a chill creeping up his spine. Her words hit like a sucker punch.


    She kept going, relentless. "All the debts we owed your master? Settled. Over. From now on, you and him are on your own. The Dawson won''t catch you when you fall¡ªso whatever mess you make next, mop it up yourself." Her eyes narrowed to slits, pinning him like a bug.


    "B-but¡ª" Eric''s voice cracked, panic clawing up his throat. "What about my engagement to your daughter? You can''t just cut me loose!"


    The woman snorted, a harsh, mocking bark. "Engagement? You''re still chasing that fantasy? Look at yourself¡ªfind a mirror if you can. You think you''re even close to good enough for my daughter? Keep dreaming, kid." Her sneer dripped with venom.


    That''s when it hit him. This wasn''t some Dawson errand girl¡ªthis was his almost-mother-in-law. He''d never met his fianc¨¦e, but staring at this woman, all sharp edges and elegance, he could imagine her daughter: a knockout, maybe even rivaling Sera. His pulse quickened. Losing that? No way. Not happening.


    Sweat slicked his forehead as he flailed his arms. "I don''t agree to this! You didn''t even ask me before axing it!"


    The Dawson were his lifeline, his ticket out of the mud. Without them, he was back to nothing.


    "Ask you?" She gaped at him, a laugh slipping out before she smothered it with a tight smile. "Who do you think you are?"


    Most guys would''ve crumbled under that scorn, but Eric wasn''t most guys. He was a survivor¡ªscarred, stubborn, built to take the hits. He swallowed the sting, throat raw, and tried again. "Does your daughter even know you''re here dumping me?"


    "She knows," the woman said, yanking her car door open. "She was so happy she couldn''t sleep¡ªpractically bouncing at the thought of you being gone." She''d come to see this disaster for herself and sever the tie. Mission accomplished.


    "What about the head of ghe Dawson family?" Eric blurted, grasping at straws.


    Her hand paused on the door, and she shot him an irritated glance. "This is all the Dawson family''s decision¡ªstart to finish."


    This was his shot. In every story, this was where he''d grin, stand tall, and growl something like, "Give it time¡ªyou''ll regret tossing me aside!" But she didn''t wait. The Range Rover roared to life, peeling out in a cloud of dust that left Eric hacking and spitting on the curb.


    "Fine, fine, fine," he snarled, rage simmering in his gut. "These high-and-mighty families are all the same¡ªsmall-minded snobs blind to what''s coming. The Kleinberg, the Wade, now the Dawson¡ªjust a pack of clowns."


    He glared down the empty road where her taillights faded, his voice dropping to a bitter hiss. "You snub me today, but tomorrow you won''t even reach my shadow. You''ll come begging, and when you do, I''ll have you and your darling daughter groveling at my feet."


    He''d caught it¡ªthe faint pallor in her cheeks, the slight wince. She was sick, something ugly festering inside her. It''d hit hard soon, and he''d be the only one who could fix it. A grim smile curled his lips.


    "And Alex? That creep''s probably choking on his last breath. Touch my woman? I''ll show you pain."


    His grin softened, eyes glazing with a dreamy haze. "Sera, hold on¡ªI''m coming."


    He sucked in a breath, steadying himself, and hobbled toward the bus stop. He had no clue where Sera was or which bus would take him there. "Whatever," he muttered. "I''ll hop the first one out of this dump."

 Chapter 171 - 171: The Dead Don’t Drive

    Eric sucked in a breath, steadying himself, and hobbled toward the bus stop. He had no clue where Sera was or which bus would take him there. "Whatever," he muttered. "I''ll hop the first one out of this dump."


    A bus lumbered up, brakes whining, and he climbed on¡ªonly to get kicked off ten seconds later.


    "What the hell!" he snapped, staggering back to the sidewalk. "Why can''t I ride? You should be thanking me for stepping on your lousy bus¡ªquit yapping about cash!"


    Eric''s legs burned, shaking like they might quit any second. The city Police Station loomed behind him in the western suburbs¡ªa gray, ugly slab with a single bus stop out front.


    Three routes trickled through, but it didn''t matter. Broke and bullheaded, he''d tried two buses already, and both drivers had chucked him off without a second thought.


    So he walked. No phone, no map, just him and the cracked pavement, hunger gnawing at his insides. He wandered through crossings, chasing the buzz of voices, hoping it''d lead somewhere worthwhile. Along the way, he''d waved down a couple?


    couple of pretty girls for directions, throwing them his best smile. Bad move. They took one look at his ripped clothes and wild stare, yelped "creep," and ran off, clutching their phones like he was some alley stalker.


    It stung¡ªsharp and deep, like a stray dog had chomped down on his ego. Him, being a genius doctor¡ªleft hand healing, right hand killing¡ªreduced to this?


    Back in the mountains, his masters had hammered it into him: he was different, marked for greatness, destined to storm the world with skills that''d leave them awestruck and rolling in riches.


    But since he''d come down, it''d been a string of flops, each one knocking him lower, chipping away at his strut. Now? He felt smaller than the dust under his grandma''s porch.


    On his miserable trek from the station, Eric had passed five old men crumpling like paper¡ªheart attacks, strokes, one even jerking and frothing at the mouth like a rabid mutt.


    Any other day, he''d have rushed in, hands working magic, pulling them back from the edge. Not today. It wasn''t the fear of screwing up another "miracle"¡ªno, it was the itch crawling up his neck, that nagging sense of eyes on him. He knew that feeling too damn well.


    There they were: a gaggle of punks with hair dyed electric green and pink, phones aimed at him, recording like he was some sideshow oddity.


    Those bloodsuckers again, live-streaming his every stumble. He itched to storm over and slam their gadgets into the asphalt, but his stomach roared louder than his rage.


    His eyes snagged on a grimy ramen shack across the road, steam curling from its windows, and he was half-lost in a drooling daydream when a horn blared, yanking him back.


    "Which jackass¡ª" he growled, springing up, ready to unload a day''s worth of venom.


    The words choked off as his gaze landed on a red sports car purring at the traffic light, sleek and mean like a caged beast. Then he saw her. He dove behind a scruffy bush, heart hammering.


    "S-Sera!"


    There she was, the woman who haunted his nights, glowing in the passenger seat like something carved from a dream.


    The sinking sun painted her in gold, sparking off her hair, her skin, making her look too perfect to be real. Eric stared, breath catching in his chest, the world fading to a hum around her.


    Then he clocked the driver, and his gut dropped like a stone.


    "Alex?"


    Eric Vaughn''s mind blanked, a jumbled mess of disbelief. "He''s not dead? How''s that possible? He should be a corpse by now¡ªblood leaking from every hole, sprawled out cold!"


    No way. No damn way.


    He''d dosed Alex with three of his custom-blended poisons¡ªa nasty cocktail Eric had mixed himself. Even a saint couldn''t save that bastard from a death that ugly. The antidote? Locked in Eric''s head, nowhere else. You couldn''t buy a cure for this on any shelf.


    Alex had no business still breathing.


    "Something''s wrong. Totally wrong!"


    Alive wasn''t the half of it¡ªAlex looked fine, lounging behind the wheel of that red Ferrari like he owned the world. Eric''s stomach twisted, a sick feeling clawing up his throat.


    The traffic light blinked, red fading to green. The Ferrari''s engine snarled, a deep, hungry roar that hit Eric like a slap from across the street.


    "No chance I''m letting this slide. I''ve got to see what''s up."


    One of those poisons could floor a grizzly in a heartbeat. All three? Alex¡ªthat booze-soaked, worn-out shell of a man¡ªshould''ve been long gone.


    Red vanished. Green flared.


    Eric''s eyes darted around, frantic, landing on a young guy in earbuds locking up a green shared bike. Scratch that¡ªhe didn''t lock it, just walked off like an idiot. Good enough.


    Eric bolted over, grabbed the bike, and hauled it to the road. One leg swung over, and he was off, pedaling like a madman after the sports car gleaming rear.


    The bike was new, gliding smooth as butter. Eric''s legs churned, thighs burning as he tailed the car, its taillights mocking him from ahead.


    "Sera, Sera, how do I keep going without you?"


    No idea how, but two intersections later, every light stayed green. Not one red to slow them down. Alex, cruising in his flashy ride, probably felt like a king¡ªcity traffic was a sports car''s worst enemy, and a string of reds could ruin anyone''s day. Today, though, the universe was kissing his boots.


    Eric? He was falling apart.


    His head spun, unraveling with every pump of the pedals. How''s he not dead? How''s he driving like that? The questions gnawed at him, each one a crack in his crumbling grip on reality.


    Somewhere, out of sight, a quiet ping echoed in Alex''s favor:


    [The Protagonist ''Eric Vaughn'' is having a mental breakdown. Congrats, you have earned 200 Critical points.]


    [The Protagonist ''Eric Vaughn'' is having a mental breakdown. Congrats, you have earned 200 Critical points.]


    [The Protagonist ''Eric Vaughn'' is having a mental breakdown. Congrats, you have earned 200 Critical points.]


    [¡­.] S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 172 - 172: Jealousy on Two Wheels

    At first, Alex didn''t think much of it. But as the notifications piled up, flooding his system like a broken dam, even he¡ªcruising along in his sports car¡ªhad to pause.


    What was up with Eric Vaughn this time? Was it that scrawny, bespectacled creep from the detention cell again, stirring the pot?


    Yeah, that guy. Waters had planted him in there on purpose¡ªa twig of a man with thick glasses, meant to keep Eric company so he wouldn''t feel too lonely in lockup. Worked like a charm, too. Now, every time Eric spotted a guy with specs, he''d instinctively clutch his backside like it was under siege.


    Rounding a corner, Alex flicked his eyes to the side mirror¡ªand nearly choked.


    "Holy¡ª!"


    There, in the reflection, was a lunatic on a green shared bike, pedaling like his life depended on it. Eric Vaughn, chasing a sports car on two wheels.


    What kind of madness was this?


    "What''s wrong?" Sera asked, tugging at her stockings as she caught the shock on his face. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alex jerked his chin toward the mirror. "Take a look."


    Sera leaned over, peering into the glass. She sucked in a sharp breath. "Oh, hell!"


    She''d seen movies with sports cars chasing planes, old shows with rickety bikes racing trains¡ªbut a shared bike tailing a sports car? This was a first. Was this guy even human? Or had he busted out of some psych ward?


    After a beat, she shook off the stun. "Wait¡­ is he chasing us?"


    "Not us," Alex said with a sly grin, yanking the wheel to loop halfway around the roundabout and double back. "You. Check who''s riding."


    Sera squinted harder at the mirror, then frowned, her pretty face scrunching up. "That fraud."


    She''d watched him "cure" that old Man right into a grave. To her, Eric Vaughn was a con artist, plain and simple¡ªa river rat peddling miracles.


    Alex''s smile turned sharp, loaded with meaning.


    Sera might be naive, but she wasn''t dumb. Those leering looks Eric shot her, the nonsense he''d spouted¡ªit didn''t take a genius to figure out the creep had ideas about her he shouldn''t.


    "Alex, sweetie," she said, flashing an innocent smile, "it''s getting windy. Close the top?"


    Alex got it instantly. He hit a button, the convertible''s roof sliding shut, then punched the gas. Behind them, Eric''s face darkened to a bruised purple. The guy stood up on the pedals, stomping so hard sparks flew from the bike''s frame.


    And so, city''s streets bore witness to a jaw-dropping sight: a fire-red sports car tearing through traffic, trailed by a sweaty, flat-topped maniac hammering a shared bike like it owed him money.


    ¡­.


    Alex had never seen anything like this before, but he wasn''t sweating it. He floored it around the outer ring road, where traffic lights were scarce and the path stretched wide open.


    For over an hour, he toyed with Eric, weaving through the lanes. If the sports car''s tank weren''t so small, he''d have dragged the fool onto the highway for an extra lap.


    Say what you will, though¡ªthat shared bike was a tank. Eric thrashed it for over an hour, sparks spitting from the pedals, and it didn''t even flinch.


    Finally, the red sports car rolled to a stop across from University''s gate. Students milled around, dressed loud and bold, eyeing the car like it was a celebrity. Five minutes later, Eric limped in, his bike still spitting sparks.


    He''d pedaled flat-out for over an hour¡ªno breaks, no mercy. Every time he eased up, Alex¡ªthat smug bastard¡ªwould gun the engine, forcing Eric to dig deeper. Even a guy like him was wiped, panting like a dog. Sweat soaked him head to toe, his hair plastered like he''d dunked it in a bucket. His shoes? Toast¡ªjust shredded shells, soles worn to nothing.


    Huffing, Eric slung the green bike over his shoulder. No way he was ditching it¡ªhis only ride, and Alex might peel out again. Spotting the sports car parked amid the crowd, he started stomping toward it, fury blazing¡ªthen froze two steps in.


    "No, wait. Sera''s probably brainwashed by that jerk. If I charge in now, she''ll get mad. Better wait ''til he''s gone, then talk to her alone and set things straight."


    He hoisted the bike higher and ducked into a nearby shrubbery patch, squatting low. A prickly rose bush right in front gave him cover.


    There he crouched, bike on his back, sneaking glances at the sports car like some shady lurker.


    Passing students gawked at the weirdo with the buzz cut, some whipping out phones to snap videos for their social feeds¡ª"Day in the Life: Met a Freak."


    Then a chubby kid in a baseball cap sidled up, hunched low, and slapped Eric''s shoulder. "Dude, nice look you''ve got going!"


    Eric jolted, his hand slipping on the rose bush. A thorn stabbed straight into his palm. He hissed, biting back a "You freaking moron!" and growled low, "What do you want?"


    The kid shook his head, grinning.


    Eric yanked the thorn out, temper flaring. "Then get lost."


    "Nah," the kid whispered, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "You nuts or something?"


    Go to hell, you little¡ª Eric swallowed the urge to strangle him and turned away, ignoring the pest.


    "Spying, then?" the kid pressed.


    Ten minutes had crawled by, and the sports car still sat there¡ªno movement, no one climbing out. Eric''s nerves started fraying. The longer he waited, the wilder his thoughts ran. A guy and a girl, alone in a car¡ªwhat else could they be doing? What else was there?


    Damn it!


    Jealousy was eating him alive¡ªjealousy, bright and ugly, blooming fast.


    Sera was his. From the moment Eric Vaughn laid eyes on her in the park, she''d been marked off-limits in his mind.


    No one else could touch her. But now, Alex¡ªthat filthy dog¡ªhadn''t just touched her; he''d gone way further, defiling her right under Eric''s nose.


    Eric burned to charge over with his shared bike slung over his shoulder, smash that fancy car to scrap, and drag Alex out for a beating he''d never forget.


    But here he was, stuck crouching behind the bushes, watching his goddess get pawed at in that car.


    Worse, a yapping little fat kid wouldn''t shut up beside him. If the timing weren''t so rotten, Eric swore he''d make sure that chubby pest didn''t see tomorrow''s sun.

 Chapter 173 - 173: Taunting Kiss

    Worse, a yapping little fat kid wouldn''t shut up beside him. If the timing weren''t so rotten, Eric swore he''d make sure that chubby pest didn''t see tomorrow''s sun.


    "Is that your wife in there?" the kid asked.


    "Did she cheat on you?"


    "You know the guy she''s with, don''t you?"


    "Man, your head''s practically glowing green!"


    Shut up, you little moron¡­ Eric''s veins bulged, his temper on a hair-trigger.


    "No surprise there¡ªhe''s the protagonist," Alex said from the driver''s seat, one hand tapping the wheel in a lazy rhythm, the other guiding Sera''s head up and down. "Kills an old man in front of a crowd, and a few days later, he''s back on the streets."


    How Eric got sprung from the police station¡ªor how he dodged the Wade family''s wrath¡ªdidn''t interest Alex much. Probably some strings pulled by those three masters of his. If he had to guess, the Dawson Family was behind it.


    "They''ve bailed him out twice now," Alex mused. "Let''s see how many more times they can save his sorry hide. Whoa¡ªeasy there¡­" He sucked in a sharp breath, barely holding it together as Sera worked, his thoughts racing. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A protagonist like Eric getting locked up twice was already a feat. Guys like him always had backup plans¡ªendless connections and tricks stashed away by his masters.


    Locking him up for good? Near impossible. But that was fine. In a couple days, Alex needed a tool¡ªa "prodigy doctor" like Eric¡ªto play a part. He''d promised little Riley he''d fix her grandma''s cancer, after all.


    Since that night, though, Riley had vanished¡ªno sign of her, no shifts at the Bar. Like she''d evaporated. Alex hadn''t bothered hunting her down. It was her grandma who was sick; she''d come crawling back when the time was right.


    In the original story, Riley''s grandma got her death notice about two weeks after Eric "healed" Sera''s grandpa. By Alex''s count, that was any day now. Sure, he could skip Eric entirely¡ªbuy a liver cancer cure from the system shop, a pill or shot for late-stage cases. But why bother? Those cost five or six thousand breakdown points apiece. With Eric around to exploit, why waste the cash?


    Free rides were the best rides. Stingy players never spent a dime.


    Lost in that thought, Alex grinned¡ªuntil Eric, fed up, stormed over with the bike still on his back.


    Bang, bang, bang!


    Eric pounded the window, fists clenched, eyes boring into the car. He couldn''t see inside, but he glared like he could burn through the tint.


    Alex rolled the window down.


    Sera lifted her head just then, breathless, cheeks flushed, eyes sultry. Her hair was a mess, her white blouse unbuttoned at the collar, showing more than it hid. A smear of something white clung to her lip, and she licked it off slow.


    [The Protagonist ''Eric Vaughn'' had a mental breakdown. Congrats, you have earned 13,000 critical points!]


    Jackpot!


    A massive haul. Alex smirked inwardly.


    ¡­.


    Translate that surprise? This was it¡ªthe real deal.


    It was Alex''s first time raking in over ten thousand breakdown points in one go. Eric''s meltdown had to be cataclysmic. For reference, that creep eyeing his backside in lockup only netted two thousand.


    Alex palmed a bad-luck charm quietly. He and Eric were neck-and-neck in a straight fight¡ªpretty even, all things considered. But that bastard had poison up his sleeve.


    Eric, meanwhile, stared at the scene, dizzy and gasping like the air had turned to sludge. His hands trembled under the bike''s weight.


    He''d only met Sera a handful of times, but in his head, she was his. Even hiding in the bushes, he''d fed himself lies¡ªthey were just talking, Sera wouldn''t betray him.


    But seeing her lick that white gunk off her lips? That shattered the last wall holding him together.


    He shook, mouth opening to speak, but no words came¡ªjust raw, choking silence.


    "Oh, it''s you!" Alex feigned shock. "Weren''t you locked up for killing someone? How''d you get out so fast?"


    "I¡­ I didn''t," Eric stammered, snapping back, still rattled. "I was framed. My skills are unmatched¡ªhow could I kill anyone?" He locked eyes with Sera, now clean-lipped, and rambled like a madman.


    "Sera, you''ve got to believe me¡ªI''m innocent! That guy next to you? He''s trash. Get away from him, quick!"


    His glare drilled into Alex. To the naked eye, he''d done nothing but stand there with his bike. But in secret, he''d already slipped seven or eight poison powders Alex''s way.


    Without the system''s alerts and his poison-proof perk, Alex would''ve been foaming at the mouth by now, twitching on the pavement.


    "Who are you?" Sera snapped, frowning. "Do I even know you? How dare you talk about Alex like that?" She hugged Alex''s arm tight, her blouse gaping wider, ripe curves pressing close as she leaned in for a sweet, taunting kiss.


    Alex shoved Sera back.


    Come on, even a tiger doesn''t eat its own cubs. Did she have no clue what she''d just had in her mouth?


    [The Protagonist ''Eric Vaughn'' had a mental breakdown. Congrats, you have earned 9000 critical points!]


    Harvest season was in full swing.


    "I''m Eric Vaughn!" he shouted, staggering back two steps, face twisted in agony. "Sera, it''s me¡ªEric Vaughn!"


    The crowd thickened around them. Dusk had settled, and college kids spilling out for the night caught the scene: a scruffy guy with a shared bike on his shoulder, glaring at a sports car, his expression a mix of rage and disbelief. Inside the car, a man and a woman¡ªobvious what they were up to.


    Some losers in the crowd smirked, secretly pleased. Look at this ugly punk thinking he could date a girl that hot.


    No surprise she cheated¡ªstick to simping, boys, and you''ll never taste that sting. Phones came out, videos rolling for short-form apps, capturing the drama for likes.


    Eric burned under the growing stares and whispers, the chatter slicing into him like dull knives. A normal guy would''ve bolted by now, but Eric wasn''t normal. His obsession with Sera ran deeper than sanity.

 Chapter 174 - 174: Rumble in Stomach!

    Eric burned under the growing stares and whispers, the chatter slicing into him like dull knives. A normal guy would''ve bolted by now, but Eric wasn''t normal. His obsession with Sera ran deeper than sanity.


    Alex''s smug grin caught his eye, and something clicked¡ªloud and ugly¡ªin Eric''s head.


    "I get it now. It''s all you," he snarled, pointing at Alex like he''d cracked the case. "You''ve been screwing me over this whole time¡ªjust to steal Sera from me. You''re so lowlife, you''d pull this dirty crap!"


    Alex and Sera blinked, baffled.


    What the hell was he ranting about? Had the protagonist finally snapped¡ªpushed over the edge by what he''d just seen? Alex wondered if toying with a nutcase broke any laws.


    Eric''s face twisted, borderline unhinged. "I saved her grandpa in the hospital¡ªI know I did. Then he drops dead out of nowhere? That''s you, pinning it on me!" His voice climbed, wild with certainty.


    "And those punks with the rainbow hair¡ªevery time I tried to save someone on the street, they''d jump out with their phones, blocking me. They''re yours, aren''t they? All part of your setup!"


    "Even the poisons I slipped you¡ª" Eric froze mid-sentence, clamping his mouth shut. Couldn''t say that. Poisoning someone, even a creep like Alex, was a one-way ticket to trouble.


    He''d already burned his bridge with the Dawson Family¡ªno one left to bail him out if the cops nabbed him again. A cold sweat prickled his skin. Close call.


    Alex clicked his tongue. The guy had actually nailed it¡ªevery bit of it. Too bad there was no prize for being a paranoid genius.


    Before Alex could respond, Sera snapped from the passenger seat, "Are you seriously messed up in the head?"


    Just then, five punks with neon hair¡ªred, green, white, you name it¡ªshoved through the crowd, phones up, live-streaming like vultures on a kill. Eric flinched, hands halfway to his face to hide.


    But when the punks spotted who was in the car, they lit up like they''d hit the jackpot. Time to shine for the big boss.


    White Hair jumped in first. "You''re a slippery one! Didn''t the hospital drag you off? How''re you not locked up after killing someone?"


    Green Hair stepped up next. "Last time, you ran into six old guys keeling over on the street. We stopped_you from ''saving'' the first five. The sixth? We missed him¡ªyou ''helped,'' and guess what? He''s the only one who died. The five we kept you from? Ambulance got ''em, patched ''em up¡ªtwo already back home, good as new." Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Red Hair sealed it. "Everyone you touch croaks. Everyone you don''t makes it. Funny, huh?"


    Alex shot the punks an approving nod. Where Waters dug up these clowns, he didn''t know, but they were gold¡ªsharp, loud, and useful.


    The five glowed under the praise, amping up the energy, though they kept their cameras off Alex like pros. Three angles locked on Eric, pinning him in the spotlight.


    "How''d you slink out of lockup so fast?" Alex asked, then gasped theatrically. "Wait¡ªyou''re not some psycho, are you? I hear crazies can kill and walk free!"


    ¡­.


    In the original story, Eric never landed in police station. But Alex knew the Dawson Family had sprung him the first time with a shiny mental health certificate¡ªproof he was unhinged enough to dodge blame.


    This time, they''d paid a steep price to smooth things over with the Wade family, dusting off that same "crazy" card to fish him out again.


    "Get lost, or I''m calling the cops for disturbing the peace," Alex said, waving Eric off. The guy was unraveling fast¡ªpush him more, and he might actually shatter. Alex wasn''t ready to harvest this little weed completely just yet.


    "Cops" hit Eric like a jolt. He was already twitchy about the police station¡ªpure instinct now. With the Dawson Family out of the picture until that woman came begging, he''d lost his safety net.


    If those bumbling badges nabbed him again, no one would pull him out. And those two freaks in lockup? Hell no.


    Since getting out, he''d passed plenty of old guys collapsing on the street¡ªheart attacks, strokes, whatever¡ªand hadn''t lifted a finger. Not once.


    Alex''s punchable smirk, the crowd''s mocking jabs¡ªit all fueled the fire in Eric''s chest. His fists tightened, one hand slipping into his waistband.


    From a grimy pocket, he fished out a pinch of black powder and a scraggly black thread malnourished looking, even for poison.


    ''You might have some hotshot detoxing you, but this? No dodging this.'' Eric''s face darkened as he gripped his latest creation, brewed right before his masters kicked him off the mountain. No antidote yet¡ªran out of time to whip one up.


    Eric flicked a glance at Sera in the passenger seat, calculating. How much force would it take to fling this poison¡ªnicknamed "Belly Blaster"¡ªright at Alex without splashing Sera? Years under his master''s brutal training had honed his knack for precision.


    This black powder was no joke: five seconds to kick in, then a full day of nonstop runs. He could already picture Alex doubled over, a laughingstock.


    ''That''s what you get for crossing me.''


    With the bike still slung over his right shoulder, he raised his left hand and gave a light flick toward Alex. No big swing¡ªjust a gentle toss. But as the dark dust sailed toward the car, a random gust whipped through the still campus air, out of nowhere.


    "What the¡ª!"


    It happened too fast, a tornado of bad luck. The powder didn''t just stall¡ªit reversed, rocketing back at Eric before he could blink. His stomach gurgled, a loud, ominous rumble followed by a sharp twist of pain.


    "Oh no." He knew exactly what that meant.


    His face went gray, the bike nearly slipping from his shoulder as his strength drained. "Belly Blaster" was clockwork¡ªfive seconds flat, no exceptions¡ªand he had no antidote. Right on cue, five seconds hit, and¡ª


    "Pffft!"


    A thunderous blast erupted from his backside. Across the lot, students jerked their heads up, scanning the clear sky.

 Chapter 175 - 175: Laxative Live

    A thunderous blast erupted from his backside. Across the lot, students jerked their heads up, scanning the clear sky.


    Then the punks with the dyed hair caught on, their shaking phone hands zooming in. "Holy crap!" one yelped, voice cracking. "You freaking¡ª"


    The campus gate fell into a stunned hush.


    Eric froze, rooted to the spot, his face darkening to coal. A warm, sticky mess bloomed in his pants¡ªunspeakable, indescribable, like a year''s worth of a girl''s worst cramps hitting at once with no pad in sight. He could already smell it.


    Every eye locked on him, wide and horrified, zeroing in on the yellow streak soaking through his pants.


    Then the crowd exploded.


    "Holy hell, holy hell¡ªhe''s nuts! He actually crapped himself!"


    "Again! That one was loud¡ªthought it was thunder!"


    "It''s leaking¡ªlook at the soup!"


    "Stop, stop¡ªI''m gonna hurl my lunch!"


    "I can smell it from here¡ªoh God!"


    "First time I''ve seen someone shit on the street¡ªand it''s liquid? At least make it solid, man!"


    "Ugh, I''m out¡ªgag!"


    Girls shrieked, hands over faces, then noses. Bold guys whipped out phones, filming the disaster for viral fame¡ª"Living My Best Life," they''d caption it.


    "Stop filming! Quit it you rainbow bastards!" Eric wailed, one hand shielding his face, the other clutching his dripping rear.


    "Pffft! Pffft!"


    But "Laxative Dash" didn''t care about dignity. With no antidote, it ran wild, relentless. He''d brewed this stuff to disgust his enemies¡ªand now it was his own personal hell. It wouldn''t stop for a full day.


    "Dude, stop shitting¡ªI''m scared!" a girl with a backpack whimpered nearby, staring in terror. This was her college nightmare, a scar for life.


    Eric''s hand, now a pincushion from frantic silver needle jabs, gave up. He shoved them back in his pocket¡ªhis Needles couldn''t touch this. "I''ve gotta get out of here."


    The crowd swelled, undeterred by the stench. College kids loved a spectacle, calling friends over: "Here, now¡ªonce-in-a-lifetime show!"


    "Bro, you won''t believe this¡ªguy''s crapping live!"


    "Swear it''s real, or I''m your kid¡ªliquid gold at the gate!"


    Eric bolted, bike on his shoulder, sprinting as the mess sprayed behind him. Each "pffft" roared like a car engine revving, relentless and loud.


    ¡­.


    Eric''s backside was numb from the onslaught. He just wanted a quiet corner to hide, but everywhere he turned, students with phones boxed him in.


    He''d run one way¡ªthey''d shuffle back, never breaking the circle. He tried asking for a bathroom, but before he got close, one guy ditched his girlfriend and bolted, screaming like Eric was a plague.


    "Ugh!"


    From the driver''s seat, Alex slammed the window shut, staring slack-jawed at Eric''s yellow-fuming disaster.


    He had no clue how it''d happened, but one thing was clear: if he hadn''t slapped that bad-luck charm on Eric earlier, he''d be the one out there painting the pavement.


    Alex had to hand it to him¡ªthis "prodigy doctor" Protagonist was terrifying. He''d brushed Eric off before, but now? He was spooked.


    "God, that''s disgusting!" Sera clapped her hands over her eyes, but her fingers parted just enough to peek. The more she saw, the grosser it got¡ªand the grosser it got, the more she couldn''t look away.


    Only when Eric Vaughn¡ªbike on shoulder, rear spewing yellow sludge¡ªvanished from sight did she slump back. "I''m not going back to the dorm."


    After that at the school gate, the whole place felt tainted. No¡ªit was tainted. The air reeked of crap, chasing off vendors with their crepe carts and grilled noodle stands. They bolted, terrified the stench would catch them. Making a buck was tough enough without dodging literal shit.


    Some swore off the east gate for good. Sure, business was decent, but no paycheck was worth a lunatic hosing the street with diarrhea¡ªin pants!


    Eric ran, a pack of students trailing at a safe distance, wary of the fecal fog. Near the gate, his numb backside spotted salvation: a subway entrance. He picked up speed, hands off his leaking rear, and charged in.


    "There''s gotta be a bathroom down there."


    Bike still hoisted, yellow soup trailing, he veered straight into the women''s restroom. His mess wasn''t a neat line¡ªit fanned out, a wide, grotesque arc across the tiles.


    Commuters fresh off the train froze as a bald guy rocketed past, spraying three or four meters with every step. Instant regret¡ªthey should''ve stayed on board.


    Eric was a star now, famous in a way no one dared copy.


    "How does he do that? Is his gut just a shit factory?"


    "Forget his gut¡ªhe''s crap incarnate."


    "city''s got a legend now. I''m visiting this summer."


    "What brand is that ass? Spraying like that and still holding up¡ªtop-tier quality."


    "This isn''t shitting¡ªit''s a damn biochemical cannon! Battlefield-grade poison."


    "Who wouldn''t freak out?"


    "What does he eat¡ªpure manure?"


    "I know this guy! Just earlier, he was pedaling that bike¡ªthe one on his shoulder¡ªchasing a car around the outer ring. Sparks flying, legs pumping like crazy. Did he rip his intestines biking that hard?"


    "Stop¡ªI''m eating!"


    Unbeknownst to Eric, he''d blown up online. Laxative and diet pill companies were already sniffing around, itching to slap his face on their ads.


    ¡­.


    Meanwhile, Riley''s phone buzzed with a hospital alert: her grandma''s critical condition notice.


    "How?"


    The moment she read it, her world caved in. "She''s stable for now, but it''s grim," the doctor said, clutching the chart.


    "The cancer''s spread everywhere. Even with a perfect surgery, she''s got three months tops¡ªand at her age, the odds are not positive. Prepare yourself."


    His eyes softened with pity. Everyone knew Riley¡ªstill in school, juggling jobs to fund her grandma''s liver cancer fight. Most would''ve quit by now. Late-stage liver cancer was a death sentence.


    "I¡­" Riley faltered, head down, her feet a blur beneath her. The hallway went eerily quiet.


    After a pause, the doctor sighed. "Treatment''s crazy expensive. We see your heart, kid, but I''d let it go. Three shaky months aren''t worth the cost¡ªespecially when you can''t pay it."


    Her grandma, widowed and childless, had only Riley left. Now her time was up.


    "Doctor, isn''t there anything else?" Her face drained white. It''d hit too fast¡ªshe hadn''t scraped together the cash.


    He met her pleading gaze, reluctant but firm. "Not with today''s medicine. No hospital in the world can fix this."


    "Wah¡ª" The words gutted her. She collapsed in the corridor, sobbing, shaking on the cold floor. Death had never felt so close. That old woman was her last family¡ªand now she was slipping away.


    "Maybe try traditional medicine," a timid voice piped up¡ªan intern lingering after the doctor left.


    Riley scrambled up, locking onto the pale girl. "Western meds failed¡ªtry some traditional herbs. Could be a chance," the intern mumbled.


    Yes. Traditional medicine.


    A lifeline sparked in Riley''s chest. Then it hit her¡ªa name she''d rather forget.


    Alex! sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The boss said he''s got a friend who can save Grandma. He promised¡ªhe''s got a way."


    Hope flickered back into her eyes.

 Chapter 176 - 176: Missed Calls

    While Riley drowned in despair over her grandma, Alex was tangled up with Sera, still rattled from Eric''s laxative fireworks. Her hair whipped wild, eyes sultry, hips swaying in a rhythm that held his full attention.


    Before the massive floor-to-ceiling window, the city glittered¡ªa sprawl of lights and hustling clawing for a living. Inside, the room stayed dark, neon glow seeping through the glass, casting jagged shadows across the floor. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a final tug, Alex felt the world dull, a strange clarity washing over him. Sera, ever obedient, dipped low¡ªshe wasn''t that clueless college girl anymore.


    "Still thinking about earlier?" Alex asked, voice flat.


    She was trying hard to please him, but he could tell her mind was elsewhere. He was an expert at reading that much.


    Sera''s face tightened, fighting off the nasty images in her head. She nodded. "Every time I think about letting that psycho near my grandpa, I want to¡­ slap myself."


    "Not your fault," Alex said, lifting a foot to hook under her soft chin, tilting her flushed face up to meet his gaze.


    To a Protagonist, a heroine like her was sacred¡ªuntouchable. They''d pull every trick to win her, then cradle her like glass. But Alex? He just wanted to feel good. Her feelings? If he was happy, she''d be happy.


    Sera knelt still, letting his foot rest on her smooth skin. "Didn''t he get locked up for killing someone? How''s he strutting around outside in the open after just three days?"


    ''Oh, sweetheart, you''ve got no clue how scary a Protagonist can be.'' Alex turned toward the bathroom. "Someone bailed him out. Just steer clear."


    Sera scrambled after him, ready to tend to his bath. These past days had tamed her well. Some say breaking a person takes months¡ªor a lifetime. Alex? One day did it. If that wasn''t enough, he''d keep at it.


    "Oh!" She nodded, bending to test the tub''s water, hips swaying as she hesitated. "Um¡­"


    She sighed, trailing off.


    "Spit it out," Alex snapped, brow creasing. He hated two kinds of people: those who stopped mid-sentence, and¡ªwell, the other didn''t need saying.


    Sera checked the temperature, then squeezed bath gel onto her hands, lathering him up. It was routine, nothing fancy. Her body twisted like a dancer''s ribbon¡ªyears of lessons from the Kleinbergs showing through¡ªpressing close as she worked. Friction made foam, and it did.


    "What about Logan and his family?" she asked.


    Alex glanced at her. "Feeling soft?"


    She shook her head, fumbling for words. "No, it''s just¡­ they''re with those thug types. What if they get heavy-handed and accidentally kill them? That''d be a shame."


    Her voice wavered. She''d wanted Logan to suffer, not die.


    "After all this time, Logan''s thrilled to know his niece still cares," Alex said, leaning back in the tub, savoring the rub. "Don''t worry¡ªyour wish, my command."


    Sera perked up, cheeks red, leaning close to his ear. "Alex, ever thought about taking the back way? I can open up just for you."


    Whoa¡ªwhere''d you pick that up? But a Sera''s needs? He couldn''t say no.


    One thing led to another, and it was a hell of a ride.


    ¡­.


    Morning hit at eight. Alex dragged himself from bed. Sera had a class, bolting out by seven in a cab. She''d asked him to drive her, but he''d waved her off.


    ''What am I, some lovesick hero? I''m just your average, sleazy villain.''


    After washing up, he grabbed his phone¡ªand froze. "Why so many missed calls?"


    He''d silenced it last night to avoid interruptions. Urgent stuff went to his other line. Less than ten people in the city had this number, and none would dare blow it up like this. They''d ping Waters first.


    Then it clicked. Last night''s system alerts:


    [The Heroine ''Riley'' is having a Mental breakdown. Congrats, you have earned 1000 Critical Points!]


    [The Heroine ''Riley'' is having a Mental breakdown. Congrats, you have earned 1000 Critical Points!]


    [The Heroine ''Riley'' is having a Mental breakdown. Congrats, you have earned 1000 Critical Points!]


    He''d been too busy with Sera''s "back" to care why the sweet, naive Riley was cracking. Probably her grandma''s liver cancer¡ªbig deal if she died. He didn''t give a damn. Like Sera''s grandpa¡ªdead was dead. If it sped up a heroine''s collapse, he''d even nudge it along.


    Chin in hand, he stood by the window. By his math, Riley''s grandma was due to tank any day now¡ªcancer spreading, death knocking.


    Last night''s flood of points meant it''d hit. In the original plot, the day after the hospital''s critical notice, Eric swooped in, saving the old lady and winning Riley''s heart.


    But now? That "Prodigy doctor" was a mess¡ªtoo busy crapping himself silly to chase skirts. Waters said Eric''s marathon runs had landed him in the hospital, wrecked.


    Staring at the rising sun, Alex grinned. A night of ignored calls, a cold hospital notice like death''s calling card¡ªRiley had to be drowning in despair. Over 60,000 Critical Points in one night? He could guess the rest.


    Even if Sera hadn''t offered up her "back" last night, Alex still wouldn''t have answered Riley''s calls. A heroine''s feelings? They didn''t hold a candle to Critical Points.


    Truth be told, he could barely picture Riley''s face anymore¡ªjust some scrawny, flat-chested girl fading from memory.


    ¡­.


    Rain started tapping the city by eight, a drizzle that swelled into a downpour by noon. Fierce winds drove sheets of water across the city, scouring the world clean. Above, thick clouds churned, split now and then by jagged lightning and rolling thunder.


    The city flickered¡ªbright, then dark.


    "Boom!"


    A bolt cracked the sky, bleaching the gloom-wrapped streets a stark white.


    Inside Reid Hospital, the corridors buzzed with nurses and doctors darting about. Ambulances rolled in from the storm or peeled out into it, their sirens swallowed by the roar outside.


    The June rain brought a chill, cutting through the usual muggy heat.


    In a corner of the ward''s hallway, a girl curled tight, knees to her chest. Exhaustion carved her face, her once-sparkling eyes dulled to shadows.


    The corridor stretched silent, broken only by thunderclaps and the hard plink of rain pelting the windows. She hugged her legs, burying her head deep between her knees.


    "Crack!"


    A thunderous roar jolted her awake. She lifted her tear-streaked face, eyes red and blurry, and stared at the phone on the floor.

 Chapter 177 - 177: Riley Desperation

    The screen glowed with call logs¡ªone number, over and over. All night, she''d dialed it, clinging to a shred of hope. Each time, the same cold wall: "The number you''ve reached is unavailable¡­"


    From hope to despair in a single night.


    "Grandma¡­" she whimpered, sobs shaking her small frame. Crying was all she had left.


    The hospital had issued the critical notice: today was the last chance for surgery. But surgery meant one hundred ten thousand six hundred eighty-seven dollars¡ªan amount of money Riley had never even seen in her life.


    And the one person who might help¡ªher "Sir"¡ªwas nowhere to be found.


    "Wah¡ªit''s all my fault," she sobbed. "If I hadn''t run away that next day, if I''d gone to work like normal, he wouldn''t be mad. He''d answer my calls."


    Staring at the endless list of unanswered calls, guilt swallowed her whole.


    After that night in the private room, Riley convinced herself she''d lost her innocence to Alex while drunk.


    The next day, hungover and ashamed, she''d bought pills from a clinic outside the hospital and quit her best-paying gig at bar. In her mind, his silence now was payback¡ªpunishment for dodging him after "that."


    "It''s my fault, Grandma. I messed up."


    Her cries echoed down the hall.


    "Ring-ring! Ring-ring!" Her phone buzzed in her grip. Dazed, she lifted her tear-streaked face, eyes red and swollen. The caller ID flashed, and she shot up from the icy corridor floor.


    "S-Sir?" She''d dialed that number all night. Seeing it call her back nearly broke her again. This was her lifeline¡ªthe only hope she had left.


    "S-Sir¡­" Her voice quaked.


    Shy by nature, she''d avoided him since that night, convinced they''d crossed a line. Hearing his voice now¡ªdreaded yet familiar¡ªsteadied her, even as a shy flush crept up her pale cheeks.


    "Who''s this?" The words from the other end hit like a punch. She crumpled back to a squat, hands trembling. He didn''t remember her! sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Despair clawed at her, mingled with a sting of hurt and disbelief. She''d given him her first time¡ªor so she thought¡ªand he''d wiped her from his mind that fast?


    No.


    Swallowing a sob, she wiped her eyes. "Sir, it''s Riley. Do you¡­ remember me?"


    "Oh! Riley, right. Of course I do. What''s up?"


    Relief washed over her. "Sir, you remember when I told you about my grandma''s illness? You said you had a way to save her. Now her condition''s gotten worse out of nowhere¡ªthe hospital gave her a critical notice."


    Just as I figured¡­ Alex''s tone stayed cool. "Yeah, I remember. My friend had a little mishap while goofing off, but he''s tough. It''s no big deal¡ªI''ll get him back ASAP."


    "Thank you, Sir! Thank you so much!" Riley gushed. Pure and trusting, she ate up every word, especially since she believed she''d already given herself to him.


    Hearing her gratitude, Alex almost didn''t know what to say. A gullible sweetie like Riley? Without that "heroine purity" shield, she''d have been chewed up and spat out ages ago.


    But if no one else is taking a bite, guess I''ll help myself.


    "Here''s the plan," he said. "Come to my place. We''ll talk about your grandma''s case." Sure, last night Sera''s back had worn him out for hours, but a good sleep had him fresh¡ªwaist loose, legs strong.


    "But¡­ Sir I can''t leave my Grandma," Riley whimpered. "She just stabilized¡ªshe needs someone here to take care of her." Her voice cracked, torn between her grandma''s side and his call.


    "Can''t make it?" Alex paused, then sighed. "Fine. Wait for me in the stairwell outside her ward. I''ll swing by to check on her."


    What could he do? She was still a tender, naive little thing.


    "Okay, Sir," Riley murmured, obedient as ever. She steadied herself against the wall, pushing open the heavy fire-escape door.


    She didn''t get why he''d told her to wait in the stairwell instead of the ward, but she didn''t ask. Alex had his reasons¡ªshe trusted that.


    The hospital''s stairwell doubled as an emergency exit. No one bothered with it¡ªeveryone took the elevators, even for one floor. The thick iron door clanged shut behind her with a dull thud, triggering the corner''s motion light. It flickered on, then off, plunging the space into dead silence and shadow.


    In the stillness, a sharp stomp echoed. The light buzzed back to life.


    ¡­.


    The hospital stairwell¡ªbuilt for emergencies¡ªsat behind heavy iron doors on every floor, a quiet, forgotten nook. Riley paced the landing, heart jittery with nerves and a flicker of hope.


    "Tap¡­ tap¡­ tap¡­"


    Footsteps approached. She froze, eyes locked on the closed door, breath catching in her throat.


    The door swung open, spilling bright light inside. She squinted, and there he was¡ªthe man who stirred her fear, longing, and faint memories all at once.


    Their gazes met, and she flinched like she''d been shocked, ducking her head. Her pale cheeks flared red, her breathing quick and shallow.


    "Sir, please¡ªsave my grandma!" She fumbled her slipping glasses, voice cracking as tears threatened again.


    She knew the gulf between them¡ªhim a titan, her a speck. And her grandma''s late-stage liver cancer? A monster, even one hundred ten thousand six hundred eighty-seven dollars, couldn''t slay¡ªa sum she couldn''t dream of touching. Facing Alex, words failed her. In a panic, she fell back on the rawest plea she knew.


    "Thud!" She dropped to her knees, teary eyes fixed on the figure above her, a pitiful little thing lost for options.


    "Click."


    Alex descended, step by deliberate step. The door slammed shut behind him, cutting off the light. In the dim, flickering glow of the motion sensor, he crouched before her, brushing a hand through her damp hair¡ªtears or sweat, he couldn''t tell.


    "The doctors briefed me on your grandma. Don''t worry. First, transfer her to my Reid Hospital. We''ve got liver cancer experts there¡ªthey''ll stabilize her. Once my friend''s back, I''ll have him to step in and save her."


    Why Reid Hospital? Because that doctor Protagonist was already there, locked in a ward.


    After concerned citizens reported him, the police planned to cart Eric Vaughn off to a psych ward.


    But no mental hospital in the city would take him¡ªterrified he''d turn their halls into a fecal warzone.


    Even the staff worried his pants-spraying antics would unhinge the other patients. Normal folks couldn''t stomach it¡ªimagine the mentally fragile?


    Public hospitals balked too, citing their duty to existing patients. Admitting a nutcase¡ªespecially one who''d painted the streets yellow¡ªwould spark a riot among families.


    In the end, only Reid Hospital stepped up, taking in the diarrhea-dazed Eric. The police even hung a banner, praising their "selfless sacrifice for the greater good."


    Of course, Reid Hospital only grabbed him to wait for Riley''s grandma to hit rock bottom like when she was at her end. No one trusted Eric''s "skills" anymore¡ªeveryone pegged him as a lying quack, even Eric himself half-doubting his own hype now. But Alex? He believed.


    If anyone could cure late-stage liver cancer, it was Eric¡ªor his master, holed up in the mountains with two old coots. And Eric was the only one in reach.


    Since waking from his coma at Reid Hospital, he''d been under tight watch and VIP care.

 Chapter 178 - 178: How Do You Want To Thank Me?!

    Since waking from his coma at Reid Hospital, he''d been under tight watch and VIP care.


    Mr. Waters had mentioned that the hospital''s proctology team was in a heated debate¡ªshould they slice off Eric Vaughn''s wrecked rear for science? Someone had to sacrifice for medical progress, right? If not Alex, if not you, then Eric it was.


    Like how can someone have this much problem, even a strong laxative medicine isn''t enough for that to be this big of a problem.


    Now with Alex.


    Alex''s voice carried a strange pull, almost hypnotic. As his words of moving her grandma to his private hospital sank in her mind, Riley''s dull, hopeless eyes sparked back to life, shining with pure, untainted trust.


    "Thank you, Sir! Thank you so much!" Her big, watery eyes blinked up at him. Still kneeling, she shuffled forward a step or two on her knees.


    "No need to thank me. You''re special to me," Alex said, rising to his feet.


    Riley froze, caught off guard.


    She hadn''t forgotten¡ªever since that blurry night in the bar''s private room, she''d been sure Alex had taken her first time.


    She''d even snuck out to buy pills the next day, swallowing them in secret. Now, his words hit her like a confession. Was he¡­ declaring something?


    Her simple, naive mind raced. Alex had it all¡ªmoney, looks, power. Her? Nothing. Well, except her body¡ªand he''d already claimed that, or so she thought. Her cheeks burned as she stood slowly, knees pink from the floor.


    The motion light blinked off. In that dark split second, the shy, self-conscious girl found a rare burst of courage. She stepped close, rose on tiptoes, and pecked his cheek¡ªsoft, quick. Then she darted back, retreating several steps.


    The light flared back on.


    Alex blinked, genuinely surprised, peering at the girl now huddled in the corner. Her hair was a mess, her head bowed, staring at her toes.


    Say what you will¡ªRiley''s pure-as-snow charm, paired with that shy, push-pull move, was a knockout punch to any man''s defenses. A protagonist might''ve paused, mindful of her feelings or the old lady next door. Not Alex. He thrived on crossing lines.


    "Riley, you look gorgeous today," he said, meaning it. No makeup, no fuss¡ªjust that impossibly innocent face, her best feature.


    He imagined smearing something white across it.


    The blunt praise flustered her. She ducked her head, heart pounding as he closed in. She wanted to back away, but the wall trapped her¡ªno escape.


    "Riley, thought about how to thank me?" He took her small, soft hands in his.


    Her ears went red, voice barely a whisper. "N-No¡­"


    "You''re the best gift I could ask for," he said, pulling her into a light embrace.


    She squirmed, pushing him off, breathless. "No¡­ not here. Grandma''s right next door in the ward. Someone¡­ someone might come."


    "I don''t mind," Alex replied, grinning wider. Her protest only stoked him.


    "Huh?" She lifted her dazed face, wide-eyed.


    He didn''t answer¡ªjust dipped his head closer.


    From then on, the stairwell''s motion light stayed on steady.


    Last time, her head had throbbed dully. This time? Nothing¡ªjust a numb haze.


    A protagonist might''ve booked a fancy hotel, taken it slow, eased her in. Alex, the villain? He didn''t do gentle. Half an hour later, as she fumbled into her clothes, Riley mumbled, head low, "Can you get some meds?"


    She hurt too much to move, let alone trek downstairs.


    "What meds?" Alex frowned, thrown.


    She paused mid-zip, ducking deeper. "Birth control! What if I get pregnant?"


    "Then have it. Your grandma would love it," Alex said, rubbing her stomach with a smirk.


    ''And Eric Vaughn? He''d flip.''


    Riley pursed her lips, still uneasy, but stayed quiet, dressing herself.


    "Let''s go¡ªtime to transfer your grandma," Alex said, smoothing his shirt. Sage mode on, he pushed the ward door open and stepped inside.


    ¡­.


    At Reid Hospital, in the proctology wing, Eric Vaughn had been upgraded from a basic room to a deluxe one. Two beds, a bathroom, a sofa, a TV¡ªthe works.


    He lay sprawled face-down, staring blankly out the window at a crisp blue sky. His face was ghostly, lips bloodless, looking like he was halfway to the grave.


    By his bed sat a rickety cane and a wheelchair¡ªhand-me-downs, worn to peeling by who-knows-how-many before him.


    The hospital offered new ones, but those came with a deposit Eric couldn''t cough up. Some janitor had scrounged these relics from God-knows-where instead.


    "Ugh!"


    "Damn it!"


    He looked like a broken man, itching to scream at the unfairness of it all¡ªbut he held back. One wrong yell, and his freshly stitched rear might rip again.


    The sky outside mocked him with its brightness. Kids'' cries drifted up from below, grating on his nerves.


    Me, the successor to my master¡ªleft hand healing, right hand killing, the carefree prodigy doctor¡ªreduced to this? A "prodigy doctor" stuck in a hospital bed. The irony stung. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Is it my fault? My healing? My poisons?" The anti-inflammatory drip kicked in, cooling his head.


    "My fault¡­?"


    Then he smirked, scoffing at himself. "No way it''s me. Me, screwed up? Please¡ªwhat a dumb thought." His grin widened, defiant. "I''m Eric Vaughn. I don''t owe anyone an explanation."


    He replayed his downfall since leaving the mountains. "That damn wind¡ªif it hadn''t blown, Alex would be the one flat on his face right now."


    "Why the hell was there wind?"


    It gnawed at him. When he''d pulled the powder from his waistband, the air was still¡ªdead calm. The second he flicked it, a gust swooped in. "Damn it, even the wind''s out to get me."


    He flexed his muscled arm, sizing up some imaginary foe.


    Eric turned away, ignoring the guy in the next bed. Ever since they''d moved him here, that meathead kept yapping at him.


    At first, Eric humored him¡ªboredom was boredom, and the guy wasn''t broke. Word was, he owned biggest gym. But now? It just pissed him off.


    "Freaking hell," Eric muttered, face darkening.


    Back in lockup, Eric had a dozen ways to deal with that creepy glasses guy. But now? He was a wreck¡ªtoo weak to walk, let alone fight.


    His poisons were stashed in his old clothes, long gone. All he had was a hospital gown¡ªand even the underwear was standard-issue patient gear.


    Mike, the muscle-bound guy in the next bed, just grinned when Eric ignored him, unfazed. "You don''t know me yet, huh? That''s fine. I bet you''ll need me soon enough. My club''s always open to you."


    He paused, wiping his mouth. "Looks like someone roughed you up bad. I don''t know who did it, but if you want payback, swing by my gym."


    Eric already knew the gym''s address from earlier chats. He''d also caught wind of Mike''s "mysterious club"¡ªsomething vague he''d been curious about back when he could still think straight.

 Chapter 179 - 179: Night Mission

    ''Freaking pervert.''


    Eric was mid-rant in his head, cursing Mike in hissix ways, when a soft, warm voice floated in from the hallway. It hooked him instantly¡ªsweet enough to turn heads just by sound alone.


    "Grandma, the doctors here are amazing. In a couple days, a really great one doctor is coming to treat you. You''ll get better, I promise."


    The girl''s voice was like honey¡ªsoft, sticky, the kind that stirred a primal urge to shield her. Eric had heard plenty of women speak, but this one hit differently, yanking his attention like Sera legs had once glued his eyes to her. Suddenly, he needed to see her¡ªsee the face behind that voice.


    He knew he shouldn''t move. Walking? Out of the question. One big step could rip his stitched-up rear wide open. But the itch in his chest wouldn''t quit¡ªlike a swarm of ants crawling under his skin.


    ''Maybe it''s fate.'' Gritting his teeth, he hauled himself up, ignoring the searing pain. One hand clutched the urine and waste bags, the other gripped the peeling cane. He hobbled to the door, slow and shaky.


    Mike, sprawled on the next bed, gawked. He rubbed his eyes, unbelieving, as Eric¡ªgauze-wrapped and bleeding¡ªdragged himself to the threshold.


    ''Holy hell.''


    At that moment, Mike''s resolve hardened. This guy''s mine¡ªI''m locking him down for the club. He swallowed hard, eyes gleaming.


    At the door, Eric peered through the glass and froze. Pain racked his body, but his heart felt light.


    In the hall, a girl trailed a gaggle of doctors, her eyes fixed on an old woman being wheeled along.


    "Grandma, Grandma," she kept saying, voice tender. Eric sized up the old lady in seconds, late-stage liver cancer, days from the end. How he did it no one knows¡­ but he did it. Her face already wore death''s shadow. Without him, she was toast.


    ''Those foreign doctors are Useless. They''d just prolong her misery, not cure her.''


    But after a quick glance at the girl grandma, his gaze locked on the girl¡ªand wouldn''t budge. He''d scoffed at destiny before, until Sera¡­ no, until her. Now he believed.


    She was pure¡ªuntainted. Plain clothes, no makeup, a world apart from Sera''s polished shine. Simple, raw, and real.


    This girl¡ªlike Sera¡ªwas his fated match.


    Eric Vaughn stared, already naming their future kids in his head. She trailed the doctors down the hall, shrinking into the distance. Only when she vanished from sight did he snap out of it, shoving the door open¡ªtoo late. She was gone.


    A nurse passed by just then. Eric grabbed her arm. "That girl¡ªthe old lady with her¡ªwhere''s their room?"


    The nurse yanked at her sleeve, eyeing him. Up close, he was a mess: plain face, reeking of something foul, clutching urine and waste bags.


    She nearly gagged. Eric hadn''t bathed since leaving the mountains¡ªhadn''t even washed his hair¡ªand those bags didn''t help. If she weren''t a trained pro, she''d have bolted, screaming "Freak!"


    "Twelfth floor, A8," she muttered, then hurried off without a glance.


    "Twelfth floor, huh?" Eric nodded, memorizing it. As long as they were in the hospital, he''d find her.


    But saving the old lady? Not a chance. He wanted the girl, not some tube-riddled granny. She looked poor¡ªplain clothes, no frills.


    If he cured the old bat, who''d foot the bill? Him? Get real. Sera''s grandpa was worth it¡ªbig family, big money. This girl? No backing, no payoff.


    He turned back toward his room when two nurses strolled by, chatting.


    "That girl''s so pitiful. Just her and her grandma, and now the old lady''s got liver cancer."


    "Yeah, late-stage. Few Days left, tops."


    "I heard she''s desperate¡ªready to sell herself to cover the surgery."


    "Sell herself? In this day and age?"


    "You know, find a rich guy to bankroll her. Whoever pays, she''s his."


    "Poor thing. If only some mystery savior stepped up."


    "Right? It''s the perfect chance to win her over. Picture a young, hot doctor swooping in, secretly curing her grandma¡ªbut he''s gotta stay low-key. No hints or anything ''til it''s done." sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Why?"


    "Duh¡ªsurprise! She''s drowning in despair, then bam, some mystery doctor goes, ''I fixed your grandma.'' If you were her, what''d you do?"


    "I''d be floored¡ªmarry him on the spot. Even if he chased other girls later, I wouldn''t care."


    The nurses faded down the hall.


    Eric couldn''t stop the grin splitting his face.


    Yes! They nailed it¡ªwhy hadn''t he thought of that? A lightbulb popped in his head. ''That''s how you snag a girl.'' Lesson learned.


    He buzzed with excitement. Just as he''d guessed: a tragic backstory, clinging to her grandma. Follow the nurses'' playbook, and her heart was his. Losing Sera had gutted him¡ªhe wasn''t letting this one slip.


    ¡­.


    9:02 p.m.


    Eric Vaughn waited until the night-shift nurse finished her rounds, then slipped off the bed, quiet as a shadow. The cane clacked too loud¡ªhe ditched it, opting to grit his teeth through the ripping pain in his stitched-up rear with every step.


    Holding his urine and waste bags, he shot a glance at Mike, snoring like a freight train. He fingered a silver needle, then tucked it away.


    "I''ll spare you¡ªfor now. If I weren''t saving my strength to heal my future girlfriend grandma, tonight would have been your little boy last stand."


    He didn''t know her name, but that didn''t stop him from claiming her as his¡ªuntouchable, off-limits.


    Sure, walking tore at his wounds, but it didn''t slow his agility. He''d spent the afternoon mapping the building¡ªcamera blind spots, nurse patrol routes.


    Once the night shift checked his room, dodging the surveillance was cake. Tricky, sure, but not for a guy trained by a world-class assassin master.


    The cameras here? Full of holes in his eyes. The only snag was the elevator¡ªmonitored straight-on. Stairs, though? Clear. He was on the second floor¡ªjust ten flights to climb. No sweat.


    Say what you will, the protagonist''s endurance was unreal. Bags in hand, each step a stab to his backside, Eric climbed from two to twelve. By the time he stumbled out of the stairwell, his bandaged rear was a soaked, crimson mess.


    The stitches had popped again.


    He hissed, wincing, teeth bared, leaning on the wall as he shuffled to Room A8. Peering through the glass, he frowned. "No nurses? No girl?"


    Something was off¡ªno caregivers at all.


    Then it clicked¡ªthose daytime nurses'' words: Pitiful, scraping by, ready to sell herself for surgery cash. Of course! No money for surgery meant no cash for aides or helpers.


    Sweat beaded on his forehead, pain pulsing, but he brushed it off. "She''s not here¡ªprobably working some job." Feeding herself, her grandma, scrambling for treatment money.


    ''She must be exhausted.'' Picturing her pure, unblemished face from earlier, his lips curled into a wide, goofy grin.

 Chapter 180 - 180: Tricked

    Eric imagined it clearly: the girl, Riley, sobbing gratefully as she collapsed into his embrace. ''So innocent, so pure...Holding her close would feel incredible.''


    It was an easy decision to make.


    An empty room was perfect. No witnesses, no need to hide. He could finally focus entirely on the treatment... Eric eased the door open and carefully shuffled inside.


    He forced himself to take small steps, wincing. He could feel the tell-tale dampness spreading beneath his pants, his stitches must have ripped open again. ''Thank God for the thick gauze,'' he thought grimly, ''or I''d be leaving a trail of blood.''


    His eyes swept the room, searching for hidden cameras or listening devices before he allowed himself to relax even slightly.


    Past failures had left him jumpy, almost paranoid. Now, before helping anyone, he instinctively scanned for annoyance pr threatgs. He still couldn''t shake the unnerving feeling of being watched.


    He eased himself closer to the bed. Standing was agony, but sitting was impossible with his injury. Carefully, he reached out and took the old woman''s wrist in his hand, feeling for her pulse.


    He drew a sharp breath through his teeth. "Damn... lucky to be breathing," he muttered. "Just these needles won''t be enough. She needs herbs, and that too potent ones, to really pull through."


    His gaze landed on the bedside table, a fresh pen, a blank sheet of paper. "Right, the prescription," he murmured. "Riley seemed sharp. She''ll know how to handle this."


    Fetching the herbs himself, brewing them, delivering the medicine, that would be ideal. But he was broke. And even if he had cash, no regular pharmacy would sell the... specialized ingredients he required.


    He quickly scratched out the formula, tucking the paper under a water cup. Then, bracing himself, he began the intricate, demanding work with his needles, his so-called method.


    Half an hour crawled by. Finally, Eric placed the last needle and let out a shaky, exhausted breath, sweat dripping down his temples.


    It was only thirty minutes, just one sequence of the technique, but the intense focus had drained him. Standing perfectly still had been torture, every tiny shift threatening to rip his wound wide open.


    He leaned in, fingers finding her wrist again. The pulse beneath his touch was stronger, steadier. This one treatment, he knew, had likely bought the old woman another year, maybe more.


    A wave of fierce relief washed over him. ''It had worked.'' After so many failures since leaving the mountain, failures that had chipped away at his nerve, he''d finally succeeded.


    ''Yes!'' The legendary prodigy doctor, he, was back in business and confidence!


    "Your grandma''s safe now, Riley," he thought, a cocky grin spreading across his face. "Soon you''ll be thanking your hero properly..." The grin turned into a sharp wince as the movement sent agony lancing through his injured backside. "Gah, damn it!"


    He froze, teeth clenched, waiting minutes for the throbbing pain to subside just enough to move.


    Then, ever so slowly, he shuffled out.


    In the dim hallway, facing the dark stairwell, he felt the fresh, warm wetness seeping through his pants again. Humiliation and pain burned in his chest.


    Just as Eric painfully navigated the stairs down to the sixth floor, the old woman''s door swung open again. A man stepped inside. With his neat suit and gleaming gold-rimmed glasses, he looked smooth, sharp.


    He moved quietly to the bedside. He noted the improved color in the old woman''s face, healthier, less frail than before. The oppressive feeling of sickness in the room seemed to have lessened considerably.


    His eyes fell on the paper tucked under the water cup. He picked it up. A hurried scrawl covered the page, completely unreadable. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    Later...


    "A prescription, you say?" Alex listened to the report over the phone, one hand steady on the car steering wheel. He glanced towards the bright lights of the university library as he spoke, then ended the call and immediately texted Riley.


    His message was brief: "Which dorm building?"


    Riley had just walked into her dorm room after a long shift. She stared at the phone, her heart jumping. Behind the familiar large glasses, her eyes widened in surprise, then panic.


    ''He wants to come here? Now?'' She looked out at the dark campus, then shook her head with a small, nervous laugh. ''No way. Impossible.''


    Another message popped up almost instantly: "Quick. Downstairs now. Got you something. Lots of your classmates around."


    ''He was really here? Right downstairs?'' Riley''s mind raced. She felt trapped, she couldn''t possibly refuse him, could she? He wouldn''t take no for an answer, not him.


    Heat rushed to her face, her pulse hammering in her ears. Taking a shaky breath, she typed out her dorm number and hit send.


    She had no idea Alex was actually still wandering near the university library, cynically soaking up the ''scholarly atmosphere''. Only after her message arrived did he retrieve a shopping bag from his car and start heading casually towards her dorm.


    Thankfully, Riley''s dorm building was on the opposite side of campus from Sera''s, minimizing the risk of an accidental encounter between those two.


    Not that Alex feared confrontation. That kind of messy, emotional drama was for the heroes, the protagonists.


    He was the villain, complications were dealt with, not wallowed in, especially when relationships, for him, were purely physical transactions.


    Alex was more concerned that Riley wasn''t quite... ready yet for emotional things. Sera was mostly there, but Riley still needed work.


    Now wasn''t the best time for them to know about each other... No, more accurately, it wasn''t the right time for Riley to know about Sera.


    At the very least, he had to mold her into the kind of person he wanted first. He didn''t understand relationship drama, but he knew a thing or two about handling two women at once.


    It was nearly ten at night. The campus was quiet, with only a few students around, mostly those heading back from late-night studying in the library, or couples returning after finding some privacy in grassy areas or little groves.


    There weren''t many students on the paths, but the lights were still on. When he arrived downstairs at the dorm, the dorm supervisor walked him into the girls'' building.


    Female students passing by looked surprised to see a man there, but they only glanced briefly. It wasn''t unheard of for male Supervisor to check girls'' dorms, and it was around nine o''clock, the usual time for checks.


    Still, they''d never seen such a handsome Supervisor at the school before! The dorm supervisor went back downstairs after he reached the right floor.

 Chapter 181 - 181: A Dress

    The moment Alex got to room 305, the door flew open. Riley instantly pulled him inside, quickly shut the door, and locked it.


    Her chest rose and fell rapidly; she was clearly very nervous.


    "You weren''t just watching me from the window the whole time, were you?" Alex chuckled as he looked around Riley''s room. Its decorating style was completely different from Sera''s.


    Riley pouted but didn''t say anything, because he was right. That''s exactly what she had been doing.


    She had even been thinking earlier that maybe the dorm supervisor would stop him, and then he might leave.


    But things didn''t go as planned. Not only did the supervisor not stopped him, she practically ran out to greet him from afar.


    ''Supervisor, you''re not like this when I bring takeout back¡­'' Riley felt both shy and scared. She watched as Alex showed no sign of nervousness about being in a girl''s dorm. Instead, he casually walked around like he owned the place, found a stool, and sat down.


    He made himself completely at home.


    Following Alex''s gaze after he sat down, Riley''s face instantly turned bright red. She hurried over to block his view, saying defensively, "Don''t look."


    ''It''s not like I haven''t seen them before. I''m the one who took that white one off you¡­'' Alex thought, remembering how different the two girls'' underwear styles and colors were. He shifted his gaze to look at her instead.


    Riley was wearing modest pajamas in the dorm, a pink and white short-sleeved top with matching shorts, the complete opposite of Sera''s black lace camisole.


    "I bought you a shirt and some pants. Try them on now, see if they fit," Alex said, pointing to the shopping bag on the floor.


    Riley didn''t move. A very complicated look crossed her face. "I don''t want them."


    Alex raised an eyebrow.


    Riley lowered her head and explained, "You didn''t even charge me for Grandma''s hospital stay, and hiring that foreign doctor must have cost so much money. I can never pay you back in my lifetime. How can I accept gifts from you too?"


    She remembered clearly how Alex had said hiring the doctor would cost lots of money. She had never even seen that much money together in her life; she couldn''t imagine what a huge amount it was.


    "Do you want them or not?" Alex asked again, but this time his tone was clearly unhappy.


    Riley bit her lower lip and stayed silent for a long time. She really wanted to say "I don''t want them," but for some reason, she couldn''t bring herself to say the words.


    It wasn''t about being materialistic. Plenty of rich guys at school chased after her, and countless were willing to spend money on her, but she had turned them all down.


    Riley didn''t care about money; she was the kind of girl who would happily share simple food with someone and still smile.


    But her feelings about Alex were very complicated.


    This man had not only taken her first time, but also her second. Her grandmother''s life was basically in his hands. And now he was buying her things, making her feel almost like he was keeping her.


    If asked what she felt for Alex, Riley couldn''t say for sure. Maybe it was liking him, maybe it was gratitude.


    Finally, Riley nodded. She picked up the shopping bag, went out onto the balcony, and closed the balcony door behind her.


    After quite a while, she came back out, wearing the new clothes.


    A full-length mirror stood on the balcony, catching the light. After Riley changed, she found herself rooted in front of it, staring. Minutes stretched on.


    The longer she looked at the stranger in the reflection wearing those clothes, the hotter her face burned. A powerful urge surged through her, just rip them off, hide them away, put her old comfortable self back on.


    And yet, somehow, she didn''t. She walked back inside, towards Alex, wearing the outfit he''d chosen for her. Clothes practically engineered to make heads turn, the kind that drew eyes exactly where she didn''t want them.


    The white shirt was loose, flowing in a way that, strangely, seemed to highlight the youthfulness of her face rather than clash with it. It only had three buttons, clustered low near her waist.


    When she''d first slipped it on, seeing the expanse of bare skin above them, her immediate thought was that Alex must have sneakily removed the upper ones.


    But she checked, smoothed the fabric, searched for missing threads or empty buttonholes, and found nothing. It was just¡­ made that way. A white shirt intentionally designed to leave her chest almost completely bare. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Beneath it, the black shorts were shockingly short, barely offering more coverage than her actual underwear. She felt exposed, vulnerable.


    She''d also traded her familiar, thick black glasses for a pair of thin, silver-framed ones. Her hair, usually pulled back severely, was now tied loosely, letting soft strands escape to brush against her forehead and the delicate frames.


    Combined with her naturally innocent eyes, the effect was startling. The shy, sweet girl was replaced by someone cooler, more distant, beautiful in a way that felt both sharp and fragile.


    But her lips remained pressed into a thin, tight line.


    The blush staining her cheeks screamed shyness, yet it couldn''t entirely mask the troubled seriousness hardening her gaze.


    "Very nice," Alex said, his voice smooth with approval. "See? I told you I have good taste." His eyes swept over her, making it impossible to tell if he meant the clothes, or the girl wearing them.


    Then, his expression shifted deliberately. The smile vanished, replaced by a carefully constructed frown. His tone cooled. "What''s this? I give you a gift, and you look like you''re facing a firing squad?"


    Riley flinched slightly at his tone. Her mouth opened as if to protest, or explain, but no sound came out. She looked down.


    Alex pushed himself up from the stool he''d been perched on. He closed the small distance between them and gently took both of her hands in his.


    Leading her back towards him, he sat down again, pulling her down so she ended up settling somewhat awkwardly on his lap.


    He let out a long, deliberate sigh, loud enough to be unmissable. Predictably, her head snapped up, her worried eyes meeting his.


    Still holding her hands, Alex sighed again, even deeper this time, his gaze full of practiced sympathy. "Riley," he began, his voice soft now, understanding.


    "I know how incredibly hard things have been for you. All those years, studying, taking care of your grandma¡­ it was too much for anyone. But listen," he squeezed her hands gently, "I''m here now. I will take care of you. You can finally, finally relax."


    The words were like a balm, warm and soothing.


    And incredibly effective. He still had her working shifts down at his club,, though he''d moved her from the front floor to the relative anonymity of the back storeroom. When it came to playing people''s emotions, Alex was a master.


    There, settled on his lap inside the room, listening to his comforting promises, Riley felt the knot of anxiety in her chest loosen.


    Truthfully, the moment he''d stood up, closed the distance, and taken her hands, that prickly feeling of being bought, of being kept, had already started to fade. Now, wrapped in his words, it vanished entirely, replaced by a fragile sense of¡­ security.

 Chapter 182 - 182: Messages

    Still looking down, Riley twisted her hands nervously.


    "But... are these... normal clothes?" she stammered.


    ''Seriously, what kind of normal shirt is missing buttons on the top? And these shorts are barely longer than underwear!''


    "Of course, they''re normal clothes," Alex insisted, his face perfectly straight, pulling the lie out of thin air without a hint of shame. "They were designed and made, right? That means they''re meant for people to wear."


    Riley glanced down again at the two obvious black curves visible through the thin shirt. She looked up at him, biting her lip. "Are you sure?"


    "Still doubting me?" Alex gently pressed her shoulders, making her lean forward slightly. Then, smack! He gave her surprisingly firm backside a light, playful tap. It held no real force.


    Sera could certainly tell you the difference. The night he''d had his way with her, the sharp smack, smack, smack sounds against her skin had echoed clearly through the entire room.


    Riley clamped her lips shut and wriggled free from his hold. Awkwardly, she pushed herself to her feet. "I''ll... I''ll get you a drink of water."


    ''This is a women''s dormitory!'' she thought frantically. He''d only been here a few minutes and was already all over her. Yet, she felt powerless to make him leave.


    He was her boss. The one who signed her paychecks.


    More importantly, her grandmother''s life was in his hands. He''d managed the hospital fees, spent his own fortune to fly in a specialist doctor from overseas for her grandma, and now he''d even brought her a gift.


    Okay, so the gift was... questionable. Definitely questionable.


    But he did bring it. She couldn''t just thank him and show him the door five seconds later! ''Think, Riley, where are your manners? You can''t do that!''


    "Okay," Alex replied easily. He actually was feeling a bit thirsty. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Just wait here, I''ll get it."


    He leaned back comfortably in the chair, watching her search frantically across her desk. After a moment, realizing she didn''t have a spare cup, she picked up the one she always used.


    She carried it over to the small sink on the balcony, rinsed it out thoroughly under the tap several times, and then filled it with clean water from the dispenser.


    When she brought the clear glass back, filled to the brim, that rascal Alex didn''t immediately reach for it. Instead, a teasing grin spread across his face. "Ah, is this your personal cup?"


    Riley looked down at the glass in her hand, then back at him. Her cheeks flushed as she lowered her head and mumbled, "I don''t have any others. This is the only one."


    Only then did Alex take the cup. He drank the water down in a few quick gulps. Gulp, gulp, gulp.


    Setting the empty glass aside, his eyes immediately locked onto her smooth, pale legs. Before she could react, he reached out and pulled her right back onto his lap.


    Riley squirmed instinctively, trying to push away, but she was no match for his strength. Terrified of making noise that might carry to the next room, she quickly stopped struggling, her body tense.


    Feeling the warmth of his thigh beneath her, the blush that started on her cheeks spread all the way down her neck. She stared fixedly at the floor and whispered, the words barely audible, "It''s getting... really late now. My... my roommates might be back any minute."


    As if on cue, the phone she''d left on the desk vibrated twice.


    She shifted, trying to lean forward and grab it.


    But pinned on his lap, with his arm firmly around her waist, she couldn''t properly stand. She ended up in an awkward half-crouch, stretching unsteadily towards the desk.


    Alex was sitting with his back to the desk. As she leaned forward, straining to reach the phone, the loose, half-open white shirt fell forward, completely covering his face.


    He blinked, finding himself staring into soft darkness. The only sensation was a yielding softness pressed right against the tip of his nose. He couldn''t see a thing.


    Almost involuntarily, Alex nudged his nose slightly against the fabric. It felt incredibly smooth, and he caught a faint, sweet, almost milky scent.


    Riley must have felt the unexpected pressure against her chest. Snatching her phone, she quickly dropped back onto his lap, startled by a sudden hard pressure poking against her rear.


    Noticing her attempt to pretend nothing unusual had just happened, Alex decided not to mention it either.


    ''Just a little brush with the nose,'' he thought dismissively. ''It''s not like that time in the hospital stairwell when I got a whole faceful.''


    Riley quickly unlocked her phone. There were new messages from all three of her roommates.


    They were all voice messages.


    She tapped the first one, carefully lowering the phone''s volume first. But this particular roommate hailed from the northern provinces, blessed with a naturally booming voice.


    "Riley! Hey! Just letting you know I won''t be back tonight! If anyone does room checks, just make something up for me, okay? Love you, mean it, mwah!"


    ''Not coming back tonight!'' Riley''s heart skipped a beat as she quickly tapped on the next roommate''s message.


    The second voice message began:


    "Riley, you won''t believe this! Some scalper contacted me saying he had tickets for my idol''s concert! I totally thought it was a scam, but I scanned the QR code, and they''re LEGIT! And get this ¨C the scalper must be an idiot because he didn''t jack up the price at all! Sold them to me for face value! Anyway, gotta run, my train''s about to leave. So yeah, won''t be back tonight either! Love ya, mwah!"


    Listening, Riley''s brow tightened into a knot.


    Okay, if she still didn''t get what was happening, she''d have to be denser than rock. She might be naive, but she wasn''t stupid.


    With a sinking feeling in her stomach, she tapped play on the final roommate''s message.


    "Riley! My boyfriend somehow won two tickets for a two-day getaway at that super fancy resort villa in the City! Amazing, right? So, obviously, I can''t make it back to the dorm tonight. Love you lots, mwah!"

 Chapter 183 - 183: Hidden Thoughts

    Yep. Just as she''d suspected. The last roommate was conveniently out too.


    Silence stretched in the room as the minutes crawled by. Ten twenty-five. Riley stared at her lap.


    "The dorms... they lock the main doors really soon," she murmured. It was the gentlest possible way to say, You need to leave. Any later, and he''d be trapped inside. University locked the dorms promptly at 10:30 PM.


    "Mm-hmm," was his only response.


    "Mm-hmm?" That noncommittal sound sent a fresh wave of panic through Riley''s already frantic heart.


    ''Wait... is he actually planning... to spend the night? Here? In my room? No. No way. That''s crazy! Why on earth would the boss stay¡­''


    But then the voices from the messages replayed in her head, all three roommates, gone for the night, their sudden, perfect excuses lining up flawlessly.


    Arranging all three absences at once? Magically fulfilling their biggest wishes right now? Who else had the power and resources to pull that off except the man in front of her?


    And if he''d gone to that much trouble to clear the room... Why would he just leave now?


    ''But still¡­ No, no, no, absolutely NO! It can''t happen! Her classmates were right here!'' The rooms next door, the one directly across the hall, girls from her own major lived there!


    This felt like playing with fire in the most dangerous, forbidden territory imaginable.


    Alex turned his head, studying her for a moment.


    Then, a slow dawning expression spread across his face, exaggeratedly understanding. "Ooooh," he drew out the sound. "Right. Got it. You''re trying to get rid of me."


    "No! That''s not..." Riley stammered, flushing. What could she even say? Because, deep down, that was exactly what she''d meant.


    This was the girls'' dormitory! If the big boss actually stayed... well, even a child could guess what might happen next.


    She wasn''t that clueless girl anymore, completely unaware of the world. Ever since that day in the stairwell, she''d frantically devoured information online back in the safety of her dorm.


    Following suggestions from forums, she''d even found and read a few... specific kinds of novels.


    Titles like "The Billionaire''s Reluctant Secretary," "Forbidden Lessons: The Professor''s Desire," and "Power Plays: When the Boss Wants More Than Business."


    Reading them made her face burn and her heart race. She only dared do it late at night, curtains drawn tight around her bed, huddled under the blankets in secret.


    And inevitably, as she read, her mind would cast the big boss and herself in the starring roles.


    Disturbingly, the situation right now felt ripped straight from the pages of "Forbidden Lessons: The Professor''s Desire".


    The setting: a girl''s dorm room. The time: late, past ten. The roommates: conveniently missing. The only difference was the ''teacher'' was her ''boss''.


    She could even picture the chapter title clearly in her mind: Night in the Girls'' Dorm.


    ¡­.


    The scenes from the novel swirled violently in Riley''s head, churning her already frayed nerves into a frenzy.


    "Alright, fine. I''m going," Alex said abruptly. He stood up smoothly and headed for the door, hand reaching for the lock again.


    He moved with such casual finality it shocked a cold sweat out of Riley. "Wait!" she cried, scrambling forward in panic. She threw herself between him and the door, physically blocking his path just as he started to pull it open.


    The door swung shut again with a soft click as she slammed her body against it.


    With both hands pushing against his chest to hold him back, she had to awkwardly use her hip to nudge the door fully closed.


    Alex looked down at her, his expression perfectly innocent. "Problem?" he asked, knowing full well what the problem was.


    "People are out there! Classmates!" Riley whispered frantically, her voice trembling with residual fear. "You can''t just walk out now! It''s too dangerous!"


    Just outside in the corridor, someone was still jumping rope. The steady, rhythmic thwack... thwack... thwack of the rope hitting the hard floor echoed clearly. They''d been out there for ages.


    Even worse, Riley knew the girl in the room directly opposite hers ¨C someone in her actual class ¨C often left her door propped open.


    Riley had risked a glance when the boss first arrived; the door was closed then, meaning the girl wasn''t home.


    But who knew if she''d come back since? She could be back right now, door wide open, ready to see everything.


    It wasn''t that people were glued to her dorm room window, but a guy strolling out after lingering too long? That''d definitely turn heads. This was a girls'' dorm, after all¡ªno boys allowed, especially not past curfew.


    If he had to leave, he should''ve been smart about it. She could peek outside first, make sure no one was around, and then he could sneak out, maybe throw on a hoodie or something to blend in. But no¡ªhe wasn''t even trying to hide. It was like he wanted to get caught.


    "You''re scared your classmates will find out I was here, huh?" Alex said, his voice low and teasing. He gazed down at Riley''s wide, innocent eyes and stepped closer, nudging her gently back.


    Her hips had been grazing the door, but now she was pinned against it, the cool wood pressing into her spine.


    "You¡ª" she started, but his lips crashed into hers before she could get the words out. This wasn''t their first stolen moment¡ªlast time, it was the shadowy hospital stairwell, a thrill wrapped in silence.


    Now, it was her dorm, with students laughing and shuffling just beyond the door. The risk felt electric. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Unlike the eerie quiet of the stairwell, where every whisper bounced off the walls, here the chatter outside muffled their secret, the closed door a thin shield against the world.


    Riley pushed against him, her palms flat on his chest, but Alex wasn''t having it. His hands found her waist, pulling her in tight until their bodies locked together, the heat between them sparking.


    She shoved a little harder, but his kiss deepened, insistent, and soon her resistance faded. Her fingers, once fighting, curled into his shirt, clinging like she didn''t want to let go.

 Chapter 184 - 184: The Quiet Game

    Riley shoved a little harder, but his kiss deepened, insistent, and soon her resistance faded. Her fingers, once fighting, curled into his shirt, clinging like she didn''t want to let go.


    They kissed for what felt like forever¡ªthree minutes at least. When they finally broke apart, Alex glanced down, smirking at her small hands still tangled in his shirt. Riley caught his look and yanked them back, flustered.


    "You were holding on pretty tight," he teased, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Sure you want me to leave?"


    Her cheeks, already flushed, burned hotter under his stare. She nibbled her lip nervously, the soft pink tempting him all over again.


    "You¡­ you have to go," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper. Her head dipped, avoiding his gaze as his warm breath grazed her forehead, sending a shiver through her. "This is a girls'' dorm. You can''t stay."


    The air between them thickened, heavy with tension.


    "Oh, really?" Alex tilted his head, pretending to mull it over, then flashed a sly grin. "How about one last kiss goodbye then?"


    Before she could protest, he leaned in again, scooping her up in one smooth motion and setting her on the desk beneath her bunk. Her skirt swished slightly¡ªfunny how the right outfit could make everything move faster.


    When he said he''d leave, a tiny pang of sadness tugged at Riley, though she couldn''t quite place why. But as his lips met hers again, that feeling softened, and she melted into him. Her arms slid around his neck without her even noticing, pulling him closer.


    Three minutes later, they parted. Alex studied her¡ªher face was a deep red now, the flush creeping up to her ears. "You held on again," he said, his voice playful. "Still want me gone?" S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You¡­ you have to," she whispered, firmer this time. It was her line in the sand, and she wouldn''t budge.


    But there she sat, perched on the desk, the cool wood doing nothing to tame the heat racing across her skin. Behind her silver glasses, her eyes glistened, brimming with something unspoken, like tears might spill if she blinked too hard.


    "Alright, I won''t stay the night," Alex said with a nod, his tone casual.


    His hands, though, told a different story¡ªsliding over her like he had no plans to leave anytime soon.


    Riley felt stuck, caught between pushing him away and giving in. Her eyes fluttered shut, and flashes of a romance novel she''d read danced through her mind, vivid as a movie reel.


    Somehow, they stumbled onto the balcony. It made sense¡ªthe dorm was stuffy, even with the AC buzzing, and summer''s warmth was sneaking in. Out here, a cool breeze swept through, brushing her hair back.


    The campus stretched out below, hushed and still. No one wandered the paths¡ªjust the streetlights standing guard, their golden glow pooling on the ground like silent sentinels.


    As things heated up, Riley stopped fighting it. She went along, caught in the moment, though her lips stayed locked tight¡ªjust like in the stairwell. No words, no sounds, only the occasional soft hum slipping out, too quiet to stop.


    Still, every now and then, a tiny noise escaped her throat¡ªfaint, fragile, and impossible to hold back.


    The very air in the room felt thick with tension. It felt like any stifled cry could tear loose the deepest feelings hidden inside her heart or body.


    Riley desperately tried to stay silent, playing the part of a mute, but Alex had no intention of making it easy for her.


    ''So, you couldn''t manage it in the hospital stairwell... he thought. Did you really think changing places would make a difference?''


    ''Think your own dorm room gives you the upper hand?''


    ''You want to play quiet game? Let''s see how long you last this time... if you''ve learned anything.''


    From the balcony to the small room itself ¨C it wasn''t a large space, but for Alex, it held endless possibilities.


    Every move Alex made, every subtle shift in the sounds escaping the ''quiet play,'' was instant feedback. He knew immediately how well he was doing, whether the angle was right, what needed changing.


    It was a strangely fascinating dynamic.


    Slowly, she transformed. The complete silence of the ''little mute'' gave way to choked, broken sounds. Then, even those softened into faint whispers.


    Alex heard it all, registering the feedback. ''Yes,'' he thought. ''He was definitely getting better at this.''


    ¡­.


    Normally, the dorm room held the usual clutter of college girls, a lot of stuff everywhere. Being their private space, underwear and some surprisingly daring clothes might be casually draped over furniture.


    But the moment Alex called saying he was downstairs, Riley had scrambled to tidy up, quickly hiding away any personal items, hers or her roommates, that shouldn''t be seen.


    Stepping inside, Alex noticed the room smelled pleasant, a soft, distinctly feminine fragrance.


    Maybe it was true that people gravitated towards those like them, because Riley''s three roommates were nothing like Sera''s.


    Sera''s room always had desks overflowing with makeup and designer clothes hanging openly. The air itself was heavy with the clashing scents of expensive perfumes.


    Riley''s dorm, however, was different. Her desk, like her roommates'', was clean and organized. Some makeup, yes, but nowhere near the same amount.


    This neatness, ironically, gave Alex more room to maneuver, to explore certain positions without obstruction.


    Beyond their door, the corridor echoed with the loud chatter and laughter of other students just hanging out, completely oblivious.


    It only made things more interesting, dialing up the intensity of the forbidden atmosphere.


    Riley, reduced now to soft, pleading whispers, found it harder and harder to endure. Her cheeks were flushed crimson, sweat beaded on her forehead.


    The expensive white shirt he''d gifted her, the one with the daringly low neckline, l was long gone, tossed aside carelessly.


    Alexs'' gift might be missing, but Riley wasn''t worried about it. He gave it, and he took it off. Simple as that.


    Her responses, her involuntary feedback, became impossible to ignore.


    But for Alex, it still wasn''t enough.

 Chapter 185 - 185: Hungry?!

    Alex pushed her further, coaxing sounds beyond whispers, urging her towards a normal volume.


    Until finally, at the most critical moments, his large hand would press firmly but gently over her mouth. Leaning close, nibbling her earlobe, his hot breath ghosted against her skin as he whispered, "Shh! Don''t make a sound... They''ll hear."


    This intense exchange continued until well after eleven.


    By now, the corridor outside was completely silent; the student chatter had long faded. Inside the room, an echoing quiet settled, broken only by the sound of harsh, ragged breathing¡ªhis and hers¡ªthe raw aftermath of their encounter.


    Alex headed straight for the bathroom to shower.


    He knew the layout of these University dorms perfectly, thanks to his many visits to Sera''s room.


    Having a private bathroom was undeniably convenient; no awkward trips down the hall.


    Riley, however, remained huddled on the bed, pulling the blanket tightly around herself until only the top of her head was visible. She flatly refused his suggestion to shower together.


    She felt lost in the strange, echoing aftermath, her body still humming with lingering sensations.


    She couldn''t help but wonder where Alex found such boundless energy. He seemed tireless. He''d held her, lifted her, seemingly without effort for so long, and afterwards, apart from slightly heavier breathing, he showed no sign of strain.


    She, in complete contrast, felt utterly drained. Every muscle seemed to have melted; her body felt weak and boneless, like soft jelly.


    "Always the same," she thought, the idea drifting vaguely through her exhaustion.


    ¡­.


    "Just like in those romance novels," Riley thought, burying herself deeper under the blanket. Her eyes were squeezed shut as she struggled to catch her breath.


    Trying to stay silent had been impossible¡ªharder than last time in the hospital stairwell.


    Maybe Alex was just getting better at this, more experienced. It seemed the harder she fought to keep quiet, the easier it was for him to read her body''s responses through every shift in her breathing, every tiny sound she made.


    It felt like he knew exactly how she was reacting, giving him complete control almost effortlessly.


    Riley realized, with a jolt, that for a while there, she''d forgotten everything ¨C her grandmother lying sick in the hospital, every single one of her daily worries, the crucial fact that this was a women''s dormitory, surrounded by other students right outside the door and in the next room.


    And that moment when Alex had covered her mouth... hearing his low whisper in one ear while the sounds of oblivious girls chatting and laughing drifted in from the hallway... the sheer forbiddenness of it all had crashed over her harder than ever, pushing the intense sensations to a dizzying new peak.


    Even now, with it all over, she felt shaky, still lost in the aftershocks.


    When Alex stepped out of the shower, towel slung low on his hips, he noticed the way her backside was still arched high beneath the blanket.


    A small smirk touched his lips; did this supposedly innocent girl have any clue how incredibly tempting she looked right now?


    He walked over to the bed and gave her blanket-covered rear a light, deliberate pat. "Alright, up you go. Your turn to shower."


    "Turn around first," came Riley''s muffled, shy voice from beneath the covers.


    "Okay," Alex agreed easily, turning his back. He was in that phase of cool detachment that followed, desire momentarily quieted.


    As the sound of the shower started up in the small bathroom, Alex stretched out on the bed and picked up his phone, opening a video Mr. Waters had sent earlier. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was grainy footage from a hidden camera, starring none other than Eric Vaughn, the so-called ''Son of Fortune''.


    Eric had been careful to avoid the obvious security cameras, but Alex, anticipating his little rescue mission tonight, had naturally arranged for some less conspicuous surveillance.


    The video showed Eric Vaughn creeping awkwardly up a flight of stairs, clutching what were clearly bags of medical waste, colostomy and urine bags. He looked utterly absurd.


    The hidden cams weren''t cheap, but the image was sharp, almost high-definition despite the poor lighting.


    As Eric finished doing whatever he was there for (something with needles, it looked like) and started back down with the repulsive bags, Alex saw it clearly: the bandages wrapped around Eric''s own backside were soaked through with dark red, and telltale streaks of yellowish fluid stained the gauze.


    Ugh. A wave of revulsion washed over Alex. He tossed the phone onto the bedside table, disgusted.


    Five minutes later, the bathroom door creaked open. Riley emerged, damp from her shower, and once again wearing that daringly cut white shirt.


    She''d actually paused in the bathroom, torn for a moment. Logically, she should have changed back into her own plain, conservative pajamas.


    But she couldn''t forget that Alex had chosen this shirt specifically for her, how insistent he''d been that she wear it before... and how his eyes had lit up with obvious excitement when she did.


    ''He must really, really like seeing me in this,'' she''d concluded.


    So, after drying off, almost compelled by an impulse she didn''t quite understand, she hadn''t reached for her safe pink-and-white sleepwear.


    Instead, she''d slipped back into the white shirt he''d discarded earlier, now retrieved from the balcony, pairing it with tiny shorts that were barely more substantial than underwear.


    Alex watched her stand by the bed, gently toweling her dark hair. He patted the space on the mattress beside him wordlessly.


    Riley pouted slightly. "That''s my bed."


    Despite her token protest, she slid under the covers, allowing him to draw her close against his side. Just as she settled, a low rumble broke the quiet¡ªthe unmistakable sound of Alexs'' stomach growling.


    "Are you hungry?" she asked softly and shy.


    "Starving," he confirmed, nodding. The large hand resting casually on her waist began to slide upwards, fingers playfully brushing against her ribs in a way that hinted he might just take a bite out of her body.

 Chapter 186 - 186: Midnight Snack

    "Starving," he confirmed, nodding. The large hand resting casually on her waist began to slide upwards, fingers playfully brushing against her ribs in a way that hinted he might just take a bite out of her.


    That playful threat was enough. Riley quickly squirmed away and sat up properly. "Okay, okay," she said, her mind immediately racing, trying to remember what meager food supplies she had stashed in the dorm.


    Alex genuinely was hungry. Eating a normal dinner and sleeping before midnight usually kept hunger at bay. But staying awake well past midnight, especially after an hour of rather strenuous... activity... inevitably led to a demanding appetite.


    "Um, I have some instant noodles... is that okay?" She rarely bought treats or snacks; every spare cent went to her grandmother''s mounting hospital bills. The few packs of cheap noodles were strictly for emergencies like this.


    "Perfect," he nodded simply.


    .¡­


    With no actual cooking pot available, Riley resorted to using the electric water dispenser for hot water, carefully pouring it over the block of noodles in a bowl.


    Digging into her small stash, she even found a pre-cooked corn sausage she''d bought from the tiny convenience store downstairs a few days ago, adding it to his bowl as a small extra offering.


    Just like that, Riley had finished preparing their fancy meal: instant noodles, made special with a corn sausage she''d added just for Alex.


    Alex climbed down from his bunk, pulled up a stool, and dug in like he was starving.


    Honestly, a part of Riley desperately wanted to know if he liked it. But then she remembered who he was, Alex, a man surely used to gourmet meals and fine dining, not cheap dorm room noodles. Asking suddenly felt silly, so she stayed quiet, just watching him eat.


    A typical hero from a story might have showered her with compliments over this simple meal, trying to make her feel good. But Alex wasn''t that hero. He offered no specific praise, just focused on eating, his speed impressive.


    When he finished the noodles, he was actually quite full. But he made a show of lifting the bowl with both hands, pretending to slurp down every last drop of broth, though in reality, he only took a couple of tiny sips. He wanted her to think he couldn''t get enough.


    It was a classic difference: a storybook hero might pour out his heart for the girl, but Alex, playing the villain, relied on strategy and calculated moves.


    Knowing how to subtly pull the heroine''s strings at just the right moment was essential. His rule was simple: ''He didn''t have to care about her, but she absolutely had to care about him.''


    Watching him from behind her silvery glasses, Riley saw him finish everything, right down to the last drop of broth he pretended to drink. A small, warm flicker of satisfaction bloomed inside her chest.


    "Are you full?" she asked softly. "I can make more if you''re still hungry."


    Alex nodded, setting the bowl down. "I''m full. That was good."


    He then made a point of checking his phone. The screen glowed: 1:00 AM. The dorm was utterly still, wrapped in the deep silence of the night. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You sleepy?" he asked, his gaze turning back to her.


    "Not really," she admitted, shaking her head slightly.


    Normally, her internal clock would have had her fast asleep hours ago. But the intense hour they''d just shared had left her wide awake, a nervous energy still buzzing beneath her skin. Sleep felt impossible right now.


    A slow grin spread across Alex''s face. "Good."


    Riley blinked, her large eyes momentarily confused. What did he mean by¡ª?


    Oh.


    She figured it out quickly.


    Alex''s recovery time was officially over.


    A deep, lingering kiss followed, stretching on for what felt like minutes, leaving her breathless. When it ended, Alex''s attention shifted, his hands beginning to explore again, this time focusing on a new place: the cool metal ladder leading up to her bunk bed.


    The top few buttons of her thin white shirt came undone easily under his touch. He''d half-expected a flicker of resistance, maybe a shy push back from this girl who seemed so innocent. But there was none.


    Instead, she surprised him by responding, her own hands meeting his with hesitant, clumsy touches that spoke volumes of her inexperience but also her willingness.


    Has she already been... unlocked? Alex wondered briefly.


    He couldn''t be sure. Had something truly shifted within her tonight? Or was this just the lingering effect, the residual heat still humming through her system from their earlier, passionate encounter?


    Though she''d rested for nearly half an hour and regained some strength, it evaporated quickly under his renewed attention. Soon, her mind fogged over again, rational thought dissolving as pure sensation took over, her eyes glazing slightly.


    For Alex, however, things were just getting started.


    That ladder... she climbed it every single day to get into her bed. It was perhaps the most her spot in the entire room, unequivocally her territory.


    But Riley proved surprisingly helpless here. Even on her own ''territory,'' she soon found her legs trembling, unable to hold her steady even while gripping the rail tightly. She ended up pressed fully against the cool metal of the ladder rungs just to stay upright, her body pliant under his.


    In the profound stillness of the night, the utter silence of the rest of the dorm only amplified the intimate sounds coming from their small corner, soft gasps, the rustle of clothes, the low murmur of his voice, making them seem impossibly loud in the quiet.


    It became another one of his games: a battle of wills with the Quiet Game,'' as he sometimes thought of girls trying desperately to suppress their cries. He worked deliberately to draw sound from her; she fought just as hard, biting her lip, trying to remain silent.


    But Alex had plenty of practice at this. He knew exactly how to push past those defenses. He''d dealt with quiet ones before, like Sera, many times.

 Chapter 187 - 187: Happy Riley

    At that moment, Riley reminded him of a smartphone switched to silent, no matter how intensely it was being ''charged,'' it wouldn''t emit a single notification beep.


    But that was easily fixed. With a little ''manual'' adjustment from him, applying pressure in just the right way, the ''volume'' could be switched back on. And once on, he knew, it would only increase, growing steadily louder. Because sometimes, the volume wasn''t up to the ''device'' itself, but entirely dependent on the one using it.


    Perhaps it was the surprisingly satisfying bowl of instant noodles fueling him, but Alex found himself with renewed energy, his stamina seeming to reach a new level.


    During this round, Alex found himself needing to cover her mouth three distinct times to muffle the small, desperate sounds she couldn''t hold back.


    In the end, Riley was completely drained, utterly spent, limp like a rag doll in his arms. Alex had to carefully carry her the rest of the way up onto the bed.


    Completely exhausted after two such intense encounters back-to-back, Riley fell deeply asleep almost the instant her head hit the pillow.


    The rest of the night passed in undisturbed silence.


    ¡­.


    Riley was jolted awake the next morning not by her alarm, but by the sounds of cheerful chatter drifting in from the hallway outside her dorm room. Her eyes fluttered open sleepily, trying to focus.


    Then she saw him.


    Alex was awake, propped up on his elbow beside her, his chin resting thoughtfully on his hand, simply staring at her with an unreadable expression.


    Mortified, realizing how she must look, Riley let out a tiny squeak and instantly dove back under the safety of the blanket, pulling it tightly over her head. There was no way she was coming out.


    "Hey," Alex''s voice cut through the morning quiet. He gave the blanket near her a light pat, a soft, indistinct shape under the covers. "I need to tell you something important."


    "W-what is it?" Riley cautiously peeked just the top of her head out, her eyes wide. She kept the blanket pulled up tightly, hiding everything from her nose down, still flustered from waking up next to him.


    "You know my friend? The Foreign Doctor¡­ he really came?" Alex continued smoothly. "He flew back last night, straight from overseas. Didn''t even give him a chance to breathe after landing in the City, I had my guys take him directly to the hospital to see your grandmother."


    As he spoke, he produced a folded piece of paper, a prescription note he''d obviously prepared beforehand, and held it gently near her face.


    "Here. This is the prescription he wrote up for her. Just take this to the pharmacy, and they''ll give you the medicine she needs."


    He didn''t mention that this was a copy he had meticulously rewritten. The original, scrawled by Eric Vaughn, a man who likely hadn''t seen the inside of a classroom since before grade school, was practically illegible, a childish mess of letters even a kid would scoff at. Eric''s handwriting was truly atrocious.


    "The Doctor... he''s really back?" Riley gasped, her breath catching in her throat. Hope surged through her.


    She held perfectly still for a second, almost afraid to breathe, terrified she might accidentally blow away this fragile piece of paper that held the key to saving her grandma''s life.


    Her hand trembled slightly as she reached out, carefully taking the note from him. Slowly, carefully, she sat up in bed.


    At that moment, the prescription was the only thing in her world. All thoughts of her exhaustion from the night before, the fact that she''d passed out naked, vanished completely.


    Overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, she suddenly lurched forward and wrapped her arms around Alex''s neck, hugging him tight.


    "Thank you!" It was the first time Riley had ever hugged him willingly, initiating the contact herself.


    "Don''t worry about it," Alex said, his voice smooth, even as one of his hands began to trace patterns on her bare back again, a familiar, inappropriate touch. "The doctor said it''s serious, late-stage liver cancer is always tricky, but he''s confident he can treat it. It''ll just take some time. And forget about the money, okay? That''s handled."


    This time, Riley didn''t pull away. Caught up in the wave of hope for her grandmother, she was surprisingly compliant.


    Their intimacy stretched on, a slow burn this time, lasting until the sounds of other students leaving for morning classes faded from the hallway. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When they were finally finished, Alex was the first to move, swinging his legs out of bed. "Alright, I''ve got business to take care of," he announced briskly. "So I won''t be able to go with you to the hospital."


    Without another word, he opened the dorm room door and was gone, leaving her alone in the quiet room.


    ¡­.


    Lying there, Riley needed a good few minutes just to catch her breath and let the lingering sensations fade. Her body felt heavy but buzzing.


    Finally, feeling a bit more grounded, she pushed the blanket back, intending to get dressed, wash her face, and rush to the hospital with the precious prescription.


    But as the blanket fell away, her eyes landed on the sheet beneath her. Her heart plummeted. A large, unmistakable damp patch stained the fabric.


    Oh no.


    Panic flared. She scrambled out of bed in a rush, practically tripping over her own feet to get to her cabinet and dig out her hairdryer.


    Moments later, she was kneeling awkwardly on the bed, the hairdryer whirring loudly as she aimed the hot air desperately at the damp spot, moving it back and forth, praying it would dry quickly and leave no trace.


    She worked frantically, but after several minutes, the patch was only partially dry, and worse, a faint but definite outline remained, mocking her efforts.


    "Argh! No, no, no!" Riley wanted to scream in frustration. She was desperate to get everything cleaned up and race to the hospital, but this huge stain was a disaster. Seeing no other option, she yanked the soiled sheet off the mattress entirely and shoved it into a wash basin under the sink.


    Okay, the hospital can wait a few extra minutes, she reasoned frantically. But if my roommates come back and see THIS...The thought was horrifying. There would be no explaining it away.


    While the sheet started to soak, she hurried to open the window wide and unlock the dorm room door, which had remained shut all night, hoping to air out any lingering, incriminating smells.


    She was furiously scrubbing the sheet, along with the clothes she''d worn the previous night, when the door creaked open. Her roommate was back.


    "Ugh, what is that smell in here?" the roommate asked, wrinkling her nose as she stepped inside. She glanced around the room, clearly puzzled and slightly disgusted.


    "¡­.?!"


    After a frantic cleaning session, Riley finally managed to tidy the dorm room and dashed out, heading straight for the hospital, prescription clutched tightly in her hand.

 Chapter 188 - 188: Grudge

    In Reid Hospital...


    Eric Vaughn was being wheeled on a gurney into an operating room. Several specialists from the hospital''s colorectal surgery department gathered around, their faces grim.


    They looked down at the bandages covering his backside. They were completely soaked through with dark red blood, interspersed with disturbing flecks of yellow-brown. The surgeons exchanged uneasy glances, frowning deeply, visibly hesitant about what to do next.


    "Good Lord, what did he do?" muttered one surgeon, a man with glasses perched on his nose. He nervously ran a hand through his thinning hair, utterly perplexed. "We just stitched him up yesterday! How in the hell did he manage to tear everything open again in less than twenty-four hours?"


    "It makes no sense," another specialist agreed, his brow furrowed in deep confusion. "A normal patient wouldn''t... this just doesn''t happen. We worked hard to close that wound. I honestly cannot comprehend how he managed to rip his stitches out like this."


    "Ripped stitches are one thing," the lead surgeon, standing by the operating table, cut in sharply. He took an involuntary step back, his expression radiating pure disgust. He clearly didn''t even want to look too closely. "I can understand bleeding if you tear your backside open. But how did he manage to explode feces everywhere too?!"


    The sight of the yellow specks scattered amidst the bright red blood on Eric''s bandages brought back unpleasant memories for the lead surgeon, vivid recollections of when this ''pervert,'' as he thought of him, had first been admitted, and the absolutely horrific state of his rear end they''d had to deal with then.


    The initial tear had been so shockingly severe it had made them question if Vaughn was even human. Seriously, what kind of person managed to expel feces with enough force to nearly blast their own intestines out?


    A younger surgeon broke the tense silence. "So... are we stitching him up again, Director?"


    You could practically feel the resistance radiating from every specialist in the room. Cleaning up and repairing this man''s backside the first time had been nauseating enough. The thought of going through that ordeal again was almost unbearable.


    "Director," the surgeon with the glasses spoke up, his voice strained. "After we finished with him last time... I honestly couldn''t eat properly for hours."


    All eyes turned to the older man, Director, designated as the lead surgeon for this unpleasant task.


    After a long, heavy pause, the Director slowly put down his scalpel. He pulled off his surgical mask and then his gloves, his expression thoughtful but firm.


    "Hold on. This patient... I remember him. Wasn''t he the one who caused that major disturbance in the hospital a while back? Assaulted five of our doctors, if I recall correctly?"


    "Yes, Director," the surgeon with the glasses confirmed immediately, nodding. "That''s him."


    "Go get those five," the old man known as the Director chuckled as he walked out of the operating room. "Today''s surgery is their job now."


    The second he was outside, he didn''t even look back, he just started running as fast as he could.


    With the Director gone, the actual colorectal specialists just stood there, staring blankly at each other inside the operating room.


    One of them finally spoke up, hesitant. "Uh... is this really a good idea? Those five aren''t butt doctors. What if they actually mess up and kill him? Sir was very clear: the guy can be barely alive, but he has to be able to get out of bed. He''s got that task for him tonight."


    Yeah, messing up the Alex plans would be the end for them.


    "It''ll probably be fine," another specialist muttered, trying to convince himself. "So what if they''re not specialists? It''s just a small job. Taking out stitches and sewing him back up doesn''t take a genius."


    And just like that, Eric''s surgery was ridiculously passed off to a completely different set of doctors.


    "Just remember," one of the specialists called out as they were leaving, feeling a last-minute bit of conscience, "the Boss needs him for a task tonight. He has to be able to walk and climb stairs." They made sure to tell the five replacements the absolute bottom line for the surgery.


    "Don''t you worry," the oldest of the five new doctors said, his face looking so kind and trustworthy. His voice was soft, too. "We know exactly what we''re doing. Doctors have to be caring, right? We''ll be gentle." Honestly, he looked like the perfect picture of a doctor who really cared about his patients.


    The operating room door clicked shut.


    The five put on their surgical gowns and masks.


    The oldest doctor walked cheerfully over to the operating table. He looked down at the face lying there. So, he thought bitterly, ''this is the punk who got my front teeth knocked out, at my age!''


    He turned to the others. "We don''t really need to give him anesthesia, right?"


    A tall, skinny doctor beside him nodded. "Yeah, probably not. That stuff''s expensive. I asked the head nurse on the way in, this guy is totally broke. Hasn''t paid a cent for his hospital stay or treatment. No point wasting the Boss''s money on him."


    "Oh, yeah," a doctor with a square jaw, the type that usually looks honest, suddenly piped up. "What exactly are we supposed to be doing to this guy, anyway?"


    The other four just shook their heads. The specialists hadn''t actually told them the specifics.


    ''Well then, time to improvise!''


    One suggested, "Okay, my guess is... first, we take out the stitches on his... you know... backside. Then we just sew it back up."


    "Nope, not good enough. Definitely not enough," the oldest one said, stroking his chin, that kind look still plastered on his face. "Let''s give him a vasectomy while we''re at it."


    ''Holy crap!'' the others thought silently. ''Okay, you''re seriously twisted.'' Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Someone else threw in, "Maybe remove a hemorrhoid too?"


    One of them glanced at Eric''s butt, wrapped tightly in bandages. ''It''s covered up so much, how could he even have a hemorrhoid under there?'' he wondered.

 Chapter 189 - 189: Riley Happiness

    One of them glanced at Eric''s butt, wrapped tightly in bandages. ''It''s covered up so much, how could he even have a hemorrhoid under there?'' he wondered.


    But nobody said no.


    "Too bad we don''t have more time, otherwise I''d love to try giving him a sex change..." the ''expert'' standing in the main surgeon''s spot sighed, sounding genuinely disappointed. "Okay, fine. Let''s get started."


    And then he stepped away from the table.


    Seeing him move, the other four looked confused. "Hey, where are you going?"


    "I don''t know how to do this stuff!" the man said, like it was the most obvious thing ever.


    The other four just stared at each other. Turns out, none of them knew how either.


    After a long, awkward silence, the oldest one, the guy with the kindest-looking face, stepped up again. "Okay, fine, I''ll do it. I used to take out stitches back when I was an intern... right after I graduated."


    ''Dude, you graduated like, forty years ago!'' the others thought, suddenly very nervous.


    Someone still felt a tiny bit bad. "Look, maybe we should knock him out completely with general anesthesia?" He pictured the upcoming procedures.


    "Seriously, with the hemorrhoid thing and the vasectomy, if we don''t put him under, I''m worried his screaming might freak out all the other patients in the hospital."


    "Okay, fine," another agreed. "But make sure you add the cost to his bill. He has to pay it all back when he leaves. If he doesn''t, we call the cops and get him arrested."


    And just like that, the five highly unprofessional ''experts'' started their very first attempt at butt surgery.


    .¡­


    Meanwhile, while Eric was getting his... unique... surgery, Riley finally made it to the hospital.


    She rushed to her grandmother''s bedside, panting, and then stopped dead, staring.


    A lot of the tubes that had been hooked up to her grandmother were gone now. Even the breathing machine was off.


    But the old woman''s face had a healthy pinkish color to it, she looked so much better than before, it was obvious.


    She was still unconscious, though.


    "Miss Riley!" one of the doctors exclaimed when he saw her. "This is incredible, truly a medical miracle! Her cancer cells have actually shrunk... wait, no, not just shrunk, they''ve decreased! There are fewer cancer cells!"


    Hearing the doctor''s words, the tight knot of fear in Riley''s chest finally loosened completely.


    ''He was telling the truth. That amazing doctor friend really could save my grandmother.''


    "Thank you, Sir." Even though Alex wasn''t physically there, Riley whispered her heartfelt thanks towards the hospital building.


    Just overnight, her grandmother''s condition had gotten so much better. It really showed how unbelievably skilled the Alex doctor friend was. Getting help from someone like that must have cost a fortune, or maybe even more.


    An expert doctor like him probably couldn''t be bought with just money. Riley suspected that Alex must have paid some other kind of price, something she couldn''t even guess.


    Clutching the prescription slip tightly, her heart swelled with gratitude again.


    ''Sir, I swear I''ll find a way to repay you,'' Riley promised silently in her heart.


    Even though she''d already given herself to Alex, a part of her knew she wasn''t really in his league. Still, to show her deep gratitude for his kindness, she decided she would stay by his side for as long as he''d have her.


    ¡­.


    Tonight was the birthday bash for Henry, the head of the Wade Family.


    It was only a few days after his own father had passed away, but Henry decided to throw an extra-large party anyway, maybe hoping to chase away the bad luck or sadness.


    Invitations had gone out to every single person who mattered in the city. Even business partners from other cities who worked with the Wade Family got an invite.


    Of course, Alex received one too, delivered by Henry himself.


    Sera had classes, and Riley was staying at the hospital with her grandma, so Alex headed over to the Wade Family''s place by himself.


    The party was right at Henry''s huge mansion, the very same place where they''d held his father''s funeral just a few days earlier.


    The Wade Family estate was massive.


    When Alex pulled up, the place was already packed. Fancy luxury cars lined the entire street outside.


    Alex recognized most of the faces. Henry had invited pretty much all the big shots from the city. There were a few out-of-town partners sprinkled in, but mostly local power players.


    The second Alex stepped out of his car, people swarmed him.


    "Mr. Alex! What an absolute honor to see you here tonight!"


    "Wow, I must have done something right in a past life to actually meet Mr. Alex!"


    A crowd instantly gathered, showering him with over-the-top compliments.


    Pretty much everyone here was the boss of some family or the head of a big company. They were all decked out in expensive suits, looking incredibly polished and important.


    Alex, however, stood out. He was dressed in his usual comfortable, casual clothes. He just wore whatever felt good.


    Anyone else would feel obligated to dress up for the Wade Family, worried about looking disrespectful at such a major event. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Alex didn''t care. The fact that he even showed up was the biggest honor the Wade Family could hope for.


    He''d arrived alone, but now he was surrounded. And the people crowding him weren''t nobodies, you probably needed a net worth in the hundreds of millions just to get close enough to say hello.


    They were laying the flattery on thick.


    And why wouldn''t they? They all remembered what happened. First, the powerful Winter family was completely wiped out. Then, more recently, the established Kleinberg Family was totally overthrown.


    Regular folks might not know the juicy details about the Kleinberg Family''s downfall, but these people? They were the city''s elite. They knew everything that happened in the city.


    They knew that Logan, who was supposed to inherit the huge Kleinberg Industries, had disappeared with his family. Nobody even knew if they''d managed to escape the city alive.

 Chapter 190 - 190: Sneaked In?!

    Officially, the Kleinberg Family''s previous head granddaughter, Sera, was now the head of the family. But everyone knew who really pulled the strings ¨C it was the Alex standing right in front of them. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They genuinely believed that if Alex wanted, he could probably destroy every single powerful family left in the city.


    Alex got bored fast. These fancy family parties were always the same old thing. So predictable, so dull. Absolutely nothing new ever happened.


    Parties overseas were slightly better. Maybe not groundbreaking, but at least sometimes they got a little wild.


    Henry himself only popped over for a quick toast before Alex basically shooed him away.


    The front yard was loud and crowded with people kissing up to Henry. Alex grabbed his drink and wandered off towards the backyard, hoping to find a quiet spot to chill for a bit before making a polite exit. Leaving too soon after arriving would just be rude.


    The backyard featured a big outdoor swimming pool. Standing right at the edge was a woman in a very chic dress. Her arms were crossed, and she seemed to be lost in thought, staring at something in the distance.


    "Hello there," Alex said politely, holding his glass.


    "Ah!" The woman jumped, clearly startled. She hadn''t expected anyone else to be back there. As she spun around, her foot slipped on the wet edge. She lost her balance and tumbled backward right into the pool with a loud splash.


    Alex jumped back just in time. If he hadn''t, she probably would have grabbed onto him and dragged him in with her. Even so, the splash sent water flying, soaking his clothes.


    Alex just stood there for a second, stunned.


    Well, that''s a first, he thought numbly. Never had a woman get me completely soaked with water before. Usually, it''s just my fingers...


    The woman scrambled out of the pool pretty quickly. Her clothes were totally soaked, sticking to her skin and showing off her amazing curves.


    "You alright?" Alex asked.


    She shook her head, pushing wet hair from her face. "Yeah, I''m fine."


    ''Hmm, it''s late at night at the Wade Family''s pool,'' Alex thought, glancing around. ''Everyone celebrating Henry''s birthday is out front. So why is this woman hanging out alone back here? Could she be Henry''s secret girlfriend?''


    He''d met Henry''s actual wife earlier; she was busy playing hostess out front with the guests.


    ''Wow, Henry is pretty gutsy!''


    "So, are you... uh... Henry''s girlfriend?" Alex asked, trying to sound casual.


    The woman shook her head, looking a bit disappointed. "No, I came here hoping to talk business with Mr. Henry Wade."


    ''Talk business?'' Alex looked around again. ''Way out here by the swimming pool?''


    He sized up the dripping wet, clearly mature woman, suddenly intrigued. "If you''re here for business, shouldn''t you be in the front? Henry and all his business contacts are up there."


    She shook her head again, giving a small, sad laugh. "I wasn''t actually invited. I sort of snuck in."


    ''Ah, okay, makes sense now,'' Alex figured it out instantly. The deal fell through. ''Henry probably told her no, but she''s persistent and decided to crash the party.''


    "Oh gosh, I''m so sorry I splashed you," the woman said, instinctively covering her chest, her cheeks turning red with embarrassment. "My hotel isn''t far from here. Maybe you could come over and grab some dry clothes?"


    "You''re soaked too," Alex pointed out, accepting her offer easily.


    The woman led him out through a hidden back door. Alex hadn''t even known the Wade mansion had a back entrance.


    "So, what kind of business did you need to discuss with the Wade Family?" Alex asked, genuinely curious now. "You don''t have to say if you don''t want to." What kind of deal was so important that she''d risk sneaking into Henry''s birthday party after already being turned down?


    "It''s about international trade," the woman explained with a sigh.


    "I''m from the Dawson family," she continued. "Our families... well, we''ve had some friction lately. It''s made Mr. Henry misunderstand my company quite badly."


    Just mentioning it seemed to make the woman, Ashley Dawson, incredibly angry. She looked like she wanted to find that jerk Eric and personally inflict by some serious pain on him.


    "I had already talked about this deal with the Wade Family before," she explained, frustration clear in her voice. "Everything was going great, we were basically just waiting for the right moment to sign the papers."


    "But then that idiot named Eric," she spat the name, "had to go and get Henry''s father killed because of his screw-up! And then, to make things worse, my own father¡ªI don''t know what he was thinking¡ªdecided to risk totally angering the Wade Family just to bail that no named bastard out of jail!"


    "So, he got out," she finished bitterly, "but my business deal? Completely dead in the water. And that deal was really, really important for my company."


    Alex paused, processing this.


    ''The Dawson family?'' he thought. ''Wait a second... is she the eldest daughter? The one who''s supposed to marry Eric?''


    He took a closer look at her. ''Nah, doesn''t seem right. She looks a bit older than that.''


    Eric was barely in his early twenties. This woman, while clearly taking amazing care of herself, she had the lean body of someone who worked out regularly, not an ounce of fat on her waist, definitely wasn''t a twenty-something girl. She had a sophisticated, grown-up vibe that no amount of makeup or fancy creams could completely hide.


    "Do you happen to know Eric?" Alex asked casually.


    "Why? What''s he to you?" Hearing the name that clearly infuriated her, Ashley voice turned sharp and suspicious.


    "Oh, no connection at all," Alex answered quickly. Her strong reaction told him everything he needed to know: she definitely didn''t agree with the head of her own family about supporting Eric, that supposed ''main character''.


    He remembered reading stuff like this in those webnovels: usually, in families with these old arranged marriages, only the grandpa who made the deal actually liked the ''lucky protagonist''. Everyone else in the family hated the idea.


    ''Looks like she fits the pattern perfectly,'' Alex thought.


    He added coolly, "I just happened to see him trying to ''save'' someone on the street the other day. When people started doubting if he knew what he was doing, he started yelling that he was the future son-in-law of the great Dawson family, and questioning his skills was like insulting the entire Dawson family."

 Chapter 191 - 191: Ashley

    Alex added coolly, "I just happened to see him trying to ''save'' someone on the street the other day. When people started doubting if he knew what he was doing, he started yelling that he was the future son-in-law of the great Dawson family, and questioning his skills was like insulting the entire Dawson family."


    "What? That absolute bastard!" sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ashley, who had been leading the way, stopped dead and practically snarled, her teeth clenched. "That damned Eric! The Dawson family bent over backwards to protect him, and this is how he repays us? Not only is he ungrateful, he''s actually dragging our family name through the mud, using it to show off and probably scam people!"


    Then, a sudden worry flickered across her face. "Wait... that patient he was ''saving''... did they... make it?" she asked, almost afraid to hear the answer.


    Alex just shook his head, delivering the lie with perfect smoothness. "Nope. Died."


    "Of course! He''s a walking disaster!" Ashley Dawson exclaimed, looking both furious and unsurprised. "And just so we''re crystal clear, he is not the Dawson family''s son-in-law!" Clutching her chest as if to steady herself, she hurried across the street towards a hotel entrance.


    Alex glanced up at the hotel sign and smirked inwardly. ''Heh. Funny. It''s one of mine.''


    As they stepped into the fancy hotel lobby, Ashley''s soaked appearance immediately turned heads. Hotel staff everywhere stared for a split second, but the instant they noticed the man walking beside her, every single employee quickly averted their gaze, suddenly very busy looking elsewhere.


    ''Can''t stare at the guest, especially not one looking like that, they were probably all thinking.''


    ''Classic scene from those power fantasy stories,'' Alex thought amusedly. ''The main villain walks into any of his places, and his people instantly know who''s boss.''


    He followed Ashley towards the elevators and up the stairs.


    Wealthy women like her usually put a lot of effort into staying fit, and Ashley was clearly dedicated. Her body was toned; even through the wet white dress clinging to her, you could see the faint lines of her abs. Her legs were well-shaped, strong thighs tapering to slim calves, and her chest was undeniably full and impressive.


    Alex mentally told himself he shouldn''t stare, but the knowledge that this very attractive woman was the aunt of Eric, that supposed ''hero'' of destiny, made his eyes, which naturally appreciated beauty, automatically zone in on her figure.


    ''Damn, the aunt looks this good?'' Alex mused. ''Then the actual fianc¨¦e back in home must be something else.''


    He felt a flicker of anticipation. Not that kind of anticipation, though. He was looking forward to the absolute meltdown Eric would have later.


    At first, Ashley had just walked ahead automatically. But as they climbed the stairs, alone now in the quiet stairwell, she started feeling really awkward.


    It hadn''t seemed so bad outside, but now... walking up stairs, soaked to the bone, clothes practically see-through, right in front of a young, obviously healthy man...


    She couldn''t help but worry if he was having trouble controlling himself back there.


    Walking in front, she could feel his gaze locked onto her back, openly scanning her body from her shoulders down her spine, over her hips and legs, all the way to her still-damp heels.


    For a woman whose fianc¨¦ had died tragically right after their engagement, being looked at like this felt incredibly shameful. But confusingly, deep down, there was also a tiny, forbidden thrill. The conflicting feelings were making her squirm inwardly.


    Her suite was only on the second floor, so the staircase wasn''t long. But that short walk felt like it took forever, each step an agony of conflicting emotions.


    Finally inside the suite, she pressed a hand to her chest, trying to catch her breath. "Please, just wait here for a second," she managed to say. "I''ll go find you some dry clothes."


    Alex simply nodded.


    Ashley quickly disappeared into the bedroom area.


    It was a nice suite: big living room, master bedroom with a walk-in closet, and another smaller bedroom with its own bathroom.


    The walk-in closet, she knew, had complimentary clothes provided by the hotel ¨C stuff for both men and women.


    That''s what she planned to grab for Alex. It wasn''t like she, a woman whose fianc¨¦ had died, just carried spare men''s clothes around with her.


    Once inside the bedroom with the door shut, Ashley let out a shaky breath, feeling a wave of relief wash over her.


    Her legs still felt a bit like jelly. Ignoring her own wet clothes for the moment, she went straight to the closet to find something for Alex.


    You definitely got what you paid for in these expensive suites. The closet had everything: pants, shirts, jackets, even shoes, all in different sizes. They even had packs of disposable underwear.


    She picked out a white button-down shirt and some trousers that looked like they''d be about Alex''s size. Pushing the bedroom door open again, she held them out. "Here, try these. See if they fit okay?"


    Alex hadn''t bothered dressing up for Henry''s party, he''d just worn a simple white athletic tee. Through the wet fabric, Ashley caught a glimpse of the lean muscle underneath, and her heart gave an unexpected little jump.


    ''Wow,'' she thought, flustered. ''He actually looks better than those models on TV.''


    "Thanks." Alex took the clothes, stood up, and headed into the guest bedroom to change.


    When he came back out a few minutes later, wearing the crisp white shirt and trousers, Ashley found herself holding her breath.


    For a split second, she suddenly, weirdly understood why her own older brother¡ªwho had a perfectly beautiful wife¡ªwas always sneaking around with younger women.


    It hit her then: gorgeousness was hard to resist, for anyone. Especially when it came packaged with youth and that kind of vibrant energy.


    She remembered chewing out her brother when she found out he was secretly booking hotel rooms with college girls. She''d been so angry and disappointed in him.


    But now... looking at Alex... she suddenly got it. Just a little. ''First, you judge them, then you understand them, then you become them¡­''


    ''No! Stop it!'' Ashley mentally slapped herself. ''You were engaged! You''re practically a widow! What is wrong with you, thinking things like that?'' She patted her flushed cheeks and shook her head hard, trying to banish the inappropriate thoughts.


    "Miss Ashley," Alex said, sitting down opposite her again. His eyes swept over her still-damp form, not even trying to hide his appreciation. "You said you were here hoping to talk business with Henry, right?"


    ''So, this is Eric''s fianc¨¦e''s aunt,'' Alex thought, a cunning idea starting to form. ''She could be my way in to meet the fianc¨¦e herself. Just imagine the epic meltdown Eric will have when he finds out I... took care of... his precious fianc¨¦e too! That''ll be worth a ton of points!''


    ¡­..


    A/N: Be sure to check out tomorrow chapter as there will be a 10FP Reddem Code which any of the first 10 readers can reedem it.


    Thanks:)

 Chapter 192 - 192: Unexpected Deal Done

    Alex smirked inwardly. Simple. "Look, Ashley," he began, leaning forward slightly, "you wanted to strike a deal with Henry, but he shot you down. What if I could make that happen?"


    Of course, Henry wouldn''t touch a deal with the Dawsons now, Alex mused. Not after they sprung Eric Vaughn ¨C the guy who killed Henry''s father ¨C right out of police custody. They even strong-armed Henry into dropping the whole thing. Working with the Dawsons after that? Not a chance.


    But the Dawsons didn''t know the best part, Alex thought with hidden satisfaction. ''Eric Vaughn was under my control now.'' Once the doctor finished healing Riley''s grandmother, his purpose would be served.


    Alex wouldn''t hesitate to hand Henry a special little something, maybe call it the satisfactory revenge, and let him personally deliver Eric Vaughn''s real punishment. Killing was old news; making an enemy suffer endlessly? That was true revenge. Like how that one character dealt with her uncle...


    Ashley sighed, the hope draining from her expression. "You''re right. Because of that bastard, Mr. Henry won''t even talk business with anyone from my family."


    ''No kidding,'' Alex thought dryly.


    "But," Alex said, his voice smooth and confident, "I can get Henry to listen. I can make him agree to a deal specifically with you, Ashley. Not the Dawsons. Just you."


    Ashley stared, then let out a short, skeptical laugh. "That''s... unlikely. Why would Mr. Henry possibly listen to you?"


    Alex simply smiled. "Because my family name is Reid."


    Reid? The name echoed in Ashley''s mind. It wasn''t just any name. She remembered the whispers from other executives she''d met since arriving in the city.


    Outwardly, the Families ran things.


    But behind the scenes, everyone knew who really held the power, whose name made things happen. Reid. Her eyes widened, breath hitching. She scrambled up from the sofa.


    "You... you''re that Alex Reid? The Reids who...?" She didn''t need to finish. The quiet confidence in his eyes confirmed it. In this city, the name Reid was power.


    "Yes," Alex confirmed, his gaze lingering on the way the damp white dress clung to Ashley''s curves. She really was stunning, with an alluring maturity.


    He made a mental note: if Ashley looked this good, her niece, the target, was likely just as impressive, perhaps in a different way than Sera. He didn''t try to hide his appraisal, and Ashley, sharp and experienced, certainly felt the heat of his stare.


    She was no fool. Since her fianc¨¦''s death in that plane crash five years prior, she''d moved back home and focused solely on the family, shutting down any thoughts of romance.


    She''d been... alone... for a long time. Now, standing there, still damp, the thin fabric outlining her body...


    "So," Ashley began, her voice a little shaky, a faint blush rising on her cheeks as her legs shifted almost involuntarily, "if I... agree... you''ll really help me get the deal with Henry?"


    Alex raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. ''Agree? Agree to what? I haven''t even laid out my conditions yet.''


    His gaze flickered to her hands. Her nails were short, practical, neatly trimmed. Interesting. His plan was straightforward: get close to Ashley, use her as a stepping stone to the real prize, her niece. If it worked, fantastic. If not, it cost him little. Eric Vaughn was useless for that path now anyway.


    Though puzzled by her phrasing, Alex gave a slow nod. Opportunity was knocking.


    "I always keep my word," Ashley whispered, determination hardening her features. Taking a deep breath, she reached out, grabbed the front of Alex''s shirt, and pulled him down forcefully onto the sofa with her.


    Alex, momentarily stunned but never one to refuse such an invitation, went willingly.


    It''s often said that forcing yourself on someone is wrong, a crime even. Alex liked to think of himself as an upstanding guy. Okay, maybe his dad dealt in weapons, and his siblings were mixed up in some shady stuff, but he followed the rules. Mostly.


    Let''s just say Alex was very... thorough... in his interactions.


    ¡­.


    ¡­


    ..


    .


    An hour later, Ashley lay sprawled across Alex''s chest, limp and catching her breath. Her finger traced idle patterns on his skin.


    "My god," she breathed out, "I thought I was going to die." Taking care of things herself versus... this... was night and day. Like a desert finally getting rain, her legs still felt shaky. Alex''s sheer... stamina... had completely overwhelmed her. She needed a minute.


    "We... maybe shouldn''t contact each other openly," Ashley murmured, her voice soft. "My family... they might get the wrong idea." Her original plan was just a one-time, desperate exchange to get what she needed. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But now, after the intensity of it all, she found herself craving more. The difference between manual and automatic was just... vast.


    Alex, feeling that calm clarity that often follows intense activity, turned his head slightly to look at her. "Worried about your husband?" He wasn''t keen on wrecking a marriage.


    Ashley shook her head. "My dad."


    "Your dad?" Alex blinked, genuinely surprised. During their... earlier activities... he''d learned she was thirty-two. You''d expect a woman her age to worry about a husband, not her father.


    That caught him off guard. Wait, he thought, no wedding ring either. Is she not married? He also recalled his earlier... exploration.


    Driving his "super truck" through Ashley''s "tunnel," he''d sensed something unusual for her age.


    A road frequently traveled feels different from one that isn''t. While there were faint signs of some past activity, it definitely hadn''t been a man driving that route recently. It felt... remarkably unused. Very tight.


    Lost in her own thoughts, Ashley didn''t seem to notice Alex''s brief internal analysis. She snuggled closer, still tracing patterns on his abs.


    "I had a fianc¨¦," she explained with a soft sigh. "He died. Plane crash, five years ago."


    ''Ah, that explains it,'' Alex thought. ''No ring, the ''tunnel'' being out of service for years¡­'' He glanced down at her again.


    So, the woman who''d boldly pulled him down onto the sofa was actually quite proper underneath it all. He''d definitely stumbled into something good here.


    A flicker of anticipation went through him, he was now even more curious about meeting her niece, the main target.


    ''Aunt and niece, huh? That''s... an interesting dynamic.'' He mentally shook his head. ''Focus! Keep it clean... mostly.''


    "Well," Alex said, his hand beginning a slow, deliberate journey over her skin again, "I bet your fianc¨¦ would have wanted you to be happy... maybe even wanted a child someday."


    "Huh?" Ashley looked up, confused for a second. Then, understanding dawned in her eyes. Oh. Oh.


    ¡­..


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 Chapter 193 - 193: Unknown Doctor

    Later, while Alex was diligently... inspecting the quality... of Ashley''s "tunnel" with his "big truck," Riley was leaving her grandmother''s hospital room.


    Her grandmother''s improvement had brightened Riley''s whole world; she couldn''t stop smiling.


    As she quietly closed the door, she nearly bumped into the doctor, who was looking through some files. "Miss Riley!" the doctor exclaimed, his eyes wide with enthusiasm.


    "That prescription you brought, where did you get it? It''s simply miraculous! It''s like it was written specifically for your grandmother''s condition. Absolutely brilliant! Why didn''t I think of something like that?"


    "Oh, um, a doctor gave it to my boss for me," Riley explained, shaking her head slightly. "I don''t actually know the doctor myself."


    The doctor sighed dramatically, a sound loud enough to echo slightly. Anyone watching closely might have noticed a hint of performance in his reaction.


    But Riley, sweet and trusting, didn''t suspect a thing. Her mind was already buzzing with how she could possibly repay her boss for such kindness.


    Unseen in the nearby stairwell, someone else was listening intently, clutching his sore backside. He couldn''t see the doctor''s potentially exaggerated reaction, only hear the words.


    And blinded by his own supreme confidence in his medical genius, he completely missed any hint of insincerity.


    "This unknown doctor," the doctor continued, leaning in slightly, "is clearly incredibly skilled. That prescription is doing wonders for your grandmother. Truly wonderful. When she''s fully recovered, you absolutely must find a way to thank him properly. Make sure you do!"


    "Yes, I definitely will!" Riley nodded firmly, her heart full of gratitude. She''d thank the miracle doctor, somehow, and especially her amazing boss.


    With their conversation finished, Riley and the doctor stepped into the elevator, the doors closing behind them.


    Hidden in the dim stairwell, Eric Vaughn practically vibrated with excitement. If it wasn''t for the constant, throbbing pain in his backside and the fear of popping stitches again, he would have been leaping up and down.


    ''She heard him! She knows an unknown doctor saved her grandmother!'' His mind raced.


    ''When she finds out it was ME... how will she thank me? She''ll fall right into my arms, won''t she? She has to!'' Even if she hesitated, he was confident.


    A few well-chosen words, playing up the ''savior'' angle... the poor, innocent girl wouldn''t stand a chance. ''Saving her only family? That''s huge!''


    A surge of triumphant feeling washed over him. But weirdly... down below... nothing. No physical reaction to match his mental excitement.


    ''Huh.'' Eric brushed it off. ''Must be the injury back there messing things up. It''ll be fine once I''m healed.''


    He waited until the sounds from the hallway faded completely. Then, carefully clutching his sore rear, Eric pushed open the heavy stairwell door.


    Gritting his teeth against the pain, he limped back towards the grandmother''s room, leaning on the wall for support.


    Time for the next round of his "Acupuncture skills." ''Man, these ''lucky'' people sure are tough,'' he thought, readying his needles.


    ¡­. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lately, despite everything, Eric Vaughn felt like he was on top of the world. Life was looking up.


    Okay, sure, the days were hell. Those five incompetent hospital doctors kept dragging him away for agonizing "recovery therapy" on his backside. Therapy that wasn''t healing anything and, in fact, seemed to make the injury worse each time.


    But the physical misery couldn''t touch the secret joy bubbling inside him. He''d even learned to ignore the creepy advances from the huge, muscular guy who used to be in the next bed. Sometimes, he almost felt a little proud of the attention.


    Tonight was the night. The final needle treatment. By morning, the old lady''s cancer would be gone.


    Gone! And then, finally, he could reveal himself. He''d stand before Riley, tall and proud (well, as tall as he could manage while shuffling), and tell her the truth: I am that unknown doctor who saved your grandmother.


    A wide, triumphant grin spread across his face just thinking about it. Too wide. He felt a sharp, tearing sensation in his rear, followed by searing pain.


    ''Damn it!'' He hissed, sucking air through his teeth. That area had been stitched and re-stitched so many times, it was a wonder it held together at all.


    Eric, the self-proclaimed "Prodigy Doctor"¡ªhealing one minute, potentially hurting the next¡ªhad become a creature of habit.


    He''d figured out Riley''s visiting times. Every single day, like clockwork, he''d endure the blinding pain, grab his disgusting waste bags, and painstakingly sneak up more than ten flights of stairs from his room on the second floor.


    He''d hide in the stuffy stairwell, crack open the heavy fire door just enough to peek, and watch her.


    He''d also cleverly gathered intel from the nurses. Riley only had her grandmother left. She was a university student, juggling classes with multiple part-time jobs just to try and cover the medical bills. He even knew her latest gig: serving drinks at a bar.


    Right out front where anyone could see her.


    ''Just you wait, Riley,'' Eric vowed silently, his confidence swelling again as he pictured the old woman''s recovery. ''Once this stupid injury heals, I''ll make real money. Loads of it. Saving lives pays well, and I''m the best.'' Making money would be child''s play for him.


    That afternoon found Eric Vaughn dead to the world in his hospital bed. He hadn''t slept properly in what felt like forever.


    Sneaking out at night for the treatments, being tortured by those idiot doctors during the day, and constantly worrying about his former overly friendly, muscular roommate... it was exhausting.


    But today felt different. The five morons hadn''t shown up. The creepy muscle guy had been moved elsewhere.


    Finally, blessed quiet. After nearly a week of non-stop stress and broken sleep, Eric crashed hard. His snores were so loud they practically echoed down the empty hospital corridor.


    ¡­.


    Alex leaned back in his expensive chair, idly spinning a sleek pen between his fingers. His eyes were fixed on the monitor displaying the live feed from Eric Vaughn''s room, showing the man deeply asleep, snoring obliviously.


    He shifted his gaze to Henry Wade, who sat stiffly on the plush sofa opposite him. Henry''s jaw was clenched, a vein pulsing visibly in his temple. The man radiated contained fury.


    "So?" Alex asked quietly.


    Henry took a slow, deliberate breath, letting some of the tension ease. "Thank you, Mr. Alex. For this... opportunity." Ever since the Dawson family representatives from another city had shown up at the Wade residence, declaring Eric Vaughn under their protection, Henry had felt his chance for real justice slipping away.


    The Wades were powerful in this city, one of the Great Families, yes. But compared to the Dawsons of another city? They were leagues apart.


    The Wades might be top dogs among the second-tier families if they moved to another city, but the Dawsons were solid upper-crust, first-rate players there.


    "Eric Vaughn is responsible for your father''s death," Alex stated calmly, the pen still turning in his hand.


    "Even without the Dawsons sticking their nose in, the absolute worst Vaughn would have faced legally is life behind bars." He paused, letting the words sink in.


    "Tell me, Henry... is that enough for you? Is that the justice you want?"


    Henry hesitated, the conflict clear on his face. "The law dictates..."


    ¡­.


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 Chapter 194 - 194: A Chance

    "Tell me, Henry... is that really enough for you? Is that the kind of justice you''re after?"


    Henry hesitated, the struggle plain on his face. "But the law says..."


    Alex cut him off sharply before he could finish. "Forget the law," Alex snapped. "I''m asking what you want deep down. If there was no legal trouble to worry about, how would you really get revenge? Would just seeing the man who killed your father locked up actually satisfy you?"


    Henry was still trying to process it all, looking utterly lost. "Wh-what... what are you saying?"


    He wasn''t sure he truly understood Alex''s point¡ªor maybe he did, and that''s what scared him.


    Revenge without thinking about the law? This wasn''t some wild, ungoverned place. How could they just ignore the rules?


    Alex got up and strolled over to the window. "If you give the word," he said coolly, "Eric Vaughn''s suffering will get worse every single day."


    "Ah!" Something clicked inside Henry''s head with the force of a small explosion. Suddenly, he felt alert, buzzing with a strange energy.


    His gaze locked onto the security monitor, focusing intensely on Eric Vaughn lying face-down on the hospital bed, his rear end almost invisible beneath thick layers of gauze and bandages.


    To make the point clearer, the hospital director kindly handed Henry Eric Vaughn''s medical files ¨C the ones from when he first came in, pictures included, and the most recent ones, laid out side-by-side for comparison.


    He hadn''t grasped the full picture until he looked. What he saw made his stomach churn. After only a few seconds, Henry felt an uncontrollable twitch in his eyelid.


    It was honestly the first time Henry realized hospitals could do more than just heal. He''d always seen them as clean, almost holy places, filled with skilled doctors and caring nurses. But looking at these reports shattered that image completely.


    Originally, Eric Vaughn had just collapsed from terrible diarrhea that left him weak, plus a small tear near his backside needing a few simple stitches.


    With some rest, he should have been fine in a week or two. But since arriving at this hospital?


    That area had been sewn up, cut open, and sewn up again, over and over, treated more like a piece of old cloth than part of a person.


    Even crazier, some damn doctor had actually sterilized him! As far as Henry knew, Eric Vaughn wasn''t even married!


    Okay, so maybe not having his own kids was one thing, but it didn''t stop there. Maybe it was the drugs, maybe the doctor messed up, but Eric was now permanently unable to get an erection.


    And the truly sick punchline? The hospital records clearly stated Eric Vaughn was still a virgin. What kind of twisted person does that? The guy had never been with anyone, and they destroyed his ability to ever be?


    If Henry were in Eric''s place, he''d have completely broken down by now.


    What Henry didn''t know was that Eric was breaking down constantly. He was trapped in a non-stop nightmare of suffering. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A dark thought crossed Henry''s mind: he almost wanted to know which doctors did this, maybe send them a ''thank you'' card or something.


    Alex nodded slightly, then took a small, fancy wooden box from his pocket, the kind you''d put a ring in. He tossed it onto the desk near Henry.


    "There''s a pill in here," Alex explained. "It''s called the ''Exploding Dick Pill,'' more or less. Don''t worry about what it''s supposed to do. Just know the side effect is exactly what the name suggests."


    He made a little exploding motion with his hands for effect. "When the moment feels right," Alex added, a smirk playing on his lips, "you can even feed it to Eric yourself."


    "But... why?" Henry stammered, feeling a mix of shock and fear. He couldn''t understand why someone as powerful as Alex would help him like this. Sure, Henry was the head of the Wade Family now, but Alex had already wiped out two other families just as big.


    Kleinberg Industries still existed in name, but Henry knew the truth. It wasn''t really Kleinberg''s anymore; it was just another branch operating under Alex''s Reid Industries.


    Alex pulled a chair over and sat down, raising one finger. "Someone wants to discuss business with you."


    "Whatever you arranges, I''ll agree to," Henry said quickly. He knew how to play the game.


    "No, no," Alex waved his hand. "I don''t force anyone into things they don''t want." He paused, then called toward the door, "Come on in."


    The office door opened immediately, and Ashley Dawson stepped inside.


    Seeing Ashley, Henry''s mind blanked for a second. Then, almost instantly, it all made sense.


    ''So, Alex lets his personal feelings guide him too¡­'' The thought flashed through Henry''s mind. He stood up quickly and shook Ashley Dawson''s hand.


    They made the usual small talk you''d expect. The real details of their business deal could be sorted out later, back at their offices.


    Seeing the miserable state of the man who''d caused his father''s death lifted a huge weight off Henry''s shoulders.


    ¡­.


    After days of feeling low, Henry mood suddenly soared. He found himself humming a little tune as he left the hospital wing and headed downstairs.


    Henry got into the car. His younger brother was driving and started the car. Seeing the huge grin that hadn''t left his older brother''s face, he had to ask, "Brother, why are you so happy? What happened in there?"


    Henry then told his brother everything that had gone down in the hospital office.


    After hearing the whole story, he still looked confused. "Brother," he asked, "so you agreed to the Miss Ashley deal because Alex helped punish this Eric Vaughn, the guy who killed Dad?"


    He knew the main reason Henry had turned Ashley Dawson down before was because her family helped Eric Vaughn get out of trouble, which really angered the Wade Family.


    Henry just shook his head. "It''s got nothing to do with Eric Vaughn," he said flatly. "I would''ve agreed even if none of that happened."

 Chapter 195 - 195: Thanks From Ashley

    "It''s got nothing to do with Eric Vaughn," Henry said flatly. "I would''ve agreed even if none of that happened."


    Henry''s brother clearly didn''t get it, but Henry didn''t bother explaining further to his younger brother.


    Get revenge for Dad? Please. He wasn''t that much of a loyal son.


    This was a huge chance, a way to get close to Alex. Other people would kill for an opportunity like this.


    Henry remembered how Logan had practically gotten on his knees begging for Alex''s favor and got nothing. But now, Alex had just handed this chance right to him.


    Honestly, if Henry had known this was the way to get in good with Alex, he might have almost wished his dad had died earlier thanks to Eric Vaughn.


    Trading his dad''s life to get close to someone like Alex? It felt like a fantastic deal. It was a win for him, and a huge win for the Wade Family''s future.


    Henry was sure his dad, if he knew, would see it the same way. Everything was for the good of the Wade Family, after all.


    ¡­.


    Once Henry was gone, it was just Alex and Ashley left in the office.


    Ashley still felt a little dazed. Were her business problems really solved, just like that? Coming here, meeting Henry again... his attitude was night-and-day compared to their last meeting at the Wade Family.


    This time, he didn''t even grill her; he just told her to bring the contract over whenever she could.


    She''d honestly lost all hope for this partnership. Thanks to that walking disaster Eric Vaughn, her family had seriously ticked off the Wades, Eric had killed Henry''s father, after all. And everyone knew Henry had a reputation for being a good son.


    Ashley knew, without a doubt, that this complete change was all because of the man she''d spent the night with.


    Right then, Ashley had her hair pinned up stylishly. Her white top, cut short to show off her stomach, barely contained her generous curves.


    A sliver of smooth, pale skin showed above her waist as she moved slightly.


    She wore loose, thin black pants, but when she leaned over the coffee table to grab a glass of water, the material pulled tight, revealing the perfect, round shape of her backside.


    She felt Alex''s eyes on her, but she didn''t try to hide. She stayed bent over, picked up the glass, took a sip, and then shot Alex a look, deliberately licking her lips in a way that was pure invitation.


    You had to admit, women like her knew the game. They didn''t just know the moves; they knew how to lead the dance.


    "Thank you," Ashley said, leaning back onto the sofa with a lazy stretch, propping her chin on her hand.


    Alex stood looming over her. "Just saying thank you with words?" he asked, his voice low and full of suggestion.


    Ashley blinked, acting like she didn''t catch his drift. She smiled sweetly. "My deal with Henry is all because of you, Alex. Once it''s all done, I promise I''ll thank you properly."


    "A big ''thank you'' later isn''t needed," Alex replied, setting his phone down. "Just give me the ''verbal'' thank you right now." Then, quick as a flash, he scooped her up, pulling her lush body against his. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ashley let out a little yelp of surprise, her hands flying to the sofa arms as she struggled, but not very hard, her face turning bright red. "Alex, let go! What are you doing?"


    "Getting my verbal thank you!" Alex said smoothly, his hands already exploring as he spoke. "I hate taking credit I don''t deserve. I didn''t really do that much to help you with the Henry deal. No big reward necessary. Just the verbal kind of thanks is fine."


    ''This is what he calls a verbal thank you?'' Ashley thought wildly. ''Okay, fine, thank you, but why are your pants coming off?!''


    "N-No... stop," she protested, still pushing weakly against his chest. Her resistance was fading fast, her eyes getting that hazy look, cheeks flushed hot. "I''m married... We shouldn''t... You promised last time was the only time."


    Alex leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "But I helped you out big time today. Can''t just ignore that, right? If you really don''t want to... maybe I should just go?"


    He stopped what he was doing, a teasing glint in his eyes as he watched her, practically melting under his gaze.


    Ashley bit down hard on her full lower lip, saying nothing. After a tense moment, she seemed to give in, closing her eyes with a small frown.


    "This is a hospital," she whispered finally. "My hotel... let''s go there."


    Even though it was his office, Alex hadn''t taken the top floor all for himself. He didn''t like being totally cut off.


    This floor had other rooms, and the main hallway, filled with nurses coming and going, was right outside the door. Ashley was terrified someone would hear them.


    But Alex didn''t look the least bit worried about anyone hearing. Maybe he even enjoyed the thrill of it.


    "Relax, the soundproofing''s top-notch," Alex reassured her smoothly. He knew Ashley, being a city native, had a voice that wasn''t just pleasant but could get surprisingly strong and carry quite well.


    He had vivid memories of that particular quality from the night before.


    Clothing came off, piece by piece, revealing the woman beneath.


    Outside, maybe the wind whispered, maybe birds called out, maybe water trickled somewhere nearby¡­ a soft, indistinct rustling seemed to fill the momentary silence.


    A while later, Ashley''s hair was tousled, her cheeks still flushed pink, and her eyes held that sleepy, satisfied haze. She pushed herself up slightly on the sofa, delicately wiped her mouth, and shot Alex a look that was mostly annoyance.


    This damn man.


    Alex was already pulling his clothes back on. Ashley reached for hers, only to find the expensive white designer top she''d been wearing was ripped beyond repair, courtesy of the ''damn man'' himself.


    Wearing it was out of the question now.

 Chapter 196 - 196: Afterglow & Afterthoughts

    Alex was already pulling his clothes back on. Ashley reached for hers, only to find the expensive white designer top she''d been wearing was ripped beyond repair, courtesy of the ''damn man'' himself.


    Wearing it was out of the question now.


    Such an expensive shirt, torn like it was nothing. What a complete waste!


    Ashley gave up on getting dressed for now, simply sitting on the sofa with the lingering blush still warming her face. She switched gears back to business. "Okay, I''m going to the Wade Industries tomorrow to sign the contract with Henry. Right after that, I need to head back to home."


    Alex just gave a simple nod. "Have a safe trip."


    Ashley snatched the ruined shirt from the floor and tossed it in his direction. "Men! You''re all impossible."


    The second his pants are zipped, he acts like he barely knows you.


    "So, when are you planning on visiting me?" she asked, her lower lip jutting out in a small pout.


    Alex looked genuinely puzzled. "What for?"


    "Maybe I should just break off my engagement," Ashley muttered, still pouting as she crossed her arms defensively. "He''s dead now anyway." She certainly wasn''t in love with Alex, not even close, but after these last two times... she was getting disturbingly accustomed to him.


    It felt like getting used to driving a high-end, effortlessly smooth automatic car. The thought of going back to her old, clunky manual stick-shift¡­ the difference felt too huge now. Ashley wasn''t sure she could go back.


    Alex''s expression tightened slightly. He sat down on the chair opposite her. "Look, I don''t mess around with breaking up families," he said flatly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Don''t mention it again."


    His internal thoughts were colder. ''Just because you enjoy taking someone else''s fancy car for a spin doesn''t mean you have to buy it and take it home. Especially when the original owner isn''t even around to complain anymore. Sure, driving it is fun while it lasts, but actually owning it? If you get bored later, getting rid of it is a massive headache. And if you keep it? Besides the ridiculous cost of upkeep year after year, it just stops you from driving the newer, better models you really want.''


    He hadn''t forgotten about that girl from the Dawson Family. Not at all.


    Sex wasn''t the point. Collecting that sweet Critical Points'', that was the real prize. Ashley''s ''car'' might be incredibly fun to drive, smooth and responsive, but she didn''t generate any Critical Points. That, in his book, was her biggest downside.


    Still, Alex wasn''t exactly complaining. She was easy on the eyes and knew how to handle herself. Plus, Ashley could be very useful down the line.


    He could already imagine it: the aunt and the niece, together. Making the young heroine watch helplessly as her own aunt... ah, the scenarios.


    The Critical Points from the that heroine in that situation would likely be off the charts.


    "Right," Ashley sighed, her eyes filled with a lingering resentment. She pouted again and made a small humming noise of displeasure. She wasn''t blind. She knew perfectly well Alex was just using her for fun, with zero plans for anything long-term.


    Yep. Men. All the same. Smooth, maybe, but rotten deep down.


    "Well, I''m going back to my hotel," she announced. Ashley slipped into the replacement clothes Alex had conveniently produced from a closet hidden in the office, grabbed her stylish handbag, and walked out of the hospital, her hips swaying with deliberate confidence.


    After Ashley was gone, dusk settled over the city. Alex climbed into his car and headed towards the Bar.


    ¡­.


    Pulling up outside, he saw three police cruisers parked near the entrance. He even recognized the specific models, he was the one who had funded the police department''s upgrade to these exact vehicles. A small, ironic smile touched his lips.


    Currently, about seven or eight officers in uniform were milling around the bar''s entrance. Alex casually wondered what was up, a routine check for illegal activities? Drugs? Or had a major brawl broken out inside? S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He spotted Lane standing near the entrance, dressed in a form-fitting black skirt that clung to her every curve.


    Arms crossed, the tight fabric highlighted her striking figure.


    With her likely European genes, she possessed a supermodel''s physique, combined with the potent allure of a confident woman in her prime, a dangerous mix.


    "As you know, all bars and clubs under the Reid Industries operate strictly within the law," Lane was explaining calmly to the officer in charge.


    "We have a zero-tolerance policy for any illegal business." She handled these routine checks like a seasoned pro.


    "We appreciate your cooperation, Ms. Lane," the lead officer responded, closing his small notebook with a polite smile.


    Inspecting establishments owned by the Industries was always the easiest part of their rounds. They knew they wouldn''t find any trouble here, no drugs, no gambling, no illegal sex trade. It stood in stark contrast to almost every other bar and club in the City.


    The bar seemed quiet, almost respectable now.


    Just as the lead officer snapped his notebook shut, ready to wrap things up, a good-looking young cop stepped forward, a friendly smile on his face. "Hey, is your boss around?" he asked.


    "The boss?" Lane hesitated for a moment, then gave a polite smile. "Oh, he''s incredibly busy. You know this is just one small spot owned by Reid Industries, right? It''s not a huge focus for them, so he doesn''t stop by very often."


    The young officer nodded. "Yeah, the city''s star entrepreneur. Good for him, being busy. Means he''s helping the city grow and giving people jobs."


    Lane simply smiled, saying nothing more.


    The lead officer tucked his notebook into his pocket and glanced around. "Okay team, let''s move out!"


    As the officers began to leave the bar, a flashy red Ferrari suddenly pulled a U-turn across the street, heading straight for them.


    Its headlights were blindingly bright, aimed right at the handsome young officer, making him throw a hand up to shield his eyes.


    [The Protagonist ''Jed'' has a Mentality Crack(Irritation). Congratulations! You''ve earned 50 Critical Points.]

 Chapter 197 - 197: System Protagonist

    [The Protagonist ''Jed'' has a Mentality Crack(Irritation). Congratulations! You''ve earned 50 Critical Points.]


    Oho!


    Alex, behind the wheel, felt a spark of interest. He''d been curious about this crime-solving ''Protagonist'' for a while. He''d even swung by the police station a few times hoping to catch a glimpse, but Jed was always conveniently out on a murder case.


    Tonight, Alex was just here because Riley was finishing her shift at This bar. It was also the last night Eric Vaughn was scheduled to give her grandma acupuncture, and Alex planned to take Riley to the hospital tomorrow to visit.


    Running into the Protagonist himself? Total coincidence.


    ''Seriously though,'' Alex mused, ''just getting hit with headlights makes his mentality crack?''


    ''And only 50 points? Come on, Mr. protagonist, don''t be so cheap!''


    Alex smirked and decided to stay put. He kept the brights fixed squarely on the best-looking officer in the group.


    [The Protagonist ''Jed'' has a Mentality Crack. Congratulations! You''ve earned 100 Critical Points.]


    ''Pathetic,'' Alex thought dismissively. ''Eric Vaughn gave way better reactions¡­'' He couldn''t care less about these tiny point gains.


    While bathing the crime-solver in light, Alex gave him a good look.


    [Name: Jed]


    [Genre: Crime-Solving System User]


    [Luck Level: 7]


    [Personality: Hates evil, calm and driven, sharp observer, great analyst, but fresh out of the academy, sometimes surprisingly clueless.]


    ''Woah! Level 7?'' Alex drew a sharp breath.


    That Eric Vaughn fellow was only Level 5. This Jed guy was starting off way stronger, already at Level 7!


    What did Level 7 even mean for a Protagonist


    Think about it: Eric Vaughn, the ''Prodigy Doctor'' type, had three insane masters backing him, a legendary doctor, a master poisoner, and a top assassin. Even though he only started at Level 5.


    Jed''s level genuinely shocked Alex.


    Then, his eyes drifted to the ''Genre'' section, and the shock intensified.


    ''A System User protagonist!''


    Ah. Well, that explained the Level 7 start.


    Everyone knows the power ranking: Old Mentor guiding you is good, being reborn or sent to another world is better, but having a System? That was top-tier.


    Protagonists with old monsters might be strong, but they had limits. System users? Their potential for crazy power was off the charts.


    A flicker of caution sparked in Alex. Jed wasn''t just a System user; he was a crime-solving one. Did his System give him crazy skills like ''Mind Reading'' or ''Scene Replay''? Maybe super-powered versions of ''Profiling'' or ''Hypnosis''?


    Crime-solvers in these stories already had weird abilities. Add a System that could grant anything?


    Yeah, you definitely had to be careful with guys like this.


    ''System,'' Alex thought, ''got anything to block mental tricks?''


    ''Only a system can counter a system,'' he figured.


    [Red Alert: Creates a small field blocking low-level mental interference. Also alerts the user to attempted interference. Cost: 1 Critical Point per minute active. Price: 10,000 Critical Points.]


    Perfect.


    ''Only 10k? Pocket change. Buy it.'' Feeling loaded, Alex confirmed the purchase instantly.


    Eric Vaughn had been a goldmine lately, constantly freaking out and generating points. It felt good having a nice cushion of Critical Points to spend. Definitely a satisfying feeling.


    ¡­.


    About three minutes crawled by just like that.


    Lane definitely recognized her boss''s car. She''d spotted the car from the start. What puzzled her was why her boss was deliberately aiming his brights right at that surprisingly young cop.


    The officer first tried blocking the light with his hand. When that didn''t stop, still squinting, he sidestepped left, trying to get out of the blinding beam. But weirdly, wherever he moved, the headlights moved too, locking onto him.


    [The Protagonist ''Jed'' has a Mentality Crack. Congratulations! You''ve earned 60 Critical Points.]


    Jed was getting really confused now. What was the deal with this car? Why were its lights chasing him like a prison spotlight?


    ''Seriously?'' Jed thought, annoyed. ''Is being handsome a crime now?''


    The lead officer nearby saw it too. This wasn''t accidental; the driver was clearly messing with Jed.


    Just as the lead officer was about to step forward and ask the driver what was going on, Lane moved smoothly past the other cops, walked right up to the red sports car, and tapped politely on the driver''s side window.


    The intense headlights clicked off instantly. The car door swung open, and Alex climbed out.


    "Boss," Lane greeted him respectfully, then quietly motioned for the bar''s security guy to take the car and park it.


    Lane hadn''t whispered. All seven officers heard her call him ''Boss.''


    ''Ah, so that''s the owner of the bar,'' the lead officer thought, a small smile forming. ''Young guy, clearly successful, and seems¡­ decent enough...''


    He remembered this was the man who''d generously replaced all the aging patrol cars at the station.


    Alex was also known for investing heavily in local businesses, building factories and shops, creating jobs.


    Plus, he was always front and center when it came to donating to charity. Little things like that earned him a lot of goodwill with the police force.


    Jed rubbed his stinging eyes, still seeing spots after three minutes of headlight glare. He blinked, raising an eyebrow slightly as he sized up the young man who''d just emerged from the flashy supercar.


    First thought: Damn, he''s handsome. Maybe even a little more so than Jed himself.


    He''d heard a lot about Alex, the brilliant young entrepreneur all the senior officers seemed to admire.


    Jed had been curious to meet him, but the station had been slammed recently with a string of nasty murder cases, keeping him constantly busy. No chance for introductions until now.


    He hadn''t expected to run into Alex during an anti-vice raid with a senior patrol officer. Jed was training for the detective squad, that was his path after his internship.


    But wanting to see different sides of police work and get more experience, he''d volunteered to join the patrol team tonight.


    This bar was known as the biggest, fanciest club in the city. Normally, places like this in other towns were breeding grounds for prostitution or drugs. But This bar was different. Spotless. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    No illegal stuff happened here, period. The place was run tight, and even the customers stayed in line. Nobody dared start trouble.


    Everyone knew it was because Alex was the owner, and these were his rules.

 Chapter 198 - 198: Few Questions

    Alex himself had a reputation for being straight-laced, following the law to the letter.


    His businesses stayed clean. In fact, there was that story about him personally discovering a drug deal going down in another one of his clubs and immediately calling the cops, handing the narcotics division a major win.


    That kind of action earned a lot of respect from the officers.


    Building factories, running real businesses, giving real money to charity, obeying laws, not acting like a reckless rich kid racing his car or ignoring traffic rules, even buying the station new cars...


    Looked at from any angle, Alex seemed like a model entrepreneur for the city.


    And yet... something felt off to Jed. He had this nagging gut feeling that the squeaky-clean image wasn''t the whole story. That maybe there were some less-than-legal things happening behind the curtain.


    "You must be Mr. Alex, right?"


    Jed quickly walked forward, slipping past the other officers until he stood beside Lane. He put on his most harmless, friendly smile.


    Alex instantly tensed up inside. As he mentally activated the [Red Alert] skill, his fingers discreetly tightened around the [Bad Luck Talisman] hidden in his hand.


    If this crime-solving, System-using Protagonist tried anything, Alex was ready to hit him with the same kind of bad luck that had tormented that ''Doctor'' guy.


    ''Don''t trust the innocent act or the handsome face,'' Alex reminded himself. ''That''s Protagonist 101. Only an idiot falls for that crap.''


    "Hello, Officer," the young cop said, introducing himself with that same easygoing smile firmly in place. "It''s really great to finally meet you, Mr. Alex."


    Alex met his gaze and asked flatly, "How great?"


    [The Protagonist ''Jed'' has a Mentality Crack. Congratulations! You''ve earned 90 Critical Points.]


    Jed nearly choked. ''What''s wrong with this guy? Why can''t he just react normally?''


    "Real... real great, I guess," Jed stuttered out, completely thrown off. He''d never felt so lost for words in his life.


    "You''re getting happy a bit early," Alex said, offering a smile that didn''t quite reach his eyes.


    [The Protagonist ''Jed'' has a Mentality Crack. Congratulations! You''ve earned 50 Critical Points.]


    ''Are you crazy?!'' Jed wanted to yell. ''You''re a rich boss! If you''ve got issues, go see someone!'' He felt his chest tighten and had to fight to keep his cool. He managed another tight, awkward smile.


    The friendly warmth was completely gone from his face now.


    "Just messing with you, don''t worry about it," Alex waved a hand casually, though inside, he was full of disdain.


    ''What a loser. A Level 7 Son of Luck? He barely gives off any Collapse Points compared to Level 5 Eric Vaughn. He''s not even generating as much as Eric Vaughn did after his level dropped.''


    Useless!


    "Mr. Alex, you really have a unique sense of humor," Jed said, his smile now totally fake. "Anyway, do you happen to follow the news much?"


    Alex calmly looked at Jed''s serious but kinda clueless face. "What do you think?"


    [The Protagonist ''Jed'' has a Mentality Crack. Congratulations! You''ve earned 50 Critical Points.]


    Jed felt like his head was splitting. ''Seriously? I ask if you follow the news, and you just toss the question back at me?''


    ''Think you''re being clever? It''s just plain awkward!''


    Jed forced another smile and pushed ahead, feeling stuck. "Okay, well... whether you follow it or not... I was just wondering what you thought about it?"


    ''What do I think? I think I use my phone to read news...'' Alex complained silently. Talking to this detective Son of Luck, Jed, meant keeping his mouth shut as much as possible. These protagonist types were way too good at picking things apart. Say one wrong thing, and they''d grab onto it and never let go.


    So incredibly annoying.


    "I heard about it," Alex said cautiously. "I''ve already asked the cancer experts at Reid Hospital to check on the situation. I''m covering all the medical bills for those students involved. Right now, we''re just hoping the police can wrap up the case soon."


    "You''ve got a real sense of justice, Mr. Alex," Jed said, his friendly smile back in place. "Speaking of things happening lately, after Logan, the CEO of the Kleinberg Industries, vanished, his company was a total mess. Things only calmed down because you stepped in and took over the Kleinberg Industries, right?"


    ''The Kleinberg Industries, huh? So that''s his angle...'' Alex became even more careful. He actually thought about just slapping the [Bad Luck Talisman] on this guy right then and there.


    "Officer Jed, you shouldn''t spread rumors," Alex corrected smoothly, casually putting his hands in his pockets. "I never ''took over'' the Kleinberg Industries. I was simply helping Miss Sera."


    "Sera is one of the few friends I have," Alex went on calmly. "When her family ran into trouble, she asked me for help. I couldn''t just ignore her, could I? You''d do the same, right, Officer Jed?"


    "Yes, yes, of course," Jed mumbled, knowing full well Alex wasn''t giving him a single straight answer.


    ''Something weird is definitely going on here.'' Alex was much more wary of this Protagonist Jed, than he''d ever been of Eric.


    Sure, Eric had those three incredible masters, but even their skills couldn''t match how wild and unpredictable a System could be. Who knew what strange abilities or show-off moves Jed''s System might give him?


    Meanwhile, Jed felt sick to his stomach. Before meeting Alex, he''d imagined him as some cool, mysterious, distant CEO, maybe with a dark secret or two.


    He never, ever dreamed the guy would be so shameless and slippery with his words.


    Jed instantly regretted even starting this conversation. But just walking away now felt wrong, unsatisfying. It had been more than half a month since Logan and his family were taken by the Gang after getting off their plane, and there had been zero news.


    Jed secretly feared they''d already been... silenced.


    What really bothered Jed was how someone knew Logan''s exact flight information, they even knew which gate the family would use. It was as if they were lying in wait specifically for them.


    It wasn''t a random attack; it felt carefully planned.


    But why would Logan have enemies, especially since they were based way over in another country?


    There was no obvious connection.


    The only possible link... was Alex.


    Jed had looked into it after the family vanished.


    The whole reason Logan was frantically trying to sell his Kleinberg Industries shares, even dumping his houses and fancy cars, was because right after his father''s funeral, Alex had personally promised Sera he would help her "deal with" Logan.


    S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 199 - 199: Deductions

    That single promise from Alex caused panic. All of the Kleinberg Industries''s business partners backed out almost overnight. Logan himself started desperately selling everything he owned, clearly trying to scrape together cash and make a run for it.


    Then, Logan disappeared. The Kleinberg Industries was suddenly adrift without a leader. That''s when Sera swept in, bringing a team from Reid Industries with her.


    They completely cleaned the house, firing a ton of the company''s senior managers. Later digging showed that every single person fired was someone loyal to Logan or one of the other members.


    Alex claimed he was just ''lending Sera a hand.'' But look at the result: all those high-level positions left empty by the purge? Filled immediately by people from Reid Industries.


    They called it ''temporary help,'' naturally.


    The official story was that once Sera hired suitable replacements, the Reid people would step back and return the jobs.


    ''Yeah, like hell they would!'' Jed didn''t buy it for a second.


    He''d investigated thoroughly, but hit frustrating dead ends. He couldn''t find a single shred of evidence linking Alex to the Logan Disappearing¡­ Nothing.


    Yet, his gut feeling screamed otherwise. He was almost certain Alex was the puppet master behind the kidnapping of Logan''s family.


    But gut feelings weren''t proof.


    Making things even harder, the higher-ups at the police station had explicitly warned him off investigating Alex. Any digging he did now had to be strictly off the books, kept completely secret.


    "Mr. Alex, you wouldn''t happen to remember Logan, would you?" Jed decided to just ask directly. Trying to be subtle clearly didn''t work with this guy; Alex was just too slick with his words.


    Alex answered coolly, "Of course, I remember him. Sera''s dear uncle, isn''t he? Haven''t seen him around in for weeks. Sera actually misses him, you know."


    ''Oh, she ''misses'' him alright,'' Alex thought with dark amusement. ''She gets those daily video updates of dear uncle getting roughed up. Watches them with such deep feeling, tears practically streaming down her face.''


    "¡­." He didn''t believe a single word coming out of Alex''s mouth.


    If Sera hadn''t come to him first, crying her eyes out, saying she suspected her own uncle was behind her parents'' death... And if Jed hadn''t later uncovered evidence pointing straight at Logan as the one who ordered the car ''accident'' that killed Sera''s parents...


    Sera would miss the man who likely murdered her parents? S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    What kind of sick joke was this?


    This guy was incapable of telling the truth.


    "He''s gone missing," Jed stated plainly, locking eyes with Alex, searching for any tiny reaction, any flicker in his expression.


    But, as expected, nothing.


    Alex''s face was a perfect mask. He knew exactly how guys like Jed operated, always looking for tells. He wasn''t about to give this crime-solving protagonist anything.


    "Really? Since when?" Alex asked, feigning genuine surprise perfectly.


    Jed kept staring. "It''s been over two weeks."


    "Oh, Sera will be heartbroken when she finds out," Alex sighed, sounding deeply concerned for her. "Officer Jed, please, do me a favor and don''t tell her just yet, alright?" He paused, then added smoothly, "You know, Officer Jed, Sera mentioned you before. Said you were a good guy."


    [The Protagonist ''Jed'' has a Mentality Crack. Congratulations! You''ve earned 60 Critical Points.]


    Being unexpectedly slapped with the ''good guy'' label left Jed wanting to snap back, but he was speechless.


    ''Sixty points? So cheap! Not very generous for a System-using Protagonist!'' Alex grumbled inwardly. He was actually starting to miss Eric Vaughn and his much bigger point payouts.


    Just then, a different notification popped up:


    [The Protagonist ''Eric Vaughn'' has a Mental Breakdown. Congratulations! You''ve earned 600 Critical Points.]


    Huh?


    Alex blinked in surprise.


    ''What happened with Eric Vaughn now? What did those five hospital doctors do to his... uh... delicate parts this time?''


    Those doctors are seriously vicious!


    "About Miss Sera..." Jed started to ask another question, but the lead officer finally stepped in.


    "Kid, that''s enough questions!" the senior officer interrupted sharply. "Mr. Alex is a respected businessman in this city, not some criminal you''re grilling! Show some respect!"


    Turning to Alex, he apologized quickly, "Mr. Alex, really sorry about him. He''s new, still figuring things out. Hope he didn''t bother you too much."


    "No worries. The rookie''s got passion, I''ll give him that," Alex waved it off easily. He paused, pretending to recall something. "Actually, Officer Jed, I heard you''ve only been here less than a month but you''ve already cracked three murder cases? That''s pretty amazing!"


    Jed forced his polite smile back on. "Thank you, sir."


    "You know," Alex went on, looking thoughtful, "before Officer Jed showed up, I honestly didn''t even realize our city had this many murders." He put on a look of slight worry.


    "It feels like years since I heard about any killings in the City. Those culprits must have been hiding really deep. Then Officer Jed arrives, and boom! Three cases solved just like that. Incredible, truly incredible."


    [The Protagonist ''Jed'' has a Mentality Crack. Congratulations! You''ve earned 100 Critical Points.]


    Without giving Jed any room to reply, Alex rubbed his temples, feigning exhaustion. "Look, Officer Jed, let''s wrap this up for tonight, okay? It''s been a crazy long day with business stuff, and I''m beat. We can talk some other time. I need to crash."


    With that, Alex brushed past Jed and walked back into the bar, Lane following silently behind him.


    Jed watched Alex disappear inside. The moment Alex was out of sight, the friendly, easygoing smile dropped from Jed''s face, replaced by a sharp, calculating coldness.


    He rested his chin on his hand, his eyes narrowed in thought. ''What exactly did Logan do to you, Alex? What grudge was big enough to make you spend serious resources hiring someone all the way in another country? Was it really just about Sera?''


    He knew Alex was chasing after Sera, but could it honestly be love?


    No. No way.


    Guys like Alex didn''t operate like that. They didn''t orchestrate something this big, this risky, just for a woman.


    Feelings like love? They were irrelevant, maybe even weaknesses, to men like Alex.


    Then, just as quickly as it appeared, the cold look vanished. The warm, approachable smile slid back onto Jed''s face as if it had never left.

 Chapter 200 - 200: Last Day

    Alex pushed open the heavy door to the private room on the top floor.


    This was the same room where he''d first met the sweet, innocent girl who had stumbled into his world. Lane kept it locked up tight these days, no regular customers allowed. It was basically Alex''s private spot whenever he visited His bar.


    Riley was already inside, waiting. She looked nervous, fidgeting slightly on the edge of the plush sofa. When the door clicked open, she stood up quickly, her movements a little clumsy, which only made her look cuter.


    Alex didn''t waste a second. He stepped forward, his hand finding her slim waist, pulling her easily against him.


    "Sir!" Riley breathed out, the word soft. A pretty pink blush spread across her cheeks, and her eyes suddenly looked shiny, almost wet, making her gaze incredibly inviting.


    This girl, who still looked so pure on the surface, had definitely found a different side to herself thanks to him.


    The mix of her almost clueless-looking innocent face and the new, hungry look sparking in her eyes was enough to make any man lose control.


    Looking down at the ''sweet naive girl'' now held firmly in his arms, her hidden wants clearly awake, Alex felt his own control just¡­ snap. Acting purely on impulse, he bent his head and captured her lips in a demanding kiss.


    His hands didn''t stay idle, either.


    Same room, same two people. But the story playing out now was worlds away from their first meeting.


    Back then, Riley thought she was giving herself to the powerful boss out of desperation. This time, she knew exactly what was happening, and she was choosing it.


    Riley wasn''t the completely clueless girl anymore. She''d learned things, new ways to move her body, touches that sent shivers down her spine, skills she never imagined before.


    She wasn''t a master yet, not even close, but Riley was surprisingly keen to learn. And lucky for her, she had Alex, a very demanding ''teacher'' who liked to give her regular ''quizzes'' on her progress.


    Thankfully, Riley learned fast. She was smart and, more importantly, willing.


    Alex was quite pleased with how far she''d come.


    An hour later, a deep quiet filled the room, broken only by soft breaths. Riley lay still for a long moment, tangled in the sheets, just letting her strength slowly seep back into her limbs. Finally, she murmured, her voice a little shaky but soft, "Sir¡­ you''re¡­ you''re amazing¡­"


    There had been moments where she honestly thought she couldn''t handle any more.


    She remembered, after they first got together, secretly looking things up online. She''d found some silly, crude joke about farming.


    Reading it back then had made her blush so hard she thought her face would catch fire. Thinking about it now, she could only manage a small, tired smile. ''Oh please,'' she thought wryly, ''I''ve done things way dirtier than that silly joke hints at.''


    But remembering it now, Riley felt the joke was completely wrong. With her boss''s endless energy, it felt more like the land was getting totally worn out, while the farmer barely seemed to work up a sweat.


    If this kept up¡­ she worried, her eyes flicking down instinctively¡­ the land might really get ruined¡­ A little knot of real worry tightened in her stomach.


    Maybe¡­ maybe I need some backup?


    The thought popped into her head so suddenly it startled her. Her gaze shot towards the boss, but she quickly relaxed when she saw he wasn''t looking her way, seeming lost in his own thoughts.


    ''Riley, Riley, what are you even thinking? That''s crazy!'' she scolded herself inside her head. But the scolding felt weak, like she didn''t really mean it.


    She couldn''t stop another quick, worried look downwards.


    She let out the tiniest sigh. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Your grandma should probably wake up sometime tomorrow," Alex said calmly, his voice cutting through the quiet. He took a slow drink of water.


    "Huh?" Pulled sharply from her confusing thoughts, Riley''s full attention snapped to him. "Grandma''s waking up? Really? Oh, Sir, that''s wonderful! That''s amazing news!"


    Even though the doctors kept telling her every day that her grandma''s cancer cells were shrinking faster than they''d ever seen, Riley couldn''t truly let herself feel relieved until her grandma actually opened her eyes.


    "I''ll go with you to the hospital tomorrow," Alex added smoothly. "After the treatment tonight, her liver cancer should be completely gone." He knew the special Eric technique worked wonders. Tonight was the last session he''d arranged.


    To make sure Eric Vaughan could work on saving the patient without anyone bothering him, Alex had done more than just clear the nurses out of the room. He had also quietly told his five medical experts to leave Eric alone during the day.


    Pretty nice of him, right?


    While Eric poured all his focus into the treatment, Alex didn''t disturb him. Instead, he gave his attention back to Riley.


    "Thank you so much, Sir," Riley said, relief washing over her face. It felt like a heavy weight had just vanished, and she instantly looked more lively.


    And just like that, she started moving towards him again.


    "Huh, don''t you ever get tired?" Alex half-joked, rubbing his lower back with a groan.


    "Sir, just stay still. It''s my turn now," Riley insisted, a playful glint in her eyes.


    Alex didn''t argue.


    ¡­


    The next morning, around 6:30 AM.


    Looking pale and completely drained, Eric Vaughan stumbled out of the patient''s room. He had to lean against the wall just to stay upright, his steps shaky.


    That had been the final treatment session, the trickiest, longest part of the special "Acupuncture" method. It had taken him the whole night.


    He leaned heavily on the wall, dragging himself forward slowly, each step an effort. When he finally reached the stairwell door, he slumped against the cool metal, trying to catch his breath.


    Working non-stop all night with those needles had really taken a lot out of him.


    Normally, using the Acupuncture wouldn''t leave him this wiped out. But dealing with those five annoying doctors bothering him all day yesterday had worn him down, body and mind.


    Honestly, if he hadn''t promised the girl he''d treat her grandmother, Eric Vaughan would have stormed out of this awful hospital days ago.

 Chapter 201 - 201: Mental Breakdown

    Just as Eric reached for the stairwell door handle, he heard quick footsteps echoing down the hall, getting closer. He also heard a woman''s voice.


    "Sir, come on, hurry up!"


    That voice¡­ Eric''s heart did a little jump. His eyes widened. He''d know that voice anywhere. He hadn''t stopped thinking about the woman it belonged to for days.


    It was the girl. She was here!


    He still didn''t know her name, but who cared? What mattered was that he had saved the old woman lying in that room.


    Saving someone''s life creates a big debt, after all.


    He wouldn''t ask for too much back. Just marrying him would be payment enough!


    Thinking about it made Eric Vaughan feel a sudden rush of excitement.


    Of course, that feeling was all in his head. He didn''t know it yet, but his ''little brother'' down there wasn''t really working anymore.


    Eric decided not to head downstairs just yet. Gritting his teeth against the sharp pain in his backside, he stayed leaning against the wall, awkwardly holding onto his medical bags. He took a shaky breath, trying to plan the perfect way to step out and introduce himself.


    The main hospital hallway ran longways, east to west. The shorter hallway with the stairs branched off it, north to south.


    Still leaning on the wall for support, Eric slowly shuffled forward towards the corner where the hallways met.


    The footsteps got louder. Eric felt his nerves jump, his heart started pounding faster. He took another deep breath and even tried to quickly smooth down his messy hair and straighten his wrinkled clothes.


    But then¡­ the hand fixing his hair froze right where it was.


    "Damn¡­ you¡­ Alex?"


    Seeing the man walking down the main hall with the girl sent a jolt through Eric, like getting hit by lightning. He knew that man. Oh, he knew him too well.


    He hated him with every fiber of his being. Alex! It was him again. Damn it all, it was him again!


    This damn lowlife! Using some sneaky trick, he''d already stolen Sera, the woman Eric thought was his. And now, here he was again!


    Walking right next to the woman Eric had just decided was going to be his future wife!


    "This¡­ Bastard!"


    Eric ground his teeth together, watching Alex laugh and talk closely with the girl. Pure rage boiled up inside him. He wanted nothing more than to rush forward and beat Alex senseless.


    But before he could even try to take a step, that awful, tearing pain shot through his rear again, freezing him on the spot. Cold sweat dripped down his back. He couldn''t move at all.


    ¡­.


    The girl and Alex walked right past the entrance to the stairwell hall, chatting and laughing easily together, looking just like a couple. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing that felt like a punch straight to Eric''s gut.


    "Damn it, why is it this trash again?"


    Eric felt like he was going to explode inside. "Why is it always you, you bastard?!" he screamed silently in his head. "Damn you! Why do you always show up and ruin things for me?! How dare you! You''re asking to die!"


    Even though his rear end hurt badly, Eric Vaughan forced himself to take a step. Cold sweat immediately beaded on his forehead and soaked his back.


    Eric had sharp eyes, always noticing small details ¨C maybe a habit from training with his master. He naturally focused on things that mattered, picking up clues.


    As soon as he got near the main hallway, his gaze locked onto the small, reddish marks sprinkled across the girl''s neck.


    [The Protagonist ''Eric Vaughan'' has a Mental Breakdown. Congratulations, you have earned 9999 Critical Points.]


    Seeing those marks shattered Eric completely. Okay, so he was a virgin who''d never even held a girl''s hand, but that didn''t mean he was clueless about this stuff.


    He might not have eaten the pork, but he''d definitely seen the pig run! He''d seen enough adult movies back in the mountains, his masters had quite the collection. He could probably even name some of the famous actors from Japan, Korea, Europe, and America.


    Sure, all his knowledge was just from watching, but he knew exactly what he was seeing. He just hadn''t experienced it himself.


    Those little red marks were definitely hickeys.


    "Damn it!"


    "Alex, you son of a bitch!"


    The proof was right there. Eric couldn''t even lie to himself anymore.


    His hands, gripping the colostomy and urine bags, started to tremble. If he wasn''t holding them so tightly, he probably would have dropped both bags right then and there.


    "No."


    "It can''t be."


    "There must be some misunderstanding."


    Eric refused to believe it. He knew this girl, she seemed so innocent. Girls like her valued their purity above everything else. She wouldn''t just give herself to a man so easily.


    "This isn''t real. Something''s wrong. This just isn''t right," he mumbled, sounding desperate.


    Eric''s mind really felt like it was cracking apart.


    When that jerk Alex took Sera from him, Eric could still try to make himself feel better. He told himself that Sera''s grandfather died suddenly, and she blamed him by mistake, which was why Alex could trick her away.


    He didn''t blame her for that.


    But this time was different.


    He had cured this girl''s grandmother! She had late-stage liver cancer! For an old woman like her, that was pretty much a death sentence. The useless doctors here could never have saved her.


    This was totally different from what happened with Sera.


    This time, he was the one who healed the patient. Nothing bad was going to happen, so there was no way she could misunderstand and think he caused her grandmother''s death.


    Maybe losing Sera had made Eric care even more about this simple, innocent girl.


    "Maybe... maybe they''re just dating. It was just a kiss, a normal kiss," Eric tried to tell himself, searching for any other explanation.


    Then, an idea suddenly hit him, and his mood instantly brightened.