Alex hurried toward the front door, but before he could even walk down the steps, Ophelia stormed inside, trailed furiously by her mother, Michelle, and her father, Justin.The trio burst into the manor as if it were their own, arrogance dripping from their every move—clearly, this wasn't their first invasion.Instantly, the manor filled with blistering tension, a tempest charged with scorn and disdain.Michelle’s shrill voice sliced through the silence, her words dripping venom." Ophelia you better divorce your husband. Alex Leonhard is worthless sack of shame! He is a stain upon our family name. Divorce him, Ophelia—now! Or your grandmother will toss you straight out of the D’Arcy nobility like garbage!"Ophelia stood unmoved, her voice cool, iron beneath velvet, "If that's her choice, I'll simply live here with Alex. He’s my husband, a Baron; my place was always at his side."Michelle’s face twisted with disgust, her eyes blazing."You stubborn fool! What’s so alluring about this

Inside the Golden Guild.The vastness struck Alex like a cathedral of wealth—marble pillars soared skyward, each one gleaming under a vaulted ceiling etched with ornate carvings.The hall buzzed like a gilded hive, sleek-suited tellers moving behind golden-trimmed counters with surgical precision.A cool blend of polished oak and metallic sharpness filled the air, mingling seamlessly with the rhythmic murmur of transactions and the musical clink of coins exchanged.Alex stepped forward, the soft click of his boots echoing defiantly on the glossy marble floor.His eyes darted through ornate signage until they landed decisively upon a gleaming plaque: "Item Appraisal & Acquisition."Three counters lay before him, each more exclusive than the last.The first brimmed with commoners clutching cheap trinkets, buzzing impatiently with bargains under hundred credits.The second hosted more composed merchants, quietly guarding wares of moderate value.Yet it was the third counter, isolated at

“You're right…” Michael whispered hoarsely, his voice dripping with bitter resignation.He dropped his gaze to the floor, unable to meet anyone’s eyes as he imagined the volcanic fury that would soon erupt from his father and his grandfather Baron Dunsmore.He had utterly destroyed their family’s empire in one reckless move.He could already see their grand barony plunging into poverty, spiraling down into disgrace, just like Alex Leonhard’s pitiful house."I—I have to get home. Immediately," Michael stammered, dread gripping his heart like an iron fist.In no time at all, scandalous whispers stormed through the streets of Haventon, spreading faster than wildfire—The Golden Guild had brutally expelled the proud Dunsmore family.Rumors flew thick and vicious, speculation rife with venom.Though no one knew exactly what grave sin had provoked the Guild’s wrath, it was clear the Dunsmores had committed an unforgivable transgression.Overnight, their vast fortune shriveled, their lofty st

Ophelia nearly leaped from her seat in shock, her eyes bulging wide as she whispered harshly, "Alex, have you gone completely mad? It’s utterly impossible! The Golden Guild would never partner with an insignificant family like ours!"But Alex merely smiled, calm and unnaturally confident, his voice steady as he whispered persuasively, "Relax, Ophelia. You’re always saying I’m nothing more than a jobless fool. So why not let this fool try?”“I'll prepare the proposal. It'll carry your name—who knows? Maybe fortune will finally smile upon us.""Alex—" Ophelia hesitated, uncertainty wavering in her voice."Come now, Ophelia," Alex urged more insistently, eyes blazing with unexpected determination."We have nothing left to lose, and everything to gain. At worst, we fail quietly, but at best—we rise triumphantly.”“Besides, look at your grandmother. She’ll erupt into flames if no one steps up."Ophelia felt herself slipping into resignation—after all, they were already at the bottom.What

Ophelia D’Arcy's voice sliced through the tense air like sharpened ice, her gaze colder than frostbite as she snapped, “I'm sorry, Grandpa Carrillo, but I don’t recall ever needing your help. And watch your filthy mouth! You're old enough to have grandchildren who are my friends—don't you have a shred of dignity left?”Robert Carrillo stood there stunned, his jaw hanging slack in disbelief.Rage and confusion battled across his wrinkled face. “Ophelia, I’m doing you a favor! Why are you still defending this worthless fool? Wake up and see reality—yes, I'm older, but I have wealth that could drown this pathetic bastard. What could he possibly offer you?”Alex Leonhard’s eyes flashed dangerously as he seized a glass from the table and hurled its icy contents straight into Robert's startled face.Dripping with chilling menace, Alex warned softly, “Better wake up, old man. Consider that a kindness—if I'd struck you with my hand, you’d already be dead.”“You insolent bastard!” Robert sputt