“But from another perspective, I’m far better suited to bear the risk than Alice.”“What threatens her would hardly qualify as danger to me.”“Sir, Uncle Mason—you both know what I used to do.”“There are countless people in this world who would like to see me dead. But how many of them truly dare to act?”“When you already have enemies in abundance, a few more make little difference.”“If this gambit allows Alice to slip free from the spotlight and gain a measure of safety, I am more than willing.”Joseph spoke with quiet conviction.Blake Morgan and Mason Morgan exchanged a glance.There was undeniable logic in his words.Protecting Joseph would be far easier than shielding Alice.Moreover, Joseph possessed the means to defend himself; most adversaries would not even be able to approach him.“You make a compelling case.”“But have you truly thought it through?”After a long silence, Blake Morgan finally spoke.“I have.”“I’ll need a formal position within Morgan Group—listed as a re

“True enough. As for what they really are, time will reveal it.”Clarence Bennett nodded faintly.“Well then, since you’ve no further leads, I’ll head back.”“If you learn anything, you inform me at once.”“Our two divisions are responsible for Nova City. Intelligence must flow both ways—together we achieve more than either of us alone.”The middle-aged officer clapped Clarence on the shoulder once more before departing.Not long after he left, Mandy arrived. Her arm was wrapped in bandages—she had clearly been injured.“Old Huang came to see you?”She glanced toward the direction the man had gone.“Yes. Asked a great many questions.”“How are your injuries?”Clarence stepped closer, concern evident in his tone.“Nothing serious. Just superficial wounds. A little rest and I’ll be fine.”Mandy smiled lightly.“You’re wounded. You won’t be participating in the next operation.”Clarence said firmly.“In this state, I couldn’t even if I wanted to.”“And what lies ahead will likely be even

“As for lunch, you’ll have to speak to Professor Wilson yourself.”Fiona glanced at Heidi.“What? What if he says no?”“You’re his ex-wife, after all. Your words should carry more weight. Why don’t you talk to him instead?”Heidi looked troubled.“What good does being his ex-wife do? You handle it yourself. If he agrees, we’ll have lunch together tomorrow. If not, we’ll drop it.”With that, Fiona washed her hands of the matter and returned to her room, leaving Heidi and Lillian Morvek standing there.“What?”“All right, I’ll call him in a bit.”“But what’s going on with me? He’s been so busy lately, and now I’m bothering him. What if he thinks I’m being childish?”Heidi said uneasily.“Why would he? He’s always doted on you the most. Whatever you ask, he’ll agree.”“Go on, call him. I’ll fetch your phone.”Lillian Morvek fanned the flames eagerly.She skipped into Heidi’s room to retrieve the phone, and Heidi could only follow helplessly.“Here. Go on, call.”Lillian Morvek handed her

There was no denying it—Joseph was now a veritable mountain of gold. To scrape even a handful of glittering dust from that mountain was, for them, a rare stroke of fortune.Yet that mountain had once been meant for the Cooper family. Joseph had been personally chosen by the old chairman as Fiona’s husband. In other words, all that brilliance had once stood within their grasp.Now, after the divorce, the best they could hope for was to bask faintly in his reflected light.Still, to benefit at all was a blessing amid misfortune.Most of them were aware that the divorce had not been Fiona’s doing alone. The greater push had come from her parents, Stephen Cooper and Maria Long.Under the present circumstances, they could scarcely contain their resentment toward the couple.To drive away a mountain of gold with their own hands.“Gentlemen.”Joseph greeted them with a mild, composed smile.“Oh, please—if our former young master is willing to leave us even a morsel to eat, that is grace enou

“Isn’t that so? He really does look far more spirited than before—positively transformed into a dashing young man.”Jaden Morvek chimed in with a grin.“You’re both exaggerating.”Joseph replied with an easy laugh.“Dad, Mom, my cousin-in-law is now a star professor at Nova University. Of course he’s different from before.”Lillian Morvek added proudly.“Have you ordered yet? Let me treat this meal. It’s been quite some time since I’ve seen you both.”Joseph took his seat, smiling warmly.“Oh no, no. Your uncle and I are hosting today. We invited you—it wouldn’t do to have you pay.”Nicole Hayes waved her hands hurriedly in protest.“Oh, Aunt, just let him treat us. He’s a celebrated professor at Nova University now. Even earning a hundred thousand a month would be modest for him. What’s one meal?”Heidi said with a mischievous smile.“That impressive? A hundred thousand a month? That’s over a million a year. How remarkable—how accomplished!”Nicole Hayes exclaimed in admiration.“You