The tension in the room was suffocating. The bald man stood towering over Emily Carter, his cold, predatory eyes fixed on her trembling figure. His gang of thugs leaned against the walls, smirking, their postures casual but menacing.“You really thought you could duck this, huh?” The bald man’s voice was a growl, low and sharp like the edge of a blade. “Twenty-five thousand dollars isn’t pocket change, sweetheart.”“I-I was going to pay!” Emily stammered, her voice cracking. “I just need more time. Please.”The bald man sneered. “Time’s up, princess.” Without warning, his hand lashed out, slapping Emily hard across the face. She stumbled, clutching her cheek as tears spilled over.John Carter, standing just a few feet away, clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white. His blood boiled as he watched his sister humiliated, but he was powerless. Or at least he felt that way.“Leave her alone!” John snapped, stepping forward.“Oh, we’ve got a hero here,” the bald man chuckled,

John’s fists trembled as Lucas disappeared into the distance, his retreating figure only intensifying John’s rage. He took a step forward, his jaw clenched, ready to chase after the arrogant man who had dared to insult him in his own home.“John, don’t.” Olivia’s voice was sharp and commanding. “If you walk out that door, we’re done.”Her words stopped him cold. He turned to face her, his chest heaving. “You’re defending him? After everything he said?”“I’m not defending him,” Olivia said, her voice taut with frustration. “I’m trying to stop you from making a mistake. Do you think fighting him will solve anything? You’ll only dig yourself into a deeper hole.”John’s anger simmered, but her words stung more than they soothed. “He humiliated me, Olivia. In front of you. In front of your mother.”“And you think attacking him with a knife will fix that?” Olivia shot back. “Grow up, John. You can’t go around solving problems with your fists.”Her disappointment cut deeper than he expected.

The dim lighting of the hotel suite reflected Lucas Miller’s smug demeanor as he leaned back in a leather armchair, swirling a glass of wine in his hand. Olivia sat across from him, her posture tense, hands clasped tightly in her lap.“I’m here to apologize for John’s actions,” Olivia began, her voice steady but strained. “He acted out of line, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to mend the relationship between you and my family.”Lucas smirked, setting his glass down. “Olivia, you’re wasting your breath. This isn’t about apologies.”“Then what is it about?” she asked, her brows furrowing.Lucas leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with predatory intent. “It’s about you, Olivia. Forget the project—forget your family. Be with me, and I’ll make all your problems disappear.”Olivia stiffened, disgust flashing across her face. “What? That’s absurd. I’m married, Lucas.”“To a nobody,” Lucas sneered. “John can’t give you what you deserve. I can. Power, wealth, status—it’s all yours if you

The warm glow of golden energy slowly dissipated as John withdrew the final acupuncture needle from Thomas Miller’s chest. A satisfied smile crossed his face as he stepped back, observing the now-vibrant complexion of the once-ailing patriarch.Thomas sat up gingerly, his breathing steady and free of the tightness that had plagued him for months. “It’s… incredible,” he said, awe lacing his voice. “The pain is gone. My chest feels light for the first time in years.”Henry Chase, standing nearby, nodded in amazement. “Doctor Carter, your skills are extraordinary. I’ve seen masters of their craft, but none who could achieve what you’ve done here.”John remained composed, his voice calm but firm. “Your recovery is only as strong as your commitment to maintaining it. Follow my instructions—diet, exercise, and the herbal regimen I’ve provided—and you’ll avoid a relapse.”Thomas looked John in the eye, respect replacing the skepticism he’d carried earlier. “You have my word. I owe you my lif

Morning dawned bright over the Wilson family estate, but the tension in the air was palpable. The family had gathered in the living room, their spirits high as Amelia confidently prepared to leave for the Millenium Group offices.“This is my moment,” Amelia declared, adjusting her tailored blazer in front of the mirror. “Once I finalize the contract, everyone will see how valuable I am to this family.”Mary clasped her hands together, pride radiating from her face. “We always knew you’d be the one to save us, Amelia. Sterling Real Estate’s connections have proven invaluable.”William nodded approvingly, his normally stern expression softened by the hope of their looming success. “Make us proud, Amelia. This contract will secure the future of our business.”Across the room, Olivia sat quietly, her face clouded with unease. She glanced at John, who leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed and a faint smirk on his lips.“What are you smiling about?” Mary snapped, noticing his expre