James was seated at his desk, his fingers tapping lightly on the surface as he reviewed some reports. Bella entered the room with a folder in hand and set it down on the desk. "Your schedule for the day," she said, handing him the papers. "Meeting with the board at 3, and the international partners at 5." James barely glanced up, his mind elsewhere. "Thanks, Bella," he murmured, but his focus was clearly on something else. As she turned to leave, Bella caught sight of the headline flashing on his computer: "Drake Enterprises Faces Total Collapse; Evangeline Family Declares Bankruptcy." She stopped in her tracks and raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile creeping onto her face. "Well, it looks like it’s finally over for them," She remarked casually, her tone filled with contentment. James didn’t look at her, but there was a certain satisfaction in his posture. He leaned back in his chair, his hands clasped behind his head. "They got what was coming to them," he said, his voice

James didn't just let the Sullivan family off too. Remembering the torture and physical attacks, he was subjected to during his stay in prison was like fuel igniting the burning anger within him. He picked up his phone to deliver the final blow. He sent a message to Ethan, one of his most trusted men; his message was simple—Bring down sterling holdings. Ethan replied with “Yes Boss” and acted as soon as he got the message. It didn’t take up to 12 hours before the breaking news flashed across every major news channel: “STERLING HOLDINGS DECLARES BANKRUPTCY!” The news anchor’s voice was calm and professional, but the excitement in her tone was undeniable. “Sterling Holdings, one of the leading corporations in the country, has unexpectedly filed for bankruptcy. Sources reveal that the company’s stock prices plummeted in just a few hours due to an anonymous financial attack, leaving its investors in shock and chaos.” James sat in his leather chair, pouring himself a glass of r

James ended up spending time with his daughter for more than 4 hours. After eating ice cream, he took her to the park, where she played with a few kids her age, and then he brought her back to school.“Daddy, don't forget the promise you made!” Lilly beamed as she waved him goodbye. “I won't,” James said before turning to leave. He slid into the driver's seat of his car, pressed a button to close the door, and was about to start the engine when suddenly, his phone buzzed. Seeing Robert on the screen, James frowned. His father rarely called after his retirement unless it was important—or troubling.Reluctantly, he answered. "Hello, Robert?"Even to this day, James couldn't bring himself to call Robert "dad." He had tried again and again, but it just sounded foreign, so he finally gave up. However, he respected Robert.There was a long pause before his father’s voice broke through, filled with grief. Robert’s voice trembled as he tried to make out some words, “James… your mother… Evely

Mrs. Celestia turned towards her daughter with a thoughtful expression on her face, "Lilian, I’ve been thinking… Your grandfather. He must’ve known about James’s real identity."Lilian looked up sharply, confusion etched on her face, "What? How would he know? We had no idea James was connected to the Williams empire. He was nothing but a poor nobody when we met."Mrs. Celestia leaned forward, "Exactly. But think about it — your grandfather was always a shrewd man, always thinking five steps ahead. Do you really believe he would’ve allowed you to marry a broke nobody like James without a reason? He must’ve known something we didn’t."Lilian’s mind raced, trying to piece it all together. "He probably knew who James really was — Robert Williams’s son. That’s why he pushed for the marriage. It was never about love or alliances. It was about securing our family’s future through James." Mrs. Celestia paused after saying that, allowing her words to sink into Lilian's mind.Lilian shook her

James sat silently in the back of his black SUV, his jaw clenched as he stared out the tinted window. The city lights blurred into streaks of gold and white as the car sped through the streets. He couldn't shake the anger bubbling beneath the surface. How had he let Marcus plant seeds of doubt in his mind? His father, Robert, had loved Evelyn deeply—James was certain of that.Jordan’s investigation had confirmed it. Evelyn’s death was due to cancer. Her medical records were clear. There was no foul play, no hidden conspiracy. The guilt weighed heavily on James, and now he had to face Marcus again, knowing the man had manipulated him.By the time the SUV pulled up to the restaurant, James was seething. He adjusted his hood and sunglasses, stepping out with the air of someone who meant business. The restaurant was modest but elegant, its warm, ambient lighting casting shadows on the walls. Marcus was already seated at a corner table, his face lighting up with a hopeful smile when James