Jeffery adjusted his tie for the third time, staring at his reflection in the mirror. The black suit fit him like a glove, every seam perfectly tailored. His hair, neatly combed, gave him a polished look he hadn’t seen in years. Still, his stomach churned with nerves.He exhaled deeply, steadying himself. “You can do this,” he whispered. “Just one night.”His phone buzzed on the dresser. He grabbed it, Rita’s name flashing on the screen.“Jeffery, are you ready?” she asked warmly, as though she knew he might be second-guessing himself.He glanced at himself one last time. “I think so.”She chuckled softly. “You’re going to be fine. I’m outside. Take your time.”The call ended, and Jeffery slipped his phone into his pocket. He stepped outside, the cool night air brushing against his face as he approached the gates. Rita stood waiting by the Aston Martin, her crimson gown replaced by a sleek, black evening dress. The understated elegance suited her, and she looked radiant without even t

Aadam called out. “Luca, wait!”Luca stopped, turning with a raised brow, his expression curious.Aadam jogged to him, his tone shifting to one of deference. “I apologize for what happened back there. It was... unnecessary. I hope it didn’t bother you.”Luca shrugged, the faintest trace of amusement in his eyes. “Not at all. What do you want, Aadam?”Aadam hesitated, his words measured “I heard a rumor... that you and your father have already reached a cooperation with the Stirling family. Is it true?”Luca’s smirk deepened. “Yes, it’s true.”Aadam’s face lit up with exaggerated admiration."That’s incredible. Your family has always been remarkable—far superior to the Stirlings, in my opinion. Your achievements in Oakland City are unmatched, your influence unparalleled.”Luca’s expression cooled, and he raised a hand, stopping Aadam mid-sentence. “Don’t say that,”he said flatly. “My family is nothing compared to the Stirlings. The only reason we secured this cooperation is our status

The microphone crackled, and the room fell silent. Cora turned toward the stage, her eyes narrowing as Rita Stirling stepped into the spotlight.Rita stood tall and confident, her shimmering dress catching the light. She looked flawless, drawing everyone’s attention with ease.“She’s beautiful,” someone whispered nearby.“A true goddess,” another added.Cora’s fists clenched as she listened. She hated how effortlessly Rita commanded the room, how everyone seemed to adore her.Rita raised a hand, silencing the murmurs. “Thank you all for being here tonight. It’s an honor to welcome you.” Her voice was clear and graceful.The crowd watched her, captivated. But Cora’s focus shifted to Jeffery, standing near the stage. He smiled at Rita, the kind of smile Cora hadn’t seen in years.Her stomach churned with jealousy. “Bitch,” she muttered under her breathThe word was quiet, but the room was so still that a few people nearby heard it. Gasps followed, and heads turned to look at her.The a

Cora shook her head, forcing herself to believe she hadn’t made a mistake. I didn’t choose wrong, she thought. Jeffery was just a pretty face with no real worth. She glanced at Aadam, her confidence wavering but clinging to the choice she had made.Jeffery would never amount to anything.The room buzzed with whispers, everyone focused on Jeffery and Rita. Then, Rita did something unexpected.She turned to face Jeffery and reached out, adjusting his crooked bowtie.The crowd froze. Gasps and murmurs spread like wildfire. The young men in the room stiffened, their faces showing shock and disbelief.Questions rippled through the crowd, hushed murmurs and surprised glances exchanged. Who was this man? The idea of Rita Stirling, always so poised and untouchable, being so gentle and intimate with someone like Jeffery was unthinkable.As the attention shifted to him, Jeffery’s cheeks flushed. He shifted uncomfortably under the weight of the gaze but quickly masked his uncertainty.Rita n

Jeffery’s gaze settled on the man, calm and unshaken by the pressure in the room. He studied him for a moment, his sharp eyes taking in subtle details.“Have you been feeling unwell lately?” Jeffery asked, his tone even. “Maybe a cough? Or some chest pain?”The older man frowned, his expression hardening. “What are you implying? Are you a doctor?”Jeffery gave a small shrug. “No, not exactly. I used to be a vet.”A murmur of disbelief rippled through the crowd. The man’s face twisted with outrage, but he held his composure, likely out of respect for Rita.“A vet?” he said, his voice dripping with disdain. “You expect me to take medical advice from someone who treats animals?”Jeffery met his scornful gaze without flinching. “I understand your hesitation,” he said calmly. “But I’d still suggest getting your lungs checked. Delaying could lead to something serious.”The man scoffed, his irritation barely concealed. “For your information, I had a full-body checkup just last week. Every