Franco was still trying to make sense of Dave’s words, wondering who exactly he was referring to when Dave suddenly said, “Check your phone. I just forwarded all the information to you!”Franco ended the call at once, and almost immediately, a notification buzzed on his screen. It was a message from Dave with a link attached—something like a social media broadcast.He tapped it, and the page redirected him to a local news station’s site. Bold headlines spread across the screen:“After months of traveling abroad, the ex-Lord of the Ruffian Group is finally back in the country for the coronation of the new Ruffian Lord!”Franco’s heartbeat slowed a little as his eyes ran across the words. Relief washed through him. If the news was reporting it in this tone, then it wasn’t something dangerous or tragic. The way Dave had spoken made it sound as if calamity had already struck.Still, Franco leaned forward and hit play on the video.The screen lit up with footage of Lord Xoxo striding out o

Hearing Alyana’s words, Franco shook his head, his grip tightening on the papers until they almost crumpled.“You can’t heap all these lies on me and expect me to stay quiet!” His eyes locked on her, sharp and burning. “I didn’t forget you or your family! Your father is an administrative manager at GLC Logistics Group. I placed him there, and he earns three figures a day because of me. Your mother? She’s leading in the fashion industry under the GLC umbrella — all because of me. And you, Alyana? You own your own TV station, and it’s at the top every day because of me. Who doesn’t know Alyana Blackwood? So tell me… how am I an ingrate?”Alyana scoffed, brushing her sleek hair behind her shoulder. “And what about our marriage? Why didn’t you promote us? Why did you take advantage of my virginity and run off without ever coming back?”Franco let out a cold, bitter laugh. “I took your virginity?” His voice dripped with scorn. “One of the reasons I don’t even speak to you today is because

Franco’s heart felt as if it had leapt out of his chest. His gaze lingered on Muna, but his mind was already in chaos. Alyana’s eyes, too, were fixed on Muna, and in the silence between them, tension hung heavy in the air.And the way Muna stood there, staring, it was almost as though she had heard every single word they had said.Franco’s thoughts spiraled.Did she hear something? How much did she catch? Why is she just standing there like that? Oh God… what if she heard everything I discussed with Alyana?His body stiffened. In a rush to save face, Franco let go of Alyana’s arm and stepped forward, forcing a puzzled smile.“You… you’re here, Muna?” he stammered. Then he quickly corrected himself. “No, I mean—you’re up so early today?”Muna didn’t answer. Her silence was sharper than words. Her eyes stayed locked on Alyana, baffled and cold.Franco, desperate to control the situation, reached for her hand and tried to sound casual.“Oh well… you don’t need to stress yourself, Muna. I

At the Froston mansion, Elena and her family were already dressed up, each trying to look their best despite their condition. Edgar wore a rented suit, stiff on his shoulders but polished enough to pass. Maya had also rented her attire, adjusting it carefully in the mirror as if afraid it might tear. Rita had gone out of her way to look presentable, applying layers of makeup to hide the tiredness on her face. It was only Elena who wore her own clothes—her real ones. Unlike the rest of them, she hadn’t sold her wardrobe piece by piece to feed herself. She had preserved a few outfits, clinging to them as though they were proof of who she once was. Even though the family had fallen into poverty, Elena still maintained her luxurious air. She refused to accept they had gone poor, not openly at least. Perhaps it was because of the house they were still living in. Maybe it was denial, maybe pride, but in her mind, she wasn’t like the others. She was applying her deodorant when Rita called

As Franco and Muna disappeared into the banquet hall, Eddie’s chest tightened with a sharp, burning ache. His heart twisted with pain every time he saw them together. Watching Franco’s hand wrapped around Muna, watching her smile for him, laugh with him—it made him sick. Disgust churned inside him, rising like bile.He wished he could tear them apart right there in front of everyone. Rip Franco away from her arms and drag Muna back to where she belonged—with him. But how? Muna had already made her choice, and no matter how much he tried, she refused to understand him. She refused to see the depth of his love.The memories clawed at him like fresh wounds.He had joined the challenge Granny set, only to force Franco into retreat. Yet Franco triumphed.He had sent Regha to kill Franco, but Regha failed.And just yesterday, he risked everything to save Aria—but that plan exploded in his face, leaving him humiliated.If there was a word stronger than “tired,” Eddie would have claimed it as