The tension in the Roman French Restaurant reached a breaking point as Jack Sullivan stood slowly, his movements deliberate and predatory.The crystal chandeliers cast dancing shadows across his face, and every patron held their breath, sensing that something terrible was about to unfold.Without warning, Jack's hand moved like lightning. The steak knife, still gleaming with traces of the expensive meal, flashed through the air with surgical precision. The blade pierced both of Phillip Fisher's cheeks, entering through the left side and emerging through the right in one fluid motion.Phillip's scream of agony shattered the restaurant's silence like breaking glass. Blood poured from the wounds as he staggered backward, his hands instinctively reaching for his face, the knife still protruding from his mouth like a grotesque smile."YALE!" Phillip shrieked, his voice distorted and wet with blood. "KILL HIM! KILL HIM NOW!"The massive bodyguard didn't hesitate. Yale Miller launched himsel

The penthouse office fell into profound silence after Gordon and Phillip Fisher departed, leaving only the soft tick of an antique clock and the distant hum of city traffic far below.Stella Shaw moved with fluid grace to her executive bar, where an ornate silver tea service waited on a mahogany tray.Steam rose from the delicate porcelain cup as she poured herself Earl Grey, the bergamot aroma filling the air with its sophisticated fragrance.Tina Parker stood rigidly near the door, her hands clasped behind her back and her eyes fixed on the polished marble floor.The young assistant's entire body language screamed of barely controlled terror, as if she expected to be struck at any moment.Her breathing was shallow and measured, the kind of careful respiration one adopts when trying to remain invisible.Stella settled into her leather chair with predatory elegance, her movements reminiscent of a big cat claiming its territory.She crossed her legs and took a delicate sip of tea, savo

Jack maintained his calm expression despite the girl's rudeness. "I'm here to buy a ticket to the concert, same as everyone else.""Sure you are," Hannah sneered. "Let me guess—you're a big Nancy Winter fan, right? You probably have posters of her all over your bedroom wall like some pathetic fanboy.""Hannah, stop it right now," Anna said firmly. "You're being completely unreasonable.""I'm being realistic," Hannah shot back. "Guys his age don't come to pop concerts unless they're perverts or stalkers. Which one are you, old man?"This girl has serious anger issues, Jack observed, noting the defensive posture and hostile tone that suggested deeper problems beneath the surface aggression."Hannah Shaw, that's enough!" Anna's voice carried surprising authority. "Jack is a good person who's never done anything to deserve this treatment from you.""You're too trusting, Anna," Hannah replied, though her tone softened slightly. "You see the best in everyone, even when they don't deserve it

"Jack, maybe we should just leave," Anna said quietly, tugging gently on his sleeve. "This isn't worth getting into trouble over."The scalper overheard her comment and laughed mockingly. "Smart advice, lady. Your boyfriend here is about to bite off more than he can chew.""He's not my boyfriend," Anna replied firmly, though her cheeks flushed slightly."Whatever he is, he needs to learn some respect," the scalper continued, puffing out his chest. "You think you can just insult my business and walk away? That's not how things work around here."Jack remained perfectly calm despite the escalating threats. "I haven't insulted anyone. I simply observed that your prices seem high.""High?" the scalper's voice rose dangerously. "You called my business practices excessive and unfair. That sounds like an insult to me."Hannah Shaw watched the exchange with barely concealed glee. "This is better than reality TV," she whispered to Anna. "Your friend is about to get schooled by a professional."

"I still can't believe we're sitting here," Anna said for probably the tenth time that evening, her voice filled with wonder as she looked around at the premium seating section."Neither can I," Hannah admitted, though her tone carried less hostility than usual. "I've been to maybe a dozen concerts in my life, and I've never been closer than the nosebleed section."Anna spotted Jack making his way down the aisle toward them. "There he is! Jack, over here!"Jack navigated through the crowd of excited fans, many of whom were already taking selfies and recording videos in anticipation of the show."Ladies," Jack greeted them with a warm smile as he reached their row. "I hope you haven't been waiting long.""Not at all," Anna replied enthusiastically. "We've been people-watching and soaking in the atmosphere. This is incredible, Jack. Thank you again for making this possible."Hannah nodded, her earlier suspicion replaced by grudging respect. "Yeah, thanks. I admit I didn't think you coul