Gasps.The room erupted into whispers.“Another 80 million? Are you kidding me?”“Two of the most powerful women in the industry both putting up the same amount… This just got interesting.”“It’s like a direct challenge!”Mariya’s smirk faltered slightly, but she quickly masked it behind a sip of her champagne. Sophia Yale. She had expected competition tonight, but she hadn’t expected someone to match her exactly.Vincent Langford let out a loud laugh, shaking his head.“Well, well, well,” he sneered, standing up and straightening his suit arrogantly. “I guess some people really hate losing.”His voice carried across the room, drawing attention. He clasped his hands together dramatically.“Look, I’ll make this easy for all of you. Yes, the donation amounts are the same, but let’s not kid ourselves.” He turned to the crowd, flashing an exaggerated smile. “The Langford family—my family—unconditionally supports Mariya Carter.”A fresh wave of whispers swept through the guests.“This guy

The morning after the gala, Mariya Carter found herself staring at a series of reports on her desk, the words blurring together as her mind raced.The land she had been so certain was hers had already been acquired.Markos Lancaster , the infamous tycoon, had taken possession of it.The realization sent a chill down her spine.Vincent Langford stormed into the room, his face flushed with excitement, as though he had just uncovered a great conspiracy.“Mariya! You won’t believe this,” he said, his voice almost bubbling with triumph.“Kelver was just a pawn in Markos’s game. That son of a—he never had the money! Markos is the one pulling the strings. He’s the real mastermind behind this entire thing.”Mariya didn’t respond immediately, her mind trying to piece together what he was saying.She didn’t want to believe it, but the fact that the land had already been sold to Markos was enough to send a pang of unease through her chest.“You’re telling me,” she began slowly, “that Kelver Cros

Vincent's face flushed crimson with embarrassment. His grand plan to impress Mariya Carter by showcasing his family's influence had crumbled spectacularly. The sleek, modern office of Markos's consortium towered around them, its glass walls and minimalist design emphasizing the power disparity between them and the elusive tycoon.How could Father not even have Markos's contact? This is humiliating! After all my boasting to Mariya...Vincent cleared his throat, adjusting his tie nervously. "There seems to be a minor communication issue with my father. Let me try another approach."Mariya studied him with a mixture of disappointment and resignation. "Perhaps we should consider other options, Vincent. It's clear that your family's influence isn't as extensive as you claimed.""No, no! My father is simply busy with other matters. He'll call Markos shortly, I assure you," Vincent insisted, desperation creeping into his voice.Meanwhile, in a penthouse apartment across the city, Karvel Dono

The private dining suite in the Grand Meridian Hotel offered a panoramic view of the glowing city skyline, but Karvel Donovan barely noticed. He was still mildly annoyed at how his entrance had been treated—thrown out like a common thief until Sophia Yale had swooped in to rescue him from public embarrassment.Now, standing beside her as they entered the suite, he found himself unexpectedly drawn into something even more unpredictable.“Vivian!” Sophia’s warm voice rang out as she spotted her friend, who sat near the window sipping a glass of champagne.Vivian Fairchild looked up with a smile. “Sophia!” she exclaimed, standing up gracefully. “I was beginning to think you’d gotten lost with your… guest.” Her eyes flicked toward Karvel with a raised brow.“Oh, not lost,” Sophia said with a mischievous grin as she slipped her arm through Karvel’s. “Just… taking our time.” She turned to him with a teasing wink. “He’s a bit slow on his feet.”Karvel gave her a sidelong look. “I’m perfectly

Vincent sneered, his tone dripping with sarcasm and disdain.Beside him, Ethan—head wrapped in bandages—glared at Karvel with bloodshot eyes. “Sis, that bastard’s the one who did this to me! You’ve gotta get revenge for me!”Hands on his hips, Ethan struck a smug, arrogant pose, clearly emboldened by backup. “Well, well, speak of the devil. Karvel, you little punk—I’ve been looking for you. Didn’t think you’d just walk right into me.”Mariya’s face was expressionless as she stood from the table and strode toward Karvel, one step at a time.“Karvel,” she said coldly, “you attacked someone without cause. Don’t you think you owe me an explanation?”Karvel replied flatly, “Maybe you should ask your dear brother what he did first.”“Whatever he did, it still doesn’t justify you beating him like that! Look at the state he’s in!” Her voice rose. “I can’t believe you’re capable of something so cruel. Ethan is my blood, my baby brother. How could you bring yourself to hurt him like that?”H