Vivian Fairchild was seated behind her sleek glass desk, quietly reviewing stacks of reports and signing documents. The soft ticking of the clock was the only sound in the room, the atmosphere calm and professional.Until the door to her office burst open violently.Vivian’s head snapped up, startled, just as Leo Romano stormed in, his expensive leather shoes clicking aggressively against the marble floor. Her secretary scrambled after him, panic written all over her face.“I’m sorry, Miss Fairchild!” the secretary squeaked, nearly tripping over her heels. “He wouldn’t wait for an appointment—”Vivian’s eyes narrowed dangerously. "That’s enough," she said coolly to her secretary, raising one hand to dismiss her. The girl bowed her head and quickly retreated, shutting the door behind her.Leo didn’t even wait for a greeting."You!" he barked, jabbing a finger toward Vivian, his face red with anger. "What the hell is a woman like you doing mixing with a bum like Karvel Cross?!"Vivian b

The evening air was crisp as Karvel Cross stepped out of Fairchild Enterprises. His expression was neutral, his gait slow and seemingly careless, as if he had all the time in the world.But inside, he was sharply alert.They're watching.Karvel didn't even need to look over his shoulder. His instincts, honed from years of operating in shadows, screamed the moment he crossed the lobby. He felt the eyes trailing him from a distance—the careful, measured footsteps.Amateur, he thought with quiet contempt. Vivian should've hired someone better if she wanted to track me.Instead of heading straight for his car parked nearby, he turned off the main street into a narrow alleyway between two office buildings, the kind of alley where a man could disappear without a trace.The tail followed.Exactly as I expected, Karvel thought, his mind already several steps ahead. Let's see who's pulling the strings.The moment Karvel stepped around a sharp bend in the alley, he moved swiftly, disappearing b

The luxury lobby of the Imperial Star Hotel gleamed under the light of a massive chandelier. Guests moved quietly, the air thick with the scent of expensive cologne and money.Karvel Cross strode through the lobby, his steps slow but confident. He wore a simple dark suit, but even without flashy designer labels, his aura demanded attention.Three percent of the world's population controls ninety-seven percent of its wealth. The thought flickered through his mind as he observed the opulent surroundings. And these people think they own the very air we breathe.He approached the reception desk, where the manager personally came out to greet him with a slight bow."Mr. Cross," the manager said respectfully, his voice low so as not to draw attention. "Your penthouse suite has been prepared, as per your request. Would you like me to escort you up?"Karvel shook his head. "Just the key.""Of course, sir."As Karvel waited, signing the final documents, a sharp voice suddenly pierced the quiet

Leo Romano threw his head back and laughed, the sound both theatrical and condescending. The other diners in the Imperial Star's restaurant turned to watch the commotion unfolding at their table."A joker! You must have been a professional joker in your past life," Leo said, wiping an imaginary tear from his eye. "Or perhaps a circus clown? That would explain your delusions of grandeur."Karvel Cross stood perfectly still, his face a mask of calm indifference."The great Karvel Cross, owner of the Imperial Star Hotel," Leo continued, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Next, you'll tell us you own the entire city!" He slapped the table, causing the silverware to rattle. "Do you hear this guy, Mariya? Your ex thinks he owns one of the most exclusive hotels in Carson City!"Ethan Carter snickered while nursing his slapped cheek. "Always thought he was full of it."Leo's eyes gleamed with malicious amusement. "You're nothing but a loser who follows his ex around," he pointed at Mariya, "al

Leo Romano's hands trembled as he gripped the edge of the table, his knuckles whitening under the strain. The elegant restaurant of the Imperial Star suddenly felt suffocating to him. Waves of hot anger rolled off his body as he stared at the elevator doors that had closed behind Karvel Cross."This is outrageous," Leo hissed through clenched teeth. "Absolutely outrageous!"The remnants of their dinner lay forgotten before them as Leo's mind raced. A small part of him, buried beneath layers of rage and indignation, couldn't help but wonder if he had misjudged Karvel. Could the man actually be someone of importance? The owner of the Imperial Star?Ethan Carter, still nursing his bruised ego along with his slapped cheek, leaned forward eagerly. "Don't let him get to you, Mr. Romano. Karvel's always been good at pretending to be something he's not.""You know him well?" Leo asked, his eyes narrowing."Unfortunately," Ethan sneered. "He's the same good-for-nothing fool who was feeding off