Vane Verrick didn’t even get the chance to persuade Jonathan to stay.As the doors closed behind his cousin, the hollow Sky Hall felt emptier than ever. The sound of laughter and music drifting faintly from Elias’s Blossom Hall across the corridor cut into his pride like a blade.Even though Vane had weathered many storms in his life, today he finally grasped the cruelty of human nature in its rawest form. The fickleness of so-called family and friends, the way people bent toward power and influence, stood naked before him.The contrast was merciless. Elias’s banquet was overflowing with guests and lavish gifts, while his own hall—meant to symbolize his milestone fiftieth birthday—was nothing more than a graveyard of empty tables.Humiliation burned in his chest. His face flushed as he turned toward his daughter and son-in-law, his voice tight with bitterness. “See? I told you not to fuss over my birthday. And now look—fifty tables, all empty. Not a single guest in sight. Do you reali

Everyone in Ironvale knew one thing: Elias Verrick handled every matter concerning the Verrick family, no matter how big or small. Business contracts, negotiations, family disputes—it all went through him first. It was an unspoken truth, but no less certain, that Elias was destined to be the next head of the Verrick family.In comparison, his younger brother Vane was a shadow. Vane lacked presence, lacked results, and lacked the respect of even his own father. In family gatherings, he was often the one people forgot was in the room.At the entrance of the Blossom Hall, Elias stood tall in his dark bespoke suit, every line of it cut to perfection. His wife and children flanked him, greeting guests as they streamed in with smiles and expensive gifts. His voice was smooth, his gestures practiced, the kind of polish that came only with long preparation for leadership.Xander Verrick, the family patriarch, stood nearby, watching his eldest son with pride. The turnout was impressive—busines

Elias Verrick’s lips curled into a satisfied smile the moment Elizabeth suggested it. His eyes gleamed with mischief, and he clapped his hands together as though the matter was already settled.“It’s a wonderful idea,” he declared. “Let’s do that immediately.”Xander nodded his approval, and the group—Xander, Elias, Aiden, Talon, and Elizabeth—marched toward the Sky Hall with an air of entitlement.Inside the nearly deserted Sky Hall, Vane Verrick sat with a storm on his face. He was scolding Jaden and Selena, his words edged with bitterness. “Look at this,” he snapped, gesturing at the empty tables. “Not a single soul. I told you this was a mistake! Now we’re the laughingstock of the family!”Jaden tried to keep his composure, but Selena’s lips tightened, her eyes downcast in shame. Before anyone could respond, the doors opened, and in strode Xander and his entourage.Vane’s breath caught in his throat. His father and brothers rarely came to him for anything good. Rising quickly, he

Elias Verrick and his camp had crossed the line. Their mockery and arrogance pressed down on Vane Verrick like a crushing weight. Vane’s hands trembled with rage, Nora’s lips quivered as she bit back tears, and Selena’s face burned red with humiliation. Even Jaden, who had remained calm until now, clenched his jaw so hard the veins in his neck stood out.The air was heavy with hostility—then, suddenly, fate intervened.Just as Talon puffed out his chest and bragged about inviting the mayor’s secretary, a commotion stirred near the entrance of the Sky Hall. The service staff straightened nervously, and the background chatter in the hotel corridor dimmed.An authoritative-looking man in his early thirties strode forward. He wore a tailored jacket that whispered of wealth and influence, and in his hand was a sleek leather briefcase. His sharp gaze swept the hall with the ease of someone accustomed to command. Behind him trailed an entourage of aides and officials.Talon’s eyes nearly pop

Vane Verrick’s chest swelled with pride. His heart was hammering so hard it felt like it might burst, yet his face was all smiles as he hurried forward, bowing slightly and gesturing with both hands.“Of course, of course! The honor is mine, Mayor Roland. To drink with you, and to welcome such esteemed leaders today—it is more than I ever dreamed of. Please, Mr. Roland, gentlemen, ladies, come inside and take your seats!”The mayor’s sharp eyes softened, and a warm smile stretched across his face.“Mr. Verrick, I came in such a hurry that I was unable to prepare a proper gift. However…” He paused, his voice steady, deliberate, “…please accept this calligraphy from me. Consider it a personal gift, from my hand to yours.”Gasps rippled through the crowd.Vane froze in stunned disbelief, his lips parting slightly. Even Elias and his camp could only stare blankly, their envy so strong it twisted their insides.Because everyone knew what that meant.Mark Roland wasn’t just the mayor of Iro