Vane and Nora’s faces turned ashen as the words from the television sank in. Nora snatched up the remote with shaking hands and switched off the broadcast as if silencing the screen could erase what had just been said.The room was quiet for a long moment, only the faint ticking of the wall clock filling the silence.Selena broke it with a bitter smile that carried no trace of humor. “Defamation and fame… just two sides of the same coin.” Her voice was low, heavy, weary beyond her years.She leaned back against her chair and stared at the untouched plate before her. “When I secured the tender for Greyfield Mall, people lined up to flatter me. To them, I was young, promising, a woman who had made it in a man’s world. But now? The same people can’t wait to see me behind bars. They’ll cheer when I fall. That’s how this city works.”Nora reached out as if to take her hand, but Selena gently pulled back, lost in thought.The weight pressing down on her was more than gossip. She knew the tr

The atmosphere in the ICU waiting area was suffocating. The cries of distressed families mixed with the sharp scent of disinfectant, creating an unbearable weight that pressed down on everyone’s chest.Bennett Xander, head of the surgical department, stood before a circle of grieving relatives. His face was grave, his voice calm yet firm as he explained the cruel truth. “The patient’s condition has deteriorated rapidly. Without immediate surgery, he won’t survive the night. But even with surgery…” He hesitated, then forced himself to say it. “The survival rate is no higher than ten percent.”Gasps and wails erupted around him. Some family members clutched their heads, others collapsed into the arms of loved ones. A woman sobbed so hard she nearly fainted.Dr. Xander pressed on gently but urgently. “I understand how difficult this is. But if you refuse to sign the consent form, the hospital cannot proceed with the operation at all. Please… think of the patient’s only chance.”But the w

Selena’s legs felt weak beneath her. The pressure crushed down on her chest like a mountain, every eye in the corridor drilling into her, waiting for her to make an impossible choice. Her lips trembled, her hands were cold as ice, and her face had gone completely pale.At that moment, a warm grip closed over her hand.Jaden Rift.His hold was steady, firm, unshakable. Just that simple gesture gave her the anchor she desperately needed.Selena looked at him, startled. His expression was calm, unruffled, as though the chaos around them didn’t exist.Then his voice cut through the noise, deep and sharp as steel.“How dare a quack like you demand that I beg?”The words landed like a slap.Caldo Brigham’s swollen eyes widened in outrage. He could scarcely believe someone had called him a quack in front of all these people.The families gasped. Some even flinched.Jaden didn’t stop there. He turned away from Brigham and addressed the crowd directly, his tone low but carrying a weight that s

The Northern Army soldiers guarding the helipad were the first to react when they spotted Jaden Rift.Their rigid discipline gave way to a spark of excitement in their eyes. Almost in unison, they straightened their already firm stances, spines like iron poles, boots clicking against the ground as though they were standing in front of a commanding officer.The onlookers, confused by their sudden behavior, whispered nervously among themselves.“Why are the soldiers reacting like that?”“They… they look like they’re saluting him with their bodies…”“Who exactly is this Jaden Rift?”Jaden remained calm in the face of the bewildered stares. His lips curved faintly as he turned to the approaching elder.“Dr. Neon, you’re just in time,” Jaden said evenly, his tone carrying authority instead of pleading. “One of the workers’ conditions worsened only moments ago. He needs immediate surgery.”Selena Verrick, who had stood frozen since the helicopters landed, finally found her voice. Her usual

Jaden’s expression never wavered. His eyes were flat, calm, and merciless as he looked down at the man groveling at his feet.“I’ve already given you a chance,” Jaden said, his voice quiet but cutting like steel. “And you trampled all over it.”Caldo Brigham’s lips quivered, his entire body trembling. “I—I apologize, I’ll apologize right now…” His voice cracked, desperate, but his words carried no weight.Jaden tilted his head, his gaze icy. “Apologize? Didn’t you just demand that I kneel before you and lick your shoes? Where’s that arrogance now? Where’s that pride you flaunted like a crown?”Caldo’s mouth opened, but no sound came out. His shame was suffocating, his tongue paralyzed by terror.Jaden stepped forward, his shadow falling over the broken man. “Be consistent. Keep that bastard attitude you wore so proudly a moment ago. Or is it only strong when you’re bullying the weak? Men like you disgust me.” His voice lowered, carrying the final weight of judgment. “Get lost. Pray yo