Russell Crow shifted uneasily, glancing from the lifeless bodies on the floor to Franklin Wilson. The sharp smell of gunpowder still hung in the air. He cleared his throat before speaking carefully, “Major-General Wilson, Lazarus Ortega and Trust Rajar have already brought this on themselves, no doubt about that. But I believe it might be wiser to have someone else deliver their bodies back to their families. The Ortegas and the Rajars are both volatile clans. If they decide to make a public scene out of this, it could stir up a bigger storm than necessary.”Franklin turned toward him with an icy glare. “Russell, are you suggesting I should care about what those two pathetic families think?” His tone was sharp, the kind that made even seasoned officers stand straighter. “They dared to offend Mr. Rift. They should count themselves lucky that I didn’t order their entire bloodlines wiped out tonight.”The room went quiet again. Franklin’s authority was unquestionable—his voice carried th

Jaden’s eyes stayed on the road, calm and steady, his voice as cool as ever. “I’m Jaden Rift,” he said. “Your brother-in-law. Who else could I be?”Morganna narrowed her eyes. “That’s not what I meant.” She folded her arms, studying him carefully. “Do you have any secrets you’re not telling us? Why did the Mayor, the Commander, and all those officials treat you like… like some kind of big shot?”Jaden didn’t even flinch. “When I was in the army,” he said evenly, “I saved the Major-General’s life during a border operation. He’s been watching out for me ever since, and the rest follow his lead. That’s all.”His tone was casual, almost dismissive, as if he were describing a random errand instead of an event that had shaped lives.Morganna frowned. It sounded reasonable, but her gut told her there was more—far more. A man who could summon an entire military unit in minutes, who made generals bow, wasn’t just an ordinary soldier. Still, his calm confidence made it hard to argue.“Fine,” sh

Chad’s grin didn’t fade. In fact, it grew even wider, the kind of smile that reeked of arrogance and entitlement. He leaned casually against his Bentley, his gaze dropping shamelessly to Selena’s chest before meeting her eyes again.“I heard Rift Group’s been trying to get into the pharmaceutical sector,” he drawled. “And I also heard you didn’t even make it onto Professor Manuel’s invitation list for tomorrow’s cocktail party.”Selena’s brows knit slightly. How does he know that? She took a slow breath, forcing her expression to remain calm. “I believe that’s none of your business, Mr. Brandy.”Chad chuckled lightly, ignoring her cold tone. “Relax, Ms. Verrick. I’m only making conversation.” He reached into his blazer pocket and pulled out a sleek black envelope embossed with gold. “You see, Leud Pharmaceuticals is one of the leading drug manufacturers in the South. I happen to have two invitations to the Miracle Avenue event. And…” He waved the envelope between his fingers. “I’m wil

The night air was cool as Jaden and Selena’s car pulled up to the towering glass structure on Miracle Avenue. The entire top floor shimmered with lights and music—it was easy to tell this was no ordinary event.Professor Manuel’s cocktail party was already drawing attention from half the city’s elite. Expensive cars lined the driveway; the sound of luxury engines mixed with the murmur of well-dressed guests and clicking heels.But this wasn’t just a high-society gathering.At the entrance, eleven armed soldiers stood in formation, their rifles slung across their chests. Each guest was being stopped and screened by a young lieutenant with a stern face. Invitations were scanned, names checked twice. There was no slipping past that line unnoticed.Selena’s brow furrowed. “They’re really this strict?” she whispered, glancing around. “I didn’t expect special forces at a cocktail party.”Jaden’s sharp eyes moved over the soldiers. He recognized their discipline instantly—military-grade prec

Chad froze, trembling where he stood. His knees gave out, and his voice cracked. “O-okay! I’ll leave! Just… don’t shoot, please…”The soldiers didn’t bother responding. Their rifles stayed aimed until Chad’s bodyguards pulled him up and helped him limp away, his once-pristine suit now stained with blood and humiliation.As they passed Jaden and Selena, Chad’s eyes flicked toward them. Jaden looked calm, even amused. He turned to Selena with a small, confident smile. “All right, let’s go in.”Chad stopped mid-step, staring in disbelief. Go in?I couldn’t get in even with an official invitation… and this guy thinks he can just walk in without one?He gritted his teeth and snorted under his breath. “Fine. Let’s see how far you get before they put a bullet in your chest.”Bleeding and barely standing straight, he leaned against one of his men and stayed to watch, half from spite, half from disbelief.Selena looked nervous. Her fingers clenched around Jaden’s sleeve as she whispered, “J-Ja