With a salesman’s grin plastered across his face, the male trainer walked straight toward them.“Welcome. Thinking of joining our gym?” he said. “I’m Willard Leonard, top trainer here.”He barely looked at Jaden. His eyes were locked on Selena, scanning her openly. His smile was wide, but the intention behind it was obvious.Selena didn’t pick up on it. She assumed this was how trainers greeted everyone who walked in.“Oh no, we’re just browsing,” she said politely, trying to keep things casual.Willard ignored her tone. He looked her up and down like he was evaluating merchandise.“Ma’am, your figure is already great, but with the right training, you could take it further,” he said. “Join my class and I guarantee you a perfect shape. For example, we can work on making your butt more perky and more bouncy.”He dragged out the last two words, smiling like he thought he was being charming. Then he reached out, aiming straight for her backside.Selena froze for a second, stunned.He didn

“I’m just okay. I’m currently the President of the Ironvale City Charity Foundation,” Jude said like he was pretending to be humble while waiting for praise.“You’re heading the city foundation. That’s a solid position, very respectable,” Selena said without thinking much of it.Jude soaked it in. That tiny compliment gave him enough confidence to start imagining things he had no business imagining. In his head, he already planned how he would corner Selena after the auction and play the generous gentleman. He thought she would fold the moment he showed off his title.He had no idea who she arrived with.By seven in the evening, the city lights were glowing and the Grand Hyatt lobby was buzzing. Jaden and Selena walked in with Morganna trailing slightly behind. The three of them drew attention right away. Selena looked sharp and elegant, the type of woman who didn’t need to try. Morganna had her own charm, softer but bright. Put them beside a calm, unreadable guy like Jaden and the tr

Selena Verrick was speechless.A dance… with a stranger? With a man she barely knew? Ballroom dancing wasn’t just a polite sway—it required closeness, hands at her waist, a body pressed near hers. The thought alone made her shrink slightly into her seat.But she also knew how these elite circles worked.And now, with Yale Xenakis’ announcement, she could already feel the shift in the room. The guests were suddenly buzzing with excitement, talking, calculating, ready to outdo each other in donations.Her participation would raise more money.It would help the university she once attended.So even though her heart resisted, saying no suddenly felt selfish.Still stuck in her indecision, Selena turned toward the only person whose opinion mattered right now. Jaden. His calm eyes met hers, steady as ever.He leaned in and murmured softly, just for her ears, “Don’t worry. I’ll be the one dancing with you anyway.”The tension drained right out of her shoulders.If it was Jaden—her husband, h

After watching the room react, Jaden understood the shift instantly. A few minutes ago these people were smirking at him for offering a pen. Now the same faces were frozen, stunned that he casually threw out a number none of them would dare whisper.Yale Xenakis tried to keep his composure, but his voice still trembled. “I now declare that Mr. Rift has successfully acquired his wife’s high heels for one hundred million. All proceeds will go toward building the new research facility at Ironvale City University.”The principal stood up first. Then half the ballroom followed. Applause filled the room like a wave. Even people who didn’t know what they were clapping for got up, hoping they looked supportive. A few guests rushed toward Jaden, eager to shake his hand or at least get a smile out of him.Everyone wanted a piece of him now. Everyone except Jude.Jude sat stiff at his table, staring at the empty bidding paddle in his hand. His eyes were drained of the confidence he carried earli

Carl Rajar didn’t dare breathe Franklin Wilson’s name in a threatening tone. No one with a working brain would. Franklin was a wall you didn’t push unless you wanted your entire bloodline erased.But grief changes a man. Losing one child hurts. Losing two in a row breaks something inside you. And Carl needed someone to aim that broken piece at.He couldn’t aim it at Franklin.So the only target left was Jaden Rift.In Carl’s mind, it all started with Jaden. Carley would still be alive if she hadn’t gone after him. His son wouldn’t have died either. Every path of blame circled back to the same man.And now, Carl wanted blood for blood.“Don’t worry, Mr. Nagger,” Carl said, his voice firm in a way it hadn’t been earlier. “I won’t cause trouble for Mr. Wilson. But Jaden Rift, the instigator, has to die.”Leon nodded slowly, as if the outcome had been obvious all along.Then he shifted the topic without warning.“Recently, I heard Jaden Rift’s wife, Selena Verrick, secured exclusive agenc