Brent sat in the cold, quiet underground mansion, screens lighting up his tired but sharp eyes. His fingers tapped lightly on the metal table as the hum of servers filled the room. This was not a place of comfort, but a war room, and Brent was ready to begin the shadow war. Ling sat beside him, her laptop open, code flying across the screen as her black hair fell over her shoulder. She was the one who could freeze accounts, send legal letters, and track hidden funds without leaving a single fingerprint. Her calm made the room feel colder, her eyes never leaving the numbers shifting in green and red on her screen. Adam leaned back on a crate, rolling a toothpick between his teeth as he scrolled through influencers’ pages. He knew who was fake and who would sell out for a rumor that would boost their views. Every few minutes, he would look at Brent and nod once, letting him know the seeds were planted. Jam

Sarah sat in front of the vanity mirror, brushing her hair even though it was already perfect. Her eyes were red from another night of screaming at people who didn’t listen. She could hear the soft ping of notifications on her phone, but she was too afraid to look. Her reflection looked tired, but she lifted her chin, forcing a small, fake smile. Today, she would fix everything. Today, the world would see her as the queen again. Kara peeked in, holding a steaming cup of coffee. “Ms. Chen, the PR team is waiting. The influencers are ready for the live Q\&A.” Sarah grabbed the cup and took a sip, letting the warmth steady her hands. “Get them ready. I want the best lighting.” She stood up, rolling her shoulders back as if she could shake off the fear. --- The lights in the studio were bright, too bright, making Sarah’s skin look almost too smooth, too polished. The influencer across from her, a young

Sarah stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting the diamond necklace around her neck. The new black velvet gown hugged her figure perfectly, the slit high enough to draw attention without looking desperate. Her hair was pinned into a sleek wave, makeup flawless, eyes sharp. Kara hovered near the door, holding a clipboard, careful not to make a sound. Sarah’s phone buzzed on the vanity, and she snatched it up. It was a reminder for the night: *Global Hearts Charity Gala – Keynote Speech at 8:00 PM.* Sarah’s lips curled as she dropped the phone into her clutch. “Tonight,” she whispered to herself, “I take it back.” She would remind them who Sarah Chen was. She would remind them that Chen Industries still stood, stronger than ever. --- The ballroom was a sea of crystal chandeliers, white roses, and soft violin music. Influencers moved like hungry birds, cameras in hand, whispering to each ot

Sarah stood at the edge of the rooftop, looking out over the skyline, the lights blinking like tiny cameras watching her every move. Her black gown shimmered under the strings of gold lights, her makeup perfect, her hair pinned into an elegant twist. She breathed in, ignoring the twisting in her stomach. Tonight would change everything. She turned, scanning the rooftop venue filled with round tables draped in white, each with a single frosted bottle of her new perfume, Phoenix. Influencers moved around with ring lights, giggling, filming, posting stories. Waiters carried trays of champagne, the clinking of glasses mixing with the hum of rooftop heaters. Sarah’s lips curled into a confident smile. This was it. Her comeback. “Sarah, the press is ready,” Kara whispered, holding a clipboard with trembling hands. Sarah didn’t look at her, adjusting the diamond bracele

Sarah stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the straps of her silver gown. Her hair was pinned perfectly, and her makeup was flawless, but her eyes looked tired. She forced herself to smile, checking it in the mirror, making sure it looked real. “Tonight is the night,” she whispered to herself. “We fix everything.” Kara peeked in, holding a clipboard. “Ms. Chen, the car is ready.” Sarah nodded, grabbing her clutch. She slipped on her diamond earrings, ignoring the pit in her stomach. She needed this night to go perfectly. --- The hotel lobby was bright, filled with the smell of expensive perfume and soft piano music. Guests in black suits and glittering dresses moved around, laughing and taking pictures. Influencers were already filming themselves in front of the gold Chen Industries banners. Sarah stepped out of the car, smiling as cameras