Ethan planned to use Galaxy to first impose economic sanctions on the Saler family—the most obedient lackeys of the Watson family. Supply chains would freeze, accounts would stall, overseas partners would quietly pull out. Nothing overt. Nothing that could be traced back to him. Pressure without fingerprints. When the Saler family began to suffocate, the Watsons would have no choice but to intervene. And when they did, Galaxy would be watching closely—measuring every resource deployed, every favor called in, every shadow asset revealed. Only then would Ethan know exactly how much power the Watson family still held… and how much of it could be taken away. *** The executive conference chamber was carved from glass and shadow. A crescent table of obsidian composite curved around the room, each seat occupied by someone who could move markets with a signature. Holographic cityscapes floated behind them—Galaxy Corporation’s reach rendered in glowing blue trade routes and

Jenna’s mind raced, connecting the dots instantly. Her pulse throbbed in her temples.“So,” she said, voice tight with barely contained fury, “you’re here because of your girlfriend? That’s your plan? To sneak in through someone else?”Max’s smile didn’t falter. He leaned casually against the polished obsidian floor, hands still tucked into his pockets. “Not sneak in,” he said smoothly. “Let’s call it… strategic oversight.”Jenna’s fists clenched at her sides. “Strategic oversight? Your family has already lost the match! The Hadel family won fair and square. You have no right to be here.”“Oh, but that’s where you’re wrong,” Max said, tilting his head, eyes glinting with amusement. “The Salers never lose entirely. You think a single disqualification erases decades of influence?”Jenna’s jaw tightened. “Your family cheated. Everyone knows it! And now you think you can waltz in and sabotage our deal?”Max chuckled, low and dangerous, like a predator enjoying the moment before the strike

Max’s grip tightened possessively at her waist as he smiled down at Jenna, eyes cold and triumphant.The message was unmistakable.Jenna’s fury snapped into something cold and immovable.“There is no way in hell I’m leaving this place,” she said, each word clipped and burning. “Not for you. Not for him. Not for anyone.”The woman whose name was Lana, stiffened instantly, her posture snapping straight as if insult alone could bruise her pride.“How dare you,” she said, her voice dropping into something sharp and offended. “Do you have any idea who you’re talking to?”Jenna’s lips curved faintly, but there was no humor in it. “Unfortunately,” she said, “I’m starting to get the picture.”Max’s grin spread wider, delighted by the friction. He squeezed Lana’s waist, his thumb pressing in as if to remind everyone who was standing where. “Careful, Jenna,” he said lightly. “You’re really pushing it now.”Jenna let out a short, humorless laugh. “Oh no,” she said flatly. “Am I supposed to be sc

Jenna’s pulse thundered, but her voice stayed level. “I’m here on legitimate business. If there’s a problem, I’m happy to resolve it professionally.” “Ma’am,” one of them said to Jenna while wanting to grab her, “we’re going to need you to—” Jenna raised a single finger. “Before you finish that sentence,” she said evenly, “you might want to check the guest authorization list for Conference Room A.” The guard hesitated. Max snorted. “Oh, come on—”Jenna didn’t even look at Max when he scoffed.“This,” she said sharply, finally turning her head, her voice cutting like glass, “is exactly what I’m talking about. This is an abuse of power.”Max opened his mouth to sneer—“Excuse me?” Lana snapped, stepping forward so fast her heels struck the marble like gunshots. “You don’t get to accuse anyone of anything in my building.”Jenna’s eyes locked onto her. “Your building?” she repeated coolly. “You’re a secretary, not a monarch. And what you’re doing right now—calling security because so

“Let go of me!” Jenna shouted, her voice echoing through the lobby. “This is assault! You can’t do this!” Heads snapped up. Gasps rippled through the crowd. Lana smiled. “See?” she said smugly. “All this drama. Completely her own fault.” Jenna struggled, adrenaline flooding her veins. “You’re proving everything I said!” she screamed, trying to wrench free. “This is abuse of power! You’re bullies—you’re all bullies!” Max tilted his head, amused. “You know,” he said lightly, “this could all stop if you just begged.” Lana’s smile sharpened. “That’s right. Say you’re sorry. Beg properly.” Jenna stared at them—then laughed. It was short, raw, almost hysterical. “No way in hell,” she said. “I’d rather choke on my own blood.” The guard’s expression hardened. “Shut up and move,” he snapped, dragging her forward. “Stop!” Jenna cried, her voice cracking now. “Someone stop this!” Max leaned casually against the railing, utterly unbothered. “Told you,” he said lazily. “You should’ve ap