Just as Ethan was about to speak, a sudden force slammed into the suited man’s backside.“Agh—what the hell?!” the man screamed, stumbling forward and crashing to the floor in a graceless sprawl.The bank lobby fell silent in a heartbeat.He whirled around, face flushed with rage. “Who the hell just—?”His voice caught in his throat.Standing behind him, tall and fuming, was the bank president himself. His silver-rimmed glasses glinted sharply beneath the lobby lights, and in his hand—gripped like a weapon—was the unmistakable golden Supreme Card of Newman Bank.The suited man froze, stunned. “P-President…?”“Why is this on the floor?” the president demanded, his voice trembling with suppressed fury.“I-I… Sir, he dropped it—I thought—” the man stammered.“You thought?” the president cut in coldly. “Do you even know what this is? This is the Supreme Card of Newman Bank. Do you understand what that means?! Have you offended our Supreme client?”The suited man’s mouth opened, then close

At that moment, Belen stepped forward, clearing his throat, wearing an expression of forced benevolence. He raised his voice, pretending to be magnanimous, but the false generosity laced in his tone didn’t fool anyone in the room.“Since Alice is fine,” he began smoothly, his eyes sweeping the gathering with deliberate weight, “it’s time she continues contributing to the family. The Irving family may be finished now, but rumor has it… the mysterious owner of Nova Corp has taken an interest in her.”A ripple of intrigued murmurs echoed through the room. Some nodded with greedy excitement, others leaned forward, already imagining the benefits such a connection could bring.Belen gave a slow, calculated nod, as if what he was saying was purely for Alice’s benefit. “So she needs to stop wasting time with that broke guy she met at the restaurant. I mean I saw her just hours ago with a broke guy at a restauran. It’s time to cut him loose and focus on pursuing the real prize—the boss of Nova

Ethan stood still, unfazed. His expression remained calm—almost too calm—as if none of the chaos touched him. His arms rested loosely at his sides, his eyes watching everyone with that same steady gaze.Alice opened her mouth to speak, but her voice was drowned out by the rising tide of jeers.Eleanor’s voice sliced through the air like a whip. “Alice, you will end this farce right now. Apologize to everyone and send this man out before we become the laughingstock of the entire city!”Alice’s father slammed his fist on a side table, nearly knocking over a crystal vase. “This is a reputable family! You dare bring in someone who preys on women and lies about his identity? It’s appalling!”Sophia, still smug, stepped up beside Belen and wrapped her arm around his. “We should all write directly to the Nova Corp board. Someone this lowly doesn’t just own a company. He fakes his way into it. The company deserves to know.”The room had become a mob. Nods all around. People whispering, “Yes,

Alice forced herself to steady her breathing, forcing calm to lace through her veins despite the turmoil swirling inside her. The conference room felt suffocating—every eye burning holes into her back, every whisper like a knife edging closer to breaking her resolve. She lifted her chin, voice firm despite the quake beneath it.“I’ll handle everything,” she said, eyes sweeping the room once more. “Leave it to me.”Without waiting for protest, she pulled out her phone and dialed Nova Corp’s main line, the digits etched into her memory like a lifeline. The line rang twice before a cold voice slithered through the speaker.“Maxime Trent speaking.”Alice’s heart dropped—Maxime. The name was poison.“This is Alice Morgan. I demand to know what’s going on. What are these accusations? Why sabotage the Morgan Group?” she demanded, swallowing her fear.A sinister laugh echoed on the other end, smooth and chilling. “Oh, Alice. So eager, so desperate. I’ve been waiting for this moment.”Alice’s

Richard folded his hands, expression smug. “Someone’s clearly out to ruin the Morgans. Every bank knows. But Newman? We… don’t always follow orders. If I approve the loan, the risk is all on me. Unless, of course… you were willing to make it worth my while.”Alice’s jaw locked. “What the hell is this?”“A very simple transaction,” he said, leaning forward. “You put that on, and we talk. I’ll even let you choose the couch or my desk.”She recoiled a step, fury igniting in her eyes. “You’ve lost your mind.”“I’m giving you a way out,” he said, voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Do this, and your company lives. Don’t, and you’re bankrupt by the end of the quarter.”Alice took a deep breath, fighting the rising urge to scream. Her hand tightened around her phone behind her back.Richard’s grin faltered when she suddenly raised her voice. “You said you always admired me, right? Shame. Because I always knew you were a sleazy bastard.”His face darkened. “Watch your mouth, girl.”Alice