“That means…” a businessman breathed, “The Rhein Group will have to respect him." "They always respect the military.” Excited murmurs cascaded like falling dominoes. “So the army has endorsed him!” “Unbelievable… Victor’s family is that connected?” Several men and women drew closer to him. “Victor,” a portly magnate said, bowing slightly, “please—allow me to introduce myself. Perhaps you might… mention me to your uncle?” Another guest clutched her clutch with both hands, eyes gleaming. “Victor, if you could put in a word for my firm, just a word—” The admiration increased, and Victor was clearly basking in it. Victor then pivoted toward Adrian with a sharp grin. “You see now?” His voice carried easily across the hushed hall. “I’m the one who deserves that seat. My uncle is the general’s adviser. He’s already spoken to Julia. Today she’ll favor me.” Victor’s eyes glittered, cold and triumphant. “So if you know what’s good for you, go sit on the floor at the b

She stumbled backward, clutching her face, eyes wide with shock. “Wha—” The executive’s voice cut her off like a knife. “How dare you insult him,” he barked, each word laced with icy authority. “Do you have any idea who you’re speaking to?” Gasps rippled through the crowd. Julia’s gaze blazed, cold and merciless. “Prostrate,” she commanded, her voice ringing across the marble floor. “All of you. Now!” The guests froze, confusion warring with fear. Victor’s grin shattered. “You heard me,” Julia snapped. “On your faces. Before him.” For a heartbeat no one moved. They shifted in disbelief. They could not comprehend what they were saying. Who was he? Was he not just someone leeching off the Aldrige family's name? Or was she mistaking him for someone else? They did not even let them process what was going on, executives in black surged forward. Cecelia Darkthrone tried to speak-crack!—a sharp slap silenced her. A patriarch hesitated—thwack! One by o

As soon as Victor finished making his speech, the hall erupted in applause. Investors leaned toward one another, murmuring in praise and envy. “Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant,” someone hissed. “A game-changer for Silver City.” “I’d buy shares tonight.” Even Julia, usually unreadable, allowed the faintest nod of approval. Victor basked in it, his teeth flashing. Isabelle clung to his arm, her eyes bright with triumph. From the throne, Adrian rose. “No,” he said. The single syllable silenced the entire hall. The room froze. The echoes of clapping died. “You,” Adrian continued, his voice calm yet edged with steel, “will not be receiving the investment funds.” Dozens of heads snapped toward him. Victor’s confident grin faltered. “What… what do you mean?” He forced a laugh, brittle. “Is this because of what happened outside? Don’t let emotions blind you, Adrian. Just because the president allowed you to sit in his chair doesn’t mean you’re suddenly above the

Metal cuffs clamped around his shattered wrists.The officers hauled him upright, his ruined legs dragging limp behind him, and began to drag him across the marble.The crowd parted in stunned silence.Adrian remained by the throne, his expression carved from ice, as the man who had dared to taint his sister was dragged away like refuse.The walls trembled with the echo of Victor’s screams when Julia stepped forward.Her presence reclaimed the hall.“Ladies and gentlemen,” she said.“The Rhein Group has made its decision.”A hush rolled through the audience.Julia allowed the silence to stretch, then declared,“The investment is awarded to the Aldridge family.”Applause erupted—it was slow at first, then swelled into a roar that filled the vaulted chamber.Investors surged to their feet, cheering the family.Rowan Aldridge rose with deliberate dignity, Sophia at his side, silver gown gleaming in the flood of camera flashes.They themselves could not believe it.They were the new inves

The threat hung in the chilled night like the edge of a blade.Adrian’s gaze swept the semicircle of soldiers.No fear. Only a slow, deliberate exhale.So they stopped him just because of that criminal.The only thing he didn't lie about was about his uncle... He was indeed the warrior of Silver City.But whatever... Adrian didn't care.“I don’t care who you think I’ve offended,” he said, his tone filled with annoyance.“I am not someone you want to provoke,” he declared as if daring them to try him.He took a single step forward. The soldiers stiffened instinctively.“I’m in a hurry,” Adrian continued, eyes narrowing to shards of ice.“You’re very lucky. I don’t have time for you tonight.”“Get into your vehicles,” Adrian continued; his tone was like a quiet command that vibrated in the air.“And get out of my way.”The soldiers traded dark looks, their rifles glinting like a row of drawn blades.A low laugh broke the silence.“Such an arrogant fool,” one sneered.“He is not even sca