Sophia rushed forward shaking her grandfather violently while screaming. “Grandpa!"She then turned to Adrian, crying. "What did you do to him?!”The black, viscous blood continued to trickle from Rowan Aldridge’s orifices—eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth.It was like a scene from a horror film.The air stank.Malvin didn’t hesitate.He pointed directly at Adrian. “You monster! You killed him!” he voice was filled with manufactured rage.He turned to the guards. “Arrest this lunatic—NOW!”The guards flinched but didn’t move, their gazes uncertain as they flicked between Gerald, the foul stench, and Adrian’s calm demeanor.Adrian didn’t even flinch.His eyes stayed locked on Rowan Aldridge’s face.And then—Cough.The sound was barely audible at first.Then it came again, stronger.Cough! cough!Rowan’s chest jolted forward violently. His fingers twitched.His lips parted, and with one final heave—BLEEERGHH!!He vomited out a thick stream of icy black blood onto the floor beside the

Gerald hadn’t intended to give that much at first, but since he’d already handed over a Black Dragon Gold Card, tossing in ten million woudn’t hurt.He also hoped it would silence Adrian, stopping him from asking for the moon.Adrian’s eyes drifted between the items.For a long moment, he said nothing.Then—without a word—he raised a hand.And gently pushed the check back toward Gerald.What the fuck?!The room gasped again.They were dying to trade places with Adrian.This pooy dressed man looked like he needed the money more than anything, yet he still rejected the money.Seeing Adrian reject ten million dollars like it was nothing more than a pocket tissue left the room in stunned silence.Adrian was just full of too many surprises.“I didn’t come here for money,” Adrian said, voice calm but resolute. “I came because someone begged me to save a life.”He took the Black Dragon Gold Card with two fingers and tucked it into his inner pocket.“This card… is enough.”Gerald’s hand whic

Sophia didn’t stop until they reached the edge of the parking lot—far from curious eyes and meddling relatives.Only then did she whirl on him.“What is wrong with you?!” she snapped.Adrian blinked, calm as ever. “With me?"Then with an innocent smirk he said. "What did I do? Wasn't it your grandpa that was trying to matchmake us? Maybe you should listen to him."His last statement infuriated Sophia. “Ugh—stop it!” She shoved his chest lightly, her voice heated. “Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy every second of that spectacle in there.”He tilted his head, that maddening smirk dancing on his lips. “Maybe I did.”She gawked at him. “I know what you’re going to say,” she snapped, arms folded defensively. “You want repayment, right? You want me to sleep with you again. Just say it, so I can slap you now and get it over with.”Adrian looked at her for a beat.Then he chuckled in amusement.She blinked, thrown off by the sound.Adrian’s expression settled into something softer, more

“Vice President Lin,” he said calmly, pointing to the two files with Lucian Grayson’s name, “are you planning to invest in these two?”After a quick glance, Julia quickly gathered her thoughts and replied. “Yes, sir.”“Good. Here’s what I need—I want Astra Corp and Grayson family's company stripped of power and fully brought under the control of Rhein within a week.” Adrian’s tone was ice and steel. “Can you handle that?” What?!Julia’s head jerked up in surprise.From Adrian’s tone, she could tell that this was personal.Did Lucian do something to provoke the head of Rhein Group?Could he be that foolish?“Do you mean…?” Julia’s voice faltered.Adrian’s gaze turned to her fully now—sharp, direct, unreadable.He rose slowly to his feet, and with every inch he stood, the atmosphere grew heavier.“No, Julia,” he said softly.“I don’t mean it.”He stepped closer to the window, overlooking the entire skyline of Silver City stretching beneath him like a kingdom.“I’m declaring it.”Juli

Jane could barely recover from the shock.Julia’s tone dropped another octave. "You’re still standing here?”She immediately pulled out her phone pocket.“Security,” she said flatly. “Executive wing. Now.”Before Jane could speak again—DING.The elevator at the far end of the corridor hissed open.Two burly security officers stepped out in black uniforms, their eyes locking onto Julia instantly.She gave a single nod.“That one,” she said, pointing to Jane like she was designating trash to be taken out. “Throw this lunatic out of this company. Now.”“No! No, no—wait!” Jane backed away, her heels screeching against the polished floor.“I can explain! Julia, I swear I didn’t mean—!”The guards didn’t listen.They each grabbed an arm.“Don’t touch me! Don’t you dare touch me! I’m the investment manager—!”“You were,” Julia corrected icily.Jane turned to Adrian one last time, her mascara streaking, her dignity leaking through each breathless scream. “Please! I didn’t know! I didn’t kno