Taking a deep breath, Elaine said slowly, “Mom… I need to tell you something. Something incredible just happened today.”Rose paused mid-step, tilting her head in curiosity. “What do you mean, Elaine? What happened?”Elaine’s eyes shone as she explained. “I received a call from Bellagio Group—yes, that Bellagio Group. A representative contacted me directly and offered to help Green Deal Solutions with a huge sum of money. They said it was enough to reinstate the company, cover debts, and ensure operations could continue smoothly.”Rose gasped audibly, her hands flying to her cheeks in shock. “What? That’s… that’s unbelievable! Are you sure, Elaine? Are you certain this isn’t some kind of scam?”Elaine shook her head, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “I double-checked. The transfer has already been initiated. I have seen the bank alert. It’s real, Mom.”Rose’s expression transformed from shock to elation, and she began pacing the room in excitement. “This… this

The meeting at Green Deal Solutions had gone far better than Elaine expected. After discussing company strategies, finances, and the recent influx of funds that had restored her company’s operations, Jackson leaned back in his chair with an unreadable expression. “Elaine,” he said smoothly, “why don’t we continue this conversation over dinner? A more relaxed setting, away from the office.”Elaine hesitated briefly. Something about Jackson had always been unpredictable, but she reminded herself that they had shared a long history, and that this dinner could be strictly professional. “Alright,” she said cautiously. “Dinner is fine.”Jackson smiled, the sort of charming smile that had once made her heart flutter years ago. “Excellent. Let’s go.”They left Green Deal Solutions and drove for a long while, deeper into the outskirts of Gelrith City. The restaurant Jackson had chosen was far from the city’s bustle, a place that promised privacy and discretion. As they entered the grand

Antonio sat rigid after the call ended.The words from Elaine had come like a thunderclap—she was in danger, trapped somewhere in a hotel at the outskirts of the city. The urgency in her tone, even through the broken connection, had immediately set off alarms in his mind. Every fiber of his being screamed that this wasn’t a casual threat; this was real, imminent, and deadly.Antonio picked up his phone and dialed his two most trusted men, Marco and Dante. “Listen carefully,” he said. “Trace The Cool Palace hotel immediately. My ex-wife, Elaine’s life is on the line. I don’t care what it takes—find the exact coordinates, and then secure a route. We leave now. No excuses. No delays.”There was a pause on the other end, then Marco’s steady voice responded, “Understood, Boss. We’re on it.” Dante echoed the same, and Antonio ended the call. His mind was already calculating. The Cool Palace was notorious—a luxurious façade with layers of security for privacy, but also a place that coul

The silence in the room was fractured the moment Antonio’s voice rang out.The words hit like a hammer. Robert Adams, mid-rage and chest heaving, spun toward the door. His eyes widened with shock flashing across his face. For a moment, he looked less like the feared devil of the underworld and more like a man who had just seen a ghost.“Antonio?” Robert rasped in disbelief. His fists tightened at his sides as he blinked rapidly, as if his mind couldn’t process how Antonio had appeared here, at this very moment.How did Antonio know Elaine was here? Robert had been meticulous. Careful. The plan had been simple—take advantage of Elaine, do what he intended, and savor his victory before Antonio would come into the picture. The thought of Antonio showing up this early never crossed his mind. Rage twisted his face as he realized fate had betrayed him.Elaine, trembling on the bed, lifted her tear-streaked face. Her breath caught. “Antonio?” Her voice cracked with disbelief and he

Antonio turned his head, meeting Elaine's wide, tear-brimmed eyes. Her fragile form lay draped against the disheveled bed and her dress was torn slightly at the sleeves. For a second, Antonio felt a pang in his chest from seeing her in such a helpless state.“Yes, it’s me,” Antonio said firmly. “Dress up and get out of the room. Now.”His tone left no room for argument. Elaine scrambled from the bed with her shaky fingers grabbing the wrinkled fabric of her dress. She pulled it over her trembling body, still stealing glances at Antonio as if she feared he would disappear into smoke at any second. She whispered thanks with trembling lips.Her eyes darted around the wrecked room, and then darted back to him again—still in shock and still questioning herself if she was dreaming.Antonio’s focus didn’t waver. Time was not his ally.Elaine didn’t waste another second. Barefoot, she slipped past him.After making sure Robert could no longer follow, Antonio left the building and found