The next day, the atmosphere in the Silver Trust building felt different. Soft whispers could be heard among the employees when Mia stepped into the lobby, her heels echoing against the marble floor.Everyone knew about yesterday's incident, though no one was brave enough to mention it in front of Mia. The door to the CEO's office was already open, showing Tobias waiting inside with a gloomy face. The man looked exhausted, his eyes red from staying up all night calculating losses.When Mia walked in, Tobias immediately stood. "Good morning! I... want to say, I'm sorry for what happened at your wedding—"A sharp tone instantly cut his words. "Stop right there! I'm the CEO here, not the bride you're all gossiping about. I don't want to hear a single word about my wedding in this office. If you bring it up again, I won't hesitate to fire you."Tobias's face stiffened, and he quickly nodded. "Alright, forgive me. I won't bring it up again."The tension in the room thickened. Tobias took a

The sound of hammers pounding filled the air around the construction site. Workers were busy lifting cement, cutting wood, and moving bricks to the marked spots. The smell of dust mixed with wet paint stung the nose, while the foreman's shouts kept the rhythm of the work steady.Kyra stood a little farther away, her eyes locked on the big board that read Bite and Go – Soon to Open. Her heart still could not believe all of this was real."To be honest, I'm still in shock," she said softly. "When Miss Lara said the strategic land in the city center would be given to my father, I thought it was just somewhere near downtown. But it's really in the heart of Riverton. Big business buildings are all around. Just imagine, with so many office workers having lunch here, our restaurant will definitely get huge attention!"Halston only glanced at her, a faint smile appearing on his face. "Opportunities like this don't come twice. The Overlord knows who deserves it.""The Overlord is really amazin

The workers looked at each other, some clearly relieved to see Halston could protect them, but others were still afraid of Daisy's threat. After all, they knew Ian had great power in this city."Your threat doesn't count if you use someone else's name," Halston said indifferently. "If you really believe you're above me, use your own strength. Don't hide behind someone else's name."Daisy fell silent for a moment, then quickly continued with a raised tone. "I'm not hiding! I'm Mayor Ian's favorite worker. Everyone knows how hard I've worked for him over the years. So, it's clear that he'll always protect me. Ian will never stand up for someone like you!"The atmosphere suddenly changed when the sound of a car door came from the gate. Daisy turned, her eyes shining with relief. A middle-aged man in an official suit stepped out of his government car, his steps hurried.Ian came with a serious face, though he looked a little nervous. A satisfied smile appeared on Daisy's lips."See! The M

Ian turned his head quickly, struggling to believe what he had just heard. His heart pounded, half convinced he misheard."Y-You're asking me to join you?" his voice sounded stiff, full of doubt.A faint smile appeared on Halston's lips. "I need certain people by my side. Those who understand how this system works, who are aware of its weak points. You're one of them."Those words made Ian choke, and he asked carefully, "What exactly are you planning?"Halston explained in a low tone until Ian felt his heartbeat grow louder. The mayor froze after listening to the end."If that's your plan, won't that change work against you?"Instead of getting angry, Halston laughed at him. "That's what everyone would think. But I never play by other people's rules."Silence fell again, trapping Ian in a state of uncertainty. He realized he had just touched a secret that should've never reached his ears.At last, Ian let out a long breath and spoke with cautious words, "I feel honored to be part of y

"If I throw this at your face right now," Halston said in a flat tone that held a clear threat, "you'd need bone surgery for the rest of your life."Those words snapped Nolan back to reality. He remembered being in special forces. He was a man who'd faced dangerous situations before. Nolan went pale right away. He covered his face with both hands as if to protect himself.But the throw he feared never came. Halston put the decorative stone back where it was with a casual motion. A short, mocking laugh slipped from his lips. Then he looked at Mia."Your new husband is a loser. Weak, scared, and can't face a threat. Is that what you're proud of?"Shame burned across Mia's face. Instead of defending their honor, Nolan had acted like a frightened child in front of Halston.With a sharp voice, Mia spat, "You can laugh all you want now, but your happiness won't last long!"She did not wait for an answer. She grabbed her husband's arm and pulled him back inside. The balcony door slammed shut