They made their way through the dispersing crowd, with numerous audience members approaching to shake Keith's hand and offer congratulations. Each interaction was brief but sincere, with people expressing genuine amazement at what they had witnessed."Thank you for showing us what's possible," an elderly woman said tearfully. "My husband has been paralyzed for years. Maybe there's hope for him now.""Mr. Cross, you've given us all something to believe in," added a middle-aged man whose wheelchair-bound son sat beside him.Keith responded graciously to each person, though Linda could see the emotional toll the evening had taken on him. She gently guided him toward the exit, protecting him from the growing crowd of well-wishers.They finally reached the parking area, where Keith's luxury sedan waited under the bright security lights. But as they approached the vehicle, both Keith and Linda stopped in shock.The car's windows were completely shattered, with glass fragments scattered acro

Linda burst into Keith's study, her face pale with anxiety as she clutched her laptop tightly against her chest. Her usually composed demeanor had completely cracked under the pressure of the escalating threats."Keith, you need to see this immediately!" Linda exclaimed, setting her computer down on his desk with trembling hands. "The Richardson family sent another message!"Keith looked up from the presidential card he'd been studying and focused on Linda's screen. The threatening message glowed ominously against the dark background."They're demanding the heirloom back within twenty-four hours," Linda said frantically. "Keith, what are we going to do? You already used it to create the healing potion!"Keith's expression remained calm as he read the digital threat. "Linda, there's no reason to panic. I can handle the Richardson family.""But Keith, the heirloom is gone!" Linda protested desperately. "We dissolved it completely in the restoration formula! There's nothing left to retur

Keith's phone rang exactly thirty minutes after his conversation with Lucas Parker. He answered immediately, his voice tense with anticipation."Mr. Cross, this is Lucas Parker," came the authoritative voice. "My tech specialist has completed the analysis of your banking situation.""What did you find?" Keith asked urgently."Someone is indeed making systematic withdrawals from your accounts," Lucas confirmed. "However, they're operating behind an elaborate network of false digital profiles designed to hide their true identity."Keith frowned, struggling to understand the technical implications. "What does that mean exactly?""It means whoever is stealing from you has created a sophisticated web of fake online identities to cover their tracks," Lucas explained patiently. "They're bouncing their digital signature through multiple proxy servers and false accounts to make themselves untraceable.""But you were able to trace them?" Keith pressed."My associate has capabilities that exceed

The next morning, Keith sat in his villa's living room, staring at his phone. Linda watched him from across the room, her expression tense as another debit alert flashed on Keith's screen - another million dollars gone."You have to do this," Linda said quietly. "It's the only way to get close enough to execute our plan."Keith's jaw clenched as he dialed Emilia's number. The phone rang twice before her familiar voice answered."Well, well," Emilia's voice was dripping with smugness. "Look who's finally calling. The great Keith Cross, ready to grovel?"Keith forced his voice to sound defeated. "Emilia, I... I need to apologize.""Oh really?" Emilia's laughter was sharp and cruel. "This should be good. Go ahead, I'm listening.""I was wrong to take the heirloom," Keith said, each word feeling like poison on his tongue. "I was desperate for it, and I acted without thinking. I should have asked for your permission first.""Asked for permission?" Emilia shrieked with delight. "You should

Keith held the small vial in his hands, staring at the clear liquid inside. His face remained calm and composed, but deep within his stomach, he could feel the potion churning violently as it began to take effect. The sensation was unsettling, like acid eating away at his insides, but he knew it was necessary."This is the only way," Linda said softly, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Once Laurent falls into that coma, they'll have no choice but to bow down to you. They'll beg you to wake him up."Keith nodded, setting the empty vial down on the table. "I know. But Linda, I need you to stay alert while I'm gone. Keep monitoring everything from here.""What do you mean?" Linda asked, her brow furrowing with concern.Keith turned to face her fully, his expression serious. "Emilia and her family are cunning. They might have more plans to take me down while I'm there, especially during the blood transfusion when I'll be vulnerable. I need you to keep an eye out for anything sus