The ride to Central Town was smooth and fast.Ryan sat in the backseat, eyes fixed on the road ahead, trying to process how his life had become. From being humiliated in front of dozens of guests, divorced by the woman he once called his wife, to now—headed toward a home he had never even dreamed of living in.But nothing could have prepared him for what appeared in front of him.His eyes widened.His lips parted slightly, unable to hide the shock as the mansion’s gates slowly came into view. Even from within the car, Ryan could tell this was no ordinary residence.The Nova emblem, designed in the shape of a crypto coin with a bold N, was carved into the center of the gate like a royal crest.“Is this… real?” Ryan murmured under his breath.In front of him in the driver seat, Ms. Claudia smiled gently, as if she had been waiting for that question.“This estate was built by Nova Inc. to be completely off-limits to the public,” she said smoothly. “Only the CEO and his selected personnel

Matthew threw a wink at Ryan and stepped hard on the gas pedal. The Nissan roared as it dashed away, disappearing down the road in seconds. A trail of laughter echoed from the car as it sped off.“Jessica…” Ryan muttered as his jaw clenched.Ryan stood still for a few moments, his soaked pants clinging tightly to his legs, his fists clenched at his sides. Mud dripped slowly from the hem of his jeans onto the sidewalk. Strangers passed by, stealing quick glances at him. A few looked away awkwardly. Others whispered and laughed behind their hands.Feeling the stares growing too heavy, Ryan blinked himself out of the daze and slowly started walking. His legs felt heavier with each step, but he kept moving.“Maybe you didn’t regret it in 5 years, Jessica… but you will,” Ryan muttered as he knew he wouldn’t let this pass.By the time he reached the bus stop, the bus was already there, passengers were rushing to get in. He stepped in quietly, ignoring the glances from the few passengers ins

Julian’s leg was still raised high, ready to smash the laptop, when suddenly Ryan moved fast. He moved So fast that Julian couldn’t even process it.The next thing Julian knew, he was no longer standing. He was sitting on the ground, stunned, like a confused child who had slipped on water. He blinked, trying to understand what had just happened. Ryan now stood over the laptop calmly after pushing Julian to the floor.Julian’s mouth opened, but nothing came out.“You don’t get to touch my belongings,” Ryan said to Julian, his eyes growing cold and turning a bit reddish.He slowly bent down to pick up the laptop—his fingers just inches from it—when he heard it.Crack!A sharp sound like bones snapping. His heart froze instantly and his hand stopped reaching for the laptop.He didn’t even need to look. The sound alone told him something had gone wrong.Slowly, Ryan stood up straight. His eyes trailed upward, seeing glossy leather of a a female shoe, pressing hard on the laptop.Standing

Julian lay on the soft, king-sized bed with his arms wrapped around Elizabeth as they both chuckled softly. The humiliation of Ryan earlier that day still felt fresh in their minds, and the memory brought nothing but satisfaction to both of them.Elizabeth leaned in and kissed Julian gently on the lips, letting it linger a few seconds before pulling away with a sweet grin.“I still can’t believe I crushed that garbage laptop under my foot,” she said with a proud smile. “The only thing that poor excuse of a man ever valued, and I took it away just like that.”Julian laughed and rubbed her arm. “You were brilliant. I was going to do it, but you did it so perfectly. You really know how to hit where it hurts.”Elizabeth sat up slightly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I mean, does Ryan even listen to himself when he talks? All that nonsense about making me regret leaving him?” She scoffed. “A pauper like him? What was he thinking?”Julian shook his head. “He lives in a fantasy.

Ryan stood in front of the mirror, struggling with the tie that hung awkwardly around his neck. Sweat had already gathered at his hairline, and his palms were clammy. The meeting was just thirty minutes away, and the pressure weighed heavily on him.Claudia had been standing there assisting him with other things. She noticed how he was struggling and smiled lightly.“Boss, let me help you with that,” Claudia said gently, stepping closer. Her tone was calm, and her smile was reassuring as she reached up to adjust the tie.Ryan sighed wondering about how he could get this over and done with. “Isn’t there any way I can just… wear what I’m used to? I know that it is an important business meeting, and it is only expected to wear a suit, but…” He looked at her through the mirror. “I’ve never worn a suit in my life. I feel like I’m choking. It doesn’t feel comfortable and I feel it would take some time to get used to it.”Claudia chuckled softly. “I know it feels strange, but you’ll adjust.