MICHAEL'S POVThe silence stretched on for what felt like an eternity. Every person in the room stared at Santiago Montenegro in complete bewilderment, their minds struggling to process what they'd just witnessed.Isabella was the first to break the silence, her voice sharp with indignation. "Excuse me, Mr. Montenegro, but I think there's been some mistake here."Montenegro's gaze shifted to her with the cold precision of a predator. "I beg your pardon?""Well," Isabella continued, emboldened by what she perceived as confusion, "you're obviously looking for someone important to invite upstairs. But this is just Michael Thompson—he's nobody special. He doesn't even have a job."She gestured dismissively toward me. "If you're looking to honor someone from our family, surely it should be my mother, Elena Fletcher. She's the matriarch of one of the city's most respected families."Grandmother Fletcher's eyes lit up with desperate hope. An invitation to the seventh floor would be the crowni

MICHAEL'S POVAs the magical evening began to wind down, Montenegro approached me privately while Sarah was still admiring the spectacular view of the city below."Mr. Thompson," he said in a low voice, "Ms. Sterling has informed me of your true identity."I nodded, understanding the weight of what he was saying."I want to give you something that will serve you well in the days ahead," he continued, reaching into his jacket pocket. He produced a ring unlike anything I'd ever seen—made of what appeared to be black titanium with an intricate design that seemed to shift and change in the light."This ring represents my personal authority," Montenegro explained solemnly. "Anyone who works under my organization, any business partner, any associate—when they see this ring, they will treat you with the highest level of respect and honor."I took the ring, feeling its surprising weight. The design was subtle but unmistakable—the Montenegro family crest combined with symbols that spoke of powe

MICHAEL'S POVThe taxi dropped me off at the Fletcher family compound just after midnight.The sprawling estate sat on the outskirts of the city, a testament to old money and established power.I walked through the gates, past the manicured gardens and fountains, toward the small guest house where Sarah and I had been living for the past three years.The main house was still lit up—clearly, the family was still awake, probably discussing the evening's events. I could hear voices drifting from the living room windows as I approached my own door."Can you believe Michael actually saved Montenegro's daughter?" Robert's voice carried across the courtyard."And then he wasted the opportunity by asking for a party instead of money!""The man is an idiot," Tina replied dismissively."Thank God Carmen had the sense to take that ring. At least someone in this family understands how to capitalize on connections.""She's probably making valuable contacts right now," Robert added."This could be t

Michael's POVI was just about to call a taxi to visit my adoptive mother at the hospital when the distinct sound of multiple luxury engines filled the quiet street.A convoy of sleek black vehicles pulled up in front of the Fletcher compound, their headlights cutting through the evening darkness like spotlights.The lead car's door opened, and Santiago Montenegro stepped out, his expression serious and respectful. He walked directly toward me, holding something in his closed fist."Mr. Thompson," he said, extending his hand toward me. "I believe this belongs to you."He opened his palm to reveal the Montenegro family ring, its distinctive black titanium surface gleaming under the streetlights."Thank you," I said, taking the ring and sliding it back onto my finger where it belonged. "I assume there was some unpleasantness when your people retrieved it?""Nothing that couldn't be handled appropriately," Montenegro replied diplomatically. "However, I can assure you that your wife's fam

Miachel's POVRestrepo stared at his phone for another moment, his face cycling through shades of white and gray like a man watching his own death warrant being signed. Then, without warning, his knees buckled and he collapsed onto the marble floor with a sickening thud."Eduardo!" Vargas rushed to his side, but Restrepo was unconscious, his breathing shallow and erratic."Get him out of here," Elena snapped, clearly annoyed that her perfect evening was being disrupted. "Call an ambulance or something."Two of the security guards dragged Restrepo's limp form toward the exit, his expensive shoes leaving scuff marks on the polished floor."Well," Elena said, trying to regain control of the situation. "That was... unfortunate. But we still have other distinguished bidders. Mr. Vargas, I believe your last offer was twelve million?"But before Vargas could respond, his phone started ringing with the same urgent tone that had destroyed Restrepo."Not now," he muttered, but the ringing conti