He had just interrupted Jackie.Goldmaster’s right-hand man.Whispers erupted like wildfire.“Is he insane? He just told Jackie to wait—”“Who the hell does he think he is?”All eyes were on Lucas now. But he stood there, perfectly calm.The elite guests stood rooted, their collective breath caught in a web of disbelief. Whispers rippled through the crowd, sharp and urgent, as eyes darted between Jackie and Lucas.“Did you see that?” a woman hissed to her companion, who shook his head, lips pursed, as if denying it could undo the sight. Across the room, a silver-haired tycoon muttered, “Impossible. Jackie doesn’t bow—not to anyone.” His words carried conviction, but his furrowed brow betrayed doubt. “It’s a mistake, right? A trick of the light?” another voice trembled, seeking reassurance, but their eyes stayed glued to Jackie’s lowering head.“No way,” he murmured, more to himself than the cluster of guests around him. “Jackie’s the king here, this kid’s a nobody.” Yet, as Jackie

The grand ballroom of the Imperial Heights Hotel shimmered under crystal chandeliers. Gilded columns framed the space, and soft music floated through the air, barely masking the buzz of anticipation. The city’s elite filled the hall—politicians, CEOs, legacy families—all gathered to honor Mr Alberto Bellingham, the ailing business magnate whose name still made boardrooms tremble. At the center of the room, a hush settled as Almonde Black stepped forward. Dressed in a jet-black tuxedo that hugged his frame a little too deliberately, he moved with the self-assurance of someone used to applause. In his hands: a lacquered rosewood box. He placed it gently before Mr Alberto and opened it with a dramatic flick. Inside, nestled in silk, lay a thousand-year-old ginseng—its roots twisted like aged fingers, its scent earthy and sharp even from a distance. Almonde bowed slightly. “A small token of admiration,” he said, voice smooth as oil. “This ginseng is the rarest in our collection. A t

At the mention of the name, everyone available in the grand hall turned toward the entrance to witness the arrival of General Ace, along with his entourage flanking behind him.Lucas narrowed his vision as he stared at General Ace. He had heard about his legendary reputation in the force and his five-star general honour for guarding the borders from enemy men, with countless victories under his belt.He was someone respected and valued in the country, so what would someone of such status be doing at an event of this magnitude? It didn’t quite fit right.‘I wonder what brought him to the occasion, what’s his connection with her family?’ he thought as he watched him move from the entrance straight to Mr. Abuelo.He stopped right in front of Mr. Abuelo, with the posture of a soldier, as he welcomed him to the banquet.His personal aide then stepped forward and handed over the gift to Mr. Abuelo, wrapped in expensive wrappers.“This... is my gift to you,” General Ace spoke with a smile.M