Laura paused for a moment. “And if I lose?”Owen grinned widely. “Then you have to submit and be trained by Zane for three months.”Laura’s face twisted in annoyance. “What? No way!”“Why not?” Owen raised an eyebrow. “You’ve always said you wanted to be the best underground fighter. Zane can get you there faster than anyone.”“I don’t need a man to teach me anything.”“It’s not about needing it or not,” Owen looked at the stubborn woman deeply, “it’s about having the courage to accept that there’s someone better than you.”Laura clenched her fists, veins tightening on her arms.She hated hearing that. Hated it because there was a hint of truth in Owen’s words.“So?” Owen pressed, not giving up. “Isn’t this bet interesting?”Laura turned her face, trying to calm her emotions. “I’m not wasting my time betting with a lunatic like you.”“Then let me tweak it a little.” Owen looked at Laura seriously. “If I lose, I won’t just give you money. I’ll also give you a small stake in your compan

Zane walked up to the group of snobbish women with a smirk on his face. His presence was like a spark—immediately catching everyone’s attention. The confident way he moved, the way his shoes clicked against the marble floor, and the quiet authority in his eyes made the laughter in the air die down.The women froze instantly, their smiles fading as they turned toward the man who had just spoken. Their painted lips parted slightly, confused and curious at the same time.They exchanged quick glances, as if silently asking one another Who the hell is he?Meanwhile, Laura’s body stiffened. Her heart started pounding like crazy. It was as if her chest could no longer contain the chaos that Zane always brought with him. Her mind screamed for control, but her pulse betrayed her.Zane? Why… why is he here? Laura gritted her teeth, her brows knitting tightly. He really followed me?!“Zane?” Laura hissed under her breath, furious. “What the hell are you doing here, huh? Stalking me?” Her voice w

“Answer me! What did you do to my father that made him submit to you? He was even shaking when he talked to you.” Laura couldn’t hold back her curiosity anymore.“Why do you suddenly want to know?” Zane asked while keeping his focus on the road, a sly smirk tugging at his lips.“Because I know my father—he’s arrogant and never bows to anyone, unless that person is richer than him.”Zane chuckled softly at Laura’s words. The truth was, she already had the answer she’d been looking for.Hudson bowed because he was rich.“But for the first time, my father bowed to a poor man like you,” Laura added.Zane glanced at her briefly, a grin forming on his face. “You’ll find out why your father respects me at the Chrizen Corp event. Be patient.”Laura pouted. “Why don’t you just tell me now?”“If I told you now, you’d think I was lying.”Laura frowned. Her curiosity grew stronger, but she decided to stay quiet and enjoy the ride since Zane was clearly too stubborn.Half an hour later, the car st

The guests sat gracefully, champagne glasses in hand, waiting with curiosity. The music slowly faded as Louis stepped onto the stage.“Thank you for your patience,” Louis said firmly. “Now, it’s time for me to announce who is officially partnered with Chrizen Corp.”His voice echoed across the hall. Everyone straightened up, filled with anticipation, nervousness, and tension.Zane sat at one of the back tables, silent, his sharp eyes observing each guest’s expression—curiosity and greed painted across their faces. From the start, he wanted to know who genuinely sought cooperation, not those who were just flattering.Louis began reading the names of the companies one by one. Every time a name was mentioned, polite applause followed. Some guests even smiled broadly at Louis in gratitude.Laura sat clutching her glass tightly. She waited, holding her breath, hoping Zenith Corp would be called. But the longer Louis spoke, the thinner her hope became.“…And finally,” Louis’s voice rose sli