He jabbed at his phone, speaking rapidly when someone answered. "Yes, this is Ethan Zhang. I'm in Conference Room A on the forty-eighth floor, and there's an intruder here. I need security immediately. Yes, immediately!"Alexander remained seated, completely calm, still reviewing his documents as if nothing was happening.Within two minutes, three security guards arrived—large men in crisp uniforms with Sterling Entertainment Group badges. The lead guard, a gray-haired man who carried himself with military bearing, stepped into the room."Mr. Zhang? What seems to be the problem?""That man!" Ethan pointed at Alexander like he was pointing at vermin. "He's an intruder! He's harassing Ms. Chen, and he has no business being in this building, let alone in this meeting! I want him removed immediately. Arrest him if you have to!"The security chief looked at Alexander, then back at Ethan, his expression carefully neutral."Mr. Zhang, I'm afraid I can't do that.""What?" Ethan's eyes bulged.

Alexander's hands clenched under the table, but his voice remained calm. "The contract is clear, Mr. Zhang. If you have specific concerns about the terms, please state them. Otherwise, let's proceed.""See, this is exactly what I mean," Ethan continued, warming to his theme. "You don't even know how to conduct yourself in a negotiation. Real businessmen don't rush. They take their time, they build relationships, they—""They don't waste each other's time with condescending lectures," Alexander finished. "Are you signing this contract or not?"Lila touched Ethan's arm gently. "Ethan, let's just get through this. We can discuss the finer points of business etiquette later.""Right. Of course." Ethan picked up his pen, then paused. "Although, Alexander, there is something I'm curious about. How exactly did a man like you end up in charge of supervising this deal? I mean, even as Vanessa's representative, surely there are more qualified people in the company?""I was chosen because I'm qu

"You're warning me?" Ethan stepped closer, invading Alexander's space with the confidence of a man who'd never faced real consequences. "You're warning me? Let me tell you something, Alexander. My family has been in business for four generations. We have connections in every major city, in every major industry. We can make one phone call and destroy whatever pathetic career Vanessa has built for you.""Then make the call," Alexander said flatly. "I'm still not signing.""You arrogant little—" Ethan's face flushed red. "Do you have any idea who you're talking to? I'm Ethan Zhang! My family owns half this city! We could buy and sell you a thousand times over!""And yet here you are, begging me to sign a contract."The observation hung in the air like a challenge. Ethan's mouth opened and closed, his face cycling through several shades of purple."I am not begging!" he finally sputtered. "I'm doing you a favor by even considering working with someone of your... limited background!""Some

It was a ring. Not just any ring—one of the five rings. The image showed intricate patterns carved into dark metal, symbols that seemed to shimmer even in the photograph."This ancient ring, believed to be over a thousand years old, is valued at an estimated fifty million dollars," the anchor continued. "But its historical and cultural significance is considered priceless. The ring is part of a collection known as the Five Dragons, legendary artifacts from an ancient civilization."Alexander's hand instinctively went to his pocket where his two rings rested. Fifty million dollars? That couldn't be right. The rings were valuable, yes, but that number seemed—"In an unprecedented move," the anchor went on, "Gallant Incorporated, one of the largest conglomerates in the world, has announced a unique opportunity. Anyone who can retrieve this ring and deliver it to their headquarters will be offered an executive position within the company, along with a substantial finder's fee."The room h

"But you thought it!" Ethan pointed at Alexander accusingly. "That's why you looked at him! You think Alexander stole your ring!""I don't know what I think," Lila said, but her voice was uncertain.Alexander couldn't believe what he was hearing. After he'd saved her life. After he'd warned her about the danger. After everything."You're serious," he said quietly. "You actually think I stole from you.""Well, you were very interested in rings earlier," Lila said defensively. "All that talk about not admitting to knowing anything about rings. And you did have access to my apartment during our marriage. You could have taken it before we divorced—""I didn't take your damn ring, Lila.""Then why were you so adamant about me not talking about rings?" she shot back. "What aren't you telling us, Alexander?"Ethan's expression had transformed from angry to calculating. "She has a point. You did storm in here earlier ranting about rings and danger and telling Lila to keep quiet. That's suspic