Alexander understood why they were treating him this way. Being looked down upon, dismissed, and humiliated wasn't new to him. He'd experienced it countless times since his fall from grace. But Sophia's reaction was immediate and fierce."Why would you say such a thing?" Sophia demanded, stepping forward with barely contained fury. "What gives you the right to assume—""Miss, please understand," the first staff member said, maintaining his professional tone despite her anger. "Someone like him simply isn't allowed at this party. This is an exclusive event for distinguished guests only. We have standards to maintain.""Standards?" Sophia's voice rose sharply. "He's with me! He's my guest, not my servant!""With all due respect, miss," the second staff member interjected, "we can see clearly what the situation is. People of his... status... don't belong at events like this. Surely you can understand our position.""Your position is insulting and completely unacceptable!" Sophia shot bac

The next morning, Alexander stood outside the boutique Vanessa had directed him to. The storefront was elegant and clearly expensive, with mannequins in designer clothes displayed in pristine windows. The name "Lumière Couture" was written in gold lettering above the door.He approached the entrance, but before he could reach for the handle, a staff member stepped outside, blocking his path."Excuse me," the woman said, her nose wrinkling slightly as she looked Alexander up and down. "This establishment is for valued clients only. I don't think this is the right place for you."Alexander frowned. "I'm supposed to meet someone here. If you could just—""A man like you belongs on the streets, not in a boutique like this," another staff member chimed in from the doorway, his tone dripping with disdain. "Look at yourself. Your clothes are cheap, your shoes are worn. You clearly can't afford anything here.""I'm not here to shop," Alexander tried to explain. "I'm meeting—""We don't allow

Lila's mind reeled. First Sophia at the auction and the party, now Vanessa at the boutique. How many women was Alexander involved with? Her mood shifted dramatically, confusion mixing with something that felt uncomfortably like jealousy."Oh my God," Lila's mother gasped, then her voice turned sharp and accusing. "I see what's happening here! Alexander, you're disgusting! You're a philanderer!""A what?" Alexander said flatly."You heard me!" her mother continued, her voice rising. "You're using these women! Playing them! You're lying to them, sleeping with them, manipulating them so they'll buy you expensive things and let you into places you don't belong!""That's exactly what he's doing," her sister agreed eagerly. "Look at him! He has no money of his own, so he's seducing wealthy women and using them for their resources. He's probably sleeping with both of them, telling each one she's special while he's really just a pathetic gold-digger!""You should be ashamed of yourself!" her

Vanessa stepped forward, her voice calm but carrying undeniable authority. "Laurent, I'd like to request that these two women be escorted out of the store. Their behavior is unacceptable and frankly quite tiresome."The boutique fell into stunned silence."What?!" Lila's mother shrieked. "You can't throw us out! We're legitimate customers! We have money! We belong here!""Not anymore," Laurent said crisply, gesturing to the security guards. "Ladies, please escort these two out of the premises.""This is outrageous!" her sister shouted as guards approached them. "We've done nothing wrong! We're telling the truth about that pathetic man!""You have been creating a public disturbance and harassing our guests," Laurent stated firmly. "You're no longer welcome here. Guards, please."The security guards took hold of Lila's mother and sister, who immediately began screaming protests."Take your hands off me! Do you know who I am?""This is discrimination! I'll sue this establishment!""You'r

Several minutes passed in tense silence. Alexander watched Marcus work, hope and anxiety warring in his chest. If they could find this third ring, he might finally get answers about his past."Here," Marcus said finally, turning the tablet to show them. "I found a record. A billionaire collector named Vincent Zhao acquired a ring matching this exact description about five years ago. Private sale, estate auction from a European noble family.""Vincent Zhao?" Vanessa leaned forward. "Do you have current information on him?"Marcus scrolled through more data. "According to this, he's actually in the city right now. He's attending a series of high-profile events, expanding his collection. He's staying at the Grandeur Hotel for the next week.""Perfect," Vanessa said. "We can arrange to meet him.""Wait," Marcus interjected, his expression growing more serious. "Vincent Zhao isn't just any collector. He's notoriously difficult to deal with. His collection is his obsession. He doesn't sell