Chapter OneThe smell of grease clung to Adrian Cole’s hands no matter how hard he scrubbed them. Steam curled around him as he bent over the sink, muscles straining with the rhythm scrape, rinse, wipe, stack. It was menial work, the kind that left his back aching and his pride buried, but at least it kept him busy, he just wanted to be done and go home to his wife for their wedding anniversary.He moved like a machine, until the sound of sharp heels cracked against the diner’s worn floor.Adrian turned his head and saw a woman appear.The woman stepped into the dingy backroom like she had walked out of another world. Her dress was cut to perfection, her presence radiating authority, her beauty too polished for the sour air of grease and detergent. She didn’t belong in a place like this, and there was no way she had come here to eat.Her eyes found him instantly, and the weight of her stare was enough to still his hands.“Young Master,” she said. Her voice carried command, but beneath

Chapter ThreeLaughter echoed in the marble hall. Margaret clutched her stomach as if Adrian had just told the funniest joke in the world. “A Supreme Black Card? You? Don’t make me laugh, Adrian. You probably picked that up off the street. Do you even know what that card means?”Sophia leaned against her mother, smirking with venom. “Brother-in-law—oh, I forgot, ex brother-in-law—you’re really shameless. That card is the highest level in this bank. Only nine exist in the entire world. Do you think a dishwasher like you even qualifies to look at one? If the true owner finds out you’re parading around with their card, they’ll skin you alive.”They cackled together, their voices shrill and cruel, echoing off the polished walls. A few onlookers even began to whisper, shooting Adrian pitying, mocking glances.But Adrian’s expression didn’t waver. His grip on the card was steady, his eyes cold as ice.“This card…” he said slowly, his voice like steel, “was not obtained illegally.”Sophia r

Chapter FiveThe banquet hall glittered under chandeliers that spilled golden light across silk-draped tables and crystal glasses. It was a world of wealth, power, and silent wars fought with smiles and handshakes.Adrian stepped out of the car first, adjusting the collar of his suit. He felt the weight of eyes immediately—polished guests in designer wear glancing his way with faint curiosity, as if trying to place him.Then a familiar voice struck him like a blade.“Adrian?”He turned—and there she was. Elena. Stunning in an emerald gown, elegance radiating from her every step. But her eyes, sharp with surprise and disbelief, cut into him. Beside her stood Lucas Brown, smug as ever, his arm casually resting at her side like a declaration of ownership.Elena’s voice trembled, though not with joy. “What are you doing here? Don’t tell me… you followed me?”Before Adrian could answer, Lucas stepped forward, his smirk widening.“So it’s true then. I heard about your little stunt at the ba

Chapter SevenLucas Brown's smile stiffened as soon as Adrian spoke. His fury boiled, though he hid it behind a mask of arrogance. To him, Adrian’s calm declaration wasn’t just a challenge—it was a direct provocation. From the moment Adrian had stepped into the banquet hall, Lucas had already despised him. Now, daring to claim the ring, Adrian had crossed a line.Let’s see how long your bluff lasts, Lucas thought, his eyes narrowing.The rest of the guests were just as eager to witness the spectacle. They were already convinced that Adrian’s words earlier had been nothing but empty bravado. Tonight, the auction would strip him bare. They wanted to see him embarrassed, to watch Catherine Moretti regret ever defending him.The lights in the hall dimmed slightly as the auction began, casting a spotlight on the stage. The auctioneer stepped forward, his voice booming with practiced energy. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this prestigious evening. Let us begin with our first item…”One a

Chapter NineThe air in the auction hall was charged, every murmur laced with anticipation. Faces leaned forward, hungry for drama, eyes glittering in expectation of Adrian’s fall.Elena could no longer contain herself. She surged to her feet, her voice breaking with panic.“Adrian, stop this madness!” Her words cut across the hall like a whip, earning curious stares. “Do you want to ruin me completely? Do you want to see me lose everything?”Her chest rose and fell rapidly, hands clenched tight by her sides. “You know what’s at stake—fifty million dollars. That’s what I poured into the project Lucas helped me secure with Armstrong’s company. If this blows up, if the deal collapses, my company will sink into bankruptcy! All because you refuse to back down.” Her voice cracked, desperation echoing against the gilded walls. “You’ve already divorced me, Adrian. Must you humiliate me too?”Her plea ignited a wave of whispers.“She’s right—he’s dragging her into this.”“What sort of man hum