Meanwhile, on the other side of Cloud City, Sebastian returned to the Nine Dragons Pavilion.The elevator doors opened on the Black Dragon Floor, revealing the familiar quiet corridor beyond.Sebastian stepped out and loosened the collar of his shirt slightly as he walked toward his private quarters.He had barely taken a few steps when his phone rang.Sebastian frowned slightly at the familiar sound of his ringtone, and a feeling of annoyance gradually seeped into his heart.He had received an unusually large number of calls over the past few days, and for someone who preferred handling matters without unnecessary communication, it was becoming rather irritating.Nonetheless, he pulled out his phone and glanced at the screen.When he said that the caller was none other than Isaac Rutherford, he hesitated only for a brief moment and answered the phone call."What is it?" he asked coldly, not even bothering to hide his irritation."My lord." Isaac greeted respectfully the moment the ca

By nightfall, the Rutherford Banquet had become the undisputed centre of attention in Cloud City.The roads leading toward the Rutherford Crown Estate were busier than usual, with a constant stream of luxury vehicles making their way toward the enormous property.The Rutherford Crown Estate occupied an entire private hillside overlooking the city.Its grand entrance was framed by towering stone pillars bearing the Rutherford crest, while a long, perfectly maintained driveway stretched toward the main estate.Beyond it stood an imposing mansion of pale stone and glass, its architecture blending classical grandeur with modern luxury.Thousands of lights illuminated the surrounding gardens, fountains and meticulously landscaped grounds, turning the entire estate into a dazzling spectacle against the night sky.A single glance showed people that the Rutherford family had spared no expense in their preparation for the banquet.It was understandable, though. After all, tonight was not merel

The Rutherford Banquet was now fully underway. The initial excitement surrounding the arrival of the guests had gradually settled into a more refined atmosphere. Soft classical music played through the enormous banquet hall, its gentle notes blending with the quiet hum of conversation. Waiters moved between the tables carrying trays of wine, champagne and carefully prepared dishes, while guests settled into their respective sections. Yet despite the elegant atmosphere, the hierarchy within the banquet hall remained impossible to ignore. The three invitation tiers had created three very different worlds under the same roof. The Gold Section was the busiest. It contained the largest number of guests, and although everyone seated there was wealthy by ordinary standards, most understood that they were still several levels below the true powerhouses of Cloud City. As dinner progressed, the conversations became increasingly animated. “Harry, your company is bidding for the eastern b

The Rutherford Banquet had reached its peak.Nearly every major guest had arrived, and the atmosphere inside the Crown Estate had become noticeably livelier.The Gold Section remained filled with animated conversations and ambitious negotiations. The Platinum Section had become more relaxed, with established businessmen and family representatives exchanging contacts and discussing projects that could be worth hundreds of millions.But the Onyx Section was where the greatest concentration of influence could be found.People who rarely appeared together in public were seated only a few tables apart.Executives of enormous corporations spoke quietly with family patriarchs.Real-estate magnates discussed upcoming developments.Investment leaders exchanged information with representatives of powerful families from outside Cloud City.And through it all, the Rutherford name remained the invisible force holding everything together.Amelia had spent the past hour trying to process everything

Charles stared at the mysterious young man standing before him.For several seconds, he couldn't find the words to speak.He had spent the past few days imagining every possible price he might have to pay for his daughter's life.Money.Properties.Companies.Connections.Anything.If this man could truly save Juliette, Charles was prepared to give him almost everything he possessed.Finally, he forced himself to speak."Mr. Sebastian..."Sebastian raised his eyes toward him."What do you want?"His voice was steady, but the desperation beneath it was impossible to conceal."I can offer you money. As much as you want."Sebastian remained expressionless."I'm not asking for money."Charles froze.He had been prepared to hear an astronomical figure.Perhaps hundreds of millions.Perhaps even billions.Instead, the young man had simply dismissed the one thing Charles knew he could provide without hesitation."Then..."Charles swallowed."What do you want?"Sebastian regarded him calmly.