The security guard kept his head lowered, his face pale, his breathing uneven from embarrassment and the lingering pain that still throbbed through his body. “Mr. Thom… I’m truly sorry,” he stammered. “I shouldn’t have judged someone by their appearance. I promise, next time… next time I won’t be like this again.” Thom only nodded slowly, calm and without excessive emotion. “Alright,” he said briefly. “Make sure those words aren’t just an empty promise.” Mr. Tharim, the manager of Kuiwo Restaurant, let out a relieved sigh and immediately patted the guard’s shoulder with a firm tone. “You need to come to my office,” he said. “You need a lesson that will truly make you realize your mistake.” The guard swallowed hard, his body still trembling, but he knew there was no other choice but to obey. Meanwhile, Jasmine looked at Thom with admiration. She had never stepped into a restaurant this exclusive before. Slowly, she followed Thom, who was still carrying Shenina in his arms, as they

Jasmine nodded. “Maybe someday I’ll treat you to a meal too.” She smiled shyly. “Although maybe not at a restaurant this expensive.” Thom laughed lightly. “That doesn’t matter.” He looked at Jasmine with a sincere expression. “I really appreciate the intention.” Their conversation felt warm and light. Even Shenina, who sat in her small chair, seemed happy, playing with her little spoon while occasionally laughing. But somewhere else in the city— A big event was being prepared. Night had fallen. In front of a magnificent hotel in the city center, rows of luxury cars filled the parking area. Ferrari. Bentley. Rolls-Royce. Lamborghini. Camera flashes from journalists and influencers flickered at the entrance. Important figures arrived one after another. Major businessmen. Politicians. Investors. Famous influencers. They had all come to attend a very exclusive event—The birthday celebration of the King of War. Not many people knew the identity of that m

Madam Yosie and Mr. Edmund were still staring at the document with disbelieving faces when Thom casually put the vehicle purchase certificate back into his folder.Thom looked as if he did not feel this was something worth arguing about at all. To him, buying the car was just a simple decision.Rachel was still standing there, gazing at the car, then at Thom. Her mind felt chaotic. Finally she spoke in a cold tone, “Why did you buy such an expensive car?”Thom shrugged slightly, as if the question was very ordinary. “I needed it.”Rachel frowned. “Needed it?”Thom looked toward Shenina, who was still standing beside her mother while holding her small hand.“Yes,” he said calmly. “I bought it so it would be easier to take Shenina wherever she wants to go.” But he continued his sentence casually. “And also Jasmine.”That sentence made Rachel freeze. Her eyes immediately widened.She stared sharply at Thom. “What?” Her tone rose one level. “How could you mention Jasmine’s name instead of

Rachel swallowed repeatedly after hearing the answer from the security guard. She was surprised that they could enter the VIP lounge.Ahead of them, Thom walked casually while holding Shenina’s hand, Jasmine beside him with a thin smile full of confidence. Shenina occasionally glanced back and gave a small wave toward Rachel, but Rachel could only force a stiff smile.What Rachel was thinking was--How could everything change so quickly? Thom could now buy a Rolls-Royce Phantom in cash. He could take Jasmine to the Kuiwo restaurant. And now this—entering the King of War’s birthday party without an invitation at all. The guard who had bowed respectfully to him earlier, as if Thom were the most important guest tonight. Then he was immediately directed to the VIP Lounge, a room that even major CEOs had to queue and plead to enter. That was not an ordinary privilege. It was a privilege that only those at the top of the pyramid of power possessed.Rachel felt a large hole in her chest. Ther

Mr. Donald was startled to see Rachel’s stiff expression and Madam Yosie suddenly freezing. He looked at Thom with raised eyebrows, then let out a small, quiet laugh. “Oh, how very humble, Mr. Thom. You didn’t even tell your own family about this change in ownership? Remarkable.”Thom shook his head gently, his smile remaining calm. “My wife has known for a long time that I was the top investor in Lanster. It’s just that… all this time she’s been in denial,” he replied flatly, without any blaming tone, but sharp enough to sting.Mr. Donald immediately understood. His eyes flicked briefly toward Rachel, who was looking down, then toward Madam Yosie whose face had turned red from embarrassment and anger. Madam Yosie’s earlier jab had been far too excessive; the tense atmosphere at this table was clearly not just casual conversation. Thom’s relationship with his wife and especially with his in-laws—appeared fractured. Mr. Donald cleared his throat softly, deciding not to get involved in