The grand auditorium glittered beneath towering chandeliers, each crystal catching the morning light and scattering it across the polished marble floor. Delegates from different countries filled the hall as screens flickered with company logos and employees hurried across the space like currents in a river. The International Business Advancement Conference had begun.Jessica slipped quietly into the hall, still unsure if coming was a good idea. She clutched her folder to her chest, trying to shake off the remnants of fear still clinging to her after the incident with Nathaniel two nights ago. Rica hadn’t believed her, and she’d lost her closest friend. But she was determined not to hide indoors forever.“This conference is crowded…” she murmured to herself as she maneuvered through clusters of sharply dressed business professionals.She found a seat near the side of the hall, hoping to blend in and avoid anyone who knew her. But as she scanned the large room, her eyes froze.Brandon

Jessica and Maxwell decided to ignore Brandon and walk into the hall. Without even a glance, they disappeared into the grand conference hall, their laughter echoing lightly through the corridor, bouncing off the polished walls, and fading as they entered the luxurious space. The sound, though soft, carried a subtle undertone of arrogance that immediately set Brandon on edge, prickling his nerves with the weight of condescension. The conference hall was a vision of opulence. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting soft, golden light over the polished marble floors. The glow reflected off the surfaces, illuminating every corner of the expansive room. The air carried the mingled scents of fresh flowers, polished wood, and the delicate aroma of fine cuisine, an intoxicating combination that should have been comforting, but under the circumstances, it felt almost oppressive. Tables were laid out with immaculate precision, adorned with crisp white linens, silver cutlery, and floral arra

For a few moments, the hall felt suspended in time, as though everyone collectively held their breath, waiting for Brandon to return. The murmurs that had filled the air fell silent, replaced by an almost tangible anticipation. People leaned slightly forward in their seats or shifted their weight nervously, eyes darting toward the entrance again and again. It was as if the entire room had become a single organism, holding its breath, waiting for resolution. Brandon had left under the watch of security, so no one could accuse him of fleeing. They had ensured he could not escape, and the knowledge only added to the tension. Every person in the hall wondered what he would uncover, how he would respond, and whether justice would finally be served. Then, briskly, Brandon returned, accompanied by the conference hall’s security officer—a tall man with a calm demeanor and attentive eyes. He moved with quiet authority, exuding the kind of presence that immediately commanded respect. As soon

Sophia’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Do I want to win?” she repeated, her voice dripping with incredulity. “Brandon, what are you talking about? What influence do you have here? You always like to act like you’re important, when, in reality, you’re nothing!”Brandon’s lips curved into a subtle, almost unreadable smile. He didn’t appear offended. Instead, he looked at her with the kind of calm confidence that made Sophia’s words feel small, even futile. There was something in the way he held himself, something in the ease of his posture, that unsettled her. “You think I’m joking?” he asked softly, his voice smooth but edged with an unspoken authority. “In that case, maybe I should just tell you the person who is going to emerge as the winner of this conference… since you're not interested in being the winner.”Sophia’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh, really? And who is that?” she demanded, her voice laced with disbelief, the kind that could shatter glass if it were physical.Brandon spok

Ava stepped into the room, holding a photograph of a young man. The sunlight streaming through the curtains caught the edges of the frame, casting a small glow on the image. She paused, taking a deep breath, as if bracing herself for Sophia’s reaction.“Sophia,” Ava said gently, drawing her daughter’s attention. “Sit down. There’s something I want to discuss with you.”Sophia sank back into the sofa, folding her arms tightly across her chest. Her eyes, however, remained wary, scanning her mother with a mix of caution and curiosity. “What is it, Mom?” she asked carefully. She had learned over recent months that whenever her mother said she had ‘something important’ to discuss, it often meant a decision—or a revelation—that could shift Sophia’s life in ways she wasn’t prepared for.Ava smiled knowingly, the kind of smile that had always unnerved Sophia when she was a child. It was gentle yet calculated, reassuring yet heavy with hidden weight. “You’ve been through quite a lot recentl