Just then, a voice called from behind the crowd, cutting through Sophia’s tirade like a blade. “Sophia.” The room seemed to hold its breath as a young man walked toward her. He carried himself with an air of authority, yet there was a casual elegance in the way he moved. His tailored suit fit him perfectly, and his sharp, calculating eyes surveyed the chaos as though it were entirely predictable. Sophia’s breath caught. She turned to see him clearly. It was Maxwell Grant. Her pulse quickened. The very same Maxwell Grant her mother, Ava, had recently introduced to her. He was a judge at the conference—a man of influence, connections, and unimaginable wealth. Ava had practically raved about him, hinting at opportunities that could be seized if Sophia played her cards right. Maxwell stopped a few feet away, his piercing eyes locking onto Sophia. “What seems to be the matter here?” His voice was smooth, calm, authoritative, carrying the subtle weight of someone used to being ob

The conference hall buzzed with quiet murmurs as news of the theft spread like wildfire. Phones vibrated softly, keyboards clicked in hurried bursts, and countless eyes followed Brandon wherever he moved. The chatter was low, cautious, and conspiratorial, yet charged with excitement and disbelief. Every whisper seemed louder beneath the high ceilings, echoing off polished marble floors that reflected both light and tension. The air felt heavy—thick with curiosity and suspicion—as though everyone present was waiting for a single moment to shatter the uneasy calm. Even the faint clink of glasses sounded sharp, magnified by the stillness that settled whenever Brandon paused. A subtle breeze drifted in from the open doors, carrying the scent of polished wood and fresh floral arrangements, but it did nothing to ease the unease tightening the room. “Young man,” a voice suddenly rang out from the crowd, sharp with disbelief. “Is it true? Did you take the money Mr. Grant brought in?” The

Sophia had been confident—far too confident—when she stepped off the stage after her presentation. Her voice had been firm, her gestures rehearsed, and her slides impeccable. She felt sure she had impressed the judges and the entire room. She walked back to her seat with her chin raised, expecting the applause in the hall to echo her triumph.But that confidence began to crumble piece by piece as the next contestants walked up to the stage.The first contestant who presented after her was a calm, soft-spoken man representing a mid-level company from Norway. He didn’t look like much—no expensive suit, no loud personality. But the moment he began speaking, the entire hall fell silent. He spoke with depth, clarity, and brilliance that pierced the room like light. His innovation was impressive, practical, and supported by strong data. He even answered the judges’ questions with such confidence that the audience murmured in approval.Sophia’s heart thumped uncomfortably.Then came a w

Sophia’s pulse throbbed in her ears. She turned sharply, scanning the auditorium for Brandon. She looked left, then right. Then she stood up, ignoring the people behind her complaining that she was blocking their view. Her eyes swept across every aisle, every corner, every cluster of people.But Brandon was simply… gone.He had been standing behind her not long ago, arms folded, that annoying half-smile on his lips as if he knew something she didn’t. And now?Nothing. No sign of him. No trace.Where in the world was he?How did he know Evelyn Carmichael would win?Who exactly was Brandon?Her stomach clenched. She suddenly felt she didn’t know him at all—not even the tiniest bit.But before she could dwell more on that unsettling thought, the shame washed over her like a hot wave. It dripped down her spine, burning.Because she remembered exactly what she had said to him.She had scoffed. Rolled her eyes. Called him a fool—twice. Told him he loved to feel important when he was act

Ethan took a deliberate step toward her. “Sophia, I am ready to get married to you,” he began, his voice calm yet assertive. Sophia froze. The words hung in the air like an electric charge. Her mind raced, processing the audacity of such a declaration. Ethan’s demeanor, his calm authority, and the understated confidence he carried left her unsure of how to react. But there was something genuine in his tone, something that suggested he wasn’t making an idle boast. “Married… to me?” she echoed, her voice almost a whisper. Ethan nodded, not taking a step back. “Yes. I’ve considered this carefully, Sophia. I want to be with you. And I’m ready to do whatever it takes to ensure that our union is based on respect, trust, and mutual success.” Sophia blinked at him, trying to measure whether this was some kind of manipulation or a calculated move. But there was no sign of pretense in his eyes. Ava watched her intently, a knowing smile playing at the corners of her lips. Ethan conti