"His Majesty will not see anyone today,” a cold, commanding voice announced from behind the tall double doors. “Mr. Vincent, you may leave.”“Is that truly the Emperor’s command, Orien?”“Didn’t I make myself clear the first time?” he snapped. “The emperor has important matters to attend to. He will not see anyone!”Mr. Vincent’s jaw tightened. The imposing military figure stood firm, his expression unyielding. His boots echoed against the polished floor as he turned away, he was so frustrated.At that very moment, across the vast skyline of Lisle City, the thunder of engines split the clouds.A sleek private jet descended through the mist, escorted by a formation of fighter jetst. Below, Lisle International Airport was under full lockdown. Soldiers lined at the runways, with snipers perched on towers, and armored vehicles idled by the gates.Inside the terminal, large digital screens flashed a breaking news banner:“This just in — the emperor, the silent partner of the International

For a moment, the room was silent.Then suddenly.Slap!The sound echoed through the air.Anna slapped Christopher’s cheek, her eyes were blazing with tears and fury.“You jerk!” she cried, her voice was cracking. “Do you think you have the right to judge me? You left me! You disappeared without a word!”“If you hadn’t abandoned me back then,” she screamed, “I wouldn’t be in this mess!”Her voice trembled, rising with anguish. “Do you even know what these five years have been like for me? My family disowned me because of you! Every time Faith asked about her father, I didn’t even know what to say! I’ve worked myself to death — any job, anything just to feed her!”Tears streamed down her cheeks as her words broke apart. “These years have been hell, Christopher… pure hell! I’ve been hanging by a thread!”Christopher stood motionless. The rage that had burned in him moments ago faded away.He had never imagined that Anna had suffered so much.He took a slow breath. “Anna…I’m sorry.”He r

Anna blinked in surprise. “Mom… what are you doing here?”The elegant woman standing near the center of the hall shot her daughter a fierce glare.It was Evelyn Lancaster, Anna’s mother — her expression was icy.Beside her stood Howard Lancaster, Harold’s third son and Anna’s father, who was tugging nervously at her sleeve, silently urging her to keep quiet.Howard forced a strained smile and stepped forward.“My apologies, Father. Everyone, please, forgive the disturbance. It’s just… some family matters. Please, continue enjoying the evening.”The guests exchanged glances and later returned back to their seats.Howard quickly pulled Anna and Christopher aside, his forehead damp with sweat.Anna frowned, confusion and concern crossing her face. “Dad, what are you doing here?”Howard sighed and cast a quick glance toward the main hall, where Evelyn still stood among the Lancasters.“Your mother insisted,” he whispered hurriedly. “She said she wanted to mend things with your grandfather

Catherine could no longer hold her tongue, “Anna, you ungrateful thing!” she snapped, her expression twisted with contempt. “If it weren’t for the Lancaster family, you and that sickly daughter of yours would’ve starved to death years ago! We should have let you die on the streets instead of wasting our charity!” Each of her mocking remark deepening Anna’s humiliation.Anna’s hands trembled. Tears welled in her eyes, streaming down her cheeks as she bit her lip to keep from sobbing aloud.Seeing her pain—seeing the woman he’d once sworn to protect being trampled and scorned before a crowd made Christopher anger intensified.He stepped forward, his gaze burning with fire, he pointed a finger at Harold Lancaster. “Old man, Anna came here out of goodwill to wish you a happy birthday and show you respect despite everything your family did to her.”His tone hardened, “And what do you do? You insult her, mock her, and laugh at her tears. Do you think you can take me down with a few bodygua

Norman’s gleeful shouts died on his lips when Evelyn stepped forward.“Oh? Are you jealous because you just watched Mr. Scot Vincent hand Christopher a pure-gold invitation?” she said, then she stared at Norman. “Tell us, what grade is your invitation, dear?”Norman’s face flushed; the arrogance drained from him as every head turned toward the paper in his hand. Compared to the heavy, filigreed gold card Christopher held, Norman’s plain invitation suddenly looked child’s play.Evelyn savored his discomfort. Her smile sharpened. “See? Even now, it’s my daughter's son in law who draws favor. A personal invitation from Mr. Vincent now that’s something real.”Norman, desperate, tried to recover. “Mr. Vincent is a busy man,” he sneered weakly. “He avoids publicity. How many of you have actually seen his face?” A few guests murmured; doubt flickered. Scot Vincent had come and gone so fast that many could not claim a clear memory of him. Norman’s words planted a seed. Maybe the spectacle ha