The entire hall fell into stunned silence. No one had expected chaos like this at a bidding conference—especially one as prestigious as this. Faces shifted, whispers trembled through the rows. Even the big bosses who had seen all kinds of drama found themselves uneasy. Scot Vincent, anticipating exactly this kind of trouble, had reinforced security the night before. But even with that preparation, Lid’s presence had thrown everything off balance. “Scot Vincent, you’re asking for death!” Lid roared, his voice booming across the hall. “Have you forgotten the warning I gave you last night?” He hadn’t expected Scot to still stand so firm—even arrogant—in the face of his threats. Scot Vincent’s expression didn’t waver. His tone was cold. “I’ve said it already. If you’re here to participate in the bidding, you’re welcome. But if you’re here to cause trouble, please leave.” “You—!” Lid’s eyes burned with fury, his fists clenching so tightly his knuckles whitened. Gerald quickly stepp

Lisle City, Cloud9 Villa. The morning sunlight filtered softly through the bedroom curtains, painting warm streaks across the bed where Anna lay curled in Christopher’s arms. She lifted her face slightly, her voice gentle as she spoke. “Dear, Faith is almost six. Don’t you think it’s time to find her a preschool?” Christopher glanced down at her, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. He smiled. “Leave that to me. I’ll get Faith into the best preschool in Lisle City. How does that sound?” Anna felt her heart melt. “Thank you, honey.” Her cheeks warmed, turning pink. Christopher always had that effect on her—his presence was steady, grounding, protective. It made her feel safe in ways she never imagined possible. For a moment, silence settled over them like a soft blanket. Anna hesitated, biting her lip before finally asking: “Honey… do you know what next Friday is?” Christopher blinked, honestly puzzled. “What? Is it a holiday?” Anna pouted, her disappointment sub

The next Friday arrived. That day, the entire city seemed to have its eyes on Dream Land. Even the hotels surrounding the restaurant had been fully booked for days. The streets were lined with people, and countless citizens swarmed in, eager to catch a glimpse of the mysterious tycoon and the woman who would be by his side. The commotion was so intense it even drew the attention of the MCPD. Officers had formed a human barrier in front of Dream Land, ensuring no one would get too close. Leon approached Christopher, who stood with a rare hint of unease. Despite his immense power and high status, today brought a flutter of nervousness Christopher rarely felt. This night was important—it was the first time he and Anna would celebrate their wedding anniversary. “Leon, is everything ready?” he asked seriously. “My Lord, everything has been arranged perfectly. There will be no issues,” Leon replied confidently. Christopher forced a small, slightly uneasy smile. “Good. This time,

The English branch of the Lancaster family had withdrawn their billion-dollar investment overnight, and just like that, Gerald and his son were reduced to paupers. They were forced to move back into the decaying old Lancaster family home—the very one they once mocked for being beneath them. Even Gerald’s wife couldn’t tolerate their sudden fall from grace; she packed her bags and fled back to her parents’ house without looking back. “Dad… what are we going to do? We don’t have a cent left. If this keeps up, we’ll starve to death,” Ethan said miserably. Just days ago, he had been the arrogant Young Master of the Lancaster family—luxury cars, designer clothes, and feasts every night. Now his stomach growled painfully. He hadn’t had a proper meal in three days. If nothing changed soon, he and his father truly might end up dying on the streets. Gerald’s face twisted in hatred. “Howard and his family are living in a mansion, eating gourmet meals, while we suffer like this? This is all

“Gerald, stop this madness!” Howard’s voice cracked as he stepped forward, hands trembling. He could see it—Gerald was seconds away from pushing Harold over the edge. Gerald tightened his grip on the wheelchair and roared, “Give me a billion dollars, or I’ll kill this old man!” Howard swallowed hard, face contorting with despair. “A billion is too much. I can’t come up with that kind of money.” C&A Group was worth about a billion. It wasn’t money he could simply produce. Selling the entire company wouldn’t even be enough—not in time for this. Gerald’s eyes burned with venom. “Lies! Howard, you’re full of lies!” he bellowed. “Just yesterday, your son-in-law bought Dream Land—and then spent another fifty million on the Eternal Heart Ring to propose to Anna! How dare you say you can’t get a billion?” Howard froze. That money wasn’t his. It was Christopher’s. But explaining that to a man already on the brink of insanity was pointless. “Gerald, you’re way out of line!”