Benjamin stood there, arms crossed, his smirk still wide, eyes narrowing at Connor as if sizing him up and finding him lacking. “Honestly, Connor,” he began, his voice dripping with scorn, “you don’t even have a business, not even the smallest venture like delivering newspapers or running some corner shop. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Why are you even here? Stop embarrassing yourself and leave. Go on… run along like the dog you’ve always been. You don't belong here. You know it, I Know it, everyone here knows it.”The crowd nearby laughed softly at his words, the whispers flowing like a slow current around them. “He really thinks he belongs here?” one woman murmured, shaking her head. “Does he have any clue what kind of people come to this event?”Lena stepped closer, her heels clicking loudly against the floor, her eyes locked onto Connor’s coldly. “Stop flattering yourself, Connor,” she said, her voice low and sharp enough to cut through the murmurs. She lifted her hand and produce

Connor stepped forward, his eyes calm but his jaw tight. The guard, visibly trembling, stepped aside with a deep bow, finally granting Connor access to the grand entrance of Rockhill Villa. The velvet ropes that cordoned off the entrance seemed to part just slightly as if compelled by some invisible force, allowing him the slightest opening. But just as he took his first step to go inside, a shadow fell across his path. It was Benjamin, towering and smug, planted himself squarely in front of Connor. His arms crossed, chin raised, and a cold smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, Benjamin’s stance radiated authority and defiance.“You’re not going in,” Benjamin said, voice loud enough to draw murmurs from the gathered crowd. “Not here. Not now. Not ever. You think you can just walk into a place you don’t belong? Not on my watch.”Connor paused, his calm exterior intact, though a fire simmered beneath. “Step aside,” he said softly, almost gently, as though giving Benjamin a chance t

For a long moment, Lena did not move.She stood there frozen—eyes wide, lips parted, breath shallow—as Benjamin was dragged out, now completely out of sight. The murmurs around her swelled like a rising tide. People were whispering behind gloved fingers, pointing subtly at her, glancing between her and Connor as if watching a scandal unfold live.And then, as if something snapped inside her chest, Lena blinked hard and gasped.“No… no, this cannot be happening,” she whispered—then her voice rose sharply. “Mr. Wills… Mr. Wills, please, just a moment!”Jerry Wills, who had been turning to escort Connor further inside, paused and turned his head slowly. His expression was calm, polite, but unmistakably firm. Connor stood beside him, relaxed, silent, and observant.Lena stepped forward, shaking—not from fear, but from pure indignation.“Mr. Wills,” she said loudly, making sure everyone around could hear her, “that was completely unacceptable. Benjamin Carver is not just anyone. He is my f

The moment Lena stepped into the event hall, the cool air from the massive air-conditioning unit hit her face, but it did absolutely nothing to calm the fire burning inside her. Her heels clicked sharply against the floor, every step filled with anger and humiliation that hadn’t yet settled in her stomach. Her eyes swept across the grand hall like a hawk searching for prey. The entire venue sparkled with golden chandeliers, polished wine glasses, and perfectly dressed elites, but Lena saw none of that. She was searching for one person — Connor Dryton.Her fingers curled into her palm as she walked deeper into the hall, her breathing tightening with each passing second. Dozens of round banquet tables were perfectly arranged in rows, each decorated with expensive centerpieces, fresh roses, and name tags. The orchestra at the far end tuned their instruments softly, filling the hall with a refined hum. Guests spoke quietly with one another, drinks in hand, waiting for the award ceremon

Connor watched Lena’s outburst on the stage with a calm expression. He remained seated, calm and almost distant, as though the chaos unfolding in front of everyone had nothing to do with him. His eyes stayed fixed on her, not with anger, not with pity, but with a kind of silent observation—almost as if he had expected this reaction from the beginning.On the brightly lit stage, Mr. Jerry Wills faced Lena with a collected smile that carried a hint of firmness beneath it. Mr. Wills raised one brow at her. “Ms. Montgomery,” he said in a tone that was polite but edged with clear warning, “I am the one presenting the awards. You do not have the authority to interrupt the process or question the structure of this ceremony.”Lena’s face hardened. She took a step toward him, her heels clicking sharply. “Explain what you meant earlier,” she demanded, her voice ringing through the hall. “Explain what you meant by saying things change. The Montgomery business has been flourishing. We have exp