The aroma of seared beef filled the kitchen as Liam Brooks carefully plated the Wellington he’d spent three hours perfecting. The golden pastry gleamed under the warm lights, and baby vegetables were arranged in a perfect circle… each one cut with surgical precision.His phone buzzed against the marble counter.“Sir,” came Ryan’s urgent voice. “Princess Natalia of Cordovia requests your presence at dinner tonight. She’s willing to pay—”“No.” Liam wiped his hands on his apron, checking the sauce’s texture.“But sir, she’s offering fifty million dollars just for—”“I said no, Ryan. I’m busy.”A pause. “Busy? Sir, with all due respect, what could possibly be more important than—”“My wife’s dinner.”Ryan cleared his throat. “Right. Well, there’s another matter. King Alexander of Veridia wants to hire you as the kingdom’s guardian. The salary is… astronomical.”Liam drizzled the red wine reduction over the plate. “Not interested.”“You’re turning down a position that would make you one o

Derek Enzo’s knees hit the marble floor with a painful crack.“Please!” His voice broke as tears streamed down his face. “I’ll fix everything! I swear on my mother’s grave!”Liam stood above him, hands clasped behind his back. His expression was calm—too calm.“Go on,” he said quietly.“I’ll restore full cooperation with the Harper family immediately!” Derek stammered. “Better terms than before! And I’ll—I’ll personally visit Mrs. Harper to apologize!”“When?” Liam’s tone held no emotion.“Tomorrow morning! First thing! I’ll grovel at her feet if I have to!”Liam studied him for a long moment before speaking.“This is merely a small lesson, Mr. Enzo. Remember it well.”“Yes! Yes, I will! Thank you for your mercy!”Liam turned and walked away, leaving Derek sobbing on the office floor.~~~The house was silent when Liam returned home. Moonlight spilled across the polished floors as he climbed the stairs.Emma’s bedroom door was closed; soft breathing inside told him she was finally asl

The house felt unnervingly quiet after Ethan’s departure. The family members clustered around Margaret, their voices buzzing with excitement and whispered schemes. The elderly matriarch stood at the center, her sharp gaze fixed on Emma with unmistakable disapproval.“Well,” Margaret’s voice cut through the chatter like a blade, “that was quite a display.”Emma straightened, already bracing for impact. “Grandmother, I know you’re disappointed, but—”“Disappointed?” Margaret’s laugh was cold and bitter. “Child, I’m beyond disappointed. I’m horrified.”The room fell silent. The ominous rhythmic tap of Margaret’s cane against the marble floor sounded like a countdown.“You just rejected a proposal from a future B-tier family heir,” she said, her tone rising with each word. “A man offering fifty million dollars to save our company. And for what? Pride?”“It’s not about pride,” Emma replied, her voice steady. “It’s about doing what’s right—for everyone involved.”“The right decision?” Tara

In the plush executive lounge on the fortieth floor, Patrick Miller lounged in a leather chair, his legs stretched out confidently. The floor-to-ceiling windows framed a breathtaking view of the city below, but his attention was fixed entirely on the woman beside him.Tara Carter perched on the edge of her seat, practically vibrating with excitement. Her designer purse sat open on her lap as she typed furiously on her phone.“I can’t believe this is finally happening,” she whispered, her fingers flying across the screen. “Grandmother Margaret is going to be so impressed.”Patrick adjusted his expensive watch, flashing a smug smile. “I told you not to worry, sweetheart. With my connections, this deal was always guaranteed.”“When President Leonardo signs the partnership agreement,” Tara continued, eyes gleaming with anticipation, “I’ll officially become the new company president. Finally.”“And after that,” Patrick leaned closer, his voice dropping to an intimate murmur, “we’ll plan ou