The kitchen filled with the rich aroma of roasted garlic and herbs as Liam Brooks stirred the sauce with practiced ease. His hands moved steadily, carefully plating the braised chicken with roasted vegetables. Everything had to be perfect for Emma.His phone buzzed on the counter."Sir," the voice on the other end said respectfully. "I apologize for disturbing you.""What is it, Ryan?" Liam asked, lowering the heat on the stove."Princess Natalia of Cordovia has requested a private dinner with you. She's willing to fly to your location personally. Should I arrange—""No," Liam said simply. "Decline politely."There was a pause. "Understood, sir. There's also another matter. King Alexander of Verdia has sent an official offer. He wishes to hire you as the nation's guardian. The compensation package includes—""Tell him I'm not interested," Liam interrupted, checking the temperature of the chicken.Ryan let out a small, uncertain laugh. "Sir, may I ask... what could possibly be more impo

Derek Enzo stared at Liam with terror in his eyes. The arrogance had drained from his face completely, replaced by raw fear."Please," Derek whispered, his voice cracking. "Please, I didn't know—I didn't realize—"His knees buckled, and he collapsed onto the floor."I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" Derek pressed his forehead to the ground, his expensive suit wrinkling against the marble. "I'll fix everything! I'll restore the partnership with the Harper family immediately! I'll transfer the money back tonight!"Liam looked down at him without expression."I'll go to Mrs. Harper myself!" Derek continued desperately. "I'll apologize in person! I'll get on my knees and beg for forgiveness! Whatever you want! Just please—please make it stop!"Liam let the silence stretch for a long moment."This is a small lesson," he finally said, his voice cold. "Next time you target innocent people, remember what happened today.""Yes! Yes, I understand! Thank you! Thank you!" Derek babbled, still pressed

The excitement from Derek Enzo's apology had barely faded when Margaret Harper rose from her chair with authority. Her sharp eyes swept across the room, silencing the remaining chatter."Quiet!" she commanded.Everyone immediately fell silent.Margaret's expression was stern. "While I'm pleased that the immediate crisis has been resolved, I still have serious doubts about Emma's leadership.""Grandmother—" Emma began.Margaret held up her hand. "You refused Ethan Morgan's proposal. A proposal that would have secured our family's future for generations. That shows poor judgment.""I'm already married," Emma said quietly."To a worthless nobody!" Margaret snapped. "That's not a real marriage—that's an anchor dragging you down!" She crossed her arms. "I'm not convinced you have what it takes to lead this company anymore.""I can prove myself," Emma said, straightening her shoulders. "Give me a chance."Tara jumped to her feet, her eyes gleaming with ambition. "Grandmother, Emma has alr

In the lavish waiting lounge on the executive floor, Patrick Miller lounged on a leather chair with his feet propped up on the glass coffee table. Tara sat beside him, scrolling through her phone with a satisfied smile."I can't believe how easy this is going to be," Patrick said smugly, adjusting his watch. "President Leonardo will sign the partnership within an hour. Maybe less."Tara giggled, leaning against his shoulder. "And then I'll be the new company president. Grandmother Margaret will have no choice but to give me the position.""Your cousin's face is going to be priceless," Patrick laughed. "Especially when she realizes her worthless husband was outside begging to get in while we were up here sealing the deal.""Liam is such a pathetic animal," Tara sneered. "Did you see his stupid bicycle? I can't believe Emma actually married that garbage.""She's as dumb as he is," Patrick replied. "But it doesn't matter. After today, the Harper family will belong to you, and that loser

For a heartbeat, no one moved. Liam’s calm voice still hung in the air, then suddenly, the room erupted in laughter.Tara bent over, clutching her stomach. Mark slapped his thigh and wheezed with laughter. Even Victoria, who usually tried to keep her calm, was wiping tears from her eyes as a result of the laughter.“Oh, Liam,” Tara said between laughs, wiping tears from her eyes. “You’ve finally lost it. You? The owner of Titan Global Holdings? That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all year!”Margaret Harper didn’t laugh. She just stared at Liam with a look of utter disbelief, her knuckles white around the head of her cane. Then, very slowly, she began to smile. It was the kind of smile that felt worse than anger.“Enough of this nonsense!” she snapped. “We’re dealing with a real crisis, and this useless man decides to make jokes?”“I’m not joking,” Liam replied evenly, his tone calm and measured.That only made them laugh harder.“Of course you’re not,” Tara’s brother, Mark, sneered.