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

Dante Rossi'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!"Leon stood above him, hands clasped behind his back. "Go on.""I'll restore all cooperation with the Quinn family immediately!" Dante's words tumbled out frantically. "Full partnership! Better terms than before! And I'll... I'll personally visit Mrs. Quinn to apologize!""When?""Tomorrow morning! First thing! I'll grovel at her feet if necessary!"Leon studied him for a long moment. "This is merely a small lesson, Mr. Rossi. Remember it well.""Yes! Yes, I will! Thank you for your mercy!"Leon turned and walked away, leaving Dante sobbing on his office floor.The house was quiet when Leon returned home. Moonlight streamed through the windows as he climbed the stairs. Mia's bedroom door was closed, soft breathing indicating she was finally asleep.He paused outside her door, his hand hovering over the handle. The

The house felt strangely quiet after Oliver's departure. The family members clustered around Clara, their voices a mix of excitement and scheming whispers. The elderly matriarch stood at the center, her sharp eyes fixed on Mia with obvious displeasure."Well," Clara's voice cut through the chatter like a blade. "That was quite a display."Mia straightened her shoulders, sensing the storm approaching. "Grandmother, I know you're disappointed, but—""Disappointed?" Clara's laugh was cold and bitter. "Child, I'm beyond disappointed. I'm horrified."The room fell silent as Clara's cane tapped against the marble floor in a steady, ominous rhythm."You just rejected a proposal from a future B-tier family heir," Clara continued, her voice rising with each word. "A man offering fifty million dollars to save our company. And for what? Pride?""It's not about pride," Mia replied firmly. "It's about making the right decision for everyone involved.""The right decision?" Lisa Romano stepped forwa

In the plush executive lounge on the fortieth floor, Peter Marchetti lounged in a leather chair, his legs stretched out confidently. The panoramic windows offered a breathtaking view of the city below, but his attention was focused entirely on the woman beside him.Lisa Romano perched on the edge of her seat, practically vibrating with excitement. Her designer purse sat open on her lap as she frantically typed messages on her phone."I can't believe this is finally happening," she whispered, her fingers flying across the screen. "Grandmother Clara is going to be so impressed."Peter's smile was smug as he adjusted his expensive watch. "I told you not to worry, sweetheart. With my connections, this deal was always guaranteed.""When President Rossini signs the partnership agreement," Lisa continued, her eyes gleaming with anticipation, "I'll officially become the new company president. Finally!""And after that," Peter leaned closer, his voice dropping to an intimate murmur, "we can st