As soon as Jane and Jaxon exited the hall, the faint murmur of onlookers began to fade while the crowd dispersed. Ivy took one elegant step back and pushed Donald away. Her movement was firm and deliberate. Yet her expression didn’t change; she was still smiling with her eyes shinning with a mix of calm and mischief. “Well? How was my acting?" She asked coolly, adjusting the hem of her silk gown as if brushing off imaginary dust. "Convincing enough?” Donald blinked. Even as she pushed him away, she lingered, asking unnecessary questions and making small, superfluous gestures. She was giving him her extra attention. A faint smile tugged at his lips. “You tell me. Because for a second there, I almost believed you,” he said, voice low. Ivy tilted her head, feigning surprise. “Believed what?” “That after knowing me for just a day,” he said dryly, “you were already that infatuated.” She laughed so much that the sound of her laughter drew curious glances from a few lingering gu

Donald stepped into Ivy Harrington’s office. The air inside was cool and refined, carrying the faint aroma of jasmine and expensive leather. As Donald approached, Ivy rose gracefully. She held a thick stack of neatly labeled documents: “Boston Major Players,” “Minor Influences,” “Potential Partners,” and more. She had prepared to brief Donald on every detail of Boston’s social and corporate landscape, expecting questions, doubts, or at least careful consideration from someone who had been out of the city—and out of the world—for so long. “I’ve compiled everything you need to understand the current situation. All the key figures, their strengths, weaknesses, alliances, and rivalries. This will give you a clear view of the options available for potential partnership.” Donald raised a hand in a dismissive gesture with a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I appreciate the effort, Miss Harrington, but I don’t need any of this,” he said casually. “I already have a candidate in mind.”

Jaxon’s smile began to falter. For a long moment, he sat frozen beside Jane, unable to process what he’d just heard—the public announcement that DeGrand Corporation had chosen Jane as its new partner.His thoughts churned in disbelief. That couldn’t be right.By all accounts, he should have been the one standing in that position. He was the one who’d spent weeks crafting proposals, networking with every major figure in Boston’s business circle, and building his reputation as a smooth, capable negotiator. Jane had done nothing but follow his lead. She didn’t have the experience, the instinct, or the presence.So how had she, of all people, ended up being chosen by Miss Harrington?Jane was still clutching his arm with her face radiant with joy and disbelief. “Jaxon, can you believe it? Ivy actually chose me!” she gushed, her voice trembling with excitement.Jaxon forced a tight smile. “Yeah,” he murmured, though his mind was already racing.He took a sip of champagne, masking his i

Thomas suddenly turned his sharp gaze on Donald.“You’re thinking of stepping in, aren’t you?” Thomas taunted.Donald met his gaze without flinching. “Not at all,” he said coolly. “Go on. It’s already a circus—I don’t really care who gets crushed next.”A few guests gasped at his audacity. Jane whirled toward him, her face contorted with shock and pain.“Donald!” she cried, voice cracking. “You heartless bastard! I was your wife once!”The words hit him like a slap, but he smirked anyway.“So you do remember,” he said softly. “Good. I was starting to think our marriage had slipped your selective memory.”Jane’s breath caught, and for a brief second, something human flickered behind Donald’s cold demeanor — but it vanished as Thomas let out a bark of laughter.“So that’s it,” Thomas said, sneering. “You’re the ex-husband. I’ve heard of you — a complete nobody. How dare someone like you even think you can interrupt me?”Donald didn’t flinch, instead he stared at Thomas as if he was a f

Thomas swaggered forward, his lips curved into a cruel grin, upon seeing that Donald didn’t flinch.Now, his new target was none other that this stubborn fool, Donald. He thought.Donald stood motionless, his expression unreadable. The very air around him seemed to thicken.Jaxon, standing at Thomas’s side with Jane clinging to his arm, couldn’t hide his smug grin as he faced Donald. “Fool,” he said mockingly, “you’ve been getting too full of yourself lately. Maybe it’s time you remember your place.”Thomas smirked. “The ex-con and rapist’s been walking around like he owns the city. Thought he could play hero and protect Ivy Harrington’s reputation.”Laughter rippled through the crowd.Ivy’s name was enough to draw all eyes. After all, she was the powerful CEO whose banquet this was, the woman Donald had once saved from danger.Thomas stepped closer to Donald, sneering. “I hear you’ve been making a mess of things, you bastard! Stirring up trouble, acting like some kind of avenger.