Chapter Twenty-TwoEthan stood over Caleb's broken form, his expression still cold and unreadable. Around him, the banquet hall lay in ruins—overturned tables, shattered crystal, terrified guests huddled in corners or fleeing for the exits.But Ethan didn't look worried. He didn't look afraid.He simply stood there, waiting, as if he knew exactly what would happen next.And perhaps he did.A gentle touch on his arm made him turn slightly. Victoria stepped into view from behind him, her hand resting lightly on his sleeve as she guided him to face her. Her eyebrows were creased with confusion and worry, her elegant features drawn into an uncharacteristic frown."What happened here, Ethan?" she asked, her voice measured but edged with concern. "What's going on?"She stepped back slightly, releasing her grip as she looked around the devastated hall. The place was nearly deserted by now, with only a few stubborn onlookers lingering in the shadows, determined to witness the fate of Ethan Co

Chapter Twenty-FourThe sleek black car rolled to a smooth stop in front of an exclusive penthouse tower that pierced the Boston skyline. The door opened, and Victoria Chen stepped out first, followed closely by Ethan Cole. Despite the chaos of the evening, they both looked glamorous and polished—though Ethan's shirt was rumpled and his appearance somewhat disheveled from the fight, he still carried himself with an undeniable presence that made him look like he belonged. Like he was the most important person stepping out of that vehicle.They crossed the marble lobby and entered the private elevator. Victoria tapped in a security code, and the elevator began its ascent to the top floor. The ride was silent, both of them lost in their own thoughts about the evening's events.Minutes later, the doors opened directly into Victoria's penthouse suite.Victoria stepped inside and sighed deeply, standing still for a moment as she breathed in the familiar scent of her home. Finally—she was ho

Chapter Twenty-Six"Is this a dream? Am I dreaming?" Drake asked, his voice rising with each word. He looked genuinely shaken, as if he'd seen a ghost. "How are you still alive, Ethan? And more importantly—what are you doing here? At B Corporation?"His tone was a mixture of shock, confusion, and something that might have been fear.The shock in his voice was genuine, almost comical.Sarah walked forward slowly, her eyes raking over Ethan Cole from head to toe, taking in every detail. Ethan didn't look like someone who was suffering. He certainly didn't look like someone who had undergone beating and torture at the hands of the Stone family. Instead, he wore a casual designer top and well-fitted jeans—nothing flashy, but clearly quality pieces. He looked quite good, actually. Very different from the last time they'd seen him here, when he'd looked worn down, tattered, and low-life.His hair was neatly kept now, freshly cut and styled. His beard was perfectly trimmed, not the scraggly

Chapter Twenty-Eight"Please, have a seat," Victoria Chen said graciously, gesturing toward the chairs across from her. "Let's begin our discussion about your new partnership with B Corporation."Sarah Wilson and Drake Hastings sat down eagerly, trying to appear sophisticated and worthy of being in this prestigious office.Victoria Chen settled into her chair across from them, several stacks of carefully organized papers arranged on the elegant glass table between them. She crossed her legs elegantly and studied her guests for a moment before speaking."I hope you didn't encounter any difficulties on your way up here," Victoria asked politely, her tone professional but warm."N—" Sarah Wilson was about to reply when Drake Hastings cut her off, responding quickly with barely contained enthusiasm."No, Ms. Chen! We didn't. The journey was perfectly smooth," he said, laughing and feeling immensely pleased with himself. His chest puffed out slightly with pride at being in Victoria Chen's

Chapter ThirtyThey walked outside together, Sarah practically glowing with self-satisfaction, feeling accomplished about what she'd just sealed. She was officially Victoria Chen's partner now—B Corporation's new partner—and she'd just completed her first formal meeting with Victoria Chen herself. They'd signed documents, made everything official, and the partnership had formally commenced.Sarah grinned widely as they crossed the lobby toward the exit. In the span of just three years, she had risen remarkably fast up the social ladder. That was the main reason people throughout Boston's business community had been so shocked when she'd been chosen as B Corporation's new partner. She was rising new money with no extensive connections or established family history, no deep roots in Boston's elite circles—yet Victoria Chen had still gone ahead and chosen her specifically.It felt like validation. Like she'd finally arrived."Drake!" she called out enthusiastically as they stepped throug