As it was, very few of those in attendance at the launch were still interested in investing in the cancer drug, let alone distributing it. “Miss Reid, enough of this, please,” Tristan said, somehow managing to sound like he was pleading and commanding her at the same time. “Oh?”“There is no need to hound Sara and I like this. We are only trying to make the world a better place with our cure. What's the need to make us feel like we are doing a bad thing?” Tristan asked, trying to pull sympathy. Cecilia didn't bother responding as Douglas went ahead to do so.“Mister Cole, I will have you know that should this event go through without me seeing the data logs for your cancer cure, then your drug will not be receiving the approval of the Global Medical Association.” At that moment, Tristan didn't care if his drug received the approval of the GMA.All he cared about was signing the agreement so that the drug could be distributed and he could get his money so he could flee. Unfortunat

Sara glanced at Tristan and in that moment, she did not regard him with pity or care like she usually did.Instead, it was pure, unadulterated hatred. Because of this bastard, her career, her company, everything she had… was about to go up in flames. Naturally, she was blind to the fact that she had contributed to her downfall.At that moment, she was just looking for someone to blame, and who better than Tristan Cole?Tristan panicked as he noticed the way she was staring at him.“Sara, I swear, I didn't do anything. I know, this is definitely a plan by Alistair to ruin everything.” Tristan said, trying and failing to shift blame. "Alistair?" Sara’s voice was a whisper, but it carried across the dead silence of the front stage.She looked at Tristan, his face frantic, his hands reaching desperately for the hem of her ivory jacket.For years, this man had been her standard of elegance, the brilliant savior who was supposed to lift the Connor Group into the global stratosphere.Now,

Cecilia had always said Sara was unworthy of such privilege.She was glad to see that Sara had proven her right. “Take her away,” Cecilia said, turning to take her leave.“I didn't do anything wrong!” Sara cried out as the policewoman left with her.Cecilia snorted derisively. “Keep telling yourself that.”Sara moved like a hollow mannequin, her knees trembling so violently she nearly tripped over the edge of the stage.The grand auditorium, once her beacon of global triumph, now felt like a mausoleum.As she was led down the center aisle, past the rows of overturned chairs and abandoned folders, she saw Mira standing frozen by the mezzanine stairs, her face pale with terror, completely paralyzed as she realized the Connor family was about to go through its worst years.Outside the grand glass doors of the Horizon Hall, the cool night air was heavy with the scent of approaching rain.Alistair stood at the edge of the sweeping marble driveway, his hands casually tucked into the pocket

"So," Cecilia purred, not even looking up from her screen. "The brave hero sends off the damsel in distress. Are we finally going home, or do you have another secret princess waiting in the shadows to be rescued?"Alistair smoothly shifted the car into drive, steering the SUV away from the ruined paradise of the Horizon Hall and out onto the main road."Keep talking, Cecilia," Alistair said dryly, a faint, rare smile touching his lips as he accelerated into the night. "And I'll make sure the only thing you're having for dinner is instant noodles.”"Instant noodles?" Cecilia finally gasped, dropping her phone onto her lap with an expression of pure, theatrical horror. "Alistair, you wouldn't dare. I did so much for you and you're threatening me with sodium packets and dried peas?""Then I suggest you stop trying to play matchmaker," Alistair replied smoothly, his eyes fixed on the rain-slicked highway as the SUV’s wipers cleared the steady drizzle. "My marriage to Sara hasn't even been

Lucius didn't act immediately.Instead, he took a slow step closer, his eyes boring into Caleb's."Is that deadbeat really worth offending me for, Caleb?" Lucius hissed softly. "Are you truly willing to tear down decades of mutual peace between our families over an insignificant nobody?""Yes," Caleb responded without a single shred of hesitation, his voice ringing like a struck iron bell. "He is worth that, and far more. Alistair Reid is a supreme benefactor of the Bolton family. Anyone who considers him an enemy considers me an enemy."Seeing that Caleb's mind was completely made up and that no amount of corporate leverage would sway him, Patriarch Morrison realized there was nothing left to be said.He sneered, turning slowly toward the grand double doors of the manor."Very well," Lucius said, pausing at the threshold to cast a terrifying, sideways glance back into the warmth of the foyer. "You have made your choice, old friend. But remember this: some dragons are meant to be fear