Chapter 92Julie slowly approached and said, "Can I see the necklace?"Although there was curiosity in her voice, there was professional sharpness in her eyes.Jessica's chest heaved as soon as she heard the question. For a moment, she thought that this examination was unnecessary. She raised her hand to take off the necklace, because she herself felt that the jewelry was very ordinary, perhaps not expensive. She didn't want anyone to overdo it. Just then, Marco gently grabbed her wrist.The touch was silent, but firm.Jessica looked at her. Marco's eyes were calm, his face expressionless. He nodded slightly, as if to say, "Stop, don't be afraid."Jessica felt a strange tightness in her chest. She understood that backing down now would mean publicly belittling Marco. Even though she herself felt that the necklace was not that valuable, she lowered her hand. A mixed feeling of shame and doubt was building inside her.Julie took out a small magnifying glass from her bag. A few guests n

Chapter 94 Marco stood in the crowd. A polite composure on his face, a weary caution in his eyes. He knew that the way Volkov had stood up for him in front of Lilith was, in the eyes of many in this hall, a declaration of allegiances. And the consequences of such a declaration are not always sweet.Volkov stood a little ways off, pretending to talk to someone, but his gaze was fixed on Marko. His presence was such that people would measure their words a bit when they saw him. He stepped forward and stood right beside Marko—a straight, clear posture, as if to say, "I'm right here."Marco let out a small breath. His voice was low and steady, even over the din of the crowd—the thanks not a grand gesture, but just the right amount.Volkov turned to look at him. His eyes held that familiar, hard peace—the kind that hides everything."In front of Lilith today..." Marco said, "if it hadn't been for you, things would have been different. Thank you, Volkov."Volkov gave a small smile at the c

Chapter 96 Marco stepped forward slowly. His face was a calm mask, but in the depths of his eyes lay a weary caution. So many eyes surrounded him—the eyes of gang members; sharp as hungry, greedy as opportunity. They were a few in number, but their confidence was such that the warehouse was their kingdom, and Marco their toy.Marco spoke in a very low voice, but his tone was clear—a gentle firmness that was hard to break."What do you want?" he asked.His question hung in the air like a thorn. He wasn't threatening anyone, not begging. He was just asking—as if unwilling to waste his time, and he held a rage in check, looking at Lewis.A gang member—a light stubble on his jaw, red-rimmed eyes from lack of sleep—forced a smile and said, "You're asking a pretty straightforward question, brother."Another one, standing a little back, with a tattoo on his chest and metal rings on his hands, nudged the guy next to him with his elbow and said in a low voice, "Did you hear that? This guy's s

Chapter 98 Jessica sat up straight in her seat. She tried to keep a calm expression on her face, as if there was no pressure. But her fingertips were gripping the edge of the table—it was happening without her even realizing it. The people sitting in front of her were both her family and the ‘judges’ of her work. This is where all the decisions were made. This is where someone would speak, and then be put down in an instant.She took a breath, then glanced at the presentation screen in the middle of the boardroom. This project was their biggest bet for the coming months. A lot of investment, a lot of expectations—and a lot of risk. And this was where she was going to make a name today, a name that would bring a smile to many faces—she knew.Still, she said, keeping her voice as steady as possible.“I want to propose a new director for our upcoming project,” Jessica said. “And I want… to bring in Rollin as the next director.”As soon as she finished speaking, the silence in the board

Chapter 100The investigator said slowly, “Ma’am, the Giordano family has controlled one of the most powerful illegal businesses in Russia for the past two decades.” Hearing that, Jessica’s fingers unconsciously stiffened. She didn’t say anything for a while. The investigator said again, “Everyone knows the head of the family, but no one uses his real name. Everyone calls him ‘Owl.’” As soon as the word was uttered, a cold chill descended on Jessica’s chest. “Owl…” She said very slowly, as if trying to feel the mystery hidden in the word. The investigator explained, “They have connections with many influential people in the world. Politics, business, weapons—they have a presence everywhere.” Jessica’s eyes were fixed in amazement. She had known for a long time that the Giordano family was powerful, but such a deep and widespread influence—this was beyond her imagination. Memories of the previous chapters flooded her mind—Marco’s strange confidence, his silent mysterious smile, his