The ballroom of the Harrington Grand glittered under chandeliers, light bouncing off the polished floor. The air was filled with perfume, champagne, and the polite chatter of people who measured each other’s worth in numbers and last names. Daniel Reed walked half a step behind his wife, Sophia Carrington, as they made their way to the family table. His suit was clean but plain, the fabric is softened from years of wear. He’d pressed it himself that afternoon, but under the glare of the ballroom lights it still looked out of place beside silk gowns and custom tailoring. As soon as they reached the table. Sophia sat into her seat gracefully; Daniel followed, feeling the familiar drop in temperature the moment he sat down. Margaret Carrington, Sophia’s mother, didn’t bother hiding her glance. “Daniel,” she said, with the kind of politeness people used on strangers they wouldn’t see again, “you really didn’t have to come. These business events… they’re hardly your scene.” The com

“If I were you, I’d grab this offer while I’m still feeling generous. Because trust me, Daniel, I can make you disappear from this family without spending a single cent.” Daniel chuckled as soon as Margret said that, the nerve of her to think she could treat him like trash and buy him. Who the fuck did she think she was? He made a small and low laughter, the kind that made Margret flinch for a second before she quickly concealed it with her usual mask of superiority. Daniel took a step closer to Margret and looked deep into her eyes. “Let me make this clear, Margret. You don’t get to walk in here and act like you hold the leash. As long as Sophie herself does not divorce me, I am her husband. Not you. Not your son can do that." Margret’s nostrils flared, her chin lifted defiantly even as his words landed like blows. “You’re nothing but a stain on this family’s name, and as long as I am alive, I will make sure to wipe that stain off. Daniel’s lips curved into a cold, humorless

The assistant returned with the dress carefully wrapped in layers of silk paper and placed inside a luxurious white Chanel box tied with a black ribbon. Behind her, another staff member approached carrying matching items the manager had selected—heels, a small clutch, and a delicate necklace that shimmered faintly under the store’s warm lights. The manager turned to Daniel. “Everything has been coordinated to complement the dress." Daniel nodded once, his lips pressed together as he tried to keep his rising emotions contained. “Good.” The items were placed on the counter one by one; each was handled like fragile treasure. Daniel looked at them, imagining them on Sophie and the softness she carried so naturally. She deserved everything and more. The manager tapped something on the register. “Sir, the total is..." “I don’t need the total,” Daniel said calmly, pulling out the black card Marcus had given him at the hospital. “Just charge it.” He knew that no matter the price that

Bonnie swallowed hard. She had expected Daniel to cower, to stutter, or keep quiet like the way he always did, but something in the Daniel in front of her said otherwise.“W-What do you mean by that?” she stammered, trying to laugh it off, but her voice cracked embarrassingly.Daniel didn’t answer immediately. He simply stared at her—a stare that pinned her in place, like he knew things she didn’t want anyone to ever know.“I said get out,” Daniel repeated, voice low, controlled, and colder than ice. “If you think you can disrespect me… call me a thief… then you don’t deserve to breathe the same air as my wife.”Bonnie’s mouth opened, but no sound came out.“B-But…”“And,” Daniel added, his eyes locking onto hers with a quiet intensity that made her pulse jump, “if you don’t leave right now… I will make you regret it!”“Bonnie! Come on! Let's go!” The other woman, who went by the name Mary, said to Bonnie as she bowed her head in shame, walking out of the office. Bonnie followed behin

Trevor looked at him in disbelief. What the hell was he saying? "Daniel, what the fuck are you talking about? You think this is a one-dollar f*e?" Trevor paused. He looked at Daniel's eyes and maintained eye contact before he continued. “This is a hundred million. A hundred-million-dollar thing. Where do you think you can get the money, huh? Answer me!!" He ran his hand through his hair. "Do not annoy me anymore as it is." Daniel didn’t flinch. He met Trevor’s furious gaze without a hint of fear. “I already told you,” he said quietly but firmly, “I’ll pay. I’ll take care of it.” Trevor’s eyes widened, his mouth opening and closing as if searching for words that wouldn’t come. “You… you’ll pay? You? Do you even know what you’re saying? A hundred million! Do you think you can just pull that out of thin air?” Daniel’s gaze didn’t waver. He leaned slightly closer and “I can. And I will. Your mother deserves to live, Trevor. That’s all that matters right now.” Daniel said with all sin