Declan leaned back against the sofa, running a hand through his hair. "Honestly?" Declan said, looking at Victoria directly. "I have no experience with this kind of thing."He gestured vaguely. "I've never been in a position where powerful people wanted to curry favor with me. I've never had to manage the expectations of an entire business community. So, I don't know the protocols," Declan continued. "I don't know the proper way to introduce myself to Boston's elite without causing problems or revealing my connection to the Steele family too early. I need guidance on this."Victoria smiled then, a genuine expression that transformed her usually serious face. "That's exactly why I'm here, Young Master. To provide that guidance. Typically, in situations like this, a banquet should be held to inform the various elites of Boston about the situation."Declan nodded as she spoke. She leaned forward slightly. "However, we need to be strategic about how you appear at this banquet. You can'

Laura's phone buzzed in her purse almost immediately. Her heart jumped, and she discreetly pulled it out, turning slightly away from the celebrating Reyes family so they wouldn't see her screen.Nathan's response was short and direct: "Yes. Come now. I'll send you my address."A second message followed with the location, an exclusive address in one of Boston's most elite neighborhoods.Laura's pulse quickened. He'd actually said yes. Nathan Pierce had agreed to let her come to his home, tonight, knowing exactly what she was suggesting.She slipped the phone back into her purse, her mind racing. She needed to leave immediately, but she couldn't just walk out without an excuse. Tom, Clarke, and Carlos would ask questions.Laura pressed her hand to her forehead, swaying slightly. "Oh..."Carlos glanced over at her, his excitement about tomorrow's meeting briefly interrupted. "What's wrong?""I don't feel well," Laura said, her voice weak and strained. "I think... I think I need to go ho

Meanwhile, at the Reyes house, Carlos woke up in an exceptionally good mood. Sunlight streamed through his bedroom window, and the first thing he saw was the gold-embossed recommendation letter from Nathan Pierce sitting on his nightstand.He reached over and picked it up, running his fingers over the expensive paper, the elegant embossing. Today was going to be incredible. Today he would meet the mysterious new owner of Apex Financial Group ahead of everyone else in Boston.Carlos stretched luxuriously in his bed, savoring the moment. Then he turned to his other side, expecting to see Laura sleeping beside him.The bed was empty.Carlos frowned, sitting up. The sheets on Laura's side were undisturbed, perfectly made. She hadn't slept here at all last night.Confusion and irritation flickered through him. Where had she gone? She'd left his parents' house saying she felt ill and needed to go home, but clearly she hadn't come back here afterward.Carlos grabbed his phone from the nigh

The meeting concluded with Victoria dismissing the executives. They filed out of the boardroom one by one, most of them keeping their eyes down, careful not to draw attention to themselves after witnessing Executive Frank Chen's spectacular self-destruction.The executives disappeared through the doorway, their footsteps fading down the hallway. Soon, only Declan and Victoria remained in the large boardroom.Or so Declan thought.Just as he was about to speak to Victoria, he noticed movement near the doorway. Executive Frank Chen lingered behind, hovering awkwardly just inside the room. He seemed to be gathering his courage for something.Finally, Frank stepped forward, his earlier arrogance completely gone. His shoulders were hunched, his expression apologetic and desperate."Excuse me," Frank said, his voice much quieter and more respectful than before. "May I have a moment?"Declan turned to face him fully. "Yes?"Frank approached slowly, stopping a respectful distance away. He cl

As evening approached, the grand ballroom of Apex Financial Group's headquarters was transformed into an opulent banquet hall that took everyone's breath away.Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, each one containing hundreds of individual crystals that cast sparkling light across the marble floors below. The illumination created dancing patterns throughout the space, making everything shimmer with elegance.Tables laden with expensive delicacies lined the walls. Caviar, foie gras, imported cheeses, exotic fruits, champagne fountains,every luxury imaginable was displayed in abundance.Elite families from across Boston arrived in their finest attire, stepping out of luxury vehicles in designer gowns and custom tuxedos. The air buzzed with curiosity and speculation about the mysterious new owner of Apex Financial Group.Conversations rippled through the growing crowd, everyone trying to identify who among them might be the elusive figure who now controlled one of Boston's largest