Carlos lunged forward with a roar of pure rage, his fist cocked back, aiming directly for Nathan's face.For one brief moment, it seemed like the punch might actually connect. Carlos's momentum carried him forward, his arm swinging with all the force of his accumulated fury and humiliation.But Nathan didn't even flinch.Before Carlos's fist could get within two feet of Nathan, two large figures materialized seemingly out of nowhere. Nathan's bodyguards intercepted Carlos with ease.One guard caught Carlos's swinging arm mid-punch, his grip like iron. The other grabbed Carlos's other arm, twisting it behind his back.Within seconds, Carlos was completely restrained, his arms pinned, his body immobilized despite his desperate struggling."Let go of me!" Carlos shouted, his voice hoarse and desperate. "Let go!"He thrashed against the bodyguards' grip, but it was useless. They held him effortlessly, their expressions professional and detached, as if restraining drunk, violent guests was

Declan made his way through the crowd toward the stage, acutely aware of the hundreds of eyes tracking his movement. The applause continued, though he could detect varying levels of enthusiasm – some guests clapped genuinely, others with grudging respect, and a few merely went through the motions out of social obligation.He climbed the short steps to the stage and joined Victoria at the podium. She smiled warmly at him, though her eyes held a question, she could see his confusion.Declan leaned slightly toward her and whispered, "What's happening?"Victoria's smile widened almost imperceptibly. "Recognition. You've earned it."Before Declan could respond or ask more questions, Victoria turned back to the microphone and addressed the crowd."Declan has served as an invaluable special advisor during this crucial transition period," Victoria announced. "His insights, dedication, and professionalism have been absolutely essential to Apex Financial Group's continued success."She turned

Declan stood frozen for a moment, trying to process what had just happened. Master Harrison had just proposed a marriage alliance with his granddaughter. "I..." Declan began, searching for the right response. "I appreciate the offer, Master Harrison. But I'll need time to consider."Master Harrison nodded with complete understanding, no trace of offense in his expression. "Of course, of course. These are not decisions to be made hastily. Take all the time you need."He reached into his jacket pocket and withdrew a business card. But this wasn't a standard corporate card – it was simpler, more personal. Just his name, a phone number, and a private email address.Master Harrison extended the card to Declan. "This is my personal contact information. Not my office, not my secretary. Call this number and you'll reach me directly."Declan took the card, understanding the significance of the gesture. Someone of Master Harrison's status and age rarely gave out direct contact information. M

Once Nathan was gone, Sophie let out a shaky breath. The tension that had been holding her rigid during the confrontation finally released, and she wrapped her arms around herself as if suddenly cold despite the mild night air."I'm worried," Sophie admitted quietly. "About what Nathan might do next." "When he feels challenged," Sophie continued, her voice lower, "he becomes dangerous. You saw what he did to Georgina."She looked up at Declan with serious eyes. " That was Nathan Pierce showing what happens to people who make him feel powerless. And tonight, you've made him feel powerless twice. In front of everyone he wanted to impress."Declan was quiet for a moment, absorbing the weight of what she was saying. "I won't let him hurt you," he said finally. "Or Georgina. Or anyone else he decides to target."Sophie studied his face, looking for empty reassurance. She found none. Her expression relaxed slightly. "I believe you," she said softly.They stood on the balcony for another

The boardroom was thick with tension. Frank stood at the head of the table, arms crossed, looking confident. The other executives watched Declan with expressions from skeptical to openly hostile. Declan was about to respond when the door opened. Victoria walked in, with a tight expression on her face. She moved into the room with purpose, her eyes sweeping across everyone before landing on Frank. "Sorry I'm late," Victoria said, her voice cold. "I was on important calls that somehow got scheduled right when this emergency meeting was called." Her tone made it clear she knew that timing wasn't an accident. Frank's confident look flickered. "Victoria, this meeting is about verifying –" "I know what this meeting is about," Victoria cut him off. "It's about you trying to undermine company leadership. And it's about you trying to avoid consequences for what you've done." The room went silent. Several executives glanced at each other nervously. Frank's face turned red. "What are