Robert’s eyes slid over Ethan like he was something unpleasant that had wandered into the wrong room, something that didn’t deserve acknowledgment, let alone respect.He let out a short, mocking breath and tightened his arm around Janet’s waist, pulling her closer in a deliberate show of possession, as if that single gesture could erase Ethan’s presence. “You heard her,” he said, his voice lazy and dismissive. “The celebration is happening because I handled the Westmar problem. So why are you still talking?”Ethan didn’t blink. He stood there, shoulders squared, face unreadable despite the tension in his jaw. “I am still talking because she’s repeating a lie,” he said evenly.The words cut through the noise of the hall, drawing more attention. Conversations nearby slowed. Glasses paused mid-air.Janet’s face tightened. For a brief moment, uncertainty flickered across her features, but it was quickly buried beneath pride and defensiveness, like the room itself had forced her to choose

The truth hung in the hall like smoke that refused to clear.Robert was still on the floor, crying and breathing hard, his expensive suit was ruined and his pride was in pieces. People who had been laughing minutes ago now stood stiff, unsure whether to move or pretend they hadn’t seen anything. Ethan remained standing over him, calm on the outside, but the tightness in his chest refused to ease.Janet stared at Robert with shock, then her eyes snapped back to Ethan. Instead of relief, her face hardened. She stepped forward and shoved Ethan’s shoulder with both hands.“Enough,” she said sharply. “Step away from him.”Ethan blinked once, he was caught off guard. “What do you think you’re doing?” he asked, voice low.“I said step away,” Janet repeated. Her hands trembled, but her tone was firm. “You’ve done enough.”Ethan looked from her to Robert and back again, confused by the direction her anger had chosen. “Janet, he just admitted he lied to you,” Ethan said. “He stood here and to

Yvonne’s smile came back first, even before her lungs fully remembered how to breathe.Five days ago, the Xavier estate guards had dragged her out of Xavier Estate like she was nothing. The memory still stung her skin, but she refused to wear it on her face. Tonight, she walked into Velvet Halo Lounge with her chin high and her steps measured, like the city owed her a welcome.Margaret her mother stayed close, adjusting Yvonne’s sleeve with gentle fingers. “Remember,” she murmured, “you don’t tell the story that hurts you. You tell the story that profits you.”They mission here was to get information about a high profile banquet which was to be held in the CEO of Xavier groups honour which was organized by the members of the Xavier household inner circle.Yvonne’s eyes flicked across the room. Influencers with glossy hair. Corporate wives with heavy jewelry. A minor politician’s wife who loved to be seen. In this place, respect was rented by the hour, and Yvonne had been paying for

About two days later, Yvonne stepped out of the luxury car and lifted her chin before the door even closed behind her.The building before her was not the Xavier mansion, but it stood within the estate like a trusted inner vault. Marble steps, warm lights, and soft music spilled into the night, controlled and elegant. This was a place that welcomed only people with value.Margaret touched Yvonne’s arm. “Walk slow,” she whispered. “Let them feel you before they hear you.”Carmina Vale approached with an easy smile, holding a slim card between her fingers. “This way,” she said. “Just follow me.”At the entrance, two guards stepped forward. Their eyes moved over Yvonne once, then twice, assessing. One reached out. “Invitation cards, please.”Carmina handed hers over first. Then Yvonne followed, offering the gold-edged card without a word. The guard’s posture shifted immediately.“Welcome,” he said, stepping aside. “Please enjoy the evening.”Margaret leaned close as they passed. “Did y

“Shit…” Ethan couldn't believe his eyes. How did they get here?Margaret’s hand touched Yvonne’s elbow. “Yvonne,” she whispered, alarm rising. “Why is he here clearly he doesn't belong here.”Yvonne didn’t answer. Her eyes stayed locked on Ethan like she was trying to force him to turn into someone else. “Ethan?” she said, sharper now. “What are you doing here?”Ethan didn’t step toward her. He stepped sideways, quick, and turned his head to the right as if suddenly remembering someone important. A polished man stood near the desk, well dressed, his hair was neat, coupled with that, his expression was clean and distant.Ethan forced his voice steady. “Boss,” he said quickly, almost too quick. “I can explain.”Ethan winked and the man who was Ethan's own employee understood immediately.Yvonne blinked, and her confusion twisted into suspicion. “Boss?” she repeated.The polished man looked at Ethan like he was dirt on expensive carpet. His eyes moved down Ethan’s clothes, then back up