The Bugatti sped through the dark night like a polished bullet.As they hit the open highway, the road ahead was black and empty, and the only sound was the low, powerful hum of the engine. It didn't roar, it purred deep and rhythmic like a heartbeat.Avery stole a glance at Robert.He looked completely relaxed. His hands gripped the wheel loosely, and his face was calm. It was as if the drama from earlier, the kneeling of powerful men and the chaotic incidents meant absolutely nothing to him, like it was just another Tuesday.Within minutes, a pair of massive gates came into view from the darkness.Behind them sat a giant estate that glowed under golden spotlights. This was the Grandeur Reserve. It didn't look like a restaurant; it looked like a palace for kings. Huge stone pillars stood like guards at the entrance, and the name was carved deep into white marble. Right beneath it was the golden logo of the Bullion Corporation, shining so brightly it practically screamed wealth and po

Security dragged Tristan away. He didn’t fight them, but his eyes never left Robert's. Before the glass doors swung shut, Robert held that gaze.He didn't look angry and he didn't look like he was thirsty for revenge. He just looked certain. It wasn't a threat he made to Tristan, it was a promise.Then, Tristan was gone, and everything felt normal again.Avery rushed to Robert’s side, her face pale. “Oh my God, you’re still bleeding,” she whispered, grabbing a stack of silk napkins from the table. Blood was trailing down his nose, dark and thick, staining his crisp white shirt. “We need to leave. Right now.”Robert gave a single, slow nod. “Yeah. Let’s go.”There was no ego in his voice. No fake toughness. He stood up steadily, and Avery slipped her arm around his waist to support him. He didn’t push her away. Together, they walked through the dining room while a wave of hushed whispers followed them out the door.The valet brought the Bugatti out to the front. This time, Avery marche

The hallway was quieter than usual, which only made the sound of Jane’s designer heels louder against the floor.Anna tried to keep her head down and keep moving, but Jane stepped right into her path, cutting her off. Her three friends spread out behind her, closing the space until Anna was backed against the cold marble wall.“Well,” Jane said, her voice dropping to a whisper. “We didn’t get a chance to say congrats after that big signing the other night.”Anna gripped her books tighter. “Move Jane.”Jane didn't budge. She actually laughed— a dry, nasty sound. “Did you see the news this morning? My family is fourth in the world now, Anna. We aren’t just rich anymore. We’re powerful and untouchable.”Her friends nodded, their eyes scanning Anna like she was something they found on the bottom of their shoes.“And that little show this morning?” Jane’s lip curled. “The Bugatti? Please. Everyone knows your brother borrowed that from Avery just to look important. He’ll have to hand those

Over at Robert’s school, the vibe was completely different.Edward wasn't just smiling, he was practically glowing. He stood in the shade at the center of the campus courtyard with Chloe resting on his arm, looking like the king of the world. A small crowd of students surrounded them, shouting congratulations and trying to get close to them.The contract with the Grahams was signed. It was official, and Edward’s family influence hadn’t just grown. It had brought even more fame.Chloe leaned into him, a soft, triumphant laugh escaped her lips. “I told you it would work. I told you no one could stop us.”Edward smirked, adjusted his collar, and looked out over the campus like he owned it all. “Of course darling, it worked. Now when my family moves, the world has no choice but to adjust.”But behind the expensive suit and the smug smile, something dark was pestering him. Edward hadn't forgotten the humiliation of the night before. He hadn't forgotten the feeling of his knees hitting the

The classroom stayed quiet for a long time after Robert finished speaking. Nobody laughed, and nobody even whispered. They all just sat there, staring at him like they were seeing a ghost.Professor Chinny stood frozen behind his desk. You could tell his pride was hurting— his face was pale, and he looked like he wanted to snap back with another insult, but nothing came out from his mouth hanging open— He was struck.Slowly, he reached down and picked up his tablet, then he grabbed his pen. He tucked them into his briefcase with very slow, careful movements, trying to act like he wasn't bothered, but his ears were bright red. Without saying a single word to the class, he turned and walked towards the door.The sound of his dress shoes clicking against the floor seemed incredibly loud in the silence. Right as he reached the door, he hesitated for a split second, like he was thinking about turning around to have the last word. But that didn't happen either, he just stepped out and pulle