When the final gavel hit the wood, the room didn't just break out in cheering. It started with a slow, heavy sound that moved through the hall like a wave. It wasn't a happy celebration, it was the kind of noise people make when they’ve just watched something historical and a bit terrifying happen. It was the sound of billionaires realizing a new boss had just entered the room.The host stepped back to the center of the stage, fiddling with his cufflinks. His hands weren't as steady as they had been an hour ago. He cleared his throat, his voice sounding a little strained.“Ladies and gentlemen… Round Three has officially come to an end.” He paused, looking out at all the expensive tuxedos and diamonds. “I think we can all agree… this has been a night for the history books.”A few people let out a dry, nervous laugh. The air in the room felt tight, like everyone was waiting for something bad to happen. Then, the host’s voice changed. It got more professional, more serious.“As is our t

The platform kept rising, making a low humming sound that filled the room, but Anna didn't even look at the stage. She was staring down at her own hands, which were resting in her lap.Four million dollars.She had just spent four million dollars in a single breath. There was no shaking in her fingers, no panic in her chest, and most importantly, no phone call from a bank asking her what she was doing. Everything happened instantly. It was the smoothest thing she had ever experienced.That wasn’t my money, she thought, a strange thrill running through her.Then it clicked. She thought about the black card tucked inside her small purse and remembered exactly where it came from Robert. Then she remembered what he told her when he dropped her off at school. He had looked her in the eyes and said, "Spend it on anything. It won't decline."Her fingers tightened around her bag. She finally understood. Robert hadn't just given her a gift, he had given her a weapon. A warm feeling of pure con

The marble floor felt like ice when they finally stood up. Edward was the first one to get to his feet, and Jane followed a second later, but neither of them could bring themselves to look at anyone in the room. They just couldn't do it.One sentence kept looping in their heads like a bad dream: “I’ve only just begun.” It wasn't shouted, and it wasn't even loud, which is exactly why it was so terrifying. Edward tried to adjust his jacket, but his fingers were shaking too much to get a good grip. Jane kept glancing around the room, checking the doors and the security guards, wondering if Robert had already set a trap for them outside.If he could just throw around billions of dollars like it was nothing, then money wasn't a problem for him anymore— it was a weapon. Edward leaned in close to Jane and whispered so low his lips barely moved. “If he has this much cash tonight, imagine what he’s going to do tomorrow.”Jane felt her throat tighten. He was right. Robert outbidding them wasn'

Avery climbed into the driver's seat and started the engine, and the Pagani Barchetta purred to life with a deep growl that seemed to say it knew exactly how rare and expensive it was. "Take us to the BGMH Hotel," Anna said casually as she adjusted her seat, which made Avery blink in confusion because she thought that was just a temporary spot they had rented for a single night. Anna just gave her that same knowing smile again— not her usual playful one, but a look that suggested she knew a secret that was about to change everything— and told her to just drive. Avery pulled out onto the main road, and the city lights danced off the carbon fiber hood as the car slid through the late night traffic like a hot blade through silk.Ten minutes later, they pulled into the underground parking garage of the BGMH, and the security barriers were lifted the very second they approached because the security recognized their VIP status instantly. As Avery parked the car and they stepped out, she

“We want you to leave.” Those words didn’t just echo through the air, they landed like a heavy blow that made the entire dining room go silent. Even the hum of the air conditioning seemed quiet. Robert blinked once, his eyes widening just a tiny bit as he processed what his sister had just said. He looked at her, then back at his plate, trying to see if there was a punchline coming. “...Are you serious?” he finally asked, his voice low.But Anna didn't hesitate for even a second, and she certainly wasn't joking. “Yes,” she said firmly, leaning back and crossing her arms over her chest with a look of total authority. “Avery and I want the whole penthouse to ourselves. You can find somewhere else to stay.”A heavy, awkward silence filled the dining area, and Avery sat there looking like she had been frozen into a statue. She wouldn't look up from her lap. Robert turned his gaze from Anna to Avery, searching for some kind of explanation, but Avery actively avoided his eyes. Robert stu