Chapter One Hundred-OneThe morning sun over Tomson Heights was particularly bright, but it paled in comparison to the glow of Martha’s ego. Since the Dragon Basin windfall, she had convinced herself that she possessed a supernatural Midas Touch. To Martha, the hundred thousand dollars wasn't a lucky break—it was proof of her dormant genius.Martha dressed in a silk robe that cost more than a mid-sized sedan, her fingers dripping with new, vulgar gold rings adjusted herself in the seat and darted hereyes towards Adrian. "Adrian! Move that plate! You’re getting grease near my investment portfolio!" Martha barked, slamming a glossy brochure onto the marble breakfast island. Adrian calmly moved his toast. "Auntie, that brochure looks a bit loud. The Phoenix Fund 100% Returns in 24 Hours? Even the Sovereign Estate doesn't promise those kinds of numbers. Usually, when a bird is on fire, it’s just a chicken in a disaster."Martha’s face contorted into a mask of pure condescension. "A chic

Chapter One Hundred and ThreeInside the Emerald Pavillion of Azure trust the air was so thick with with the scent of aged whiskey and the kind of quiet that only exists where a single appetizer costs more than a month’s rent."Table for four, name of Nelson," Nelson announced as he stepped off the elevator. He didn't just walk, he swaggered, his hand resting casually in his pocket, fingering the matte-black Titanium Global Card he intended to use as a weapon tonight.The Maître d’, a man who looked like he had been born in a tuxedo, checked his tablet. "Ah, Mr. Nelson of Continental Cargo. Welcome. We have prepared the horizon table for you."Martha gasped as they were led to a circular table with a 360-degree view of the city. "Oh, Nelson! I can see the entire harbor from here! Look, Lina, even the other billionaires are turning their heads. This is what it feels like to be at the top!"Nelson pulled out a chair for Lina, pointedly ignoring Adrian. "It’s about access, Auntie. A man

Chapter One Hundred and FiveThe echoes of Nelson’s pathetic pleading still vibrated in the air of Tomson Heights penthouse, even though the security team had hauled him away ten minutes ago. Martha was currently facedown on the sofa, clutching a designer silk pillow like her life depended on it."My reputation! My social standing! My nephew is a common criminal!" Martha wailed into the fabric. "Lina, do you hear that sound? That’s the sound of every door in this city slamming shut in our faces! We are tainted! Just some hours ago I was the proud lady of the basin. Look at me now, I'm the auntie of a fraud!"Lina was busy, her hand trembling as she stared down at the notice of temporary seizure on her phone while she was standing by the window. "Mom, stop thinking about your reputation. Nelson used my warehouse as collateral for his scams. If I don't get down to the North District office and clear my name before the audit team seals the gates at noon, we will lose everything. She art

Chapter One Hundred and Seven The North District Medical Gala was not a place for a white van, yet there it was, parked between a gold-plated Lamborghini and a matte-black Rolls Royce. Adrian stepped out, tugging at the collar of a suit that was clearly three sizes too large. Martha had insisted he wear her late husband’s lucky charcoal blazer, which made Adrian look like a child playing dress-up. "Adrian, for the love of everything, don't speak," Martha hissed, smoothing her own dress with trembling hands. "If Dr. Silas asks you anything, just nod and pretend you have a toothache. I won't have you embarrassing Lina in front of the city’s elite." Lina, stunning in a deep emerald gown, walked over and looped her arm through Adrian’s. She didn't look at the dented van or the oversized blazer. She looked at the man who had pulled her grandfather back from the brink of death. "He doesn't need to pretend, Mom," Lina said, her voice cool. "Adrian is my guest of honor. If anyone has a pr

Chapter One Hundred and NineThe air inside the Andrews Ancestral Villa smelled of victory—the kind of victory celebrated by vultures when the lion finally stops twitching.In the master suite, the curtains were drawn tight, casting rays of sunlight into the room. Elder Andrews lay beneath a heavy silk duvet, his face as pale and his breathing reduced to a shallow rhythmic rattle that seemed to keep time with the ticking of the grandfather clock in the hall. To the world, he was a dying man. To his family, he was a massive roadblock that was finally being cleared away.Lina was on her knees by the bedside, her fingers intertwined with the Elder’s cold, motionless hand. Tears trickled through the light makeup she’d applied for the morning’s meetings. For her, this wasn't about the Andrews Estate or the multi-billion legacy; it was about the only man who had seen her as a granddaughter rather than a chess piece.Standing two paces behind her, Adrian was a shadow in the corner. His head