2.Rain smacked Finn Rowe as he walked to the Voss mansion, soaking him. His wet clothes were heavy, but the storm inside was worse. He heard loud, angry voices even outside. Finn slowed, feeling his chest tighten. They were talking about him.He's back. That bum, Regina Voss said, her voice nasty. The son-in-law who's done nothing. A total loser.Leonard sighed. I never got why Elara married him. He's worthless, just a delivery guy.Maribel laughed. I can't believe she stayed married to that house husband for three years.Darius Blackmoor sneered, I should kick him out before he embarrasses himself more.Finn stopped, clenching his fists. He didn't run. He walked into the house. Everyone stared at him with hate. Regina started in, You're here, but you're still a nobody.Elara appeared, her hair wet, and smiled in a way that made Finn's stomach turn. Go your own way, Rowe. I'm done with you. Her words stung. Finn's heart skipped. He was shocked.Elara, what? Did you set this up? he as

4.Finn Rowe couldn’t believe the guy in front of him. He was big, bossy, and had this air about him that made everyone else look small. Finn had heard stuff about him, both in business and on the streets, but seeing him up close was something else. If he wasn’t wrong, this was the guy who started Blackwell Conglomerate—the big cheese of the Varla Skyfall league and the most feared Mafia kingpin in the Varla underworld. But Finn really wanted to know: what was he doing here, looking for a loser like him that the Voss family tossed aside and beat down?Finn looked around, trying to figure things out, but found nothing. Then, a woman showed up beside him, all calm and professional. She had on a fancy suit and looked serious and sharp. “Come with me,” she said, sounding polite but firm. “I’m Mrs. China, the big man's secretary. I’ll take you to him.”Finn followed, his legs shaking a bit from being tired and shocked. The rain, the double-cross, the roughing up, and now this big shot were

6.A bunch of black Range Rovers screeched to a halt outside the Galton lounge, and heads swung their way. People waiting to meet Mr. Galton inside the hotel couldn't believe their eyes. The cars were shiny and black, and the low rumble of the engines seemed to shout, Power! Finn got out of the first car, a band on his wrist glinting. He walked coolly, like he owned the place.The waiting crowd was itching with curiosity. Whispers flew fast. Who's that? someone asked. Is he Valia royalty? another wondered. Everyone stared, unsure what to make of the guy swaggering in with such confidence.Inside, Elara spotted him first. Her eyes popped, then her brother-in-law and brother saw him too. Adrian, who was crushing on her, just froze. They hurried over, looking ticked off. What are you doing here? Elara snapped, blocking his path. Who said you could come here and mess with us?Her brother-in-law and brother jumped in, raising their voices. You don't belong here. Get lost before you embarra

8.Adrian and Elara showed up at the place, and she was steamed to see Finn Rowe chilling in VIP with his band on full display. She was all, He shouldn't even be here! Someone do something!Adrian patted her shoulder, Relax. Finn's gonna get what's coming to him today. Trust. They strutted inside, eyes locked on Finn.As soon as they got to VIP, Adrian lost it. He flags down security, ranting that Finn wasn't legit. He's not a member! Get him out now!The room started buzzing. People were confused about what all the fuss was about. Elara and Darius jumped in, throwing insults and questioning Finn's right to be there.Finn just sat there, cool as a cucumber. He raised a hand and said to security, Are you letting anyone make stuff up here? Looks like you messed up. He had this quiet authority thing going on. I think you should fix your mistake.Security looked at each other, then nodded. He's right, one said. You insulted a guest and made a scene. Either leave quietly, or it won't be pr

10.Mrs. China stepped up, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear. Alright, folks, let's get this auction going! We've got a special item today, straight from Mrs. Ella Ashburn herself. Whoever wins this doesn't just get the item; they get Mrs. Ashburn's attention and respect too.The crowd got all excited. As soon as they understood what she said, people started trying to get in good with Mrs. Ashburn. They crowded around the auction area, whispering compliments, and basically trying to flatter her, hoping she'd notice them. Everyone was watching Finn Rowe in the VIP section, just sitting there, taking it all in. He didn't move, didn't say anything, and didn't even crack a smile. He was totally focused on the last item, number 15.People started whispering about him. Is he broke? He hasn't bid on anything, someone mumbled. Others nodded in agreement, while Adrian and Elara looked annoyed. They figured Finn was just nervous, unsure of himself, or waiting to ask them for money. Ela