The Grand Diamond estate stood like a monument to excess, its entrance ablaze with lights and draped in gold banners that read: “VOSS FAMILY - 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE”Luxury vehicles lined the circular driveway in a parade of wealth: Rolls Royces, Bentleys, Maybachs, each one depositing guests in designer gowns and custom suits worth more than most people earned in a year. Staff in crisp uniforms rushed to open doors while photographers captured every arrival for the society pages.This wasn't just a celebration, this was a declaration of power.Everything screamed money, influence, and untouchable status.Lady Morgan stood at the center of it all, resplendent in an emerald gown that cost more than a big car, diamonds glittering at her neck and wrists. At sixty-three, she carried herself with the regal bearing of someone who'd clawed her way to the top and refused to ever fall again.She surveyed her family gathered before her in one of the private preparation rooms adjacent to the ba

Ethan frowned. "What do you mean?"Bianca grabbed his arm, her fingers digging in hard enough to hurt. "Imani Group was negotiating with Gates Corporation for the Prime Project! We had meetings! They sent us preliminary contracts! We were told we were the primary candidates!"Her voice was rising now, panic creeping in."I've been waiting weeks for final confirmation! That's why I thought Watson's delays were just bureaucracy! But now..." She stared at Lady Morgan on the podium, at the celebration erupting around them. "They gave it to the Voss family?!"Ethan's expression shifted—confusion giving way to something darker. "That's... that's impossible. I made sure your company was prioritized. I specifically..""You what?" Bianca turned on him, eyes blazing. "What did you do?"Ethan's jaw clenched. The truth was, he'd done nothing. He'd lied.Gates Corporation had worked with Imani Group before, yes. Multiple big projects over the years. The relationship was good. When Bianca had menti

After the helicopter had taken the pregnant woman away, after the scene had threatened to ruin the entire evening, Lady Morgan had done what she did best, she'd taken control.She returned to the podium with a practiced smile and champagne raised high."Ladies and gentlemen," She announced, her voice steady, "while we're all concerned for the young woman who experienced a medical emergency, I'm told she's receiving excellent care. Let us not allow an unfortunate incident to overshadow this historic evening for the Voss family."The crowd hesitated."After all," Lady Morgan continued, "we are here to celebrate the Prime Project. The undeniable fact that Voss Enterprises has reclaimed its rightful place among South River's elite."Slowly, the guests raised their glasses. The music resumed. Conversations restarted.The party continued. Thank Goodness. Byron gave his speech while lady Morgan mingled with top families like the Thompson's, whom she never expected to honour her invitation. S

A few days went by and Aurora was finally discharged from the hospital. Right now, Knox sat on the sofa, a pen in his hand, staring at the custody papers sent by Bianca's lawyer. “Termination of Parental Rights. No Contact. No Claims.”The legal language was cold, reducing the abandonment of a child to bureaucratic checkboxes and official stamps.Knox's eyes moved to the signature line at the bottom of the page.Bianca's name was already there, so was her signature.Her handwriting was sharp and angular—the same handwriting he remembered from years ago when she'd write him letters during his early days in prison. Back when she'd promised to not just wait for him, but to also love him.Slowly, he picked up the pen and for a moment, he started thinking. What did he know about being a father?His own father had been a monster—a drunk who beat his wife and destroyed his family. He had killed that man.What if he carried that same darkness? What if Aurora looked at him one day with fear

Knox stood, helping the driver support the old man. "Not at all, sir. I'm glad I could help."Just then, three black SUVs screeched to a halt at the curb—clearly summoned by the driver's earlier call for backup.Six men in dark suits emerged, moving with military precision toward the scene.Elena immediately started directing them. "Get my father into the car! Carefully!"But before they could move him, Elena turned to Knox with sharp, suspicious eyes."What happened to him? What was wrong?"Knox kept his voice neutral. "Acute respiratory distress. His airways constricted—likely triggered by stress or environmental factors. His breathing should normalize within the hour. The pill will address the underlying cause."Elena's eyes narrowed. She studied Knox more carefully now—taking in his rumpled clothes, his exhausted appearance, the shopping bag in his hand.He looked nothing like a doctor. Nothing like someone who should be able to save a dying man on a sidewalk even more like a deli