Then he stepped back—slow, deliberate—and stopped in front of a group of broad-shouldered men standing near the drinks. “Hello big people, sorry to intrude, but you seem rather strapping…” he began, fishing his wallet out. “Here’s a thousand dollars. Will you be so kind as to go hit that man down there?” He pointed at Ethan, who was now standing Elena. The men exchanged puzzled glances. “Really?” one asked, surprised. “There’s an extra thousand if he goes down,” Knox added casually raising more dollar bills. The man grinned. “Bet.” He took the money and turned away with a bounce in his step—almost excited. “Make it a good one,” Knox called behind him. Seconds later.. A punch landed in Ethan's jaw, sending him flying across the hall.A loud scream was heard, wind bottles splashed and in that instant, Chaos rippled across Ethan’s side of the hall. Knox watched the action but was unimpressed. Unsatisfied, he turned back to the group. “Here’s a hundred—go help your friend

He cleared his throat, his voice barely above, "What do you think people will say? She left Byron Voss for a mediocre man. That shame will rub off on you." Byron's face had gone red. His breathing came faster. "I don't have any claim on Elena," Byron said, but his voice lacked conviction. "Maybe not legally," Ethan replied. "But come on. Everyone knows you two were perfect together. The wedding was called off for reasons beyond your control. That doesn't mean it's over. That doesn't mean you just give up and let some parasites swoop in." Byron stared up at the V-vip section. At Elena, laughing at something the young man was saying. He was sitting comfortably beside the woman who was supposed to be his fiance even wife if he didn't trade it. Rage bubbled up—hot and irrational and all-consuming. "Excuse me," Byron said tightly. And he started walking toward the V-vip stairs, causing Ethan to smirk devilishly. The security guards at the V-vip entrance moved to block By

The Gates Corporation celebration had officially concluded at midnight, but the after-party was just beginning.The hotel's Golden Lounge—a private members-only space on the 45th floor—had been reserved for the evening's most elite guests. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered panoramic views of South River's glittering skyline. Soft jazz played from hidden speakers. Waiters circulated with top-shelf liquor and delicate canapés.This was where real deals were made.Where alliances were formed in whispered conversations over expensive scotch.Where the people who truly ran South River gathered away from cameras and crowds.Knox Rivera stood alone near the windows, a glass of water in his hand, watching the city lights below.He'd left Elena with her father twenty minutes ago—James had been cornered by several business associates eager to discuss the Martin family's relationship with Gates Corporation, and Elena had given Knox an apologetic look before being pulled into the conversation.Kno

In less than a week after the event, Knox kept receiving death threats and spam calls from a strange number.And right now, Fred had been able to track and find out who the person was. Fred knew his boss wouldn't handle it likely after finding the person out, so he had been calling Knox nonstop since he was out of town.Nonetheless, Knox picked up the call."Hello, young master. Don't tell me you're going to meet with a man as dangerous as Robert." The concern in Fred's voice was evident."Actually, I am." Knox's tone was casual, unbothered. "We're going to come to a mutual agreement and put a stop to this once and for all.""Young master Rivera, with all due respect, Mr. Chen expects me to keep you safe and to keep a watchful eye on you." Fred paused. "I strongly suggest you don't meet with this man. There is nothing he can do to you and even if he dares try, just give me the word. I'll wipe his entire existence from the surface of that earth."Truthfully, Knox had already weighed t

Meanwhile, in an abandoned building in the city, an old man paced inside back and forth, checking his wristwatch every few seconds. On one hand, a walking stick. In the other, a pistol.Not only will he waste his bullets on that twat almost killed his son and cost him his chance of ever working with Gates. He was going to do as Ethan said, finish him and throw his remains in the lagoon.His guards stood still along the walls, watching him without speaking. No one dared say a word. A fleet of vehicles surrounded the building outside, engines cool, men waiting."He said fifteen minutes." Robert spat the words out. "Where the hell is he? That bastard thinks he can just show up late?"Then his bodyguard noticed headlights.A black Ford rolled up to the entrance. Behind it, several black SUVs moved in quietly, flanking the building. Robert stood still, hand tightening on his pistol. He thumbed off the safety. Whatever came through those doors, he was going to be ready.The doors opened and