Inside the underground parking lot, a black Escalade was parked, its tinted windows reflecting the soft light from the fluorescent fixtures above. Inside, Jessica Russell sat in the back seat with her legs crossed, casually scrolling through her tablet.While waiting patiently for Bruce to arrive, she reviewed the market projections. It's been a week since they first met after the gala dinner, and she just handed him his first assignment. With each passing few seconds, she looked at her watch, her expression hardening. He was already twenty minutes late. "That pig," she cursed. "How dare he keep me waiting."The chauffeur sitting in front remained silent.Just then, headlights appeared at the entrance of the parking structure. Bruce's modest Camry rolled in quietly before parking several spaces away.The front door of the Camry opened and Bruce stepped out wearing a cheap gray coat over office clothes. He looked around cautiously before quickly making his way toward the Escalade.J

The Griffin family. Thomas couldn't believe that the very company responsible for ruining them was now targeting Jessica Russell. There was more to this story than meet the eye. "Thomas," Jessica said, her sharp tone snapping him out of his thoughts, "I'm gonna ask you one more time. Do you know anything about this?""Nothing," Thomas replied fast. "But I have someone investigating a related issue. Give me some time. I'm going to find out who's behind ABC Holdings."Jessica remained silent for a long moment. Then she spoke with a dangerous tone."You'd better do that, Thomas. I'm putting our plans against Shepherd Group on hold until this issue is resolved. I need to focus on protecting my own empire."Thomas's jaw stiffened. He wasn't happy with how this was turning out. "Jessica, we had a deal. Can't you see that ABC Holdings would be a distraction for you? Let me take care of this—""The deal is on hold," Jessica interrupted. "Until I find out who is trying to destroy me, Shephe

The Green Meadows elder care facility sat quietly at the end of a long gravel driveway, surrounded by oak trees shedding their autumn leaves. Thomas's car crunched to a stop outside the main entrance. He walked out, adjusted his suit, and went inside.The receptionist guided him to the garden courtyard, where Marcus Griffin usually spent his afternoons. Thomas spotted him sitting in a wheelchair under a big oak tree, just staring off into space. Marcus's gaze was distant, making him appear older than his years; a blanket rested on his lap, covering his amputated legs. "Mr. Griffin," Thomas spoke.Marcus didn't look up. "Are you another reporter? I've got nothing to say."Thomas rolled his eyes. "I'm not a reporter. My name is Thomas Shepherd."Marcus blinked sharply. He slowly raised his head, studying the man before him. "Shepherd? Any relation to—""Yes," Thomas interrupted. "Bruce Dominic Shepherd is my nephew."Marcus bit down hard, his jaw tightening. "Then we have nothing to

Robert's face contorted with rage, his eyes blazing red. A trickle of blood ran from the corner of his split lip. He touched it with his fingers, stared at the red stain, then turned to Bruce with a murderous glare."You have the nerve to hit me?" Robert screamed, his voice ringing through the boutique. "You broke my lip! Do you have any idea who my father is? I'll destroy you! I'll bury you so deep that you'll never see daylight again!"Bruce remained unfazed. He straightened his jacket, looking totally calm and unfazed by Robert's threats. "You threw the first punch. I simply returned the favor.""That's not how this works!" Robert spat. "People like you aren't allowed to touch people like me! I am a Thorne! My family controls half of the media in this country! You're nothing! Nothing!"The rest of the staff just stood there, frozen, not sure how to stop things from getting worse.Bruce cocked his head to the side. "I am well aware that your family owns half of the media. However, t

After dropping Lucy and Tyler off at their home, Bruce drove silently through the dark city streets. Just then, his phone rang.Bruce looked at the screen. It was Jessica Russell calling. He answered. "Hello, Smith here.""We need to meet," she said, her voice tight and urgent. "Now."Bruce merged onto the highway, his jaw tightening. "I'm actually kind of busy right now—""It's important," she snapped, cutting him off. "More important than whatever you're doing. I am sending you an address. You have five minutes remaining."The line went dead.A moment later, a text message popped up on his screen. Bruce looked at it, and his blood turned cold.He knew that address.It was the address of a penthouse suite overlooking the city. The penthouse belonged to his uncle, Thomas Shepherd.Bruce's grip tightened on the steering wheel. His thoughts raced while he calculated. Jessica Russell was having a meeting with Thomas at his penthouse. And she wanted him there.Why?He changed directions