The Diamond Plaza Ballroom glowed with golden light. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceilings, casting sharp reflections across the polished marble floor. Waiters in white coats carried trays of expensive champagne through the dense crowd. The room hummed with the sound of clinking glasses and ruthless corporate gossip.Magnus stood near a towering ice sculpture. He held a simple glass of sparkling water. He watched the city elites desperately trying to impress one another."They look like starving vultures." Kennedy whispered. She stood close to his side. "They are circling the room looking for weakness. They smile at you while planning how to steal your company.""They are businessmen." Magnus took a slow sip of his water. "They only respect leverage and capital. You have leverage over them tonight.""I have you." Kennedy smiled playfully. She tilted her head to study his profile. "You clean up remarkably well, Dr. Mace. That bespoke suit probably costs more than my vehicle

The screen above the auction stage continued to burn with the name President Mace. The golden letters cast a warm light over the terrified faces of the crowd.The auctioneer cleared his throat loudly. He gripped his wooden podium to stop his hands from shaking."Ladies and gentlemen," the auctioneer spoke into the microphone. His voice echoed across the silent ballroom. "The bid of one hundred million dollars is accepted. It breaks every record in the history of the Zenith Charity Gala. As tradition dictates, the highest donor of the night receives the grand prize."The crowd leaned forward in their seats."This year, the charity foundation partnered with the city council," the auctioneer announced proudly. "The grand prize is the Zenith Commerce Charter. It is a fully authorized, ten year corporate mandate. The bearer of this charter holds absolute veto power over any new Initial Public Offering within the city limits."A collective gasp ripped through the ballroom. The wealthy CEOs a

The cool night air hit Magnus as he walked away from the Diamond Plaza Ballroom. He left the noise of the charity gala behind him. He did not call a taxi or summon a private driver from the Omni Corp fleet. He preferred the quiet rhythm of the city streets.His cell phone vibrated in his suit pocket. He pulled it out and looked at the glowing screen. Kennedy Wade was calling him.Magnus swiped the screen and lifted the phone to his ear."You walk very fast, Dr. Mace." Kennedy laughed softly through the speaker. "I stepped out to the valet station, and you were already gone.""I prefer the quiet." Magnus replied calmly, continuing his steady pace down the concrete sidewalk. "The ballroom air was getting a bit too stale for my taste.""You completely dismantled her." Kennedy praised him. Her voice held a deep, lingering admiration. "Christina tried to play the helpless victim in front of the entire city. You ruined her narrative without raising your voice once. It was a beautiful thing

Gordon raised his hand flat in the air, and the sharp gesture silenced the senior surgeon instantly."Wait outside, Roberts." Gordon ordered in a low, dangerous tone. "Take Nurse Judy with you and close the door."Roberts blinked in confusion, shifting his weight in the chair while clutching his bruised chest."But Director, he just attacked me." Roberts argued weakly. "We need the authorities here right now to process the assault charges.""I said wait in the hallway." Gordon snapped, pointing a thick finger toward the exit. "I need to handle the legal liability of this criminal element privately before the police arrive, because I will not have this hospital sued for a public scene."Roberts smiled a vicious, triumphant smile. He stood up slowly, groaning loudly for dramatic effect, and walked directly past Magnus."You are finished, beggar." Roberts whispered maliciously. "You are going to sleep on a concrete floor tonight."Magnus ignored the pathetic taunt completely.Roberts led