Everyone went mute the moment Jeremy dropped his family name, the weight of the C-Empire hanging heavily in the air. No one dared speak. Jeremy, emboldened by the silence, kept bragging with a smug grin. “My family always goes to the war front because of you people. We sacrifice everything so weaklings like you can sit here and eat in peace. Without the Coblen name, this city would’ve fallen apart years ago. We fund the military, we protect the borders, and what do we get? Disrespect from nobodies who can’t even afford decent clothes!” He continued bragging, his voice growing louder and more arrogant. “My father has generals on speed dial. One call and entire districts tremble. That’s the kind of power you’re challenging right now. You should be thanking me for even letting you breathe the same air as me tonight.” Then he turned his abuse directly at the young man. “And you—look at yourself. Dirty shoes, cheap shirt, probably haven’t had a proper meal in weeks. How dare a lowlife li

Jeremy believed his father had arrived for the engagement proposal that was supposed to happen. He pointed accusingly at Marcus and shouted, “Father, this guy disrupted everything we were supposed to do today. He even slapped me!” He lied. Mr. Coblen frowned deeply as he took in the chaotic scene , overturned tables, groaning guards scattered across the floor, and the pile of disarmed guns. His sharp eyes scanned everywhere before finally settling on Marcus with a mix of recognition and respect. The restaurant exploded into whispers. “It’s over for him now,” one man muttered nervously. “Mr. Coblen is here. That guy is finished.” “How dare he challenge the Coblen family? He’s done for,” another whispered. “ No one survives crossing them,” a woman added, shaking her head. Jeremy smirked triumphantly, regaining some confidence. “Father, I want you to deal with him. Fuck his threat up! And this man too!” He pointed aggressively at the poor-looking young man. Smack! It happen

The next day, Jessica stood in front of Vera Restaurant, a high-end establishment. Beside her was Travis. She was here to meet with Mr. Smith, along with the same family members from the Langstone family. This way, she could prove that this man was real and that they weren’t running a scam on her. Jessica had dressed to impress. She wore a tailored cream-colored designer dress that hugged her figure elegantly, paired with pearl earrings, a matching necklace, and sleek black Louboutin heels. The outfit screamed sophistication and quiet wealth , exactly the kind of high-class presentation expected when meeting the Langstone family. Being seen with them could elevate her status significantly, and she knew it. She gulped nervously. Travis leaned in and said calmly, “They are waiting for you.” Jessica nodded, taking a deep breath. “Let’s go.” As they entered the restaurant, they were immediately directed to the exclusive VVIP section. The private room was set up in true VIP fashion.

Jessica’s face twisted with pure venom as she stepped closer, her voice dropping to a harsh whisper. “And you know what else Mr. Smith told me? You’re nothing but a whore. A cheap, opportunistic whore who spread her legs to snatch my fiancé from me. That’s all you are—nothing more. You have no real place in the Langstone family. You’re just an empty barrel making noise.” Travis chuckled beside her, nodding in agreement. “Exactly. Empty barrel. All show, no substance.” Natalie’s shoulders trembled slightly. She sniffled, eyes glistening with what looked like barely held-back tears. For a moment, she stared at the floor, biting her lip hard as if struggling to keep her composure. She then said, "Okay then, you shall regret this". With that, she turned on her heels and walked away without another word, her posture defeated. Jessica and Travis watched her go, exchanging satisfied smirks. “She’s just bluffing,” Travis said with a laugh. “What can she possibly do? She’s finished.

Everyone was surprised by what Jessica was saying, and some of them were even starting to believe her. Jessica said, "He is just a pathetic man. Just because of one opportunity, he used it to punish me, even when they had already promised me the project would be mine." Marcus sighed and said, "Promised you? Who did that? We didn't promise anyone anything, and whoever told you that is trying to scam you." Jessica didn't listen and scoffed. "Scam me? Is that what you're going with now? Let me tell you, no one is scamming me! In fact, I don't even need this nonsense branding project. I've already landed an investment that will make me bigger than this, and I swear you'll regret what you did today. Even Julia won't be on my level anymore!". Marcus sighed heavily as he listened to Jessica rant. Unlike everyone else in the room, he had a fairly good idea where all this confidence was coming from. It was that mysterious Mr. Smith Travis had introduced to her. Marcus scoffed because it