She was wearing a tight minidress and clutching a designer handbag that I knew cost more than three months of my mechanic’s wages. Beside her, a stout man in an expensive flannel shirt had his arm wrapped possessively around her waist. I assumed he was the new boyfriend."Babe, look at that one! The color is gorgeous—it would be perfect for me to drive to the office," Ava’s shrill voice carried right to my ears, even through the VIP glass.The man let out a boastful laugh, patting his pocket. "Just pick one. I promised you, once this month’s project funds clear, you can trade in your old car for something flashier. But let’s not go overboard yet; let’s stick to the mid-range models for now."I sat frozen behind the glass. My identity as CEO was still a total secret to them. In Ava's eyes, I was still Dominic the greasy mechanic she’d dumped because she thought I was a dead-end loser. I intentionally adjusted my collar and shifted my seat to stay partially hidden behind a pillar in the

The next morning, I pressed the intercom button. "Clarissa, get into my office. Now."In less than a minute, Clarissa was standing in front of my desk, notebook in hand. "Yes, Mr. Haughland? Is there an issue with the schedule for tonight's gala?""Forget about tonight for a second," I said. "I need you to dig as deep as possible into the Montgomery family's internal affairs and find out exactly where Luna is right now.""Understood. I'll get in touch with our informants in the banking sector and our partner hospitals immediately.""Make it fast. I want a report before lunch," I commanded.I tried to focus on work, but it was a total failure. At ten past eleven, Clarissa walked back in. Her expression wasn't as bright as usual. She placed a thin folder on my desk."Something is wrong, sir," Clarissa reported. "Luna Montgomery was admitted to Central Medical Heights three days ago. But there are no discharge papers or public treatment details. The family has completely locked down all

The next morning, I intentionally chose a faded gray t-shirt and a pair of old jeans. I didn't want to arouse any suspicion. I hailed a ride-share on my phone to the upscale rental house where Monica and her sons were now living off the insurance money.When I arrived, I saw a brand-new sedan parked in the cramped driveway. I banged loudly on the iron gate. Caleb's younger brother, Dylan, appeared with a lethargic expression. He was still in his undershirt, looking like he'd just rolled out of bed."Oh, it's you, Dominic," Dylan muttered disinterestedly."Where's Caleb?" I asked bluntly."He's at work," Dylan replied shortly, leaning against the doorframe."Your mother is home, right?""Yeah, she's here.""Tell her I need to see her," I commanded."Fine, wait here," Dylan said, shutting the gate in my face without inviting me in.A few minutes later, Monica emerged from the front door. She was wearing a floral housecoat, but several pieces of new gold jewelry sparkled on her arms

A man hired by Dominic was busy distributing stacks of cash to local street vendors—vendors selling breakfast porridge, coconut rice, and fritters. Every single stall had been bought out, and the food was being handed out for free to anyone who wanted it.Dominic, wearing only a faded black t-shirt and cargo pants, sat casually on a long plastic bench belonging to a porridge vendor. Beside him, two construction workers were devouring their breakfast with gusto.Suddenly, a polished white sedan screeched to a halt in front of the crowd. Caleb poked his head out of the window, his face sour."What the hell is going on? Why is it so crowded! You're blocking traffic!" Caleb grumbled. He shoved his door open, stepped out with an arrogant swagger, and marched toward the nearest food cart. "Hey, wrap one up for me. Make it fast, I've got important business. Here's the cash!""Oh, no need to pay, sir. The whole lot has been bought by a kind-hearted gentleman," the vendor replied with a wide g

"How about it, Caleb? My time is expensive," Dominic said, glancing at his watch. "One more minute and I'm having security drag you out. Your proposal will go straight into the industrial shredder."Caleb swallowed hard. If he went home empty-handed, his mother would skin him alive, and he'd go back to being a nobody."Dom... please. We're family," Caleb whispered, trying to play the 'family card' he had spent years trampling on."Family?" Dominic let out a cold chuckle. "This morning, I was a 'brainless, pathetic loser.' Now we're family? That's a fascinating pivot."Caleb closed his eyes. With slow, agonizing movements, he began to bend his knees. His legs shook violently. His dignity was crumbling in real-time. Just as his knees were about to hit the floor right in front of Dominic's polished shoes, a small laugh escaped Dominic's lips."Stop," Dominic said.Caleb looked up, his face drenched in cold sweat. "What?"Dominic leaned in close. "You actually think I'd let my shoes be to