Carl looked up. “…What?” “Go there personally,” Victor said, his gaze unwavering. “Apologize if you have to. Lower your head if necessary. I don’t care what it takes.” His voice became even colder. “I want you to find out exactly who issued that order.” He stepped closer until only a short distance separated them, his eyes filled with unquestionable authority. “And if the Norman Family has truly offended someone…” His expression darkened. “…then you will do everything in your power to earn that person’s forgiveness.” Carl swallowed hard. “…Yes, Father.” Although he answered obediently, confusion still filled his heart. Who… Who could possibly possess such terrifying influence? For Victor, there was no longer any room for pride. Whether Carl had to apologize… Whether he had to kneel… Whether the Norman Family had to lower their heads before someone they had never even heard of… It no longer mattered. Anything was better than standing by and watching the Norman

Emma raised her chin.“Absolutely.”A few members of the family nodded in agreement.“She’s right.”“The Norman Family is still stronger than most families in this city.”“DragonTech may have helped a little, but they can’t compare with Titan Group.”“That is why Olivia should have listened.”Olivia’s lips pressed into a thin line.DragonTech.The moment the name was mentioned, Conor’s eyes flickered.But he said nothing.Their agreement remained unchanged.The truth would stay hidden.Not yet.Olivia took a slow breath.She looked at Conor.He gave her the faintest shake of his head.Don’t.Olivia understood.So she swallowed every word she wanted to say.She could have told them that their understanding of the situation was laughably wrong.She could have told them that Titan Group was no longer the enemy they believed it to be.She could have told them that the man they constantly looked down upon was standing right beside her.But she said nothing.And the Nelson family misinterpr

Olivia turned toward the entrance.“I’m leaving with you.”She reached for Conor’s hand.But Conor gently stopped her.“Olivia.”She looked at him.“What?”“Stay.”Her brows immediately furrowed.“Stay?”“Yes.”“I’m not staying here after what they just said to you.”Conor shook his head.“That isn’t what I mean.”He lowered his voice.“You should stay with Lily’s family a little longer.”Olivia stared at him in disbelief.“After everything they just said?”“I know.”“Then why would you ask me to stay?”“Because leaving with me right now will only make things worse.”Olivia’s eyes reddened.“I don’t care.”“I know you don’t.”His voice remained gentle.“But I do.”She shook her head.“Conor, I can’t pretend everything is fine after this.”“You don’t have to pretend.”“Then why should I stay?”“Because you’re still angry.”Olivia opened her mouth to argue.But Conor continued.“If you leave with me now, you’ll spend the entire journey thinking about what they said. You’ll keep replayin

Conor stared at him for a moment before letting out a quiet laugh.“You really haven’t changed.”“Neither have you.”Nick closed the folder halfway.“There’s also something happening with the intelligence network.”Conor’s eyes sharpened.“What?”“Someone has been asking questions about you.”The atmosphere immediately became heavier.“Who?”“We don’t know.”“What exactly are they asking?”“Your whereabouts. Your current activities. Whether you’ve resumed contact with Phoenix.”Conor’s fingers stopped against the teacup.“And what did they find?”“Nothing.”Nick smiled confidently.“We made sure of that.”Conor nodded.“Good.”“King, should we investigate further?”“No.”Nick frowned.“No?”“Let them look.”“Are you sure?”“Yes.”Conor calmly lifted his cup.“If they don’t know what they’re looking for, they’ll eventually expose themselves.”Nick considered his words before nodding.“That makes sense.”Conor leaned back.“Anything else?”Nick hesitated.“One final thing.”Conor looked

“Sir, this is Mr. Arthur Hale’s private room.” “No.” The manager frowned. Conor calmly corrected him. “It is a private room belonging to the restaurant.” The manager’s face became stiff. “Mr. Hale has used this room for years.” “And today, I’m using it.” The manager opened his mouth. Nothing came out. One of the bodyguards stepped forward. “You should leave.” Conor didn’t even look at him. “I wasn’t speaking to you.” The man’s expression darkened. “You don’t understand the situation.” Conor looked at him then. “I understand it perfectly.” “You are occupying Mr. Hale’s room.” “No.” The bodyguard frowned. “You’re refusing to leave.” “Yes.” The bodyguard’s jaw tightened. “Do you know who you’re speaking to?” Conor calmly lifted his teacup again. “No.” Nick almost laughed. The manager’s face turned pale. The bodyguards exchanged glances. They were clearly not accustomed to being dismissed so casually. Another bodyguard stepped forward. “You should think car