Edward laughed, "You think Marcus can actually revoke my card? The store can't afford to lose me. I spend millions here every year. They need me."Duane looked at him calmly. "Then let me make this simple."He turned to Marcus."Revoke Mr. Royce's High-end customer card. Right now. And I'll buy out his entire share of the store and top it with ten percent more. On the spot."Edward's laughter died. "That's impossible. You don't have that kind of money."Marcus stared at Duane, his mouth opening and closing. "Mr. Wordsworth, I... I would need to speak with the CEO about this. Mr. Royce's shares represent a significant investment –""Then call your CEO," Duane said."But I'm certain he would agree," Marcus added quickly. "With your resources, this would be an excellent opportunity for the company.""Good. Do it now."Edward's face turned red. "This is ridiculous! You can't just –""Mr. Royce's card," Duane said to Marcus, ignoring Edward completely. "I want it revoked immediately."Marc

Gloria's face twisted with rage the moment she saw Duane."You!" She pointed at him with a shaking finger. "What the hell are you doing here with your wretched sister?"Marcus stepped forward immediately. "Ma'am, I must ask you not to speak to Mr. Wordsworth that way. He is our most esteemed customer."Gloria threw her head back and laughed. "Your most esteemed customer? Him? He's a scammer! A fraud! He should be thrown out of this store, not welcomed in!"Duane looked at her calmly. "Do you remember what I did to your friend Richard Brown?"Gloria's laughter died. Her face went pale for just a moment before she recovered."That had nothing to do with you," she said quickly. "Richard's firing was just a coincidence. You had nothing to do with it.""Keep telling yourself that."A crowd had begun to gather outside the Exclusive section. Wealthy customers in expensive clothes pressed closer, drawn by the commotion. Most of them held High-end customer cards—the tier Edward Royce had lost

Duane's voice rose sharply. "I told your manager I wasn't ready to meet with you."Marcus flinched. "Sir, I tried to tell him, but –""It's my fault," Harrison interrupted smoothly. "I saw the situation unfold on social media and I had to come immediately. When I learned what happened with that woman threatening your sister, I knew I had to be here."He gestured around the store. "This kind of publicity – both good and bad – it's unprecedented. I needed to see you in person."Duane crossed his arms. "I'm not interested in a meeting.""Please, Mr. Wordsworth. Just give me ten minutes. That's all I ask."Duane looked at Maya, who was being attended to by staff members treating the small cut on her neck. She nodded slightly, telling him it was okay."Fine. Ten minutes."Harrison's smile widened. "Excellent! My office is just upstairs. Please, follow me."They took a private elevator to the top floor, where Harrison's office occupied a corner suite with floor-to-ceiling windows overlookin

Duane stepped out of Harrison's office with a slight smile on his face.Leon was waiting by the elevator, his expression professional as always."Mr. Wordsworth, what would you like to do about your wife?"Duane's smile faded. "My ex-wife.""Apologies. Your ex-wife. She's been taken to the police station and charged with attempted murder."Duane nodded slowly. The charge fit—Gloria had held a pen to Maya's throat, threatened to hurt her, actually drawn blood. Attempted murder wasn't an exaggeration."Good," he said.But even as the word left his mouth, something nagged at him.Gloria in prison. Locked away. Out of sight, out of mind.That felt too easy. Too quick.He thought about what she'd done to his mother—refusing to help, mocking him while his mother was dying. He thought about Maya, forced to dance until her feet bled, sold like merchandise to Richard Brown.Gloria deserved to suffer. But not behind bars where he couldn't see it."We need to prevent her from being imprisoned,"

Duane left the police station and headed back toward his apartment, but halfway there, he turned to Maya."I need you to visit Mom at the hospital. Stay with her for a while. She shouldn't be alone."Maya nodded. "Of course."Duane looked at Leon. "Can you arrange a driver for my sister?""Already done, sir. I have someone waiting outside who can take her.""Thank you."Maya gave Duane a quick hug before stepping out of the car. A moment later, a black sedan pulled up and she got inside.Duane watched the car drive away, then pulled out his phone.Catherine had sent him the security payroll information as promised. He scrolled through the document, examining the names, positions, and payment details.The numbers were substantial. These weren't ordinary security guards—they were highly trained professionals.He smiled and looked around casually, trying to spot any of his security team nearby.Nothing. The street looked completely normal. Just regular people going about their day.When