Duane smiled as Francis's voice came through the phone, loud and crude."Where the hell are you, you worthless piece of trash? I've been waiting here for over an hour!""Francis, calm down—""Don't tell me to calm down! Where did you move your mother to? Where are you hiding like the coward you are?"Duane leaned against the car and let Francis continue."You think you can threaten my sister and get away with it? You're nothing! You've always been nothing! A pathetic, broke, useless excuse for a man!"Francis went on for two full minutes, his insults getting more creative and desperate.Finally, Duane interrupted. "Where are you right now?""At your mother's old apartment. Where else?""Wait there. I'm coming.""You better—"Duane hung up.Leon looked at him through the rearview mirror. "Sir, I can handle this. You don't need to—""No. I want to see this myself.""Are you sure?""Completely."Leon nodded and started driving.Twenty minutes later, they pulled up in front of the old apa

Duane stood at the edge of the construction site with Maya beside him, both of them looking out at the expanse of steel and concrete."This is just the foundation," he said. "Wait until you see the full vision."Maya turned to him. "How tall is it going to be?""Fifty stories."Her eyes widened. "Fifty?""Yes. The lower floors will have luxury stores, restaurants, entertainment venues. The middle floors will be office spaces for businesses. And the upper floors will have penthouse residences—exclusive, expensive, for people who want the best.""That's incredible.""There's more. I'm including a private hospital wing on floors fifteen through twenty. Top-tier medical care, only for residents and premium clients."Maya shook her head in amazement. "And a fashion store?""A flagship store. The biggest in the estate. It'll make Harrison's store look like a boutique."Workers moved across the site below them, operating machinery, laying rebar, pouring concrete. The foundation was complete,

Duane stood in the admissions office of Wellington Institute with Maya beside him.The counselor behind the desk looked through Maya's transcripts, nodding approvingly."These are excellent grades, Miss Wordsworth. You'll have no trouble getting accepted here."Maya beamed. "Really?""Absolutely. We'd be honored to have you."Duane's phone rang.Theodore Sterling's name appeared on the screen."Excuse me," Duane said to the counselor. He stepped into the hallway and answered. "Yes?""Mr. Wordsworth! Good morning! How are you doing today?"Theodore's voice was too cheerful, too eager."What do you want?""I, uh, I wanted to apologize again for the delay with your apartment. That was completely unacceptable, and I—""You already apologized. Why are you calling now?""Well, I wanted to make it up to you. Properly. I'm offering you additional land in Greenfield Heights. Free of charge. As compensation."Duane's jaw tightened. "I don't want your land.""But it's a generous offer! Prime loc

The airport was chaos.Private jets landed one after another, their passengers stepping out in designer suits and expensive dresses. Wealthy businessmen. Tycoons. International investors.All of them had come for one thing—to witness the inauguration of Wordsworth Tower and discover the identity of Mr. Wealthy Nobody.Alfred Williams stepped out of his limousine at the tower entrance, adjusting his tie nervously.Theodore Sterling arrived moments later, his face tight with anxiety.Harrison Cashmere pulled up in his own car, looking equally uncomfortable.The three men exchanged glances."Have you heard anything?" Harrison asked quietly."Nothing," Alfred replied. "Just that he'll reveal himself tonight."Theodore wiped his forehead. "I don't know whether to be excited or terrified.""Both," Alfred said. "Definitely both."They walked toward the entrance together, joining the stream of guests flowing into the tower.The lobby was magnificent with marble floors, crystal chandeliers, fl

Duane's voice was low and dangerous. "Don't ever raise your hand at my mother again."Gloria rubbed her wrist, defiant. "I'll do whatever I want.""No. You won't.""You can't stop me from getting what I deserve. Half of everything you own is mine by law."Duane turned away from her and looked at Leon. "We're moving forward with the plan.""Sir?""But there's going to be a slight twist."Leon nodded. "What do you need?""Call the MC at the tower. Tell him to introduce the founder now. Not in an hour. Now.""Yes, sir."Leon stepped out of the room to make the call.Gloria watched with confusion. "What are you doing?"Duane turned back to her. "You want a divorce? Fine. You'll get one.""And the settlement?""We'll discuss that."Gloria's eyes narrowed. "There's nothing to discuss. I want half.""Then bring your papers tomorrow morning. Both our lawyers will be present. We'll sign everything properly."Gloria hesitated. "Tomorrow morning?""Yes. Here at the hotel. Nine AM. Bring your law