It was past midnight when Gloria's phone rang.She'd been lying in bed staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep, her mind racing with worry about what Charlie and his organization might do next.She grabbed the phone and saw Charlie's name on the screen."Hello?""We failed." Charlie's voice was cold and flat.Gloria sat up straight. "What do you mean you failed?""The kidnapping. It didn't work. Duane knew about our plan even before we executed it."Gloria's blood ran cold. "How is that possible?""Because you were followed, Gloria. Because you didn't tell us that Duane had elite security watching his every move.""I didn't know—""You should have known! You were married to him! You should have warned us that he wasn't just some rich man we could grab off the street!"Gloria's hands started shaking. "What happened? Is everyone okay?""Randall was arrested. His men were taken down. And I barely escaped.""Arrested?” Gloria felt panic rising in her chest. "But they can't prove anything,

Duane stayed calm. "I'm not here to insult you. I'm here to make you an offer." "I don't care what your offer is! I've been in this business for thirty years! I don't need advice from some kid in a cheap suit!" "Mr. Miller, if you'd just listen—" "No! You listen! Get out of my office before I throw you out myself!" Mr. Miller stood up, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. Duane looked at him for a long moment. Then without hesitation, Duane stepped forward and slapped him hard across the face. The sound echoed through the small office like a gunshot. Mr. Miller stumbled backward, his hand flying to his cheek, his eyes wide with shock. The room fell completely silent. Duane's voice was cold and calm. "You just disrespected Mrs. Wordsworth." "What? Who?" "Mrs. Wordsworth. The woman who was about to decide the fate of your company." Mr. Miller's face went from red to white. "I didn't know—" "You didn't ask. You just assumed I was nobody important and treated me like

Duane smiled at Harrison, watching confusion spread across the man's face.Then he moved closer, his voice dropping to something cold and menacing."If you expose my secret, I'll have nothing to lose."Harrison's confidence faltered slightly. "What do you mean?""I mean I wouldn't have to hide my name anymore. I wouldn't have to pretend. I could go all out. I could buy out your suppliers, take your clients and destroy everything you've built."Harrison took a step back. "You wouldn't dare—""I would. Because once my secret is out, there's no reason to hold back anymore."Harrison's face went pale but he forced himself to stand straighter. "You're bluffing.""Am I?""Yes. Because exposing yourself would bring more enemies than you can handle. You'd face threats from people far more powerful than me."Harrison's voice gained strength as he continued. "You'd be exposed to authorities for tricking the public about the ownership of your tower. They'd investigate you, audit you, tear apart

The Chief of Police walked back into his office, his hands shaking as he closed the door behind him.The visit had lasted less than fifteen minutes but it had changed everything.A representative from the secret society had sat in that very chair, speaking calmly and politely, but the threat behind every word was crystal clear.The same secret society that had planted him in his position years ago.The same people who could destroy his career with a single phone call.They'd given him an order and his hands were completely tied.He had to make sure Randall Hopi was released from custody and the case against him dismissed.They'd even provided the tools to do it, a file filled with fabricated evidence showing that Randall had been framed, that the entire case was built on lies and manipulation.The Chief sat down heavily in his chair and opened the file.The documents looked official and convincing, witness statements claiming they'd been coerced, forensic reports that contradicted the

Harrison stared at Duane in disbelief. "You can't be serious.""I'm completely serious. Leave.""But we're about to sign—""The rest of us are about to sign. Not you."Harrison's face turned red with anger. "This is ridiculous! I'm part of this group!"Duane's voice was cold. "Not anymore.""You can't just throw me out—"Duane turned to the guards standing near the elevator. "Remove him from the building."Two large men in dark suits stepped forward.Harrison backed away. "Wait, let's talk about this—"The guards grabbed his arms firmly."Get your hands off me!"They began dragging him toward the elevator despite his protests.Alfred spoke up nervously. "Duane, is this really the right thing to do?"Duane turned to face him. "Harrison threatened to expose my secret a few days ago."The room went silent.Catherine's eyes widened. "He what?""He threatened to reveal my true identity to the media if I didn't back off one of his companies."John's face hardened. "That would have destroyed