"What the hell?" Victor was the first to recover from the shock. His eyes widened as he pointed a trembling finger at Veyron. "Is he deaf? Didn't he hear what Mr. Miller just said? How dare he hit the Legendary Warlord's trusted confidant?""Veyron!" Catherine shrieked in disbelief. "Do you even know who you're laying your hands on? You've really done it this time!"Julian stared at Veyron with his mouth slightly open. His expression was filled with disbelief. "He's insane... He has completely lost his mind."The others remained frozen. They had always known Veyron was arrogant, bold and fearless. But they had never imagined he would go this far. This wasn't merely offending an influential figure. He was publicly humiliating the man who claimed to be the Legendary Warlord's closest confidant. Was he truly tired of living? At that moment, everyone looked at Veyron with the exact same thought. This man was a complete lunatic.Robert finally managed to steady his breathing. His swollen

CRACK!The crisp sound of shattering bones echoed through the villa as Veyron twisted Julian's arms without the slightest hesitation. In an instant, both arms hung limply by his sides, completely useless."ARGHHHHHH!"Julian's agonized scream tore through the silent night. His face turned deathly pale as unbearable pain surged through his entire body."Help me! Somebody help me! Please! Help me!"His agonized screams were so piercing that chills ran down everyone's spines. Yet no one moved.They all exchanged uneasy glances, but every pair of feet remained rooted to the ground. Fear had completely robbed them of the courage to step forward. They could only watch."Does it hurt?" Veyron looked down at him indifferently, his eyes as cold as frozen steel. A faint smile curved his lips. It wasn't warm or amused. It was the smile of someone delivering judgment."This..." He spoke calmly. "...is only the beginning."Julian's entire body trembled violently. "Please..."He looked around with

The next day, a heavy atmosphere shrouded the Hawthorne family estate.The luxurious villa that was usually filled with laughter and lively conversations had fallen into complete silence, broken only by heart-wrenching cries echoing through the halls. Servants walked cautiously with lowered heads, not daring to make the slightest sound as members of the Hawthorne family gathered inside one of the largest bedrooms.Julian lay motionless on the bed. Both his arms and legs were wrapped in thick layers of bandages, leaving only parts of his face exposed. His entire body looked so tightly bound that he resembled a mummy imprisoned beneath countless strips of white cloth.His complexion was deathly pale, and despite the expensive medical equipment surrounding him, there was no sign that his condition had improved.The family physician slowly withdrew his hand after completing another examination.A deep sigh escaped his lips before he turned to face everyone waiting anxiously behind him."

"I see..." Veyron smiled faintly, a playful glint flashing across his eyes. "So I've officially been promoted from driver to bodyguard?""Of course." Iris nodded matter-of-factly, although the corners of her lips curled into an amused smile."You fight far too well to remain just my driver." She glanced at him briefly. "A bodyguard suits you much better."Veyron couldn't help chuckling. "If that's the case, perhaps I should ask for a salary now."Iris shot him an exasperated look before suppressing a laugh. "We'll discuss that after today's meeting."The lighthearted exchange eased the atmosphere as they walked side by side into the building. Meanwhile, Veyron's thoughts quietly drifted elsewhere. Now that he remembered Reginald Langford was IWC's largest shareholder, helping Iris obtain this partnership would be effortless. One phone call would be enough. Reginald would probably rush over personally if he asked.However, after a brief moment of consideration, Veyron dismissed the tho

"Prejudice?" Director Palmer leaned back comfortably in his chair before letting out a faint chuckle. He slowly nodded. "Well, you could call it prejudice, if you like."Iris frowned in confusion. She searched her memory over and over. As far as she knew, Raven & Radiance had never crossed paths with IWC before she contacted Director Palmer.They had no previous conflicts. No business disputes. No history whatsoever. Then... where was this prejudice coming from?Before she could voice her question, Director Palmer calmly continued, "To be precise... I believe the profit-sharing ratio we discussed previously is far too generous.""Director Palmer." Iris' brows knitted together. "Our previous agreement was sixty-five to thirty-five."She maintained a calm, professional tone. "Your company receives sixty-five percent of the profits, while Raven & Radiance only receives thirty-five."She looked directly at him. "Surely that's already favorable to IWC.""Miss Blackwell." Director Palmer sm