Greg stopped at the doorway.For a split second, everything inside him went completely still.The echo of Alina’s earlier screams had faded, because right in front of him… was the worst sight he had ever seen.Alina was on the bed, her wrists were bruised and red from rope burns, and her hair was scattered across the pillow in tangled strands. Her dress had been torn into ragged pieces, barely covering her trembling body, even though she was still alive.She looked like someone who had fought too many battles alone, and lost strength.On the bed, kneeling over her, was a man breathing heavily, his face flushed with aggression and obsession. One hand pressed against the mattress and the other reaching toward her again despite her weak resistance.Alina had tried. It was obvious she had tried everything.There were broken objects on the floor—shards of glass, a lamp stand snapped in half, even a hairpin bent beyond recognition. She had fought him with anything she could reach.And for a

Upon hearing that Greg had rescued Alina, the entire Gatwick family stood frozen for a moment—then every eye turned toward Greg in awe.Even Claire looked at Greg as though seeing him for the first time. No one had even known Alina was missing.“Wait… Kidnapped? Alina was kidnapped?”A murmur spread instantly through the Gatwick family members present. Heads turned toward Alina, then back to Greg.“But we saw her in the hall,” Laura stepped forward, visibly shaken. “She was with the celebration. She was fine. When… when did this happen?”All eyes immediately shifted to Alina.Alina leaned slightly on Greg, still exhausted from everything she had endured. “In the hotel restroom,” she said.Confusion erupted.“The restroom?” Deg repeated sharply. “At the hotel?”Claire covered her mouth, her face paling.“How is that even possible? She was in the hall moments before the announcement!”Alina closed her eyes briefly, as if recalling the trauma.“I stepped out,” she continued quietly. “

The Stephens family was in unusually high spirits that week because their family company had secured a partnership with Aurelious Group. To them, it felt like a breakthrough into the upper tier of Belton’s corporate world, though in comparison to the partnership the Gatwick family had secured through Greg Barnsley’s influence, theirs was relatively modest. The Stephens family celebrated as though they had conquered the entire city. Sean Stephens, Eva’s father, called for an immediate family meeting in their large sitting room. The house was filled with laughter, champagne, and excited speculation about the future. “This is the beginning of something bigger! Ben Royston has done well for us! With his position at Virgo Holdings, this partnership is just the start,” Sean declared, raising his glass. Everyone nodded enthusiastically. They believed the partnership had come through Virgo Holdings influence—specifically through Ben Royston’s “connections” within the company. In reality,

Upon hearing Claire’s words that Alina’s money was part of what was being fought for, Greg paused mid-step. His expression shifted slightly and a faint frown formed on his face. Claire’s tone carried urgency but she wasn’t saying everything. “I'm listening,” Greg said calmly. Claire, however, had no patience left. Her voice cracked through the noise of the crowded street outside the finance building. “Don’t just stand there watching me!” she snapped. “Do what I told you to do first! You’ll understand everything later!” Her hand tightened around the placard she was holding, shaking it aggressively toward the sealed glass doors of the building. Above them, faded letters read: Orion Crest Assurance Ltd. A once-promising company now standing silent. Greg frowned deeper. “Orion Crest Assurance…” he repeated slowly. Claire clicked her tongue. “Yes! That one! Now stop asking unnecessary questions and act!” Now Greg understood he had no choice—for now. He reached out an

The protesters, who had been shouting angrily moments earlier, suddenly shifted their attention. Whispers broke out almost immediately. “Look at him… he’s so refined and handsome. I wonder which family is fortunate enough to have him as their future son-in-law.” “Just his presence alone screams wealth. This is clearly someone from a powerful background.” “He looks like the kind of man who can solve anything with a single phone call.” Admiration spread quickly through the crowd, replacing tension with curiosity and awe. Mac stepped out of the car slowly, adjusting his cufflinks with calm confidence. His polished shoes hit the ground with deliberate precision, and his presence alone seemed to elevate the atmosphere. All eyes turned toward him. Even those who had been shouting moments earlier now lowered their voices instinctively. Claire, seeing him arrive, felt a surge of pride and relief. She pushed through the crowd quickly and approached him. “Mr Crawford, thank