The alliance between Ethan Reed and Alexander Kingsley remained a secret.Only Victor, Clara, and a handful of trusted people knew the truth.To the outside world, the two billionaires were still bitter enemies.That was exactly how Ethan wanted it."If our real enemy thinks we're still fighting," Ethan told Victor, "he'll become careless."Victor nodded."We'll use that against him."---Back at the Park mansion, security had become tighter than ever.Every vehicle was inspected.Every visitor's identity was verified.Sophia tried to smile despite the tension.As she walked through the garden, Ethan joined her."You should stay inside today," he said.She looked at him with concern."You're worried.""I have a reason to be."Sophia gently took his hand."We've faced everything together.""We'll face this too."Ethan smiled softly and kissed her forehead."I won't let anyone hurt you or our baby."---Later that afternoon, Alexander returned to his hotel suite.He sat alone, reading R

Morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the Park mansion.For the first time in weeks, laughter filled the dining room.Mrs. Park had prepared a large breakfast to celebrate the news that Ethan and Sophia were expecting a baby boy.Kevin raised a glass of orange juice."To my future nephew!"Everyone laughed.Grandpa Park smiled."I already know he'll be as stubborn as his father."Sophia giggled."I hope he gets Ethan's kindness instead."Ethan looked at his wife and smiled."As long as he's healthy, I'll be happy."For a brief moment, they forgot about the danger surrounding them.---At Reed Global Headquarters, Victor entered Ethan's office carrying several documents."Chairman."Ethan looked up."Did the police learn anything from the witness?"Victor nodded."They created a sketch of the older man with the silver cane."He placed the sketch on the desk.Ethan studied it carefully.The man appeared to be in his late sixties.His sharp eyes and calm expression gave him an

The sun had barely risen over Seoul when Reed Global's emergency response team gathered at the Park mansion.Police officers searched every room again.Forensic experts dusted for fingerprints.The mansion looked more like a crime scene than a home.Sophia sat quietly in the living room, her hands resting on her growing baby bump.She couldn't stop thinking about the break-in.Ethan walked over and sat beside her."I'm sorry."Sophia gently shook her head."You have nothing to apologize for.""They didn't come because of you.""They came because of your father's secret."Ethan sighed."And now they've taken it."Sophia took his hand."Then we'll find it."Her confidence brought a faint smile to Ethan's face."We always do."---At Reed Global Headquarters, Victor addressed the executive security team."We've reviewed every security camera within a five-kilometer radius."One of the analysts stood up."We found the escape vehicle."Victor looked hopeful."Where did it go?"The analyst

Gunfire echoed through the Harbor Clock Tower.Bullets shattered the ancient windows as Ethan, Alexander, Victor, and their security team took cover behind the thick stone walls."Keep your heads down!" Victor shouted.A bullet struck the wall inches from Ethan, sending pieces of stone flying across the room.The attackers had completely surrounded the tower.Outside, more than a dozen masked gunmen slowly moved closer.Their leader spoke into his radio."Remember Mr. Moreau's orders.""Chairman Reed must be captured alive.""As for the others..."He smiled coldly."They're expendable."---Inside the hidden chamber, Alexander tightly held the letter written by their fathers."This cannot fall into Vincent's hands."Ethan nodded."It won't."He quickly gathered the most important evidence from the safe.The Black Horizon Holdings file.The original partnership agreement signed by Richard Reed and William Kingsley.The ledger of secret financial transactions.Victor looked at the remai

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.The mysterious auction announced by Vincent Moreau had become the biggest topic among the world's wealthiest elites. Billionaires, politicians, art collectors, and powerful business leaders quietly disappeared from public view.Their destination was known only to a select few.The Empress of the Sea.A luxury cruise ship sailing in international waters.---Inside Reed Global Headquarters, Ethan held one final strategy meeting.Victor stood before a digital map."The ship will leave South Korean waters tonight.""There will be heavy security at every entrance."Alexander crossed his arms."Vincent expects us to arrive.""Which means he'll be watching every move."Clara stepped forward."I still have contacts inside Black Horizon.""They managed to get us three invitations."She placed three elegant gold invitation cards on the table.Victor smiled."Looks like we're going to the auction."Ethan shook his head."Not all of us."Everyone looked