So they were playing the long game.The Bancroft family. A true powerhouse from the western province, far beyond anything the Great Families of this small city could hope to match. Brandon Vale wanted nothing more than to strangle Aaron Holmes right then and there. Ever since Aaron had entered the picture, the Vale family's once steady growth had turned into an obstacle course where each challenge proved harder than the last.When Serena Vale spotted Julian Bancroft and Orson approaching, anger flashed across her delicate features. She hadn't forgotten the words Orson had spoken to her that day. But why were they here? Had they come to cause trouble for Aaron?Her mind raced, calculating how she might help Aaron and stop the Bancroft family from whatever they were planning.While the Vale family members stood frozen in uncertainty, Julian led the two men directly toward Serena. Then, under the shocked stares of everyone present, he slowly bowed."Serena, we'

"Serena, I really can't tell if you're genuinely naive or just playing innocent. That blond guy with the green eyes was obviously interested in you. That's the only reason he agreed so quickly."Serena Vale hurried to explain, worried that Aaron Holmes might misunderstand. "That's not true at all. Zara Sutton just thought the beauty wellness center was a fantastic project. That's why he invested. It has nothing to do with me personally.""Okay, okay, Serena. You're the best." Maren Holt immediately caught on to Serena's meaning and dropped the subject. As for Aaron's luxurious villa, she wasn't surprised in the slightest. Given his identity, even if he owned the entire mountaintop, it wouldn't be remarkable. This was Lord Holmes, after all. Rusteria's youngest war god, commander of the nation's entire military force. He was practically invincible. Wherever he went, who wouldn't want to curry favor with him?"Oh, Aaron, there's two million in this card. You should take

"Obstruction?" Oswald Creighton scoffed. "Who saw that?"He rose to his feet, his gaze sweeping across the surrounding crowd with casual menace.Every onlooker flinched and turned away. Not a single person dared step forward."All I saw was you assaulting these two gentlemen," Oswald continued, his tone dripping with false sincerity. "Beyond that, I didn't see anything at all.""How can you be like this?" Serena Vale protested, her delicate face flushed with indignation. "They blocked our way first. They tried to force us to drink with them. My boyfriend only defended us."As she spoke, she instinctively referred to Aaron Holmes as her boyfriend. In truth, their relationship had already settled into that shape, even if neither had formally acknowledged it yet."Where's your proof?" Oswald sneered. "I have witnesses on my side who can confirm you started the violence. When this goes to court, you'll be paying medical expenses and emotional distress fees

But by then, they would have already been deported back home. Aaron Holmes could only rage impotently from afar."Don't worry about what happens in Haven. Head back and get some rest. Once I deliver Serena Vale to you, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy yourselves.""Heh heh!"Patrick and Parker both broke into eager grins.After the two departed, Victor Blackwell turned to the portly man beside him. Warren Pike shifted under his gaze, attentive and ready."Mr. Pike, you heard everything we discussed. While I don't need your help dealing with the Vale family just yet, I need you to monitor their every move. At least until I'm ready to strike."Warren Pike nodded repeatedly, his jowls quivering. "Mr. Victor Blackwell, rest assured. Leave it to me."SK Holdings had already built a respectable reputation in Rusteria, and internationally it commanded even greater renown. Warren Pike knew better than to miss this chance to curry favor. He had invited V

To Serena, Vale Group was completely finished.The beauty clinic had consumed enormous amounts of capital just to get off the ground. Everything was in place now, which meant all the money that needed to be spent had already been spent. And now, at the worst possible moment, her partners were pulling out.Where was she supposed to find that kind of money?And that didn't even account for the sixty million from SK Holdings.Once the project failed to launch, she would owe ten times that amount in penalties. Six hundred million dollars. Even if she liquidated every share of Vale Group, she couldn't raise six hundred million. And that still didn't include what she owed the other partners.Serena felt a chill settle deep in her chest.This was all Victor's fault, yet somehow she was the one being targeted. The injustice of it made her want to scream."Serena, this is all Aaron's doing," Camille said, shooting a venomous glare in Aaron's direction. "If