The roar of the mountain crowd still rang down the highway as Nicholas slid into the back seat of his sedan. Vivian sat beside him, holding the folder that contained the official transfer documents for Silverline Commercial Plaza.“Ethan won’t recover from this,” Vivian said quietly, her eyes looking at the signed papers. “He staked his family’s best asset on a race he was certain he would win. The Peterson inner circle is falling apart.”“Ethan fought out of pride,” Nicholas replied, looking out the window at the distant city lights. “He believed his talent could never fail, so he risked everything to protect his pride. When you act out of anger, you leave the door wide open.”

Last Updated : 2026-08-15

Julian slowly sank back into his velvet chair, his knuckles turning chalky white as he gripped his knees. He didn't yell. He didn't throw a fit. A deep, sick embarrassment washed over him, turning his face a dull shade of red. He had handed full control of tonight’s presentation to Victoria, trusting her grand plan to rebuild their family’s authority. Now, sitting under the blinding lights with every news camera pointed at their front row, he felt like a helpless child. He squeezed his eyes shut, completely unable to look at his sister or the crowd behind him.On stage, Victoria’s chest heaved beneath her dark blue dress. Her knuckles turned raw as she practically leaned her entire weight against the microphone stand to keep her knees from buckling. Her mind raced wildly, searching for any way to reclaim control of her own stage."Security," Victoria demanded, her voice cutting through the microphone with a sudden, desperate sharp edge. "Hold that man where he stands. The auction s

Knox’s loud, rough laughter echoed down the dark, empty hallway of the property office."You think you’re a big man because you bought some land?" Knox sneered, holding the Zippo’s yellow flame closer to the thick paper folder. "Without these deeds, your sixty-five million dollars gets trapped in court for five years. Julian will tie you up in legal knots until you’re broke."Knox was arrogant because he had spent years doing dirty work for the Peterson family. He believed a student in a plain jacket would panic the moment physical force was brought into a business deal.Nicholas stood near the shattered doorway, entirely unbothered. He didn't jump forward. He didn't plead for the documents."Julian sent you because he’s desperate," Nicholas said smoothly, keeping his voice low and steady. "He lost the auction, he ruined his sister's stock, and now he sends an enforcer to commit arson in a government building.""Shut your mouth!" Knox snapped, his smile fading as anger flared in his e