The pressure was too much. I urgently needed the money, and if I tried to go through the slow process of raising it myself, it would take weeks. My mother’s critical illness simply could not afford to wait. I fell silent and raised no further objections to Sloane's demands.Sloane continued packing her things into her leather suitcase, barely glancing at me as she moved around the bedroom. She mentioned casually that she was attending a high-profile charity auction tonight. "The final item is a legendary ring," she said while zipping up her suitcase. "Rumor says it contains a great secret."She smirked."And the CEO of Aether Semiconductor will be there too."Even I had heard of Aether Semiconductor.In just one year, the company had gone from the brink of bankruptcy to becoming the most influential company in the country. Its mysterious owner was the subject of endless speculation among the wealthy elite.A dreamy look appeared in Sloane's eyes.It was a look I knew all too well.

Nurse Tinsley did not move the bed back into the room. Instead, she stared at my phone screen for a second and then continued to mock me. She questioned me with a mean sneer on her face. "You think a digital text receipt without an official bank stamp is proof that you actually transferred the money? Anyone can fake a text message, Riven."Nurse Blythe joined in right away. Her voice was dripping with absolute sarcasm as she stepped around me. She grabbed the handles of the gurney and insisted on wheeling my mother out of the ward toward the elevator. "Exactly. Move out of the way. We do not have time for your little games."Suddenly, Nurse Greer gasped loudly. She had pulled out her own phone and was staring at the screen with wide eyes. "Wait. Have you checked the hospital staff group chat just now? The main account office just posted an update. Director Callaway's bank just transferred ten million dollars to the hospital!"Nurse Tinsley stopped pushing the bed and frowned. "Te

Linnea took me to a shopping mall to buy new clothes before the upcoming events. As we walked through the entrance, she handed me a black card."This entire mall is under Aether Semiconductor," Linnea explained, her voice quiet and precise. "You now have the highest tier VIP membership across the entire corporate system."She directed me toward the entrance of the mall's most famous luxury boutique, Luxe 1. "Wait here for me while I go to fetch the head designer," she added, checking her phone. "This designer never works for anyone else, but he will handle your requests personally."I nodded in agreement and stood near the doorway while she went into the back offices. I waited quietly, completely aware of how my damp delivery clothes stood out, though my mind was still focused on my mother's recovery at the hospital."Riven? What on earth are you doing here?"I turned to see Odette walking out from one of the inner sections of the store. Walking right beside her was her son, Julian Me

The car pulled up smoothly at the grand entrance of the city auction house. The tall pillars lined the front, and a long red carpet stretched out toward the glass doors. Linnea stepped out first, walking around to open the passenger side door for me. I stepped out, adjusting the collar of my brand-new custom suit.Right at that exact second, a sharp gasp came from a few feet away. I turned my head and saw Sloane standing near the ticket counter. Standing right beside her was Lysander Croft, who was wearing a flashy silver tuxedo and a diamond watch. They both froze, staring at my expensive clothes and the sleek corporate car behind me.Sloane’s face twisted into an immediate sneer. She walked over, her high heels clicking loudly against the pavement. "Well, look at you, Riven. I was wondering how a broke delivery boy could afford to dress like that. Did you find yourself some rich sugar mommy to keep you and buy you nice toys?"My expression turned completely cold as I looked down

I looked directly at both of them, my voice sounding flat and icy. "I am a registered guest participating in the auction. If you want the ring, keep bidding. If you don't have the stomach or the wallet for it, shut your mouths."Lysander slammed his fist onto his armrest. "You arrogant trash!" He raised his paddle again, his knuckles turning white. "Six point five million dollars!”He had a total of ten million dollars and could only increment gradually, firmly believing that I could not possibly have that much money. He looked down on me, glaring across the rows as he challenged whether I could really afford it. "Let's see you match that! You're just bluffing to save face!"Sloane praised him instantly, her voice dripping with venom as she continued mocking me. "Keep going, Lysander! He's just a beggar trying to act tough. He'll crawl back to his hole the second you press him!"I did not pause for a fraction of a second. I raised my paddle calmly. "Ten million dollars.”I directly bi