The Velvet Lounge?!Why would Jade go to a place like that? Wasn't she supposed to be meeting a client?Alaric's mind raced as he spun on his heel and bolted from the exhibition hall, his heart pounding like a drum.Nothing could happen to her. Nothing!Rowena was still processing the situation when she saw Alaric sprint out in a frenzy.Where's he rushing off to like that?Just outside the Horizon Trade exhibition hall, Alaric was about to hail a cab when a glossy red Porsche 911 screeched to a halt before him.Vivienne emerged wearing a sleek black trench coat over a plunging V-neck top, her long legs sheathed in form-fitting black slacks that radiated confidence."Mr. Splendor, where are you off to in such a rush?"Vivienne barely had time to tilt her head before Alaric yanked open the passenger door and snapped urgently, "The Velvet Lounge!"Without hesitation, Vivienne threw the Porsche into gear. The scarlet sports car shot for

Thane Rowen!The undisputed crime lord of Olympus Reach!A man with connections reaching the highest levels.Just moments ago, Mr. James had been posturing like an untouchable king, but the instant Thane strode into the private room, he instantly became as meek as a lamb—standing there with a face dark as a storm cloud."Rowen," he spat through clenched teeth, veins throbbing dangerously at his temples, "what's the meaning of bringing so many men onto my turf?"The air crackled with tension as Mr. James clenched his jaw, seething with barely contained rage. Could he actually challenge Thane?An impossibility.And Thane? He didn't even grant Mr. James a passing glance, as if the man were beneath contempt. This utter disrespect ignited Mr. James' fury—after all, he was a top-five crime boss in Olympus Reach!Then came the moment that would leave everyone rooted to the spot in shock.Even Vera, who already had some inkling of Ala

Alaric gave a slight nod, his demeanor ice-cold as he stood. "Dr. Vane, any objections to how I handled this?"Damon glanced at Lothar groaning on the floor. "He earned this punishment. That Mr. Splendor disciplined him is more honor than he deserves."A nephew crippled, and his own uncle called it an honor.Thane sucked in a sharp breath. He'd known Mr. Splendor was extraordinary, but this? This was next-level power.Damon Vane—a medical luminary, a modern-day Hippocrates who'd treated the elite. The man was a walking network of influence. One word from him could ruin Thane overnight.Lothar writhed on the ground, whimpering through clenched teeth: "Uncle... make them pay..."Damon's face twisted in fury. Though unclear what his nephew had done, it must have been grave. "Director Rafe," he commanded, voice like steel, "remove Lothar. Get him treatment if possible." His gaze hardened. "Strip him of all hospital positions. He's confined to Yunhollo

One glance was all Ethan needed to know - this wasn't the painting he'd gifted Mr. Splendor.A damn fake!Then who the hell brought this counterfeit?And how did it end up displayed at Horizon Trade's exhibition, fooling everyone into thinking it was real?Before Ethan could react, Gavin started gushing about the artwork's history. "Mr. Caldwell, this masterpiece was Darriel's birthday gift to me - a real treasure! Could you take a look and tell us what you think?"Darriel? That little shit?Ethan's face twisted in suspicion as he studied Darriel's cocky smirk - the same punk who'd just dissed Alaric moments ago.Blood boiling, Ethan made his decision.Game over, Darriel.Time to teach this brat a lesson.With slow, dramatic steps, Ethan approached the display case, examining every brushstroke.The crowd watched in rapt attention. This was Olympus Reach's art world heavyweight! If he treated Elias's *Companions of the Spring Mou

Like a thunderbolt from clear skies!Alaric stood frozen for several heartbeats before processing Carrie's words, his voice instantly rising an octave: "Aria's missing?! Where are you?!"Panic seized him!It felt like a violent kick to the chest—cold sweat drenched his entire back."Bro-in-law, I'm at Vastar Amusement Park, I just—"Carrie's frantic voice was nearly drowned out by chaotic laughter and shrieks in the background."Stay right there! I'm on my way NOW!!" Alaric roared.Aria was gone!He tore outside in a panic, abandoning everyone in the exhibition hall.Behind him, Ethan Caldwell called out repeatedly, but Alaric didn't register a word.His father-in-law Gavin Kingsley cursed venomously, snarling that Alaric had no manners—was he rushing to his grave?He couldn't bring himself to tell Gavin about Aria's disappearance. That man wouldn't care whether the girl lived or died.To them, Aria's birt