"Mr. Rowen, I'll be right there," crime boss Thane responded before hanging up. He drew a sharp breath, tension coiling in his shoulders.Malcolm from The Obsidian Circle had provoked Alaric? The fool was sealing his own fate!For years, Thane had tolerated Malcolm's overreach—his influence stretched too far. Recently, Malcolm had grown restless, covertly undermining Thane's operations. Though Thane had turned a blind eye—men of their stature preferred behind-the-scenes power plays—today changed the game. Malcolm had crossed an inviolable line.Why not ride this wave to crush him completely?The moment the thought crystallized, Thane's fingers flew across his phone. Within seconds, over a dozen top lieutenants mobilized like well-oiled machinery. Every underground asset across Olympus Reach sprang to attention with one command: surround Malcolm's territories and await the signal.His most trusted enforcers had waited years for this. The riv

Young Master Taylor!Even Malcolm, to this day, couldn't fathom the depths of Young Master Taylor's financial power—it was practically immeasurable!A single display of Young Master Taylor's capabilities in the past had been enough to make Malcolm pledge unwavering loyalty.As the youngest grandson of the Taylor family's third generation—Elder Taylor's most doted-on heir—Young Master Taylor's influence was absolute.So in Malcolm's eyes, with Young Master Taylor's support, forget about Thane or Gideon—they wouldn't even register on his radar!The Taylor family's wealth? Completely unfathomable!Young Master Taylor's personal fortune alone exceeded billions!Could you even comprehend such wealth?"Malcolm," came the smooth, arrogant voice through the receiver, laced with amusement, "what's got you in such a panic?"The background buzzed with women's laughter and the pounding bass of club music.Malcolm shot Tha

"The doctor I contacted is Dr. Vane."Alaric finally confessed.Jade's fingers froze over her phone as she stared at him in disbelief.He'd reached Dr. Vane?After a stunned pause, her expression turned skeptical. "Alaric, this isn't the time for jokes," she said coldly.There was no way she could believe him.Dr. Vane—a distinguished cardiologist with an international reputation.Someone like Alaric couldn't possibly have connections to such an eminent professor.He must be trying to comfort her."Jade, I'm serious. I really contacted Dr. Vane. I—" Alaric began.But—A mocking laugh interrupted from behind."Alaric, you're really spinning tales now," Elandor sneered as he strode back into the room. "You expect us to believe you contacted Dr. Vane? If you're trying to cheer Jade up, there are better ways."Ignoring Alaric completely, he settled onto the couch with arrogant satisfaction. "Jade, I've ar

Jade was momentarily stunned—Alaric spoke with such certainty it sounded like he knew something.Since when would Alaric know about Dr. Vane's schedule?"Alright, I know you're trying to comfort me," Jade said, her voice laced with worry, "but if Dr. Vane doesn't have time now, we'll just have to wait."But Alaric just grinned. "Jade, do you trust me?"She eyed him with suspicion, noticing a quiet confidence she'd never noticed in him before."You're my husband. Who else could I trust?" she replied with a faint smile.But in truth, she was just humoring him. When it came to this matter, she trusted Elandor far more. After all, he had money, influence, and connections—he was the one who'd secured Aria's appointment with Dr. Vane. Still, she couldn't bear to deflate him, so she kept her doubts to herself.Alaric saw right through her. Taking her slender hand in his, he reassured her, "Trust me, Jade. I'll handle things with Dr. Vane. Aria

Jade stood rooted to the spot, her mind spinning as if she'd been struck by lightning.Alaric... being called "Mr. Splendor"?Wait!That man—that was Hector, owner of Lumière!At her father's birthday banquet, he'd personally delivered top-shelf liquor and handed over a platinum membership card!And Jade vividly remembered Hector mentioning "Mr. Splendor" back then too.At the time, everyone had been mocking Alaric, so naturally no one connected it to him. Only Jade had filed this detail away in her memory, though she'd soon forgotten it.But right now.Hector had appeared again, addressing her husband with deep respect—"Mr. Splendor"!Even if Jade didn't fully understand, she could connect the dots.That night, had Hector been delivering gifts to her father on Alaric's behalf?Alaric noticed Jade's shell-shocked expression immediately.Crap. She must have figured something out.His icy glare reduced