Dominic’s furious scream echoed off the high walls, leaving the entire auction hall completely silent. The wealthy guests leaned forward in their velvet chairs, whispering among themselves as they watched the VIP balcony above. Down on the stage, the chief auctioneer slowly lowered his wooden gavel, wiping cold sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief."Master Dominic raises a valid point under chamber rules," the auctioneer announced nervously into the microphone. "Any bid exceeding fifty million dollars requires immediate financial verification to ensure the bidder holds sufficient liquid funds. Miss Ashford, the Chamber of Commerce must kindly request proof of your company's bank balance before we proceed."A wave of quiet chuckles and mocking murmurs rippled across the ground floor among the wealthy business owners. "Ashford Maritime had all its accounts frozen three days ago," a silver-haired banker whispered to his neighbor. "There is no way a bankrupt orphan girl can show fi

Dominic shoved his weeping banking manager away with a violent kick of his shoe, refusing to hear another word about bankruptcy. He ordered his four large bodyguards to push his wheelchair straight up the wooden ramp toward the presentation stage. Even with five broken ribs burning inside his chest, Dominic's face twisted into a mask of pure, stubborn madness.The chief auction clerk hurried over with a trembling hand, laying the official transfer contract and digital payment terminal across Dominic’s lap. Dominic did not hesitate for a second, grabbing the electronic pen and scribbling his crooked signature across the dotted line. He slammed his thumb onto the confirmation sensor, watching the system drain one hundred and thirty million dollars from the Caldwell accounts.A loud electronic chime rang through the hall as the massive payment cleared into the auction escrow account. Master Song’s two young apprentices stepped forward, carefully lifting the heavy glass display case and r

Serena Ashford reached out with both hands, gently taking the heavy sandalwood box from Master Song. The warm amber glow of the golden root lit up her face, its sweet honey scent washing over the front rows. The entire hall broke into thunderous applause, with business owners and elders standing up to honor the moment.Camera flashes lit up the stage from every angle as reporters rushed forward, eager to take pictures of the legendary root. Down in the front row, Dominic Caldwell remained slumped in his steel wheelchair, coughing blood in silent, broken despair. But from the back of the auditorium, the sound of frantic, sharp high heels clicked loudly against the floor.Cassandra Reed shoved her way through the crowded aisle, her green silk dress swishing wildly around her knees. Her eyes were wide with burning greed, fixed entirely on the golden root in Serena’s hands. She ignored the warning shouts of the security guards at the ropes, running straight up the wooden stage steps."Wai

Gideon pushed open the heavy glass doors, stepping out onto the quiet hospital terrace. The cool night wind blew across the stone balcony, carrying the clean, sharp smell of the open ocean. Below the high walls, the golden lights of Port Valenford stretched toward the dark water like a blanket of stars.Behind him in the warm room, Lily and Maya were sleeping peacefully under soft blankets, their little faces healthy and warm. Martha was resting in an armchair by the beds, watching over her daughters with peaceful tears in her eyes. Gideon stood alone by the stone railing, his dark coat fluttering softly in the midnight breeze.The sound of steady military boots clicked across the stone tiles as Commander Alistair Kane stepped out into the night air. Kane held a thick black leather file stamped with the golden seal of the Northern Intelligence Bureau. He stopped two paces behind Gideon, holding the confidential folder out with both of his gloved hands."Supreme Commander, the full rep

Serena Ashford did not flinch before Bradley Vance’s loud threats, turning away from his shouting men and walking calmly into the main boardroom. She sat down at the head of the long conference table, keeping her eyes fixed on the shipping logs before her. Bradley Vance and Dominic Caldwell followed right on her heels, their heavy boots slamming against the floorboards.Dominic leaned heavily on his black cane, laughing like a sick dog as he dragged his broken body across the room. His bruised face twisted with ugly, spiteful joy, his bloodshot eyes glaring at Serena’s quiet face. "You cannot run from my uncle, Serena!" Dominic shouted. "Your little kingdom by the sea ends today!"Bradley Vance marched straight to the head of the table, pulling a leather chair back with a harsh screech. He threw his heavy trench coat open and pulled a thick, fresh cigar from his pocket, lighting it with a snap. Thick blue smoke rolled across the clean glass desk as he glared down at the young woman."