Keannue scoffed, pulling the device out to silence it, but his thumb froze over the screen. The caller ID flashedChairman Clifford Hot Sweat broke out on Keannue’s forehead. He quickly answered and pulled it closer to his ear, dropping his voice into a sycophantic whine. “Good evening, Chairman Clifford. I am currently at the Eastern Gala representing our firm, networking with key figures.”“Keannue Clark!” a furious voice roared through the speaker so loudly that Gabriel could hear every single word. “Where the hell are you right now?!”“I… I’m at the gala, sir.” He stuttered.“You are fired!” the Chairman screamed back, his breath ragged with outrage. “Ten seconds ago, our main server received an absolute clearance audit from the international financial regulator. Your trading accounts have been seized, your corporate credentials are wiped, and security is currently clearing out your office desk! What the hell did you do, and whom did you insult?”Keannue’s knees buckled. The gla

“You shouldn't talk to my friends like that. Naomi is putting in honest work, and the same for Mr. Fletcher and his son.”He continued, “You shouldn't talk about her father like that; you don't know what was happening behind the scenes. A person's worth is measured by their character, not the silk on their back. Christopher Vincent was a hero who saved lives on the northern border while your family hoarded stolen wealth. Dr Vincent carries his honour. You carry nothing."Rita sneered, tossing her head back with a bitter laugh to cover the sudden chill running down her spine. "A hero? He was a nobody, and Collins Logistics built half the shipping lines in this city! You think a nameless stray in a nice suit can talk down to me?”Rita laughed, waving her hand dismissively. “I don't know a handsome man can be this intelligent,” she sneered. “I don't care about your friend or what you said.”She pointed toward her table. “Mind if you come sit with me? I have more than the people you call

A week after Lilian recovered, the Fletcher home filled the quiet house with a warmth it had lacked for years.Inside the living room, Lilian Fletcher stood in front of the wall mirror, smoothing down her simple cotton dress. Her cheeks, once sunken and pale from years, now bloomed with a healthy colour. She stretched her arms, taking a deep breath without a single wheeze or cough.“I am going to the grand mall downtown,” Lilian announced cheerfully, turning around to face Arthur and Julian with a determined smile. “I’ve been trapped in a hospital bed for two years. Today, I am buying new clothes with my own hands.”Arthur immediately set his teacup down, his face full of worry. “Lilian, your body has just recovered. The city is still busy, and the crowds downtown are too rough. Julian and I will come with you.”“No, Father, I heard you have to oversee the morning shipments at Pier 4,” Lilian argued gently, crossing her arms with a stubborn

Inside a small, retro diner near the harbour entrance, the air smelled of freshly brewed coffee, grilled onions, and fried bacon. The quiet hum of an old radio played softly in the background as dockworkers sat at the counter, enjoying their lunch break.Julian sat in a corner booth near the window, a cup of hot black coffee sitting untouched on the table in front of him. He was reviewing a set of manifest schedules for Fletcher Logistics’ expanding routes with Bluecrown Maritime. With the corrupt harbour officials removed and the business thriving, a sense of pride normally filled his chest.Yet today, a strange energy lingered in the back of his mind.The door of the diner chimed as it swung open. An older man in a faded brown hoodie stepped inside. He had greying hair and a sharp jawline.The man scanned the diner, his gaze passing over the customers before freezing directly on Julian.His eyes softened with an intense emotio

"Gabriel," Julian called out, his voice thick with emotion. "I didn't know you were here?"Gabriel kept his expression neutral, hiding every trace of prior knowledge to protect his secret identity."I was heading back from an errand near the docks when I saw you sitting here alone," Gabriel said softly, "Why are you sitting out in the cold by yourself, Julian? Is something wrong?"Julian looked up, his eyes brimming with fresh tears. At first, he turned his face away, stubbornly staring down at the dark water as if trying to hold back the overwhelming storm inside his chest. But the steady warmth radiating from Gabriel proved too much to bear alone."My whole life, it feels like a lie, Gabriel," Julian choked out, wiping a bitter tear from his cheek with the back of his sleeve. "I found out Arthur isn't my real father. My mother was murdered, I have an older brother."Gabriel remained silent, giving Julian the space to vent without interr