That evening, across the front desk of the Clinic. Lilian sat swinging her legs slowly while her face was clouded with a mixed expression.Naomi stepped out of the dispensary room carrying a stack of fresh medical charts. Pausing by the front desk, she noticed the tense posture and worried look in the girl’s eyes. She set the files down gently and leaned against the counter.“Lilian, is everything alright?” Naomi asked, her tone laced with gentle concern. “You’ve been quiet all evening. Did something happen at home?”Lilian let out a soft sigh, resting her chin in her hands. “It’s not home, Naomi. It’s Nick. He hasn’t answered a single text or phone call since yesterday morning. It’s like he completely ghosted me out of nowhere.”She bit her lower lip, her voice dropping into a vulnerable whisper. “I keep thinking. Maybe I did something wrong, or maybe I said something that upset him. If I made a mistake, I just want to apologise and fix it.”Naomi frowned, crossing her arms thoughtfu

Jack Westlake shook his head dismissively, taking a sip of his tea before looking straight at Philip. “Money is not the only criterion for an election, Philip. Running this association requires character, integrity, and respect. Marco Chester might have deep pockets, but everyone in this room knows he is arrogant and never misses an opportunity to brag about his wealth.”Fabian nodded firmly in agreement. “Jack is right. Leadership isn’t just about who can throw the most cash around. It’s about who actually cares for the members.”Philip’s jaw tightened instantly, his chest heaving with irritation as he leaned forward. “I don’t care what either of you think. My support is for Marco, and Marco alone. He has the capital to lift this association to the top tier, which is more than can be said for someone who just returned from financial ruin.”Jack turned back to Arthur, giving his old friend an encouraging pat on the shoulder. “Don’t be bothered by anything he says, Arthur. The two of u

“We’ll see about that,” Marco snapped coldly, turning on his heel and leading his large entourage out into the hallway toward the private elevators of the Golden Suite.The moment the doors of the Golden Suite swung open, the sixteen members who followed Marco gasped softly in awe. The grand hall featured high ceilings, glittering crystal chandeliers, plush leather seating, and expansive glass windows overlooking the illuminated gardens of Ascord Spring.The men immediately scattered around the spacious room, taking out their smartphones to take pictures of the luxurious décor, the imported wine bottles, and the lavish spread of appetisers set across the long marble table.“Make yourselves comfortable, gentlemen! Tonight, you dine as my guests!” Marco announced grandly, raising his arms with a triumphant grin. While Marco basked in the admiring chatter of the members, Philip leaned in close, whispering sharply into Marco’s ear with a frown.“Marco, you can’t just let Arthur sit down

The atmosphere inside Bronze Suite 5 was filled with light conversation and warm laughter. Arthur, Jack, Fabian, and Raphael sat comfortably around the wide mahogany table, listening intently as Gabriel quietly answered a few polite questions about his recent return to Ironport.“It really is remarkable,” Jack said, setting his tea glass down with a genuine smile. “Arthur, having someone like Gabriel by your side must bring so much peace of mind. He carries himself with a steady presence.”Arthur smiled warmly, nodding as he patted Gabriel’s shoulder. “He truly does, Jack. After everything my family has endured over the past few years, having him around feels like a turning point.”Before Fabian could pour another round of tea, a resounding crash shattered the calm of the private room.The doors of Suite 5 burst open with force, slamming hard against the interior walls. The peaceful ambience dissolved instantly as a crowd of men poured across the threshold, led by Marco Chester and Ph

“What did you just say?” Innocent Barry whispered, his voice trembling with a mixture of terror and rising fury.Marco, still blinded by his own arrogance, puffed out his chest and smiled widely. “I said this broke fool, Arthur Fletcher, is disrespecting your fine establishment, Mr Barry! You should have him kicked out.”A sharp slap echoed.Innocent Barry swung his hand with all the strength in his body, striking Marco across the cheek. The force of the slap was so sudden and violent that Marco’s head snapped around, sending him stumbling backwards into Philip.The entire room froze in shock. The sixteen association members standing in the doorway stopped breathing, their hands hovering in mid-air as their camera phones recorded the unbelievable sight. Philip stared with his mouth agape, unable to process what had just transpired.Marco clutched his burning red cheek, his eyes wide with confusion. “Mr. Barry, why did you hit me? I am Marco Chester! I booked the Golden Suite! I’m a