The Anderson mansion was glowing with golden lights when Lucas finally arrived home.After spending nearly twelve hours delivering packages across the city, his back ached, his shoulders felt stiff, and his hands were rough from carrying heavy boxes. The cheap sneakers he wore were covered in dust, and his faded delivery uniform clung to his body beneath the evening heat.He parked his battered motorcycle near the servants' entrance. For a moment, he simply sat there, staring at the magnificent mansion. Through the tall windows, he could see people dressed in expensive suits and elegant evening gowns. Crystal chandeliers illuminated the dining room, while the sound of laughter and clinking glasses drifted into the night.*Another family dinner.*Lucas sighed. He had almost forgotten about it.His phone vibrated in his pocket. A message from Amelia appeared on the screen:> Don't embarrass me tonight.Lucas stared at the words for several seconds, then slipped his phone away. He had gr

Adrian Blake.A young businessman whose name had become increasingly prominent in the city's corporate circles, Adrian had built an impressive business empire at only thirty-two. His company held investments in real estate, technology, and several international ventures. He was wealthy, influential, and well-connected—everything Richard wished his son-in-law could be, and everything Lucas wasn't."Amelia, make sure you're ready before Adrian arrives," Margaret reminded her daughter.Amelia stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the neckline of her elegant dress. "Mother, I've already told you. I'm ready."Margaret smiled. "Good. A man like Adrian doesn't visit just anyone's house."Richard entered the room, looking pleased. "Exactly. Adrian has connections with several major investors. If we can establish a good relationship with him, Anderson Corporation could expand significantly." He paused, his expression hardening. "Unlike some people in this house, Adrian understands how busine

Richard Anderson sat behind his heavy mahogany desk, his expression a mask of mounting panic. Spread before him were corporate balance sheets, debt restructuring notices, and final payment deadlines. The numbers stared back at him with brutal clarity: the Anderson Corporation was on the brink of financial collapse, and the liquidity crisis could no longer be hidden behind the facade of luxury.The door opened, and Lucas stepped into the room. He wore his faded delivery uniform, looking entirely out of place among the antique furniture and leather-bound books."You wanted to see me?" Lucas asked calmly.Richard looked up, his eyes sharp and demanding. He didn't bother offering a seat."Sit down," Richard commanded, though there was no real invitation in his voice. He pushed a stack of financial documents across the desk. "The company is facing a severe liquidity crunch. We need an immediate injection of capital to cover our upcoming obligations and satisfy our primary creditors."Lucas

Amelia sat beside the window, one leg crossed over the other, swirling the wine in her glass. Vanessa sat across from her, watching her with an expression that was equal parts curiosity and concern.“You’re moving too fast, Amelia.”Amelia didn’t turn. Her gaze remained fixed on the city lights beyond the glass. “Am I?”“First, you’re spending an entire weekend with Adrian. Now you’re talking about ending your marriage.” Vanessa leaned forward. “You’re seriously planning to divorce Lucas?”Amelia took a slow sip of wine. “It’s not too fast, Vanessa. It’s four years overdue.”“And what about Lucas?” Vanessa asked. “You said yourself that he’s been useful. More importantly, what about your father’s company? If you divorce him now, doesn’t that financial support disappear?”Amelia finally turned, a confident smile touching her lips. “It won’t matter.”Vanessa raised an eyebrow. “Why not?”“Adrian has already promised to step in.”Vanessa studied her friend’s face. “He’s promised to bail

Lucas folded his last shirt and placed it inside the suitcase. His belongings were modest: a few clothes, personal documents, and a watch he had owned long before marrying Amelia.He glanced around the bedroom. Amelia’s perfume still lingered in the air, her jewelry was scattered across the dressing table, and her expensive handbags occupied more space in the wardrobe than his clothes ever had. He had bought most of them, and he had never minded—back then, seeing her happy had been enough. Now, he wondered how many times he had mistaken her satisfaction for happiness.His gaze fell on a small velvet box tucked inside the drawer. Lucas took it out.Inside lay a diamond bracelet he had purchased for their wedding anniversary. He had chosen it months ago, imagining the surprise on Amelia’s face when he gave it to her. But the anniversary had passed, and he had never given it to her.Lucas closed the velvet box. He placed it on the dresser beside the necklace she had refused to wear. Two