9
last update2025-05-06 06:17:58

Sierra’s face turned pale. “What the hell is going on?” she hissed at Marcus, her voice sharp with panic. “You said we were on the list!”

“I—I don’t know,” Marcus stammered, loosening his tie as sweat beaded at his temple. “This can’t be right. Maxime promised—”

Just then, as if summoned by their desperation, Maxime Trent emerged from the side of the banquet hall, striding through the crowd with the confidence of a man who always believed he was in control. He held a half-filled whiskey glass, swirled the amber liquid lazily, and glanced around as if he hadn’t just sent two reputations into freefall.

“Boss!” Marcus blurted out, springing from his seat. He almost knocked over his chair in his hurry, dragging Sierra with him as he intercepted Maxime midway. “Boss, what’s going on? You told me Sierra’s company would be on the list!”

Sierra’s heels clicked frantically as she followed, her perfectly painted lips pressed in a thin line.

Maxime blinked, genuinely confused, but his expression smoothed into a casual smile. “Marcus, calm down,” he said, patting his shoulder. “There must be some kind of mix-up.”

Sierra stepped forward, her voice sharp and trembling. “You told us—my company was on that list. You guaranteed it.”

“But we weren’t called!” Sierra cried. “MorganTech was! That girl—Alice—she’s from there.”

Maxime frowned deeply, finally grasping the storm forming. “That’s… that doesn’t make sense.”

Marcus grabbed his sleeve. “Boss, I gave you a lot of support—financial and otherwise—because you said you could get Sierra’s company on the list.”

Maxime held up a hand. “And I stand by what I said.”

He was genuinely confused. Just yesterday afternoon, he’d seen the final list of cooperating companies while casually chatting with Elsa in her office. Sierra’s company was on it—he was certain. That was why he’d felt bold enough to assure Marcus and Sierra that she was in.

In reality, Maxime had no authority to modify the cooperation list. But since he’d seen it in advance and Sierra’s company had been included, he had shamelessly lied, telling Marcus that it was he who pulled strings and secured Sierra a spot. It had earned him support—financial and political—from Marcus, and he had enjoyed the praise.

So when MorganTech’s name was read out instead, and not Sierra’s, Maxime’s smug confidence faltered into genuine alarm.

“Alice’s company? MorganTech?” Sierra hissed, still trying to process the public humiliation. Her eyes darted to where Alice sat—poised and smug, calmly sipping her wine like a queen watching peasants fumble.

Sierra’s jaw locked. Her gaze snapped back to Maxime. “It’s him,” she whispered furiously. “That Ethan guy. He has a supreme badge—he’s an impostor! He had to steal it or forge it or something!”

Marcus caught on fast. “That’s right!” he added, his voice gaining volume. “He tricked someone—he must have convinced the host to switch the names. Sierra was supposed to be on that list!”

Maxime’s mind churned. Ethan. They said he had a badge, hadn’t he?

A supreme VIP badge.

But those were nearly impossible to forge.

Unless…

Wait. Maxime’s expression darkened.

Ethan had no power to change that list.

But if he had used the badge to manipulate someone… The host? Could he have convinced the host that MorganTech was the rightful partner?

Maxime turned abruptly, cutting through the noise of the banquet hall. He marched up to the stage, his jaw tight and steps sharp.

“Mr. Laurence,” he called out to the host, his tone sharper than before.

The host turned, startled by the interruption.

“Did you make a mistake?” Maxime asked coldly. “Are you sure that was the finalized list? Because the official decision was Sierra’s company. Everyone knew it.”

The murmurs in the banquet hall surged like a wave.

“What’s going on?”

“They made a mistake on the list?”

“I thought this was a professional event—how could they mess that up?”

“Wasn’t it ScottCorp company? She bragged about it for weeks!”

“But Alice Morgan clapped like she knew she’d win…”

“Is someone cheating their way in?”

The host’s face turned an alarming shade of red. He stepped forward, clutching his cue cards. “Mr. Trent,” he said firmly, voice echoing through the hall, “this is the official list given to me this morning. It was finalized by the executive office—I had no authority to alter it.”

“You’re sure it wasn’t changed? Not even last-minute?” Maxime pressed.

“No, sir. The document I received was already printed, signed, and sealed. The list you heard was the original one.”

A heavy silence fell.

Maxime’s brows furrowed. That means someone interfered before the list even reached the host.

“Someone clearly did something,” Maxime muttered. “And I think it’s this guy, Ethan! Alice wasn’t even supposed to attend. Neither of them were on the guest list.”

Gasps rippled through the hall.

“What? They weren’t invited?”

“Then how did they get in?”

“That’s sketchy…”

“I bet they sneaked in and rigged the whole thing.”

“Call security!”

The tension cracked. Several uniformed security personnel rushed forward, surrounding Ethan and Rosanna’s table. Guests craned their necks, some standing to get a better view. Phones were subtly raised, trying to capture footage.

Ethan rose slowly, pushing back his chair with measured calm. His eyes narrowed, and his hand instinctively moved to shield Alice as he stepped forward.

“What’s the meaning of this?” he asked coolly, but the guards moved in without answering.

Alice’s eyes widened. “Ethan—”

“Don’t move,” a guard warned, approaching with handcuffs.

“Hold it!”

A sharp, commanding voice echoed through the hall.

A woman stood near the entrance, dressed in an elegant midnight-blue gown, her heels clicking authoritatively as she stepped forward. Her eyes, sharp as glass, cut through the room as she addressed the security.

“Stand down,” she said again, louder this time. “Do not touch him.”

The guards hesitated. So did Maxime.

The woman reached the edge of the stage and calmly turned toward the host. “There is no mistake with the list. MorganTech belongs on it.”

Continue to read this book for free
Scan the code to download the app

Latest Chapter

  • 121

    Alice stared at the sleek black car Ethan had just started driving away in. It gleamed softly under the streetlights, a clear sign it wasn’t some cheap ride. And besides she had heard Loic saying it was fucking expensive. “Ethan,” Alice said quietly, still holding his hand, “This car… it’s beautiful. When did you get it?” Ethan glanced at her with a calm smile. “I saved up a bit over time. Wanted to get you something special. A gift.” Alice’s eyes widened. “You saved up all this?” She looked at the car again, then back at him, feeling a warmth in her chest. “I mean… it’s not cheap, right?” “No, not cheap.” He nodded. “But I kept some money aside for things like this. For you.” Alice felt touched, almost overwhelmed. But then, a small thought poked at her mind. “Ethan… how does someone save up nearly eight hundred thousand dollars?” She tried to keep her voice casual but her eyes searched his face. Ethan’s smile faltered just a tiny bit, though he quickly recovered. “I work hard

  • 120

    Nolan’s hand was still in the air from the slap. His cheek hurt, and his eyes showed shock and anger. He looked at Leo, his big brother, not able to believe it. “Leo… what did you do?” Nolan said, his voice shaking. “You can’t just hit me like that!” Leo was quiet. He took a deep breath. He looked worried and scared. He looked at the people, then back at Nolan. “This is not about you,” Leo said soft. “I want to stop problems.” Nolan wanted to yell but no words came out. He stepped closer and spoke loud. “I don’t care who he is!” Nolan said, pointing at Ethan, who was already walking away. “That guy came here to make us look bad. To show we’re weak. We can’t just let him do that!” Leo shook his head, looking serious. “You don’t get it. This isn’t about pride. Ethan’s dangerous. You think I wanted to hit my own brother? But you went too far.” Nolan’s hands turned into fists. “Too far? He started it! And you’re just going to let him win?” “Ben already paid for it,” Leo said quiet

  • 119

    The small man stopped in his tracks, a confused look flashing in his eyes. Ethan stepped forward slowly, his eyes locked on the taller, broad-shouldered man standing a few steps behind, the Irvings No. 3, Leo. His voice came out low and sharp. “So,” Ethan said his voice cold as ice, “you know who I am.” Leo’s face twitched. He gave a small nod, and his whole posture shifted… no longer threatening, but clearly afraid. “I… saw you earlier,” he said quickly, bowing his head slightly. “At the negotiation meeting. You were standing behind Mr. Devon.” A faint smirk touched Ethan’s lips, but his eyes stayed cold. “Then you know what to do,” he said. “Take your people and leave. And while you’re at it… stop throwing the Irving family’s name around to bully people.” “Y-Yes, sir… understood, sir!” Leo stammered, his fear plain in his voice. The small man’s face twisted in disbelief. “What the hell are you talking about? I don’t care who you are, I’ll kill—” SMACK! The sound echoed acr

  • 118

    Ben was too shocked to even cry out. His jaw dropped, and his eyes darted between Ethan and the shiny, untouched BMW. “No… no freaking way…” he stammered. “That’s a damn fortress on wheels…” His face twisted with disbelief. How?! How could a guy like Ethan buy something eight times the price of my car? He’s supposed to be garbage. Trash. Nobody. He stared, still clutching his stomach, his pride in shambles. But the small man, standing a few feet away, just snorted. He crossed his arms and gave Ethan a long, unimpressed look. “So what? You’ve got a fancy toy. Big deal,” he said coldly. “You think owning a car like that puts you on top? Let me tell you something, boy—people like you think money equals power. But the Vaughn family doesn’t just have money. We have roots. Power. Control. Real control.” His eyes narrowed. “You? You’re just a spoiled brat with a fast car. That car can’t save you from us.” Ethan gave a soft laugh, brushing a hand through his hair. “Ah, yes,” he said

  • 117

    The crowd of classmates that had been watching from the sidelines suddenly stepped back, faces pale, eyes wide. One of the boys, Brian, raised his voice shakily. “Ethan, bro… don’t be stupid. Just stop, man.” “Yeah,” said Melissa, clutching her purse tight. “You don’t wanna mess with them. That’s Nolan Vaughn. The Vaughn family? Vaughn Towers? Vaughn freaking Hotels?” “Are you crazy or just want to die young?” someone else muttered from behind. A guy in glasses spoke louder. “They’re connected to the Irvings. The Irving family owns almost everything around here. Construction, real estate, even politicians. If the Vaughns don’t finish you, the Irvings will.” “You’re a dickhead if you think you can throw punches and walk away alive,” Linda scoffed. “You just attacked someone from that family.” Ben was still crouched on the ground, groaning, but he forced himself to speak. “Ethan, just shut up and beg already. Stop being stubborn. Let Alice go with Nolan, okay? He’s right.

  • 116

    Ben wobbled closer to Alice, one hand clutching his ribs, the other wiping blood from the corner of his mouth. His voice came out shaky, rushed, and low.“Alice… Alice, Al, please,” he said, glancing nervously between her and Nolan. “He’s serious. Just—just do what he says, okay? Don’t make it worse.”Alice’s eyes narrowed. “What the hell did you just say?”Ben took another step toward her, desperation painted all over his face. “If you go with him. Just for tonight. Maybe he’ll drop it. Maybe it ends here, and nobody else gets hurt.”Alice blinked in disbelief. “You want me to go with him?” She looked him up and down, disgust growing on her face. “Are you out of your damn mind, Ben?”Ben swallowed. “He’s Leo Vaughn’s brother. The Leo Vaughn. Vaughn Hotels, Vaughn Towers—he’s from that billionaire family, Alice. This guy could bury all of us. I messed up, okay? If you just go, it might fix it.”Her mouth fell open, a bitter laugh escaping. “So because you messed up, I’m supposed to be

More Chapter
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on MegaNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
Scan code to read on App