2026-01-15 18:46:49
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ONE HUNDRED- FORTY-TWO: THE WORTH
As Jada had predicted, the storm eventually died down.The news about Elsa selling her Hale shares slowly faded from public discussion. The internet moved on to fresher scandals, newer gossip, and different headlines. Yet while the public lost interest, the people who truly mattered certainly did not.For days, influential businessmen, investors, and wealthy families sought ways to approach Elsa.Everyone wanted the same thing.Her shares.Some came personally. Others sent representatives. A few attempted backdoor negotiations through mutual acquaintances. Yet regardless of their approach, they all left frustrated.Elsa Hale was proving far more difficult to negotiate with than anyone expected.One businessman was rejected before he could even finish his proposal.Another was escorted out after insulting her intelligence.Even Julian's attempts had failed.He had already sent several trusted people to approach her discreetly, hoping to acquire the shares without revealing his involvem
ONE HUNDRED–FORTY-ONE: A SIGNATURES WORTH
Two days later, the news broke.Elsa Hale is selling her shares.The rumor spread through social media, business circles, entertainment blogs, and private group chats faster than anyone expected.Questions immediately followed."Why is she selling her shares?""Is she leaving the Hale family?""Is she broke?""Are the Hales treating her badly?""Is this a trap?"Everyone had a theory.Everyone had an opinion.But the person at the center of the storm remained silent.Elsa didn't address any of it.She simply continued living her life.---ELI'S HOME"So many speculations and you're still not going to address any of them?" Iris asked, scrolling through her phone.Elsa sat opposite her on the sofa while Jada occupied the seat beside her. The three women were reading comments, articles, and endless online discussions."Wh
ONE HUNDRED – FORTY: DESPERATE ALLIANCES
The moment Julian stepped out of Claire's apartment building, the pleasant expression he had worn inside vanished completely.The cool evening breeze brushed past him as he descended the steps and stopped beside the curb. Taking a deep breath, he pulled out his phone and made a call.The line connected almost immediately."Take the apartment back," he said coldly. "And make sure she has no way of tracing anything back to us. Keep an eye on her too. If she starts running her mouth about anything she knows, I want to hear about it first."He paused before adding,"And one more thing."The person on the other end waited."Spread word quietly that Elsa Hale is trying to sell her shares in Hale Group. Then send someone to approach her. I don't care how much it costs. Offer her a deal she can't refuse."His gaze hardened."I want those shares. By any means necessary."Without waiting for a reply, he ended the call.A black luxury sedan pulled up in front of him moments later.Julian slid in
ONE HUNDRED – THIRTY-NINE: DISCARDED PAWN
After spending an entire day running from loan sharks, hiding in cafés, public restrooms, crowded streets, and anywhere she thought they wouldn't look, Claire finally managed to lose them.Exhausted, hungry, and aching from both Levi's beating and the endless running, she slowly made her way home.On the journey back, she repeatedly called Tommy.Again.And again.And again.Every single call went straight to voicemail. By the tenth attempt, her patience was gone."Tommy, pick up the damn phone!" she shouted into another voice message.Still walking, she reached her apartment door and punched in the security code."I swear to God, Tommy, if you don't answer me, I'll come find you and humilia—"The sentence died in her throat.The moment she stepped inside and switched on the lights, she froze.Someone was sitting in her living room.No.Several people.Julian sat comfortably on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other. Two large guards stood behind him, silent and expressionless.The
ONE HUNDRED – THIRTY-EIGHT: ALWAYS HAVE
The following morning arrived bright and clear.San Francisco woke beneath a sky painted in soft blue, with gentle autumn sunlight spilling across the city. A cool breeze drifted inland from the bay, carrying the scent of saltwater through the streets. The sidewalks were busy with commuters, cafés hummed with conversation, and traffic rolled steadily through the city as another day began.For most people, it was simply another day.For Claire Wynn, however, it was the first day she had felt remotely human in nearly a week.The bruises left by Levi's men were finally beginning to fade. Her body still ached whenever she moved too quickly, but at least she could walk without wincing every few steps.Living alone had forced her to recover without help.No friends.No family.No one checking in on her.So after running out of food, she had no choice but to leave her apartment and buy groceries herself.A few hours later, grocery bags hanging from both hands, Claire stepped out of a superma
ONE HUNDRED – THIRTY-SEVEN: A LESSON IN STATUS
Julian lingered around the gathering for nearly an hour. Not because he enjoyed the conversations. Not because he cared about networking.But because he was waiting for one person.Levi Hale.Unfortunately, the more Julian observed him, the more irritated he became.Levi barely acknowledged anyone for long. He looked as though he hated being there and was only staying out of obligation. Men continuously approached him, trying to start conversations, ask favors, or simply be seen speaking to him.And through it all—Levi never once noticed Julian.At least, that was what Julian thought.Then suddenly, a familiar voice called from across the room."Julian!"John Smith waved his hand."Julian!"Levi froze briefly.His eyes followed the direction of the voice, then finally landed on Julian.Only for a moment.Then he calmly returned his attention to the men surrounding him.Julian, however, completely missed it.Hours later, the crowd around Levi finally thinned.Seeing his opportunity, J
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