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Olivia’s fingers trembled around the phone.

“T-There must be some mistake…” she stammered.

But the woman on the other side replied politely,

“There is no mistake, Miss Nelson. The Chairman personally approved your invitation.”

“We look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”

The call ended.

Silence…. Dead silence.

Everyone in the hall had heard every single word clearly because Olivia’s phone was on speaker.

Ronan stood frozen.

Emma’s mouth slowly fell open.

Even the servants looked shocked.

Olivia herself could barely breathe.

DragonTech… personally invited her?

How was that possible?

Then suddenly—

“Impossible!!” Emma screamed sharply.

Everyone jumped.

Emma pointed directly at Conor with an ugly expression.

“This has to be fake!”

Her voice became louder and louder.

“John already ran away from River City! There’s no way this loser could get a DragonTech invitation!”

She glared at Conor furiously.

“He must’ve hired someone to make a fake call!”

The shock on Ronan’s face still had not disappeared.

But after hearing Emma’s words, his expression became uncertain again.

That was right.

How could Conor possibly know someone from DragonTech?

Emma crossed her arms tightly and sneered at Conor.

“Grandpa, don’t be fooled,” she said coldly. “This loser is obviously acting.”

The others in the hall quickly nodded.

“That makes sense…”

“Right, how could DragonTech suddenly invite Olivia?”

“It must be fake.”

Olivia looked at Conor with complicated eyes.

Even she did not know what to believe anymore.

But Conor himself looked completely calm.

He simply shrugged.

“If it’s fake,” he said lightly, “then the truth will be clear tomorrow.”

His gaze swept across everyone calmly.

“What are you all afraid of?”

Emma’s face turned ugly instantly.

“You—!”

She gritted her teeth angrily.

“Fine!”

“Tomorrow I’ll personally expose your lie in front of everyone!”

Conor only smiled faintly and said nothing more.

Ronan narrowed his eyes at him for a long moment.

Finally, he spoke coldly.

“You can stay tonight.”

Olivia secretly let out a breath of relief.

But before she could relax completely, Ronan added harshly,

“Not upstairs.”

“He’ll sleep in the basement storage room.”

The servants immediately looked awkward.

That storage room was damp, dark, and filled with old boxes and broken furniture.

Even the Nelson family’s dog refused to stay there sometimes.

Emma instantly smirked proudly.

Olivia bit her lip softly.

“Grandpa, isn’t that a little—”

“I already showed enough kindness,” Ronan interrupted coldly.

Then he looked at Conor with contempt.

“If you don’t want to stay there, then get out.”

Everyone waited for Conor to lose his temper.

But instead—

Conor nodded casually.

“Sure.”

No anger.

No complaint.

No embarrassment.

Just calm acceptance.

Ronan looked even more disappointed after seeing that.

As expected.

A truly important person would never tolerate this kind of humiliation.

This proved Conor was exactly what he appeared to be—

A useless nobody.

Soon, a servant led Conor toward the basement.

Lily clung tightly to his hand the entire way.

“Daddy…” she whispered sadly. “Is it cold down there?”

Conor gently rubbed her little head and smiled.

“I’ve stayed in much worse places before.”

He was telling the truth.

Back during those bloody years overseas…

He had slept in deserts filled with sandstorms.

In frozen forests during heavy snow.

Inside ruined buildings surrounded by enemies.

Compared to those places—

A basement storage room was practically comfortable.

But nobody in the Nelson family knew that.

****

The next morning, the Nelson family arrived at the DragonTech summit venue early.

Luxury cars filled the enormous parking area.

Well-dressed businessmen and wealthy families walked in and out of the grand building one after another.

Everyone in the Nelson family wore their best clothes.

Ronan even changed into his favorite black formal suit.

But despite looking calm on the surface, the family was extremely nervous inside.

Especially after Carl stopped answering their calls.

Emma lowered her phone with an ugly expression.

“He still isn’t answering,” she said anxiously.

Ronan frowned deeply.

“We’ve already called him over ten times…”

Olivia quietly glanced at Conor beside her.

Meanwhile, Conor looked completely relaxed, as if he was only here for a casual walk.

That calm attitude annoyed Emma even more.

“Hmph,” she muttered coldly. “Let’s see how long you can keep pretending.”

Just then—

The family stepped out of their cars completely.

And suddenly Emma’s eyes lit up.

“Carl!”

Everyone quickly turned.

Sure enough, Carl was standing proudly near the entrance in an expensive suit.

Several people surrounded him while he spoke confidently.

He looked exactly like a successful young elite.

Ronan immediately smiled in relief and hurried over.

“Carl!” he called warmly.

Carl turned around casually.

But the moment he saw the Nelson family—

His expression froze.

For a split second, panic flashed across his eyes.

Why were they here?!

How did they even know this location?

Ronan quickly walked over and grabbed his arm warmly.

“Carl, why weren’t you answering our calls?” he asked anxiously.

Carl immediately forced out a smile.

“M-My phone broke,” he said quickly.

Then he lowered his voice seriously.

“You all came at the right time. But there’s bad news.”

Ronan’s expression changed.

“What happened?”

Carl sighed heavily and shook his head.

“The partnership slots are already full.”

“What?!” Emma cried out.

Carl nodded with a troubled expression.

“I tried my best last night, but too many powerful families came.”

“DragonTech’s requirements are extremely strict.”

The Nelson family instantly became nervous.

But before Carl could continue—

Emma suddenly pointed angrily at Conor.

“Grandpa, see?!”

“I told you this loser was lying!”

She sneered proudly.

“Carl is the one who got us in!”

Carl blinked in confusion.

“Huh?”

Emma crossed her arms proudly.

“Stop pretending to be modest,” she said immediately.

“Olivia received the invitation because of you, right?”

Carl became completely stunned.

Invitation?

What invitation?

Before he could even react—

A sudden commotion erupted near the entrance.

The crowd instantly became noisy.

“Oh my god…”

“She’s here personally?”

“Isn’t that DragonTech CEO’s secretary?”

“That’s Cristina!”

Everyone quickly turned toward the entrance.

Several black luxury cars had just stopped outside.

Then a tall woman in a white business suit slowly stepped out.

Her expression was cold and capable.

Dozens of security guards immediately surrounded her respectfully.

The entire atmosphere changed instantly.

Even wealthy businessmen lowered their voices nervously.

Because everyone in River City knew—

Cristina was the personal secretary of DragonTech’s mysterious CEO.

Everyone immediately looked toward Cristina.

Even though she was only a secretary, nobody dared underestimate her.

After all, she worked directly beside DragonTech’s mysterious CEO.

Her status was incredibly high.

Many rich businessmen wanted to flatter her but never even got the chance.

Cristina calmly took out her phone and looked at a photo on the screen.

Then her sharp eyes slowly scanned the crowd.

The entire entrance became quiet.

Many people straightened their clothes nervously.

Then suddenly—

Cristina began walking directly toward Carl and the Nelson family.

Carl’s heart instantly started racing.

For one second, he was shocked.

But then excitement quickly filled his face.

She came for me?

He hurriedly adjusted his suit and fixed his expression.

Then he quickly whispered to the Nelson family behind him.

“Stand properly.”

“And don’t speak carelessly.”

Ronan immediately nodded nervously.

Emma also became excited.

As expected of Carl!

Even DragonTech’s CEO secretary personally came to greet him!

Carl took a deep breath and confidently stepped forward.

A flattering smile appeared on his face.

“Hello, Miss Cristina,” he said politely while extending his hand.

But—

Cristina did not even look at him.

She walked straight past him.

Carl’s smile froze instantly.

His outstretched hand hung awkwardly in the air.

The Nelson family also became stunned.

Then—

Cristina stopped directly in front of Olivia.

Olivia looked completely confused.

Cristina’s cold expression instantly became warm and respectful.

She even took the initiative to extend her hand politely.

“You must be Miss Olivia Nelson,” she said with a gentle smile.

“Welcome to our partnership summit.”

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  • 94

    Then he looked at Conor.“You’ve made your point.”Conor nodded.“Excellent.”Arthur frowned.“Don’t sound so pleased with yourself.”“I wasn’t.”“You were.”“Perhaps a little.”Arthur let out a quiet breath through his nose.“You’re irritating.”“So I’ve been told.”“And arrogant.”“That’s debatable.”“And reckless.”Conor picked up his cup.“Also debatable.”Arthur stared at him.Then, unexpectedly, he laughed.“You really are something.”Conor smiled.“I’ll consider that a compliment.”“Don’t.”“Too late.”Arthur shook his head.Then his expression became serious.“Listen carefully.”Conor looked at him.“This city has changed.”“I noticed.”“There are people moving in the shadows. Old families are watching each other. New forces are appearing.”Conor said nothing.Arthur continued.“You may think refusing to give up a tea room is harmless.”“It was.”“Today.”Arthur’s eyes became cold.“But there are people who won’t stop at words.”Conor calmly lifted his cup.“Then I suppose I’l

  • 93

    Arthur continued staring at Conor.“You’re either exceptionally confident…”He paused.“…or you have no idea what you’re dealing with.”Conor gave him a calm smile.“Perhaps I’m simply having a very good afternoon.”Nick couldn’t hold back his smile this time.Arthur noticed.“You find him entertaining?”Nick shrugged.“Occasionally.”Arthur looked at him.“And you?”“I’ve known him long enough not to argue with him over tea.”Arthur’s expression became thoughtful.“That explains your confidence.”“No,” Nick replied.“It explains my survival.”Conor glanced at Nick.“That was almost profound.”“Thank you.”“I wasn’t complimenting you.”“I’ll take it anyway.”Arthur stared at the two men.For the first time, his irritation was mixed with genuine amusement.But the manager was not amused at all.He stepped forward again.“Mr. Conor, I’m asking you one final time. Please leave.”Conor looked at him.“You’ve said that several times.”“And you keep refusing!”“Yes.”“Why?”“Because your ar

  • 92

    He had simply remained calm. That made Arthur furious.Arthur’s hand had just touched the door when he stopped.For a moment, he remained completely still.Then he slowly turned around.The faint smile that had been on his face disappeared.“On second thought…”The manager immediately looked at him.“Mr. Hale?”Arthur’s gaze settled on Conor.“I don’t like leaving questions unanswered.”Conor took another sip of tea.“That sounds exhausting.”Nick lowered his head, hiding a smile.Arthur’s eyes narrowed.The manager, however, was no longer amused.“Sir, with all due respect, we’ve already explained the situation to him several times.”Conor placed his cup down.“You did.”“And yet you still refuse to leave.”“Yes.”The manager’s face tightened.“I’ve never dealt with a guest like you before.”Conor glanced at him.“You should broaden your experience.”Nick coughed lightly.Arthur’s expression flickered.The manager looked increasingly irritated.“Do you think this is funny?”“A litt

  • 91

    Conor didn’t even turn toward him. Arthur raised his hand again. “Stay where you are.” The bodyguard immediately stopped. Arthur continued studying Conor.For several seconds, neither man spoke.The room was so quiet that the faint clinking of porcelain from the restaurant outside could be heard clearly.Arthur’s eyes moved slowly over Conor’s face.He was trying to determine what kind of man would remain this calm while surrounded by the Hale Family’s bodyguards.But Conor gave him nothing.No nervousness.No hesitation.Not even the slightest sign that he intended to back down.Arthur finally spoke.“You really don’t intend to leave?”Conor took another sip of tea.“No.”Arthur raised an eyebrow.“You know who I am.”“Yes.”“You know what the Hale Family represents in Golden Sparrow City.”“Yes.”“And you’re still sitting there?”Conor placed the teacup down.“You’ve asked me that three times.”Arthur’s lips twitched.“And your answer hasn’t changed.”“It won’t.”One of the b

  • 90

    “Sir, this is Mr. Arthur Hale’s private room.” “No.” The manager frowned. Conor calmly corrected him. “It is a private room belonging to the restaurant.” The manager’s face became stiff. “Mr. Hale has used this room for years.” “And today, I’m using it.” The manager opened his mouth. Nothing came out. One of the bodyguards stepped forward. “You should leave.” Conor didn’t even look at him. “I wasn’t speaking to you.” The man’s expression darkened. “You don’t understand the situation.” Conor looked at him then. “I understand it perfectly.” “You are occupying Mr. Hale’s room.” “No.” The bodyguard frowned. “You’re refusing to leave.” “Yes.” The bodyguard’s jaw tightened. “Do you know who you’re speaking to?” Conor calmly lifted his teacup again. “No.” Nick almost laughed. The manager’s face turned pale. The bodyguards exchanged glances. They were clearly not accustomed to being dismissed so casually. Another bodyguard stepped forward. “You should think car

  • 89

    Conor raised a hand.Nick immediately fell silent.Conor slowly turned his attention toward the manager.“We were here first.”His voice was calm, but there was a hint of displeasure beneath it.The manager forced a nervous smile.“Of course, sir. I understand.”“Then what’s the problem?”The manager hesitated.“The other guest is someone we cannot afford to offend.”Conor’s eyes narrowed slightly.“That has nothing to do with me.”“Sir…”“We reserved this room.”“Yes.”“We arrived before your other guest.”“Yes.”“Then why are you asking us to leave?”The manager’s expression became increasingly uncomfortable.“I sincerely apologize. But this particular guest has been using this room for many years.”Nick frowned.“So?”“He has always considered this room his private room whenever he visits the restaurant.”Nick let out a cold laugh.“Considered?”The manager nodded quickly.“Yes.”“That doesn’t make it his.”“I understand.”“Then stop wasting our time.”The manager swallowed.“Sir,

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