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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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  • 68

    She looked down at her hands.“So you did all this… for us?”Conor nodded.“Yes.”Olivia didn’t know what to say.For years, she had struggled alone.She had worked hard, worried about money, worried about Lily’s future, and carried every burden on her shoulders.And now, in just one night…The man who had returned to their lives had placed an entire empire in her hands.It felt unreal… Like a dream.“No…”She shook her head softly.“This is too much.”Conor frowned slightly.“Too much?”“Yes.”She looked at him.“Titan Group isn’t a small gift. It’s something countless people would spend their entire lives fighting to obtain.”Her voice trembled with emotion.“And you’re just giving it to me?”Conor looked at her seriously.“Why not?”Olivia stared at him.“Why not?”He nodded.“Because you deserve it.”Those simple words left her speechless.Conor continued.“You protected Lily when I wasn’t there. You carried everything alone. You gave her everything you had.”“So this belongs to y

  • 67

    Olivia noticed it immediately and heart skipped a beat. “W-Why did everyone wait for me?” She whispered the question to Conor. He only smiled. “You’ll find out.” Olivia stared at him. “What is going on?” Conor calmly took the seat beside her. “Just listen.” She looked around the room again. Dozens of executives were looking toward her. Some were curious, some looked nervous and others simply remained expressionless. Olivia suddenly felt incredibly uncomfortable. “I feel like everyone’s staring at me.” “They are.” “Conor…” “I’m serious.” “So am I.” She wanted to ask another question. Just then— Mike slowly stood up. He adjusted his suit and looked around the conference room. The room instantly became silent. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Mike began. “Thank you all for coming on such short notice.” Everyone turned their attention toward him. “As many of you already know…” “Yesterday, Titan Group underwent a complete transfer of ownership.” A

  • 66

    The car moved steadily through the morning traffic. Golden Sparrow City was as lively as ever. People hurried to work, shopkeepers were just opening their doors, and the streets buzzed with life. Inside the car, however, the atmosphere couldn’t have been more different. Silence settled between them… for all of ten seconds. Then Olivia turned toward Conor. “So…” He kept his eyes on the road. “So?” “Where are we going?” “You’ll see.” She folded her arms. “You’ve been saying that since we left the hospital.” Conor smiled faintly. “And I’ll keep saying it.” Olivia let out a helpless sigh. “At least give me a hint.” “No.” “A small hint?” “No.” She frowned playfully. “Is it far?” “We’re almost there.” “Is it something to eat?” “No.” “A shopping mall?” “No.” “A park?” “No.” She looked at him suspiciously. “You really won’t tell me?” “I won’t.” Olivia pouted. “You’re impossible.” Conor chuckled softly. “So I’ve been told.” She shook her head with a smile.

  • 65

    The peaceful silence in the room was suddenly interrupted. Ring… Ring… Conor’s phone vibrated in his pocket. Olivia looked up. “Aren’t you going to answer it?” she asked softly. Conor glanced at the screen before standing up. “I’ll be right back.” He answered the call. “Good morning, Sir,” Mike’s respectful voice came from the other end. “Good morning,” Conor replied calmly. “What do you want?” “Sir, everything has been arranged.” Conor remained silent, waiting for him to continue. “The transfer documents have all been completed. As instructed, Miss Olivia is now the new owner of Titan Group.” Conor nodded faintly. “Good.” Mike quickly added, “Sir, if there’s anything else you need, please don’t hesitate to tell me. The Winston family will do everything in our power to carry it out.” Conor didn’t respond. He simply ended the call. Click. Putting the phone back into his pocket, he turned around. Olivia was looking at him curiously. “Who was that?” “A friend of mine

  • 64

    Conor quietly crossed the room and set a basket of fresh fruit on the table.“I picked these up on the way,” he said.Olivia glanced at the basket and gave him a small smile.“You didn’t have to.”“I know.” He pulled a chair over and sat beside Lily’s bed. “I just wanted to.”Silence settled over the room once more.The only sound was Lily’s soft, steady breathing.Olivia brushed a few loose strands of hair from her daughter’s forehead, her touch impossibly gentle.“She looks so peaceful.”Conor nodded.“She finally got some real sleep.”Olivia let out a shaky breath.“I was terrified.”She paused, struggling to steady her voice.“For a moment… I thought I was going to lose her.”“You won’t,” Conor said quietly.She lowered her gaze, guilt written across her face.“I couldn’t protect her.”“You did.”She looked up at him, confused.“I failed her.”Conor shook his head.“No, Olivia.”“You protected her for five years.”“You raised her.”“You kept her safe.”“And when everything went wr

  • 63

    The next morning, Golden Sparrow City was in complete chaos. Everywhere people gathered—on busy streets, inside cafés, in office buildings, and even during taxi rides—there was only one topic of discussion. No one could believe what they were hearing. Titan Group was one of the largest and most powerful corporations in the country. Its influence stretched across finance, real estate, technology, and international trade. For decades, it had stood at the top of the business world, seemingly untouchable. A company of that magnitude changing owners overnight was unimaginable. It was the kind of news that could shake the entire business community. “What did you say?” a man in a suit asked, frozen as he stared at his phone. “Titan Group changed ownership?” “Yes!” his assistant nodded quickly. “The chairman announced it last night!” Another employee leaned in, his voice trembling. “Not just that… they said all major decisions now need approval from a new owner.” “A new owne

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