2026-05-31 14:04:43
Previous Chapter
Latest Chapter
Chapter 155
The ballroom had transformed from an elegant party to a crime scene in less than ten minutes. Federal agents moved efficiently through the crowd, separating guests into different groups based on their suspected level of involvement.Council members like Zhang Wei and Irina Volkov were immediately taken into custody, handcuffed and read their rights before being escorted to waiting vehicles outside.Other guests who appeared to be legitimate business associates with no knowledge of the criminal operations were being processed for statements and then released.And a few, like the Albrechts, existed in a gray area that would require extensive investigation to determine their exact level of culpability.Evelyn stood near the staircase with her hands cuffed behind her back, staring at Zen with an expression that combined hatred, disbelief, and grudging respect."You're not Tom," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "Tom was weak. Passive. Someone who could be manipulated and
Chapter 154
She was afraid.Good.She should be.Evelyn pulled off the silk ribbon slowly, drawing out the moment. The expensive wrapping paper came away to reveal a simple wooden box with a small digital screen embedded in the lid.Several guests leaned in closer, curious about the unusual design. A few looked confused. Others appeared simply bored, waiting for whatever this distraction was to end so they could return to their champagne and networking.Evelyn hesitated for just a moment, her finger hovering over the box's clasp.This was it. The point of no return.She opened the box.The screen flickered to life immediately.At first it showed nothing but a simple message in bold text: "THE TRUTH ABOUT THE ROSSI FAMILY."Then the evidence began to load.Zen watched Evelyn's face carefully as the first financial documents appeared on the screen. Bank transfers showing millions of dollars flowing through shell companies. Offshore accounts in the Cayman Islands, Switzerland, Singapore.Her face we
Chapter 153
The Rossi mansion was ablaze with lights and celebration. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting dancing reflections across the marble floors. Champagne flowed freely from fountains positioned throughout the grand ballroom, while white-gloved servers circulated with silver trays of expensive hors d'oeuvres.Tonight was Evelyn Rossi's moment of triumph, or so she believed.Despite losing the Skyline project weeks ago to Zen's aggressive business maneuvering, Evelyn had rallied her forces. The charity gala was her declaration that the Rossi family remained a power to be reckoned with. Still influential. Still connected. Still untouchable."To Evelyn Rossi!" someone toasted from the center of the ballroom, raising a crystal glass high. "A woman who never surrenders!"Applause and cheers filled the room. Evelyn stood near the marble staircase, resplendent in a crimson gown that probably cost more than most people earned in a year. Her smile was bright, confident, victorious.Malia
Chapter 152
The morning of the gala dawned gray and cold, with heavy clouds threatening rain. Zen stood at his bedroom window watching the sky, thinking about how fitting it was that the weather matched the mood. Today was the day everything either came together or fell apart. His phone had been buzzing since six AM with messages from various members of his team. Keisha confirming final details. Sinclair reviewing security protocols. Catherine sending encrypted updates about her tactical team's positioning. At eight AM, there was a knock on his bedroom door. "Come in." Felicia entered, looking exhausted. She was wearing jeans and an oversized sweater, her hair pulled back in a messy ponytail. Nothing like the polished heiress persona she usually presented to the world. "I couldn't sleep," she said. "Kept thinking about everything that could go wrong tonight." "Everything can always go wrong. That's why we plan for contingencies." "Do you have a contingency for what happens if they just sh
Chapter 151
"I don't know the specific details. Evelyn didn't share them with me, and I was smart enough not to ask too many questions. But whatever it was, it scared her badly enough to order an immediate hit on a relatively harmless businessman who'd never hurt anyone in his entire life."Marcus leaned forward as much as his restraints would allow. "And you're saying Evelyn knows what that thread is?""Evelyn IS that thread. Or part of it, anyway. The Rossi family sits at the intersection of multiple criminal networks. They launder money for drug cartels through their real estate holdings and construction companies. They facilitate human trafficking through their shipping and logistics operations. They buy political protection through their charitable foundations and campaign contributions. They're the hub that connects everything else."Zen looked out the cruiser window at his damaged mansion, thinking about Tom's careful handwriting in those hidden letters, about Felicia's stolen files, abou
Chapter 150
The police finished their investigation at dawn. Six professional assassins, all unconscious, all with non-fatal but precisely administered injuries. Marcus Chen in handcuffs, sitting in the back of a police cruiser. And Zen, giving his statement for the third time to increasingly skeptical detectives."Let me make sure I understand this correctly," Detective Morrison said, flipping through her notes. "Six armed intruders plus their employer broke into your home with intent to kill you. And you, alone, subdued all seven of them without sustaining any significant injuries yourself.""That's correct," Zen replied calmly."And you did this using hand-to-hand combat techniques learned during your time in the military.""Yes.""Which branch of the military?""That information is classified."Detective Morrison exchanged a look with her partner, Detective Williams. He was older, more experienced, and looked like he'd seen enough in his career to know when someone was only telling half the t
You may also like
JAMES WANE THE SECRET BILLIONAIRE
SHSA70.7K viewsRevenge of the Abandoned Heir
wounded_warrior128.3K viewsThe Midnight Heir
South Ashan100.3K viewsThe Return of Doctor Levin
Dane Lawrence145.3K viewsReclaimed Obsession
JAE196 viewsSystem: From Trash Son-in-Law to Billionaire
Q-E17 viewsThe Enigma Called Greg
Dorchester228 viewsTHE REVENGE FROM THE BILLIONAIRE’S DARKNESS
BADDY INK95 views