Riche

“Do you know who he is?” Aria whispered, her voice trembling. Her father scoffed. “Some nouveau riche fool trying to play king.” The man across the table smiled calm, sharp, untouchable. The room fell silent when he spoke. “It’s been a while, Mr. Elston.” The older man froze. Aria’s glass slipped from her hand. The name echoed in her head like thunder. Mikael. He leaned back, eyes unreadable. “Last time we met, you called me a waste bin.” “M-Mikael…” she stammered, her face pale. “Mr. Dray,” corrected the host beside him—her father’s new business rival. “My son-in-law and the current CEO of ValenCore Holdings.” The silence cracked like glass. Mikael’s smile deepened, just enough to sting. “Don’t worry. I’m not here to rebuild anything for you.” He paused, letting the words sink in. “I’m just here to watch what’s left… fall apart.”