usations around," Vardy snapped,

ness people here," he added, try

lied, "I can't speak for the rest of you, but I have a

eyes. "You're pla

me cut to the chase. I need to borrow eight billion do

dea how much interest that'll accrue? And what if you can't pay it b

willing to sign over the Autumn' shares and properties as collatera

y marriage to Barlor probably won't last three m

ng quietly, finally spoke.

t of your mind? That's eight bil

inda, "I'll have the funds transferred to

hank you, Mr. Lane. I'll be

and left the office, a

Fern. "She's Barlor's wife, Fern! Why on e

nda's as he replied, "Be

the one who has to foot

dy's chest. "Consider it a wedding

edding gift? She's

aving Vardy to grumble in disbelief

ing room, surprised to see Barlor sitting there. She b

r called out,

back to face him.

ient. "The auction hous

kno

sonable. "If you don't have enoug

ad. "I've already

suspicion evident in his voice. "Ten billion dolla

ne of your

ion grew. "Linda,

when did that matter to you? You're only worri

hing, confirmin

a business arrangement. We succeed together or fail togethe

re he could respond, Linda's phone buzzed. She glanced at it and saw a no

mile spread a

iliar. Regret, perhaps? He suddenly remembered how Linda used to l

tonight," Barlor said abrup

tracks, surprised. "M

"You're Mrs. Wayne. It'

ng, but she saw an opportuni

hed in relief, grateful she hadn't

Larry had delivered. Her roommates admired it, commenti

tonight, Ms. Stale. You don't need to att

ile, trying to mask her disappointment. "

ore hanging up, leaving Viole staring at

wing glances. One of them asked, "Viole

al banquet? I thought you said your boyfriend organiz

an important client to attend to. It's best

adness washed over her. Barlor had always seemed indifferent to L

mination hardening. She had been eagerly awaiting this night f

stairs, wearing it with grace and confidence, Barlor, waiting in the foyer, couldn't help but star

s she reached the bottom

composure. "I'll tell Larr

He was momentarily taken aback by how radiant she looked in the go

ention of Viole's name, and Larry quick

ed, simply nodd

aned in toward Larry, his voice low and war

t wisely kept his mouth shut,

car. Their arrival together immediately drew attention. Mu

t Mrs.

an event together before. T

ially intended to pull away, the prying eyes around the

athering of elite entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and real estate moguls. It was exactly the kind of crowd Barlor

identally knocked over a vase of roses. The clubhouse manager rushed over, be

ed thorns and the rare variety. "These roses were specially brought by Mr. Lane Senior, weren't they? It would be a wast

visibly reluctant to give in to their demands. His jaw tightened, and his posture stiffened, betraying his displeasure as he begrudgingly signaled for the gardener to distribute the flowers. The gardener, a wiry man with sun-weathered skin, hesitated for a moment befo

d with genuine surprise, mingled with admiration. He had seen Linda navigate countless social situations, but there was something about the way she handled this on

eyes-perhaps a hint of amusement or the satisfaction of having succeeded in her subtle manipulation. She knew the power dynamics at play and had deftly maneuvered through them, not for her own gain but to maintain t

, and as she smoothed the fabric, she became acutely aware of the curious stares from passersby. Their eyes lingered on her, some with admiration, others with speculation, but she paid them no mind. Her focus was solely on the entrance ahead,

e flickered from Viole's elegantly attired figure to the taxi that was now pulling away from the curb. The skepticism in his eyes was clear as he

welcomed without question, her presence assumed and accepted. But tonight was different, and the guard's unwavering stare made her acutely aware of that

he glanced back at the door, then returned his gaze to Viole, clearly unimpressed by her explanation. "Mr. Wa

ith embarrassment, a wave of heat rising from her neck to her cheeks. She opened her mo

, his sharp eyes taking in the situation instantly. Recognizing Viole, he quickly intervened, his tone

with authority, leaving no room for further questioning,

ole to enter. Once inside, Larry turned to her,

ayne always says I'm too timid. I'll be going abroad soon, and I wanted

e's sincerity won him ove

thly tonight, especially with Mrs. Wayne being here. She spent ten billion dollar

n investors. Gathering her courage, she lifted the hem of her dress and started toward him, but her path was suddenly b

g. "What is wrong with you? Watch where you're going!" she snap