y mil

the silence itself. Serana stared at Javon as if he

sharp calculation crossed his eyes, replacing the cold calm

her temples, dizzy from exhaustion and the absurdity of the situation. "You think Aleesha, your fiancée, is just going to give you the money? Don't be delusional. Ever

miration. He remembered when a financial crisis had nearly crippled the Edelweiss family's jewelry business. His father,

he had told Aleesha

dowry, but as a loan between partners with clear terms. A loan that had allowed their business t

said softly, more to himse

Money you give a woman when you're drunk on love is never considered a debt. Aleesha is the belle of Westenia Ci

memory of Aleesha's smile persisted. "I have to see for myself," he sai

e her head. Hah! Let him, she thought. Sometimes, reality is the c

*

affluent district, every European-style mansion here competed in grandeur. At the main gates of the Edelweiss resi

ide a master bedroom dominated by white an

bare chest. Her thin silk nightgown had slipped from her shoulder, revealing fresh red marks on

ing across the man's broad chest. "When are you

ace. "Patience, my little kitten. As soon as I secure my position on the board, I'll give you the grandest wedding this city has

smile with satisfaction. She didn't ca

KNOCK

entered with a pale face. "Miss, it's an emergency! He..

tly tightened. A cold panic spr

d assumed he would rot in prison, or at least eme

re?" she hissed. "He must be

ement in his voice. "He's just a stray dog that's lo

er's confidence. She straightened her nightgown, slipp

members of the Edelweiss family had gathered. Her father, her mother, and several uncles stood stiffly. On the seat of honor

sat

On the contrary, he looked relaxed, one leg crossed over the other. His eyes swept the room with a disturbing calm, ta

. He could smell the scents of fear and greed.

o the arm of Javier Conner. And his certainty became 100%. The s

until it was nearly at its breaking point. He didn't look at Aleesha. Nor did he l

wasn't loud, but it cut throu

factual, "I transferred one hundred million i

Then, for the first time, his eyes shifted to Aleesha-wi

uch. Just return half