The massive conference room was buzzing with activity.


    Quinton sat back with one leg crossed over the other, his polished branded loafers casually propped up on therge round table. He lookedpletely at ease, though it was clear he was putting on a show.


    People continued arriving for his so-called roundtable meeting, including some of the most influential figures in Jayrodale. Among them were Natasha, Dn, and Harvey the head of the Weller family-as well as representatives from Madde Martial Academy and the Goth family.


    Shawn, ever the suckup, leaned forward with a ttering grin. "Mr. Wright, your influence is truly unmatched. Look around-everyone who holds real power in Jayrodale, from the high society elites to the underground forces, has shown up just for you!"


    Quinton did not respond, but the smirk on his lips grew even more noticeable. Sitting beside him, apart from Shawn, was another notable figure-Christina.


    She had not spoken a word, but internally, she was reeling. The level of power Quinton wielded as the heir of the Blumedale Wright family was staggering.


    With nothing more than a single announcement-without even making a personal call-he had summoned Jayrodale''s most formidable forces, and they had all obedientlye running.


    Even Dn and Natasha, the dominant figures in the city''s underground world, had no choice but to sit at this table with him. That alone convinced Christina that she had made the right choice in siding with him.


    In the past, she had hoped the Weller family would help propel Stevens Corporation to new heights, or that Aspen''s influence could strengthen the Stevens family. But now, looking at the bigger picture, both Harvey and Aspen seemed insignificant.


    It was Quinton alone who stood at the top-someone with the kind of power that could truly shape the future. She had struggled and hesitated so many times before, but this time, she was sure of it.


    This time, fate had finally ced her on the winning side.


    As more people settled in, Quinton still did not bother moving his foot from the table. It was not just arrogance- he knew exactly what he was doing. Handling the power yers of Jayrodale required a different approach. If he acted too civilized, they would not take him seriously.


    Sometimes, the best way to control people was to make a statement-one so tant that they had no choice but to acknowledge it.


    And it worked. He had them right where he wanted them.


    "Since everyone is here, I won''t waste time with pleasantries," Quinton said, his tone distant andmanding.


    There was no need for him to thank them for attending or act politely As the heir to the Wright family, he had no obligation to y nice with a bunch of small-time power brokers.


    Christina watched, more convinced than ever. Quinton was leagues above these people,pletely unfazed,pletely in control.


    His ability to manipte people-his precision in reading the room-was wless.


    Following him, she knew she would learn a great deal.


    Compared to him, whatever charm or brilliance Andrew once had now seemed utterly cheap and forgettable.


    Rodney, however, was not impressed. He did not like Quinton''s smug attitude, but he was not foolish enough to


    provoke him outright.


    So, with a fake grin, he chuckled. "Mr. Wright, you must have some grand ns foring all the way to little old Jayrodale. But before anything else, it seems you''ve e already made your first big achievement-capturing the heart of Jayrodale''s beloved Ice Queen. So tell us, Mr. Wright, how does she taste? Or are you nning to share?" The crude, suggestive remark sent the room into fits ofughter as several men joined in, jeering and snickering. Christina''s face turned bright red. Humiliation and rage surged through her, but she did not daresh out. After all, Madde Martial Academy was not an opponent the Stevens family could afford to offend.


    Quinton, however, remainedpletely unfazed. He spoke in an even, casual tone. "I''d say, Mr. Sanford, that making such a vulgar joke in this setting is highly inappropriate.


    "Ms. Stevens is a woman of


    intelligence and grace-someonez worthy of admiration and respect. So, I suggest you take back your words, and I don''t want to hear anything like that again."