James stood tall and lean, with broad shoulders, a slim waist, and long legs. He was always dressed impably and had a strikingly handsome face. Even his smile exuded a harmless charm.


    If he put on an act, no one would associate him with the madman who''d practically memorized half the criminal code.


    Tessa had never met James before. Hearing him call her name and seeing him dressed in designer clothes from head to toe, her first thought was that he might be a friend of a friend.


    James didn''t introduce himself. He simply gazed at Tessa with a knowing smile. "As expected... a true beauty."


    The woman beside him, Yvette Gates, frowned slightly, and a trace of jealousy shed through her eyes before vanishing just as quickly.


    She had no idea about the feud between James and the Jacobson and Yates families-nor did she ever question James'' involvement with other women. She knew her ce, understood when to stay quiet, and never overstepped by asking questions she shouldn''t.


    She stood silently at James'' side as her gaze discreetly swept over Tessa, who was definitely beautiful. Naturally stunning, with fair skin, delicate features, and no trace of cosmetic enhancements. Her figure was impable-slender with all the right curves in all the right ces.


    Tessa didn''t notice Yvette''s scrutiny.


    Hearing James'' flippantment, her brows knitted together in a faint frown.


    There was something about him that unsettled her. The way he looked at her- like a predator eyeing its prey-wasced with both aggression and amusement. Tessa asked again with a hint of annoyance in her tone. "Who are you?"


    "Me?" James chuckled but still didn''t answer. "You''ll find out soon enough, Ms. Yates. We''ll be seeing each other again."


    What a weird person. She ignored him and stepped past to pay the bill at the counter.


    Jasmine quickly followed. As they neared the exit, she couldn''t help ncing back. "Tessa, was that guy your friend just now? He''s so handsome! I''ve never seen someone that good-looking in real life!"


    For some reason, Tessa felt a faint sense of unease.


    There was something off about him, though she couldn''t quite put her finger on it.


    "I have no idea who he is," she replied casually. "Some weirdo, I suppose. Just ignore him."


    "Oh... okay. I thought you two knew each other."


    ...


    December 31st marked theing of New Year''s Eve.


    Naomi had organized a party to ring in the new year.


    The event was hosted at the 88-story Riverside Tower, an icondmark in Rivertown.


    The 69th floor offered the best view in the entire city, overlooking the dazzling nightscape of Rivertown.


    sne


    Inside the presidential suite, fresh flowers, balloons, and colorful


    here.


    s created a vibrant, fol


    Naomi shrugged off her mink coat, tossing it carelessly onto the couch. Underneath; she wore a


    champagne-colored gown that. hugged her curves perfectly. With


    her makeup and striking beauty, she stood out like a queen,manding the room.


    "Gotta hand it to you buying this ce and turning it into a hotel was a pretty smart move," she remarked.


    Quentin snorted coldly. "You think I need your approval?"


    Naomi smirked at him. "Who knew a blockhead like you could actuallye up with a good idea?"


    The 50th to the 69th floors were upied by Quentin''s hotel chain The 69th floor, where they stood now, housed the presidential_ suite-priced at hundreds of thousands of dors per night.


    Quentin sneered. "Blockhead, huh? Are you sure you''re talking about me?"


    Naomi stuck out her tongue yfully. "If the shoe fits, you should know who I''m talking about."