?Chapter 1657:


    Meanwhile, Jordy slipped behind the wheel of his car, his expression dark. He wasn’t naive, and he could tell Gracie’s so-called partnership was just a ploy to recruit him for her battle against Ethan. But honestly, did she even know who she was up against?


    Ethan wasn’t just any man. He was the wealthiest man on earth, with businesses scattered across every corner of the world. What chance did someone like him stand against Ethan? And did Gracie really believe she could challenge Ethan with a few measly billions?


    The thought was almost ridiculous.


    That evening, both Ethan and Brenna were buried in work. Brenna was tweaking her smart prosthetic designs long after everyone else had left.


    Ethan had been stuck in back-to-back international meetings and didn’t wrap up until nearly ten o’clock.


    By the time they both finished work, exhaustion was clear on their faces. Ethan came to Brenna’s office, took her hand softly, and asked, “How about we go out for a few drinks tonight?”


    A quiet smile crossed Brenna’s lips as she got up and wrapped her arms around him for a hug. “That sounds perfect.”


    Neville drove them to the Imperial Bar. As they got close, Brenna nced out the car window and noticed the city still buzzing with energy. Street vendors and the night market filled the sidewalks,ughter and music drifting in the warm air.


    “Let’s get out of the car and walk for a while,” she said.


    Ethan followed her gaze to the bustling food stalls. Everywhere he looked, people were gathered around little tables, eating, drinking, and soaking in the carefree night. If he were just another face in the crowd, he might have joined them, too.


    “Alright,” he replied.


    Side by side, Ethan and Brenna strolled leisurely along the lively street. Brenna watched the crowds, feeling a bit envious of their simple life.


    New chapters now on .c?m


    Even at thiste hour, street sweepers were cleaning the sidewalk. Out of the corner of her eye, Brenna suddenly recognized one of them, Ruby, whom she hadn’t seen in ages. Her gaze lingered for a moment. Ruby worked quickly and efficiently, her attention locked on her broom, never once ncing up or noticing Brenna.


    Ahead, the biggest food stall was packed, but just as Brenna and Ethan approached, a group vacated a table, and a waiter hurried to wipe it down.


    Without hesitation, Brenna tugged Ethan toward the area. Spotting the well-dressed pair, the waiter offered a polite smile.


    “What can I get for you tonight?”


    Brenna sat down with Ethan and ordered. She went overboard, even adding a handful of beers to the list, and then waved Neville over to join them.


    Their table was soon filled with food and drinks. Just as they started to rx, amotion erupted nearby. A young man was running, stumbling through the crowd as if he were being hunted.


    Secondster, a group of people caught up and kicked him to the ground. “You thief! You had the nerve to steal from us? We’ll teach you a lesson you’ll never forget!”


    The man being beaten was gaunt, his hair long, untouched by scissors for months.


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