The O''Brien Group.


    Jasper handed Haynes three carefully organized files.


    "Haynie, these are the three women Rachel wants to invite. All threee from prominent families, and they''ve made quite a name for themselves in the music world over the past few years.


    The general public may not know their names, but within the industry, they''re practically celebrities—even turning down an invitation from Mr. Walden himself. Oh, and...


    This woman, Wendy, is the daughter of the Burke family. The O''Brien Group just started working with the Burkes not long ago.


    If you reach out to Mr. Burke about this, I''m sure he''d be willing to do you a favor." Haynes nced over the files Jasper handed him and gave a nomittal nod.


    Jasper continued, "This Katrina-she''s from a wealthy family too, but it''s nothingpared to the O''Briens. Putting a bit of pressure on her family shouldn''t be an issue.


    But this Lauretta... that''s going to be trickier."


    Jasper frowned. "Her background is exceptional, and rumor has it she''s about to get engaged to Jonathan, the eldest son of the Williams family... Trying to strong- arm her won''t work."


    Haynes paused in his perusal of the files. "Jonathan''s getting engaged?"


    "Yeah," Jasper replied. "He''s not exactly young anymore, and as the future heir to the Williams Group, it''s about time. You''re a few years younger than him, and he could practically have a kid in grade school by now."


    A thought seemed to strike Jasper, and he looked at Haynes. "Wait, you and Jonathan know each other, don''t you? Why not ask him for a hand?"


    Haynes''s brow furrowed. "Whether he and Ms. Chapman are actually engaged isn''t set in stone yet. If I barged in now, it would just be intrusive and probably annoy him."


    Jasper thought it over and realized Haynes had a point.


    He asked, "How did you get to know the Williams family anyway? They''ve always been rooted in Solmaris. There''s not much ovep with the O''Briens, is there?"


    In terms of business might, the Williams Group far outstripped the O''Briens.


    Despite the O''Brien Group''s meteoric rise under Haynes''s leadership in recent years,pared to a century-old powerhouse like the Williams family, they were still building their foundation.


    The Williams family''s current generation was especially impressive.


    Jonathan in particr was widely regarded as an outstanding leader.


    More remarkably, the Williamses managed to keep themselves free of the usual scandals that gued other dynasties.


    Their family was well-organized and fiercely united.


    Haynes exined, "I was on a


    business trip to Solmaris once and went to a concert. Ms. Williams one of the


    performers-was being hassled by some of her fellow musicians. I stepped in and helped her out of a tight spot. Jonathan heard about it and made a point to meet me afterward."


    That incident had left Jonathan indebted to him-a rare thing, a future heir to the Williams Group owing you a favor.


    But over the years, Haynes had never found a reason important enough to call it in, so he''d kept his distance.


    He knew full well that just because Jonathan was willing to owe him didn''t mean he wanted someone hanging onto his coattails forever.


    Haynes was no fool. He knew favors like that were currency-you spent them only when it really mattered.


    Mention of the Williams family''s daughter piqued Jasper''s curiosity.


    "I''ve heard Aurora is practically a legend-called the most beautifut woman to grace high society in a century. People say she''s like a living textbook for debutantes. Haynie, is she really all that stunning?


    Haynes answered simply, "She is."


    Jasper''s eyes flicked with interest. "Is she as beautiful as Ste?"


    He couldn''t deny Ste was among the most striking women he''d met. Otherwise, with all her


    shorings, how else couby ele havended Haynes? She


    Though Ste''s looks were undeniable, Jasper had never liked her much. He


    wasn''t the type to be swayed by a pretty face alone.


    In terms of talent, Rachel was far superior.


    Haynes replied casually, "Different types. Hard topare."


    That surprised Jasper.


    The name Aurora was practically legendary among the elite. She was said to be a


    master of everything-music, art, etiquette-and brilliant to boot.