Dominic raised an eyebrow and said, "Call it even? How? You almost scared my secretary to death, and all you got was a scratch. That doesn''t sound very even to me."


    Sabrina was shocked. How could Dominic be so heartless? She asked, "What do you want then?"


    "You seem to enjoy bungee jumping. I think the bridge over there is perfect," answered Dominic.


    Sabrina closed her eyes, then muttered through gritted teeth, "Fine. I''ll do it, but can I do itter?"


    Although that was what she said, she thought, "Just you wait. You''ll regret this."


    "Sure, it''s a deal then," agreed Dominic. He withdrew the dagger and said politely, "Ms. Belinda, you should freshen up. It''s time to go downstairs and announce the results."


    Sabrina let out a sigh of relief. She pressed a hand to the shallow cut at her neck as fury burned in her eyes.


    Then, Dominic''s voice sounded again. "I forgot to mention one more thing. I''ve already sent a report to the headquarters of the association about your performance tonight, including the deal we just discussed."


    Dominic motioned toward the couch. A small red light blinked on a hidden camera. Upon seeing that, Sabrina was stunned.<fnfbe2> ?????? ???? Find_Novel(.</fnfbe2>


    Dominic added, "I expect you''ll be getting a call soon to wee me into the association. In this world, power doesn''t belong to the loudest voice in the room. It belongs to the one who rewrites the rules while everyone else is still arguing over them."


    Sabrina''s face flushed red, then paled. But more than embarrassment or anger, it was dread that crawled through her bones.


    Dominic grabbed the candle and strolled out of the room without Vespera. Behind them, the red light on the couch continued blinking.


    ...


    Five minutester, the electricity flickered back on. Throughout the castle, chimes echoed. It was a signal that the treasure hunt was over and that someone had found the ne.


    Within one hour, guests returned to the second floor of the castle, one after another. Most looked like they had just been through a war. They were sweaty and scuffed. In contrast, Dominic was already there, not a wrinkle on his shirt or a hair out of ce.


    Instantly, everyone had an answer. Soon after, Belinda showed up with the ne around her neck. She announced, "Mr. Reid has found the ne. The ind is now his."


    The guests had all guessed the results. Even though they were sad, no one protested. From the beginning, Dominic had stood apart. He was calm, sharp, andposed. He did things in his own way. So, it wasn''t a surprise that he found the ne first.


    "Tonight''s event is officially over. Good night," added Belinda, turning to leave. She didn''t seem as enthusiastic as she was previously. She seemed exhausted.


    But before Belinda could step away, Vespera reached out and blocked her path with one arm. Vespera said with a smug smile, "Ms. Belinda, don''t be in such a rush. Mr. Reid, the new owner of the ind, hasn''t even given his speech yet. Don''t you want to stay and hear it?"


    Belinda''s face stiffened. Even her eyes seemed to lose their usual shine. Around the hall, the other guests traded nces. Was Vespera challenging Belinda?