"Sorry, I have to take an important call."


    Stein rose from his seat, bringing his phone to his ear as he strolled away,


    pretending to be deep in conversation. In reality, he hadn''t even bothered to swipe


    to answer.


    Violet was left standing alone, a ss of red wine in her hand, surrounded by more than thirty of the city''s most powerful figures. Her poise was undeniable, but a hint of awkwardness colored her expression.


    Somewhere in the crowd, a few people chuckled quietly, theirughter tinged with malice and schadenfreude.


    For years, Violet and herpany had been squeezed by the twin corporate giants—The Langford Group and Golden Era Enterprises. When the tech boom hit, everyone scrambled to im their share, but none could outmaneuver Curtis.


    As luck would have it, Curtis had connections to both of those powerhouses, leaving the rest with no choice but to ept his dominance.


    Everyone knew why Stein hade to Starfall City, and it was obvious whose side he''d take. Even those with no real chance of winning still showed up, if only for the spectacle. No one had expected Stein to bypass the three obvious picks and instead choose to partner with a no-name startup nobody had even heard of.


    Honestly, this twist was more satisfying than any mindless soap opera.


    "Ms. Marchand, Mr. Campbell chose V&S Group ages ago. Even Mr. Garcia hasn''t made a move yet-maybe don''t be so quick to jump in."


    Keith Dixon, Chairman of the Dixon Group, was a man in his fifties. Eight years ago, the Dixon family had been untouchable in Starfall City''s business scene, but since McNeil took over the Langford family, Keith had barely clung to his ce among the city''s top ten.


    Now, all those years of frustration seemed to erupt at once. His words made Violet flush, her cheeks alternately red and pale. She clutched her ss, her hands trembling so much that the wine shimmered in the light.


    Curtis, meanwhile, sat quietly, thinking about Victoria''s car and why Stein had chosen to sit beside her. Violet was standing up for Quantum Core Technologies and getting shot down for it, but Curtis seemed oblivious, lost in thought.


    Even when someone called his name, he remained impassive, as if he hadn''t heard a thing.


    "Mr. Campbell''s choice of a partner is obviously the result of careful evaluation," McNeil said, idly toying with a lighter as he picked up where Keith had left off. "Whether it''s an established conglomerate, an up-anding tech firm, or some unknown startup, he has his reasons. Unless, Mr. Dixon, you have an issue with Mr. Campbell''s decision?"


    His tone was calm but carried an unmistakable weight. Keith''s face went ashen, and he shrank back, unwilling to utter another word.


    With McNeil openly defending her, Violet felt a rush of relief. Simms shot Keith a cold nce, his eyes icy with disdain.


    After McNeil''s rebuke, no one dared mock or belittle Violet again.


    They might be willing to argue among themselves, maybe evene to blows, but no one was foolish enough to provoke Mr. Campbell.


    Business could mix with politics, but nobody dared cross the political elite— especially those from Evermore City.


    Keith might be reckless, but he wasn''t crazy enough to start that kind of war.


    McNeil''s support for Violet was unwavering; with his backing, Violet''s position in Starfall City''s business world was now truly secure.


    Victoria had quietly focused on her meal the moment McNeil spoke up for Violet. Like Curtis, she had no interest in the petty squabbles ying out around them.


    Earlier, Stein had mentioned Jimmy''s love for that racing game. Clearly, it was time to move up theunch date. She''d hoped to take her time, but Stein''s agreement to coborate with her firm felt like a lifeline-she owed him big now. After a few minutes outside, Stein returned to the head table, this time choosing a seat away from Victoria. The event''s organizers finally rxed.


    When the banquet ended, the city''s power yers gathered around Stein as he prepared to leave, the organizers escorting him to his suite.


    "Mr. Campbell, would you like us to have that young woman-Victoria-keep youpany tonight? Or shall we arrange for her to receive some special attention?"


    Stein''s private jet was scheduled to depart in two hours from the rooftop helipad, and the organizers were following his itinerary to the letter.


    He stopped and looked at Director Louie.


    "Director Louie, don''t be clever."


    With that, he strode off, leaving Director Louie to wipe nervous sweat from his brow.


    "Yes, of course. I spoke out of turn. Please, don''t take it to heart."


    Louie knew he''d overstepped. Even if Stein had taken a liking to the girl, he''d never make a spectacle of it. Men like Stein might indulge, but they didn''t want their amusements paraded in public-arranging something like that could only backfire.


    The thought made Louie want to p himself. He hurried after Stein.


    At the far end of the hotel corridor, Stein''s pace slowed.


    A tall figure was waiting there. Louie frowned. "What are you doing here? No


    one''s allowed in this area."


    As they drew closer, Louie realized it was McNeil. He nched.


    What a day-he''d managed to offend every major yer.


    "Mr. Langford, is there something you need?"


    "Mr. Campbell, I have a question: What sort of punishment do you think someone


    deserves for sabotaging a military marriage?"