McNeil could''ve forced his way through, but with a dozen assault rifles aimed at his back, he didn''t have much choice.


    Maynard had said that even if Steinmitted murder and arson, he might still get away with it. There was every chance that after a scuffle, McNeil would be the one saddled with some trumped-up charge.


    So he swallowed his pride.


    Victoria sat in the car, Stein next to her in the back seat.


    "What are you doing here? I thought only McNeil woulde," she said, her face lighting up with genuine happiness at seeing her brother as spirited as ever.


    "It''s partly business for thepany, but honestly, I just wanted to see you," Stein replied, guilt flickering in his eyes.


    "I still couldn''t save V&S Group, Vicky. I''m sorry, it was my ownck of ability." Victoria''s eyes turned red-rimmed. "Don''t say that, big brother. I''m the one who dragged you into this. If I hadn''t made Osborn rk the legal representative, they''d have had nothing to use against us. I nearly got you court-martialed."


    Stein, in his military uniform, looked even more imposing than he did in a suit. That air of authority only a career officer could carry was unmistakable.


    "McNeil doesn''t have the power to get me thrown in front of a military tribunal. Still, that government project was always meant for Vertex Dynamics. I took it upon myself to change the n, and that''s how they found an opening. Trust me, Vicky, no one can touch me here in Evermore City or anywhere else."


    Victoria finally let out a breath she''d been holding. Her brother''s reassurance calmed her nerves.


    Stein''s real concern, though, was Victoria herself. "How are things with you and McNeiltely? Is he treating you well?"


    Victoria hesitated, her expression clouding. Well? Hardly. Lately, McNeil had seemed almost unwell.


    "There''s nothing left to say about us," she answered. "Big brother, if you think partnering with McNeil''spany is worthwhile, that''s your business. I won''t interfere, but I won''t help either."


    The Langford family''s affairs had nothing to do with her anymore. She certainly wouldn''t use her connections to help McNeil again.


    Stein nodded. "It''s just a shame about V&S Group."


    He still couldn''t let it go, but Victoria was unfazed.


    "McNeil offered me a great deal. I thought it was fair, so I sold it to him."


    Stein studied her face, searching for any hint of regret. Only when he saw her indifference did he let it drop.


    "As long as you''re happy."


    A police car led the way, followed by a sleek procession of ck Mercedes gliding down the wide avenue.


    Outside, the ancient city of Echo spread out-a ce where thousands of years of history weighed heavy, making personal dramas seem tiny and insignificant. After about half an hour, they finally arrived at their destination: the grandest hotel in Echo City, a ce said to host only the highest officials-no businessman, no matter how wealthy, could book a private room here.


    Just like at the airport, security teams stood watch.


    Stein and Victoria stepped out of the car. McNeil exited another vehicle, stone- faced and tense. He couldn''t help but wonder what Victoria and Stein had been talking about alone.


    The moment he saw them, he strode over, determined to separate Victoria from Stein, but Victoria made no move to walk beside him.


    "Mr. Campbell, aren''t you worried what people might say, being so close with your female business partner?" McNeil said, and—ignoring Victoria''s reluctance— pulled her firmly to his side, refusing to let go.


    Stein''s gaze lingered on McNeil''s grip around Victoria''s hand, a faint, inscrutable smile curving his lips.


    "Shall we?" he said, gesturing ahead.


    No longer baiting McNeil, Victoria muttered under her breath, teeth clenched, "McNeil, there are so many people here. Can you let go of me?"


    "Why should I?" McNeil replied coolly. "We''re married, aren''t we? What''s so strange about a husband holding his wife''s hand?"


    Victoria didn''t want to argue in public, so she let him lead her inside.


    The hotel had prepared a private dining room. Stein hosted them with all the ceremony of a state banquet, giving McNeil every courtesy.


    Still, the conversation stayed away from business, circling instead around family matters.


    "I''m curious, big brother," McNeil began, "are you rted to my wife''s mother''s side or her father''s? I know both the Turner and Miller families, but in six years of marriage, this is the first time I''ve met you."


    Stein merely nced at him and said nothing. Instead, he served Victoria her favorite sweet-and-sour pork.


    "Try this. The chef here makes it just like you like, the most authentic in the city. I remember, whenever you visited Echo City, this was your favorite."


    Victoria picked up her fork, about to take a bite, but McNeil stopped her.


    "Sorry, Mr. Campbell, but you''re mistaken. My wife''s favorite is seafood. It''s lobster season now, after all. Seems you don''t know her as well as you think."


    "Seafood is too cold for her system," Stein replied calmly. "I know she likes it, but I''ve always reminded her not to have too much-it''s not good for her health. Every dish on this table, besides the sweet-and-sour pork, is tailored to Vicky''s tastes."


    He turned to McNeil, his meaning clear. "You''re the guest, Mr. Langford. But to me, my sisteres first. Help yourself to whatever you like."


    Every word was a subtle defense of Victoria. It was obvious: the dinner was for her, and McNeil''s presence was almost an afterthought.


    McNeil''s response dripped with sarcasm.