A few dayster, Alex and Sophia arrived at the grand banquet hosted by the


    Lancaster family.


    The opulent hall was abuzz with anticipation.


    Amelia Lancaster had organized the event to announce the acquisition of BioHealth Solutions from Rnd and to unveil its rebranding under the Lancaster Group.


    And their partnership with Kingston would send ripples through Vancouver''s business.munity, marking the Lancasters'' bold expansion into something greater.


    Whispers filled the room about Jasmine Kingston''s attendance.


    "Why do we have to be here?" Sophia sighed, ncing at her father, Justin.


    He adjusted his tie, his expression firm. "This is our family''s banquet, Sophia. We need to show face."


    "But they''ve already pushed us out," she protested softly.


    "Regardless, we must attend," Justin insisted.


    "Our livelihood depends on the Lancaster Group''s shares. Imagine what would happen if your grandmother decided to cut us off entirely."


    Nearby, Florence cast a disdainful look at Alex. "You should keep your distance," she warned.


    "If Amelia sees you here, she''ll be furious."


    Alex raised his hands in mock surrender. "Understood. I''ll stay out of sight."


    Sophia nced at him apologetically. "I''m sorry, Alex. I''ll congratte Grandmother quickly, and then we can leave together."


    He offered a reassuring smile. "No worries."


    In recent days, Sophia seemed to be softening toward him.


    She hadn''t filed the divorce papers, leaving their future uncertain.


    For Alex, being by her side was a way to honor his promise to Abraham and to


    repay her for helping retrieve his mother''s ne.


    Across the bustling room, Justin and Florence approached Amelia.


    "Mother, we''ve brought Sophia as you requested," Justin said eagerly.


    "Is Peter Smith here yet?"


    +25 BONOS


    A satisfied smile curved on Amelia''s lips. "Have you informed Sophia that she''ll be getting engaged to Peter today?"


    Florence sighed. "She''s as stubborn as ever. And worse, she brought that useless husband along."


    Amelia''s eyes


    shed with irritation. "Why didn''t you stop him?"


    Mike, the newly appointed CEO, overheard the exchange and stepped forward.


    He was banking on Peter Smith''s $50 million investment, which hinged on tonight''s engagement announcement.


    &


    "I can take care of him," Mike offered confidently.


    I.ne


    "No," Amelia said sharply. "You''re the centerpiece tonight. Don''t lower yourself. Just let Peter know that


    Sophia''s ex-husband is her


    causing trouble. He''ll handle it."


    Mike nodded and made his way to Peter, whispering the situation.


    Peter''s eyes darkened as he spotted Alex across the room. "So that''s the pest clinging to Sophia. Time to swat him away."


    Peter approached Alex with a smug


    grin.


    "Well, look at you," he sneered.


    "Trying to fit in where you clearly don''t belong."


    Alex met his gaze calmly, saying nothing.


    "Did you get lost on your way to the servants'' entrance?" Peter added, but Alex remained


    silent.


    "Hey! I''m talking to you," Peter snapped.


    "Really?" Alex replied mildly. "I thought I heard a stray dog barking. A lion doesn''t turn around when a small dog barks."


    Peter''s face reddened. "You better fuck off from here. This event is for people of significance."


    Alex smirked faintly. “Interesting. I didn''t realize arrogance was the new measure of significance."


    Peter''s face twisted with irritation.


    "Listen here. Sophia Lancaster is


    about to be my fiancée. I''d


    suggest you leave before I have you thrown out."


    "Fiancée?" Alex raised an eyebrow. "Last I checked, she''s still my wife. Perhaps you should step back."


    Peterughed derisively. "You''re nothing but a leech-a nobody clinging to a woman out of


    +25 BONOS


    He nced at the screen, his smug expression faltering. As he read the


    messages flooding in, his face paled.


    "What... what''s happening?" he muttered.


    Alex watched him silently.


    Peter looked up, panic creeping into his eyes. "What did


    "I warned you," Alex replied.


    you do?"


    Peter''s arrogance faltered. "This can''t be real," he whispered, frantically dialing


    his personal


    ountant.


    &


    "What''s going on? How can our ounts are frozen? What do you mean we''re


    under investigation?"


    Today''s Bonus Offer