Alex could practically feel the scorn in the room suffocating him.


    The Ashford family had ruled Vancouver''s social circles for generations with a spotless reputation; it was no wonder they refused to believe they might be in over their heads.


    Meanwhile, Vermont National Life-a so-called top ten powerhouse-had been flexing its influence for twenty long decades.


    Folks in that room acted like it was the safest bet since gold bars.


    Marco, wearing a smug gri, shook his head as though he''d just been used of an unspeakable crime.


    "Now, listen up, people," he drawled.


    "I''m not forcing you to buy these stocks, but I figured I''d celebrate this ''opportunity'' with all of you."


    "If you wanna join me, that''s your choice. If not, nobody''s twisting your arm."


    "Oh, and by the way, Vermont National Life''s stock is good here in Vancouver and


    back home in Vermont. So if anything goes south, you can still cash out there."


    At that, some of the family started nodding like sheep.


    才


    "It''s a bargain to buy it cheap in Vancouver, and worst-case scenario, we can sell


    in Vermont. Besides, we only have to hold onto it for a week or so. It''s practically free money!" one rtive enthused.


    Florence mmed his palm on the table so hard the tes rattled.


    "Alex, you bastard!" he snapped, jabbing a finger in Alex''s direction.


    "If you can''t help us, fine. But don''t you dare ruin Marco''s generosity. You''re nothing but trouble!"


    "Damn straight! You''re just jealous!" someone else chimed in.


    "Ugh, Alex, you''re pathetic!" another voice joined the chorus.


    Their jeers piled up, one after another, until Alex wanted to roll his eyes.


    It was no secret: Alex was t broke. Marco, on the other hand, had money to burn and the connections to match.


    Who were they going to believe-the pauper or the prince?


    Alex''s jaw tightened.


    He had only spoken up to warn them, but apparently a broke man''s truth didn''t count for much


    "Don''t any of you understand that Vermont National Life won''t make it into Vancouver?" he asked, locking eyes with Sophia, his gaze unwavering.


    Sophia, who had poured forty million dors into thepany, shot him a suspicious re.


    "Got any proof? Or are we supposed to gamble on your guesswork she demanded.


    "I can''t give you a smoking gun," Alex replied icily.


    "But if you do your research, you''ll see what I''m talking about."


    Sophia''s expression darkened to a stormy gray.


    She had actually expected something more substantial from him maybe a real lead.


    Now she felt she was staring at a resentful boy crying wolf.


    Marco seized the moment like a seasoned actor.


    "Well, folks, since Alex here thinks I''m just a low-down scammer let''s forget the whole stock idea," he said with an exaggerated sigh.


    "I''d hate to rob you blind." He paused to check his watch.


    "Of course, there''s only a few hours left until Vermont finalizes how many shares will be avable, but we sure don''t want to make Alex ufortable. Let''s just keep celebrating Grandpa Abraham''s birthday."


    As if on cue, the crowd bristled.


    Nobody wanted to miss a golden chance to make more money.


    "Marco, you can''t just let this slip away because of him," Florence insisted, ring daggers at Alex.


    "We believe you! Let me transfer the money now!"


    "Don''t let that fool stop us from making a killing," another barked, pointing at Alex.


    "If he keeps whining, I''ll show him the door myself!"


    Alex surveyed the scene, more disgusted than surprised.


    "None of you question Marco''s honesty? You''d throw your savings at a sweet- talking con man without blinking?" He folded his arms, refusing to back down.


    "That''s not your call to make," Jack growled. "We''ll do what we damn well please." "Exactly," Florence snapped.


    "If we get scammed, that''s our business. It''s not like you have any cash on the line. Quit butting in where you''re not wanted."


    Alex let out a dryugh and shook his head.


    "You want to toss your hard-earned money into a pit? Be my guest" he said. "I tried to warn you, but clearly, I''m wasting my


    breath."


    He actually couldn''t wait to see their faces when they realized how blind their greed had made them.


    Florence sneered. "Why don''t you keep your trap shut if you''ve got nothing useful to say? I''m tired of looking at you."


    She would have kicked him out on the spot if it weren''t for Grandpa Abraham''s presence.


    Thankfully, Abraham stepped in.


    "Enough, Florence," he said calmly. "I believe Alex is sincere, even if you don''t. But I''m not here to babysit you. Do whatever you want with your money." Abraham then attempted to pivot.


    "So, Sophia, how''s the partnership with the Kingston familying along?" he asked, hoping to break the tension.


    Sophia''s expression brightened instantly. "We made it official. In two days, the newpany name and brand will beunched. There''ll be an opening ceremony, and I hope everyone cane.


    Everyone knew the Kingston family was a powerhouse, so hearing this news had Abraham beaming.


    "Marvelous! This could change our future in Vancouver. I''ll definitely be there."


    "I didn''t think you could seal a deal with the Kingstons," someone remarked, raising an eyebrow.


    Sophia nodded. "Marco helped us secure it. If he hadn''t called Charles Kingston personally, the Kingstons never would have considered us."


    "Exactly," Marco added. "I''m just trying to help-especially after someone, jealous of Sophia''s connection to the Kingstons, tried to sabotage the partnership." He didn''t name names, but the way he pointed his chin and flicked his gaze toward Alex made it obvious.


    Jack jumped in. "And don''t forget how Han tried to kidnap Sophia. Marco made one phone call, and boom-Sophia was rescued. But that all started because Alex picked a fight with Han''s son."


    Abraham gave Marco a respectful nod. "Thank you, Marco. We owe you a big one."


    Marco raised his ss modestly, taking a sip. “Just doing my part, Grandpa." Jack, meanwhile, didn''t miss a chance to toss more insults.


    "Clearly, Marco''s got real pull. Unlike certain loudmouths who fling usations around."


    "Funny how some folks call him a scammer when they''re the real con artists- pathetic losers who lie and brag with nothing to back it up. Seems like he''s the one too eager to bring disaster to this family."


    Alex just sipped his wine, unruffled. Let them spit their venom. It wouldn''t change the truth.


    Before long, the wine flowed freely, and the mood at the table turned jovial-at least for those basking in Marco''s glow.


    Laughter bubbled up around him, people raising their sses in constant toasts.


    Meanwhile, Alex remained on the fringes, watching the family indulge in false hope, sinking deeper into a pit they had dug


    themselves.


    Much wants more and loses all.