Outside the Lancaster Building
"Jasmine,” Alex said gently, "would you mind giving Sophia another shot at finalizing the deal with Kingston?"
She lifted an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "And this is for your ex-wife''s benefit?"
He hesitated. "I''m doing it for Abraham Lancaster. I promised him I''d see this through."
Jasmine regarded him for a moment, weighing his words. Finally, he exhaled, her posture rxing.
"All right. I''ll wait until they call me for the signing, then I''ll sign everything professionally. But I''m not stepping back into that hall-not after the way that woman treated me."
Relief washed over Alex. He squeezed her hand lightly. "Thank you"
Inside the Private Suite
The scent of expensive cologne and polished wood filled the air as Sophia stood face-to-face with Charles Kingston, her heart hammering in her chest.
He lounged in a leather chair, exuding a confidence so smug that it made her skin crawl.
"I''ve heard everything from Marco," Charles began, shing a thin, calcting smile.
"Don''t worry-Kingston Enterprises is in my hands. My father wanted me to have controlling interest, though my dear sister is fussing for more power."
His words felt smooth yet treacherous,ced with hidden traps.
"But that won''tst," Charles went on, leaning forward. "If you sign with her, that contract could be worthless by tomorrow. Sign with me instead, and we''ll finalize everything publicly-today."
Sophia swallowed, her throat suddenly dry.
Charles tapped his fingers on the armrest.
"Just hand over your Lancaster documents. My legal team will take care of the details. In minutes, you''ll have a contract thatpletely overshadows anything Jasmine offered-double the profit."
His voice was too polished-a seasoned predator''s lure concealed by tempting promises.
Sophia nearly fell for it. The numbers were irresistible-so perfect on paper that caution seemed to slip from he nd.
Yet her pounding heartbeat reminded her that deals like these often exact a steep price.
Marco, sensing her hesitation, spoke in a low, urgent tone.
"Come on, Sophia. Charles Kingston is your only shot now. Everyone''s waiting for you to seal the deal with Kingston. Jasmine walked out; that opportunity is gone. Charles is the only one who can save you."
Sophia''s fingers tightened around the papers. She took a shaky breath.
People only see what they are prepared to see.
In the Grand Hall
Minutester, the master of ceremonies stepped onto the stage, his voice resonating across the expansive hall.
"Wee to our grand opening ceremony for the Kingston-Lancaster partnership! Let''s have a warm round of apuse for Mr. Charles Kingston!"
A ripple of polite apuse spread through the audience, mixed with a few uncertain murmurs.
Charles strode forward, each footstep echoing across the polished marble.
Taking the microphone, he surveyed the crowd with the trademark Kingston poise.
"As many of you know, the Kingston family is entering a new era, he dered smoothly.
"My father, Alfred, has moved to Los Angeles, leaving me to oversee our Vancouver interests. Under my leadership, Kingston will grow stronger."
He paused for effect, confidence brimming in his voice.
"And now, Lancaster is our newest partner. I look forward to rising together." He swept an arm toward Sophia. "Please wee Miss Lancaster!"
He pped, prompting the audience to do the same.
"Sophia! Your turn!" Florence urged, giving her a gentle push.
Despite the swirl of whispers most centering on why Jasmine wasn''t onstage-
Sophia lifted her chin and stepped forward.
"She''s gorgeous," someone whispered.
"Is there any man good enough for her?" another murmured.
Charles slung an arm around Sophia and ced a staged kiss on her cheek for the cameras.
shbulbs went off, capturing every second.
"You''re fortunate, Miss Lancaster," he said in a theatrical tone meant to be overheard.
"Kingston will protect you and elevate Lancaster to heights you never imagined."
Outside the Entrance
Alex and Jasmine stood by therge doors, watching as Sophia and Charles signed the contract for the cameras.
"I had no idea your ex was tied to Charles Kingston," Jasmine remarked, a wry smile curving her lips.
Alex sighed, jaw clenched. "Looks like she won''t be needing my help after all. Does Charles really have full control over Kingston now?"
Jasmine shook her head, arms folded.
A glint of amusement and scorn lit her eyes. "My father bought several Kingston subsidiaries in his own name. Thest time Charles tried to take over the entire Kingston empire, he used stolen funds from Chris Rnd and Bianca."
Alex''s frown deepened. "He tried to buy into yourpanies too?
She nodded. “He did. But once I reported the theft, his assets were frozen. Two days ago, he tried to move what was left of his money from Vancouver to Vermont through the Vermont National Life Group."
but I blocked the transfer legally-and I also seized the She let out a low chuckle. "He thought he could sneak it past me, Vermont National Life Group funds. I got my money back-and a little of his, too."
Alex''s eyes widened. "So he''s-"
"t broke," Jasmine said, her satisfaction palpable.
"Now he''s desperate for new partnerships, hoping to gobble up other businesses under legal pretenses. He''s offering double the profits, but the risks are enormous. Mywyer says anyone who signs with him is basically signing away their property."
Alex looked back at the stage, his expression darkening.
Sophia seemed unaware she''d just struck a deal with the devil.
Back in the Hall
Charles tapped the microphone again, à triumphant gleam in his eyes.
"I''m sure everyone here can see how charming Ms. Lancaster is! Next, I''d like to introduce another individual. Not only is he strikingly handsome, but he''s also been an invaluable asset to the Kingston family. Some might even call him our savior!"
A low murmur spread through the crowd.
"Marco," Jack muttered under his breath, "he''s talking about you, right? Who else would he mean?"
Florence patted Marco''s arm. "Wow, I didn''t realize you were so vital to Kingston. Congrattions!"
Marco shed them both a wide smile. This was exactly what Charles had promised him-a moment under the spotlight, proving himself a worthy investment partner. At Charles''s cue, Marco walked onto the stage.
"Please wee Marco Ashford!"
Apuse filled the hall as Marco stood tall, soaking in the moment
Charles had promised him this tform-a chance to make people believe in him,
luring them into hollow investments they wouldter split fifty-fifty.
In the cutthroat jungle of business, predators thrived.
And for those who weren''t careful, they''d be devouredpletely leaving no trace
behind, not even bones to tell their story.
Sunshine Author
Please Re-Read Chapter 144.
Dear Readers,