?Chapter 627:


    As soon as Elena stepped outside, a brisk wind sneaked under her cor, sending a shiver down her spine.


    She hurriedly zipped her jacket to the top, tucking her chin into it and allowing only a sliver of her delicate face to peek out. Then she made her way to a sanatorium.


    Upon arriving, armed guards promptly halted her at the entrance.


    “Please present your pass,” one of the guards demanded.


    Without a word, Elena retrieved a pendant from her pocket. The sight of it immediately altered the guard’s demeanor. With a swift motion, he lifted the barrier and said respectfully, “Please, go ahead.”


    Elena didn’t hesitate, driving straight through.


    After her entry, a confused new guard asked, “She didn’t show a pass. Why did you let her through?”


    “Did you notice the pendant she held? That’s the boss’s emblem. Anyone bearing that pendant deserves our highest regard, or else there will be consequences!”


    “The boss? You mean…” The new guard’s voice trailed off as realization dawned on him. His face transformed with awe, and he snapped to attention instinctively.


    This particr sanatorium served as a haven for retired government officials, with the most notable resident being the former president himself.


    The pendant Elena possessed was a significant emblem from the former president.


    As Elena drove deeper into the facility, the guards watched her disappearing car with a mix of awe and respect. Anyone possessing that emblemmanded respect and caution.


    Elena pulled up outside an elegant, detached vi. Gently rapping on the door, she was greeted by the former president’s secretary, who weed her inside with a warm smile.


    The former president, a dignified gentleman with silvery hair, was absorbed in a game of chess, ying solo. His eyes lit up at Elena’s arrival. “Ah, you’ve arrived! Join me for a game of chess, won’t you?” he called out with a spark of enthusiasm.


    Elena took her ce opposite him at the chessboard. “Given that your vision isn’t the best, let’s keep it to one round,” she suggested.


    The former president, far from taking offense, chuckled and nodded. “Very well, as you wish.”


    g?lnσν????s, the heart of storytelling


    As expected, Elena imed victory in the game.


    The former president yfully feigned annoyance, his tone still cheerful. “You’re relentless, never allowing an old man his victory, huh?”


    Elena maintained her poise. “Feigning defeat would only be an insult.”


    With a contented smile, the former president inquired, “So, what made you drop in today? It’s not time for my eye check-up yet.”


    Elena, straightforward and sincere, nodded. “Indeed, there is something I need to discuss with you and seek your assistance on.”


    Right after Elena visited the former president, chaos erupted within the film distribution department, and the director was urgently summoned.


    The promotion and release of A Dream Within a Dream were approved within just three minutes.


    Several government officials faced heavy criticism.


    Though the public remained unaware, the matter caused a significant stir within political circles, reaching even the Garrett family.


    That night, Cathy was summoned home.


    Inside the study, Kirby’s face was a stone mask, devoid of his usual warmth. “Get down on your knees!”


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