LOGINThe air inside the luxurious suite grew heavier with every passing second, as if the tension itself had taken on a physical form. Crystal chandeliers glowed softly above, but their elegance did little to mask the undercurrent of curiosity and speculation sweeping through the gathered elite. Conversations had splintered into hushed whispers, all circling around two figures at the center of attention—Sarah Vance and the enigmatic Julian Thorne.“Just look at him,” one woman murmured behind her wine glass, her eyes lingering on Julian’s composed figure. “His clothes alone are worth a fortune. And that aura… there’s no way he’s some nobody.”Another guest leaned closer, lowering his voice. “More importantly, he seems to have a connection with Xavier Grayson. In that circle, who isn’t wealthy enough to rival a country? You don’t stand beside someone like Xavier unless you belong there.”A third voice joined in, thoughtful and speculative. “Then why would Sarah reject him so decisively? Cou
Julian Thorne’s voice cut cleanly through the low murmur of the banquet hall—calm, controlled, yet loud enough to draw attention without seeming crude. It was the kind of voice that commanded silence rather than demanded it. Within seconds, conversations faltered, champagne glasses paused mid-air, and curious gazes shifted toward the center of the unfolding drama.And at the heart of it all stood Arthur Vance.A Daughter’s Betrayal“Y-Yes, yes! I want Uncle Julian to be Maddy’s daddy!”Maddy’s cheerful declaration rang out with innocent enthusiasm, her tiny hands clapping together as if she had just made the most wonderful discovery in the world. Her bright eyes sparkled, completely unaware of the storm her words had unleashed.But then, as if remembering something important, her smile faltered. She turned toward Sarah Vance, her expression turning cautious, almost nervous.“Mommy… can he?” she asked softly, her voice carrying a fragile hope.That single question shattered whatever co
Julian Thorne (the Ally) watched Sarah Vance’s delicate earlobes turn a deep shade of pink and found it incredibly entertaining. He leaned in once more, his voice a low, magnetic vibration against her ear. "That woman is flaunting herself right in front of you. Can you really stand it?"Sarah tried to press closer to Chloe Bishop to escape his "enthusiasm," but Julian’s weight seemed to rest almost entirely against her. "Julian, get the hell away from me," she hissed.Julian, however, seemed to enjoy her irritation like a boy playing with a fascinating new pet. "Just cooperate with me a little, and I’ll make sure you get your revenge," he whispered, his breath teasing her ear.The Spark of RevengeSarah was tempted to strike him, but at that moment, she caught Arthur Vance staring at her. His face was contorted with a mix of fury and... disdain.Disdain? Sarah thought. On what grounds? He was the one who deserved contempt.Thinking of how Yvonne Blue had twice framed her for being pus
In the social circles of Sea City, a confrontation like this was inevitable—a clash that had to be faced sooner or later. Arthur Vance had decided that if he was to maintain his standing, he had to get used to it.The Ambition of a MistressHearing Arthur's firm refusal to retreat, Yvonne Blue felt a surge of relief. She feared he might flee, which would only highlight her own precarious social standing. Yvonne was determined not just to stand boldly by Arthur's side, but to eventually surpass Sarah Vance. To her, Sarah having a daughter was unremarkable; Yvonne planned to secure her position by bearing Arthur a son—one who would be brilliant and handsome.In Yvonne’s mind, the true contest between her, Sarah, Chloe Bishop, and Zoe J. had barely begun. The titles of "First Socialite" and "First Lady" of Sea City would only be decided at the very end of the game.The "Pregnancy" ProvocationAs the couple settled in, Yvonne noticed Xue Xianxian carrying two beautiful fruit wines and tur
"I’m not taking sides," Chloe Bishop whispered to Sarah Vance. "I’m just telling you what my intuition says."Sarah glanced toward Xavier Grayson and countered, "You should worry about yourself first. My intuition tells me your current situation is very precarious." Chloe slowly shifted her gaze toward Xavier, but upon meeting his sharp, icy eyes, she quickly looked away, feigning composure. Sarah was right; she truly needed to worry about her own fate.A Child's Pure HeartAs Lulu, Chen Wei, and the others arrived, the suite became lively once again. Little Maddy loved crowds, and her eyes lit up as she saw Chloe, Lulu, and a face she hadn't seen in a long time—Liam Vance. "Uncle! Uncle!" she cheered happily.The gloom on Liam’s face vanished the moment he saw his niece. However, as he noticed Julian Thorne (the Ally) holding her, his thick brows knitted together. His gaze darted between Julian and Sarah, his suspicion mounting: Julian Thorne and my sister-in-law?Maddy reached out d
Sarah Vance was fuming, her elegant face flushed crimson with indignation as her conversation with Maddy took a turn for the worse. "But Uncle Julian has already moved into our house!" the little girl cried out, her voice beginning to crack with tears."I will find a way to kick him out," Sarah stated firmly, her patience at its end."No! Don't!" Maddy wailed, shaking her head frantically. "Mommy, don't kick Uncle Julian out! He's so pitiful. If you kick him out, he'll have nowhere to live!"Sarah was incredulous. "Who told you he has nowhere to live? Haven't you been to his house? It's much larger than ours, and he has dozens of servants waiting on him!"Maddy froze for a moment, then burst into even louder sobs. "I just don't want you to kick him out! I like him! I want him to be my daddy!""Impossible," Sarah replied, her tone hard and unyielding. "Give up on that idea immediately."Seeing her daughter so heartbroken, Sarah felt a pang of guilt despite her anger. She pulled the lit







