LOGINSolene City.Valeza Residence.The Valeza Residence was not just a home—It was a compound.A vast, sprawling estate that housed the first to third branches of the Valeza family. From the outside, a massive iron gate stood as the only entrance, guarded at all times. Beyond it stretched an enormous landscape of manicured gardens, stone pathways, and multiple villas arranged with deliberate order.The land was so large that walking from one end to the other was impractical. Golf carts were used to move around, and even then, it could take hours to fully traverse the estate.It was said that to completely explore the entire compound without rest—It would take three days and three nights.—The family was divided by contribution and standing.Each branch held influence depending on what they had done for the family.But regardless of rank—There was only one final authority.The Patriarch.Even the elders deferred to that position.It didn't matter if one was young or old, male or female
Lucien turned to face them."Stand up."At once, Fatty and his men straightened."Mr. Cross… I didn't expect to run into you here," Fatty said, still slightly stiff."It just happened," Lucien replied calmly.Fatty nodded, then glanced at Dexter."Mr. Cross, it seems this man caused trouble for you," he said. "Just tell me what you want done to him."—Dexter's world collapsed.Everything he imagined—the reward, the recognition, the connection—Shattered instantly.His body turned cold.Then—Warm.A dark stain spread across his pants.He lost control completely.The liquid dripped to the ground like a small stream.His legs gave out.He dropped to his knees."Mr. Cross…!" he begged, voice trembling. "I didn't know… I didn't know it was really you…"—Iris frowned in disgust."…That's filthy."Even Seraphina looked slightly displeased.—Lucien's expression didn't change."Take him away," he said.His voice was cold."Find out everything he's done in this area and elsewhere.""Make h
Dexter kept talking.Confident.Proud.As if he had just done something commendable at the perfect time."Mr. Fatty," he continued, gesturing toward Lucien and the others, "these people are bold. Not only did they pretend to be Mr. Cross and Chairman Valeza—"He scoffed."They even tried to intimidate us using those names."He shook his head, clicking his tongue."Good thing we arrived in time to stop them."He puffed his chest slightly."My men already surrounded them. We were just about to deal with them properly before handing them over to you."—He didn't notice it.The change.—Fatty's face had gone stiff.Completely stiff.The cigar between his fingers trembled slightly.Behind him—Scarface had also frozen.The moment he saw Seraphina—And that back.That figure standing in front of them.He knew.Exactly who it was.A cold sweat formed on his back.He swallowed hard.—But Dexter—Was still talking.Still adding more.More lies.More exaggeration."They even resisted us," he
A group arrived.Several men in black suits walked in first, their presence sharp and disciplined. Behind them—A man in a white suit, his buttons barely holding together from how tight it was across his massive frame.He walked forward like a storm about to break.The onlookers who had gathered at a distance fell silent.Watching.Waiting.Sensing that something big was about to happen.—The leader of the Chicken Gang immediately stepped forward."Mr. Fatty!" he called, his tone full of respect—yet clearly laced with fear."What brings you here?"—The large man—Fatty—lit a cigar.Scarface, standing behind him, quickly leaned in to light it.Fatty took a deep drag.Then exhaled—Blowing the smoke directly into the leader's face."I'm here for an inspection," he said casually.His voice was heavy.Unhurried."Mr. Cross instructed me to watch over certain areas."He glanced around."This is my first time here."Then—His eyes shifted toward the chicken noodle stall."The owner of that
The thugs froze.For a brief moment, they exchanged glances—confused.The leader looked at Panther.Panther looked back.Then—They burst into laughter.Loud.Mocking.The leader waved his hand dismissively, as if brushing off something ridiculous.Then he looked at Lucien."Who do you think you are?" he sneered. "Threatening us like that?"His grin widened."With that small frame of yours… you think you can even fight one of us?"He clicked his tongue."What a joke."—Then suddenly—His expression shifted.As if he just thought of something.He gasped dramatically, eyes widening in fake realization as he pointed at Lucien."Wait… don't tell me…"A pause."You're Lucien Cross?"Then he turned to Seraphina."And you… you're the Chairman of Aureline Corp?"He covered his mouth, pretending to be shocked.—The thugs behind him stiffened for a moment.Iris lifted her chin proudly."That's right," she said firmly. "Now you know."She pointed at Seraphina."This is Seraphina Valeza."Then
After a brief moment of silence—The leader suddenly burst into laughter.Loud.Unrestrained.The rest of the gang followed, laughing just as hard.Iris froze.Confused.The women in the group shook their heads.They had used tricks like that before—But never something this ridiculous.Throwing out names like Aureline Corp?That was too much.—The leader wiped the corner of his eye, still laughing."The Chairman?" he repeated, shaking his head. "Seriously?"Then he leaned forward slightly."Don't you know who I am?"Iris frowned.The leader grinned."I'm Dominic Valemont," he declared proudly. "From San Virex."Then he laughed again.The others joined in.—Iris stiffened."You—"But the leader waved his hand dismissively, still amused."Come on," he said. "Couldn't you come up with something better?"He tilted his head mockingly."Like saying she's part of the Cobra Gang… or Eagle Fighters or something."His grin widened."But Chairman of a business titan?"He scoffed."Do you real
Cassy staggered back several steps.For the first time since the confrontation began—She had nothing to say.Madel continued calmly."To tell you the truth," she said, her tone steady, "the day you contacted me to meet, I immediately reported it to the Chairman."A wave of murmurs rippled through
"Erguotou…?"Both Seraphina and Clinton said the word at the same time.Seraphina bit her lower lip, worry flashing across her face. Clinton, on the other hand, swallowed hard—his throat bobbing noticeably.She turned to Lucien at once. "Lucien… will you really be okay?"Lucien smiled at her—calm,
"It's over…" Cassy whispered faintly.Her voice no longer carried arrogance.Only disbelief.Across the hall, Jaycee Torres stood stiffly at Firm Jewelry's station. He pressed a hand against his forehead, eyes dark with realization.He knew.When he returned home—The old patriarch would not spare
Seraphina's hand clenched tightly at her side.She took one step forward—And Clinton moved, blocking her path."Are you really going to let your studio shut down?" he said sharply. "Think about it."His voice softened, turning persuasive again. "All the effort you poured into it. How you started f







