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Chapter 73: Vanessa's Observation

Author: Evve
last update publish date: 2026-01-03 08:12:36

The gala had been a disaster for Aurora, but for Vanessa Leigh, it was a resurrection.

She stood in the humid, earth-scented shadows of the conservatory, concealed behind a dense wall of weeping figs. The air here was heavy, cloying with the smell of damp soil and expensive orchids, a stark contrast to the crisp, air-conditioned chill of the main ballroom.

In her hand, the stem of a crystal champagne flute felt fragile, ready to snap. She hadn't taken a sip. Alcohol would dull the edge, and ton
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    The Cross Empire tower, usually a bastion of ruthless, unified ambition, was fracturing. It wasn't visible from the street. The glass facade was as impenetrable as ever. But inside, on the executive floors, the fault lines were widening. Adrian Cross sat in his office, the door closed. He was th

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