Chapter 16: The Final Straw

The private dining room on the second floor of *L’Aura* was designed for intimate, high-stakes celebrations. With its sweeping views of the city skyline, soundproof mahogany doors, and a custom-built twenty-seat marble table, it was the crown jewel of Clara’s restaurant

Chapter 17: Checkmate

"The vote is canceled," Victor said smoothly, finally turning his predatory gaze onto Simon. "Because as of ten minutes ago, you no longer hold a single share of equity in this company."

The boardroom descended into a suffocating, absolute silence. The five members of the res

Chapter 18: The Gala Trap

Four hours later, the grand ballroom of the Pierre Hotel was a blinding sea of flashing cameras and glittering chandeliers. The annual Michelin-star gala was the culinary event of the season, a highly publicized night where fortunes were made and careers were shattered.