Chapter 46 Late afternoon, dark clouds slowly blanketed the skies above Zenith. Inside his private office, Andrian sat upright behind a large desk covered in financial reports and documents on Titan Group's latest projects. His eyes were fixed on a tablet screen displaying a list of board members along with personal notes on their stances regarding the new project. Andrian furrowed his brow, mentally calculating the number of votes he needed to secure in order to get the project off the ground. With limited time before the vote, he knew he had to act swiftly and strategically. A sudden knock on the door broke his concentration. "Come in," Andrian said, not taking his eyes off the screen, still strategizing his next move to win over the board members who remained skeptical The door opened slowly. Elric stepped into the room with a firm stride. "Sorry to interrupt, Sir." Andrian looked up, his eyes meeting Elric's serious expression. "Did you find something?" he asked without preamble, knowing Elric had come to report. Elric stepped forward, pulling out his phone and showing a photo "Sir, after re-analyzing last night's footage of your attack, I found something A small clue, but potentially useful." Andrian frowned. He took the tablet and examined the image on screen. It showed the attacker's left wrist, clad in all-black clothing. However, a faint gleam caught the eye-a thin silver bracelet, dimly shimmering. "A bracelet?" Andrian glanced at Elric with a questioning look, his expression still unreadable. "What's special about it?" "I'm not sure yet, Sir," Elric replied cautiously. "But clearly, the bracelet is quite unique, its design is uncommon. I suspect it's custom-made-not something widely sold." Andrian zoomed in on the image, studying the bracelet in more detail. He tilted his head slightly, trying to identify any particular pattern or design, but to no avail. The bracelet meant nothing to him. He was certain he'd never seen it before. "Do o you recognize this bracelet, Sir? Elric asked. Andrian shook his head quickly. "No. Never seen it. What about you?" "I haven't seen it either," Elric answered. "But based on our analysis, it's highly likely that the bracelet holds personal meaning to the wearer. Nyx may have made a mistake by wearing something that could be used to identify them." Andrian nodded slowly, contemplating. If the bracelet truly had significance to the perpetrator, then it was a vital clue. He was sure someone, somewhere, had seen it-or could connect it to someone. "Find out everything you can about that item," Andrian ordered, handing the tablet back to Elric. "Use every resource we have. Ask our contacts in the underground network, check security databases, look for any cases or reports of similar bracelets being lost. And track down every jewelry maker or bracelet shop in the city-maybe someone's seen or sold a design like this." "Understood, Sir." Elric accepted the tablet with a firm nod. "I'll begin immediately." Andrian nodded in approval, motioning for Elric to leave the room. Once Elric had gone, Andrian fell into deep thought as he gazed out the window. He laced his fingers in front of his face, his eyes narrowing in alertness. That mysterious bracelet might just be the breakthrough he needed-a clue that could bring him one step closer to uncovering the true identity of Ny "Whoever you are." Andrian murmured, "you can't stay hidden forever." 1/4 Imperial Zenith Fine Dining, 50th Floor VIP Room Night began to settle over Zenith, and the glow of city lights from the towering buildings became the sparkling backdrop to the VIP lounge of imperial Zenith, a luxury restaurant perched on the 50th floor of a skyscraper. The ambiance was exclusive, with large glass walls offering a breathtaking view of the city below. At the center of the room, Bianca sat upright at an oval marble table adorned with gold trim, her sharp eyes scanning the faces of the board members seated around her. These were people who rarely spoke much, but whose votes carried great weight in Titan Group's internal decisions. Blanca had chosen this restaurant deliberately a neutral yet private venue, perfect for discussing sensitive matters without the risk of being overheard. of Despite the array of exquisite dishes laid out before them, the dinner atmosphere felt slightly tense. Among the attending board members were Randall Kent, a middle-aged man in an expensive suit, known for his opportunistic nature-always seeking personal gain behind every decision. Linda Moore, an elegant woman renowned for her extensive business connections throughout Zenith. Peter Choi, a calm yet calculating man, with close ties to local government officials. Bianca scanned each of their faces with a confident yet guarded gaze. "The vote for Andrian's latest project is just two days away," Bianca said, raising her glass of expensive champagne, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I'm sure you all understand how important your votes are in this decision." Randall Kent, leaned back in his chair casually, offering a faintly mocking smile. "We understand, Miss Bianca. But before we cast our votes, perhaps you could provide a bit of reassurance. Mrs. Charlotte described this project as highly risky. That's concerning" Linda Moore nodded lightly while scooping a spoonful of dessert. "I agree with Mr. Randall. We need to be cautious. Don't you think Andrian might be rushing this project?" Blanca tilted her head slightly, her smile calm and confident. "Andrian always knows what he's doing. Remember how he pulled Titan Group out of a major crisis a few years ago if he could do it then, why should we doubt him now?" Peter Choi, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up up in a hesitant tone. "But Miss Bianca, what about the Zavier family? I heard their company declined to partner in this project. That's a bad sign for all of us." Bianca's face immediately tensed at the mention of the Zavier name. She looked at Peter sharply, barely containing her anger. "I don't care what the Zavier family thinks," she said in a clipped, almost trembling voice. "Their decision is irrelevant to us." Randall gave a tight smile. "Miss Blanca, how can you say that? Zavier Corporation has been a long-time partner of Titan Group. They've supported many of our major projects. And isn't that company owned by Andrian's wife's family? II even his own in-laws won't support this, doesn't that tell us something?" Bianca felt cornered, her emotions flaring. But he took a deep breath, forcing herself to remain composed. Slowly, she set her champagne glass on the table with a sharp clink, drawing everyone's attention. "I think you're starting to misunderstand," panca said coldly, fixing her eyes on Randall. "I'm not here to debate Zavier Corporation's support or their family's opinions. I'm here to ensure that your votes go to Andrian 2/4 Linda tried to interject gently. "We understand, but the risks are substantial- "What risks?" Bianca cut in sharply before Linda could finish. "Do you think you don't have far greater personal risks yourselves?" The atmosphere shifted instantly, Silence fell over the room, and every pair of eyes turned toward Blanca-now filled w "What do you mean, Miss Bianca?" Peter Choi asked quietly, his face growing nervous. Bianca sat straighter, her gaze turning razor-sharp as she locked eyes with each board member. "I still hold all your secrets. The little things you've kept hidden from the public. with suspicion Mr. Randall, have you forgotten your secret affair with your personal assistant? I'm sure that would destroy your family if it ever got out," Bianca said coldly, looking directly at Randall-whose face turned pale. "And you, Mrs. Linda," she continued, turning to Linda Moore who froze in her seat, "The illegal funds you've been hiding from your competitors do you really think that'll stay a secret forever?" Linda quickly looked down, her face ashen. "And Mr. Peter," Bianca finally! lly turned to Peter Choi, who no now avoided her gaze uneasily. "Bribing government officials for personal gain-you think I don't know? I have evidence of every move you've made." The room went dead silent, the only sound was the faint rustling of nervous gestures from the people seated before her. Bianca took a deep breath, her smile cold and triumphant, and spoke again-calmly but with unmistakable menace "I don't enjoy speaking like this, but I need you to realize how important this vote is for Andrian-and, of course, for yourselves." Randall, still trying to maintain his dignity, raised his voice slightly. "You think we're afraid of your threats, Blanca!" Bianca looked at him sharply. Her voice lowered but brimmed with certainty. "I'm not threatening you, Mr. Randall I'm simply making sure you understand the consequences of choosing the wrong side." She slowly picked up her champagne glass again and raised it slightly. "This Friday's vote will be decisive. I hope you all know what you must do. If not," she smiled thinly. "don't blame me for what happens next." Bianca set down her glass and stood up. She turned gracefully and walked toward the VIP room's exit. The click of her heels echoing across the floor sounded like a warning bell. The room fell into complete silence, heavy with tension, Randall, Linda, and Peter exchanged glances, realizing they were now under Bianca's control-a woman far more dangerous than they had ever imagined. As the door closed behind her, Randall Kent muttered angilly, his face still flushed with a mix of rage and humiliation. "That orphan girl really doesn't know her place," he sneered under his breath, filled with hatred. Peter Choi added with a mocking tone and a sick. "What do you expect from a woman raised in an orphanage? She thinks she can threaten us just like that?" Before the two men could continue their Insults, Linda Moore snapped sharply, her expression filled with both concern and caution 3/4 Chapter 46 "Watch your mouths?" she warned, her voice quiet but firm. "Yes, Bianca was once an orphan. But she's no ordinary woman now. She's Andrian Velor's Lavorite. If he ever hears what you just said, it won't just be your careers on the line-it could be your lives." Randall and Peter exchanged uneasy glances. Though visibly displeased, they could only grumble quietly. No matter how bruised their egos were, they knew Linda was right-insulting Danca carried tremendous risk if word reached Andrian. Unbeknownst to them, Bianca was still standing just behind the VIP room's door. Her face had turned pale, her jaw clenched as she fought to contain the sting of Randall and Peter's cruel words. Her hands balled into tight fists, and her body trembled slightly from the depth of the pain, Harsh memories of her childhood resurfaced in her mind, cutting into her spirit like a knife. Beside her, Derek-who had also heard the insults-looked at her with a mix of anger and concern. "Miss Bianca," he said softly, his voice laced with worry. "Are you alright? If you give the order, I can teach them a lesson right now! Bianca took a deep breath, then slowly turned to Derek with a firm gaze that still held a trace of sorrow "No need, Derek," she said quietly, her eyes brimming with restrained pain. "They don't deserve any more of our attention. They learn on their own, soon enough," Derek bowed his head in acknowledgment. "As you wish, Miss."" With calm yet resolute steps, Bianca walked through the corridor of the restaurant toward the private elevator. Moments later, she arrived at the front of the establishment. A luxurious black car was already waiting for her at the entrance Without a word, Blanca stepped into the vehicle as Derek promptly opened the door for her, then gently closed it once she was seated in the back. As the car pulled away! from the restaurant, Bianca leaned back and gared out the window. Her thoughts drited to the painful memories of her childhood-and to the first time she met Andrian. She let out a deep breath, allowing the memories to pull her back into a past she could never truly leave behind. Freelance photographer Violet Beck is forced into an engagement with CEO Roy Payne. He is everything her wild heart rebels against: proper, predictable, and painfully kind. But love has a way of devel...