The world didn’t pause for secrets. It moved on, relentless, indifferent to scandal and heartbreak. As morning sunlight filtered through the glass-paneled walls of Velvet Group’s headquarters, Emma Carter stood at the edge of the conference room, looking down at the financial district below. A city of polished ambition, of high-stakes deals and strategic betrayals.

Behind her, Jack King sat silently, staring at the long mahogany table, cluttered with reports, security updates, and a folder ...