William, chairman of Aurelius Real Estate Group, was arrested, causing a significant stir in H City. The public applauded the news with great satisfaction. Letters of thanks, commendations, and banners of praise flooded the police department. Numerous media outlets in H City requested interviews with Troy, who suddenly became a model for the police in G Province and a hero in the eyes of the people. Following William's arrest, Dean also resigned from his position as mayor of H City. The once-glorious Sam' family fell from grace overnight.
In the chairman's office at Imperial Holdings, Alex lounged in his chair, reading the news in the newspaper with a faint, cold smile on his strikingly handsome face. Tossing the paper onto his desk, he stood and walked to the large floor-to-ceiling window, gazing outside. His mind wandered through memories from school to the present, each experience molding him into a stronger, more mature person. He had learned that only by standing at the pinnacle could one look down on others. The sound of gentle knocking interrupted his thoughts. "Come in," Alex called. Hugh entered and approached Alex, speaking softly, "Chairman, I've secured tickets for the concert. You and Kate will be seated in the VIP section."
"Good, I understand. Hugh, how is the acquisition of Aurelius Group progressing?" Alex inquired. He appreciated Hugh's cautious approach but felt he lacked drive, needing further honing to become a reliable right-hand man in the future.
"Chairman, our representatives are negotiating with Aurelius Group's shareholders. I believe we should be able to complete the acquisition soon," Hugh replied earnestly. His initial fear of the young chairman had transformed into admiration.
"Excellent. The northern real estate market still has great potential for development. As long as we manage it well, making money won't be an issue. We should learn from Pinnacle Properties in the south; you should recruit some elite talents from their real estate industry. Beyond Pinnacle Properties is not out of reach," Alex stated confidently, his dark eyes looking into the distance.
"Chairman, I understand. I'll do my best," Hugh said with a determined expression.
"Leave me alone for a while," Alex nodded. Hugh turned and left the office. Alex stood by the window, lost in thought. It was Saturday, and he was glad he didn't have to go shopping with Kate today, as it had become an inescapable nightmare for him. The concert of pop diva Rose was scheduled to start at 8 PM. By 5 PM, Kate was already impatient, calling Alex repeatedly to hurry and pick her up. The allure of her idol clearly surpassed that of her husband.
As a VIP attendee, Alex couldn't dress casually. He wore a custom-made Givenchy suit from Elizabeth. Givenchy had served European royalty for over two hundred years, and each handmade suit was a masterpiece. Alex's tall, elegant figure perfectly complemented the suit, exuding an air of refined nobility.
A fleet of over ten Mercedes-Benz sedans and a black Lincoln limousine departed the estate.
Outside the newly constructed large stadium in H City, crowds of people gathered, with hundreds of police officers maintaining order. Long lines formed at each entrance as people anxiously waited for ticket inspection. When Alex's motorcade arrived, the frenzied fans mistook it for Rose's arrival, rushing towards the cars, shouting her name. Over forty bodyguards exited the vehicles, forming a protective barrier to keep the fans at bay. Seeing the fans' crazed excitement, Alex shook his head. Kate clung tightly to Alex's arm, exclaiming excitedly, "Alex, we're about to see Rose! I'm so happy and thrilled!"
Alex held Kate close, feeling a tinge of inexplicable excitement himself.
After Alex and Kate got out of the car, they entered the stadium through the VIP entrance, protected by more than thirty bodyguards. This stadium, newly funded by the H City government, had three tiers of stands and could accommodate sixty thousand people. One side of the stadium featured a large elliptical stage, with four giant screens behind it.
The VIP seats, where Alex and Kate were seated, were right next to the stage. Under the guidance of staff, they found their seats. As more people filled the stands, the chorus of "Rose" grew louder. Fans waved their banners and sang Rose's hit songs.
At 8 PM, the stadium, now packed with sixty thousand people, erupted with chants of "Rose! Rose!" The stage lights suddenly flickered, and intense music blared, driving the crowd's enthusiasm to its peak. Sixty thousand voices shouted in unison, "Rose, we love you! We love you forever."
Sitting in the VIP section, Alex felt his heart surge with emotion. He couldn't believe the immense power of one person's influence. Next to him, Kate's face was radiant with excitement. If not for their VIP status, she would have joined in the frenzied shouting.
Jets of smoke shot out around the elliptical stage, and a group of dancers in bright silver costumes ran onto the stage, moving to the rhythm of the music. Among them emerged a dazzling figure. The stands erupted in deafening screams, the crowd's blood boiling as they shouted with all their might, "Rose! We love you!"
Rose walked to the front of the elliptical stage, Waving to fans in the stadium. The crowd grew even more frenzied, waving their glow sticks vigorously. The screams and shouts melded into a single, roaring voice.
Some fanatical fans rushed towards the stage, but the police and security stopped them. On stage, Rose, with her melodious voice, said, "Please return to your seats and enjoy the show, alright?"
"Alright!" shouted sixty thousand voices in unison, and the fans who had rushed the stage obediently returned to their seats.
In this electrifying atmosphere, Alex also felt unusually excited. Beside him, Kate's face was flushed, and tears of excitement shimmered in her eyes.
The dancers struck their poses, and Rose walked back to the center of the stage, turning her back to the audience. The music changed, and the stage lights flickered in sync with the rhythm. Rose spun around, and at the same moment, the dancers moved in unison. Rose began singing her hit song, her enchanting voice transmitted through the earpiece to every corner of the stadium. The fans all stood up, waving their glow sticks to the beat.
Seeing the fans' enthusiasm, Rose was equally thrilled. She circled the edge of the oval stage, waving to the fans in the stands. Wherever she waved, wild cheers erupted.
Alex, unable to resist, picked up his glow stick. "Rose, marry me!" a shout from the VIP section that angered the entire audience. Due to the sound system, only a small group around the person heard it. Alex and Kate turned to look at the person, a well-dressed young man in his mid-twenties.
Kate glared at him, muttering, "How dare you propose to my idol? No one but my husband deserves her."
Alex was taken aback by Kate's words. Rose on stage glanced towards the VIP section. The man, seeing Rose's gaze, waved his glow stick energetically. Rose glanced at him briefly before looking at others. When she saw Alex, her gaze lingered. She sang while walking towards the VIP section.
As Rose approached, Alex felt a strange sense of familiarity. Kate, already on her feet, trembled with excitement, muttering, "Rose is looking at me! She's walking towards me!" The entire stadium's eyes followed Rose's steps towards the VIP section.