Huntington's loyal steward, Ethan Howard, chuckled softly as he awaited Mike Carter's command, eager to unleash the power of the world's most formidable financial dynasty.
"Don't worry, young master," Howard said. "Asset liquidation is my specialty. Huntington built its empire on war profiteering and limitless lending. Clearing out the Bear family's wealth? That's child's play."
Behind Howard stood an immense network of global elites—a force capable of toppling nations. For the Huntington family, dismantling a minor player like the Bear family was hardly a challenge. Mike's order to act would trigger a storm that no one in River Valley City could withstand.
Meanwhile, Ethan Bear, unaware of the storm brewing against him, reclined smugly in a lavish lounge, surrounded by suited men and scantily-clad women. Holding the stolen piece of californium, he radiated arrogance.
"Call the Rivers sisters," Ethan commanded, his grin wicked. "Tell them to meet me tonight at the Lovebird Hotel. If Veronica and Sophia both serve me well, I might let them buy this californium back for fifty million."
His voice dripped with mockery. To Ethan, Veronica Rivers, the proud and icy CEO of her family's pharmaceutical company, and Sophia Rivers, the beautiful, kind-hearted university student, were mere playthings. He reveled in the thought of bringing them to their knees.
Veronica, upon receiving the demand, felt her world shatter. As a savvy businesswoman, she immediately pieced together what had happened: Ethan Bear had framed her with a counterfeit californium sample, turning her greatest triumph into catastrophic disgrace. But she had no proof and no way out. The Bear family's reputation for using brute force to dominate competitors left her no choice but to consider his vile proposition.
At the university hospital, Sophia Rivers stirred awake.
"You're up already?" a nurse asked kindly. "You should rest a bit more."
Sophia ignored her, pulling out her IV and stumbling to her feet. She had to get home. Her family was in danger, and she couldn't waste another moment.
"Sophia, stop! What are you doing?" Leila Stewart shouted as she tried to block Sophia's path. But nothing could deter Sophia's resolve.
Exiting the hospital, Sophia ran straight into Mike Carter. He had come to check on her but carried a bag of snacks intended for someone else. Seeing Sophia's tear-streaked face, Mike's heart ached.
"Sophia, what's wrong?" he asked gently.
Through sobs, Sophia apologized. "Mike, I'm sorry… I'm so sorry for everything. I shouldn't have dragged you into my life."
Mike barely had a chance to respond before Leila intervened, pulling Sophia away. "What are you doing here, Mike? You're not welcome! Stay away from Sophia, you hear me? She doesn't need a parasite like you ruining her life."
Her harsh words stung, but Mike said nothing, watching as Sophia fled. She turned briefly, her tearful gaze meeting his before disappearing into the distance. Mike clenched his fists. He didn't need to explain himself—not now. The truth would become clear soon enough, and when it did, Ethan Bear and his allies would pay dearly.
Sophia left the university grounds, only to receive a call from Ethan. For a fleeting moment, her heart leapt, thinking it might be Mike. But as Ethan's voice came through the line, her hope was crushed.
"Sophia, be at the Lovebird Hotel tonight," Ethan sneered. "Wear something sexy. Better yet, don't wear anything underneath. Oh, and bring your sister. If you do as I say, I might just save your family from ruin."
His laughter echoed cruelly before he hung up. Sophia sank to the ground, trembling with despair. The city's most admired socialite, its queen of beauty and grace, now felt utterly powerless.
After leaving the hospital, Mike returned to the cafeteria, hoping to find Amelia Song. Her usual spot was empty, and there were no signs she'd been there. Concern grew in his chest.
He approached one of the cafeteria workers, a kind older woman who often served Amelia. "Excuse me, ma'am, have you seen Amelia today?"
The woman shook her head. "Not today, dear. That's strange—she's usually the first one here."
Mike frowned. Something wasn't right. He called Amelia's phone repeatedly, but she didn't answer. His mind raced as he scrolled through their past messages. Every morning, without fail, Amelia would text him at the exact moment his alarm went off:
"Mike, wake up for breakfast."
"Mike, you sleepyhead, don't be late for breakfast!"
"Mike, you almost missed breakfast yesterday. Today, I'll make sure you're on time!"
Mike's chest tightened as he realized how much he had taken her for granted. Each message had been a small act of care, yet he had never truly appreciated them.
Suddenly, her words came back to him: "Loving someone means being willing to be humble, to disappear into the dust, and to bloom there."
Frantic, Mike continued calling until, finally, Amelia answered.
"Amelia! Why didn't you come to breakfast?" Mike asked, his voice trembling. "I brought so many snacks for you—enough to last a month! Come on, I'll take you out to eat."
There was only silence on the other end. Then, suddenly, Amelia broke into heart-wrenching sobs.
"Amelia? Amelia, what's wrong? Please, talk to me!" Mike pleaded.
Her cries grew louder, each sob more agonized than the last. It was a sound of pure pain, ripping through Mike's heart.
"Amelia, tell me where you are! I'll come right now. Don't cry, please. I'm here for you!" he said urgently.
But instead of a response, Mike heard the shattering of glass. The line went dead. Amelia's phone had been destroyed.