Kiara and Stephen were born in different generations. Stephen could easily be her father, as he wasn’t much younger than her parents.
Even so, both understood the importance of networking.
Especially in business — or in the world of adults in general — having a broad network could open many doors. That was why Kiara, even at a young age, had been trained to socialize with the sons and daughters of wealthy families at the Summit School of Excellence.
If Kiara hadn’t cut ties with her family, she probably could’ve made a few calls to pull some strings. But she hadn’t just cut ties — she had also left Anteca for years. She started from scratch out of pride and ego. And while she’d made some progress, her current network wasn’t broad enough, nor were her contacts capable of helping in a case this massive.
For Stephen, last night had been a slap in the face — a harsh reminder of reality.
He didn’t go into detail about how many favors he’d tried to call in, but he had done his best. To him, this wasn’t just about helping Kiara or her friend. It was also a way to help someone in the same position his son had once been in — only this time, Cassandra was innocent, and Sven was not.
Unfortunately, Stephen realized just how shallow and short his network had bee. The few who were willing to help had no real power, and many didn’t want to be entangled in the political mess surrounding Cassandra’s case. Others saw it as an opportunity to profit.
Stephen should’ve been as sociable as Charles.
“I’m sorry.”
Kiara pressed her lips into a thin line, surprisingly taking the news better than expected. “Thank you, CEO Bennet. Really. Please don’t apologize. Your offer already meant a lot to me. It’s not like I expected miracles, but after a full day of rest, I realized just how massive and plicated this case really is.”
“Even the biggest law firm in Anteca wouldn’t take it,” she added with a faint, understanding smile. “It’s just too much. Still, I appreciate your efforts — especially when you owe me nothing.”
“Helping someone in need doesn’t hurt,” he grumbled, looking more defeated than she was. “I’ll keep trying.”
“Thank you.” Kiara opened her mouth to say more, but before she could, the small television to the side caught both their attention.
They turned toward it just in time to catch another news report about the ongoing case. This time, though, it wasn’t about Cassandra — it was about Senator Smith’s latest speech.
He expressed dismay over the court’s decision, rambled about his granddaughter’s innocence, and concluded by saying that if she were found guilty, he himself would file a petition for a harsher sentence — all to show that he stood for justice, even over family.
“What a piece of trash,” Stephen muttered. “His granddaughter is already in prison with no chance of bail, and here he is, using the situation to boost his own campaign.”
Shameless.
Kiara pursed her lips. She wasn’t surprised — not in the slightest. Then she glanced at Stephen.
He didn’t look like it, but he seemed like the kind of man who was often misunderstood.
Stephen had the air of someone distant — a father who didn’t care about his family. But the more she saw this side of him, the more she realized how wrong that impression was.
Unlike Senator Smith, who projected the image of a doting father and loving grandfather… or her own parents, whose PR teams kept their images spotless… Stephen just seemed like a regular man. A father trying to protect his family.
A subtle smile tugged at Kiara’s lips as she turned back to the screen.
Cassy… she thought, biting her inner lip. I guess you were right. We were friends because we had more in mon than we thought.
Like being born into families that cared more about their own interests and used their children as tools to climb higher.
I wonder what else we can do in this situation?
—
Meanwhile, outside the warehouse…
Hugo pulled over in the parking lot beside the small building. Taking off his helmet, he narrowed his eyes and scanned the area.
“What’s he doing here this early?” he muttered. “Something shady going on?”
His brows furrowed deeply.
After talking to Mint, Hugo had made a few calls — to Penny and then to Atlas.
Though he knew about the falling out between the Bennet Family and Global Prime Logistics, he hadn’t followed the details. So he’d asked Atlas about Stephen Bennet.
According to Atlas, this pany was one of Global Prime’s clients.
“Still… First Brother’s never been this involved with clients before,” Hugo muttered, confused. “What’s going on here?”
The more he thought about it, the more questions piled up — especially knowing how often Stephen had been visiting this place.
Why?
“Well…” Hugo sighed, putting his helmet back on. He didn’t drive far — just far enough to keep a discreet eye on the building.
Taking the helmet off again, he muttered, “Guess I’ll find out for myself.”
—
At Pierson Corporation…
As Atlas and Zoren stepped into the building, Atlas couldn’t help but arch a brow. He scanned the lobby, noting the subtle bows from employees.
Nothing seemed overtly strange, but something felt off. There was a certain look in everyone’s eyes. It was subtle, but unmistakable.
“Did something happen here?” Atlas murmured, loud enough for Zoren to hear.
Zoren raised his brows and glanced at him. “Why?”
“People are looking at us like they know something we don’t.”
Zoren chuckled lightly. “Probably just surprised we’re ing in together. We should do this more often.”
Atlas didn’t even dignify that with a response.
They moved on, brushing off the strange atmosphere. But everything became clear when Atlas reached his office.
“Allen, if you’re here because—”
Allen, already inside, leapt from his seat. “Sir!” he blurted in panic. “Bad news!”
“Huh?”
“Just look!” Allen shoved a tablet into his hands.
Atlas raised an eyebrow, took the device, and glanced at the headline:
[A Real-Life Boy’s Love Story: Out of the Closet]
His brow twitched. “How many times do I have to tell you, I don’t swing that way?”
“Sir, it’s not—just read it!”
Atlas huffed and skimmed through the article. He stopped halfway, jaw tightening.
It was a blind item — vague, but filled with clues. It spoke about a powerful CEO of a major conglomerate, rumored to be romantically involved with the newly appointed COO of his own pany.
Anyone in the corporate world could guess who they were referring to.
Crack.
Allen flinched as the screen cracked under Atlas’s grip.
“Sir—” he stammered, watching the invisible fire spark in Atlas’s eyes.
At that moment, one thought echoed in Allen’s head:
May the heavens protect this world. He finally has a reason for world domination… or damnation!
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