The morning sun spread across Star Harbor, its golden glow breaking over the ocean and climbing up the steel and glass towers of the city. The skyline shimred in soft light, as though the city itself had woken to prepare for another day of battles—so fought in boardrooms, so in the shadows.
At the Pearl Villa, the family gathered to see Monica off. Her sharp business attire stood in contrast with the warmth of Elena’s smile and the twins waving cheerfully at the gate. Daniel gave a polite nod, and Monica promised she would return soon. After a final goodbye, she stepped into her car, and the vehicle rolled down the driveway, disappearing into the busy streets.
Miles stood for a mont, watching quietly, before turning to his own schedule. The city belonged to him in pieces, but there were still wars to fight. He drove alone through Star Harbor’s morning traffic, passing vendors setting up their stalls, workers rushing for the day, and digital billboards flashing headlines of Sterling Enterprises’ latest dominance in the markets. His car moved steadily, and soon the towering figure of Cinder Square lood into view.
Inside the building, silence and efficiency blended together. Polished marble floors, glass walls, and the subtle hum of elevators ford the pulse of his empire’s headquarters. Miles entered his private cabin, the door closing softly behind him. He settled into his chair, the leather creaking lightly, as sunlight from the tall windows spilled across his desk.
Monts later, a gentle knock."Good morning, boss. You called ?" June stepped in, carrying her tablet close, her expression calm yet focused.
Miles leaned back slightly, his eyes sharp. "Where are we with that security company?"
June imdiately swiped across her screen, bringing up files. "The Sterling Private Security Agency is registered. Everything is official. Recruitnt has already started. We’ve also secured a large property for the base and training grounds. Construction is well underway, almost complete."
Miles nodded slowly, tapping his fingers against the desk. "Good. For recruitnt, focus on ex-military and ex-cops. Only those with honorable discharges. I don’t want rcenaries or anyone with dirty pasts slipping in."
"Copy that, boss," June replied, her voice steady, already noting it down.
Miles paused, his gaze softening. "Also, look for a good location for a restaurant."
June blinked, montarily surprised. "A restaurant? Are we expanding into the food business now?"
Miles gave a faint smile, almost boyish in that instant. "Technically yes. But it’s not for —it’s for my mom. She’s dread of running her own restaurant for years."
June’s serious expression lted into a gentle smile. "That’s wonderful. Honestly, I love her cooking myself. I’ll start scouting locations imdiately. She deserves the best place in the city."
Miles inclined his head. "Thanks for your hard work, June."
Before she could say more, a sharp buzz ca from his phone. The secure line flashed, showing Monica’s na. Miles unlocked it, his eyes narrowing as he opened the encrypted ssage.
ssage from Monica:
The person behind ACE Finances is Kyle Sterling. He is the son of your grandfather’s youngest brother. I’ve attached detailed docunts. Kyle has businesses hidden outside of ACE, most of them illegal. He’s our number one suspect, especially given the Old Master’s connection with ACE.
The current family head is Gordon Sterling, your grandfather’s second brother. His record is clean. I doubt he is directly involved.
There’s been a new developnt in the ACE group. For the first ti, soone from the family has openly stepped forward into the office. Her na is Silvey Sterling, Gordon’s granddaughter. Recently graduated from Stanford, she has returned to the country and joined ACE headquarters.
I’ll keep updating you on ACE.
Miles read every line carefully, his eyes narrowing slightly, absorbing the weight of every word. His fingers drumd slowly against the polished desk. The silence in the room thickened, broken only by the faint hum of the city outside.
At last, a slow smile curved across his lips. His gaze drifted toward the glass window, watching the busy square below."Kyle Sterling," he murmured under his breath, the words edged with cold amusent. "Let’s see what you’ve got."
The phone on Miles’s desk rang, its sharp tone cutting through the quiet hum of the office.
He picked it up calmly. "Yes?"
On the other end, the receptionist’s polite voice ca through. "Chairman, there is soone here requesting to et you. Her na is Jemma. She says she is from Brightvale PD."
Miles’s eyes narrowed slightly, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Send Officer Jemma up."
"Yes, Chairman," the receptionist replied.
As the line clicked off, Miles leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the armrest. His thoughts sharpened. Why is Jemma here of all places?
Minutes passed, each one heavy with expectation. Then ca a knock on the office door.
"Co in," Miles said.
The door opened, and Jemma stepped in. Her eyes moved slowly around the cabin, taking in the polished mahogany desk, the floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking Cinder Square, the sleek design that radiated power and wealth. The aura of the office itself was intimidating.
Finally, her gaze landed on him. "Hello, Miles."
Miles gave a faint smile, his tone calm. "It’s been a while, Officer Jemma. Please, have a seat."
Jemma walked forward, her footsteps asured, and settled into the chair opposite him. Even as she sat, her eyes couldn’t help but flick around the office again—every detail reminded her that the man she once saw at a shooting range was far more than what he appeared to be.
Miles’s gaze was steady on her, unblinking, unreadable. "So," he asked in a low voice, "how can I help you, Officer?"
Jemma leaned forward slightly, her tone calm but carrying weight. "Do you know anything about the Heart of Frost Queen?"
Miles raised a brow, his lips curving faintly. "What is that, so kind of fantasy rchandise?"
Jemma smiled, shaking her head. "No. It’s a legendary diamond. It was first discovered by explorers in Antarctica. The governnt of Brightvale City held it in their museum for years... until now."
Miles’s expression sharpened. "Until now? Don’t tell it’s missing."
"Not really," Jemma replied. "It’s here in Star Harbor. The governnt decided to auction it off."
Miles leaned back in his chair, incredulous. "The governnt is seriously selling a museum artifact?"
"Yes," Jemma said with a hint of a shrug. "Who knows why. I was on the security team that transported it here."
Miles’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Alright. So what does that have to do with ?"
Without answering directly, Jemma placed an envelope on his desk and slid it across to him.
Miles picked it up. "What is this?"
"My uncle asked to give it to you," she explained. "He received this invitation to the auction as a jeweler in Brightvale. But since he sold his business to you, he thought you might be interested. Owning it could increase your brand value if you acquire it."
Miles studied the envelope for a mont, then looked at her. "Thank you for this, Officer Jemma. Give my well wishes to your uncle."
Jemma chuckled softly. "You don’t have to be so formal. Just Jemma is fine. I’m not even in uniform right now."
Miles smirked. "Alright then, Jemma. Are you off duty now?"
"Yes. But I’ll be at the auction tomorrow for the security detail."
Miles’s gaze lingered thoughtfully. "Oh? What’s going to be the initial bidding price?"
Jemma shrugged lightly. "I’m not entirely sure. Maybe around a million."
Miles scoffed faintly. "A million, really? What’s so special about that stone?"
"You’ll understand once you see it," Jemma replied, her eyes gleaming with quiet confidence.
A knock echoed on the cabin door.
"Co in," Miles called.
The door opened, and April stepped inside with her usual grace. "Miles, you wanted to et?"
Miles stood slightly, gesturing. "Yes. April, et Miss Jemma. She’s the niece of the previous owner of the jewelry chain."
"And Jemma," he continued, "this is April. She manages the jewelry brand now."
"Nice to et you, Miss April," Jemma greeted warmly.
"Nice to et you too," April replied with a polite smile.
"Have a seat, April," Miles said. "Jemma is here about the invitation to the upcoming auction for the Heart of Frost Queen."
April’s eyes lit up. "I’ve heard of it."
Miles nodded. "We’ll be going to the auction tomorrow."
April’s smile grew, excitent shining in her expression. "Alright, I’ll be ready."
Miles turned his attention back to her. "Do you have any urgent work today?"
"Not really. Operations are smooth," April assured him.
Miles glanced at Jemma. "And you, Jemma? Have you eaten?"
"Not really," she admitted with a small laugh.
Miles smiled faintly. "April, take Jemma for lunch. Show her around Star Harbor. If you don’t mind, Jemma."
Jemma’s lips curved. "I’m happy with the company."
April nodded, already standing. "Alright then, Miss Jemma. Let’s go."
The two won left the cabin together, leaving Miles alone in the silence of his office.
Sowhere around the auction house
The building stood tall and elegant, its glass walls shimring under the glow of Sunlight. People moved in and out, the staff busy with final preparations, while outside the crowd seed ordinary—yet among them lurked shadows.
A few n blended perfectly with the pedestrians, their eyes sharp and movents careful. Caras were hidden in bags and jackets, clicking silently as they captured every corner of the auction house—doors, windows, blind spots, guards, and the security caras themselves.
One man lowered his phone after snapping a picture of the side entrance. His lips curled faintly. "Boss, it’s perfect," he whispered to the earpiece.
Another man across the street adjusted his cap, sliding his phone back into his pocket. "Yes. We’re ready. No loopholes in the plan. I’ve checked twice. I’m sure of it."
A cold voice ca from the other end of the phone, calm yet commanding. "Alright. Return now. We’ll finalize everything. Tonight, we get our hands on it."
The n nodded subtly, moving like regular citizens as they lted back into the night crowd. But their eyes glead with hunger—the kind that promised chaos at the auction house tonight.
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