Chapter 12

The business landscape shifted overnight when PrimeCart made its move, sending shockwaves through the industry.

Going up against PrimeCart was like a sparrow challenging an eagle—utterly futile.

In their desperation, they reached out to Adrian Blackwood, pulling every string in Dominic Sinclair’s vast social network to secure his legendary strategic brilliance.

With his signature precision, Adrian devised an audacious plan and swooped in at the eleventh hour, snatching the deal right from under PrimeCart’s nose—mere moments before the contract could be signed.

The sheer audacity of the maneuver left the entire business world reeling.

Dominic Sinclair, grinning with pride, raised his glass. "Now that’s the kind of ally you want on your side. They thought they could outmaneuver us? Clearly, they underestimated Adrian’s influence."

Dominic, heir to the Sinclair fortune, was one of Adrian’s oldest confidants.

His connections were legendary—a sprawling web of power and privilege that had delivered the desperate plea straight to Adrian’s doorstep.

Meanwhile, Adrian himself lounged on the plush sofa, bathed in the soft golden glow of the chandelier above.

He was no stranger to admiration, so his expression remained cool, detached—almost bored.

The light sculpted his sharp features, casting shadows that accentuated the regal line of his nose and the hard angle of his jaw, as if he were carved from marble.

His effortless elegance made everyone else in the room seem dull in comparison.

After a round of celebratory toasts, when it became clear Adrian had barely touched his drink, the others lowered their voices, granting him a moment of quiet repose.

Serena Whitmore, flushed from the warmth of the room but abstaining from alcohol, sat beside him in serene silence, her gaze lingering on him with unmistakable devotion.

Dominic, watching the pair, couldn’t help but marvel at how perfectly matched they seemed.

Casually, he snapped a photo of them and uploaded it to his social media without a second thought.

As the night wore on and the liquor dwindled, the door swung open once more.

Ethan Caldwell, Adrian’s personal assistant, stepped inside with a polite nod—respectful but never obsequious—before positioning himself in front of Adrian.

The room fell silent.

Serena, unable to resist, leaned in and whispered, "What’s happening?"

Ethan ignored her, his attention fixed solely on Adrian.

A faint blush crept up her cheeks as she turned to Adrian, hesitating before murmuring, "Should I… leave?"