Adam stood tall by the floor–to–ceiling window, his imposing figure silhouetted against the night. His cold, obsidian eyes held a dangerous edge, Indifferent menacing. “Do you think an apology is enough to settle this? Go home.”

Victoria’s eyes brimmed with tears, desperation softening her voice. b“/bbAdam/b, l’in begging you. Your Uncle

mile has only one son. Please, let Elijah go, I promise we’ll discipline him properly in the future.”

Her

n’s expression didn’t waver. Histone bwas /bsharp and devoid of any warmth. “Leo, see them out.”

Henry and I held you when you were ba /bbaby! The Zander

esitation, Leo stepped forward and gestured toward the door. “Mr. Zander, Mrs. Zander, this way, please.”

“star dackened, frustration flickering in his eyes. “Adam, are you going to be this heartless? All this, for Celine? I’ve looked into her, she’s just some country bump–on and a failing student.

Is she worth it? Are you willing to destroy the rtionship between the Alvarez family and f amilies into enemies?

Adam didn’t even flinch Instead, his cold gaze shifted to Leo.

Zander family over someone like her? Are you prepared to tumour

Leo responded immediately, his voice calm but firm. “Mr. Zander, Mrs. bZander/b, would you prefer to leave on your o

Henry’sposare shatteredpletely. “You–Fine, we’ll leave on our own!”

He grabbed Victoria’s arm, and the two stormed out of Westwood Vi.

Fon your own, or shall bI /barrange for someone to escort you

Outside, Henry’s frustration erupted like a volcano. “That Adam! He has no regard bfor /bour rtionship, no respect at all! He’spletely ruthless. bInfuriating/b!” Victoria tugged at Henry’s sleeve, her tone urgent. “Honey, Elijah is still in bAdam’s /bhands. If he bdoesn’t /blet him go, what are we going to bdo/b? Elijah is our only son. It anything happens to him, the Zander family will have no held You have to think bof /bba /bway to save bhim/b.“”

Henry was furiousb, /bbut he understood there was no simple way to deal with bAdam/b. After all, it had been bElijah /bwho was in the wrong from

If things escted further, mending the situation would be next to impossible.

ithe /ist

bstart /b

Ter Adam’s unyielding, icon–hearted demeanor left them with bno /boptions. He had dismissed them coldly, without a hint of consideration.

When Henry found himself at a dead end, an idea suddenly struck him. “I’ve got irl We can ask someone for help!”

Victoria’s eyes lit up with hope. “Who? Who could help us?”

Henry uttered a single name. “Carly.”

Victoria seized the idea blike /bba /blifeline. “Yes, bCarly/b! We can go to her. bCarly /bis bAdam’s /bfavorite. If she says a bword /bto him, Adam will definitely let Elijah go!”

Half an hourterb, /bHenry:

ry and Victoria arrived at Tate Manorb, /bbearing an array of high–end luxury gifts,

“Ms. Tate, here’s thetest designer handbag, along with some bracelets and other essories. We hope you’ll like them.”

The Zander family’s visit was greeted with great fandare. Hayden, Lucyb, /band Carly weed them into the sitting broom /b

After all, the Zanders were a prominent family in high society, closely tied to the Influential bAlvarez /bfamily. Typically, the Tates wouldn’t have dreamed of associating with them.

Carly’s eyes sparked bas /bshe took in the luxurious gifts. It wasn’t that she bparticrly /bcared for them–being with Adam meant she already had ess to thetest, limited–edition items from top brands, often delivered to her before they beven /bat the market,

She had grown used to extravagance.

What truly delighted her was the significance of this bvisit/b. The illustrious Zander family, so powerful and prestigious, had humbled themselves to seek her tavot. That was ba /bsymbol of her rising influence and insportance.

In the tight – lil, exclusive world of the elite, connections were everything. If Carly hoped to marry Adam one day, she would need to cement alliances bwith /bKaruilies Jalur the Zanders to strengthen her social standing-

le always knew how to position herself strategically in Adan’s world

Carly soiled. “I love them. Thank you, Mr. Zander, Mrs. Zander. You really didn’t have to go to a much trouble.”

Henry didn’t waste time and bgot /bstraight bto /bthe point. “Ms. Tate, I’ll be honest with you. We’re here because we need your help.”

Lucy, who had been usually quiet since Hayden had pped her in front of the police station, had brewed coffer for the bguests /bherselt. Startled, she blinked and asked curiously, “s Zander, Mrs. Zander, what could Carly punably help you with?”

Victoria jumped in to exin. “Today, my son Elijah kidnapped Celine M. Alvarez went to rescue her, and we he’s captured Elijah. He’s refusing bto /brelease bhim /band is determined is punish hian to appease Cellor ”

Carly’s expression changed instantly.

So that was why Adaim belt Dr. C’s lecture such a hurry. He bhad /bgone to save Celinel