Alex lounged on the balcony of his estate, a steaming cup of coffee in hand, while Jessica sauntered up behind him. Wrapping her arms around his shoulders, she cooed, "Alex, baby, I need Foster Industries."

"You’ll get it soon," Alex replied coolly, though internally, he couldn’t help but think about her insatiable greed.

Jessica beamed, leaning in to kiss him, but her phone buzzed, interrupting the moment. She answered it irritably. "What?"

"Miss, have you seen the post circulating online?" her assistant asked, panic evident in her voice.

Jessica frowned. "What post?"

"It’s about you—allegations of buying deals through seduction, bullying models, and bribery. Your contracts are being terminated," the assistant explained hurriedly.

Jessica froze. "What? Where’s the PR team?"

"They’re not responding. The company is severing ties with you," the assistant said apologetically. "Miss, I’m sorry, but this will be my last call. I quit."

"Hello? Hello!" Jessica’s voice cracked as the line disconnected. She threw her phone down in anger. "Ahhh!"

Alex turned his head slightly, his face unreadable. "What happened?"

Jessica recounted the situation, trying to decide whether she should ask for his help. She sniffled and began to fake sob, leaning against him. "Alex, please help me."

Feigning sympathy, Alex stroked her back. "Don’t worry, I’ll help. Let’s go meet someone who can assist."

Jessica smirked internally, thinking she had him wrapped around her finger. She followed him to the car, but as they drove, a sense of unease settled over her.

"Alex, let’s not go today," she said hesitantly. "I’m not feeling well."

"Relax," Alex said smoothly. "We’ll just visit and leave quickly. It won’t take long."

Jessica swallowed her nerves, convincing herself it was just her imagination.

At the Dragon Clan Base, Evander paced the hallway, his brows furrowed in thought. "Why would the head of the Lotus Clan come here? It doesn’t make sense."

"I agree," Anthony added. "Known rivals don’t just walk into each other’s bases for tea."

"Double the security," Evander ordered, glancing at Tristan, who appeared equally suspicious.

Meanwhile, Andrew and Evan were in their own corner, pointedly ignoring Tristan. Anthony couldn’t help but notice. "What’s with you two?" he asked in a low voice.

"Ask him," Evan said, nodding toward Tristan. "The single jerk who made us sign ridiculous contracts."

Anthony chuckled. "Sounds like a smart move. I should do that when Maddy finds someone."

Tristan rolled his eyes but remained silent, his thoughts preoccupied with the impending arrival.

Alex and Jessica pulled up to the Dragon Clan’s iron gates. Guards approached the car, their weapons ready, until Alex spoke to them briefly. They stepped aside, allowing him through.

"Where are we?" Jessica asked nervously as they passed through the towering gates.

"Just wait," Alex said with a cryptic smile.

The guards radioed ahead, notifying Andrew that Alex was arriving—and that he wasn’t alone. Andrew’s brows knitted together as he wondered who the woman accompanying Alex could be.

"Stay here until I come to get you," Alex told Jessica sharply, shutting the car door before she could respond.

Anthony was the first to meet Alex at the base’s entrance. His expression hardened the moment he recognized the visitor. "Alex," he said coldly. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Relax, Mr. Quinn—or should I call you Lord?" Alex teased with a sly grin. "Let’s discuss this inside."

Anthony’s eyes flicked to the car, where Jessica was watching intently. "Is that…?"

"Jessica Foster," Alex confirmed. "Don’t worry. She’s harmless—for now."

Anthony clenched his jaw but led Alex down the corridor, his steps brisk and tense. Alex, ever the provocateur, glanced around the base, commenting casually, "Nice place. Your taste in decor has improved."

When they entered the meeting room, all eyes turned to Alex. Andrew, seated at the head of the table, blinked in surprise.

"Alex, is that you?" Evander asked, equally stunned.

The tension in the room was palpable as Alex strolled in, his hands tucked casually in his pockets. His sharp eyes scanned the faces of those gathered, lingering on Andrew, whose expression wavered between anger and curiosity.

"Miss me, little brother?" Alex smirked, breaking the silence.

"Alex," Andrew said, his tone a mixture of disbelief and irritation. "What are you doing here?"

"Let’s just say I’m tying up loose ends," Alex replied cryptically before taking a seat opposite Andrew. "And before you lose your temper, hear me out. I’ve come with information you’ll find… enlightening."

Evander and Tristan exchanged wary glances, while Anthony folded his arms, his gaze never leaving Alex.

"Spit it out," Andrew demanded, leaning forward.

Alex leaned back leisurely. "Robert Lewis. He’s the real culprit behind the warehouse fire. Jessica, of course, was just a pawn."

Andrew’s jaw tightened at the mention of Robert, his mind racing with possibilities. "Why tell us now?"

"Because I’ve realized," Alex said, his voice taking on a serious edge, "that holding grudges is pointless. Besides, Jessica’s greed is a liability. It’s time she faces the consequences of her actions."

"And what do you get out of this?" Tristan asked suspiciously.

Alex smiled faintly. "Redemption. And maybe, just maybe, a chance to rebuild trust with my family."

The room fell silent as everyone processed Alex’s words. Finally, Andrew stood, his gaze locked on his brother. "You’d better not be lying, Alex."

"Do I look like I’m lying?" Alex replied smoothly. "Now, what are we going to do about Robert—and Jessica?"

Andrew’s lips curved into a grim smile. "We destroy them both."

Alex nodded. "Now you’re talking."