"Yasmine, check the brooch. udia will probably reveal my photos in the second half," I said.


    Yasmine had worn a sunflower brooch on her outfit today, equipped with a portable recording device to capture the events at the scene.


    She nodded with a serious expression. "Don''t worry. It''s all set."


    She took my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. I returned the gesture, feeling a thinyer of sweat on both our palms.


    Suddenly, she whispered, "They''reing!"


    I looked up to see Leo slowly pushing Nelson''s wheelchair toward us. Nelson sat in the chair, smiling with feigned kindness. "Ari, I knew you''d show up. Why not say hello to me?"


    As he leaned forward to grab my hand, I quickly stood from my seat, avoiding him.


    Once, I had asked Nelson for help, and he had always imed to care for me deeply, often holding and stroking my hand.


    At the time, I thought it was a parent''s affectionate gesture toward a child. Looking back now, the signs had been there all along.


    Meeting his gaze, I lowered my voice. "Return that piece ofnd to me, and I''ll acknowledge you as my godfather."


    Nelson chuckled. "Still so straightforward, Ari. Let''s step aside and talk."


    He signaled for his secretary to push him toward the exit. When I nced at Yasmine, I saw that Leo had already blocked her from following.


    With a theatrical gesture, Leo ripped the brooch from her chest and loudly proimed, "How many times have I told you? We broke up! Return the things I gave you-it annoys me to see them."


    He threw the brooch to the ground and stepped on it with his leather shoe. My heart sank, and I tried to move toward it, but Nelson''s secretary stopped me. "Ms. Jones, this way, please. Mr. Fisher is waiting." Yasmine''s face turned livid as she turned to look at me. "Go ahead. Don''t worry about me," she mouthed silently.


    Outside the venue, Nelson didn''t mince words. "Ari, you''ve seen my collection of photos, haven''t you?"


    Clenching my fists tightly, I stared at him in silence. "What now? Are you going to threaten me too? How much are you demanding I pay this time?" "Too?" Nelson feigned surprise.


    He let out a softugh, his expression still one of apparent benevolence. Yet, beneath his aged eyesy a filthy soul.


    "I''ve only ever liked you. I never


    intended to harm you. I''ve protected


    you many times, whether you


    believe it or not. I truly care for you,


    Ar


    "Your so-called care... disgusts me!"


    He wasn''t fazed by my words. Confidently, he said, "I know the Jones Corporation is doing well. Have you considered partnering with my family?


    "I know you and Nichs have your differences. udia says you''ve been clinging to him, but I''ve lived long enough to see the truth he''s the one clinging to you.


    "If you agree to coborate with me and help the Fisher Corporation through this crisis, I''ll make sure to free you from him. Whatever you want, as long as I have it, it''s yours. I''ll cherish you like no one else.


    "Plus, I''m getting old. Sooner orter, I''ll be gone. When I die, all my assets will naturally go to my wife.


    "As for Leo, I''ll give him a small share to keep him happy. After all, he''s just an illegitimate child and won''t affect your position." "Are you done?" A cold voice interrupted him.


    I turned and saw a figure leaning against the wall not far from us. The figure looked up, revealing Nichs'' strikingly handsome face.