The following morning, the vibrant atmosphere of Berian Grand Plaza remained as lively as ever.
Being the largest and most luxurious shopping mall in Berian City, it attracted wealthy businessmen, influential families, celebrities, and tourists from neighboring cities every day. Luxury vehicles filled the parking area while elegantly dressed shoppers entered and exited the mall carrying bags from internationally renowned brands.
Inside the mall, Josh and Bonna continued enjoying their day together.
Unlike the previous week, where they spent every day discussing construction plans and investment proposals, today there were no business documents, no meetings, and no pressure.
It was simply a day for themselves.
Bonna walked a few steps ahead with a small smile on her face, occasionally stopping to look at store displays.
Josh followed behind, carrying several shopping bags.
"You know," Bonna said as she turned around, "I think you're secretly enjoying this."
Josh raised an eyebrow.
"Enjoying what?"
"Being my personal shopping assistant."
Josh laughed.
"I don't mind."
She folded her arms.
"You're admitting it?"
"I'd rather carry these bags than attend another five-hour business meeting."
Bonna couldn't help but laugh.
"I never knew you hated meetings that much."
"They're exhausting."
She nodded in agreement.
"They really are."
The two continued strolling through the mall while chatting casually, drawing more than a few curious glances from passersby.
Both of them possessed outstanding appearances.
Josh's calm demeanor and handsome features naturally attracted attention, while Bonna's elegant beauty made her stand out wherever she went.
Many people quietly assumed they were a newly married couple.
---
After leaving another boutique, Bonna suddenly stopped.
"Coffee?"
Josh looked toward the nearby café.
"Sounds good."
The two entered one of the mall's most famous cafés and found seats beside a large window overlooking the city.
While waiting for their drinks, Bonna rested her chin on one hand.
"I almost forgot how relaxing this feels."
Josh smiled.
"You've been working too hard."
She sighed.
"Someone has to."
"The suburban project is getting bigger every day."
"The construction downtown is also keeping Trisha busy."
"And Grandpa keeps assigning me more responsibilities."
Josh looked at her quietly.
"You've done well."
She smiled softly.
"Hearing you say that somehow feels... reassuring."
Before Josh could answer-
A surprised voice suddenly interrupted them.
"Bonna?"
The two turned toward the entrance.
Standing there was a beautiful young woman wearing designer sunglasses and an elegant white dress.
Behind her stood several bodyguards.
She removed her sunglasses, revealing a pair of bright eyes filled with surprise.
"Bonna... it really is you!"
Bonna's face lit up.
"Sophia!"
The two women immediately embraced each other.
Josh watched quietly.
"So you're finally back in Berian City!"
Sophia laughed.
"I just returned yesterday."
She stepped back before looking at Josh.
"And who's this?"
A teasing smile appeared on her lips.
"Don't tell me..."
"...this is your mysterious fiancé?"
Bonna's cheeks instantly turned slightly pink.
"W-We're just..."
Sophia covered her mouth, giggling.
"Oh my."
"I've never seen you blush before."
Josh stood up politely.
"Hello."
"My name is Josh."
Sophia extended her hand with a graceful smile.
"Sophia Hart."
"It's nice to finally meet the man who captured Bonna Jenner's heart."
Josh shook her hand politely.
"The pleasure is mine."
Sophia carefully observed him.
For some reason...
Josh gave off an unusual feeling.
Although he dressed simply and spoke modestly...
His calm confidence wasn't something an ordinary person possessed.
She had met countless heirs from powerful families.
None of them carried themselves quite like this.
---
The three chatted for several minutes.
Sophia and Bonna had studied together years ago and had remained close friends despite living in different cities.
Eventually, Sophia smiled mischievously.
"You two came at the perfect time."
"Hm?"
"Our family is hosting a charity gala tomorrow night."
She looked directly at Bonna.
"Most of Berian City's influential families will attend."
"You should come."
Bonna hesitated.
"I'm not sure..."
Sophia interrupted immediately.
"No excuses."
"I already invited you."
"And of course..."
She smiled toward Josh.
"Your fiancé is invited too."
Josh looked at Bonna.
She smiled helplessly.
"It seems we don't have much of a choice."
Sophia clapped happily.
"Great!"
"I'll have invitations delivered to your hotel tonight."
---
After saying goodbye, Sophia left with her bodyguards.
Josh watched her disappear into the crowd.
"What kind of family is the Hart family?" he asked.
Bonna replied calmly,
"They're one of the most influential families in Berian City."
"Although they're not as wealthy as the city's top family, they have deep political connections."
"They've helped many businesses establish themselves here."
Josh nodded thoughtfully.
"A useful friend."
She smiled.
"Sophia is trustworthy."
"She's one of the few friends I truly trust."
Josh silently remembered the name.
---
Neither of them noticed...
From the second floor of the mall...
Two men wearing black suits had been watching them since Sophia's arrival.
One quietly lowered his binoculars.
"So that's Sophia Hart."
The other nodded.
"It seems the Hart family is getting close to the Jenners."
The first man's expression darkened.
"This could complicate Master's plans."
He immediately took out his phone.
"Report to Lord Victor."
"The Hart family has made contact with Bonna Jenner."
Several seconds later...
A reply arrived.
Continue observing.
Do not interfere.
The two spies exchanged glances before quietly disappearing into the crowd.
Meanwhile...
Far away in Oracle City...
Victor Kane slowly set down his phone.
A cold smile appeared on his face.
"So..."
"The Hart family wishes to join the game as well."
He slowly stood before looking toward the north.
"Then perhaps..."
"They should become the first lesson."
Outside the window, dark clouds gradually gathered over the horizon.
The peaceful trip to Berian City...
Was about to take an unexpected turn.
The following evening, Berian City shone brighter than ever.
As night descended, the city's skyline came alive with countless lights illuminating towering buildings, luxury hotels, and bustling commercial districts. Luxury sedans, sports cars, and chauffeur-driven limousines flowed steadily through the streets toward one destination-the Hart Grand Hotel.
Tonight, the Hart family was hosting its annual charity gala.
Although it was officially a fundraising event, everyone present understood its true purpose. It was an opportunity for Berian City's elite to strengthen old relationships, establish new partnerships, and quietly discuss business worth hundreds of millions behind elegant smiles and raised champagne glasses.
Nearly every influential family in Berian City had sent representatives.
Prominent entrepreneurs, government officials, renowned scholars, celebrities, and wealthy heirs gathered beneath one roof.
The entrance alone was lined with photographers capturing the arrival of distinguished guests.
A black luxury sedan slowly came to a stop before the hotel's grand entrance.
The valet hurried forward and respectfully opened the door.
Josh stepped out first.
Gone was his usual casual attire.
He wore a perfectly tailored black suit that complemented his athletic build, paired with a crisp white dress shirt and a dark silver tie. His neatly combed hair and composed demeanor gave him the appearance of an heir from an ancient aristocratic family.
Several nearby guests unconsciously glanced in his direction.
Not because they recognized him...
But because his bearing naturally drew attention.
A moment later, Bonna stepped out of the car.
She wore an elegant midnight-blue evening gown that perfectly accentuated her graceful figure. Delicate silver embroidery shimmered beneath the lights, while a simple diamond necklace rested around her neck, enhancing her natural beauty without appearing excessive.
For a brief moment...
The conversations near the entrance grew noticeably quieter.
Many eyes turned toward the pair.
"They look perfect together."
"Which family are they from?"
"I don't recognize the young man."
"But that woman..."
"I think she's Bonna Jenner from Oracle City."
Whispers spread quietly through the crowd.
Josh simply offered Bonna his arm.
"Shall we?"
She smiled warmly.
"Let's go."
The two entered the hotel side by side.
The grand ballroom was magnificent.
Crystal chandeliers hung high above the polished marble floor, casting warm golden light throughout the enormous hall. Live classical music drifted gently through the room as elegantly dressed guests mingled in small groups.
Professional servers moved gracefully among the crowd carrying silver trays filled with fine wine and exquisite desserts.
At the center of the ballroom stood a beautifully decorated stage displaying the Hart family's emblem.
Sophia Hart quickly spotted them.
"There you are!"
She walked over wearing a graceful silver evening dress, looking every bit the daughter of one of Berian City's most influential families.
"I was beginning to think you weren't coming."
Bonna smiled apologetically.
"We almost got caught in traffic."
Sophia laughed.
"I'm just glad you made it."
She looked toward Josh.
"You clean up surprisingly well."
Josh smiled.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"It is."
Sophia grinned before leading them farther into the ballroom.
"Come."
"I'll introduce you to a few people."
Over the next hour, Sophia introduced Bonna and Josh to several prominent business leaders from Berian City.
Most of them had already heard about the Jenner family's recent rise.
The acquisition of the Berian suburban development project had attracted considerable attention.
Many businessmen expressed interest in future cooperation.
Some even hinted at possible investments.
Josh remained mostly silent throughout the conversations, allowing Bonna to handle the negotiations.
Whenever discussions reached complicated topics, however, he would occasionally add a brief observation.
Each time...
The businessmen found themselves nodding in agreement.
One elderly real estate developer even laughed.
"Young man, you understand business surprisingly well."
Josh smiled modestly.
"I've simply learned from capable people."
The old man chuckled.
"A humble young man."
"Rare these days."
As the evening progressed, more influential figures arrived.
Among them was an elderly man whose entrance immediately attracted attention.
Conversations throughout the ballroom gradually quieted.
Sophia whispered softly.
"That's Chairman Marcus Hart."
"My grandfather."
Josh looked toward the elderly gentleman.
Although Marcus Hart was already in his seventies, his posture remained upright, and his eyes were sharp with wisdom accumulated over decades.
He greeted guests politely before eventually approaching Sophia.
"So these are your friends?"
Sophia nodded happily.
"Grandpa, this is Bonna Jenner."
"And this..."
She smiled teasingly.
"...is Josh."
Marcus looked carefully at Josh.
For several seconds...
Neither of them spoke.
The old patriarch's experienced eyes carefully examined the young man standing before him.
Josh calmly met his gaze without the slightest hint of nervousness.
An almost imperceptible smile appeared on Marcus's face.
"Interesting."
Sophia blinked.
"Grandpa?"
Marcus simply chuckled.
"It's a pleasure to meet both of you."
He shook hands with Josh before turning toward Bonna.
"I've heard quite a lot about the Jenner family recently."
"It seems your family has accomplished remarkable things."
Bonna answered politely.
"We've simply been fortunate."
Marcus smiled knowingly.
"Fortune rarely visits those who don't prepare."
---
Their conversation was interrupted as the lights inside the ballroom suddenly dimmed.
The master of ceremonies stepped onto the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen..."
"Thank you for attending tonight's Hart Family Charity Gala."
A round of applause echoed throughout the hall.
As the speech continued, guests returned their attention toward the stage.
Josh, however...
Slightly narrowed his eyes.
For the briefest instant...
He sensed something unusual.
His sharp senses instinctively swept across the ballroom.
Everything appeared normal.
Guests were smiling.
Servers continued walking.
Musicians quietly played in the background.
Yet...
He felt several pairs of eyes watching him.
Not curious glances.
Not admiration.
Hostility.
Very faint...
But unmistakable.
Without changing his expression, Josh casually picked up a glass of sparkling water.
His gaze briefly drifted toward one of the balconies overlooking the ballroom.
Behind a decorative pillar...
A man in a black suit quietly lowered a miniature camera before disappearing into the shadows.
Josh's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.
We're being watched.
He didn't say a word.
He didn't want to alarm Bonna.
But deep inside...
He already knew.
Someone had followed them to Berian City.
And tonight's elegant charity gala...
Might not remain peaceful for long.