I woke up the next morning and checked the digital clock on the bedside table. It was already 9:00 AM. Moving slowly so as not to disturb their peaceful slumber, I gently lifted Clara’s arm from my chest and slid out from beneath the heavy duvet.
I stepped into the private bathroom for a quick, refreshing shower before heading into the dressing room. Today called for a sharp, commanding look, so I selected a custom-tailored royal blue suit, paired with an ultra-rare jade-crafted wristwatch—a true masterpiece limited to only five pieces worldwide. To ensure maximum comfort throughout a busy day of business and negotiations, I slipped into a pair of custom soft-leather dress shoes designed to prevent any foot fatigue or stiffness.
By the time I finished dressing and stepped back out, the clock read 9:45 AM. I glanced back at the king-sized bed. All four women were still fast asleep, completely exhausted and peacefully content after our long night together. Smiling softly, I locked the bedroom door behind me and walked down the grand staircase.
Reaching the ground floor, I flagged down one of my trusted shadow guards.
"Station yourself right at the bottom of the stairs," I instructed quietly. "No one is allowed up to the master suite until all four misses wake up and come down on their own. Also, make sure the house staff downstairs understand that they are not to be disturbed while they rest and look after Daisy."
The shadow operative stood at absolute attention, his expression unwavering. "Understood, Boss! You can rely on us completely."
I knew I could trust my shadow guards with my life. Unlike ordinary people, they were created and trained solely to serve my interests with absolute, unwavering loyalty.
Walking into the grand dining room, I took my usual seat at the head of the table. One by one, the house maids brought out silver serving domes, placing five small breakfast dishes before me so I could sample a bit of everything. After finishing a light meal, I asked for a glass of cold water to refresh myself, then headed out the front entrance.
My chief shadow guard was already waiting by the driveway beside The Aurelius Executive Custom—the ultra-exclusive luxury sedan, one of only one hundred produced globally. I glanced at my watch; it was 10:15 AM. I stepped into the rear cabin, and the powerful sedan glided smoothly out of the estate gates onto the main road.
Fifteen minutes into the drive, my phone buzzed in my coat pocket. I pulled it out and saw Belle’s name on the screen. I pressed accept.
"Hello, love," I answered smoothly.
Hearing me address her so affectionately, Belle caught her breath, a soft blush undoubtedly dusting her cheeks on the other end of the line. "Julian... have you already left for your business meeting?"
"Yes, I have," I chuckled. "Why do you ask?"
"No particular reason," she replied, her voice sounding a bit shy. "When we woke up and didn’t find you in bed, Clara mentioned that you had an early meeting, so I just wanted to check in."
"It’ll take a little while, but I’ll be back home before 3:00 PM," I reassured her warmly. "Don’t worry about me. Take care of yourself today, love. Bye."
After ending the call, I looked across the car cabin at my shadow chief. "Do you have all the documented evidence regarding the corruption at Radel University?"
"Yes, sir," the chief replied, tapping a secure folder. "Every bribe, every bank record, and every witness statement is right here."
"Perfect. Is everything arranged for the meeting with Mayor Jack? The private VIP dining room booked, and all security measures in place?"
"Yes, sir. Mayor Grey’s older brother is currently visiting Metro City to oversee municipal policy alignment, so Mayor Grey personally booked the top-tier VIP suite at the hotel for this luncheon. Even though he handled the reservation, I ensured our corporate accounts will cover the entire bill—it wouldn’t do to let our guest pay."
Fifteen minutes later, our executive sedan pulled into the grand hotel parking garage. I instructed the driver to wait by the vehicle, while the shadow chief and I walked toward the private elevator bank leading to the executive VIP floor.
Armed security personnel and undercover operatives lined the entire hallway—a heavy security detail entirely expected when two high-ranking city mayors were meeting behind closed doors. As I approached the double doors of the VIP suite, one of Mayor Grey’s personal bodyguards stepped forward to block my path, but Mayor Grey himself hurried out of the room with a welcoming smile.
"Mr. Vance! Please, come right in," Mayor Grey greeted respectfully, guiding me inside.
Stepping into the private dining suite, I caught my first glimpse of Mayor Jack—the older brother who held the reins of power in the capital. He carried himself with an air of stern discipline and strict administrative authority, radiating the quiet arrogance of a man accustomed to command.
I took a seat across from him at the heavy mahogany dining table. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mayor Jack. How should I address you?"
Mayor Jack studied me for a moment before offering a curt nod. "You may call me Mayor Jack."
"Very well, Mayor Jack," I stated directly, leaning forward slightly. "I intend to expand the Cosmos Group’s commercial reach, influence, and infrastructure deep into River City. In exchange for your official political backing—ensuring your administration and family maintain their absolute power and prestige in the capital, much like your brother does here in Metro City—I will provide the Cosmos Group’s full financial backing. What do you say?"
Just as Mayor Jack opened his mouth to reply, a professional restaurant server entered the room to pour our appetizers. Before he could speak, I slid my wallet out of my coat, pulled out the matte-black metallic card, and handed it to him.
"Swipe this card for the room charges," I instructed calmly. "And bring up your absolute most expensive vintage wine to accompany our meal—charge that to the card as well."
The server took the card respectfully and walked over to the portable terminal.
Mayor Jack’s eyes drifted toward the card in the server’s hand, his expression shifting from casual indifference to sharp curiosity. "Wait... may I take a closer look at that card before you charge it?"
"Why not?" I replied indifferently.
The server swiped the card through the wireless terminal, the transaction instantly clearing with a soft chime, and handed the card back. I gestured for him to pass it across the table to Mayor Jack.
Mayor Jack picked up the card, running his fingers over the master-crafted matte finish and tracing the bold, elegant letter J carved in the center. His breath hitched slightly.
"This..." Mayor Jack looked up, his eyes wide with genuine shock. "This is the Sovereign Black Card! Issued jointly by the top five central banking institutions in the world... a financial instrument held by only a handful of individuals whose numbers can literally be counted on one hand!"
"Indeed," I answered smoothly, taking a sip of water. "I hold this card. So tell me, Mayor Jack—will you stand by my side and support the Cosmos Group’s entry into River City?"
Mayor Jack placed the card back down on the table with visible reverence. "Even with my support, Mr. Vance, you must understand the political landscape of the capital. If you cross paths or clash with the two greatest noble clans—the Harrington family or the Kensington family—even my position as Mayor will not be enough to shield you."
A confident, unbothered smirk played on my lips. "I have no intention of picking unnecessary fights with the Harrington or Kensington clans. But if they choose to cross the line and offend me... you won’t need to worry about protecting me. I will handle them myself."
Mayor Jack stared at me for a long, calculating moment, weighing the immense financial power of the Sovereign Black Card against my unshakable confidence. Finally, a firm smile touched his lips.
"Very well," Mayor Jack agreed. "I will support the Cosmos Group’s expansion into River City in every way possible. In return, you guarantee that even after I retire from office, my family will remain in power, and someone from my bloodline will succeed me as Mayor."
"It’s a deal," I nodded. "However, let’s make one rule crystal clear: if any member of your family abuses their power or commits illegal acts under my umbrella, I will not hesitate to punish them myself."
Mayor Jack gave a solemn nod. "Fair enough. I agree to those terms."
Business matters concluded, I glanced down at my luxury wristwatch. It was already 12:30 PM.
"If our arrangement is settled, Mayor Jack, I will take my leave now," I said, standing up from my chair. "I have some urgent business to handle at Radel University."
Mayor Jack raised an eyebrow, standing up alongside me. "Oh? Radel University? That’s a prestigious institution—it receives heavy educational donations from the capital’s elites. What brings you there?"
"I don’t think you’ll want to come once you hear what I’m about to do," I chuckled lightly.
Mayor Jack’s pride flared up slightly at the subtle challenge. "Nonsense! Why would a university matter frighten me? I am the Mayor of the capital; there is nowhere I cannot accompany you."
"Because," I met his gaze directly, "I am going over there to beat the absolute crap out of University President Kim—who just happens to be a distant branch member of the capital’s Smith noble clan. Tell me, Mayor Jack... will you still accompany me?"
The atmosphere in the private dining suite froze instantly.
For Mayor Jack, this had suddenly transformed into a test of political reputation. If he backed down now because a minor noble clan was involved, it would prove that despite holding the title of Mayor, he was too cowardly to stand beside a man holding the Supreme Black Card against a corrupt academic.
And that was precisely the reaction I wanted to provoke. By agreeing to come, he would be forced to witness firsthand how I crushed anyone who crossed my path, regardless of their family background.
Mayor Jack’s jaw tightened, but he cleared his throat and stood tall. "A true leader never backs away from justice, Mr. Vance. Lead the way—I will accompany you!"
Moments later, Mayor Jack and I walked down to the hotel entrance, where our respective luxury vehicles were waiting. We climbed into the back of The Aurelius Executive Custom, and our motorcade pulled away from the hotel curb.
As the vehicle sped toward Radel University, I pulled out my phone and dialed Maya’s number.
The line rang several times without an answer. Frowning slightly, I dialed her number a second time.
After a tense moment of ringing, Maya finally picked up the phone.