Chapter 31

The following morning, a black Rolls-Royce Cullinan rolled up to the curb in front of an unassuming apartment complex, radiating a quiet authority that was impossible to ignore.

If that car alone was not enough to draw attention, a brilliant red Pagani-easily worth more than fifty million -sat parked right beside it, one of just five in existence.

When the Pagani's gullwing doors swept open, jaws practically dropped on the spot.

People living in the neighborhood had spotted high-end cars speeding by before, but never had they seen them parked together outside such an ordinary building.

Most folks around could not dream of affording anything close to these cars, no matter how many years they put in at work.

Plenty of residents were already hustling out the door, skipping breakfast in their rush to clock in, only to be reminded that some people lived in a completely different world. The sight made the daily struggle feel even heavier.

Downstairs, Emilia and Sloane shuffled out of the building, both of them still wrapped in sleep, hair tousled and leisure-wear wrinkled.

The instant Sloane's gaze landed on the luxury cars, any trace of tiredness vanished. Her eyes danced with amazement."Are you seeing this? Who in the world just won the lottery around here? Two luxury cars at once..."

Astonishment colored Sloane's face. Their neighborhood was filled with ordinary tenants, folks who struggled to pay rent on time. Wealthy people had no reason to set foot in a place like this.

Buying even a tire from one of those cars was beyond reach for most.

"That's not a local license plate. That Pagani's practically a unicorn-there are only five worldwide.Whoever owns it, it's not just about money. That's someone powerful making a statement." Emilia didn't need to look twice to recognize the rare car.

"Well, let them flaunt it. I'd rather get breakfast and fill my stomach," Sloane said, laughing as she linked arms with Emilia,ready to leave.

Before they could make it to the corner, a calm, clear voice called out behind them.

"Ms.Harris."

Both women turned at once and found themselves facing a strikingly handsome man.

Gold-rimmed glasses sat perfectly on the bridge of his nose, giving him an air of refinement and quiet confidence.

Stepping out of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the striking man immediately drew every gaze as he strode toward the women, who stood rooted to the spot.

"Would you look at him! That man's got the kind of looks and presence that could make Rodger disappear in a crowd. Plus, he's rolling up in a Rolls-Royce!" Sloane whispered, nudging Emilia with her elbow and winking at her.

"So, is this mystery man your secret admirer? Didn't realize you had it in you, Emilia," Sloane teased,a mischievous sparkle in her eye.

A wry grin tugged at Emilia's lips. "You're making things up again. I swear, I've never seen him before."

"Seriously? Then how come he knows your name?" Sloane's confusion quickly melted into delight. "That's it! He's probably been secretly in Jove with you this whole time."

With a dramatic roll of her eyes, Emilia replied, "Maybe you should cut back on those romance novels."

Sloane stuck out her tongue in mock protest, trying to look innocent but failing miserably.

Turning to the refined stranger, Emilia called out, "May I know your name?"

The man stood tall in a perfectly cut charcoal suit, every detail tailored to perfection.

"My name is Oliver Edwards. Wlould you mind if we stepped aside for a quick chat?" Oliver asked, his tone gentle and composed.

From the sidelines, Jeffry's eyes widened in shock. He could not recall the last time his boss had spoken so softly to anyone.

It must have been Emilia's role in saving his daughter that had left such an impression on Oliver.

Sloane's eyes grew wide as the realizationstruck her."Wait-Oliver Edwards? The CEO of Edwards Group?"