"Starline Airways Group." Chief Commercial Officer Chris Reginald lifted his chin proudly, puffing out his chest as though his title alone was enough to crush anyone standing before him. "I’m the Chief Commercial Officer of Starline Airways. What’s wrong, kid? Has my position finally scared you?"

The brief flash of surprise that crossed Luca Hale’s face only made Reginald more confident. In his mind, the young man had finally realized exactly who he was dealing with.

To Reginald, it was only natural.

Even if Luca came from a wealthy family, he couldn’t have been anything more than another privileged rich kid with money to burn. Starline Airways, on the other hand, ranked among the country’s top ten aviation groups. As Chief Commercial Officer, Reginald held one of the company’s highest executive positions. Someone like Luca had no business challenging a man of his status.

Luca almost laughed.

’What a coincidence.’

Only moments ago, the system had rewarded him with a 66% percent controlling stake in Starline Airways.

And now the very executive who had abused his position within that company was standing right in front of him.

Naomi had told him everything about why she abandoned her dream of becoming a flight attendant. The man before him was the very predator who had driven her away from the industry she once loved.

Had Reginald merely admired Naomi from afar, Luca might have ignored it.

But preying on young women, abusing corporate power, and still looking at Naomi with undisguised greed even after seeing her standing beside her man...

That was something Luca would never tolerate.

Before anyone spoke again, another voice suddenly rang through the boutique.

"Mr. Hale!"

A sharply dressed man wearing designer glasses hurried over, excitement written all over his face. He stopped in front of Luca and extended both hands respectfully.

"My name is Ethan Mercer, manager of this Gucci store. It’s an honor to finally welcome you in person."

Almost immediately, another well-dressed executive arrived.

"Mr. Hale, I’m the boutique director for Chanel. Welcome back to the district. Please consider everything in our store at your disposal."

Then another.

And another.

Within seconds, nearly every luxury boutique manager on the entire first floor had gathered outside Gucci, greeting Luca with genuine respect.

After all, he owned the entire San Fierro District.

Every one of their stores operated on property that belonged to him.

Keeping a good relationship with Luca wasn’t simply good business. It was essential. There wasn’t another commercial district in San Fierro that could rival the Promenade’s prestige or customer traffic. Securing a location here meant access to the city’s wealthiest clientele and unmatched brand exposure.

Naomi and Elena remained perfectly calm. They already knew the Promenade belonged to Luca.

Chris Reginald and Connie Santos did not.

Watching a parade of luxury executives greet Luca with such reverence drained every trace of confidence from their faces.

Especially Reginald.

Only now did he realize that the young man he had dismissed as a spoiled rich kid possessed influence far beyond anything he had imagined.

For the first time in years, genuine fear crept into his heart.

’I need to leave.’

The thought surfaced instinctively.

Without another word, he slowly turned, hoping to disappear into the crowd before Luca decided to retaliate.

Unfortunately for him, Luca had no intention of letting him leave.

He looked toward the security team stationed nearby.

"Detain those two."

His calm voice echoed through the boutique.

"Don’t let them leave this floor."

"Yes, Boss!"

Several heavily built security guards rushed over immediately, surrounding Chris Reginald and Connie in a tight circle before either of them could react.

Luca slipped both hands into his pockets and walked forward at an unhurried pace. His polished shoes clicked softly against the marble floor until he stopped directly in front of Reginald.

A faint smile rested on his face.

"Running already?" he asked casually. "What happened to all that confidence you had a minute ago?"

Chris Reginald forced himself to remain composed despite the sweat gathering on his forehead.

"You’d better think carefully before you do anything reckless," he warned coldly. "I’m the Chief Commercial Officer of Starline Airways Group. If you lay a finger on me, the company’s legal department will make sure you regret it."

Even now, he refused to believe Luca would dare touch someone of his position.

Luca nodded thoughtfully.

"Hmm."

"I’ve thought about it."

Relief immediately washed over Reginald.

’I knew it.’

’All bark.’

’Money can only take him so far.’

Then Luca smiled.

"Take Mr. Reginald downstairs."

He glanced toward the security guards.

"I want you to take ’care’ of him in the office."

"If he’s cooperative..."

Luca’s smile widened.

"...double everyone’s bonus this month."

The guards’ eyes lit up instantly.

Several of them cracked their knuckles with eager grins as they looked toward Reginald.

"Kid!" Reginald shouted, panic finally breaking through his composure. "Are you insane? If your people touch me, Starline Airways will sue you into bankruptcy!"

Luca looked at him as though he had just heard a joke.

"I don’t believe a word you just said."

His voice was calm.

"Because as of this moment..."

"...you’re no longer employed by Starline Airways."

He casually lifted his phone and turned the screen toward Reginald.

Displayed on it was an active call.

The name at the top froze Chris Reginald where he stood.

Morgan Mertens.

CEO of Starline Airways.

The speakerphone was already on.

Morgan’s furious voice exploded through the boutique.

"Chris Reginald!"

"You’ve completely lost your mind!"

"You actually threatened our company’s Chairman?"

"You’re fired effective immediately!"

"Starline Airways has no place for someone as arrogant and incompetent as you!"

Chris Reginald felt every ounce of strength leave his body.

Chairman?

His mind went blank.

Morgan...

The CEO himself...

Had just called this young man...

Chairman?

For years, rumors had circulated throughout Starline Airways that an unseen majority shareholder existed above even Morgan Mertens.

Most executives believed the story.

Many dismissed it as nonsense.

Chris had always belonged to the latter group.

What billionaire would ignore the daily operations of a company generating billions in annual revenue?

Now he finally understood.

The rumors had been true all along.

Standing before him wasn’t merely a wealthy landlord.

It was the man who controlled Starline Airways itself.

His Chairman.

His boss.

"Chairman Hale..." Chris’s legs nearly gave out beneath him. "Please... I beg you... considering my years of service..."

His plea died halfway through the sentence.

Luca’s eyes remained completely indifferent.

Cold.

Emotionless.

Chris understood immediately.

There would be no forgiveness.

How could the Chairman possibly spare a man who had repeatedly tried to prey on his own woman?

Luca didn’t even bother looking at him again.

Instead, he lifted the phone back to his ear.

"Morgan."

"I want Human Resources to begin a full internal investigation immediately."

"Anyone promoted or hired through Chris Reginald’s influence should be reviewed. If they’re implicated, dismiss them."

"Also, gather every complaint and piece of evidence concerning his abuse of authority and workplace misconduct."

"Our legal department will coordinate with the Department of Justice."

"I want him prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

On the other end of the call, Morgan’s heart skipped a beat.

This was the mysterious majority shareholder who had never appeared before management.

His first order as Chairman had been swift, decisive, and merciless.

There wasn’t a hint of hesitation.

"Understood, Chairman Hale," Morgan replied respectfully. "I’ll personally oversee everything."

Chris Reginald’s face turned deathly pale.

His career was over.

His fortune was gone.

Even his freedom was about to disappear.

Standing beside him, Connie Santos stared at Luca with an entirely different expression.

Her eyes glowed with fascination.

This was the kind of man she had always dreamed about.

Powerful.

Young.

Handsome.

Rich beyond imagination.

Gathering what little courage she had left, she stepped forward, flashing what she believed was her most charming smile.

"Excuse me..."

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Do you think I’m pretty?"

Luca glanced at her once before looking away as though she didn’t exist.

His voice was colder than winter.

"Even if no one bothered teaching you self respect..."

"...that’s still no excuse for throwing away your dignity in public."

He paused.

"The flight attendant profession isn’t suitable for someone like you."

"You should submit your resignation."

"Pfft..."

Naomi bit down on her lip so hard it almost hurt.

She was fighting for her life trying not to burst out in laughter right there.

By the time they stepped out onto the District’s sunlit stone walkway, she couldn’t hold it in any longer.

She leaned closer and whispered into Luca’s ear.

"You’re unbelievably mean."

Luca chuckled.

"Oh?"

"I know plenty of things far meaner than that."

He lowered his voice just enough for only her to hear.

"Would my beautiful wife like me to demonstrate them tonight... in our bedroom?"

Naomi’s eyes widened instantly.

Heat rushed to her cheeks.

She hurriedly glanced toward Elena, who was walking several steps ahead, completely unaware of their conversation.

Only after confirming her mother hadn’t heard a word did Naomi finally let out a tiny sigh of relief.

Still blushing furiously, she quietly tightened her fingers around Luca’s hand.

She never let go.