At the café, the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Stone was impossible to ignore. Conversations softened, glances lingered. People couldn't help but wonder why a couple so powerful would choose a place like this.

  After all, this was no ordinary pair. Together, they controlled nearly thirty percent of the city's equities. Their influence reached far beyond boardrooms and headlines—yet here they were, standing in a modest café like any other patrons.

  Curiosity followed them as they moved with quiet confidence straight to the reception. Without hesitation, they requested a private room—one large enough for four—to dine and talk without prying eyes.

  The staff complied at once, and soon the powerful couple disappeared from public view, leaving behind a room full of unanswered questions and whispered speculation.

  "Gasilin."

  Mr. Stone's voice was calm, but it carried unquestionable authority.

  The man who had been standing silently at their side straightened at once. "Yes, sir?" he replied, respect woven into every syllable.

  "Go downstairs," Mr. Stone continued, eyes forward. "Keep an eye out for Luku—and the person we're here to contract. Bring them here the moment they arrive."

  "As you wish, sir!"

  Gasilin bowed sharply, then turned and left with haste, his footsteps fading as he moved swiftly to carry out the order.

  Left alone once more, Mr. and Mrs. Stone settled into the quiet of the private room, the weight of what was about to unfold hanging heavily in the air.

  "Honey... I'm worried about our kids," Mrs. Stone whispered, her voice tight with unease. She clutched Mr. Stone's arm, holding it close like a lifeline. "You don't think what happened today had anything to do with them... do you?"

  Her grip lingered, fingers pressing in as if anchoring herself against the thought. The quiet of the private room felt thinner suddenly, the walls less comforting as fear crept into the spaces between their words.

  Mr. Stone let out a slow sigh and lifted a hand, gently patting her head. The familiar gesture carried a quiet reassurance.

  "Don't worry," he said softly. "Trust in Luku. He's never let us down."

  He held her close as he spoke, steady and composed, even as the weight of the day lingered between them.

  "Let me go order something for us," she said softly, forcing a small smile as she loosened her grip on his arm. "Maybe it'll help smooth things over before they arrive."

  She stood, straightening her posture, careful not to let the weight on her heart show. Even so, the effort was written in the slight tension of her shoulders as she turned toward the door, trying to carry herself as though worry wasn't following her every step.

  She left the room quietly.

  Oh, my sweet Jane...

  Mr. Stone lowered his gaze, his composure finally cracking.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  You've never been good at hiding your worries.

  He understood her too well—understood why her hands trembled, why her voice had softened.

  It's our kids at stake now.

  A tear slipped free from his right eye. He brushed it away quickly, jaw tightening as he forced himself to breathe evenly.

  I have to be strong, he reminded himself. Lara wouldn't approve of this weakness.

  Minutes passed in the quiet. Then the door opened again.

  Jane returned, followed by a small group of female employees carefully carrying the food she had ordered. The aroma filled the private room, warm and comforting.

  "Right here, ladies. Thank you," Jane said with a gentle smile.

  The employees exchanged quick glances, unable to hide the sparkle in their eyes.

  "No problem, ma'am," one of them replied warmly. "It's an honor."

  Jane nodded graciously as they set the dishes down, the momentary politeness masking the tension that still lingered beneath the surface.

  They set the dishes carefully on the table in front of Mr. Stone, each movement precise, almost reverent. Plates were aligned, cups adjusted, final checks made with practiced efficiency.

  When they finished and turned to leave, they hesitated—just a fraction too long.

  Jane noticed. She always did.

  She smiled, gentle but knowing. "Is there anything else you want, girls?" she asked lightly, her tone warm as she caught the way the three of them struggled to hide their obvious nervousness.

  The question hung in the air for a moment, soft but disarming, as the employees exchanged quick, flustered glances.

  One of them blurted it out before the others could stop her.

  "Mrs. Jane! P-please—c-can we have a photo with you!?" Her face flushed bright red the moment the words left her mouth.

  Jane blinked, then smiled. "Oh? Is that all you want, ladies?"

  All three nodded frantically, barely able to contain their excitement.

  "Well then," she said with a playful tilt of her head, "let's have a photo—you three."

  For a moment, they just stared, disbelief written all over their faces. Then phones were out in an instant, hands shaking as they hurried to her side, taking turns as quickly as they could.

  Jane laughed softly, posing with them, warm and effortless. Even Mr. Stone couldn't help but watch with a faint smile as the moment turned light, the tension easing—if only briefly—as laughter and camera flashes filled the private room.

  "Mrs. Stone—p-please, one last photo, but...!" One of them stopped short, shrinking in on herself, face burning with embarrassment.

  "Hm?" Jane tilted her head, amused. "What is it, girls?"

  All three exchanged frantic looks, cheeks flushed red, their hesitation saying far more than their words ever could.

  Jane laughed softly, understanding dawning instantly. "Oh?" she teased, eyes sparkling. "You want something a little naughty?"

  "W-how did you know!?" one of them burst out, mortified.

  "It was written all over your faces," Jane replied with a giggle. Then she glanced over her shoulder. "But let me ask my sweetheart if he approves first."

  She looked to her husband, who was calmly sipping his iced tea. He noticed her gaze and paused, meeting her eyes. For a moment, he said nothing—then, with a faint smile, he lifted his hand and gave a playful little go-ahead gesture.

  Jane's smile widened, and the room filled with barely contained excitement as the girls realized their luck had just doubled.

  The three girls nearly vibrated with excitement, bowing and thanking Mr. Stone all at once.

  "O-okay, Mrs. Jane," one of them blurted out, courage outweighing embarrassment for a fleeting moment. "L-let's do a pose that really shows your curves and your—your huge breasts!"

  "Oh, my sweeties, that's a bit—" Jane started, her cheeks instantly flushing at the bluntness of it.

  At that exact moment, Mr. Stone choked on his iced tea, sputtering as he turned away, a deep red creeping up his face.

  Jane couldn't hold it in. She giggled, delighted and unapologetic.

  "Alright, ladies," she said with playful surrender, smoothing her dress. "But I'm keeping this photo too."

  The three girls lit up. "Yes—of course!" they chorused, barely containing themselves.

  Jane pulled out her phone and handed it to her husband. "Here, sweetheart. You take the photo for us." She punctuated it by poking his nose.

  "R-right," he replied, still slightly flustered, clearing his throat as he took the phone.

  Jane laughed softly at his reaction, then turned back to the girls, striking a confident pose.

  "Alright, ladies," she said brightly. "Let's do it."

  Their excitement filled the room, camera ready, smiles wide.

  We just saw how famous and powerful the Stones are! Do you think they know about Muuey's true nature?