Back in Holland.
After a span of ten years, several changes had occurred—changes that ruined the life of one man.
Jacob Wayne, once a powerful and respected businessman, was on the verge of losing everything he had worked for.
Due to his recklessness and arrogance, everything he had built was already crumbling.
He sat in his dimly lit office, drowning himself in whiskey. He kept staring at the net profits of Wayne Enterprise, watching how much had been lost. It drove him mad.
He got up, gripping his whiskey glass tightly, downed the contents in one gulp, and hurled it across the room in a fit of rage.
He paced back and forth in his office, unable to think straight. His partners had abandoned him. His investors had pulled out. They saw no value in his company anymore—and it was all his fault.
The way he had handled clients over the years had slowly tarnished his reputation, and now the consequences were severe.
Social media hadn't stopped dragging him. People kept questioning how such a renowned businessman was now set to lose everything.
He avoided the media at all costs. Whether they showed up at his office or his home, he made sure to evade them, knowing full well that any word from him would be twisted and published in magazines, making things worse.
The door to his office opened, and his secretary walked in.
"Mr. Wayne," she called.
"Yes, Emma? Have you been able to secure a loan for me?" he asked, his voice filled with growing concern. It was as if the whiskey had no effect on him.
He had already downed almost a full bottle, yet his mind was completely fixated on his collapsing business.
"No, sir. No one is willing to offer us a loan," she broke the bad news. "Every organization I approached refused because your name was involved. I even tried applying without mentioning you, but the result was the same—no one is willing to lend us money. Sir, what do we do?"
Jacob turned away, his heart tightening. His skin crawled with frustration.
Everything was so bad that he yanked off his tie in a burst of rage.
The people he once called friends refused to help him. Everyone he knew turned a blind eye. Even Vendetta was nowhere to be found in his time of need.
Jacob racked his brain for his next move. If loans weren't an option, then what?
"Uhm, Mr. Wayne." His secretary tapped his shoulder hesitantly.
"What is it? Why are you still here? You're dismissed," he snapped, his words laced with anger.
"No, sir. I would have left, but something just came up," she said. "I received information about an event happening tonight."
"Go on," he said, turning around, mild interest flickering across his weary face.
"Sir, the event is filled with potential investors. If you attend, you might find someone willing to work with us and help rebuild Wayne Enterprise."
Jacob paused, deep in thought.
"There's nothing to think about. This is about Wayne Enterprise," Emma pressed. "I'm sure you'll find someone there interested in our business."
He sighed deeply. "You can leave, Emma. I'll consider your suggestion. Send me the address of the event—I'll be there tonight and see what I can do. Thank you."
He grabbed his car keys and coat before exiting the office.
Night fell quicker than expected.
Jacob arrived at the location Emma had sent him.
It was a grand hall, and the scent of wealth was everywhere. He scanned the room, taking in the extravagant suits and glittering jewelry. They were all disgustingly rich.
He remembered when he used to dress like this. But now, he lacked the confidence to wear anything too fancy—he didn't want to attract unnecessary attention.
From time to time, he tried to strike up conversations with various people, but no one seemed interested in discussing business with him.
It was as if news of his downfall had already spread through the crowd.
The realization annoyed him. He was about to react when he overheard a conversation.
"Isn't that the same man?"
"Yeah, he's the one who divorced his young wife ten years ago for another woman."
"Funny how things turned out for him. I wonder what changed."
They clinked their glasses before continuing.
"I actually feel bad for him. Everyone thought that once he got rid of his younger wife, things would fall into place. But instead, everything crumbled. Ten years later, and look at him—men should think before making life-changing decisions."
"I agree."
Jacob clenched his fists, resisting the urge to confront them.
He wanted to shut them up. To teach them a lesson.
But he hesitated, realizing he was no longer in their league—no longer someone who could command respect in a room like this.
He looked away and downed his glass of wine.
Just as he decided to leave—since no one seemed interested in his business—a soft voice called out to him.
"Mr. Wayne."
The sound clouded his thoughts.
He turned and found an amusingly confident woman standing behind him. She was dressed in an elegant white gown that hugged her form, stopping just above her thighs.
Her fragrance was intoxicating—one of the most luxurious scents Jacob had ever encountered.
He could tell just by the whiff of it.
"And who are you?" he asked, his voice polite but cautious.
"My name is Clara Queen," she said smoothly. "I was standing in the corner when I overheard your conversation with some of my friends. They were quite rude to you."
"Oh, that's alright," Jacob dismissed, though his pride still burned.
"I thought maybe we could have a drink and talk about your business," she continued. "I feel like I could help you in one way or another."
Jacob narrowed his eyes. "I wonder why you'd help me when your friends wouldn't."
She chuckled. "It's just business, Jacob. Some people are interested in certain things, and some aren't. But what matters is when someone is interested—and I am."
"And what makes you so interested in my business, Mrs. Queen?"
She smiled. "Are you really going to stand here questioning me, or are we going to schedule a meeting to discuss your business properly?"
Jacob groaned inwardly.
"I would love to have the conversation here, but it's too crowded. I'd rather not be seen with you, considering what you just said about my friends. Which, by the way, might be true," she added with a sly smirk.
Jacob sighed.
"Look, I'm just being honest with you. Let's have this discussion somewhere more private—maybe at my place. Drinks, food, everything on me. What do you say?"
Jacob exhaled deeply before nodding.
"Alright. After you, then."
She smiled and led him out of the event, taking him to her place for further discussion on his business.