Chapter 140

The crystal chandeliers in Seaview's most luxurious hotel cast dazzling reflections across the ballroom. The union of the Lucas and Thompson families had drawn every elite in the city.

Nicole Capra stood radiant in a crimson cheongsam, its golden phoenix embroidery shimmering under the lights. She clung to Andrew Lucas's arm, her smile as bright as spring sunshine.

Yet the man beside her wore a grim expression, as though attending a funeral.

Ethan Sullivan observed the farce from a shadowed corner. He lifted a champagne flute to his lips, then grimaced—the drink tasted sickeningly sour.

"Congratulations, Ethan." A guest approached with empty pleasantries.

Ethan's lips twisted as he slammed the glass onto a passing waiter's tray. "For what? Celebrating my sister marrying a blind fool?"

Before he could finish, Victor Thompson yanked him backward by the collar and dragged him into a private lounge.

"Dad! Easy!" Rubbing his sore neck, Ethan pulled out his silenced phone. Six missed calls—all from Susan Thompson.

His return call connected only to a robotic voicemail prompt.

His heart stuttered.

Outside, excited chatter filled the hallway.

"There's a fire on Willow Lane! They say a woman's trapped on the sixth floor—"

Ethan's blood turned to ice. He burst through the door and collided with Andrew in the corridor.

"Car keys!" His voice shook. "Susan might be in trouble!"

Andrew's pupils contracted. He recalled that strange call thirty minutes ago—Susan's whispered "I'm going to die."

Fragments of conversation drifted from a nearby executive group:

"...burned beyond recognition..."

"...door was bolted from the inside. No escape..."

Andrew's fingers trembled. He seized the speaker's lapels. "Exact location!"

"S-sixth floor..."

The world shattered.

Ethan was already sprinting toward the elevators, but Andrew stood paralyzed, his legs leaden. Mechanically, he redialed that familiar number again and again.

"The subscriber you are calling is currently unavailable..."

Laughter and celebration music from the engagement party clashed grotesquely with the pounding of his heart.

The chandelier flickered suddenly, its glare stinging his eyes.

"Andrew!" Ethan's roar echoed from the elevator. "Move your goddamn ass!"

Andrew jolted awake. He stumbled forward, his suit jacket knocking over a hallway vase.

The shattering porcelain sounded exactly like his heart breaking.