Chapter <b>136 </b>


    55 vouchers


    Seeing that Charles seemed to be in a better mood, Jack got down to business.


    “Crimson Gallery has turned down our request to join. I sent someone to investigate, and it turns out there’s a reckless guy who’s been tearing through the challenges. In just thest two hours, he’s cleared five levels and is still going.”


    Charles had previously sent his best special forces operative, a top–tier fighter, who had only managed to clear the fourth level. This neer, however, had already cleared five.


    Charles narrowed his eyes, “Did you manage to find out who sent him?” <fn7ec9> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? Find?Novel</fn7ec9>


    “Could it be someone working for another family in Beloris?”


    Jack shook his head. “Crimson Gallery is famous for keeping everything under wraps. We couldn’t get anything out of them. I did have someone ask around though–the guy’s wearing a silver mask, looks pretty young. If he actually makes it through, Crimson Gallery might have to change the rulespletely.”


    Charles casually propped his head on his hand. He’d never thought anyone could beat that nightmare of a ce.


    “Jack, if this guy actually clears all the levels, try to win him over. If we can’t, make sure he doesn’t end up teaming up with anyone else,” Charles said.


    “You got it, boss. I’ve been keeping tabs on him,” Jack replied.


    Meanwhile, word that someone had stormed Crimson Gallery was already making the rounds among every ambitious soul who’d been looking to get their hands on it.


    But not every insider even knew the ce existed. Only those deep in the heart of power had heard of it.


    Thanks to Crimson Gallery’s wless secrecy, it had be the go–to oasis for the rich–a den of luxury where you could toss aside your identity and be anyone you wanted, or even aplete animal if you wished.


    In several study rooms across Beloris, people were getting real–time updates on the situation.


    “Two and a half hours, six levels cleared.”


    “Seventh level took fifteen minutes.”


    “Eighth level took twenty minutes.”


    “Mr. Sinir, he’s already moved on to the ninth level. All eight people he’s defeated have sworn loyalty to


    him.”


    “Three and a half hours–that’s all it took to st through ten levels.”


    “Starting tonight, Crimson Gallery bows to a single master. All ten sections are his now.”


    …


    85


    56 Vouchers


    More than a hundred calls flew across Beloris, but among the real power yers, there was just onemand.


    “Track down everything about this guy–immediately.”


    All the covert operatives hit the streets at once.


    But Ynda had no idea any of this was going on.


    Ian’s scene was scheduled for the middle of the night, so Simone, the director, had some free time.


    Ynda showed up at her ce and handed over the bracelet.


    Simone had already epted an emerald ne from Yndast time, and now, seeing the pricey bracelet, she raised an eyebrow. “Ynda, this is seriously expensive.”


    “Aunt Simone, I actually wanted to ask you some more advice,” Ynda said softly, her eyes full of hope.


    Simone, never one for pretense, epted the box with a small smile. “Let me guess, you want me to keep givingn a few more chances, huh? That boy’s got talent.”


    Ynda nodded, sitting obediently beside her aunt. “You’ve got so many industry connections, and I know you genuinely appreciate Ian. So I’m being a little shameless here, Aunt Simone–do you think you could bring him along when you meet directors or go to fancy events? You know, since I’m married and part of the Grant family, it’s not really appropriate for me to be seen with a man who’s not my husband. So… could this just be our little secret?”


    Simone didn’t hesitate to slip the bracelet onto her wrist.


    “This is gorgeous–such rich color and rity. I can see you really put thought into it. I’ll agree to your request, since what I’m doing for you is worth far more than just this piece. So I’m not going to be shy about taking the bracelet,” she said with a smile.


    Ynda let out a quiet breath, genuinely grateful as she thanked her.


    Simone slid a ss of water toward her and grinned. “You’re here for Ian, aren’t you? Honestly, that kid’s worth every bit of effort. He’s got the star power–looks, skills, everything. His acting isn’t just good; it’s pure instinct, like he was born for it. Trust me, one day he’s going to snag every major trophy out there.”


    Ynda’s smile widened as she picked up the ss. “When that dayes, I’ll definitely make sure you get a


    cut.”


    The more Simone watched her, the more she genuinely admired Ynda. She never got bashful when asking for something, and when it came to giving gifts, she always made it impossible to say no. On top of it all, Ynda had a knack for saying exactly the right thing at exactly the right time.


    ‘Wasting her time ying the housewife before–what a loss for all that talent… but hey, betterte than never, Simone thought to herself.


    Ynda took a sip of water and, candid as always, began, “I’ve set up a small studio, and soon I’ll be recruiting new talent. What I really came for tonight is to talk over an equity stake with you. Aunt Simone, I promise-


    16:18 Mon, Sep 29 <b>B </b>


    85


    56 vouchers.


    within three years, I’ll turn this studio into a listedpany, and when that dayes, you’ll get twenty percent ownership. But can you keep this all strictly confidential, just between us?”


    Twenty percent–that was an incredible gesture of goodwill.


    Simone didn’t need the money, but she knew this was the biggest thing Ynda could put on the table.


    With Ian as her ace, Ynda had a bankable star in hand. One real talent with star power could easily build an entirepany.


    Ynda put all her cards on the table, determined to strike a long–term deal–what she wanted in return were Simone’s connections.


    Simone, her shoulder–length hair framing her face, didn’t say yes right away. She absently traced the bracelet around her wrist while she weighed her options.


    Ynda waited patiently, letting Simone take all the time she needed.


    After a long stretch of silence, Simone finally sighed. “I’ll be honest, I really want in. But twenty percent–are you really okay with handing that much over?”


    “I’m just trying to show you I’m sincere. And if Charles starts calling to check up on me, I’d really appreciate it if you could help cover for me,” Ynda said honestly. “Sometimes I have to be out for a few days because of studio work, but as a married woman in the Grant family, it’s basically forbidden for me to stay overnight anywhere. Having toe up with a new excuse every time is a real hassle. Charles is bound to get suspicious eventually, but if you say it’s work, he’ll buy it without a second thought.”


    Simone had always had a soft spot for Charles, but she wasn’t blind–she knew just how unreliable he could be.


    After a brief pause, she reached out her hand. “Alright, I’m in.”


    “Thanks, Aunt Simone. I’ll ask Mr. Maine to draw up the contract tomorrow,” Ynda replied, visibly relieved.


    “Yoyo, I love that you’ve got so much drive these days. Just don’t put all your hopes in a guy. If he’s not there for you, the rest of your world coulde crashing down,” Simone advised softly.


    It was her way of giving Ynda a heads–up–without spelling it out too clearly.


    Ynda nodded, looking all sincere. “I know. That’s why I went to work–to make Charles think I’m doing it for his sake.”


    ‘Hell no, that’s not the reason,‘ Ynda thought, but she couldn’t justy it all out for Simone–especially with Simone being family.


    Sure enough, a flicker of sympathy crossed Simone’s face as she gently patted Ynda’s shoulder.


    “You’ve got my word. It’s getting prettyte–go on and get some rest, Ynda,” Simone said, her voice gentle.


    Once Ynda was in her car, she let out a long breath.


    16:18 Mon, <b>Sep </b>29 G


    A


    es


    355 vouchers


    From now on, no more scrambling for excuses whenever she needed to stay out overnight. With Simone as her shield, Charles would never suspect a thing about Ian–he’d staypletely in the dark.


    That was what mattered most.


    Simone was totally clueless about Ynda and Ian’s little secret. She honestly thought Ynda was just throwing herself into her career, doing it all so Charles would finally sit up and take notice.


    Ynda gripped the steering wheel, her lips quirking into a smirk. ‘Guess I’ve got a real talent for ying with fire behind the scenes,‘ she mused.


    Honestly, what married woman wouldn’t be drawn in by Ian? He had that irresistible puppy–dog charm–and could turn on a dime.


    As long as he didn’t do anything too outrageous, she was perfectly happy to spoil him rotten and keep him all to herself.


    She was more than ready to treat her secret lover like royalty–just as Charles always did with his own favorites.


    <b><i>AD </i></b>