James had a tall, lean build, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and long legs. His impeccable sense of style only enhanced his striking features.

When he smiled, there was an easy, approachable charm that made him seem entirely harmless.

If he chose to act the part, no one would ever associate him with the lunatic who carried half the criminal legislation on his back.

Tessa had never met James before. When she heard him call her name and noticed his designer attire, she immediately thought he must be a friend of one of her acquaintances.

James didn’t introduce himself. Instead, he gave her a lingering gaze, saying, “As expected, you’re truly a beauty.”

Standing next to him, Yvette furrowed just slightly, jealousy flickering in her gaze before disappearing in an instant.

She had no knowledge of his deep-rooted vendettas against the Jacobson and Yates families, nor did she dare inquire about the other women in his life.

In her view, a proper lover was meant to be obedient, perceptive, and never foolish enough to pry into matters best left untouched.

Yvette stood quietly by James’ side, her eyes subtly studying Tessa.

Yes, she was undoubtedly beautiful-an all-natural beauty. She had fair skin, delicate features, completely untouched by enhancements.

Her figure was equally enviable-a slender waist, long legs, lean yet with curves in all the right places.

Tessa, however, remained completely unaware of Yvette’s calculating gaze.

When she heard James’ offhand comment, her brows furrowed in confusion. There was something about him that didn’t sit right with her.

The way he looked at her was almost predatory—like a hunter sizing up its prey, his gaze filled with both menace and amusement.

Feeling more irritated, Tessa asked again, “Who are you?”

James simply smiled, offering no direct answer. “Me? You’ll find out soon enough, Ms. Yates. We’ll be seeing each other again.”

What was he getting at?

Annoyed, Tessa decided to brush him off. Stepping around him, she headed for the front desk to settle her bill.

Jasmine quickly caught up to her, unable to resist sneaking another glance back at James as they approached the door. “Tessa, do you know that guy? He’s ridiculously handsome! You never see someone that good-looking in real life!”

Despite Jasmine’s excitement, Tessa couldn’t shake the feeling of discomfort.

There was something off about that man. She just couldn’t figure out what.

She answered absently, “I have no idea who he is. He’s being all weird and mysterious-just forget about him.”

“Oh, okay. I thought you two were friends.”

Before long, it was December 31st-New Year’s Eve.

Naomi had organized a gathering to ring in the new year.

Riverside Tower, an 88-story skyscraper, stood tall as one of Rivertown’s most iconic landmarks.

The 69th floor offered the best views, a sweeping vista of the city’s dazzling nightscape.

Inside the presidential suite, fresh flowers, balloons, and streamers filled the room, creating an extravagant and celebratory atmosphere.

Naomi carelessly draped her mink coat over the couch, her body clad only in a champagne-colored, figure-hugging gown. Her makeup was flawlessly applied, and her bold, captivating beauty drew every eye in the room.

“I have to admit, Quentin, you’re pretty smart to secure this place and turn it into a hotel.”

Quentin snorted. “Is it really necessary to state the obvious?”

Naomi flashed him a teasing smile. “I never expected you to have such a sharp business mind, especially with that pig brain of yours.”

From the 50th to the 69th floor, the entire hotel was owned by Quentin’s company. The presidential suite they occupied was the height of luxury, priced at over ten thousand dollars a night.

He scoffed. “Who are you calling a pig brain?”

She stuck her tongue out mischievously. “Come on. Don’t tell me you don’t know

exactly who I’m referring to.”