Chapter 1026

Right after, two young people in lavish, eye-catching outfits appeared-it was Winona.

She fluttered toward Patrick like a butterfly, her eyes full of affection. "Patrick, why didn't you tell me you were coming?" she said.

Beside them, Yolanda's eyes flashed with jealousy. But with Winona rumored to be Patrick's official girlfriend, there was nothing she could say.

A hush swept through the crowd as an exceptionally beautiful woman entered. With her graceful figure, striking features, and unmatched elegance, she took the spotlight at once.

It was Wilhelmina, Jack's fiancée.

When Patrick spotted her, his eyes lit up slightly. He knew Wilhelmina as well and greeted her from afar. "Ms. Dodger, hello."

Wilhelmina returned his greeting with a dazzling smile. "Patrick, hello! What a pleasure to run into you here."

She then extended her delicate hand and shook his.

Who wouldn't jump at the chance to get to know a promising young man like Patrick?

He seemed briefly caught by the touch of her hand, nearly forgetting to pull away.

Onlookers gazed at Patrick's expansive network with envy, admiration, and a touch of awe. His rivals, on the other hand, felt only fear and despair. After all, to challenge him was to challenge the entire upper crust of Tarthy-a move as good as sealing one's own fate.

It was all but certain that Winona had the powerful support of Tarthy's future mayor.

Yolanda came from the powerful Gould family-one of Tarthy's four big families— and she clearly liked Patrick.

Adding Peter, who saw Patrick as his closest friend, and Devin to the mix. It was clear that Patrick's group was a force to be reckoned with.

Wilhelmina showed up right then, and everyone noticed how close she was with Patrick. Their closeness only added another layer to the growing Intrigue. After all, behind her stood the Dodgers, one of the most prominent families in Boleria.

The title "Prince of Tarthy City" was indeed well-deserved.

Jack arrived at the gala with his bodyguards in tow, though Valery was nowhere to be seen. He'd kept her hidden on purpose-a silent ace up his sleeve, waiting for the right moment For the Lycans who held immense influence in Tarthy, such maneuvering was effortless.

et?

With an invitation in hand, he had no need to sneak in through some demeaning side entrance. Yet to his

surprise, right next to the hall stood boldas day a massive sign. It read, bold as day: "Alternative Entrance This Way".

It was unmistakable-Patrick had left that sign as a message for him. Jack couldn't help but smirk and swaggered in.

Suddenly, the entrance erupted in commotion once more. The grandeur of the hotel's welcome left no doubt-someone of great importance in Tarthy had just arrived.

And indeed, it was none other than the godfather of Tarthy's underworld. The man who had carved out its criminal empire-Ignatius Lloyd.

In Tarthy, everyone addressed him with reverence as "The Godfather".

His presence silenced the room. There was an unspoken pressure that demanded fear and respect from everyone around him.