Chapter 1033

To Wilhelmina, Samuel's dominance was nothing more than a reflection of Jack's brilliance. It was also proof of his ruthlessness, and nothing beyond that.

She couldn't help but think of the man who held Samuel's fate in his hands-Jack.

Stealing a glance, she realized that he had completely ignored her existence. Ever since she had entered the hall, he hadn't spared her a single glance.

It was as if she were invisible.

For the first time, Wilhelmina felt the sting of being utterly disregarded. It was a sensation of loss she had never experienced before.

Even Samuel's arrival failed to stir any reaction from Jack.

Jack was probably the only one in the entire hall with the standing to do it. He dared

to brush off one of Iselva's business giants.

The memory of his ruthlessness and indifference flashed through her mind. It sparked a sudden surge of hatred. She swore she'd make him pay double for the humiliation he'd inflicted on her.

Despair surged through Wilhelmina once more as she thought of him. His brilliance was so uncanny, it bordered on the monstrous.

Perhaps the only ones here who could stand against this terrifying man were Patrick and his allies.

Before long, Jack's friends began arriving each one a heavyweight in their own right.

lan and Myra arrived shortly after Samuel. Most people didn't recognize them. Mistaken for the children of some obscure family, their presence went largely unnoticed.

Those at the top of the hierarchy knew exactly who these influential figures were. They couldn't help but feel slightly taken aback. What was going on today? Why were so many formidable individuals gathering?

It appeared things weren't quite right today.

Everyone who knew lan and Myra-no matter their age or status-greeted them warmly.

The older guests gently scolded them for not letting anyone know they were coming. They regretted not being able to send a car or even a helicopter-to pick them up.

Others in their circle called them by their first ames and made smalt talk, even when there was little to

say. It was all to show off how

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familiar they were with lan and

Myra.

When someone quietly asks about their identities, those in the know remain tight- lipped.

After all, the force behind these two was nothing short of extraordinary in Tarthy.

Just then, another stir rippled through the crowd. Ignatius was walking shoulder to shoulder with a middle-aged man, chatting and laughing.

That man was none other than Gerard!

Rumors had it that this gala was jointly hosted by several consulates in Tarthy, along with Patrick. No one expected Gerard to make an appearance.

His presence alone was enough to prove how terrifyingly vast Patrick's influence in Tarthy had become.

Spotting her father, Winona cheered

and rushed over, playfully complaining that he was late. She dragged Gerard over to Patrick,

speaking to him with such ease that no one could miss how close they were.

As Casey observed Winona and Patrick's close interaction, a flicker of fury sparked

behind her eyes.

But on such an occasion, she had no

choice but to suppress her resentment: Instead, she clung to her father's arm, posing gracefully for the media Her calm, noble presence made her appear completely untouchable.

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Everything Casey did was to get Patrick's attention-to show him just how exceptional she was.

Ignatius, of course, saw right through his daughter's intentions—and was more than happy to play along.

Beyond that, he exuded the commanding presence of a seasoned magnate.

His gaze happened to drift toward the corner, where Jack stood, Specter looming

silently behind him. In that instant, Ignatius' expression changed.

If his hunch was right, then this was the very "boss" Specter had spoken of.

As he stared at Jack's youthful face, a storm churned within him. But in a blink, he

masked it completely, calm and composed, as if nothing had happened at all.