In the dim lighting of the grand ballroom, tensions were rising to a palpable level, though few of the attendees dared to acknowledge it. As the whispers among the guests faded into the background, Senator Feinstein quietly retreated to a secluded corner of the hall. Inside, he was seething with anger—Donovan's unexpected presence had reignited memories of betrayal, scandal, and his daughter's suffering. His thoughts raced as he recalled the moment when he had tried to end Donovan's control with his own hands but had failed.

While Senator Feinstein observed from a distance, Martin, Robert, and Dory sat in the opposite corner of the hall. As expected, Donovan gave a general greeting to the notable figures in the room and paused momentarily to exchange pleasantries with some officials and investors. Then, he slowly began making his way toward Martin’s corner, his expression reflecting a confident smile—one that masked intentions no one could misinterpret. Behind him, Alex walked slowly, showing outward compliance with his father’s orders, though his eyes were filled with arrogance and contempt.

Robert gave a cold glance, quietly noticing Donovan's approach.

With his customary smile, one that was well known for hiding hypocrisy, Donovan stepped toward Robert and offered a formal greeting: "Robert! Senator Robert, I haven't seen you in a while. How are you? You seem as busy as ever."

Robert looked at Donovan coldly, then replied in a dry tone, "Donovan, I didn't expect to see you here tonight. I wasn't aware you were so involved in politics."

Donovan chuckled, raising his glass as if to deflect the directness of the comment. "Oh, I always like to stay informed about everything happening around me. Politics is inseparable from business, isn't it?"

Robert raised an eyebrow, his tone filled with disdain. "Legitimate business, yes. But some people tend to mix business with dirty tactics. Unfortunately, it seems there are those who think money can buy everything, even a conscience."

Jack Donovan had repeatedly tried to bribe Senator Robert, using every form of temptation available. From huge financial offers to promises of high political positions, Donovan hoped to sway Robert to his side, or at the very least, ensure his neutrality. But all attempts had failed.

Known for his integrity and bluntness, Robert always prioritized his reputation, and he was fully aware of Donovan's twisted intentions. Moreover, his strong connections with federal law enforcement always kept him safe from any attempts at blackmail or manipulation. Donovan was careful not to leave behind any evidence that could be used against him, but he found himself facing a senator who could neither be bought nor intimidated.

With each failed attempt, Donovan's frustration grew, but he eventually realized that Robert was an adversary who could not be overcome by conventional means.

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Donovan’s smile never faded; in fact, it sharpened slightly. "Ah, I’ve always admired your candor, Robert. But the world isn't that simple. Sometimes, a man has to be flexible... and know when to make tough decisions."

Robert smirked sarcastically, taking a sip from his drink. "Tough decisions, or exploiting loopholes and breaking the law? Let me be clear with you, Jack. No one can deny your financial success, but everyone knows the price at which that success came."

Donovan leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret, though his tone was full of challenge: "Success in this world, Robert, only comes to those who know how to avoid obstacles. Some may see what I do as unconventional, but in the end, they envy me because I always come out on top."

Robert smiled wryly and said, "On top? At whose expense? Thousands of investors who lost their money due to your tricks, the companies that went bankrupt because of your greed, and the laws you bend whenever you get the chance? Yes, you may have come out on top, but don’t forget that sometimes the victors pay the price later."

Donovan moved closer to Robert, his voice quiet but filled with restrained anger. "Do you think you can threaten me, Robert?" Donovan said with a tight smile.

Robert smiled lightly, swirling his glass in his hand. "A threat? No, Jack. I don't threaten. I’m simply reminding you that playing with fire can burn the one holding the match."

Donovan’s tone shifted to barely concealed fury. "Do you think I’m afraid of you?"

Robert smiled coolly, staring into Donovan’s eyes. "Fear isn't necessary. But caution... that could be useful. Especially when your opponent is connected to people who know how to disappear behind the evidence."

Donovan fell silent, but the unease was clear in his eyes. He tilted his head slightly as if in thought, then said, "Perhaps, perhaps not. But in any case, I'll always be prepared. Just remember, when you're playing with the big leagues, you don't leave any loose ends."

Donovan regained his smile before turning to his son: "I want you all to meet my son, Alex."

Jack Donovan's son, walking with confident steps, though his eyes betrayed a mix of arrogance and shallowness, stood before them with a broad smile and said in a slightly elevated voice, "I am honored to meet the Senator and the Supreme Commander of Security."

Robert continued to drink his wine, ignoring the boy, before Dory responded instead, "Alex, is it? Wonderful to meet you. I’ve heard you’ve inherited all your father's... skills in handling matters."

Alex, smug with himself, didn't recognize the hidden sarcasm behind the words. "Yes, of course! My father taught me everything. After all, money and connections are what rule the world, right?"

Donovan’s face darkened, realizing his son had not caught Dory's mockery.

Before he could respond, Martin smiled coldly. "Yes, money can open doors," Martin said, then added with a sarcastic tone, "but sometimes, money alone isn't enough. You need something more... like intelligence."

Alex looked at Martin, slightly confused but trying to maintain his outward superiority, then said, "Oh, intelligence? Don’t worry, intelligence can be bought too. We hire the smartest minds to work for us."

Martin smirked, while Dory and Robert exchanged quick chuckles, surprised by the boy’s naivety.

Donovan, watching with a grim expression after noticing Martin’s clear manipulation of his son, took a deep breath before saying sternly, "Alright, alright. It seems you haven’t introduced the young man beside you, Commander Dory."

Dory replied with a smile, "Haha, it should have been the Senator who did that, not me. Let me introduce you to the Senator's son, Albert. I believe you've heard of him."

"Oh... interesting," Donovan said as he sized up Albert before closing his eyes and deciding to leave with his son.