Chapter 380

The summer rain hit hard and fast, slamming against the car windows like tiny fists. Up on Yanshan Mountain, the military district’s gates slowly opened, and an olive green jeep rolled out. Its tires splashed through muddy potholes, sending water flying. The more it drove, the faster it went. On the winding mountain road, the screech of sudden brakes kept cutting through the downpour—sharp and jarring, like the storm itself. Bad things always seem to happen on stormy nights. Inside the banquet hall, glasses clinked amid the chatter, while the crystal chandelier overhead glowed brightly. Celeste Harper moved through the crowd with ease. Mingling came naturally to her. There were plenty of familiar faces tonight, including Mrs. Soren, who had once helped her land contacts for custom jewelry deals—those same clients were now IM’s regular partners. “Celeste, you've been divorced for a while now—ever thought about getting remarried?” Mrs. Soren held a glass of champagne, smiling as she size