The throne room fell into a stunned hush as Lord Adeline’s face drained of all color. The old nobleman, usually so arrogant and sure of his place among the king’s inner circle, looked like he had seen a ghost. His hands trembled slightly as he stared at Raine, recognition hitting him like a freight train. The man who had just dismissed Raine as a poor, unfit commoner now realized he was standing in front of one of the most powerful silent investors in his own business empire, a man whose quiet financial moves had shaped industries across continents.

“Mr. Lee…” he whispered, voice barely audible at first. Then, louder and...