Vincent's phone buzzed with a banking notification. His hands shook as he read the message, then looked up at me with a mixture of awe and terror.
"The transfer is complete," he whispered. "One billion yuan has been deposited into your account."
The silence in the Morgan family's foyer was absolute. I could hear Helena Morgan's labored breathing and Felix's quiet whimper of disbelief.
"One billion," Evelyn repeated softly, her eyes wide with shock.
"For a recipe," Master Wei added, his voice filled with reverence.
Vincent bowed deeply, his earlier arrogance completely gone. "Master Hayes, my family is eternally grateful for your wisdom and generosity."
I pocketed my phone without checking the balance. "Your grandfather was smart enough to recognize value when he saw it. Unlike some people."
My words hung in the air like a blade. Helena Morgan stepped forward desperately, her face streaked with tears.
