Chapter 1

I went to inspect Dragoncrest Estates, the luxury gated community my family’s company developed.

While I was there, I planned to check on my younger brother, Leo, who was working there as an intern security guard.

But the moment I walked through the gates, I saw the property manager’s wife running wild with a massive, unleashed Alaskan Malamute.

She let her dog attack residents, and when I stepped in, she whipped around and slapped me hard across the face.

"Where did this trailer trash come from? How dare you touch my purebred dog?"

"She must be a thief sneaking in to steal from the residents! Break her legs and throw her out!"

Leo rushed over, throwing himself in front of me. "Brenda, don’t you dare cross the line!"

Hearing the commotion, the property manager hurried over. He pointed a finger right at my nose and sneered.

"In this community, I am God! You two broke losers aren't walking out of here on your own feet today!"

I touched my swollen cheek, feeling the sting, and smiled.

"Let’s see who’s actually rolling out of here today."

It was two in the afternoon on a scorching Tuesday.

Dressed in a plain white tee and faded jeans, I took a cab to Dragoncrest Estates.

This was the crown jewel of luxury communities, built by the Hayden Group three years ago.

According to our design concept, this should have been the most prestigious neighborhood in the city, boasting top-tier security, lush greenery, and five-star service.

But over the past six months, the headquarters had received dozens of signed complaint letters about the on-site property management.

Some homeowners had even banded together, demanding the manager be fired.

Usually, a complaint like this wouldn't require my attention as the CEO of the Hayden Group.

But today, I came in person—and I came alone to investigate.

My younger brother, Leo, had just returned from studying abroad. He was arrogant and stubborn.

Our dad had declared that Leo wouldn't be handed a cushy executive job. He had to start from the absolute bottom to build character.

A few days ago, Leo called me, complaining that this place was a living hell.

I thought he was just being soft.

Since my afternoon calendar was clear, I decided to swing by and check things out.

But as soon as I reached the main gate, my brows furrowed.

The heavy iron gates were wide open, and the security barrier was raised high.

Delivery guys on electric scooters zipped inside without even slowing down.

Flyer distributors, couriers, and random scrap metal trucks drove in and out as they pleased.

I stood there for five minutes, and not a single soul stopped me.

The guardhouse window was slid wide open, blasting deafening rock music.

I peeked inside. Three security guards were huddled around a table playing cards, cash scattered everywhere amidst a sea of sunflower seed shells and cigarette butts.

Sitting right in the center was the security captain, Marcus Vance, puffing on a cigarette as he raked in a pile of bills.

Suddenly, his walkie-talkie buzzed.

"Captain, the elevator in Building Seven is stuck again. A resident is trapped inside."

Marcus pressed the button impatiently.

"Can’t you see I’m busy? Tell them to wait! It’s not like they're gonna suffocate!"

With that, he switched off the radio.

Standing outside the window, I pulled out my phone and recorded the entire scene.

Satisfied with the footage, I tucked my phone away and walked deeper into the community.

The sight before me made my face grow even darker.

The manicured lawns were dead and patchy. Priceless Japanese maples and ornamental pines were mostly withered stumps.

The decorative fountains were filled with stagnant, foul-smelling green water, littered with floating plastic bags.

The emergency fire lanes were packed with private cars, some parked directly in front of the fire hydrants.

If a fire broke out, a fire engine wouldn’t even be able to squeeze through.

I stopped every few steps to take photos.

As I approached Building Three, I finally spotted Leo.

He was wearing an ill-fitting security uniform, a heavy five-gallon water jug resting on his shoulder, and two massive Amazon packages clutched in his hands.

Sweat dripped heavily down his forehead.

At home, he had never lifted anything heavier than a laptop.

Just then, Marcus, the security captain, strolled over.

"Hey, Leo! Stop dragging your feet! I told you to go to Building Two and help Brenda move her flower pots. What are you doing here?"

Leo panted heavily. "The resident on the eighth floor is pregnant and desperately needs this water. I’m taking it up first."

"Is a pregnant lady more important than Brenda?"

Marcus spat, his voice loud and obnoxious.

"Brenda is our manager Richard’s wife! Asking you to carry her things is a privilege!"

Leo held his ground. "I’m a community security guard, not a private servant."

Marcus stepped forward, poking his finger hard into Leo’s chest.

"You talking back to me? Your bonus for this month is gone! And you're covering the night shift again tonight!"

"I’ve already worked two night shifts in a row!"

"Too bad! In Dragoncrest, you do exactly what I tell you to do!"

I stood in the shadow of a nearby maple tree, taking in every single detail.

What a joke of a luxury community.

What a joke of a security captain.

I forced down the urge to march over right then.

Now was not the time to blow my cover.

I needed to unearth every single piece of rot in this place first.