News opens with the Walsh patriarch in critical condition. Gianna Walsh orders a subordinate to go to Riverton, host the Celestial Sovereign’s investment banquet to fund Frost Group with 50 billion, and find Cayden Freeman to call off her engagement. In a Riverton club a hostess is taunted into a toast, then pinned and threatened by several men. A man at the scene confronts them; the aggressors boast their boss is Odin Wells and claim Walsh backing. They summon weapons and patrons cry "Mr. Wells! Help me!" as the attack spikes, leaving the outcome uncertain.