It was Alaric who had phoned Fiona. He got straight to the point. "Your daughter coming to Ludwiten to attend the Chamber of Commerce means she's stepping on someone else's toes. Tomorrow, the Grisham family won't be helping her. I have a way to handle it."Fiona was no longer the naïve girl she once was. Her fingers tightened slightly as she replied, "So, what's your proposal?""Proposal?" The low laugh on the other end of the line sounded like smoke being exhaled. In fact, Alaric was standing on the top floor of the central tower in Ludwiten, glancing around at the business associates attending his private gathering. People were drinking, and there was no shortage of beautiful women nearby.He extinguished the cigarette between his fingers, turned toward a group of people attempting to approach him with glasses raised, and lightly swirled his glass.With a subtle lift of his eyebrows, his bodyguard stepped in, blocking both men and women trying to start a conversation.Everyon
Fiona knew he wouldn't use this kind of trick to deceive her.In her memory, Alaric had always been this way—reckless, untamed, and never one to stoop to lying. If he wanted something, he would take it outright. However, she still needed to confirm it for herself.She didn't end the call. After hearing what he said, the first thing she did was check the company records. Sure enough, there was a small company under her second brother's name.It matched what Alaric had described perfectly.Fiona's face turned pale."Who else knows about this?" Fiona's voice trembled slightly.Alaric was the opposite, sitting casually, his tone nonchalant. "No one else. I stopped it here.""I'll come find you," she said, biting her lips. She had only one thought. It was to take the files from Alaric and find a way to correct the mistake.Alaric's sharp eyes flickered. He picked up the suit jacket draped over the couch. "I'm right next door to your hotel. You don't need to come far. Just head downs
The driver got out of the car after reaching the destination, leaving Fiona and Alaric in the back seat.Even with her damp hair, Fiona looked far from disheveled. In fact, the look in her eyes seemed clearer than before.People had described Fiona's beauty as beyond this world and as going against her age.She was delicate and graceful like the beautiful women described in novels. It was as if she was destined to be liked. Not only was her waist slim, but her wrist was also delicate and fragile. With her black hair cascading down and her gaze misty, she exuded an irresistible charm."I don't understand." Fiona wasn't intimidated by Alaric and didn't shy away. Instead, she looked straight at him. "With your position, you can get together with any woman you want. Why would you come up with such a condition? Just like you said, this collaboration isn't worth the effort for you.""Didn't I tell you the answer before?" Alaric leaned back and didn't look at Fiona. As his face was hidde
Fiona could feel his warm touch on her wrist. The sensation felt like it could start a fire within her. The feeling was similar to when she wanted to give him an umbrella. Back then, he'd pressed down her wrist with a flicker in his gaze. "Do you like me?"With how handsome Alaric was, Fiona believed that any woman would have feelings for him. However, at the same time, they knew he was dangerous and could not be controlled.After all, Alaric had way too many ex-girlfriends. He would frequently move on to new relationships once he got bored. Therefore, Fiona had long disregarded him as a potential love interest. Plus, she preferred to focus on her studies rather than finding a boyfriend at the time. Although Fiona's heart skipped a beat, she soon realized he was just fooling around."Here's an umbrella. You shouldn't be in the rain when you're already sick." Fiona had just wanted to give him an umbrella. After all, she would have done the same for everyone as the class preside
Alaric's gaze felt distant, as though a thin mist separated them. "I promise. Anyway, marriage is the last thing on my mind right now."After all, the person he wanted to marry the most didn't want to marry him. "How about you? When are you going to process your divorce?"Alaric was certain Fiona didn't understand that remaining by Owen's side would eventually destroy her.Fiona furrowed her brows. "I wanted to ask about this before. Don't you know that I'm already divorced?"Alaric froze, and the look in his eyes changed noticeably. Despite his calm demeanor, he stumbled over his words. "Y-You're already divorced?""Yes. Otherwise, I wouldn't have agreed to your ridiculous collaboration." Fiona looked at him meaningfully. "So, was it really your intention to use Waymond to threaten me?"Only now did Alaric truly understand his grandfather's warning about being a cat on a hot tin roof. His fingers twitched. "Yes…""You've always been fond of making unreasonable demands." Fiona's
Alaric's Adam apple bobbed. "Okay. The Sloane family will step back willingly."Alaric had lost. His grandfather had always told him to never reveal his trump card in business, to remain an enigma. Despite his grandfather's disdain for his bloodline, he had taught Alaric what he could, for Alaric was his only grandson.Over the years, Alaric had adhered to that advice and kept his trump card a secret.His father, on the other hand, had hoped for his downfall. But Alaric didn't care. He had no interest in his father's approval as long as he got what he wanted.Alaric also held his maternal grandfather in high regard. The man had brought him to Ludwiten, taught him to write in Farshyan, and had never cared about the color of Alaric's green eyes. As long as Alaric lived honorably, he would remain his grandson.Alaric didn't care how others viewed him, especially now that his grandfather was dead. Still, there were things Alaric would do. He glanced at Fiona. "The Sloane family isn't
Sam looked up and gestured, silently asking why it seemed so difficult."The business world is complicated," Aria explained. "When a company collapses, countless people lose their jobs."Aria could fight the Draycott family with cash flow, but it was a one-time move. Prolonged use would harm the market, and it was uncertain whether small and medium-sized businesses could endure it.Her challenge was to find a way to avoid such an outcome. The ideal solution would be to have support from a decision-maker in the Chamber of Commerce when she needed to fill the funding gap.Bringing down the Draycott family was the easy part. But Barron hadn't built the Chamber of Commerce to tear other enterprises down.Aria rested her face in her hand, deep in thought. She could enter the market as an angel investor and battle the cash flow issue, then convince the Grisham family and the head of the Sloane family to exclude the Draycotts from the Chamber.This would stabilize the situation and help
Fiona opened her mouth, hesitating. "I…"Aria patted her shoulder. "You have the freedom to choose your own path. Look. You brought such a gifted daughter into the world and surrounded her with brothers who adore her. Without you, none of us wouldn't even be here."Fiona laughed softly, dismissing her words. "That's nonsense."Aria leaned in closer. "I'm serious. I was lucky to be born into this family. My stars might not be the brightest, and I can't read my own fate, but I realized something recently. If you weren't my mother, I would've already cut ties with the Carver family."Aria met her gaze. "You've been lost in a fog long enough. If you're willing to act, then do it. I'll take care of those who oppose you."Fiona's eyes glistened with emotion. "I know my daughter is the best in the world.""Mom, did you meet Mr. Sloane on your own accord?" This was the only thing Aria cared to ask.Fiona nodded. "I did."Aria chuckled. "That's all that matters. I believe in your judgme
A young woman in a gown fanned herself, momentarily stunned by her boss' reaction. She raised an eyebrow. "Boss, what happened? Did you get killed again? Or did someone steal your treasure?"She had worked with him for years, yet this was the first time she had ever seen him so unsettled. He was always indifferent—unbothered by the Chamber of Commerce holding a meeting in their hotel. To him, the game he was playing was far more exciting than watching political maneuvering. No one would expect the owner of the Royal Hotel to have such a childish hobby, but she had long figured that he was simply too lazy to engage with people. Any prestigious family in Ludwiten would seize the chance to establish a connection with him, yet none dared to approach. His presence alone was enough to intimidate. He exuded an effortless allure, dressed in an immaculate suit with a sleek watch on his wrist. His dark hair framed a gaze that seemed to pull people in. And yet, she couldn't shake the
The deeper one ventured into the Royal Hotel, the more they realized its vastness.The hotel had three floors, its decor untouched by time, preserving the elegance of the war period. Rather than modern designs, it retained a vintage charm—even the waitresses dressed in traditional gowns, adding to its old-world allure. Beyond the grand banquet hall lay the renowned Moonlight Tower—the very heart of the establishment. At its center stood a 16-foot-high stage, where only the finest operas were performed. Even the waiters pouring wine might double as performers. This was what set the Royal Hotel apart. Items auctioned onstage were introduced by experts, and transactions at the bidding tables often exceeded billions. Once upon a time, the Royal Hotel was the secret ground where foreign dignitaries and royal attendants conducted discreet dealings. Strict formal attire was required for all who stepped inside. To the common folk, the Royal Hotel remained an enigma. They only knew
Lily wasn't naïve. She had climbed to her current status through sheer agility and sharp instincts. At Orion's words, she immediately pressed a hand to her temple, her expression shifting. "I've revealed far too many secrets today. My head won't stop aching… Perhaps it's due to my condition." Her explanation was enough to settle those around her. "Oh, Ms. Kent is having a headache.""You should rest, Ms. Kent. Predicting the future must be exhausting.""You've been working tirelessly, especially in the stock market lately."Their respectful words soothed her irritation. Why had she let a mere waitress get under her skin? It wasn't worth her time. Lily refocused on the reason she was here. She turned to Orion and spoke smoothly. "I only befriended all of you because I'm fated to meet Mr. Draycott. He's someone I deeply respect. Under his leadership, I'm certain the Chamber of Commerce will thrive." Orion clasped his hands together humbly. "Ms. Kent, you flatter me. I'm si
Orion had nearly destroyed Aria's reputation. After all, no elder should be kept waiting for their juniors.With the Grisham family also present, the situation became even more delicate. If word spread, their family's prestige would take a hit. Orion's goal was clear—he wanted to stir conflict between the Carver and Grisham families. With this growing misunderstanding, he was certain the Grishams wouldn't tolerate the Carvers' tardiness. But what happened next was beyond his expectations. Clyde, walking with his cane, halted upon hearing Orion's words. He spoke calmly, his tone indifferent. "According to the invitation, the Chamber of Commerce meeting starts in half an hour. Alex, you're being too hasty. Orion, you too. The Draycott family plays a key role in this gathering. Act with more maturity."Clyde's carefully chosen words completely dismantled Orion's previous manipulations. The atmosphere shifted. Everyone reconsidered—Clyde was right. There was still half an hour l
Clyde seemed to have noticed their gazes and walked toward them. Orion quickly masked his thoughts and forced a smile. "Waymond, why didn't you inform us that your father is feeling better? I could have prepared a more comfortable chair for him."Clyde glanced at him, clearly drawing boundaries as his elder. "There's no need to worry. You've been concerned about my health for a long time, Orion. However, you don't need to be anymore. Just proceed with the Chamber of Commerce as usual."Orion's gaze darkened. It seemed Clyde was still used to issuing orders as if the Draycott family remained under his thumb.Turning away, Orion shot a meaningful glance at the person beside him.Rex immediately understood. He said loudly, "Mr. Grisham Senior, we can't start just yet. There are still invitees who haven't arrived."Clyde turned to look at him, and Rex smiled. "You might not be aware, Mr. Grisham Senior, but the Carver family of Janovin has returned. Since the late Mr. Carver was one
Aria didn't wake up until around 11:00 am. She felt a lingering grogginess as she glanced to the side. The line between dream and reality blurred, leaving her uncertain of what she had experienced. It had been her first sensual dream, and to her surprise, the person involved was none other than her striking fiancé. The emotions she felt were hard to place, but the dream had been startlingly vivid.Fortune tellers could never see their past life or predict their current life. Aria had never thought about what her past life was about. Even if Tobias had told her a bit about it, she never really wondered about it. Aria figured that reincarnations existed for their own reasons. Besides, she didn't like to dwell on the past and preferred to look ahead. Therefore, she had never been interested in her past life.However, after receiving the Soul-Summoning Plaque, strange memories surfaced, leaving her eager to meet Tobias. But now, she wondered why he hadn't sought her out. Before she
Back then, Orion had no means of contacting the Royal Hotel. Yet, his achievements in Ludwiten over the years had earned him a rightful place in the Chamber of Commerce. With its storied past, the Royal Hotel was the most enigmatic establishment in Ludwiten. Not even the powerful York family or the Chamber of Commerce could influence its operations. The force behind the Royal Hotel was undeniably formidable.It was whispered that only Barron could enter the hotel's inner circle. However, he kept all matters to himself, never revealing a word to the outside world.This secrecy weighed heavily on Orion. Despite his prominence in Ludwiten, many in the Chamber of Commerce looked down upon him.He had overheard people say it would be better if Barron were around. It struck him as odd that a man who had been dead for years could still hold such influence.Orion would never forget the Carver family's near fall from grace, nor how they had manipulated Owen upon his arrival in Ludwiten. H
Orion originally intended to use Clyde's health to pressure Waymond and secure his influence in the Chamber of Commerce. However, Waymond unexpectedly claimed that Orion's connections were unnecessary.This meant the Grisham family could not be swayed and would reject his terms, completely derailing his plans.Logically, no doctor in Ludwiten should be able to treat Clyde—Orion had already confirmed this with Lennox. Lennox had assured him that he was the foremost expert in the field, with no one in Farshyan's medical community able to compete with him, thus making him the authority in the matter.So Orion wondered who had replaced the doctor assigned to the Grisham residence and convinced them to change their minds. He racked his brain but couldn't come up with a solution. There were always those in Ludwiten who thought they could challenge him, like the Hawke family, who had previously opposed him but were now begging for mercy. Beyond that, no one dared cross him. Only the Ca
The frosted shadows stretched across the bed, their movement rippling across the vast lake. Yet, aside from Landon, only Aria remained in the room. A faint ringing echoed from Aria's ankle, the soft chime of the bell attached to a gold chain that bound her. Every movement she made caused the bell to tremble.Despite her frantic efforts to escape, the chains held tight, offering no freedom. Her breath came in shallow gasps, dragging her deeper into helplessness.The man's voice, low and seductive, whispered in her ear. "Relax a little, master." His tone was smooth, but his grip on her waist remained firm, unyielding.His warm breath traced a path up her spine, sending a shiver through her. Aria's brow furrowed almost instinctively in response.Their reflections danced on the lake's surface, distorted by the ripples. Aria's eyes, tinged with a faint red haze, gazed back. Her fair skin contrasted sharply with the disarray of her clothing—a robe slipping loosely at her waist, giving