LOGIN"Here's your chicken noodles."The man carefully placed the tray on their table, three large bowls filled to the brim."Thank you," the three said almost at the same time.The man nodded and left.For a moment—They just stared."Wow…" Iris muttered.Seraphina's eyes slightly widened.Even Lucien quietly inhaled.The bowl wasn't just noodles.It was overflowing—thick slices of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, rich broth, and perfectly cooked noodles hidden beneath it all. The aroma alone was enough to make anyone hungry."…This is generous," Seraphina said."Generous?" Iris repeated. "This is overflowing."Lucien chuckled softly."Try it first."Without further delay, the three picked up their utensils.The first bite—And then—Silence.A brief pause.Followed by—"…Oh my god," Iris whispered.She froze for a second before quickly taking another bite.And another.Her expression changed completely.Her foot started tapping lightly under the table, unable to contain her reaction."Th
Lucien swallowed."What?" he said, eyeing the strange smiles on their faces.Iris' smile widened."Mr. Cross," she began, folding her hands neatly on the table like an interviewer, "how well do you know Ms. Valeza?"Lucien blinked.'…Hot seat?'He glanced at Seraphina.She looked calm—too calm—but there was a faint hint of warning in her eyes.Lucien smirked."Well…" he leaned back slightly, relaxed. "Ask whatever you want."Iris nodded, satisfied."Alright."She tapped lightly on the table."First question. Favorite food."Lucien didn't even hesitate."Anything spicy," he answered. "The spicier, the better. She won't admit it, but she enjoys food that actually fights back."Iris nodded slowly, impressed.Seraphina looked away, her ears slightly red."Next," Iris continued, "music taste.""Old songs," Lucien replied. "Classic ones. Mixed with pop and… love songs."He glanced at Seraphina briefly."She listens when she's working. Low volume. Same playlist on repeat."Iris's eyes flicke
After parking in the private lot, the two stepped out of the car and entered the building.Luminaire Crest Holdings stood tall and imposing, its glass exterior reflecting the late afternoon light. The atmosphere inside was efficient—employees moving with purpose, conversations low and professional.Without stopping, Seraphina headed straight for the private elevator, Lucien following beside her.Moments later—They arrived at the top floor.Chairman's Office.Even before they reached the door, a woman was already waiting.She stood with a tablet in hand, posture straight, as if she had been there for quite some time.She wore a fitted navy blazer over a clean white blouse, paired with tailored slacks. Her outfit was simple, professional—elegant without being revealing. Her long hair was neatly tied back, and a pair of thin-framed glasses rested on her nose, giving her a sharp and capable appearance.Her presence alone spoke of discipline and control.This was Iris Calderon.Once Serap
Jenny and Flin exchanged glances, blinking in disbelief before turning back to Lucien.He was smiling.Calm. Unbothered. As if nothing unusual had happened."What… just happened?" Jenny asked, still trying to process it. "Wasn't Cousin Dominic kidnapped?"Lucien let out a soft laugh and shook his head."You're underestimating him," he said lightly. "Or rather… your patriarch is."He leaned back, his tone casual."Did he forget? Dominic followed me around for quite some time back then." A faint smirk appeared on his lips. "Looks like he's really getting old."He chuckled to himself before glancing at the two again."Go back to San Virex," Lucien said. "Tell your patriarch he's getting old—he should rest already and pass the position to Dominic."He added the last line with a laugh.Flin scratched his head awkwardly, while Jenny let out a quiet sigh.They both stood up."Brother Lucien… sorry for the trouble," Flin said, his tone a bit embarrassed."If we had known Cousin could handle i
A knock echoed through the room before the door opened.Two figures stepped inside.A man and a woman—both in their mid-twenties.Their presence alone spoke of status.The man wore a tailored charcoal suit, perfectly fitted, paired with a crisp white shirt left slightly unbuttoned at the collar. His sharp features and confident bearing gave him a natural air of authority.Beside him, the woman carried herself with equal elegance. She wore a sleek ivory dress, minimal yet refined, accentuating her graceful figure. Her long hair fell neatly over her shoulders, framing a face that was both beautiful and composed.They looked every bit like heirs of a powerful family.Irene followed behind them, her brows faintly knitted in confusion.She couldn't understand it.Why would people from San Virex come looking for the President… and not the Chairman?Still, she said nothing. After guiding them inside, she stepped out quietly, closing the door behind her.—As soon as the door shut, the two wa
A week had passed since the fall of Silver Crest Real Estate.Every asset Renan Silvestre had taken was returned—along with double compensation. Aureline Corp's name had been fully cleared, its reputation restored stronger than before.As for Silver Crest, its collapse was swift and humiliating.The very investors Renan once boasted about turned against him after uncovering his schemes. One by one, they cut ties, publicly distancing themselves, leaving his credibility in ruins. With no support left, Renan was forced to sell the company. It was rebranded under new ownership, erasing his presence entirely.Soon after, Renan disappeared from Lunada City.No one knew where he went.—At Aureline Corp, inside the Chairman's office, the atmosphere was calm.Seraphina leaned back in her chair, finally done with her work. The faint sunlight filtered through the glass walls, casting a soft glow across her desk. For the first time in days, she allowed herself a moment of stillness.It was alrea
Irene's eyes lit up the moment she heard the news."Thank goodness," she said with a relieved laugh. "Finally—some good news."Seraphina nodded. "Thompson Enterprise reached out. The investment they're offering is… substantial. Enough to cover what the previous investors pulled out."Irene visibly
The man grinned—wide, irritating, unapologetic."Why not me?" he said lazily, walking in as if he owned the room. He pulled out a chair and sat down beside Seraphina without asking for permission.Seraphina's eyes hardened. "Don't you work for Imperial Raw Stone?" she asked coolly. "How did you bec
Seraphina's hand clenched tightly at her side.She took one step forward—And Clinton moved, blocking her path."Are you really going to let your studio shut down?" he said sharply. "Think about it."His voice softened, turning persuasive again. "All the effort you poured into it. How you started f
Two people stepped forward.Seraphina recognized them instantly.Vanessa Kline.Marcus Hale.Lucien, standing off to the side with a coffee in hand, curved his lips into a faint smile.'Interesting,' he thought.Vanessa stopped right in front of Seraphina, chin lifted, eyes sharp."There's a proble







