LOGINLucien opened his mouth to speak—But Lucio cut him off immediately."Don't say anything," he said firmly. "It's final. Both families have already agreed."Lucien smirked."Fine," he said lightly. "What can we do if you want something high-profile?""Of course," Lucio replied without hesitation. "My son is getting married. It has to be grand."A pause."And you're marrying the only heir of the Valeza family."He leaned back slightly."Don't you want to see how beautiful she'll be on your wedding day?"Lucien glanced at Seraphina.For a brief moment, he imagined it—Her in the most exquisite gown in the world.He nodded slowly."Alright."A faint smile appeared on his lips."It's not like I'll get married more than once.""So I agree."Then he looked at Seraphina."Right?"Seraphina smirked and nodded.Everything was already decided.What else could she say?If anything—Lucien was the only one who had been resisting.Lucien reached out and held her hand."We'll head upstairs," he said
Dorothy continued."I discussed this with my grandmother," she said, her voice steady but warm. "When it comes to innovation, no one surpasses Aureline Corp."A faint pause."And more importantly… I believe in your ability."Her gaze remained on Seraphina."After hearing the insights shared by the masters today, I'm certain you've already formed new ideas.""So I believe…""You deserve this position."The room stayed quiet, listening."Don't worry, Ms. Seraphina," Dorothy added gently. "You will hold the title, but you won't be burdened with everything.""I know you have many responsibilities.""You may not always be able to focus on IGJF matters."A small, hopeful smile appeared on her lips."But I do hope… that from time to time, you'll visit our headquarters."There was sincerity in her eyes.Expectation—But not pressure.Seraphina looked at her.Then turned to Lucien.Lucien gave a small nod.He understood Dorothy's intention.A connection.A bridge between IGJF and Helios Vangua
Confusion still lingered in the hall—when suddenly—"Report to Marshall Cross."The commander of the Helios Vanguard Special Force stepped forward and saluted.The rest of his unit followed in unison.The gesture was sharp.Precise.Absolute.Lucien simply nodded.Casual.As if it were nothing.But for everyone else—It was everything.Sebastian froze.Only now did he truly look at Lucien.Study him.Then—A memory surfaced.—A night in Aurelia.A high-level military gathering.One he had only been lucky enough to attend.It was the ceremony—where the youngest Marshal in history was elevated as an Elder of the military.He had only caught a glimpse back then.Just a fleeting moment.But that face—That presence—He would never forget it.—Sebastian's body shook.He stood up abruptly."You—"His voice broke."Lucien Cross…""…the youngest Elder of the Army of Aurelia!"The hall fell silent.Everyone froze.Youngest… Elder?That meant—His rank—Was beyond imagination.Even Kazuki s
The hall froze.Lucien Cross.The name echoed, but confusion followed.Who is he?Is he here?Whispers spread like ripples.Some turned toward the entrance, expecting the doors to open at any moment—Expecting a mysterious figure to walk in.Sebastian's face lost its color.He knew.Not long ago, Alessandro's company had received investment from Helios Vanguard.If the Chairman of Helios was truly here…Would he interfere?Sebastian clenched his teeth.His hands trembled slightly.'No…''I can't stop now.''Not when I'm this close.'Yet fear crept in.Unavoidable.Because he had no idea—Just how powerful that man was.To him, Helios Vanguard was a terrifying existence.But to the others—It was hope.If the Chairman stepped in…They might leave this place—Without surrendering their companies.Still, doubt lingered.What kind of person led Helios?What if he was worse than the ones standing here?They held their breath.Waiting.Only Kazuki, Cassy, and Jaycee turned their gaze in one
Alessandro's lips curved into a knowing smirk the moment he saw the man.Of course he recognized him.They had crossed paths more than once—international summits, closed-door negotiations, high-stakes gatherings where power quietly shifted hands.The man who had just entered was none other thanSebastian Leclerc Valmont.Chairman of Apollo Expenditure.Tall, broad-shouldered, his presence carried the weight of absolute authority. His uniform was crisp, his movements deliberate, his eyes sharp with calculation.Despite the guns now pointed across the room—Despite the tension—Alessandro showed no concern."So it's you," Alessandro said calmly.He glanced briefly at Albert and Kazuki before returning his gaze to Sebastian."No wonder.""It makes perfect sense now."He gave a faint chuckle."Ambitious people really do find each other."The sarcasm was unmistakable.Sebastian laughed.A low, confident laugh."Still the same, Alessandro," he said. "Always sharp with words."He stepped for
The doors swung open once more.Ten men in black stepped inside.Armed.Disciplined.They moved in formation, splitting into two groups of five, clearing a path as if they owned the space.From between them—A man walked forward.Silver hair.Sharp features.Around his fifties.He wore a perfectly tailored silver suit that reflected the light just enough to draw attention—without needing to demand it.His presence alone—Shifted the balance in the room.His gaze swept across the hall.Slow.Measured.Then stopped—On Albert.And then—Kazuki.A faint smirk appeared on his lips."So…"His voice carried lightly.Mocking."You're holding such a grand gathering…""And you didn't think to invite me?"The sarcasm was unmistakable.A murmur spread.Then—Someone recognized him."A-Alessandro…!""Mr. Moretti!"Shock followed.Alessandro Moretti.Chairman of Aurora Gemstone International Consortium.One of the most powerful figures in the gemstone industry.He controlled one of the largest cer







