Damien leaned back in his chair, his tone laced with reluctant acceptance. “Alright, Sophia. I’ll think about it.”Sophia, not one to let her guard down, immediately followed up. “Don’t just think about it, Damien. You need to let me know soon. The dinner is tomorrow evening, and my grandfather is really looking forward to seeing you.”At that moment Damien exhaled deeply, his reluctance obvious. “Fine. Don’t worry. I’ll think about it and give you an answer soon. But don’t expect miracles.”However Sophia, sensing she had gotten as much commitment as she was going to get from Damien, let out a small sigh of relief. “Thank you. Just… don’t forget, okay?”At that moment the call ended, and Damien tossed his phone onto the desk, rubbing the back of his neck. He didn’t like being cornered into decisions, and this was no exception. Yet, a part of him knew he wouldn’t simply dismiss the request outright, Sophia had been so kind to him. With a grunt, he pushed the thought aside, deciding

At that moment Damien paused, his curiosity piqued despite himself. “Yes, I’m looking for that herb,” he admitted cautiously. “Why are you calling me about it, London? What’s your angle?”Immediately London’s voice came through the line with an air of confidence, almost as if he had been waiting for this question. “What if I told you I could help you get it? Not just eventually, but immediately,” he said, his tone laced with an undercurrent calmness.At that moment Damien’s eyebrows furrowed. The proposal caught him off guard. It had taken Serenity, with all her connections, some effort to acquire the herb, and she had only managed to secure it because of her family’s reputation. The idea that London, of all people, could deliver it so effortlessly seemed far-fetched. Still, Damien couldn’t dismiss the possibility entirely. What is he playing at? Damien thought. How could he have access to such a rare herb?Though Damien no longer desperately needed the herb—thanks to Serenity—his mi

Then Damien Seated again.Since Landon wants to talk big he's going to give him a piece of that also.Damien leaned back in his chair, his expression blank as he listened to London’s proposition. The air in the VIP lounge seemed to grow heavier with each word that left London’s mouth, the arrogance practically dripping from his tone.“Look, Damien,” London began, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the edge of the table. “I called you here because I’m a reasonable man. I want to offer you a deal—a clean deal, no strings attached. Name your price.” He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “Whatever it is, I’ll pay it. Just walk away from Sophia. I don’t want to see you anywhere near her. No calls, no meetings, nothing. Leave her life entirely, and we’ll both go on our merry way.”At that moment Damien’s lips twitched, a flicker of amusement flashing in his eyes. He couldn’t hold it in any longer. A chuckle escaped him, growing into a full-blown laugh that echoed around the room. Then h

At that moment Damien folded his arms, his jaw tightening as he fixed his unyielding gaze on the manager and London. “How sure are you,” he said evenly, his tone laced with quiet authority, “that I was the one who destroyed the artifact? Are you relying solely on his word?” He gestured toward London without breaking eye contact with the manager.Immediately the manager's face hardened, and he puffed up his chest as though trying to assert his authority. “Mr. London is a valued VIP cardholder in this establishment. He has no reason to lie,” the manager snapped. “You are clearly the one who caused this mess, and I suggest you stop playing games and pay immediately before this escalates further.”Damien raised an eyebrow, his calm exterior a sharp contrast to the heated accusations being hurled at him. His thoughts churned, frustration simmering just beneath the surface. He could feel the weight of the trap tightening around him, but he refused to let them see him falter. This was no

Damien had just stepped into the lobby, his steps steady and deliberate, his mind already focused on leaving the suffocating atmosphere behind. He gripped the jar of herbs tightly, a reminder of why he wouldn’t let himself be dragged into London’s game.Suddenly, the door to the VIP room swung open behind him with a loud thud, drawing the attention of patrons scattered across the lobby. London stormed out, his face twisted with irritation, flanked by the restaurant manager and several security guards. Their hurried steps echoed off the polished, and before Damien could fully process the commotion, London’s sharp voice rang out.“Stop that man!” London barked, pointing at Damien like an emperor issuing an order. “Don’t let him leave!”The security guards moved swiftly, forming a line that blocked Damien’s path. Their expressions were professional but firm, and it was clear they had no intention of letting him go. Immediately Damien halted, standing tall and calm, though the tensio