"What does that mean?" asked Vanessa, her eyebrows rising high, creating a fine frown on her forehead.Harvey didn't answer right away. His gaze fell on Vanessa's arm, probing yet calm. Although the long-sleeved shirt covered her skin, his eyes seemed to pierce through the layers of fabric-observing the invisible details.Harvey let out a smile that was so thin, it was almost imperceptible. "You have a lot of potential," he said calmly but confidently. His gaze remained locked on Vanessa's eyes, as if trying to convey something deeper than words.Vanessa swallowed. Her heart fluttered, not out of fear, but because she felt something new-recognition. Beneath the defensiveness and the wounds that had not fully healed, this man's words pierced her outer layers and touched a side that had long been buried: trust in herself.With slow, non-threatening steps, Harvey approached. His every movement was controlled, like someone who never rushed because he knew his own strength. "What you'll le

Three hours on a plane was enough to make Neuron feel sore all over. He swung his arms back and forth, rotating his shoulder joints until a small crick sounded, then shook his head to relax the tense neck muscles. His face radiated a strange satisfaction, as if the fatigue was part of a routine he enjoyed.In stark contrast to the two men behind him-Harvey and Jordan-who walk leisurely but alert, blending in with the airport crowd through their simple clothing. Nothing flashy. Nothing suspicious. Harvey shoved his hands into his jacket pockets, his eyes sweeping the surroundings quickly and calmly.Neuron is just the opposite. He wore a wide-brimmed hat and large sunglasses-the style of a celebrity seeking attention, not hiding. His steps were light but confident, as if he knew he was noteworthy.They hadn't fully exited the terminal when a crowd of people with cameras and microphones began to approach.The flash lights turned on."Prof. Neuron!" A male journalist thrust a microphone

The shiny black car slowed down before coming to a smooth stop in front of the main conference center. The back door opened, and Josh stepped out confidently, wearing thin, gold-rimmed glasses-an accessory he had chosen not for sight, but for intellectual illusion.Behind him, Linda followed, holding a tablet and a folder of documents that she had memorized the contents of better than Josh himself.As soon as Josh appeared, a group of people immediately approached. Some pointed their cellphones at him, and some whispered to each other while pointing. Josh's face-which often appears in political satire videos-is well known in Kaelvarion.With a gesture that he was used to doing in front of the camera, Josh put on a big smile. He raised one hand in a half-wave like a true politician campaigning. "Oh, I'm sorry, guys," he said lightly, his voice rising an octave to be heard over the crowd. "I have to go in soon to meet the leaders of Kaelvarion. Stay tuned for updates from me... the late

"Wait," Josh muttered. His forehead furrowed deeply, realizing something wasn't right. Jacob's gesture just now-pushing him aside-was not a welcome, but a subtle rejection. But it's clear enough to Josh. His eyes immediately turned to Harvey who was still calmly standing a few steps away from him. Josh's gaze became sharp and piercing, as if he wanted to pierce the man's face and seek answers. Inside his mind, thousands of words rushed into chaos. "What the hell is this? I came here with a big name, with an audience of millions! I'm the most influential political interviewer on social media. All the leaders know who I am!" "And now? A strange man is standing there-not known, not viral-but Jacob goes to him first?" Josh snorted. His mind struggled. "No, no, no. This must be a mistake. There can't be anyone more famous than me. There can't be anyone more important." Harvey took a quick glance, then returned to staring straight ahead. To Harvey, the man didn't deserve any more a

Harvey and Jordan stepped into a large room that was dimly lit and luxuriously appointed. The atmosphere was quiet, yet it felt as if important conversations were hanging in the air.Jacob walked ahead of them, then turned around and gestured toward a soft, darkly upholstered sofa. "Have a seat," he said, gesturing to the spot.Without waiting long, he turned to a long-haired woman standing not far from the small table. "Claire, please prepare drinks for our guests. And make sure no one disturbs them. Lock the door after this."Claire smiled gently and nodded politely. The heels of her shoes tapped on the wooden floor as she walked away. However, before actually walking away, her eyes caught a glimpse of Harvey. It was only an instant-but in that brief glance, her brows tightened slightly.For some reason, there was something about the man that made the air around him seem to change. The cold yet sharp aura emanating from Harvey made Claire hold her breath for a split second, as if he