Rootbinder’s head tilted just enough for the chandelier’s light to slide across the glossy black of his mask.“Go ahead,” he said, voice smooth and unhurried, like a man so certain that he was going to win.Adrian’s hand moved slowly into his coat. When it came out, it held a small crystal vial, its contents shimmering gold under the light like molten sunlight trapped in glass. lA faint, delicate fragrance drifted into the air—honey… and jasmine.Some in the front rows inhaled without even thinking, their eyes slightly wide with sweetness.Rootbinder’s gaze flicked to the vial, and for a heartbeat, the hall held its breath.Adrian spoke quietly, the words cutting through the perfume-laced air."You gave me a clue; I will also extend the same favor to you."Rootbinder scoffed at his words, but Adrian continued."This is Lumeris Bloom Extract.”A murmur rippled through the crowd.Several guests exchanged puzzled glances.“Lumeris Bloom? That’s a luxury flower…”“It’s used in royal perfu

“Who is he?” Another breathed, stepping back as though proximity to Adrian might be dangerous.The thought hung unspoken but heavy in every mind:He had just brought the King of the Underworld’s Medicine, Rootbinder himself, to his knees.And if he could do that to him, what could he do to the rest of them?Even Alfredo had gone completely still.His earlier mockery died in his throat.A new stench began to seep into the air.At first, it was faint, but then it thickened, curling into the nostrils of everyone in the room.The sweet, honeyed perfume of the Lumeris Bloom… was rotting.It twisted into something foul and acrid, like blossoms left to decay in stagnant water, laced with the copper tang of blood.Gasps turned to gagging.Masks lifted to cover faces. They pressed their gloved hands against their noses.“What… is that?” Someone choked.It was coming from him.From Rootbinder.The golden fragrance he had so confidently swallowed minutes ago had turned against him, fermenting i

For a long, frozen heartbeat, no one moved. Then, slowly, Rootbinder planted one hand against the marble, pushing himself upright. The sound of his boots scraping the floor echoed in the stillness. The poison's grip over him had completely gone, and he had fully regained his strength. Every masked face in the room turned to watch in disbelief. Rootbinder… the man they had called the King of the Underworld’s Medicine… was standing alive because of the very man who had brought him to his knees. He straightened to his full height. Then, without warning, he took a single step toward Adrian… and bowed. The gavel at his side dipped low, his head inclined in deep respect. “Thank you,” he said, his voice low but carrying. “For sparing my life.” Gasps swept through the audience. The unthinkable had just happened—Rootbinder bowing to someone else. One by one, the guests began to move. Some with hesitation, others with urgency, they stepped forward with their backs bent.

The glass doors of Crest mall parted soundlessly, letting in the trio of women as if they were royalty. The store glittered under warm golden lights, every polished surface reflecting wealth and exclusivity. Rows of silk gowns, diamond-studded timepieces, and handbags worth more than cars were in display. Elena was already in full performance mode. She swept past a display of handbags, tilting her head for the perfect selfie, her lips forming a practiced pout. The click of her phone’s camera was relentless — click, click, click — as though the store itself were her personal runway. Sophia’s brow furrowed. “Elena, can you stop for one second? We’re here to shop, not film your next fan club update.” Elena and Sophia were blood sisters but they had different taste and opinions. Elena loved to flaunt their family's wealth, although it did not harm anyone, Sophia didn't like it one but, she was more quiet, most people woul say cold. Elena didn’t even glance at her, shifting

Sarah’s face lit up at the words, her hands clasping in delight. “Aww, so caring,” she murmured. Sophia, on the other hand, almost recoiled. The warmth in his tone felt… heavy. But she was raised to be polite, therefore she let out a polite smile. “Good to see you too. And… sorry for the other day. Adrian admitted he made a mistake — it was all a misunderstanding.” Malvin’s expression remained calm, but his eyes glimmered. “Of course." He said with fake sincerity, like he did not pay the bartender to spike the drink. “Because there’s no way I would try to poison anyone. I’m not that kind of person.” His gaze held hers. “I was right from the very beginning.” Sophia blinked, the weight of his words sitting uneasily between them. Then, with a sudden shift in tone, Malvin’s smile returned even brighter this time. “You know what? Let’s leave all this behind. Let me get you a gift.” His eyes scanned her from head to toe in open admiration. “You look stunning today, and I can’t he