Chapter 31Night slowly descended over the city. In Ares’s room, only the desk lamp was on, casting a yellowish glow over the stacks of paper and the graphic tablet in front of him. The screen displayed sketch after sketch—company building designs he worked on meticulously, firm lines blended with modern, functional concepts. Office buildings, integrated residential areas, and interconnected commercial centers. The proposal had to be finished tonight. There was no other choice.Ares slid his chair back and leaned forward. “This glass façade is too cold,” he murmured. He changed the texture, adding green elements to the sides of the building. “The property business isn’t just about grandeur… but about life inside it.”His hands moved quickly, writing down points of market analysis, initial funding strategies, and risk projections. He paused for a moment, staring at the page of numbers. Images of Max and Rachel crept back into his mind—cunning smiles, twisted figures, falsified proposal

Chapter 33Ares stood in front of the twelve-story glass building and took a deep breath. He looked at his own reflection in the automatic doors—simple suit, proposal folder clutched tightly in his hand. There was no luxury, no big name backing him. Only determination and conviction, forced to stand firm.“Good morning, Sir. Do you have an appointment?” the receptionist asked with a formal smile.“No,” Ares answered honestly. “I want to submit a cooperation proposal.”The smile faded slightly. “Please leave it here. Our team will review it.”Two hours later, the answer came without pleasantries. It does not align with our company’s current focus. Ares nodded, said thank you, and walked out. The first rejection of the day.The second company was not much different. The marketing director did not even open the proposal.“We need partners with a proven track record,” he said coldly. “Not just good ideas.”Ares held his breath. “I understand.”The third rejection came even faster. The rec

Chapter 35Ares woke abruptly when the clock on the wall showed two in the morning. His throat was dry, rough like sandpaper. He sat on the edge of the bed, rubbed his face, then took a long breath.“Thirsty,” he murmured.He stood up and stepped out of the room. The corridor of the Cole residence was silent, lit only by dim wall lamps. His footsteps were light, almost soundless, an old habit that had never truly faded.Downstairs, the kitchen was empty. Ares took a glass of water and drank it slowly. The cold sensation was calming, at least for a moment.As he turned to go back, a shadow appeared from the opposite direction.“Ah—!”Elara was startled. Her body lost balance, her step faltered.Ares reacted instinctively. His hand caught Elara’s waist, pulling her closer before she could truly fall.“Sorry,” Ares said quickly.Elara fell silent. Her face was only a few centimeters away from Ares’s. Their breaths met, warm, awkward.“It’s alright,” Elara replied softly.Several seconds

Chapter 37The midday sky was bright—too bright to match what was going on inside Ares’s head.He stood in front of a twenty-story office building, staring at the company’s nameplate with a slight tightness in his chest. His hand gripped the proposal folder—papers he had read, revised, and rearranged countless times.“Areskael,” he murmured softly. “Calm down.”He stepped inside.The company lobby was clean and modern. Glass walls reflected the light, the floors gleamed. Ares walked toward the reception desk, keeping his steps steady even though his stomach churned.“Good afternoon,” the receptionist greeted him with a professional smile.“Afternoon,” Ares replied. “I have an appointment to present a proposal.”The receptionist typed quickly. “Company name?”“Areskael Development,” Ares answered, his voice slightly restrained, as if he was not yet fully confident in the name.The receptionist nodded. “Please have a seat. The CEO’s assistant will meet you.”Ares sat in the waiting chai

Chapter 39Morning in the city began with a busy rhythm. Vehicles moved back and forth, horns echoed in response to one another, and tall buildings reflected the rising sunlight. The black car belonging to the Cole family drove smoothly into the company’s parking area.Ares got out first, instinctively scanning the surroundings before opening the door for Elara.“Thank you,” Elara said briefly.“You’re welcome, Miss,” Ares replied. His tone had returned to being professional, as if the awkward moments of the past few days had never happened.They walked side by side toward the lobby. Elara’s steps were calm and graceful, while Ares stayed slightly behind her, his gaze alert, watching everyone who passed.“Elara,” a voice called casually, carrying a deliberately familiar tone.Elara turned her head. “Hm?”“How about the construction land?” he asked while pressing the elevator button. “Have you found it yet?”Ares answered first. “Not yet, Miss.”Elara glanced at him briefly. “Not yet?”