Trial One: Completed.Status: Qualified.Next Phase: Pending Confirmation.He scrolled.The text continued, precise and cold.Note:Passing the poverty trial does not grant inheritance rights.You have been entered into the Three Divine Trials.Other qualified heirs will participate.Completion rate over the last decade: zero.Caelen exhaled slowly.Below that, a separate line appeared.Restriction:Until the trials conclude, direct contact with the core family is prohibited. The message read boldly overhead.Initial Compensation Released.Access Granted:– Tier-One Global Credit Line– Unregistered Asset Clearance– Shadow Authority (Level One)Caelen read it twice.His expression didn’t change, but his fingers still.A faint smile tugged briefly at the corner of his mouth—not satisfaction, not relief, a painful chuckle.He had almost failed the poverty test because of Lyra, a family ritual every child with potentials of being an heir had to pass before they could be considered for t

"Stop being an insensitive child Caelen. I wanted us to end on a good note but you're making matters difficult!" Over the years, working at the boss lady had turned her commanding and domineering, especially for people that she felt were way below the food chain. "It's not for, it's for grandpa. He's fragile and sick and the doctor warned about any emotional shocks. He cannot know about the divorce yet. You know how he rooted for our marriage so well and he called for a banquet yesterday. You have to act like couples tomorrow."Caelen listened without interrupting.The thoughts ran through his mind, Grandpa was the only one that had treated him with respect while he stayed in the Halwen's.He could not afford for something to happen to the old man because of him."Fine. Only because of Grandpa!" With that, he ended the call.---The Halwen estate looked the same as it always had.Warm lights glowed behind tall windows. The driveway was lined with expensive cars parked with deliberat

For a moment, no one spoke.The silence that followed Lucien Morveau’s words was not dramatic, not explosive. It was tighter than that—compressed and uneasy, like a room holding its breath after realizing it had laughed too early. A few people shifted in their seats. Someone cleared their throat, then seemed to regret the sound.“That can’t be right,” a man said finally, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Replicas are everywhere now. Even experts get fooled.”Lucien turned his head slowly, regarding him with calm curiosity. There was no offense in his gaze, no irritation, only a mild patience that suggested he was accustomed to being doubted by people who would eventually stop talking.“I don’t,” he said simply.The words landed without emphasis.Another relative leaned forward, frowning. “Surely there’s been some confusion. These markets are volatile. Provenance changes hands all the time.”Lucien nodded once. “It does. Which is why those of us who live in them learn

The change in her expression was subtle, but not enough to miss. Her jaw tightened. Her grip on her clutch stiffened.Edrin's being shifted seeing such a stunning lady beside Caelen and almost melted.She crossed the distance quickly.“You’re enjoying yourself,” Lyra said, her voice controlled but edged. “We’re not even divorced yet.”Caelen looked at her calmly. “You made your position clear.”“That doesn’t give you the right to parade around like this,” she replied, eyes flicking again to the woman beside him. “Not with her.”Seraphine was her mortal enemy. She didn't care who Caelen was with but anyone but her. It caused her stomach to chun painfully.Caelen’s reply came without heat. “You don’t get to decide that anymore.”They landed harder than she expected.Lyra’s lips pressed together. Anger flooding her vines. “So this is what you’re doing now,” Lyra said coolly. “Using him to provoke me?”"Don't flatter yourself, if I wanted to provoke you you would know.""I'm just natura