Alan paused, letting the silence stretch between them. Hazel's eyes flickered with uncertainty, her fingers drumming impatiently on her knee. She was clearly torn between anticipation and frustration.“What are the terms?” His voice, deep and steady, broke the silence like a slow-rolling wave on a quiet shore. Hazel, visibly relaxed, a small smile curling on her lips.“Is that a yes?”He raised an eyebrow, his tone light. “Would you rather I say no?”“Of course not…Erm, where are you? Let us meet up.”“Don’t worry about it, I’ll come to you. Where are you?”“I’ll send you an address.”He ended the call without another word. A few moments later, his phone buzzed—a roadside cafe. Alan glanced at the address and smiled faintly. He recognized the type: anonymous, easy to blend in. He didn’t mind it.*The cafe was unassuming, with people hunched over their coffee mugs, chatting quietly. Alan spotted Hazel immediately, her gaze drifting towards an older man with glasses seated beside her.

The evening rain fell lightly, a gentle curtain of droplets that glistened under the city lights. Alan and Hazel arrived at the reunion venue, Juniper Star, a classy restaurant nestled in the heart of Silverlace Business Area —the city's premier business centre. Silverlace Business Area was more than just a collection of buildings; it was a bustling hive of commerce, where only the best and brightest thrived. The vibrant atmosphere buzzed with energy, and the aroma of gourmet dishes wafted through the air, tempting passersby to step inside.Hazel turned heads as they entered. She wore a stunning, studded sky-blue dress with long sleeves that hugged her figure perfectly. A delicate silver necklace adorned her neck, featuring a half-moon pendant that shimmered like a star in the night sky. With her elegance, she seemed to have stepped out of a painting, captivating all who laid eyes on her. Alan, on the other hand, felt woefully underdressed in a simple white shirt and well-ironed black

“How can you be so daft!?” The sharp voice of Old Lady Hades echoed through the villa, filling every corner with tension. “You were supposed to go to the Donovan Family and beg for their forgiveness, to ensure the engagement remained intact! But instead, you let your daughter break it off! Now look at the mess we’re in! How did we lose the piers to the Fletchers? The Fletcher Family, of all people!”Magnus knelt on the plush rug, tears pooling on the soft fabric beneath him.In the corridor, maids and household staff stood frozen in fear, unable to approach the Study. They could only line up outside, listening to the commotion.“Young Miss,” one of the maids said as Hazel approached, an unfamiliar man by her side. He was handsome, but his attire was surprisingly ordinary. If they weren’t holding hands, she would have mistaken him for a new staff member.“What’s going on?” Hazel asked, her curiosity piqued.“The Madam is in a foul mood. Master Magnus is inside with her,” the maid repli

Amour Blanc CafeSilver Lace Business Area“I was surprised when you said you wanted us to have a cup of tea,” Hazel was wearing a white corporate gown, with red lipstick and a white brim hat on her lap.Alan sat opposite her, in a brown turtleneck. He watched people walk down the crosswalk from the tall window beside them.“We already made a show out of the engagement as you requested. I thought it would only make sense if we shared a cup of tea,” he lifted his cup to his lips and paused, “and learned a bit more about each other”, he took a sip of his tea.Hazel beamed, “I always thought you were too secretive. Knowing each other more is a good idea.” Hazel sat upright, she was getting a rare opportunity to find out more about the enigma that was Alan Walker. “Is there a limit to the questions I can ask?”“Five for now”“Come on”, she cried out in disagreement.“Leave something for the pillow talk”Hazel scoffed at his remark. “Fine. Five questions it is.” She tapped her chin thought

The next day, Hazel and Alan visited the Hades Estate. They didn’t expect to see Malcolm Hildestein walking out of the Matriarch’s Study, with Magnus smiling as though Malcolm were a special guest.“Well, if it isn’t the future head of the Hades family,” Malcolm sneered when he saw them. His eyes gleamed with amusement, but there was nothing friendly in his voice. “Congrats, Hazel. I heard you found a replacement for Esau. Quite a downgrade, if you ask me.”Alan could feel Malcolm’s judgmental stare. He met Malcolm’s eyes but said nothing. Engaging with someone like Malcolm was a waste of time.Hazel’s smile was small and tight, her eyes cold. “Malcolm, so nice of you to visit. I’m guessing you didn’t come just to flatter me.”Malcolm grinned smugly. “Actually, I have some news. I’m getting married—into the Maple family. I came to drop the invitations.” He watched Hazel closely, waiting to see her reaction. Alan noticed the slight tension in Hazel’s face, the way her hands clenched at