Julian crouched behind a pillar near the entrance of Aurelia Haute Couture, leaning forward to catch every word. When he heard Riven admit that the black VIP card from the tenth floor was just borrowed from a wealthy friend, a massive grin broke out across his face.He immediately pulled out his phone, his thumbs flying across the screen as he texted Sloane: I knew it! Riven is completely broke. He just confessed to his new girl that the luxury card he used the other day was borrowed from a friend. He’s still a poor loser, nowhere near as rich or powerful as Lysander!Tucking his phone back into his pocket, Julian chuckled to himself. He thought about how Riven had only been putting on a massive front with borrowed status. In reality, the guy was still a nobody.Inside the boutique, Vanessa was still upset about Riven’s polite rejection. To distract herself, she marched along the displays, pointing at various designer items one after another. "I'll take this one, that one, the red le

Julian’s blood boiled as he stared at his girlfriend. He grabbed her by the wrist, his voice trembling with sheer embarrassment and rage. "What the hell is wrong with you? How could you say those humiliating things to Riven right in front of me?"The girl violently yanked her arm free and shoved him back with all her strength."Don't touch me!" she mocked, looking down her nose at him. "You couldn't even afford to buy me six bags, Julian.” “I actually believed your family had real money, but you turned out to be completely worse than a broke delivery driver. At least Riven's girl gets whatever she wants!""I told you I'd buy you two!" Julian yelled, his face turning purple as other shoppers stopped to watch the scene."I am completely done with you," she snapped, tossing her head back. "Honestly, just letting a useless guy like you hold my hand all this time was already a massive loss for me.""You gold-digging—" Julian roared, stepping toward her."Shut up!" she screamed back, curs

Vanessa didn't let me reply because she already knew exactly who was standing behind us. Instead of arguing, she let go of my arm and ran straight toward the newcomer. She wrapped her arms around the man's waist, burying her face against his shoulder."Dad, why did you come here in person?" she asked playfully, her voice completely lacking its usual sharp edge.The middle-aged man, Joel Park, pretended to be angry. He looked down at her, his brow furrowing as he grunted, "If I had not come here personally, who else in this family would be able to keep you in check? You have been running wild for too long."Beside him stood Vanessa's mother. She looked so young she could easily pass for a woman in her twenties. She stepped forward, raising a hand to tap Vanessa gently on the forehead."Behave yourself, Vanessa," her mother said, her tone strict but calm. "Apologize to your father properly right now, and stop acting so spoiled in public. Look at where we are."Vanessa slowly let go of J

"Ten minutes, boy," Joel said, his voice breaking the silence as he leaned back. He reached across the table and patted my shoulder with a heavy hand, a sudden grin replacing his harsh stare. "You held your ground without showing any fear. You passed the first test for now."Vanessa let out a sharp breath, rolling her eyes as she crossed her arms. "Dad, seriously? You are completely unbelievable. You were being far too harsh on him the moment we sat down."I sat there completely bewildered. Before entering the room, I had honestly thought Vanessa's family might just be socially awkward around strangers, and I had been preparing myself to speak first to ease the tension. Nothing could have prepared me for this."Don't mind him, Riven," Vanessa whispered, turning slightly toward me. "I suppose it is time to tell you the truth.” “My family belongs to the Thorne clan, one of the ancient hidden families of this country. My father holds a hereditary noble title, and he is also the ruler of

The liquid went down Riven's throat, leaving a faint sweet aftertaste. Within seconds, his vision blurred. A heavy weight hit his head, and his body went limp as he slumped forward, his forehead resting on the table.Joel Park looked at Riven's unconscious body, then turned his gaze to his daughter. His eyes narrowed slightly, but he did not say a word.Vanessa stood up from her seat and looked at her parents. She forced a calm smile onto her face, though her hands were shaking under her sleeves."Dad, Mom," Vanessa said, keeping her voice as steady as possible. "Riven has had a really long and exhausting day. He clearly drank too much too quickly and passed out. The alcohol hit him hard. I am going to take him upstairs to a private guest room so he can sleep it off properly. Please excuse us for the rest of the night."Joel stared at her for a long moment, reading her face. He knew his daughter well, but he simply let out a low sigh."Go ahead," Joel said. "Get him settled. But do no