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The familiar vehicle parked in the driveway belonged to Clara.

Since Daisy was still sound asleep against my chest, I carefully transferred her into Sophia’s arms. "Take her upstairs and lay her down gently. I need to talk with Clara."

Sophia carefully adjusted her hold on Daisy so as not to wake her, giving me a quiet nod before heading up the grand staircase.

I made my way to the study, assuming Clara would be inside catching up on work. But when I pushed open the double doors, only two maids were inside tidying up.

The head maid bowed respectfully. "Sir, Miss Clara is currently in your bedroom with Miss Seraphina."

I turned and walked back upstairs to my suite. Opening the door, I found Clara and Seraphina sitting together on the sofa, talking in low voices.

Walking over, I gently took Clara’s hand into mine. "Is everything alright, love? Why are you back so early? Did something go wrong at the press conference? I saw the news broadcast and it looked like a massive success."

Clara and Seraphina exchanged a glance before looking up at me, amused smiles tugging at their lips.

"Is it a crime for us to be home early?" Seraphina teased, crossing her arms. "You’re asking so many questions, darling—don’t you like having us here?"

"That’s not it," I chuckled softly, sitting beside them. "I was just worried."

Clara’s expression turned a bit more serious as she leaned against my shoulder. "Honestly, Julian, there’s a reason I came back. On my way back from the conference, I felt like someone was tailing my car. But when I tried to look closer a few minutes later, whoever was following me had completely vanished into thin air."

I instantly understood what had happened—my shadow guards had quietly intercepted and eliminated the thugs sent by Patriarch Young before they could get anywhere near her.

"Well, I’m just glad you’re safe at home," I said, kissing Clara’s forehead.

Both Clara and Sera looked at me intently. "Do you know something about what happened today?" Clara asked softly.

"Nothing to worry about," I gave them a reassuring smile. "I can guarantee you it won’t happen again."

Leaving them to rest, I stepped out of the bedroom and walked down to the private study, locking the heavy mahogany door behind me.

"Shadow," I called out calmly.

A figure materialized from the dim corner of the room, kneeling on one knee. "What are your orders, Boss?"

"Get me Patriarch Young’s complete schedule for tomorrow. Every detail, every meeting," I commanded. "Dismissed."

Before I could sit down at my desk, a soft knock sounded at the bottom of the door. I walked over and pulled it open to find little Daisy standing there, rubbing her eyes sleepily.

I crouched down to her eye level. "What’s up, sweetie?"

"Uncle Julian!" Daisy gasped, her face lighting up instantly. "All the stuff we bought at the mall just arrived! Come with me, I want to show you!"

She grabbed my hand with her tiny fingers and pulled me toward the entrance hall, where several maids were unloading piles of high-end toy boxes and designer sets.

I signaled the butler. "Have the staff clear out the first room on the second floor and convert it into Daisy’s private study and playroom."

Daisy wrapped her arms tightly around my leg, looking up at me with bright, sparkling eyes. "Thank you so much, Uncle Julian!"

"Anything for my favorite little princess," I smiled, leaning down to plant a warm kiss on her cheek.

After watching the maids carry the toys upstairs, I walked across the hall to Sophia’s suite. The door was slightly ajar, and I saw her sitting at her desk, deeply immersed in a thick medical folder.

I walked in casually. "What are you reading so intently?"

Sophia looked up, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I’m reviewing Mr. Lin’s medical charts from the last three weeks. I’m drafting a revised diet and rehabilitation plan so his recovery progresses as smoothly as possible."

"You really take your work seriously," I smiled.

I sat down on the edge of the large bed, where Daisy was already sitting with a colorful board game. I began setting up the pieces for her while chatting with Sophia.

"Sophia," I began casually, looking over at her. "What if... one day, you happen to fall in love with someone again? What would you do?"

Sophia paused, setting her pen down. She looked at me with her calm, mature eyes. "Are you asking for yourself, Julian?"

I met her gaze with a confident, calm smile. "Well, if you don’t mind, I would gladly take you in as my woman. Though, perhaps now isn’t the right time just yet."

Sophia raised an eyebrow, a subtle, amused smirk touching her lips. "Is that your polite way of declining me before I even say anything?"

"Do you like me, Sophia?" I asked directly.

"Not yet," she replied smoothly, though her eyes softened. "But... who knows what the future holds?"

"Then don’t take it as a rejection," I winked.

Sophia let out a soft, elegant laugh, shaking her head. "Where do you get all this confidence from?"

"From myself, of course," I chuckled.

Just then, a quiet system prompt flashed silently before my vision:

[System Status Overview]

A new tab suddenly unfolded within the interface:

[Inner Circle Panel Unlocked]

Seraphina Lin: Destiny Confidante (100% Complete Devotion)Clara Carter: Destiny Confidante (100% Complete Devotion)Dr. Sophia Starling: Inner Circle Member (Relationship Status: Developing / Undecided)

’System, what is this Inner Circle panel?’ I asked mentally. ’Why are Sera and Clara under both Confidantes and Inner Circle, while Sophia is only listed here?’

[System Explanation:] Dr. Sophia Starling was not originally a designated "Destiny Partner" selected by the system framework for the Host, unlike Seraphina and Clara. The Host received no system cashback perks for assisting her, yet chose to provide her and her daughter with protection, care, and a true home out of genuine personal intent. To reward the Host’s personal character, the [Inner Circle] function was created. Whenever the Host wins over a woman through genuine affection, effort, and care—rather than relying purely on system cashbacks—special unique rewards will be unlocked upon reaching complete devotion.

A warm smile touched my lips. Knowing that my bond with Clara and Sera was tied by destiny, while my connection with Sophia was built on pure, genuine human interaction, made the journey feel far more meaningful.

Bzzzt.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out to see an urgent encrypted message from my shadow guard.

Looking up, I gave Daisy a gentle pat on the head and looked at Sophia. "I have a quick matter to attend to. We’ll continue this conversation later." I flashed her a subtle wink before stepping out.

Returning to the locked study, I signaled the shadow guard to appear.

The operative materialized instantly, kneeling before me. "Boss, we have gathered Patriarch Young’s full itinerary for tomorrow. After analyzing his schedule, we confirmed he has a private dinner meeting scheduled at 8:00 PM with the City Mayor regarding the Cosmos Group’s development project."

A cold smirk played on my lips. "The Mayor? He doesn’t realize the Mayor is already aligned with me. That’s the perfect time for a face-to-face confrontation."

"What are your instructions, Boss?"

"Contact the Mayor," I ordered coldly. "Explain the situation and inform him that I will be attending the dinner in his place. Have him set the stage."

"Understood, Boss!"

By the time I finished setting up the arrangements, it was time for dinner.

I walked into the formal dining room, where Seraphina, Clara, and Sophia were already seated with Daisy.

"Where’s Mr. Lin tonight?" I asked, taking my seat at the head of the table.

"Dad ate an early meal and took his prescribed medicine," Seraphina explained warmly. "He’s already resting in his room."

I looked toward Sophia. "You examined the medication personally, right?"

"Yes," Sophia nodded with professional authority. "After reviewing his latest medical charts, I lowered the dosage of his high-potency drugs and transitioned him to a milder restorative treatment. His vitals are improving rapidly."

"Good work," I smiled. Turning my attention to Clara, I added, "Clara, tomorrow morning, don’t visit the municipal construction sites."

Clara blinked, pausing her fork. "Why? Is there something else I need to handle?"

"I have a specific task set up for you at the Cosmos Group headquarters," I replied smoothly. "Once you arrive at the office tomorrow, my executive secretary will hand you the files. Just handle that for me."

Clara nodded trustingly, a sweet smile gracing her features. "Alright, darling. I’ll take care of it."

Chapter 25: Unspoken Feelings and Face-to-Face