After Mr. Carter and Clara left, it was just Seraphina and me in the living room, with the signed 1.2 billion Stardollar contract resting on the table. We sat together on my bed, and Seraphina gently laid her head in my lap as we talked about what to wear for the municipal land auction next week.
"Seraphina," I said softly, stroke her hair, "order the best limited-edition timepieces, a custom designer suit for me, and a high-end party gown for yourself."
She looked up at me, agreeing, but a flicker of confusion crossed her face.
I smiled, noticing her expression. "Is there something you don’t understand, love?"
She hesitated before asking, "Is there really a need to spend so much money just on outfits for an auction?"
I chuckled and stroked her cheek. "Love, in this tier of society, it’s all about appearance. Showing people that you have money to burn is just as important as actually having money and business skills. Just like top models need the newest runway designs, a high-level businessman needs a limited-edition timepiece—it’s like a uniform."
I paused, letting the logic sink in. "When we walk into that auction room next week, people will judge what I’m wearing first before they even approach me. Then, once we start talking, I’ll show them that along with infinite capital, I have the strategic mind to back it up."
Seraphina looked at me with an exhausted sigh. "Is it really that exhausting to live in upper-class society?"
I laughed softly and kissed her forehead. "In our world, having a perfect life isn’t what matters most—it’s showing everyone that your life is flawless."
We chatted for hours until I glanced down at my watch. "It’s already 6:00 PM," I said, swinging my legs off the bed. "Let’s go out and have some fun."
We headed to an upscale lounge bar downtown. As we sat at our private table sipping drinks, a familiar figure caught my eye across the room. It was Clara Carter, sitting alone at a corner table with a glass of hard liquor.
I stood up, took Seraphina’s hand, and walked over to Clara’s table, sliding smoothly into the seat across from her.
"Miss Clara," I greeted smoothly. "Why is a distinguished lady like you drinking all by yourself?"
Clara looked up, her sharp eyes slightly hazy from alcohol. "Is there something wrong with me drinking alone, Mr. Vance?"
"Of course not," I replied, leaning back. "You’re an independent, cunning businesswoman. Why would you need company or support for anything?"
Clara scoffed softly, swirling her glass. "I know you come from some powerful, reclusive family, Mr. Vance... but that doesn’t mean you automatically know what’s best for Carter Holdings. That restrictive clause in the contract was meant to protect our company’s future. Yet my father scolded me severely for putting it in. He thinks I offended you, and now he believes I’m not capable of leading Carter Holdings in the future."
"What you did wasn’t wrong in theory," I said calmly, looking her in the eyes. "It was your timing that was completely flawed."
She frowned, leaning forward. "What do you mean?"
"Carter Holdings is currently suffering a massive cash flow crisis because Grant Holdings is using its political connections to suppress your family," I explained coldly. "In a critical moment like this, I am the single biggest connection and financial backer your father has. By trying to trap me with that contract clause, you almost cost Carter Holdings its only lifeline. Now do you understand why your father was furious?"
Clara stared at me in disbelief. "How can you analyze everything so deeply? You’re the same age as me, yet your business sense far surpasses my father’s or anyone else I’ve ever met. You spotted a hidden legal clause that veteran corporate lawyers miss—even my father didn’t notice it until you pointed it out!"
I offered a faint, reassuring smile. "It’s not that you lack intelligence or skill, Miss Clara. It simply means you haven’t sharpened those instincts in real high-stakes warfare yet."
Before she could respond, her eyelids fluttered shut, and she slumped forward onto the table, completely wasted.
Seraphina looked at her in concern. "Julian, we can’t just leave her here like this. We should take her back to the hotel."
"Are you sure?" I asked.
"Of course," Seraphina insisted. "Help me pick her up before anyone recognizes her."
I nodded. "You’re right. There are only five or six days left before the land auction. A scandal involving Miss Carter getting drunk in a bar would hurt Carter Holdings’ stock price. Let’s get out of here."
I carried Clara out to the car and placed her in the back seat, instructing Seraphina to sit beside her so she wouldn’t bump her head during the drive.
I drove back to the Skyland Hotel’s underground parking garage, where Seraphina and I helped support Clara on both sides. We took the VIP private elevator directly to my Presidential Suite and laid her down comfortably in the secondary bedroom. Once she was settled, Seraphina and I went to the master bedroom to sleep.
The next morning, we were awakened by a startled scream coming from the guest room.
Seraphina and I hurried in to see Clara standing near the bed in panic. I quickly stepped forward and gently covered her mouth. "Why are you shouting so early in the morning?"
Clara pulled my hand away, her cheeks flushing red. "W-What am I doing in your suite?!"
"You got completely wasted at the bar last night," I said calmly. "We couldn’t leave you stranded there. Besides, if photos of the heiress of Carter Holdings passed out in public went viral, it would have wrecked your company’s image."
Clara adjusted her clothes, composed herself, and looked at me with a lingering, complex gaze. "Thank you... for helping me, Julian."
She turned and left the suite. As the door closed, the familiar System chime echoed in my mind.
[System Notification: Target Clara Carter experienced deep gratitude and respect!]
[Affection Increased: +10 | Loyalty Increased: +10!]
[Current Status: Affection 30/100 | Loyalty 20/100]
[Indulgence Points Earned: +300 Points!]
[Total Indulgence Points Balance: 2,300 Points!]
[System Shop Event Available! Would the Host like to purchase items?]
Physical Fitness (+10 Points) = 100 Indulgence PointsCharm (+10 Points) = 100 Indulgence PointsClassified Information on Next Week’s Municipal Land Auction Plots = 1,000 Indulgence Points
I’ll buy all three, I instructed mentally.
[System Notification: 1,200 Indulgence Points Spent!]
[Rewards Applied: +10 Charm, +10 Physique!]
[Host Current Stats: Charm 30/100 | Physique 20/100]
[Remaining Indulgence Points Balance: 1,100 Points!]
[Secret Intelligence Unlocked: Plot 1 (Prime Commercial Plot) will be unexpectedly canceled by the municipal board as a development zone immediately after the auction. Development rights will temporarily shift to Plots 2 and 3. However, after 3 business days, Plot 1 will be re-zoned as the central hub for Metro City’s flagship commercial brands, causing its valuation to skyrocket exponentially!]
A smirk played on my lips. With this absolute insider information, I had everything required to completely bankrupt the Grant family. All that was left to do was wait for auction day.
Over the next few days, I spent my time enjoying life with Seraphina. We spent money freely, traded key stocks on the market, and Seraphina finalized all our luxury outfits, watches, and her custom gown for the big event.