The fragrance of fresh tea lingered in the modest air of the cottage.
Leo, relaxed and poised, gently lifted the cup to his lips, taking a slow, deliberate sip.
His demeanor remained unshaken, even amidst the rising emotional tension in the room.
Rio and Roxanne stood opposite him, their expressions a volatile mix of disbelief and fury.
Across the room, their father wore a pained look, having just handed over the damning documents Leo had provided — evidence of betrayal, deceit, and poisoning by his very own brother.
"I know it's difficult to accept," their father said softly, his eyes lowering as if ashamed. "But everything young master Leo said is true.
Your uncle… he poisoned your mother. He sabotaged this family, all for power."
Rage simmered in Rio's eyes. Roxanne's hands clenched tightly at her sides. They had heard rumors — whispers in the shadows — but never had they imagined such malicious intent behind their mother's illness or their weakened clan standing.
"I'll kill him," Rio muttered, barely able to contain the storm brewing within.
"Enough," his father interrupted firmly. "This is not the time to act on impulse. We will handle this wisely."
After a long silence, Rio turned to Leo and gave a respectful bow. "I apologize for my earlier rudeness, young master Leo. I was unaware of the full circumstances."
Leo simply smiled, resting the cup back on the table.
"But," Rio continued, lifting his head, "regarding the marriage alliance… I must decline."
The room chilled slightly.
Butler Wang, who had stood quietly at Leo's side, suddenly took a step forward, frowning deeply.
"Young master Leo offered your family a chance to reclaim its honor, its place among the strong. And you decline it?" he asked, his voice carrying a sharp edge. "Do you believe chances like this come often?"
"I understand the weight of your offer," Rio replied firmly. "But I will rise on my own. I will take back what we lost — with my own strength. I won't trade my sister's future for it."
Butler Wang's expression darkened.
"With the young master's background and influence, countless noble and powerful women would be honored to become his bride," Wang said, his voice low but firm. "Refusing this alliance isn't just a rejection — it's an insult to the Aetherwind and Skydawn Clans.
Are you prepared to face the retribution that follows?"
Silence fell. Rio paled, the weight of Wang's words sinking deep. Even their father's face tensed, clearly realizing the potential catastrophe they were inviting.
Roxanne's gaze shifted to Leo.
He was calm, aloof, and impossibly handsome — his sharp features exuding nobility, power, and something else… something untouchable.
Despite the danger that loomed, he hadn't spoken a single threat. There was no desperation, no arrogance. He was simply observing.
If I agree to the marriage, she thought, our family will survive. No… we could rise higher than ever before.
My brother would be safe. My mother could get proper treatment. We'd have a future.
She bit her lip, conflicted.
Yet, as the weight of her thoughts pushed her closer to a decision, Leo slowly raised his hand.
"Enough, Wang," he said calmly.
Butler Wang froze, bowing his head slightly. "As you wish, young master."
Leo stood up, adjusting the cuffs of his black and silver robe. His expression was unreadable.
"Forget it," Leo said softly. "Let's treat this visit as if it never happened."
He turned toward the door, walking calmly to the exit.
At the threshold, he paused. Without turning back, his voice echoed lightly across the room.
"If one day you find yourselves truly cornered — no strength, no allies, no hope — come find me. But remember, some decisions can never be undone."
He stepped outside, his shadow force melting into the dusk with him.
Just as he reached the edge of the courtyard, a voice rang out behind him.
"Wait!"
Leo paused.
Roxanne stood in the doorway, her fists clenched, her face flushed. Her chest rose and fell with hurried breaths.
"If…" she said, her voice trembling slightly, "If you can defeat my brother in battle — I'll agree to the marriage."
A flicker of amusement passed through Leo's eyes. He turned slightly, offering a devilish smirk that sent a chill down everyone's spine.
"Very well," he said.
Then he continued walking, the air behind him thick with anticipation, fear… and the weight of a challenge accepted.
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End of Chapter 20
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[ TO BE CONTINUED ]
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Author's Note:
Boom! The chapter ends… but my journey as a humble author continues!
If you laughed, raged, or felt the urge to slap a fictional character today—don't forget to drop a Power Stone or add this novel to your collection!
It fuels my fingers and feeds the system behind this villainous tale.
Got an idea? A plot twist suggestion? Or just wanna yell at a character?
Slide into the comments—I read everything.
Until next time,
Stay evil, stay awesome, and thanks for reading!
– Your Scheming Author
azuredragonx
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