Chapter 12:
Lumina Corp Headquarters – Morning
Lumina Corp wasn't just another tech company—it was shaping the future, brick by brick, byte by byte. From self-sustaining neighbourhoods to nationwide clean energy grids, Will Shade's vision had already transformed entire cities.
But Europe was a different arena. One signature from Louis Beau—a man whose developments touched the most exclusive corners of the continent—wasn't just approval. It was a golden key, unlocking markets closed to outsiders for decades.
Will leaned back in his chair. "Tell me."
Stephen straightened his tie. "First, sir, congratulations on securing—"
"Stephen," Will's voice was glass-sharp. "The point."
"Yes, sir. The moment I got the news, my team started drafting an exposure plan for all partners, plus a warehouse expansion strategy."
"What about stocks?" Will turned to Director Pearson.
"They're skyrocketing. The media is already requesting another interview."
Will exhaled. "Again, huh? Jin?"
"It would be good for visibility," Jin replied smoothly. "And… photos of you and Miss Morisawa at the Beau party are circulating."
Pearson added, "Those images reinforce your decisiveness. Combined with Beau's signature, your trajectory is up from here."
Stephen smiled. "Why not host a gala? Announce everything in one go instead of fielding endless interviews."
Will considered it for a beat. "Not bad. Especially while Beau is still in the country. Make it happen. Report directly to me."
As the group stood to leave, Pearson hesitated.
"Something else?" Will asked.
She adjusted her glasses. "For the role of your fiancée, you could still reconsider. Choose someone you know. Someone who's worked by your side for years. I could propose—"
Will's tone turned to ice. "That's my personal life. Stay out of it."
Color rose in her cheeks, but she lifted her chin and walked out without lowering her gaze.
Mr. Shade's Mansion
"How am I supposed to eat all of this?" Lena stared at the breakfast spread—eggs, fruit, pastries, pancakes, and more.
"I didn't know what you liked, so I made everything," Marry said warmly. "I thought Mr. Shade might join you, but he had to leave early."
"I'm happy just being with you," Lena smiled. "Help me eat? I'm not used to this much in the morning."
"Sorry, dear. Already had breakfast. I've got work now."
After picking at the food, Lena slipped out. She still hadn't turned on her phone since yesterday—dodging her parents' calls.
When she finally powered it on, a message from her father appeared: I know you might be disappointed, but let's meet and talk for a bit.
She checked the time, decided against answering, and headed home—timing her visit so no one would be there. The spare key was still under the flowerpot.
In her room, she packed everything she could carry. Standing at the doorway, she whispered, "I already miss it… But I need to do this. I'll earn my own money so that arrogant Shade can't throw his wealth in my face again."
But as she left, suitcase in hand, her father's flower van pulled in.
"Lena! Thank goodness you're alright," Eliot said, relief flooding his voice. "Can we talk?"
"Sorry, I have to go."
He followed, pleading, until she stopped, annoyance flashing in her eyes.
"You already sold me off. What else is there to say? Let me go… and accomplish what I was sold for."
The words hit like a slap. Eliot froze as she slid into a taxi, blinking back tears.
A New Face in Play
Lena stopped at Aline's to drop off her things, planning to pick them up after work.
On her way to her shift, her phone buzzed—her mother's text: A friend of yours came by asking for a discount. Said you owe him. Left his contact.
The name: Stephen.
"Oh… the shoe guy," she muttered. "How embarrassing—I made him pay again."
She called immediately.
"Hi," she said.
"Hi," Stephen replied easily. "You must be Lena."
"How did you know? I didn't even give you my number."
"I could never forget your voice."
She laughed. "Still a charmer. I'm sorry about the discount, I didn't mean to—"
"Don't worry. This way, I got your number."
"Then let me make it up to you."
"Well… if you insist, how about dinner?"
"Dinner's perfect. I'll text you the details."
"I'll be waiting."
When he hung up, Stephen's lips curved—not in his usual charming grin, but in something far more calculated.