The Wynn estate loomed like a monument to legacy—marble columns, clean lines, and cold judgment tucked behind manicured hedges. Ethan adjusted his collar in the backseat of the car that had arrived precisely on time.
The letter hadn't said much. But he could read between the lines.
Tonight wasn't dinner. It was a decision.
As he stepped out under the arching entryway, he navigated his system and checked his skills quietly:
Snappy Retort (Uncommon)
Timing Sense (Uncommon)
Optics Control (Uncommon)
Rumor Shield (Uncommon)
Negotiator (Uncommon)
Emotional Intuition (Uncommon)
Heart Signal (Uncommon)
Ethan paused. He wasn't just meeting parents. He was facing CEOs. This wasn't about romance—it was optics, timing, and diplomacy. He mentally drew the connections.
[Combine three Uncommon skills to receive one Rare skill. Duplicates can also be merged. Would you like to try now?]
Ethan opened his skill menu. He scanned through his growing list—plenty of Uncommons now.
Snappy Retort. Timing Sense. Optics Control.
Skills he liked, sure. But if this dinner was going to turn into a boardroom showdown, he needed something stronger.
He selected the three, hesitated for just a second, and confirmed.
[Confirm combination? This action cannot be undone.]
He tapped [Yes].
The cards shimmered, merging into a refined, focused pulse of light.
[Congratulations! You have obtained: Social Strategist (Rare)]
[Skill Acquired: Social Strategist (Rare) — Improves high-level social maneuvering, allowing you to read group dynamics, steer perception, and time interventions to shift momentum favorably.]
A pulse of clarity spread through him. Whatever tonight held—he was ready to play it smarter than they expected.
The butler led him through the vast entry hall. Polished stone reflected the golden chandelier light. The walls didn't echo—it was too deliberate for that.
In the drawing room, Mr. and Mrs. Wynn stood like a panel. Isabella sat to the side, spine straight, eyes unreadable.
"Mr. Cole," her father said evenly. "Thank you for coming. We won't waste your time. We're considering withdrawing from the engagement. The recent developments have raised serious doubts about public cohesion."
Ethan didn't flinch. "With respect, if this is a PR problem, I suggest we treat it as such. Strategically."
Isabella blinked. A shift. Small—but there.
He continued, voice calm. "The rumors can be redirected. A controlled joint appearance, a Q&A, even a curated statement. We turn the fire into fuel."
Mrs. Wynn raised an eyebrow. "And you think people will buy that?"
"I think people believe what they're told when the narrative is clean. I can deliver that. I just need one thing."
"And that is?" Mr. Wynn asked.
Ethan looked to Isabella. "A little help."
Her eyes locked onto his—cold, calculating. But something flickered. Then, quietly, she nodded.
For the first time, she didn't just comply. She backed him.