The night air was cool against her flushed skin, but relief never came.
"Remarkable performance, Elara."
Liam's voice was low, steady, and far too close. She froze on the marble steps. Slowly, she turned. He stood framed in the golden light from the ballroom, his broad shoulders casting a long shadow.
"That was not like you," he murmured, stepping closer. The scent of his cologne, something dark and expensive like sandalwood, invaded her space. "Who are you really, Elara?"
[Ding!]
Warning: Danger Level Rising. Prolonged interaction not advised.
Her throat went dry. She forced a small, polite smile. "Maybe I just grew up."
A lie. Her heart pounded, but she held his gaze.
Liam tilted his head, studying her with the focus of a predator. "Is that so? Strange. I don't recall you ever being this… composed."
[Ding!]
Event: Male Lead Engagement
New Objective: Terminate interaction immediately. Critical risk if Attention exceeds 30.
Status:
- Attention: 15/100
- Danger Level: Moderate
- Survival Probability: 30% → 28% (Δ -2%)
The drop spurred her into action. "Well, there's a first time for everything," Elara said, her voice even. She glanced past him. "If you'll excuse me, my driver is waiting."
She moved to leave, but he shifted, blocking her path. "I'll see you home."
Panic spiked. The car ride humiliation—no.
"That's not necessary," she said, perhaps too quickly. She saw his eyes narrow. She recalibrated, her tone cooling. "My family's car is arranged. My father would be displeased if I caused more talk by leaving with you. It would send the wrong message, don't you think?"
She appealed to his cold logic, his obsession with optics. A tense silence fell as he dissected her words. The Elara he knew was ruled by emotion; this pragmatism was an anomaly he clearly distrusted.
"As you wish," he finally conceded, stepping back. The words were a veiled threat. "Do give my regards to your father. We have… much to discuss regarding our diverged paths."
"Of course." Elara nodded and walked away, not waiting for a reply. She didn't breathe until the limousine door closed behind her, enveloping her in silent safety.
[Ding!]
Event: Successful Disengagement
Temporary Reward: +3 Survival Points (Calm Exit)
Status:
- Survival Probability: 28% → 31%
A flicker of relief was instantly annihilated.
[Ding!]
Event: Post-Interaction Analysis
Note: Significant Curiosity Detected.
Status:
- Attention: 15/100 → 25/100 (Δ +10)
- Survival Probability: 31% → 25% (Δ -6%)
"No," she whispered, staring at the numbers. Curiosity was worse than anger. It was probing, persistent, dangerous. She had avoided humiliation only to become a puzzle he felt compelled to solve.
---
Back in the oppressive luxury of her room, Elara clung to a fragile plan: hide, wait out the clock. The survival timer read [17:42:11]. Maybe his interest would wane. Twenty-five percent was a chance.
Then, the system pulsed—a low, urgent sound that promised no good.
[Thrum…]
Side Mission Unlocked: 'A House of Cards'
Objective: Protect the Vance Family's financial stability and public reputation.
Context: The engagement dissolution has triggered instability. Sterling Corp is withdrawing from joint ventures. Vance stock will plummet at market open.
Failure Condition: Vance family declares bankruptcy or suffers irreparable social ruin.
Failure Penalty: Survival Probability -20%
Mission Timer: 16:59:02
The numbers flickered in her vision: [Survival Probability: 25% - Potential Penalty: 20% = 5%].
Five percent. A death sentence.
A hysterical laugh caught in her throat. She couldn't just hide. Her survival was tied to saving the very family that was part of her doom. How does a cannon fodder character save an empire?
[Thrum…]
Mission Timer: 16:59:02