Kael Ravencroft's company launch was extravagant.
Crystal lights.
Red carpets.
Media drones humming like insects.
A massive banner hung behind the stage:
Ravencroft Horizon Group
"Innovation Shapes Destiny"
Kael stood at the center of it all—tailored suit, practiced smile, confidence rebuilt just enough to fool outsiders.
An Unexpected Entrance
Whispers rippled through the hall.
"He came…"
"That's—"
"Runcandel heir."
Alex entered calmly—
This time with Ningguang at his side.
Elegant. Composed. Untouchable.
The cameras shifted instantly.
Kael's smile twitched for half a second.
Alex didn't look at him.
Not yet.
Reunions
Alex's eyes landed on two familiar figures.
"Cornelia. Euphy."
Both froze.
Then—
"Brother Alex!" Euphemia exclaimed.
Before anyone could react, Alex pulled them both into a warm hug.
Cornelia stiffened—then melted.
Both girls turned bright red.
"You—you've been gone for a month!" Euphemia said, flustered.
Alex chuckled.
"So," he teased lightly,
"little pig and Euphy—how's your Pokémon training going?"
Cornelia puffed up instantly.
"Don't call me—!"
Euphemia answered first, excitement winning.
"Brother! My Bulbasaur evolved into Ivysaur! And—and thank you for the seed you gave me!"
Alex smiled genuinely.
He patted her head.
"How could I not help my princess?"
Euphemia's face turned crimson.
Cornelia crossed her arms, huffing.
"My Shinx evolved too," she said quickly.
"It's Luxio now."
Alex raised a brow.
"Oh? Not bad."
Lucien, standing nearby, nodded approvingly.
"You both have excellent talent," he said warmly.
"Your future husbands will be very lucky."
Cornelia and Euphemia both froze.
Their hearts skipped.
If only…
They shared the same thought—
The one we like is you, Alex.
One day… we'll tell you.
Alex, oblivious as ever, simply smiled.
The Stage Lights On
Applause erupted.
Kael Ravencroft stepped onto the stage.
He adjusted the microphone, voice steady.
"Thank you all for attending the launch of Ravencroft Horizon Group," he announced proudly.
"This is the beginning of a new era."
Flash. Flash. Flash.
"In exactly one week," Kael continued,
"our company will release its first flagship product."
The reporters buzzed.
"Cosmetics?"
"It's the auction recipe!"
"I heard it'll redefine the industry!"
Kael smiled wider.
"Please look forward to it."
Applause thundered.
Quiet Observers
Alex watched from the side, sipping a drink.
Ningguang leaned slightly closer.
"Confident," she said softly.
"Too confident."
Alex smiled faintly.
"Innovators announce results," he replied.
"Fools announce deadlines."
Ningguang's lips curved.
Across the hall, Kael's gaze finally met Alex's.
For a moment—
Just a moment—
Something cold passed between them.
Kael looked away first.
The Calm Before the Storm
The guests chatted excitedly.
Investors nodded.
Media speculated.
Expectations rose.
No one noticed the cracks.
No one suspected the countdown had already begun.
Alex finished his drink.
"One week," he murmured.
Ningguang met his eyes.
"Will it explode?"
Alex smiled.
"Spectacularly."