Chapter 5: Private Meeting (…Why Does This Feel Like an Interview for My Life?)
Miller had just convinced himself things were under control.
"I survived breakfast."
"I survived Cloe."
"I survived… whatever that 'reward' was."
He looked at the watch on his wrist.
"…Yeah. Totally normal."
A servant appeared.
"Young Master, Miss Cloe has requested a private meeting."
Miller froze.
"…Private?"
"Yes. She specified—alone."
Oh no.
The Walk to the Lion's Den
Miller walked down the hallway like a man heading to judgment.
Stay calm.
You already chose Ana.
Just don't say anything stupid.
He stopped.
"…I say stupid things under pressure."
He kept walking anyway.
Cloe's Territory
The door opened.
Cloe was inside.
Seated.
Relaxed.
Like she owned the entire building.
Which, technically…
"…She kind of does," Miller muttered under his breath.
"Come in," Cloe said without looking up.
He stepped inside.
The door closed behind him.
Click.
"…Why does every important door in this house click like that?!"
Opening Move: Psychological Pressure
Cloe finally looked at him.
"…You're different from what I expected."
Miller smiled politely.
"I get that a lot."
I do not get that a lot.
She leaned back slightly.
"Sit."
He sat.
Perfect posture.
Maximum survival mode.
Direct Attack
"I'll be honest," Cloe said. "I don't like you."
"…That's fair," Miller replied immediately.
She blinked.
"…You're agreeing?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because I don't think I gave you a reason to like me yet."
Silence.
Cloe stared at him.
Then—
"…Interesting answer."
Shift in Strategy
"Tell me," she continued, "why did you choose Ana?"
There it was again.
The question.
The dangerous one.
Miller stayed calm.
"I didn't 'choose' her," he said. "She was already my fiancée."
"That didn't stop you before," Cloe replied smoothly.
CRITICAL DAMAGE.
"…People change," Miller said.
Cloe's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Do they?"
The Trap Tightens
She leaned forward.
"What if I told you," she said quietly, "that I can offer you more?"
Miller didn't respond.
"I'm the real daughter," she continued. "The rightful heir. The future of this family."
Every word was precise.
Calculated.
"If you stand with me, your position will only improve."
Pause.
"…So?"
Miller's Brain: Overheating
This is exactly how it started in the original story.
This is the turning point.
Say yes → bad ending.
Say no → unknown consequences.
He took a breath.
"…Then I would still refuse."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Unexpected Outcome
Cloe stared at him.
Longer this time.
"…You're serious."
"Yes."
"No hesitation?"
"No hesitation."
Why Though?
"…Why?" she asked again.
This time—
There was less calculation.
More curiosity.
Miller thought for a moment.
Then said:
"Because someone already believes I'll stay."
Cloe's gaze sharpened.
"…Ana."
"Yes."
"And that's enough for you?"
Miller nodded.
"It is."
Cloe's Reaction
For a moment—
She said nothing.
Then—
She laughed.
Softly.
"…You're either very loyal…"
A pause.
"…Or very stupid."
Miller smiled.
"I'm hoping for the first one."
Unspoken Tension
Cloe stood up.
Walked past him.
Stopped beside him.
"…Do you know what happens to people who make the wrong choice in this family?"
Miller didn't move.
"…I can imagine."
Her voice lowered slightly.
"…They get replaced."
A Warning… or Something Else?
She stepped closer.
"…Don't regret this later."
Miller finally looked up at her.
"I won't."
Outside the Room
The door opened.
Miller walked out.
Alive.
Again.
"…I'm on a streak."
But something felt off.
Different from before.
Inside the Room (After He Leaves)
Cloe stood still.
Silent.
Then—
"…He refused me."
Not angry.
Not upset.
Just… thoughtful.
She turned toward the window.
"…Interesting."
A small smile appeared.
"…Now I want to take him."
Meanwhile… Watching
At the end of the hallway—
Ana stood quietly.
She hadn't approached.
Hadn't interrupted.
But she knew.
"…They met."
Her gaze lowered slightly.
"…Alone."
Her fingers tightened.
Miller Returns (Bad Timing Activated)
Miller turned the corner—
And froze.
"…Ana."
She looked at him.
Calm.
As always.
"…How was your meeting?"
THIS IS A TRAP.
"…Normal," he said.
"…What did you talk about?"
THIS IS A BIGGER TRAP.
"…Just family matters."
Ana stepped closer.
"…Did she ask you to stand with her?"
Miller's heart skipped.
"…She did."
"…And?"
Silence.
Miller met her eyes.
"I refused."
Impact
Ana didn't react immediately.
Then—
"…I see."
Her voice was soft.
But something in the air changed.
Unexpected Move
She stepped closer.
Closer than before.
"…Then you chose me again."
"…Yeah."
A pause.
"…Good."
Miller's Instinct: Screaming Louder
WHY DOES THIS FEEL LIKE I'M BEING REWARDED AND JUDGED AT THE SAME TIME?!
Narration (Escalation Begins)
Cloe had made her move.
Ana had seen it.
And Miller—
Without realizing it—
Had just become the center of a silent war.
Not of power.
Not of status.
But of something far more dangerous—
Attachment.
One wanted to test him.
One wanted to keep him.
And Miller?
"…I just want to not get kidnapped."