"We may not have birthed you but you will be our daughter, one way or another. Start with a scholarship and end as the Queen, any path you take is your choice to make."
In a modern-day monarchy, Ari is every bit a struggling student as any other. T...
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The conversation flowed naturally. One minute they talked of food in the Royal Residence and how it was hard to get the Chef what was ordered instead of going overboard. Next minute they were talking about the rain, favorite season, and random things that made Ari smile. Seungcheol didn't believe anyone noticed him swiftly change his fork with Ari's fallen one just so she could bite into the entry without any worry.
He was being ignored while they enjoyed themselves. The edge of her eyes crinkled and her laughter was infectious for Chan who blended in without worry. Seungcheol pursed his lips, his dimple showing as he set on slicing the Tonkatsu that had arrived.
He had barely placed the plate with freshly cut-out pieces in front of Ari, taking hers in exchange when he heard Chan exclaim, "I loved your work! I was in awe with how you got the people from the slums to work with the police." The praises his little brother sang in Ari's favor were getting on his nerves.
"Yes."
Seungcheol's gaze shifted at Ari's curt response. Her voice had lowered, her once wide smile reduce to polite gazes. This was it. The reminder changed the mood around them in an instant. Vernon. The bid. The betrayal. Ari glanced at the food and thanked Seungcheol with a small nod.
"Yes, you should know," Ari turned to Chan, eyes narrowed, "You'll win the bid I was planning for, after all."
Her voice was sharp enough to cut through the cheery mood in a second. Ari had stopped playing around as she opened her mouth to eat a piece. Seungcheol tensed. Ari was a fearsome creature. Her absolute control over her emotions could stop anyone in their tracks. "Vernon writes out the best business plans too, so you shouldn't have anything to worry about."
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Chan stopped eating halfway at the accusal in Ari's tone. It was subtle but there. If Chan hadn't been careful, he wouldn't have noticed that she was serious, her smile only a polite front. The air had grown eerie and in a minute, everything Chan was experiencing had changed. Her unwavering gaze, the cold attitude, and the hidden meaning in her tone spelled out danger to the Second Prince.
