Adrian leaned back slightly, folding his arms. “Do I look like I’m interested?”
Lucas ignored the remark. “The Cole Group accepted Elena’s proposal,” he announced triumphantly. “She’s been invited to join the company officially. They want her there tomorrow.”
Margaret beamed, clapping her hands lightly. “See? Everything is finally falling into place.”
Sophia crossed her arms, smirking. “If it weren’t for you causing such a scene today, this opportunity might’ve taken longer. In a way, you helped.”
Adrian’s lips curved into a faint smile–not angered, not wounded, but amused.
So that was it.
Inside, he let out a silent chuckle. He had told Miss Reyes to approve Elena’s proposal days ago, ensuring it would pass smoothly through the board. By the time the final signature was required, everything would already be locked in place. Even if Adrian himself appeared during the final approval stage, he wouldn’t be able to overturn it without drawing suspicion.
He watched Lucas closely, seeing through the performance instantly.
Lucas straightened his shoulders, clearly enjoying the moment. “You see,” he continued, turning slightly toward Elena, “this is what real progress looks like. Not reckless bravado. Not pointless pride.”
Adrian tilted his head. “You’re quite confident for someone who ran the moment the first cultivator descended into the arena.”
Lucas stiffened, his smile faltering for a split second.
Margaret scoffed. “Confidence doesn’t mean stupidity.”
Adrian’s gaze flicked briefly to Elena. “Is that what you came here to tell me?” he asked calmly. “That you’ve found your place?” Elena looked torn. “I didn’t know they were going to say that,” she said quietly. “I came because… because I was worried.”
“Worried?” Adrian repeated. “Or curious?”
She didn’t answer.
Adrian stood slowly, the air around him subtly shifting as he straightened to his full height. Even injured, even tired, his presence felt heavier than before.
“Let me make something clear,” he said evenly. “I don’t regret the past. If anything, it showed me exactly where I stood–and where I no longer belong.”
Lucas scoffed. “Still pretending to be above it all?”
Adrian’s eyes met his, sharp and unwavering. “No. I simply stopped pretending I was beneath you.”
>>
Silence followed.
Margaret opened her mouth to speak, but Adrian had already turned away. “Enjoy your victory,” he said over his shoulder. “It’s temporary.”
Lucas laughed nervously. “You really think you’ll walk out of this duel alive?”
Adrian paused, glancing back just once. “I don’t think,” he replied calmly. “I know.”
As he walked away, Elena remained rooted to the spot, watching his retreating figure. For the first time since the divorce, a painful realization settled in her chest.
The man she let go of was no longer someone she could reach.
Adrian remained within the inner ring, standing amid fractured stone and lingering pressure. His body ached deeply now that the adrenaline was fading, every breath reminding him of the punishment he had endured. Kai stayed close, alert, eyes scanning the surroundings as if expecting another ambush at any moment.
Smith was wiping blood from the corner of his mouth when Adrian finally walked toward him.
For a brief moment, they simply looked at each other.
Smith looked nothing like the legends whispered about him earlier. His clothing was simple, his expression calm, almost casual, as though he hadn’t just been nearly torn apart by cultivators who lived on the edge of immortality.
Adrian broke the silence first. “Who are you?” he asked plainly. “And why did you step in back there?”
Smith chuckled softly. “Straight to the point. I like that.”
He straightened, stretching his shoulders slightly. “Truth is, I didn’t plan to interfere. I came to observe. But you caught my attention long before the first strike landed.”
Adrian narrowed his eyes but said nothing.
Smith continued, unbothered. “When word spread about a man accepting a duel against twenty–one cultivators on the brink of immortality, I thought it was either a death wish or madness. No one sane does that. So naturally, I wanted to see him with my own eyes.”
“And now?” Adrian asked.
“Now I’m impressed,” Smith replied honestly. “You didn’t just survive. You adapted. You dismantled them in ways that shouldn’t be possible for someone of this era. I figured joining in wouldn’t hurt–especially since there were no rules.”
Adrian frowned slightly. “You shouldn’t have. If they’d seriously injured you-”
Smith waved a hand dismissively. “But they didn’t. And if I’m being frank, if you’d continued fighting alone, your internal system would’ve started collapsing. You were already pushing the limit.”
Adrian didn’t deny it. He could still feel the strain inside his body, the subtle instability beneath the surface.
“I appreciate the help,” Adrian said after a moment. “But next time, I can handle it.”
Smith smiled faintly. “Confidence suits you. Still, even legends benefit from allies.”
Kai stepped forward then, studying Smith more closely. “Your aura,” he said slowly, “it feels… different. Refined. Restrained. You’re not like the others. Are you connected to the Elders‘ Pavilion?”
Smith’s expression didn’t change, but something subtle flickered in his eyes. “The Elders‘ Pavilion?” he repeated lightly. “I’ve heard of it. That’s all.”
Adrian’s brows knit together.
The name stirred something in his memory. Elder Vaughn had mentioned it once–briefly, cautiously—as if even speaking of it carried consequences. Before Adrian could press further, a group of men approached quickly from behind Smith.
They were clearly his disciples.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
