The decision lingered in her mind long after Lucien’s message.

Élaisse had built its own name in the world of luxury—an elite consignment house known for handling rare and exclusive items.

Vaelis leaned back in her chair, her fingers tapping against the desk.

She had been looking for a way into that world, to use Élaisse’s prestige to elevate her own brand. But Lucien? He already had wealth and power. What could he possibly gain?

Her fingers hovered over her phone before she finally typed a reply.

Vaelis: Let’s talk. Same place. Tomorrow.

She didn’t expect a response right away, but within seconds, her phone buzzed.

Lucien: Smart choice. 8 AM. Don’t be late.

She exhaled slowly, setting her phone down.

Lucien was dangerous.

But so was she.

—

The Next Morning

The West Courtyard was quieter than before, bathed in the cool morning light.

Lucien was already there, leaning casually against the fountain, dressed in dark tailored slacks and an expensive coat. He looked like he belonged in a boardroom, not a university courtyard.

His gaze flicked up as she approached.

"You're punctual."

Vaelis met his eyes. "You're persistent."

Lucien smirked. "And yet, you came."

She crossed her arms. "Tell me the details of this so-called partnership."

He studied her for a moment before speaking.

"You want Élaisse’s backing," he said. "Their name alone would open doors for you. Access to their network, their collectors, their auction clientele—it would take your business to the next level."

Vaelis didn’t deny it. Élaisse was a powerhouse in luxury consignment, known for handling rare and exclusive items. If she could get them to recognize her, it would be a game-changer.

But one thing didn’t make sense.

"You have money, influence, and access to far bigger things," she said, tilting her head. "So what do you gain from this?"

Lucien’s smirk didn’t fade, but something shifted in his eyes—like he had been waiting for that question.

"Influence isn’t just about what you own," he said smoothly. "It’s about what you can control."

Vaelis narrowed her gaze. "And you think controlling Élaisse will give you that?"

Lucien chuckled. "Not Élaisse. You."

A slow chill settled in her spine.

She had expected power games, but she hadn’t expected this.

"Interesting choice of words," she said, keeping her voice even.

Lucien stepped closer, his presence like a quiet storm. "It’s simple. You get what you want—prestige, connections, power. And in return, I make sure those doors stay open for you."

"And if I refuse?"

He smiled, dark and unreadable. "You won’t."

Silence stretched between them.

Vaelis held his gaze, her mind racing.

She wasn’t naive enough to think Lucien did anything without a deeper motive. If she agreed, she wasn’t just making a business deal—she was stepping into his game.

But Vaelis never played to lose.

"I’ll consider it," she finally said.

Lucien nodded, as if he had expected that. "Good. You have until the weekend."

She turned to leave, but his voice stopped her.

"Vaelis."

She glanced back.

His expression was unreadable. But his next words felt like a warning.

"Don’t make enemies you can’t handle."

Her lips curled into a smirk. "Worried about me?"

Lucien chuckled, low and dark. "Not at all. Just curious to see how far you’ll go."

She walked away without another word.

—

Later That Night

Vaelis sat at her desk, staring at her notes.

Lucien wasn’t wrong about Élaisse’s influence. Getting their backing would change everything.

But Lucien wanted control. And she wasn’t sure how deep his influence already ran.

Her phone buzzed.

A notification from an unknown number.

Unknown: Be careful who you trust.

Vaelis stared at the message, her fingers tightening around the phone.

She typed a response.

Vaelis: Who is this?

No reply.

Her lips pressed together.