Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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My mind was woozy, and I was sluggish due to a lack of energy.

The last time I felt like this was in college when I skipped two nights of sleep in order to cram-study for my three back-to-back exams.

Aldus woke me up and I needed at least a few more hours of sleep in order to feel human.

This ability sucks!

But I didn't dare complain or show weakness because it will only prove Aldus right and expose how weakened I am.

I know that Aldus was right. He warned me, yet I ignored it and was reckless, but I was determined to keep it to myself.

I focused mightily on keeping my back straight and my steps steady, determined not to show how shitty I felt.

The truth is that I enjoyed every minute with Duke and if I had a chance for a do-over, I wouldn't change a thing. The things I experienced are etched into my mind and my body for eternity. His warmth, his touch, the way he looked at me, everything was mind-blowing.

I couldn't wait for this event to come to an end so that I hug my pillow and shut down. But the reality was harsh, and I had to go through this.

The event hall was nothing special. Chandeliers, fancy tablecloths, classical music from the orchestra in the corner. It was elegant and tasteful, maybe too much for just a business event. But I knew that Thompsons like to show off their wealth, so this was not unexpected.

I was pleased to hear that the food will be served right away.

Other than sleeping, I can replenish my energy with food, even though sleep is more efficient.

Us arriving in time for dinner meant I can sit without the need to face Richard Thompson or his son, yet.

Considering that my only meal that day was Duke's semen and that I was not in a position to sleep, a meal was a necessity.

Duke's semen... I smiled at that thought. I can't wait to taste him again.

Ten people at our table were curious about us. None of them were part of the pharmaceutical industry, but they were all aware of Aldus and his identity as a mysterious businessman who doesn't usually attend these gatherings.

Luckily, they were all from the older generation, so their focus was mostly on Aldus, allowing me to be the young shy girl. Perfect.

I watched Aldus talk with those people and respond to their questions with the least amount of words possible while an insincere smile lingered at the corner of his lips.

They probably thought that he is being polite, but I knew that he was looking down on them. Insignificant mortals, he would call them.

Normally, Aldus doesn't discriminate against humans, or maybe it's more accurate to say that he doesn't care about them, but these people were trying to impress him and that is usually the right way to push Aldus's buttons.

They looked like ants trying to make their presence known to a behemoth.

It's difficult to impress a vampire who lived for centuries and other than his ability to kill everyone within a few seconds without batting an eye, Aldus is a successful businessman who is well accomplished in areas these people heard about in fairytales (the scary ones).

I find myself entertained by their ignorance and I wonder if I ever conversed with a mighty creature while thinking that the person in front of me is no more than a human.

Only when the creamy soup was in front of me, I realized how hungry I was. The freshly baked bread smelled heavenly.

The biggest challenge was to prevent myself from stuffing my face in the plate and devouring everything like a starved animal. This was a fancy occasion and I had to eat in small bites, chew slowly, and not make a spectacle out of myself.

I imagined Signora Durand standing above me with a ruler in her hand, ready to smack me when I eat too fast, or I put too much food in my mouth in one go.

I wondered what Duke was doing. He promised that he will not come and that he will let me handle this, but I knew that he was worried.

Looking around, I saw people focused on their plates or on light conversations around their tables, and then I saw a pair of eyes directed at me.

Jonathan Thompson.

I was not sure if him staring at me is a good thing or not, but I gave him a small nod before my eyes continued scanning aimlessly.

I've got this!

Aldus and I discussed Giantshade Industries and Thompson family members in detail. I am aware of their history and their tactics.

Thompsons use any means necessary to achieve their goals and Aldus told me that we will do the same. He even encouraged me to use my abilities. As long as I don't leave any witnesses, anything goes.

Thompsons won't show any mercy, and we will be playing into their hands if we try to be polite.

This will be my first time to converse in a fake-friendly manner with people I know want to backstab me. I was nervous.

Aldus was by my side, watching my back, but I wanted to do this on my own.

I didn't want Aldus to step in. I wished that he is an observer, proud of what I'm about to do.

Food in my belly helped in replenishing my energy and my mind cleared a bit.

When dessert was served, Richard Thompson gave a small speech. It was generic, welcoming us and wishing us a good time. He emphasized that everyone should enjoy food, drinks, and music, and that the room next door will be opened after dinner, ready to welcome players who want to engage in poker, roulette, and craps.

I rolled my eyes internally. Gambling.

This event didn't have a theme other than entertaining executives of Giantshade Industries and partners.

I wondered how many of those partners are here because they want to, and how many are here because they need to.

It's also notable that many of the existing directors were owners of businesses that Giantshade Industries acquired over the years.

This mix of people included questionable loyalty.

If we are going to war against Giantshade Industries, we will need allies and here we could apply strategy, "enemy of my enemy is my friend".

Of course, this is only if we are going to resist them.

Thompsons probably think that we are here either because we want to collaborate (aka we are suckers) or that we are forced to collaborate (aka we are powerless). And this is all fine because they need to focus on something so that they don't see us coming after them. Correction, so that they don't see ME coming after them.

For Thompsons, this might be business, but for me, this is personal.

Magda bullied (and killed) Sanya Bogdan, and she is one of the reasons why Duke and I were apart for so long. Now Richard and Johnathan are attacking Notte Pharmaceuticals, my father's company.

Yes, it's personal.

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