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

- - -

​​

It dawned on me that Richard Thompson is sexist.

"I have no intention of retiring anytime soon", I said. "Once I retire, I will leave it to my daughter, as she is perfectly capable of managing our company. Even if Seraphina gets married to a competent businessman I will insist that she doesn't let him take over something my family built."

"Those thoughts will lead to your downfall.", he said grimly.

"If you assume that my son-in-law will automatically take over Notte Pharmaceuticals, I need to remind you of the possibility that Serina could get divorced, or re-married. I will not allow her every husband to impact the business that was built on my shoulders. Only by ensuring that my daughter is in charge, I will know that her future and the future of my company is secured as stable."

He looked at me like I spoke in a foreign language.

I thought that he might have an a-ha moment, or maybe think that I am joking, but instead, he got angry.

"Is that how you raised your daughter, to think that it's OK to get divorced and re-married?"

He was raising his voice, trying to intimidate me. Ignorant mortal. No one won a battle with a shouting match unless his goal was to make a spectacle out of himself.

If Richard believes that he will get me to lower myself to his level, he is gravely mistaken.

"I raised Seraphina to make her own decisions based on what's the best for her. We all make mistakes and if her marrying a man is a mistake, I will support her in getting a divorce and finding another one who will make her happy. How are you raising your daughter? Don't you want her to be responsible for her happiness? Or did you teach her that she will need a man to provide for her?"

A vein popped on Richard's forehead, and I knew I hit a nerve.

I smirked and continued, "No matter how promising her husband is, what if he leaves her? What if he finds someone better? Women these days know more than just to warm a man's bed. When your daughter is abandoned by her husband, will you take her back?"

He flicked the cards from his hand on the table, stood up abruptly, and left without a word.

Strange man. Old fashioned.

The report says that Richard Thompson divorced twice and had numerous mistresses. How dares he talk about marriage like it's something sacred?

I pity Magdalena. Considering her father's personality, no wonder she turned out petty and evil. But if she was raised to think that a good husband is an ultimate goal in life, then I would understand why she didn't pull any punches in order to get the man she wants.

I glanced to the side and saw that Serina and Jonathan stopped dancing. Based on his stiff expression, it seems that Serina started her game. Good. Trying to be friendly with Richard is exhausting. I would rather torture him a bit and watch that arrogance disappear.

- - -

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

- - -

After John said how they will send us a revised proposal for cooperation, I found myself right where I started.

Giantshade Industries was still set on working with us, and I was no closer to discovering what prompted them to latch on to us.

I required a moment to think, so I excused myself, saying that I need to go to the ladies' room. Considering how much wine I drank, John didn't suspect a thing.

No matter how I thought about this situation, I found that attending this event was useless.

Nothing will change, and the only thing I achieved by coming here was losing a few hours of sleep. Oh, and Aldus finding out that I rand out of energy, and me missing on a perfectly good evening I could spend with Duke.

Unless we give them something more valuable than Notte Pharmaceuticals, Thompsons won't give up on whatever they have on their mind. And there is nothing we are willing to give them, which means that we need to prepare to confront them in a hostile manner.

Johnathan was friendly, too friendly, and it got me confused for a moment, but then I thought how that is probably his strategy and I shouldn't overthink it.

From Jonathan's talk about his work, I got a hint that his father might retire soon. I'm not sure if that was true or if John was trying to leave an impression, but if the old man steps aside, that means that I need to deal with only John.

I looked at myself in the mirror and noticed that I'm pale. It must be the lack of energy. There is a limit to how much food and wine can fuel me up. I need rest.

I pondered, should I use pheromones on Jonathan?

It seems that John likes me to some degree, but the correct dose of pheromones will ensure that he is smitten. I would only need to bat my eyelashes and act pitifully and he would do anything to make me happy. That could backfire, but as long as Giantshade Industries gives up on Notte Pharmaceuticals, I can handle John.

I took a deep breath and steeled myself to return to the event. I need to maximize this evening, and my low energy is not helping.

The moment I stepped out of the bathroom, a male voice reached me, "There you are!"

I whipped my head that way and paused. Richard Thompson. What does he want? And why does he look angry?

"Excuse me?", I asked innocently. "I believe you are Richard Thompson, our host for the night. We didn't get a chance to meet. I am Seraphina Mezzanotte."

He glanced at my extended hand and didn't take it. He left me hanging! How rude.

"I know who you are."

Well, based on his attitude, I can guess that something went off during his card game with my father.

Aldus said that he will observe, but it seems he did something.

I ignored his frown, and my smile didn't falter as I lowered my hand. "How can I help you?"

"Women like you are the source of all the troubles capable men face." His frown deepened. "I won't let you ruin John…"

Ruin John? Why was he talking like I'm trying to seduce his son?

I had enough. My head was buzzing and I was weak.

This whole family is crazy and there is no way to talk it out with them.

5… 8… I could see his expression softening. 10… 11… Maybe one more. 12. Yup, that's the goofy stare I was going for. Perfect.

"Father!", John exclaimed while making his way toward us.

I quickly re-adjusted my pheromones and I cursed the fact that John is rushing toward us.

The problem with my pheromones is that they are like perfume. I can release them in a specific direction with a precise density, but after that, they are lingering in the air and slowly rising unless the wind spreads them to negligible levels.

Sure, I could blow them off with my ability, but if I create an air current in an enclosed hallway, it will be beyond suspicious.

"Why are you here?", John asked while looking at his father.

John was standing close. Too close. But I didn't see any changes in his behavior, so maybe my pheromones dissipated.

"Hehe…", the old man chuckled. "I was just… I mean… I wanted to talk to Miss Mezzanotte, but you are crowding her the whole evening, so I waited for my chance to approach the lady." He took my hand and kissed the back of my palm. I was disgusted, but without the strength to fight him, so I let it happen.

"I heard about your beauty, but now that I see you up close, I know that those rumors didn't do you justice."

The shift in Richard's attitude was shocking. This is the man who didn't want to shake my hand one minute ago!

John's expression was comical. Well, this will be fun.

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