The city lights shimmered softly as the Virellano family’s car stopped in front of an exclusive fine-dining restaurant—Aria Dining—a high-end venue that accepted only reserved guests. Owned by the multinational Aria Group, which also operated the Aria Plaza Mall, the restaurant stood as a symbol of power and luxury.
Al and Aurielle stepped out of the vehicle. Their outfits were semi-formal, stylish enough to reflect class—though not quite as dazzling as what they’d worn to the Tamarvich family banquet. Still, Aurielle’s commanding presence as a young CEO radiated naturally.
She glanced at her brother and gave a curt order:
"Don’t embarrass me. Only speak when spoken to."
Al nodded faintly and calmly shoved both hands into his pockets, his expression indifferent as always.
They were escorted to the VVIP room—a semi-open, private space with a futuristic design, minimalist high-tech decor, and a glittering view of the night cityscape.
Inside, several notable figures had already gathered.
Miss Aiza, elegant in a sleek semi-formal outfit of black and gold, exuded confidence and class without being overbearing.
Her two assistants, one male and one female, sat at a nearby table with tablets and files at the ready. Their disciplined composure showed their professionalism.
The Norvalien Family Patriarch, Darius Norvalien, was present in a lavish outfit adorned with gold jewelry. Though he wore a wide smile, his sharp eyes flickered between Miss Aiza and Aurielle with unreadable intent. His extravagant display seemed more like an effort to appear powerful than genuine taste. When he noticed Al beside Aurielle, a flicker of irritation crossed his expression, though he held it in.
Lefon Tamarvich, the Tamarvich family head, sat quietly. Unlike Darius, he didn’t dress to impress—yet his natural authority was undeniable. People could sense his influence without needing an introduction.
Waiters passed by, carrying wine and appetizers.
Aurielle greeted everyone politely and apologized for arriving last, though technically they weren’t late. Al offered a respectful bow and followed her to their seats. Aurielle sat at the main table, while Al sat nearby in his role as her "assistant."
Then, the business discussion began.
Darius wasted no time taking the lead. Leaning back casually, one hand holding a wine glass while the other gestured to a tablet screen brought up by his assistant, he spoke in a confident, leader-like tone.
"Let’s get straight to the point, Miss Aiza."
"Eastern Indorosia is a gold mine. Its seas are vast and mostly untapped. Recently, some major companies from Nipponia have started moving in—aggressively. We can’t let them take over our territory just like that. But the scale of their operation is massive. We need strong capital to fight back."
He then handed over the tablet with the proposal file already opened, showing blueprints of a massive tourism project. He continued explaining,
"We’re preparing a large-scale project in Lorari Beach. The core focus: futuristic water tourism and a world-class fishery center. It’s not just beaches and fish markets—this is an integrated development. An open-sea aquarium, conservation zones, a digital market—all in one ecosystem."
He looked at Aiza, shoulders lifted slightly in a casual manner.
"All we need is one thing: a partner who can support 70% of the total funding—roughly IDR 8.4 trillion, or around 518 million USD."
The Tamarvich family head, who had been listening quietly while enjoying his meal, slowly set down his spoon. His authority was effortless, yet unmistakable.
His voice was soft but sharp—like someone used to making crucial decisions without unnecessary words.
"We’re not just offering a project, Miss Aiza. We’re offering control."
"The Norvalien family already dominates the marine sector. We handle most of the property and logistics infrastructure in Eastern Indorosia. With your involvement, we wouldn’t just be developing a new zone. We’d be shaping the new face of Eastern Indorosia—both nationally and globally."
He glanced out the window toward the twinkling city lights.
"In five years, that region could become an international icon."
Aurielle raised an eyebrow.
A 70% ask? That’s bold. Do they think Miss Aiza is just a young girl easily swayed by flashy talk?
Miss Aiza’s male assistant looked like he was about to interject, but Aiza raised her hand slightly. A silent signal to remain quiet. The room fell still for a moment.
"And what do I get in return for giving you that much money?" Miss Aiza asked, voice flat.
Darius chuckled quietly.
Just as I thought. Genius, but still young. Went straight to profits, not structure or risk. Perfect...
"What you gain, Miss Aiza, is majority control over this tropical fishery region, along with major shares in the revitalization of Eastern Indorosia. As the primary investor covering more than 70% of the funding, you won’t just be a backer—you’ll shape the future of this entire region."
He’s better suited to politics than business, Aurielle thought, hearing Darius’s honeyed words.
"As part of the exclusive compensation," Darius went on, "several tropical islands will become legally yours—not just as assets to use, but as rightful property. These islands can be developed into private resorts, elite tourist zones, or even tropical luxury residences."
He paused, watching Aiza’s expression.
The girl remained silent. Her eyes calm, unreadable.
In Darius’s mind, he felt victorious.
She’s young. She doesn’t know how the adult world works yet. It’s all about dressing ambition in sparkle.
He pressed on, now with a slight smile,
"You’ll also become known as a global young icon—an international investor who transforms forgotten regions into world-class VVIP destinations. The media will call you a stylish, glamorous, powerful young woman—someone with a modern, elite brand image. Great for building your global popularity."
Bullshit, Al muttered internally as he nibbled on the dessert in front of him.
"Everything is set up so you won’t just gain business profits—but also status, image, and a whole new world—one that places you as the most influential young figure in this region and beyond."
Darius beamed after laying it all out. His face radiated satisfaction, like he had just won something big.
Aurielle was slightly surprised by all the sweet promises. She looked at Miss Aiza, curious how this supposed rival of hers would respond to such a pitch.
Miss Aiza simply smiled. A smile that Darius, Lefon, and even Aurielle mistook for satisfaction with the offer.
Lefon and Darius exchanged glances and grinned.
Gotcha, Darius thought.
I was expecting a high-level negotiation or something dramatic, but turns out you’re still young, Miss Aiza. Far too young to be my rival, Aurielle thought, a little disappointed.
Aurielle was about to speak, hoping to lend Miss Aiza a little help. But something stopped her—a chilling aura swept through the room, from nowhere in particular.
Miss Aiza was staring intently. She tapped her finger on the glass table in front of her. That simple motion was enough to silence the entire room.