Meanwhile, on a secluded island — twelve hours behind where the twins were currently located...
Atlas sat behind a desk, flipping through a stack of documents in his hand. Standing beside him was his assistant, Allen.
"What we also found is that the Young Family has close ties with the Lancasters of Novera," Allen reported, adjusting his glasses. "Rumor has it that the two families would become one through an engagement."
"And?"
"It just so happens the Lancasters reached out to the firm you set up in Novera for a partnership on their current project," Allen continued. "And the man leading the project is Derek Lancaster—the one engaged to the daughter of the Young Family."
Atlas paused, eyes settling on Derek Lancaster’s profile.
"I see," he said after a moment of cold silence. He raised his lashes toward Allen and handed back the background reports on everyone connected to the twins at the moment. "Approve their request for a meeting. Give them what they want."
Allen frowned. "Sir, are you sure? There are rumors about the Youngs and the Lancasters—"
"People are always nice to those they benefit from," Atlas said coldly, leaning back in his chair. His tone was as glacial as the northern winds, and every word struck harder than a blizzard. "Those two didn’t run from the Youngs, which means they liked it there. Might as well reward them—or give them ransom—before they ask for it."
Allen’s face soured. "I believe the Young Master and Young Miss weren’t kidnapped, sir. Even if they were, it is not something to worry about."
"Then call it a reward," Atlas replied flatly. "As long as they treat the twins well until I arrive, I won’t have a problem. Send them flowers too for their engagement."
Allen let out a shallow breath before nodding. "I’ll make the call."
With that, he left the home office, closing the door behind him. But instead of leaving right away, he paused and glanced back.
"The Young Family and the Lancasters are really lucky," he whispered. "I just hope they take care of the Young Master and Young Miss... until he makes them redo that petition."
After all, those twins were the lifeline of everything under their father’s name. As long as they were happy, Atlas would gladly reward those they liked. But those who dared to harm the twins—even slightly, intentionally—would bring forth a cold inferno no one could have imagined.
It had happened once. And everyone who remembered it learned a brutal truth:
It was better to cross Atlas himself... than to ever harm his children.
Even if those children could fend for themselves.
****
[Young Family Residence]
Since the crack of dawn, the residence had been in a frenzy. Every corner scrubbed until not a speck of dust remained, private chefs perfecting dishes they’d been rehearsing for months, and every detail of the décor elevated to grandiose perfection.
The Young Family had always been socially active, with ties to noble families even above their station. But the Lancasters belonged to a higher plane—the true peak of the upper echelon.
This engagement was the Youngs’ golden ticket. Once secured, their networks and business prospects would expand exponentially. No wonder everyone was so enthusiastic.
Amid the bustle, Mr. and Mrs. Young stood in the grand lobby, overseeing everything.
"There she is!" Jasmine clapped, prompting her husband Lawrence Young to look up toward the stairs.
A satisfied smile formed on his face as he saw their daughter descending, wearing a short white dress that emphasized her gentle charm. When Melissa finally stood before them, Lawrence nodded in approval.
"You look beautiful," he said, reaching out affectionately. "Heaven is truly on my side to give me a daughter like you."
After all, Melissa was the reason this day had come. The opportunity with the Lancasters felt endless. His other daughter—Lola—had been originally engaged to Derek Lancaster, but he’d never considered that a blessing.
Why? Because Lola was unruly. Disliked by many. Defiant. She wouldn’t bring stability. She never listened. If she married into the Lancaster family, Lawrence knew she’d cast them aside the moment she could.
But Melissa? Melissa was different.
"Look at all these flowers," Lawrence gestured toward the lavish arrangements. "They’re from everyone who heard about the engagement. All the people who wishes you and Derek a successful engagement."
Melissa’s smile brightened as she took in the sight.
"And yet you’re still the most beautiful one in the room," Jasmine added, making Melissa blush slightly.
"Mom..." she touched her nape shyly. "You’re making me feel embarrassed."
"Sir, the Lancaster Family has arrived."
The head maid’s announcement cut through the moment. The family of three exchanged satisfied glances.
"Let’s welcome our in-laws," Lawrence said, signaling the maid.
"Yes, sir," she replied, already turning to instruct the staff. The housekeepers quickly lined up by the door as the Youngs stepped out to greet their guests.
The Lancasters arrived in five sleek vehicles. As each door opened, prominent members of the Lancaster family stepped out. The sight elated the Youngs, proof of how important this engagement truly was.
Then Derek emerged in a navy-blue tuxedo, hair neatly combed. He stepped forward and opened a door, coming out of it was an elderly hand that reached out to take his arm.
Slowly, the Chairman of the Lancaster Family the one no one dared defy finally came to view.
Chairman Lancaster grunted, gripping his cane in one hand and Derek’s arm with the other. His back was hunched, and his scowl deepened the moment he laid eyes on the welcoming houseowners.
"Welcome to our humble abode, Chairman," Lawrence greeted, bowing slightly.
"Chairman, your travel here must be very tiring," Jasmine said warmly. "How about we go in?"
Derek, meanwhile, was staring at Melissa in awe. "Wow."
Melissa shyly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, glancing away. Her eyes then met the Chairman’s.
"Grandpa—"
"You and Derek aren’t even engaged yet," the Chairman cut her off gruffly. "It’s improper for a young lady to call strangers ’grandpa’ until she’s married into the family."
Melissa’s sweet smile froze.
He tapped his cane against Derek’s shin. "And you—what are you waiting for? Planning to let me stand here forever?"
"Of course not, Grandpa," Derek said awkwardly, flashing an apologetic smile toward Melissa.
"Haha! Let’s go in!" Lawrence laughed, pretending not to notice the tension. He gave Melissa a reassuring nod as they guided their guests inside.
"It’s alright," Jasmine whispered in her daughter’s ear. "This will all change soon."
Melissa pressed her lips into a thin line, concealing the bitterness swelling in her heart. She was getting engaged to Derek, and yet she wasn’t allowed to call him Grandpa?
But why had Lola been allowed to call him that so casually?
Tch. It’s fine. Once the engagement and wedding are done, everyone will forget about that Lola.
Melissa composed herself again and smiled, following the others into the house.
****
The dining room was set with elegance, flowers and fruits spaced in perfect symmetry among meticulously prepared dishes. At the head of the table sat the Chairman of the Lancaster Family.
To his right sat the Young Family. To his left were the Lancasters—there to witness what they hoped would soon be official.
"We prepared everything you might like," Jasmine said cheerfully, clasping her hands. "Shall we eat before—"
"No one is starting anything without her," the Chairman interrupted with a deep frown. "Where is Lola?"
Silence dropped like a curtain across the room. The Youngs stiffened while Melissa looked from her parents to Derek in alarm.
Derek clicked his tongue irritably before leaning forward, trying to mask his frustration with a smile. "Grandpa, how about—"
"You punk," the Chairman snapped. "You told me Lola would be here! Did you lie to me just because you thought I wouldn’t say no?"
He raised his cane threateningly, but before he could go on, a sweet voice echoed through the dining room.
"Grandpa, I’m here."
Everyone froze at the alluring sound before they turned toward the entrance. Their brows lifted in surprise while Derek’s breath hitched in his throat.
There, standing in the doorway, was the notorious first daughter of the Young Family.
Lola Young.