A legacy stolen, a betrayal hidden in the shadows, and a vengeance that refuses to die.
When his father is murdered, he loses everything his family, his empire, his name. Framed as a killer, he vanishes into the underworld, his heart burning for rev...
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Chapter 13
"Diamond Sparkles"
•°. *࿐
They arrived at the private estate as the last light of day slipped into darkness, giving way to an enchanting glow cast by rows of lanterns and candles lining the garden path.
Alara's gaze took in the elegance around her, every detail immaculate, almost too perfect.
As they approached, a grand table set for two was waiting beneath a canopy of twinkling fairy lights.
The quiet sounds of a nearby fountain and faint music drifting from hidden speakers added to the sense of isolation as if the world beyond had disappeared.
Raiden guided her to the table, pulling out her chair with a charming, practiced smile.
"Nothing less than this would do, for a woman like you," he said, meeting her gaze with a glint that hinted at a mix of desire and calculation.
She smirked faintly, a brow raised. "You certainly know how to make an impression," she remarked, settling into her seat. "Are all of your first dates this... grand?"
Raiden laughed, pouring them both a glass of wine, his eyes never leaving her. "Not all, Alara. But then, not every woman is as intriguing as you."
She sipped her wine, watching him over the rim of her glass, and gave a polite smile in return.
They moved through small talk, veering between lighthearted comments on the food, brief mentions of her family, and his ambitious plans for the future.
Yet each answer from him felt rehearsed, every smile a bit too practiced, like he was in the presence of something to acquire, not someone to know.
As they neared the main course, Raiden leaned closer across the table, his hand reaching to graze hers.
"You must know that I see more than just beauty," he murmured, eyes darkening as he held her gaze.
"You're a vision, Alara, and I know with you by my side, we could become... unstoppable."
Alara tilted her head, slipping her hand out from beneath his, masking her discomfort with a coy smile.
"So, what do you want, Raiden? Fame, fortune, or something... deeper?"
His mouth curved in a slow smile as he watched her, his eyes betraying a glint of something colder.
"Maybe all three," he said softly, voice rich with suggestion. "With you, I wouldn't have to choose."
"Is that right?" she replied, voice light yet layered with subtle resistance.
Her fingers traced the stem of her glass, her mind flickering back to the unknown call, a thrill sparking through her thoughts.
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