Recap of the Previous Chapter
Victor's suspicion grew after catching Elena and Max on the terrace. But Max twisted the knife deeper, seducing Elena again in secret, drawing moans that shattered her loyalty to Victor. The System rewarded Max with Seduction and Revenge Points, and unlocked a new mission: Claim Victor's Throne in the Family Council within 7 days. Now, Max must outshine his rival in front of the Stern Elders, while privately tightening his hold on Elena.
The Stern Family Council
The Stern estate's council chamber was carved from polished marble, its round table lined with high-backed leather chairs. Portraits of ancestors loomed from the walls, silent judges of the living.
The Elders of the Stern Family gathered—powerful men and women, each controlling vast businesses, industries, and banks. Their voices carried the weight of billions.
Victor entered first, dressed impeccably, jaw tight. He forced a confident smile. Elena walked behind him, eyes carefully avoiding Max.
And then Max entered. His stride was slow, deliberate, commanding. His black suit gleamed under the chandeliers, and every elder's eye followed him. He radiated not money—but dominance.
Grandfather Stern, the patriarch, rapped his cane on the floor. "Council begins. Today we discuss the expansion into Stern City's underground markets. Whoever can propose the best strategy will earn my favor."
Victor's lips curved. "I've prepared extensively, grandfather. You'll see I am the rightful successor."
Max smiled faintly, leaning back. This is where I bury him.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Mission: Claim Victor's Throne (Stage 1 – Outshine at Council)
Objective: Humiliate Victor with superior plan and charisma.
Reward: +500 RP, +300 SP
Failure: -500 RP, temporary Skill Lock.
Victor's Proposal
Victor stood, unfolding documents. He spoke of safe investments, cautious negotiations with local gangs, partnerships with politicians. His tone was polished, practiced, and utterly hollow.
When he finished, polite applause followed. But the elders' eyes were dull.
Grandfather Stern frowned slightly. "Safe. Predictable. Perhaps too predictable."
Victor's smile faltered.
Max's Turn
Max rose slowly, sliding his hands into his pockets. His eyes swept the table like a predator sizing prey.
"Gentlemen, ladies," he began, voice deep, steady. "Victor's plan is elegant. But it is the plan of someone who has never bled for power. The underground doesn't respect safe deals. It respects strength."
Whispers rippled across the room.
Max pressed on. "I propose seizing control of the Three Dragon Syndicate's territory in Stern City. They control drugs, extortion, and smuggling. Crush them, and we take it all. The Stern family doesn't ask permission. We take."
Gasps erupted. Several elders leaned forward, intrigued.
Grandfather Stern's eyes gleamed with something dangerous. "And how would you accomplish this?"
Max's smirk was razor-sharp. "I already have contacts in the syndicate. I can turn their lieutenants against them within weeks. The streets will belong to us."
Victor jumped up, face red. "Grandfather, this is madness! You can't seriously—"
"Silence," Grandfather barked. His gaze remained locked on Max. "Interesting. Very interesting."
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
Mission Progress: Outshine Victor – Complete+500 RP+300 SPSystem Bonus: Unlock Skill Intimidation Aura Lv.1 – Enemies in close proximity feel suppressed and weaker.
Victor sat down hard, humiliated, rage simmering in his eyes.
Elena's Gaze
Throughout the council, Elena's gaze kept flickering toward Max. Her mind replayed the night before, the way his lips had claimed hers, the moans she couldn't hold back. Sitting beside Victor now felt like punishment.
Max caught her eyes once and smirked. Her cheeks burned as a tremor shot through her.
After the Council
As the elders dispersed, Victor stormed ahead, fists clenched. Elena lingered, glancing back once—then twice—before slipping down a quieter hallway.
Max followed.
She waited for him near a deserted study, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths.
"Max… what you did in there… the way you humiliated Victor… it thrilled me," she whispered.
Max chuckled, pushing her against the bookshelf. "Did it now?"
Her lips trembled. "Yes… and I can't stop thinking about last night. I… I need it again."
The Shameless Encounter
Max pressed against her, his hands sliding along her sides. Her gown rustled as his mouth found her neck. She moaned instantly, raw and desperate.
"Ahh… Max…!"
The sound echoed in the quiet study. She bit her lip but failed to muffle another shameless cry.
"Shhh," Max whispered against her ear, smirking. "Someone might hear. Do you care?"
Her eyes glazed, her body trembling. "N-no… I don't care. I just need you."
Her moans grew louder as his dominance enveloped her, each sound shameless, erotic, forbidden. The study filled with the music of her surrender.
"Mmm—ahh—yes, Max!"
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
Moans Detected (Chain Bonus: x4)+200 SP+150 RPSystem Bonus: Elena's Loyalty has shifted to "Obsession."
Objective Progress: Break the Fiancée's Loyalty (Stage 2 Complete)+350 SP+300 RP
She clung to him breathlessly, tears of desire brimming in her eyes. "I belong to you now… not Victor. Only you, Max."
Max smirked, brushing his thumb over her lips. "Good. Say it louder next time. Let him hear it."
Cliffhanger
The study door creaked.
"Max?"
It wasn't Victor.
It was Grandfather Stern.
His sharp eyes scanned the flushed Elena, her swollen lips, her trembling body pressed against Max.
A chilling silence filled the air.
End of Chapter 4