As Robert walked into his towering office building, the entire floor hummed with whispers.
"Ah, Steven, is this... a bit much?" Robert asked, gesturing to his unbuttoned silk shirt and impeccable styling.
"In my opinion, Prince, for a business deal, yes. But Levis only agreed because of his mother. He wouldn't care if you wore a sack," Steven remarked bluntly. "However, for you, you always look perfect."
"You're right," Robert sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I overdid it. But if I try to change now, Mother will kill me."
Meanwhile, Levis was approaching the headquarters in a taxi. His phone rang. It was Nora.
"Aunt, what is it? Calm down," Levis said, sensing her panic.
"Oh, dear, it's all our fault," Nora rushed out. "Stofia accidentally told Bright that you were taking a business deal from the Stuar Group. He's worried. He's already there to stop you! I'm calling because I'm terrified something will happen between you two!"
"Aunt, I'll handle the situation. Don't worry," Levis reassured her.
"I know, but Bright is hurt that you kept the financial crisis a secret. That's why he's angry," Nora explained.
"It's fine. I will manage him. This isn't your fault, and we couldn't keep a secret about the business deal forever," Levis insisted. "I have to go, I'm already late."
Levis paid the taxi and stepped out onto the sidewalk, facing the imposing glass tower. Before he could take a single step toward the entrance, a strong hand grabbed his arm and yanked him backward.
It was Bright.
"Get in the car!" Bright ordered, dragging Levis toward his sedan.
"No," Levis stated firmly, pulling his arm free.
"Can't you understand my feelings?" Bright pleaded, his face etched with worry. "This is the Stuar World Group, not some simple corporation! This is a massive Mafia family! They handle their business with guns! What if they hurt you?"
"Yes, I know that," Levis said, standing his ground.
"Yet you chose this?" Bright's voice cracked with betrayal.
"What was I supposed to do, Bright? You know my mother is in the critical care unit! I need money now. This is just a business contract for me. I don't care if they are Mafia or priests. I need to save my mother!" Levis's voice was strained.
"You need money? Why didn't you just ask me?" Bright's eyes filled with tears. "My money is your money! I've been saving everything for our future! Did you forget your mother is going to be my mother-in-law? Am I such an outsider?"
"I know you are my fiancé, but I cannot accept money from you, Bright," Levis confessed, tears finally stinging his eyes. "It feels like a business transaction, not family."
"Oh, don't cry," Bright melted instantly, reaching out to wipe Levis's cheek. "I won't hurt you. I'm sorry. If you need to do this work, you can do it. Just please don't cry."
"Bright," Levis said, meeting his eyes. "I know I promised my mother I would marry you. I will keep that promise. But please, don't interfere in my business. I feel uncomfortable whenever you bring up money."
Bright hugged Levis tightly. "I'm sorry, Heart. Okay. I have to go now. Take care, and if anything happens, call me." Bright watched Levis enter the building, then drove off, his mind reeling. He said he would marry me because of his mother's promise. Does he not love me at all?
Robert was pacing nervously in his luxurious, minimalist office. A knock came at the door. He instantly opened it, expecting Levis.
"Oh, I thought Levis was here," Robert said, disappointed to see Steven.
"Prince, he was just outside, but Deputy Director Aro dragged him away somewhere," Steven reported, his tone suspicious.
"What? What was he doing here?" Robert demanded.
"I don't know, Sir, but they looked very close," Steven emphasized.
Suddenly, a soft voice interrupted them. "Excuse me?"
Robert and Steven turned simultaneously. Levis Heart stood in the doorway.
"Ah, Mr. Levis Heart, please come in," Steven said smoothly.
Robert dismissed Steven with a powerful stare, his focus entirely on Levis. "Ah, ah, My Heart!" Robert stammered, his usual composure shattered.
Levis stood stiffly. Robert rushed forward and pulled a chair directly beside his own desk chair. "Come, please sit down."
Levis sat, rigid and professional.
"What can I get you?" Robert asked, his voice unexpectedly gentle. "I know your favorites: chocolate, hot cocoa, strawberry juice, mango ice cream. Everything is already here. Just tell me if you need anything else."
"Sir Robert," Levis began, head bowed, refusing to meet Robert's gaze. "I need detailed information. What kind of foods and beverages are required? Is the event very large? What are the essential parameters I need to know?"
Robert smiled, pleased by Levis's immediate professionalism. He picked up his electronic tablet and gave another to Levis. "The event is not small. It's international. The media will be here, and the King and Queen will be in attendance. It is a royal family event."
"You will need over one hundred employees just to ensure the food is prepared perfectly," Robert informed him.
Levis looked up in shock at the scale of the operation. His gaze landed on Robert's face, but quickly snapped downward, caught by something else. He immediately lowered his head, his heartbeat skipping.
"You must prepare multiple menus: pre-event, during the event, and post-event," Robert continued, detailing the royal requirements.
Levis's attention was completely divided. He slowly lifted his gaze again, unable to resist. His eyes locked onto the dark, intricate tiger tattoo visible on Robert's bare chest through the open buttons of his shirt.
Robert, noticing Levis's strange behavior, realized where the baker's eyes were fixed. A predatory smile spread across his face.
He stood up, snatched the tablet from Levis's hand, and leaned in close. "Why didn't you ask me sooner?"
Before Levis could react, Robert unbuttoned his shirt fully. He took Levis's hand and pressed his palm directly against the bare, warm skin of his chest, right over the Tiger Mark.