It was early morning at the "Heart of Sweets" shop. Though the doors were locked to customers, the air inside was tense with preparation. Levis stood before his small, dedicated team, holding a tablet with the immense catering specifications.
"Listen up, everyone," Levis instructed, his voice firm. "We mobilize tomorrow. This isn't a normal big event; this is the Stuar Family Royal Event. Sincerity, dedication, and discipline are essential. We need the highest standard of work." Aunt Nora, Stofia, you will manage, not cook. You both are managers. You will oversee everything. We are supervising over one hundred employees at that venue."
Stofia gasped. "One hundred extra workers? Will that many guests going attend?"
Nora shook her head patiently. "Stofia, it's not about the number of guests. It's about prestige and the Royal Family's legacy. They showcase their power through massive, elaborate food displays. This scale is normal for them."
"She's absolutely correct," Levis affirmed, moving to the next set of instructions.
Stofia, however, had lost patience. She walked straight to the TV cabinet and turned on a news channel.
"Stofia, turn that off!" Levis scolded, his focus broken. "Is the news truly more important than this planning?"
"Levis, look!" Stofia pointed excitedly at the screen. "There are so many reporters outside that Mafia Prince Robert's office!"
Levis and Nora looked toward the screen, which showed a sea of journalists surrounding the towering Stuar headquarters.
"It's expected," a strong voice said as the door opened. Bright Aro, sharp and imposing in his FBI suit, entered the shop. "The son of the Mafia King is about to take over the entire empire. This is huge news for both the country and the international media. They want every detail before the big event on Sunday."
"Bright, good morning! Have you had breakfast?" Nora offered quickly, trying to diffuse the imminent tension.
"It's fine, Aunt," Bright replied, his eyes never leaving Levis. He walked straight toward him. "So, how are the preparations for the big event?"
Levis saw the challenge in Bright's eyes. He picked up his tablet, defensive. "Are you really here to see the preparations, Bright? Just say it directly: You are here to confront me about doing this business." Levis turned and walked quickly into the small apartment kitchen.
"I am following you because I am worried!" Bright insisted, his voice hardening as he followed Levis into the confined space.
Levis slammed the tablet onto the counter. "I know! You are here to confront me! But I told you yesterday—I have decided. I must do this work. I will go there. Do not try to stop me again!"
Levis turned quickly, his emotions high, and his foot slid on a patch of moisture. He lost his balance, pitching backward toward the tiled floor.
Bright reacted with the speed of a trained officer. He moved instantly, catching Levis before he could fall, his arms locking securely around Levis's waist.
They were pressed against each other in the small kitchen, chests heaving, breathing rapidly from the shock and the sudden proximity. Bright gently lifted Levis and sat him on the kitchen shelf, ensuring he was safe. Bright's hands lingered possessively on Levis's body. Their faces were inches apart.
The air charged with suppressed desire. They were close enough for the kiss Bright had been craving. Levis instinctively closed his eyes, his breathing stuttering.
Then, the memory flashed in his mind, sharp and intrusive: The muscular warmth of Robert Stuar's chest, the fierce, rapid thump-thump of the Mafia Prince's heart beating against his palm. The alien feeling, the rush of power and danger, had imprinted on him.
Levis's eyes snapped open. He saw Bright leaning in, his gaze fixed on Levis's lips. Levis raised a hand, stopping Bright just before their mouths could meet.
Bright's eyes opened, full of hurt and confusion. He slowly removed his hands from Levis's waist. "Ah... sorry," Bright muttered, stepping back.
Levis quickly slid off the shelf, avoiding Bright's touch. "It's fine. It's okay. Bright, please, you need to go. You'll be late for duty, and I have too many things to finalize for the event."
Bright looked defeated. Without another word, he walked out of the kitchen.
"Bright, are you leaving already?" Nora called out from the shop.
Bright didn't answer. He got into his car, his thoughts consumed by internal conflict. Why do I keep doing this? I promised Levis I wouldn't touch him romantically until we're married. He gripped the steering wheel tight. I lose control whenever I get close to him. He drove toward his office, his worry growing into fierce determination.
Meanwhile, in front of the Stuar World Group headquarters, the media were a chaotic swarm. A luxury car pulled up, and Robert, Steven, and several bodyguards entered the building, ignoring the shouts and flashing cameras.
"Sir! Sir! Prince Robert! Over here for a minute!" Reporters begged for a statement.
Robert ignored the entire crowd and strode straight into the building.
"Prince, is this truly necessary?" Steven asked as they walked. "The event is in two days; you should be home resting."
Robert showed Steven his bandaged hand. "If I go to the mansion looking like this, my mother and father will ask too many questions. I'll stay here where they can't see the damage."
"Understood, Prince," Steven replied. "I'll call the doctor tomorrow morning to remove the bandages. You can go home after that."
"Did my mother call about me?" Robert asked, concerned about Nova's vigilance.
"Ah, Prince..." Steven fumbled, quickly changing the subject. "You have a personal meeting scheduled today with an international model."
"A model?" Robert asked, settling into his cabin. "What for? Don't the Stuar managers usually handle those meetings? Why do I need to see her personally?"
"Prince, she requested a personal meeting, claiming she was influential," Steven explained.
"I am not in the mood for anyone," Robert stated firmly. "And why was she given an appointment without my direct authorization?"
"Prince, she came through the family of Sienna, who has influence with your mother," Steven admitted.
Robert's eyes narrowed. "My mother...?"
Just as he was about to press the matter, the door opened. "Excuse me?" a woman's voice purred.
It was Lilly. She wore a figure-hugging, expensive dress that was clearly chosen to be provocative.
"Ah, please sit down, ma'am," Steven said politely, his eyes lingering on her figure.
"I need to speak with Prince Robert Stuar personally," Lilly insisted.
"Please continue," Robert said, dismissing Steven with a nod.
Steven stepped out of the cabin, closing the door.
"Ah, I'm Lilly, Prince. I'm here for you, darling," Lilly said flirtatiously.
Robert ignored her, sitting elegantly and aloofly in his seat. Lilly walked straight up to his desk. She reached up and deliberately opened the top of her dress, exposing herself.
"Oh, you're here because of that," Robert said, his tone utterly dismissive. "I'm not interested. You look desperate. Get out."
As Lilly made a move to touch him, Robert quickly opened his desk drawer, pulled out his handgun, and placed it deliberately on the table.
Lilly froze instantly, covering her dress. She backed toward the door. As she reached it, she opened her bag, pulled out a small knife, and used it to rip a large, obvious tear in the front of her gown. She checked the damage and smiled grimly.
"Did you think I was stupid, darling?" Robert asked, watching her calmly. "There are eight CC cameras recording everything in this cabin."
Lilly merely laughed, messing up her hair and smearing her makeup to create the illusion of a struggle. "Did you think I came here unprepared? I already know, Prince. Every camera is already off."
"Help! Help me, please! Prince Robert, don't hurt me! Help!" Lilly screamed, holding her torn dress, and flung the door open.
The outer office staff and officers froze in shock. Steven immediately rushed back inside. "Prince! What is this?!"
Robert stayed seated, watching Lilly's performance, a chilling, contemptuous smile on his face.
Lilly ran out of the cabin, through the office, and burst out of the building's main doors, straight into the waiting media frenzy. "Oh, help! Someone, please help!"
Reporters swarmed her, their cameras flashing wildly. "What happened, ma'am? Aren't you the international model?"
"Please, help me!" Lilly cried, facing the cameras with practiced hysteria. "Prince Robert Stuar tried to sexually harass me!"
The media erupted into chaos. This international scandal was designed to destroy Robert's claim to the throne before the Sunday event.
As the media shouted questions and cameras flashed around the "distressed" model, a powerful luxury car pulled up. Nova Stuar, the Queen, stepped out, radiating palpable fury.
She strode through the dense crowd, her focus solely on Lilly. Nova stopped directly in front of the screaming model.
In a swift, brutal motion, Nova raised her hand and delivered a massive, resounding slap to Lilly's face. The force of the strike sent the model sprawling onto the pavement in front of the entire international press corps.
The media went instantly silent, stunned by the Queen's public violence.
"How dare you, you lying bi**h, come here and talk about my son?!" Nova's voice cracked like a whip.