_The Top Floor Office._
Alastor stood by the giant window, watching Eclipse from afar. She was calmly rejecting Robert, and Alastor's lips curled into a smirk. He pulled out his phone and made a quick call.
"President Alastor!" A voice answered on the other end, cold and professional.
Alastor's tone was playful but icy. "Make sure you remember Robert Jade's face. He's not allowed in the Empire Group anymore. Got that?"
"Yes, sir!"
Alastor hung up just as there was a knock at his door.
"Come in," he said, his voice calm.
The door opened and Eclipse walked in, looking like she didn't have a care in the world. "Good morning, President Alastor."
Alastor stared at her. It was really strange. Everyone in Star City knew how much Eclipse had liked Robert.
She had done all kinds of things to try and make him notice her, but now, when Robert tried to make things right, she didn't care at all.
No sadness, no anger, nothing.
That was... odd.
But honestly, Alastor found it amusing. The less Eclipse cared about Robert, the better it was for him.
He couldn't help but think, _It's good she's mine now._
He smiled and handed her a folder. "Here, take a look. These are the top actresses in the industry right now. Choose the ones that impress you."
Eclipse took the folder and sat down on the couch, flipping through the pages. Sunlight from the big window cast a soft glow on her face.
Alastor stirred his coffee, watching her closely. She was beautiful, and he couldn't deny it.
After studying the profiles, Eclipse circled a few names and handed them back. "I'd like these to come in for interviews the day after tomorrow."
Alastor glanced at the names and nodded. "Why not tomorrow?" he asked, his voice curious.
"I've got plans tomorrow," she said, her eyes twinkling. "But thank you for handling this."
Even though Eclipse wasn't a professional in the entertainment world, she didn't doubt herself.
She spent the rest of the afternoon talking to experts at the Empire Group, learning about filming and what makes a good actress.
It wasn't until evening that Eclipse returned to the mansion, feeling tired.
Alastor had already come home, but when he didn't see her, he was about to go looking. Just then, she walked in, her face showing how worn out she felt.
Without a word, Alastor crossed the room and pulled her into his arms, sitting her down on his lap.
His tone was cold, but there was a hint of something else in it. "You can't come home so late anymore."
Eclipse blinked in surprise. He was worried about her? She smiled softly. "I lost track of time. I'll make sure to come home earlier next time."
Alastor didn't let her go, instead holding her tighter. His fingers gently brushed her neck, and his touch was warm and soft.
Eclipse felt herself tense up. They were sitting too close, but before she could move, his hands started massaging her neck, and it felt... nice.
"Does it hurt here?" His voice was soft, almost teasing.
Eclipse stopped moving, her hand resting on his chest. His touch was gentle, but she couldn't help but feel a little nervous.
She remembered how tired she'd been all afternoon, but she didn't think anyone would notice, especially not Alastor.
Alastor leaned in closer, his lips brushing her hair as he continued massaging her neck. Eclipse's cheeks turned pink.
She had never been this close to a man before, and the way he was holding her made her feel confused.
She was shy, and maybe a little scared too, but she didn't want to pull away.
"I'm fine," she whispered, "just hungry."
Alastor pulled back slightly, smiling as if he hadn't just made her heart race.
He stood up, helping her off his lap, and led her over to the dining table. His movements were gentle, almost as if nothing had happened.
Eclipse sat down, feeling her heartbeat calm as she watched him.
Alastor was dressed in black, looking powerful and noble, like some kind of king.
Even though his face was serious, he had an air about him that was almost... enchanting.
_Why would a man like him even bother with someone like me?_ Eclipse thought, shaking her head. She pushed her thoughts aside and focused on eating.
After dinner, Eclipse smiled at Alastor. "Goodnight," she said, heading upstairs to her room.
Alastor watched her go, his eyes narrowed. A small, cold smile crept onto his face. "Tell them the operation tomorrow is canceled. No one is to come."
_The Next Day – Emperor Club._
The Jade family was one of the richest and most important families in Star City, and Mr. Jade's 80th birthday was a huge event.
The place was packed with celebrities, and everything around screamed luxury.
Robert stood on the second-floor balcony, wearing a fancy custom suit.
He looked as handsome as ever, but there was a frown on his face, which made him look a little less charming.
Mrs. Jade stepped out and saw her son's expression. "Has Eclipse arrived yet?" she asked, her voice cold.
Robert glanced down at the guests below and shook his head. "Not yet."
Mrs. Jade wasn't happy. "Robert, after what you did by calling off the engagement, you've embarrassed the Jade family enough. If something goes wrong today, it's only going to get worse."