"Kael Renforth must die?"
It wasn't hard to guess who was behind this. Who else but the Malavant Marquisate?
"Enough!"
The matriarch's sharp voice cut through the tension.
"I decided Lyria should marry into the Silvervein family!"
Her words struck Lyria like a blow, leaving her heart cold and heavy.
"There's no better choice right now. The Denvair family can't afford any more instability!"
Lyria's expression was a mixture of resignation and helplessness.
Seeing her like this, Kael Renforth felt a pang of guilt. Lyria's father had sacrificed himself to save Kael's life, entrusting him with the care of Lyria and her sister in his final moments.
Kael turned to her suddenly.
"Lyria, how much would it take to save the company?"
Caught off guard, Lyria glanced at the financial report in her hands.
"At least 30 million," she replied softly.
Kael nodded without hesitation.
"Fine. I'll handle it."
The room fell silent.
Then, laughter erupted.
"Handle it? Is he serious?" Eldrin Denvair scoffed. "Thirty million! Has he even seen that much money in his life?"
Another family member snorted. "Since joining the Denvair household, he's done nothing but live off us. Without Alaric's charity, he'd still be begging on the streets!"
Eldrin smirked, his disdain evident.
"Kael Renforth, you're absolutely ridiculous. After five years away, the only thing you've mastered is empty boasting! Be realistic—leaving Lyria would do more good than chasing fantasies!"
At that moment, a commotion broke out in the company lobby.
Through the noise, a thunderous voice roared:
"I need to see Mr. Renforth!"
The voice carried so clearly that it reached Lyria's office.
The matriarch stiffened, her expression paling. That voice—it sounded familiar. A few seconds of recollection sent a shiver down her spine.
It was Devil Deven, the Malavant Marquisate's top enforcer!
Her fragile nerves were already stretched thin. "Help me outside," she stammered. "I need to see what's happening..."
In the lobby, employees scattered, recognizing the towering figure pushing through the crowd.
"It's Devil Deven!" someone whispered in terror.
"Why is he here? Is this the end of the Denvair family?"
The onlookers muttered nervously as they stepped back.
Eldrin's face turned ashen. Sweat beaded on his forehead as his knees buckled.
"Kael Renforth!" he shouted accusingly. "You must have escaped from them, didn't you? Now Deven's here to take you back!"
The matriarch felt her heart sink further.
But before she could respond, something unprecedented happened.
Deven stormed into the room, his massive presence filling the space. His intimidating demeanor changed in an instant the moment he saw Kael Renforth.
"Master!" Deven bellowed, his voice reverberating with respect.
Kael's face darkened as he glanced at his watch.
"You're one minute late."
Deven dropped his gaze, his posture shrinking as he bowed deeply.
"My deepest apologies, Master. It won't happen again."
"See that it doesn't."
The room was frozen in stunned silence.
The matriarch blinked, her mind struggling to comprehend the scene.
Eldrin's mouth hung open, words failing him.
Deven straightened and handed over a sleek black card with a reverent nod.
"I've delivered it, Master. Three billion as you requested."
With that, he turned and left.
Kael casually handed the card to Lyria.
"Here. Use this to stabilize the company."
Lyria stared at the card in disbelief.
"Three billion?!" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Everyone else was equally flabbergasted.
Eldrin's voice cracked as he finally spoke.
"What... what's going on? Did you sell yourself to the Malavant Marquisate? Is that why you're still alive?!"
Kael chuckled faintly, shaking his head.
Lyria's mind raced, struggling to connect the dots. If Kael had truly submitted to the Malavant Marquisate, then why would they let him walk free, let alone deliver a fortune?
Kael noticed her hesitation. His voice softened.
"You still don't trust me? Take it. I'll explain everything later."
After a long pause, Lyria reluctantly handed the card to the company's financial officer.
"Let's hope you're not lying to me," she said, her tone firm.
As the officer left, the tension in the room grew palpable.
No one dared to believe that Kael could produce three billion.
"Ha! What a joke!" Eldrin sneered, trying to mask his unease. "Blowing smoke again, Kael? Let's see how this fantasy of yours plays out."