The luxurious clubhouse lounge was bathed in warm, ambient lighting. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting soft glows over plush leather armchairs and polished mahogany tables.

The scent of aged whiskey and aged wine filled the air in the clubhouse. Silas sat in a corner booth with his usual group of friends — Rowan, Nicholas, Marcus, Julian, and Elias all relaxed after a long day in their various work place.

Dr. Elias still reeks of anesthesia, his huge eyeglasses hung on his face.

The conversation had started innocently enough, but as always, it quickly turned toward the one topic Silas refused to entertain.

Rowan leaned back in his chair, swirling his drink with a mischievous grin. "Come on, Silas. You’ve been dodging this question for weeks now. What’s this mysterious ’product’ you’ve been keeping under wraps? We all know you don’t hide things unless they’re worth hiding. Share with the class."

Nicholas chuckled, raising his glass. "Yeah, man. We’re your friends. Let us enjoy the view too. You’ve been way too secretive lately. Is it a new yacht? A private island? Or something... more personal? We deserve details."

Marcus raised an eyebrow while sipping his scotch. "Knowing Silas, it’s probably something expensive and exclusive. But the way you’re guarding it makes me think it’s not just a thing. Is it a person? Finally caught someone’s eye?"

Julian laughed. "If it’s a woman, we need to meet her. You can’t keep the good stuff to yourself forever. Fair is fair — we’ve all shown you our latest conquests."

Elias crossed his arms. "Exactly. You can’t hoard the good stuff. We’re dying to know what’s got you so distracted lately. You’ve been smiling less than usual — which for you is saying something. Spill it, Silas."

Rowan leaned forward with a knowing smile. "He’s not going to say anything. That’s his style. But we all know it’s something big. Come on, man. Just a hint. We want to enjoy the view you’re enjoying."

Silas ignored them completely. He stirred his drink slowly with a small silver spoon, the ice clinking softly against the crystal glass. His expression remained impassive, as if the conversation had nothing to do with him. He took a measured sip and continued staring at the amber liquid.

The group exchanged amused glances.

Rowan wouldn’t let it go. "Look at him. Silent treatment again. That’s his favorite move when we get too close to finding ou. But seriously, Silas — share the wealth. Is it a new model? A celebrity? Or did you finally buy that private club in the hills everyone’s been talking about? We want in on the fun."

Nicholas shook his head. "He’s impossible. One day we’ll find out what this secret product is, and it’ll probably be worth millions. Or maybe it’s a person after all. Silas doesn’t hide ordinary things."

Marcus clapped Silas on the shoulder. "At least give us something. We’re dying here. Is it a woman? Finally? Or a man? We won’t judge."

Julian grinned. "Yeah, just a name. Or a description. Tall? Short? Blonde? Brunette? We need visuals, man."

Elias laughed. "He’s enjoying this. Look at him stirring that drink like we’re not even here. Classic Silas."

Rowan suddenly grinned wider, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Speaking of secrets... I heard something interesting from my mother yesterday."

The others turned to him curiously. Even Silas paused slightly in stirring his drink, though his expression stayed neutral.

Rowan leaned forward again. "Silas is about to get married."

The group erupted in shock.

"What?!" Nicholas nearly dropped his glass.

"You’re joking," Marcus said, eyes wide.

Julian laughed in disbelief. "Silas? Married? The man who barely tolerates small talk is getting tied down?"

Elias looked genuinely surprised. "Who? When? Your mother must be pulling your leg."

Silas, however, remained completely calm. He simply continued stirring his drink slowly, the ice clinking softly, his face showing no reaction at all.

Rowan continued, clearly enjoying the chaos he’d caused. "I’m serious. My mother and Mrs. Vane had lunch together. She said Diane is back in the country. The beautiful, successful actress? Mrs. Vane is very determined this time, I also heard she gave Silas an ultimatum — bring someone suitable or she’ll arrange it herself. And she has chosen Diane."

The group exploded again.

"No way," Nicholas said, grinning. "The ice king is finally thawing? Diane? She’s stunning. You’d be lucky, Silas."

Rowan whistled. "Mrs. Vane doesn’t play around. If she’s set her mind on Diane, you might actually have to go through with it. That woman gets what she wants."

Marcus clapped Silas on the shoulder again. "Congrats, man. Or should I say condolences? Marriage is a trap, but at least she’s beautiful and accomplished."

Julian laughed. "I can already see the headlines. ’Billionaire Bachelor Finally Off the Market.’ Your mother must be thrilled."

Elias shook his head in amusement. "And here we thought you’d die single. Diane’s a good choice. She’s smart, ambitious, and won’t take your shit. Perfect match for you."

Rowan nodded. "Mrs. Vane is already planning the dinner party. She wants it to look natural, but we all know it’s a setup. Diane’s been interested in you for years, Silas. This might actually happen whether you like it or not."

Nicholas nudged him. "Say something, man. Are you really going through with it? Or are you going to fight your mother on this one? You can’t stay silent forever."

Rowan grinned. "Knowing Silas, he’ll probably ignore the whole thing until the wedding day. But seriously — Diane? That’s a solid match. She could handle your lifestyle and your mood swings."

Silas continued stirring his drink without a word, his face a mask of indifference. The ice clinked softly as he took another slow sip, completely unfazed by the barrage of teasing and questions.

The friends kept going, laughing and speculating, but Silas’s mind was elsewhere — on a certain young man waiting back at the penthouse, on the contract that bound him, and on the growing complications involving Santiago and Leon.

Marriage?

The thought was almost laughable.

He had no intention of marrying anyone. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Not when he already owned exactly what he wanted.

Suddenly, his phone rang, cutting through the laughter. Silas glanced at the screen, his eyes narrowing slightly before he answered.

"Yes?"

Diane’s voice came through, soft and shy, like a schoolgirl speaking to her first crush. "Silas... hi. It’s Diane. I hope I’m not disturbing you. I’ve been thinking about you since our last conversation. You sounded so busy, but... I was wondering if we could have dinner together sometime? Just the two of us. I’d really like to get to know you better."

Silas’s voice was cold and flat. "What do you want, Diane?"

There was a brief, nervous pause on her end. "I... I just thought dinner would be nice. Your mother mentioned it, and I agree with her. We could talk, get to know each other properly. Please, Silas? Just one dinner?"

Silas didn’t even hesitate. "No."

He ended the call immediately, cutting her off before she could say another word. He placed the phone face down on the table without any change in his expression.

Rowan, ever the busybody, couldn’t resist. "Who was that? Sounded like a woman. Finally getting some action, Silas?"

"None of your business, big mouthed Rowan." Silas ignored him completely, picking up his glass again and taking a slow sip.

The group exchanged amused looks, but before they could press further, the phone rang again. This time, the screen showed ’Mother.’

Silas answered, his tone still cold. "Yes?"

Amelia’s voice was strict and unyielding. "Silas Vane, you will listen to me carefully. Diane just called me in tears. She said you hung up on her. I raised you better than this. You will go out with her. You will have dinner with her. You will give her a proper chance. Do you understand me?"

Silas stirred his drink slowly. "Mother—"

"Don’t ’Mother’ me," Amelia snapped. "I have been patient long enough. You are twenty-eight years old. You need a wife. You need an heir. If you refuse to choose someone yourself, I will choose for you. And I choose Diane. She is perfect for you and she is what I desire. If you don’t take her to dinner, I will disown you. Do not test me, Silas. I mean every word."

Silas was quiet for a few seconds. Then, with a heavy sigh, he finally spoke. "Fine. I’ll go."

Amelia’s voice softened slightly. "Good boy. Call her back right now. And be nice, Silas. She deserves respect."

Silas ended the call without another word. He stared at the phone for a moment, then dialed Diane’s number.

Diane answered almost immediately, her voice thick with tears and sniffling. "Silas...?"

"Pick a place," Silas said coldly. "I’m on my way."

There was a moment of stunned silence, then pure joy in her voice. "Really? Oh, Silas... thank you. How about The Orchid at 8 PM? It’s a beautiful place and private too. I... I’m really happy you agreed."

Silas didn’t respond to her excitement. "I’ll be there."

He cut the call off abruptly.

Rowan raised an eyebrow. "Was that Diane? Your mother really has you on a leash, huh?"

Silas ignored him again. He finished his drink, set the glass down, and stood up.

"I’m leaving," he said flatly to the group. "Enjoy the rest of your evening."

The friends called after him with more teasing remarks, but Silas walked out of the clubhouse without looking back.

As he slid into the back of his waiting car, his mind was already elsewhere. He is yet to find out who Santiago is, like a veil seems to cover his face. And the ever growing mysterious complication surrounding Sylvain.

Diane was just another distraction but for now, he would play along for his mother’s sake.