Inside the luxurious living room of Ares’ mansion, the atmosphere was warm on the surface yet quietly suffocating underneath.

Early afternoon sunlight streamed through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the elegant black-and-gold interior. Expensive chandeliers glimmered overhead while the scent of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air.

Seated elegantly on one of the black leather couches, Gary Vice crossed his legs neatly while holding his coffee cup with effortless flair. His movements were animated, expressive, and impossible to ignore as he chatted enthusiastically with Scarlet.

Across from him, Scarlet laughed softly, clearly enjoying the nostalgia.

The two of them were deeply immersed in memories from their college days, laughing over stories that sounded harmless to them—but to others in the room, every word felt like another needle pressing into old wounds.

Especially for Layla.

Gary lightly tapped Scarlet’s arm with the back of his fingers before dramatically placing a hand over his chest.

"Oh my God, Scarlet, do you remember your birthday back then?" he said, eyes widening theatrically. "When Ares suddenly decided he wanted to learn baking just for you?"

Scarlet immediately burst into laughter.

"How could I forget?"

Gary let out an exaggerated gasp, nearly spilling his coffee as he laughed.

"That cake was a complete disaster," he said while flicking his wrist dismissively. "I swear, babe, it looked like it survived a natural calamity. The frosting was melting, the layers were crooked, and the kitchen looked like a crime scene afterward."

Even Summer glanced over after hearing that.

"But Ares was clever," Gary continued, leaning forward conspiratorially. "That man secretly bought a proper cake from a bakery before meeting you. Otherwise, we would’ve been attending your funeral instead of your birthday party."

Scarlet covered her mouth while laughing.

"Still... I accepted the ugly cake first," she admitted softly. "He looked so nervous while giving it to me."

Gary immediately clutched his chest dramatically.

"See? That’s exactly why he was obsessed with you," he said, pointing at her with perfectly manicured fingers. "You fed that poor man emotional validation."

Scarlet shook her head helplessly, smiling at the memory.

"And there’s another one," Gary added excitedly, snapping his fingers as though struck by inspiration.

Summer instinctively looked toward Layla.

Bad move.

Layla’s expression had already darkened considerably, though she remained completely silent.

Which honestly looked far more terrifying.

"You remember that biking accident?" Gary asked while leaning comfortably against the couch. "The one near the university hill?"

Scarlet nodded slowly.

"You fell so hard your forehead hit a rock," Gary continued, grimacing dramatically. "There was blood everywhere. Honestly, I almost fainted myself."

He pressed a hand to his forehead as though reliving the trauma.

"But Ares?" Gary lifted a finger dramatically. "That man looked absolutely ghost-pale. Like his soul left his body for a second."

Gary’s voice softened with amusement.

"He picked you up and ran all the way to the university gate like you weighed nothing. I swear people thought someone was dying."

Scarlet’s smile slowly turned gentler.

"I remember," she murmured quietly. "He stayed in the hospital with me for two nights. He didn’t sleep at all."

For a brief moment, silence settled across the room.

Scarlet lowered her gaze slightly, clearly lost in memories of a younger Ares—a man who once loved her so intensely that it bordered on devotion.

And perhaps that was exactly why she still found it difficult to believe he no longer loved her now.

"And let me tell you about the time he nearly fought—"

"Enough."

Layla’s icy voice cut sharply through the room.

The atmosphere instantly froze.

Gary blinked, slowly lowering the hand he had been waving dramatically in the air.

Everyone turned toward Layla.

She finally lifted her gaze, her expression calm but visibly strained beneath the surface.

"If the two of you want to relive your romantic history," she said coldly, "then go outside. There’s a gazebo in the garden."

Her eyes landed briefly on Gary before shifting to Scarlet.

"But don’t sit here acting like everyone else should enjoy listening to stories about your past romance."

The living room fell silent.

Gary awkwardly cleared his throat and quietly reached for his coffee.

Meanwhile, Summer lowered her eyes to hide the amusement threatening to appear on her face.

Because everyone could already tell—

Layla was one memory away from completely snapping.

"So grumpy." Gary complained. "Just passing the time so we don’t get bored."

...

The heavy double doors at the mansion’s main entrance slowly opened.

Little Shay walked in first with tiny but confident steps, her small chin lifted proudly as though she owned the entire mansion despite being only five years old. Dressed in a pink balloon dress, she looked adorable yet strangely dignified at the same time.

And then—

Ares entered.

The atmosphere inside the living room shifted almost instantly.

His tall figure carried an overwhelming presence that naturally drew every eye toward him the moment he stepped inside. Dressed in a perfectly tailored dark suit, Ares looked cold, powerful, and completely untouchable, like a man born to stand above everyone else.

The moment Gary Vice saw him, his face immediately brightened.

He quickly rose from the couch, nearly spilling his coffee in his haste, and hurried toward Ares with visible excitement.

"Ares! Long time no see!" Gary greeted enthusiastically, already extending his hand for a handshake.

Ares’ gaze slowly dropped to the hand stretched toward him. For a second, he didn’t move.

The silence alone was enough to make Gary’s smile stiffen slightly.

Still, after a brief pause, Ares finally took his hand.

The moment their palms met, Gary suddenly tightened his grip just a little harder than necessary.

Not enough to look hostile. But enough to feel deliberate.

Ares’ eyes instantly narrowed. The air around him turned even colder.

His sharp gaze lifted toward Gary, who immediately released the pressure and let out an awkward laugh.

"I’m sorry, Ares," Gary said quickly, smiling sheepishly. "I just got a little carried away."

Ares stared at him for another long second before smoothly withdrawing his hand.

"It’s Mr. Zuvel to you," he said coldly. His deep voice cut through the room like ice. "Only people close to me are allowed to use my first name."

The atmosphere instantly became tense.

Gary’s expression froze for a split second.

Then Ares paused slightly, as though suddenly remembering why Gary was there in the first place. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"And if I remember correctly," he continued indifferently, "you’re here to present a proposal."

Gary visibly looked flustered.

The cheerful confidence he carried earlier faltered under Ares’ oppressive gaze. For a brief moment, he instinctively glanced toward Scarlet, almost as though seeking support or reassurance.

"Yes... of course, Mr. Zuvel," Gary corrected himself quickly. "I apologize. I overstepped."

Ares remained expressionless. No acknowledgment. No politeness. Only cold impatience.

"Then what exactly are you waiting for?" he asked flatly.

The room instantly fell silent again.

Even the servants standing nearby lowered their heads slightly, sensing the sharp tension spreading through the living room.

Because everyone present could tell—

Ares Zuvel was not in the mood to entertain familiarity.