CHAPTER 2 — SHADOWS WITHIN L.V.
“Anyhow, it’s worthless. Not worth a debate, I say,” the lady remarked, a soft smile curving her lips, her elegance unshaken.
“Rare to see someone like you these days,” Mr. Jones replied, returning the smile.
“It was good meeting you two, and I hope working with you will be just as pleasant.”
She reached out for a handshake, which Lia and Mr. Jones accepted graciously.
As the lady exited, everyone in the boardroom bowed one last time, the room slowly relaxing after her commanding presence faded.
“So, heading back now?” Clara asked, walking a few steps behind. “Or do you want to visit the company before going home?”
“Nah. Too boring. And Nar is coming back today, so I want to meet him. It’s been a while,” Luna replied, waving the idea away lazily.
“Nar? As in your brother’s assistant and best friend? I thought he was returning next week after that after-conference party.”
“That was the plan, but I don’t see the point of him attending. People will try to collaborate if they learn he works for us. It’s a burden.”
“Maybe you’re right,” Clara mused, holding open the main doors. “Wherever you or your people go, attention follows. It’s just… energy.”
“You can’t stop talent from shining,” Luna smirked, stepping into the limousine bearing the unmistakable L.V insignia. “And besides, I enjoy the attention.”
Clara rolled her eyes and shut the door, muttering, “The ever-confident Luna Vale. Always unstoppable.”
“You gonna stand there complaining, or are you getting in? I can tell the driver to leave without you,” Luna teased through the open window.
“You love annoying me, don’t you?” Clara sighed, climbing in.
Her smile betrayed her annoyance.
Luna scrolled through her phone absentmindedly, while Clara reviewed board reports. After a moment, Clara noticed her distraction.
“Want to share what’s on your mind?”
“Just thinking about Lia,” Luna said after a pause. “She feels… warm. Don’t you think?”
“So you sensed it.” Clara nodded. “I noticed it too, but I didn’t pay much attention. Even if she’s a potential wielder, she wouldn’t handle it. But… something in your tone tells me you’re interested.”
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
“You’re not wrong.” Luna looked out the window again. “And it’s good to see she has a strong bond with her father.”
“I liked their father-daughter dynamic too.”
“You know me well. I was right to keep you beside me,” Luna said, closing her eyes, a hint of affection in her voice.
“Well,” Clara smiled, “I’ve worked with you for a very long time.”
Luna hummed, acknowledging the truth beneath the words.
Silence settled—easy, familiar, timeless.
The grand estate came into view, gleaming with authority, wealth, and power.
Guards lined the entrance, the air shifting the moment the limousine arrived.
Clara stepped out first, opening Luna’s door. Luna emerged, heels catching the afternoon light, presence intimidating yet breathtaking.
The guards bowed deeply. Luna gave a brief nod and walked inside, heels clicking softly on polished black marble.
A woman in her forties entered and bowed. Luna returned a gentle smile.
“How many times do I have to tell you, Lady Marie? No need for all the formalities.”
“I can’t help it. Your presence is intimidating.”
“Tell her,” Clara added, removing her coat. “People shiver when she walks in, and she acts like it’s nothing.”
“It’s not my fault,” Luna shrugged. “I’m not some beast that devours humans.”
Before they could respond, the doors opened.
A man in his mid-twenties entered, dressed in a sharp black suit, confidence trailing behind him like a cloak.
“So, the Phantom King decided to grace us,” Luna smirked.
“Don’t call me that. I have a name—Nar.”
“Oh, I know. But ‘Phantom King’ suits you, doesn’t it, dear Nar?”
“You know she’ll tease you,” Clara said flatly. “Why even try?”
“No idea. I always lose,” Nar admitted, sitting beside her.
Marie chuckled softly at the trio’s banter.
“Enough, all of you. Have some water and freshen up. Dinner will be ready soon. AAG and Mr. Vale will arrive shortly.”
At the mention of the conference, Luna’s gaze sharpened.
“I assume it went well.”
“Perfectly. The deal is signed. I just need your confirmation as head of the family.”
“Remind me later. I’ll seal the documents myself.”
“You know it’s unnecessary,” Clara said. “People would do anything for a glimpse of Luna Vale, let alone work with you.”
Nar smirked; Luna chuckled. Marie sighed knowingly.
“That doesn’t mean the Black Rose Conglomerate slacks off,” Luna replied. “Our reputation wasn’t built on shortcuts.”
Nar nodded. Clara murmured in agreement.
Marie clapped her hands lightly.
“Go change. Dinner is almost ready.”
“Yes, ma’am,” the three answered in unison.
The hall glowed under chandeliers, rich food and rare delicacies laid out beautifully.
Nar entered first, sleeves rolled up. Clara followed, now in a soft pastel dress.
“So our empress is late?” Clara asked, eyes on the doorway.
Nar hummed. “We’re supposed to arrive before her. She’s not late—she’s working.”
A calm voice cut through the air, making all heads turn.
“Correct. She’s reviewing documents.”
AAG entered, dressed casually, yet his authority mirrored Luna’s.
“You could’ve told us you were with Uncle,” Clara said, smiling.
“Well, I assumed if Didi was busy, you two would be too.”
A sharp voice interrupted—
“Well, look at that. All of you are here. No wonder the hall feels lively.”
A man in his forties entered, casual yet dignified.
“Dad?” AAG blinked.
“You sound surprised, boy. Don’t tell me you forgot I returned with you.”
“I thought you’d be in your study.”
“I was speaking with the court advisor. He wants a council with your sister—but she hates them.”
He scanned the room.
“Where is she? Don’t tell me she’s skipping dinner again.”
“She must be in her study, Mr. Vale,” Marie said softly.
Mr. Vale sighed.
“What can I say? I have a workaholic daughter.”
“More like a perfectionist workaholic,” Clara muttered, sipping her tea.
Laughter rippled through the hall.
…To be continued.
