"I need $10,000 in cash."
That was all Lynette said to Abigail. Calmly, Abigail explained that there was money available in the estate, but accessing it required a few formalities—some paperwork and signatures. She assured Lynette the funds would be released after the documentary was completed.
But Lynette needed the money sooner. So, she made a quick phone call to the person in charge to see if anything could be expedited.
After the call, she joined Abigail downstairs. The mouthwatering aroma of food hit her immediately, making her stomach growl.
She quickened her steps. "Whoever's cooking must be a professional," she said, inhaling deeply, clearly impressed.
Abigail chuckled. "Well, young miss, the experienced chef is your husband. Looks like he stayed home today just to be with you for the documentary. If he'd gone to work, he would've prepped the food in advance and left instructions to microwave it."
In the dining room, Arian greeted her warmly and served the main course. The portions were modest but looked delicious. They shared a lighthearted conversation over the meal before he excused himself to get ready.
Later, they drove to the main residence for the documentary shoot. Her relatives, including Daniella and Azaelea, were already gathered, eager to watch the interview.
Everything went smoothly until one question caught Lynette off guard.
"Lynette Daelan, will you be painting something new? Your fans are eager for your next piece."
She froze. Her eyes scanned the room, then flicked back to the interviewer.
"My next artwork... um…"
Panic bubbled beneath her calm expression.
I don't even know how to draw an apple. Damn it—I should've taken those art classes more seriously.
"Soon," Lynette blurted, and her eyes widened in surprise the moment the word left her mouth.
After the documentary wrapped, her relatives gathered around to speak with her, exchanging warm words and light conversation before gradually going their separate ways.
"We should hold an auction for your next artwork," a voice said from behind.
Lynette turned to see Axton—her older brother—approaching with Rhysand and Azaelea by his side.
"We should?" Lynette asked, surprised by the suggestion.
"Of course we should," Azaelea answered before Axton could respond. Her tone was filled with excitement.
"And Azaelea the Empress will host the celebration party. Only VVVIPs and VVIPs will be invited. Or should I allow just VIPs? Hmm… maybe I'll decide that later."
"You all have fun," Axton said, already turning to leave. "I'm off to work."
"Have a good day," Lynette and Azaelea said in unison as he waved and walked away.
Azaelea turned to Lynette with a teasing smile. "You haven't forgotten the name of my club, have you?"
"I think—" Lynette began.
But Azaelea cut her off with her usual flair. "Azaelea the Empress! The top club in the entire country—undeniably. I'm seriously considering going global."
From a distance, Daniella stood watching the scene quietly. Arian was there too, but he kept to himself, observing silently from another corner.
"Speaking of clubs," Azaelea said, nudging Lynette playfully, "we should go out tonight. Shake off the dust and loosen those limbs. The Empress herself will help stir those memories back to life."
"I want to come too!" Rhysand chimed in, stepping closer. "Can you lift my ban? I still have an unlimited VVVIP subscription card. Is it fair for it to just sit frozen for months?"
Azaelea crossed her arms and shot him a look that could freeze fire. "You are banned. Forever."
"What did he do?" Lynette asked, curiosity lighting up her eyes.
Azaelea pointed at Rhysand with a dramatic flick of her fingers. "This one confessed his love to me. Can you imagine? How dare he?"
Rhysand threw his hands up, feigning disbelief. "Since when did confessing your feelings become a crime? Are you really the 'Demoness in Red' people say you are?"
Azaelea rolled her eyes again. "Yes. I am a demoness," she said flatly, clearly unmoved by his pitiful tone.
Undeterred, Rhysand walked over to Lynette and gently clutched her arm. "Lyn, plead on my behalf. I'm not just heartbroken—I'm shattered."
Lynette laughed softly, finding the whole reason behind his dramatic ban rather absurd. "Maybe he deserves a second chance, Azaelea," she said with a playful smile.
Azaelea let out a long, theatrical sigh and glanced at Rhysand with visible annoyance. "Alright, alright. I'll talk to my manager about it. But only because of Lynette. You hear me?" She turned and strode off.
"Don't forget, Lynette," she called back over her shoulder.
Rhysand watched her go, a look of exaggerated despair on his face. "How can one woman be so heartless? I've confessed my love to her more times than the number of years I've been alive."
"Maybe it's time to give up," Lynette suggested, amused.
"There's light at the end of the tunnel," he said, sounding hopeful.
"I only see pure darkness," she replied with a chuckle.
"Ouch. That was a stab!" Rhysand gasped, clutching his chest like he'd been wounded.
"Shit!" he suddenly exclaimed, checking his watch. "I've got a class!"
"Didn't you finish school ages ago?" Lynette asked, puzzled.
"I dropped out years back, but… for Azaelea's sake, I re-enrolled." He turned, already jogging away. "Gotta go!"
"It looked like you were having quite the conversation," Daniella said, her voice cutting through the air smoothly.
Lynette flinched slightly—she hadn't noticed Daniella approach.
"Oh, Daniella… you're still here?" Lynette asked, surprised. "I thought you'd moved into Daniella's place. Wasn't she also an influencer?"
Daniella smirked, clearly amused. "I found her place, yes. And I know all about her little influencer lifestyle. But I'm more comfortable here at the Daelan estate, so I've decided to stay... for now."
Her tone shifted abruptly. "But I didn't come for chit-chat. I need fifteen thousand dollars. I've already sent my account number."
Lynette raised an eyebrow. Daniella's request was blunt, her tone lacking even a hint of courtesy.
"Don't look at me like that," Daniella said sharply. "That's pocket change for you. Send it soon—I've got somewhere to be."
She started to walk off, then paused. "Or should I just ask Arian instead?"
"I'll send it later," Lynette replied, her voice calm but cool.
"Send it soon," Daniella said over her shoulder, then turned and strode away.
Lynette muttered under her breath, "As if he'd even let you near him."
Daniella must've heard—she scoffed, then abruptly turned...