Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

One week later.

Adrian sat in one of the private rooms of the Valerian Hall, the same place where many subtle but significant deals were made. The room was tastefully furnished, with soft lighting that created an atmosphere of quiet sophistication. The door opened, and Evangeline entered with her usual air of quiet confidence.

She was dressed elegantly, her mask in place, hiding her expression but not the sharpness of her gaze.

"Good evening, sir Lucien," she greeted him with a slight nod, her voice smooth and controlled.

"Good evening," Adrian replied, his tone equally calm. He gestured for her to take a seat, which she did with the grace of someone used to such formalities.

Without wasting time, Evangeline reached into her bag and produced a neat stack of documents, placing them on the table between them. "The contract, as requested. Take your time."

Adrian nodded, picking up the documents and beginning to read through them. His eyes moved steadily across the pages, taking in the terms and conditions outlined within. The contract was detailed, covering everything from the nature of their agreement to the expectations and obligations of both parties. Evangeline had clearly put thought into this, ensuring that every aspect was covered.

As he read, Adrian analyzed the content, noting any clauses that stood out. There were standard terms, of course, but also a few more specific conditions that seemed tailored to this particular arrangement. Nothing seemed out of place, but he was careful to consider every word, aware that Evangeline was a woman who left nothing to chance.

Once he finished, Adrian set the documents down and met Evangeline's gaze, his expression unreadable. "Everything seems to be in order."

Evangeline nodded, her eyes flickering with satisfaction. "I'm glad to hear that. If you have any questions or wish to amend anything, now is the time."

Adrian took a moment before responding, his mind turning over the details of what they were about to embark on. "No amendments necessary. The terms are acceptable."

"Good," she replied, her tone carrying a note of finality. "Then we can proceed as planned."

They exchanged a brief, knowing look—a silent acknowledgment of the partnership they were about to forge. Discover exclusive content at m,v l'e|m-p y r

Then they started signing the magic contract with their signature, blood, and aether.

Both of them held one copy of the contract. Evangeline then looked at Adrian with a small smile.

Adrian didn't let her wait as he placed a ring on the table.

"There is the 10 million of the promised first support inside the ring." Adrian pushed the ring to her. "When are you going to launch the products?"

Evangeline first took the ring and the money inside it. After a moment she turned back to him and replied. "Since we now have the support, we will probably launch them at the end of Aprel(April). So about in two weeks. Don't worry, I'm sure of our success."

"Or else I wouldn't even think of investing in you." Adrian smiled back.

Evangeline's smile widened ever so slightly at Adrian's words, though it remained guarded, as if she were weighing his every syllable. "I appreciate your confidence, Mr. Lucien. With your support, we're poised to make quite an impact."

Adrian leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed but his mind ever alert. The partnership with Evangeline was a calculated risk, but one he believed would yield significant returns—if everything went according to plan and the novel.

"Success is only a matter of time," he said, his tone measured. "However, I'll expect regular updates on the progress. I want to be kept in the loop on every step."

"Of course," Evangeline replied smoothly, her fingers lightly tapping the contract in front of her. "You'll receive detailed reports as we move forward. Transparency is key in any partnership."

There was a moment of silence as they both assessed each other, the air between them charged with the unspoken understanding that this was more than just a business arrangement. It was a delicate dance of trust and power, each of them aware of the stakes involved.

Evangeline broke the silence first. "Then, glad to have you on board, Mr. Lucien. I believe this partnership will be mutually beneficial."

Adrian gave a slight nod, as he slowly stood up. "So do I. Well then, see you next time."

Evangeline also stood up as she wanted to accompany him to the exit.

"Ah, right, I am also planning to invest in another business - a magical creatures sanctuary. What do you think about that?"

"Oh, are you talking about the 'Golden Dragon' Sanctuary run by Mr. Hawke?" Evangeline asked.

Adrian shook his head slightly, a calm smile playing on his lips. "No, not the Golden Dragon. I'm talking about the Wild Heart Sanctuary."

Evangeline's eyebrows lifted ever so slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her usually composed features. "The Wild Heart Sanctuary?" she repeated, her tone laced with curiosity. "Isn't that... a dying business?"

Adrian's smile remained as he met her gaze with quiet confidence. "Perhaps. But now that I'm interested in them, it won't be dying anytime soon."

Evangeline regarded him for a moment, her expression thoughtful. Then, a soft chuckle escaped her lips. "Interesting. You do know that the Golden Dragon has been eyeing the Wild Heart Sanctuary for some time now. It seems inevitable that it will be absorbed, one way or another. You may want to reconsider your investment."

Adrian didn't waver. "I'm aware of the Golden Dragon's ambitions. But I believe I can handle them. I've already made my decision."

Evangeline's smile widened, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "And you're sure you want to take on such a challenge? The Golden Dragon is a formidable competitor, and I heard they don't play fair."

Adrian's gaze hardened slightly, his voice steady. "I'm not worried about the Golden Dragon. I have my ways of dealing with them. Besides," he added, leaning in just a fraction, "you're not planning to intervene from now on, are you?"

Evangeline's eyes gleamed with amusement as she observed him, clearly sensing the underlying implication in his words. She knew he was referring to her involvement with Mr. Hawke and the subtle influence she had exerted on the situation. A sly smile curved her lips as she realized he was deliberately testing her.

"My, my, Mr. Lucien," she purred, her voice dripping with mock innocence. "You seem to be implying that I've had a hand in this... little competition. What a curious assumption."

Adrian didn't break eye contact, his demeanor calm but firm. "I'm simply making sure our partnership remains clear and free of any... conflicts of interest."

Evangeline's smile lingered as she regarded him, clearly impressed by his perceptiveness. "You don't need to worry. I won't be interfering with your interests in the Wild Heart Sanctuary. Consider it... a gesture of goodwill."

Adrian gave a slight nod, satisfied with her response. "Good. I'm glad we understand each other."

Evangeline's smile remained, but there was a hint of something more behind her mask—a mixture of respect and perhaps a touch of wariness. "Indeed, Mr. Lucien. It seems you're full of surprises. I look forward to seeing how this all plays out."

Adrian simply smiled in return, turning towards the door. "I'm sure it will be... enlightening."

With that, he made his way out of the private room, Evangeline watching him closely as he left. Once the door closed behind him, her expression shifted to one of contemplation, her mind already calculating the potential outcomes of this new development.

Adrian, on the other hand, walked out of the Valerian Hall with a sense of satisfaction. He took care of one of the Golden Dragon's allies. Well, who knows, if he plays his cards correctly, he might make them enemies instead.

'Haha, the upcoming week will be interesting...'