Chapter 11: If I can't have it then I’ll destroy it.

When Lucifer strode down the hallway to the dining room, the murmur of voices dimmed as he entered. The long table, decked out in pristine white tablecloths and silver platters, was filled with family members and acquaintances, their eyes covertly following him. 

His seat was set deliberately at the far end of the table, an obvious ploy to distance him from his father, Lu Qian, who sat at the head.

Though some might have bristled at such petty power plays, Lucifer merely smirked, finding their attempts to make him uncomfortable almost amusing.

As Lucifer settled into his chair, a hush fell over the room, drawing the gaze of every person there. Whether they admitted it or not, Lucifer's aura was magnetic—an unshakable confidence and elegance that commanded attention. 

His father, Lu Qian, cast him a complex look before addressing him with forced warmth. "Lucifer, today's lunch has been specially prepared. Aunt Bai went out of her way to make your favourite dishes."

Aunt Bai, a woman who had served the family faithfully for years, was one of the few people who treated Lucifer with respect after his mother passed away. She had been brought into the household by his late mother, and unlike the others, Aunt Bai genuinely cared for him, treating him as a son after his mother's passing. 

Without a word, Lucifer acknowledged his father's attempt at civility, nodding curtly before turning his attention to his plate as lunch was served.

The other family members began to eat, though a palpable tension lingered in the air, each person aware of the impending discussion.

Lu Qian couth in embarsemrtas his son ignored his words, Aurelia who saw all this quickly looked at Lu Qian with a meaningful gaze.

Once the dishes were cleared, Lu Qian cleared his throat, breaking the silence with a calculated smile. "Lucifer, there's a matter of importance that I need to discuss with you."

He paused, casting a sidelong glance at Aurelia, his current wife, who met his gaze with an approving nod. "Our family's financial situation has become… challenging. You're the only one I can rely on."

Lu Jing, who knew what was going to happen, looked at Lucifer with a sinister gaze. 'Hmm! So what if you are the legitimate son? You only have yourself to blame for going against me!'

Lucifer remained silent, his expression unreadable, as he leaned back in his chair, his piercing blue eyes fixed on his father with an unsettling calm.

The other family members exchanged knowing looks, anticipation glimmering in their eyes. They knew why they were there, watching Lucifer like hyenas looking at prey.

After a heavy pause, Lu Qian continued, his voice faltering slightly. "The Gu family's eldest young master… he has expressed an interest in men. Your Aunt Aurelia and I believe this marriage alliance would not only secure our family's position but also ensure our future. The Gu family wields significant influence, and you…" He cleared his throat again, his tone attempting to sound light.

"You would have the privilege of marrying into one of the most powerful families in the region."

Aurelia, eager to add her own weight, interjected, "This is an opportunity, Lucifer. The Gu family's reputation is impeccable, and the eldest young master is disciplined and refined. You would be well taken care of." Her eyes gleamed with ambition, masking any trace of sincerity in her words.

The guests watched Lucifer, expecting his resistance. However, Lucifer isn't someone who plays his cards according to the rules.

He broke the silence with a quiet chuckle, a small smile playing on his lips as he nodded. "Alright, if it's for the family, then I'll play my part."

The room stilled. Lu Qian, visibly prepared for an argument, stared at Lucifer in surprise. "You… agree?" His voice betrayed his astonishment.

Lucifer maintained his indifferent gaze, giving a slight nod. "Father, do you have the contact details for the Gu family's young master?"

Stunned, Lu Qian hastily instructed a servant to retrieve the business card, which was respectfully handed to Lucifer. Glancing at the name, Lucifer dialled the number without hesitation.

After a few rings, a voice answered, "Hello, who is this?"

"This is Lucifer from the Lu family. I'd like to speak with Gu Ming," he replied smoothly.

On the other end, there was a brief murmur of confusion before the call was transferred to the person in question.

When Gu Ming's voice came through the line, deep and reserved, Lucifer's grin widened. "Lucifer here. My father has decided to sell me off to you, so I thought it'd be best to meet in person and finalize the deal. Shall we meet tomorrow? You can choose the time and place."

He ended the call, ignoring the collective shock around him.

On the other side, Gu Ming stared at his phone in rare confusion.

Lu Qian's face darkened, his pride wounded by Lucifer's bluntness, though he struggled to mask his anger. "You—"

But Lucifer's piercing gaze silenced him, leaving an icy chill in the air. He rose, intent on leaving, but Lu Jing, his half-brother, wasn't about to let him go so easily. 

Smirking, Lu Jing feigned concern, his voice dripping with insincerity. "Brother, you shouldn't talk that way. Gu Ming is a distinguished man, one that many would be thrilled to marry. Despite his… disability, he remains unmatched in his abilities. I'm sure the Gu family will treat you well."

The disguised insult was obvious to everyone present. Gu Ming's accident had left him physically compromised, and though he held a powerful position, his influence within the family had waned. 

Gu's family was big and many people were eyeing the top position but no one dared to act openly because Gu Ming was that excellent.

After the accident, Gu Ming's position in the family became embarrassing. To prevent him from rising again, his family spread the news that he likes men and is looking for a family to marry but other wealthy families dare not to jump into the pit. 

Lu family was a newly emerged wealthy family and recently they were facing financial problems so the Lu family became a good candidate. 

Ignoring his brother's taunt, Lucifer began to walk away, but Lu Jing, enraged by the dismissal,  Lu Jing face twisted, the one thing he couldn't bear was being ignored by his brother, suddenly he thought of something and looked at Lucifer back and sneered.

Raised his voice, his words laced with malice. "Too bad. If your mother were still here, things might be different. Now you can only—"

The sound of a crash cut him off as he was sent flying across the room, crashing into the table. Lucifer had barely moved, standing poised with an air of ruthless elegance as he lowered his leg from the kick, his expression chillingly calm as he looked down at Lu Jing, who was sprawled beneath the table, stunned.

Nearby, System 4858, which had been dozing on Lucifer's shoulder, snapped awake from the noise. It took one look at the icy glint in Lucifer's blue eyes and immediately pretended to go back to sleep. 

Whenever Lucifer wore that subtle, gentle smile, things rarely ended well for anyone in his way, System can only curse its bad luck.

'Tsk, these so-called 'lucky sons' just never learn to stay out of trouble. Anyway, not my problem. Out of my sight ~ out of my mind." System muttered internally, wishing to avoid the unfolding drama.