Chapter 3: The Unexpected Meeting

The boardroom was a battlefield Kael Velyne dominated effortlessly. Surrounded by top executives and department heads, his sharp gaze and curt commands sliced through the air like a winter storm. The Frost King persona was on full display, leaving no room for dissent.

"Projected numbers are unacceptable," Kael said, his tone icy and uncompromising. "If this is the best you can deliver, consider it a personal failure."

The room fell silent, complete silence that if a pin drop, it could be heard. Kael's personal secretary, a poised man named Lucas Brandt, stood nearby, taking notes with military precision.

"Understood, Mr. Velyne," one executive finally replied, his voice trembling slightly.

"Ensure the revised plans are on my desk by tomorrow morning," Kael continued. "We're not here to meet expectations. We're here to set them."

"Yes, sir."

***************************************************

Kael Velyne stood by the massive glass windows of his penthouse office, his sharp gaze fixed on the skyline. The city stretched endlessly before him, a concrete jungle teeming with life. To him, it was a chessboard, each piece a carefully calculated move in his empire's expansion.

Behind him, his personal secretary, Lucas Brandt, stood with perfect posture, holding a tablet close to his chest. He cleared his throat softly. "Mr. Velyne, the next board meeting is set to begin in twenty minutes. Shall I alert them to prepare the presentation?"

Kael turned slightly, his ice-gray eyes meeting Lucas's. "Everything should already be prepared, Lucas. I don't accept delays."

"Yes, sir. The team is ready. I've reviewed the presentation myself to ensure no details were overlooked."

Kael gave a small nod of approval, a rare acknowledgment. "Good. What's next?"

Lucas glanced down at the tablet. "You have a video call with Lordson in London after the board meeting and a dinner with Mr. Atwood this evening. I've also confirmed your attendance at the charity gala."

"The gala," Kael muttered, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. "Whose bright idea was that?"

"Your public relations team, sir," Lucas said carefully, keeping his tone neutral. "They believe your presence will strengthen your image among certain... circles."

Kael scoffed, turning back to the window. "Cancel it"

"..."

"Sir.., your grandfather said you should go with Miss Seren"

Kael furrowed eyes together in annoyance.

Is it necessary for him to interven?

"Put it in hold then"

Before Lucas could respond, the door opened, and a tall man with sandy blond hair and an easy smile strolled in. He was dressed in a tailored navy suit that exuded confidence without being overbearing. Kael's best friend, Elliot Castor, strode in, a broad grin on his face and a noticeable lack of formality in his gait.

Another day, another empire conquered?" Elliot teased, dropping into one of the now-empty chairs.

Kael turned, his expression softening slightly. "Elliot."

Kael arched an eyebrow. "You're early."

"Interrupting something?" the man asked, his voice warm and teasing.

Elliot Castor, one of Kael's oldest friends and the head of Castor Industries' European division, casually sitting on one of the sofas arranged in the room. "You're as charming as ever, Kael. Terrorizing your staff again?"

Lucas stiffened but said nothing, his professionalism unwavering.

"I don't terrorize," Kael coldly replied, his lips twitching in what might have been amusement. "I motivate."

Elliot laughed. "Right. That's what you call it." He glanced at Lucas and nodded. "Good to see you, Lucas."

"Mr. Castor," Lucas replied respectfully.

Kael sighed, motioning for Lucas to clear the room. The secretary nodded respectfully and left without a word, shutting the door behind him.

Elliot leaned back, crossing his arms. "So, how was dinner with Seren Delyth?"

Kael's expression darkened. "How do you know about that?"

Elliot smirked. "Please. It's me. I have my sources."

Kael didn't answer immediately, his mind flashing back to Seren Delyth's fiery gaze and razor-sharp wit. "Interesting."

Elliot raised an eyebrow. "That's all I get? Come on, Kael, give me something."

Kael shook his head, already regretting indulging the conversation. "It was fine. Business, as expected."

"Business? With her?" Elliot leaned forward, his grin widening. "Come on, Kael. Don't play coy. What was she like? Fiery? Unpredictable? Or did she manage to melt the Frost King?"

Kael shot him a withering glare. "Elliot—"

Sure," Elliot said, his tone laced with sarcasm. "A business deal where you're contractually bound to a woman who, by the sound of it, can actually keep up with you. If you ask me, it sounds like fate."

Kael shook his head. "I didn't ask you."

"Still, I'd like to meet her someday," Elliot said, his grin returning. "Sounds like she could be good for you."

"Let's meet up together with the guys"

"I'm busy"

"But you haven't tell them you are getting engaged"

"Is that necessary?"

"Alright, alright," Elliot said, holding up his hands in surrender. "I'll stop. But speaking of fiery, a few of us are heading out tonight. You should come."

Kael's frown deepened. "I don't have time for that."

"Oh, come on. When's the last time you actually relaxed? Besides," Elliot added, leaning closer, "you wouldn't want me to accidentally mention your little dinner date to the others, would you?"

Kael exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You're insufferable."

"I'll take that as a yes," Elliot said, grinning triumphantly.

**************************************************

The bar was lively, its atmosphere buzzing with energy. Kael entered first, his presence commanding attention despite his preference to remain unnoticed. Elliot followed close behind, chatting animatedly about nothing in particular.

Unbeknownst to Kael, Seren Delyth and her friend Vivia were seated at a table near the entrance.

At the same time, Vivia and Maya saw them entering.

"Oh no..."

"Talking about the devil"

"What?" Seren asked bewildered.

"Is that not Kael?" Vivia asked her with shocked.

"What? Where?"

Omg, he is right in front of us, oh my, I can't believe I'm seeing Kael freaking Velyne right now" Vivua said, as she gush, unable to control herself.

"Ummnn...?" Maya called out in surprised.

"Oh my goodness, Elliot is also with him. Oh my, oh my I can't believe I'm seeing most the most sought out bachelors in the city right now"

"Viv"

"Could I be dreaming, oh my.., if this is a dream I want nobody to wake me up."

"Vivia"

"Oh my God, are they walking towards us right now, oh my, I think they are, they are getting closer..."

"VIVIA" Seren interrupted, her tone warning.

"What?" Vivia turned, following Seren's gaze—and froze.

Kael stood just a few feet away, his expression unreadable but his icy blue eyes locked on Seren.

"Oh, this just got interesting," Elliot said, stepping up beside Kael.

Vivia's eyes darted between Kael and Seren as she scouted over towards Maya, "So scary" She muttered

"Young Master Velyne"

Kael sighed, cutting through the tension. "Miss Seren." He nodded politely, then turned to Elliot. "Let's get this over with."

Elliot chuckled. "Not a chance. This is too good to miss. Are you not going to introduce me"

Kael pinched his brow in annoyance, but still decided to answer him anyway, "This is Elliot Castor"

"Hello Miss Seren, I heard a lot about you"

" Nice to meet you too Mr Castor" Seren nodded in replied, "These are my friends, Vivia and Maya"

"Hello Ladies, nice to meet you all" as he waved at, his eyes lingering on Maya. "You ladies cares to join us for a drink or two?"

"Of course, why not, Young Master Veyne wouldn't mind right" Seren asked, looking at Kael with a rebelling eyes.

You don't want us to join us you right? She asked him with her eyes

"..." What am I suppose to say? That's your problem.

Vivia looked at Seren, her expression a mix of shock and glee.

Oh my goodness, she agreed just like that?

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"..."