Noble Conflict

"You're a fool for thinking that way," Thane said, shaking his head. "Do you really intend on getting into a fight with him later down the line? Just because you're gaining more power and influence through this project, it doesn't mean that you should go around challenging people just because you don't like them.

"Understand that the Zeng Family is a group of people you should never underestimate in your life. There is a reason why they are considered the strongest family amongst the nobles."

Just as there were various noble families, their strengths varied as well. They weren't all technically on the same level, as there were those whose position was merely a title, while there were also those whose name was simply supplementary to the vast power and influence they possessed. And of course, the Zeng Family were a part of the latter case.

"Like I said before, the Mayuri Family is not weak. I'm always ready to rumble with that geezer," Suzan replied. "Anyways, let's change the topic. Tell me what you think about my proposal."

Thane had finished reading through it. His eyes shifted upward, meeting Suzan's expression as he spoke.

"It seems rather decent, but it would do with a few modifications. I'm not satisfied with some of the numbers I'm seeing here, so I would like to make some changes to them," Thane explained.

Suzan nodded her head at his words.

"Fine, as long as the changes aren't much. I'd like to maintain my business relationship with you, so I believe we can arrive at a common ground regarding this proposal," she responded. "You see, I'm not so greedy now, am I?"

Thane rolled his eyes once more.

"I just disagreed with the proces you set up, yet you still think you'll get the exact same discount? Suzan, are you alright?" Thane asked.

"I already told you, as long as the changes aren't drastic, then it's fine," Suzan said. "I'm glad we're getting somewhere with this meeting."

"Honestly, me to. I mean, who doesn't like money?" Thane smiled.

"If it's wasn't for the fact that I knew Natasha, I would've thought that you wwre married to money. You love money too much," Suzan spoke, shaking her head in disappointed.

"You must hate that so much?" Thane laughed to himself.

She sighed at his comment.

"Anyways, how are you preparing for Crimson Day?" She eventually asked. "Will you be attending the event the emperor has planned in the castle?"

Thane thought about it for a bit before replying.

"Yeah, I think I'll be attending the celebration this year. I mean, I can let work make me miss it this time, am I right? I'll also be bringing Daniel and Stacy the event this year so they can interact with others their age and form some meaningful connections," he responded.

"That sounds good. And who knows, maybe your son will ens up talking with my daughter and developing feeling for her. It would serve as an opportunity for both our families to become closer," Suzan suggested.

"I wouldn't suggest forcing our kids to become closer. I want my children to make their own choices regarding who they want to be with, as long as it's not someone from the lower echelons of society," Thane sneered at the end of his statement. "I will never accept my child associating like a filthy lowlife."

"I agree. I'd send my daughter away if I were to ever find her mingling with those lowclass heathens," Suzan spat. "At least that's something we can agree on. But, it's to be expected. At the end of the day, us nobles need to stick together."

Thane nodded in agreement.

The both of them went about talking about other things as they enjoyed the time they were spending together. Meanwhile, in a different part of Nefaria, in the West, the head police officer to the local vampire corps branch was in his office in the station, reviewing the documents spread all over his office table.

"This whole thing makes no sense," Thorne said to himself, scratching his head. His eyes fell upon one of the files lying on a far end corner of the table. He reached out his hand to grab a hold of it, pulling it closer to himself.

"These are the copies of similar cases taking place in neighbouring towns, yet they seem to be facing the same issue as us. They can't seem to locate or catch those reaponsible for the murders," hw flipped the document open, going through it page after page.

"What's more strange is tbe fact that we haven't had a single incident take place here in Fluxton ever since the second one. Slowly, it's like the people are starting to let their guard down, that's good. At least those inaffected can go about life as usual. I still feel bad for the relatives of the victims, though," once he was done scanning through the document, he closed it and tpssed it back on the table.

"I just hope whoever is responsible for this, we somehow bring them to justice soon."

In the midst of his thoughts, he heard a knock on the door.

"Enter," he said, and the next moment, his deputy stepped in, a concerned look on her face as she walked towards his desk. "Officer Doris, what's the matter?"

Doris stood right in front of his desk, her hands constantly moving behind her back as she readied her thoughts.

"Sir, it's getting late. Don't you think you should head home? The guards are already present to take watch of the station, and if anything happens, we can easily contact you, so I suggest you please head back. Plus, you seem really tired already," she spoke, her voice filled with concern for her superior.

Thorne released a slight smile at her concerned words.

"I understand that you're worried about me, but you must also understand that I am worried about this town," Thorne started off. "It has been years since these people have experienced such tragic incidents, moreover, it is my duty as head officer to ensure that whoever is responsible gets punished for it. It's only a shame that I can't head out to the field to investigate by myself due to the order to the Mayor."

"I think that's for the best," Dorcas murmured to herself.

"What was that?" Thorne asked, tilting his head to the side.

"Oh, nothing, sir. It's just that I don't want you to burn yourself out because of all of this," she said.

Thorne sighed, knowing there was no point in dragging the matter out further.

"Alright, okay. You win. I'll leave now. Are you happy?" Thorne got up from his seat and began to pack his things.

Seeing this, Dorcas immediately rushed over, offering him a hand in getting his things in order.

"Don't worry, sir. Let me help you," she said, arranging the documents on the table in an orderly manner. "I know that you live alone, but still, going home late everytime isn't good for you."

"What is good or bad for me is my concern alone. But, I do appreciate your help. Thank you," he said, picking up his suitcase from the table before walking towards the room's exit. He was far too focused on leaving to notice his deputy's face turn bright red.

"You're...welcome," she eventually said, though Thorne had already left the station at that point in time. "He's... Oh my gosh, I can't even begin to describe him. I'm honestly glad I can control myself whenever I'm around him. If not, I would have done something really embarrassing a long time ago," Dorcas fanned her face with her head, her breaths uncontrollable.

"I honestly just wished he'd notice me and try hitting on me. But he always seems oblivious to my warm behavior towards him. Hmm... Maybe I should stop expecting him to make a move first and just do it myself, but nah, that'll make me seem desperate.

"Hang on, I barely even know anything about him! Gosh, I'm such an idiot! Next time, I should make sure I ask him questions so I can leadn more about him. I just hope he doesn't see it as me crossing my boundaries with him. I just really like him a lot," Dorcas said, shaking her head.

Thorne had made it back to his house. Opening the front door, he stepped inside and immediately went to take a cold shower before preparing dinner for himself.

As he ate alone in his dining room, he couldn't stop thinking about the case he was on as his brows furrowed.

"That damned killer. I bring whoever it is to justice. Innocent lives don't deserve to be taken!" He spoke, his eyes falling upon the chair beside his own.