A Visit from the Veirion Heiress

Liam had just finished his breakfast—fresh toast, soft scrambled eggs, and perfectly brewed cappuccino—when the doorbell rang.

Ding-dong.

He raised an eyebrow. "Already?" he muttered, glancing at the clock. It was barely 8:30 AM.

He strolled across the massive living room, bare feet brushing against the soft marble floor. Opening the door, he blinked in surprise.

Standing there was a tall, stunning woman in a white dress and heels that probably cost more than an entire year of tuition at Blackwood University.

"Good morning," she said, her voice smooth like honey. "I'm Carmilla Veirion. I believe we're neighbors."

Liam raised an eyebrow. "The heiress of House #4?"

"You've heard of me?" she asked, looking genuinely surprised.

"You're hard to miss," Liam said with a small smile. "Come in."

Carmilla stepped inside, her heels clicking softly on the floor. She looked around the villa, her eyes scanning the artwork, the custom furniture, the golden light filtering through the massive windows.

"This is... stunning," she whispered. "I thought your house was impressive from the outside, but seeing it in person... wow."

"Thanks," Liam said casually. "Want some coffee?"

She smiled. "I'd love some."

He led her into the kitchen, and in just a few minutes, he handed her a cup of his signature cappuccino. As soon as she took the first sip, her eyes widened.

"This is... incredible."

"I get that a lot," Liam said, taking a seat across from her.

Carmilla didn't say anything for a moment. She just stared into her cup, as if trying to figure out if it was spiked with magic.

"Mr. Miller—can I be honest?"

"Please do."

"I didn't come just to greet you as a neighbor. I came to find out more about you. You appeared out of nowhere. Bought the most expensive villa in Grand Haven. Built a coffee empire in days. Became a bestselling author and launched the most talked-about webtoon in history. People are obsessed with you. I wanted to see for myself if you're real."

Liam leaned back in his chair, sipping his coffee.

"And? Am I real?"

Carmilla looked directly at him. "More real than I expected. But also more mysterious."

He chuckled. "Mystery keeps things interesting."

"I like that," she said, smirking.

Then her expression turned serious. "I also came to make you an offer."

"Oh?"

"My family owns shares in the largest publishing and animation networks in the country. If you ever want to expand—TV shows, merchandise, even movies—I can make it happen."

Liam studied her face. She was serious. And confident. She wasn't bragging—she was simply stating facts.

But Liam had the System. He didn't need powerful connections. He could build anything by himself. Still... allies had their uses.

"Thanks," he said after a pause. "That's generous. I'll think about it."

Carmilla smiled, but Liam noticed something else in her eyes—curiosity. And maybe something more.

"I'm hosting a dinner party this weekend," she said. "You should come. It'll be a small gathering—just a few powerful people who are dying to meet the mysterious Mr. Miller."

"I'll consider it," Liam said with a nod.

As Carmilla stood up to leave, she paused by the door.

"One more thing," she said. "You're not what I expected. You're better."

She left without waiting for a reply.

After she left, Liam sat on the couch, staring at the ceiling.

"She's dangerous," he muttered. "Smart. Beautiful. Connected. But she wants something."

[Host, you're correct. She has a 72% interest level in forming a long-term bond. Romantic possibility: 39%. Business alliance: 61%.]

"Romantic possibility?" Liam snorted. "No thanks. Not after everything I've been through."

[New Side Quest Available!]

[Title: "The Dinner Party"]

[Objective: Attend the party and impress the guests.]

[Rewards: Random Talent Upgrade, +5 Charm Stat, and 500 New Fans.]

[Failure Consequence: Slight reputation damage in elite social circles.]

"Well," Liam said with a grin, "that's more fun than fighting goblins."

He stretched and headed to his studio room. The system had installed a creative workspace the size of a warehouse. Dual monitors, tablets, soundproof walls, and even a fridge stocked with snacks.

"I should get more chapters done before the party," he muttered.

Meanwhile, back at House #4, Carmilla was pacing in her living room.

"What did you think of him, ma'am?" Vera asked.

Carmilla turned sharply. "He's dangerous."

Vera blinked. "Dangerous?"

"Not in a bad way," Carmilla said. "He's not arrogant or rude. He's focused. Controlled. Powerful. And you can feel it. That calm energy—like someone who doesn't fear anything anymore."

"So... is he a threat?"

Carmilla smiled. "No. But he's not someone we can manipulate either. That makes him... fascinating."

Liam posted a teaser panel from the next webtoon chapter—an epic shot of the MC firing three glowing arrows at a hydra monster.

His phone buzzed.

[Comment Section Exploding]

"HOLY SH*T THE ART IS INSANE!!"

"This guy is not human!"

"Every frame looks like it should be framed in a museum!"

"I would sell my kidney to get an early look at Chapter 7!"

He chuckled.

"I should open that Talent Shop."

[Opening Talent Shop... Available Points: 250]

[Available Talent Upgrades]

Super Memory: 100 Points

Advanced Charisma: 75 Points

Financial Genius: 120 Points

Musician's Soul: 80 Points

Super Focus (Creative Work): 100 Points

"I'll take Super Focus and Financial Genius," Liam said.

[Confirmed. Points deducted. Talents unlocked.]

The knowledge hit him like a jolt of lightning, but he was used to it now. He felt his mind sharpen instantly. Ideas started popping in his head like popcorn.

"Oh man, I can already imagine the next 10 chapters," he grinned.

Two days passed quickly.

The night of the dinner party arrived.

Liam wore a navy-blue suit, sharp and clean. He didn't need to flex—his looks alone dropped jaws wherever he went. The suit just sealed the deal.

A black luxury car picked him up at 7 PM.

When he arrived at Carmilla's mansion, all conversation stopped.

Every guest turned to look.

"Oh my god, is that him?"

"That's the author guy, right?"

"He's even hotter in person."

Carmilla descended the stairs like a queen and offered her hand.

"You came," she said, her smile confident.

"You invited," Liam replied.

She laughed lightly and led him inside.

The place was filled with elite figures—media execs, fashion designers, influencers, business sharks. But as Liam stepped forward, everyone gravitated toward him.

One of the guests, an elderly man with a cane and a billion-dollar smile, approached.

"You're Liam, correct? I'm Gregory Elsten, head of Elsten Animation."

"I've heard of you," Liam said politely.

"You're a genius," Gregory said. "Your work's been shaking up our boardrooms. We want to license your novel for an animated series."

"I'll think about it."

Gregory blinked. No hesitation. No eagerness. Just... calm.

The night went on, and Liam handled every conversation with charm and wit. He didn't brag, but every word he said carried weight. He was confident, not cocky. Friendly, but unreadable.

Carmilla watched him the entire night.

[Quest Complete: "The Dinner Party"]

[Rewards Granted: +5 Charm, Random Talent Upgrade → "Advanced Intuition," +500 Fans]

As the night ended, Carmilla walked him to the door.

"I hope you had a good time."

"I did," Liam said. "Thanks."

She hesitated. "You're not like the others. That scares me... but I like it."

He looked at her, unreadable as always.

"Goodnight, Carmilla."

And he walked into the night, a silent storm in a world that was finally paying attention.