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00:01The night I signed the divorce papers and walked away with nothing, I wandered alone through the
00:06lower city in the rain with a single duffel bag and $36. That was when I spotted the little ad
00:11flickering on a lamppost. Stepmother wanted for child. Age and species not important. Must be
00:17patient. Room and board included. Room and board. That's what got me. That same night, I walked
00:23straight into the mansion of dragon lord Caius Draven, the actual ruler of the whole upper city.
00:28Later, my fox ex-husband looked down at me with that same arrogance.
00:32Arya, do you finally realize you were wrong? Before I could answer, the four-year-old little
00:37tyrant exploded. Wrong about what? My mom is the best!
00:44My mate could never be wrong. And even if she was, she'd still be right.
00:50I never imagined the cheap little ad on that lamppost came from the dragon overlord,
00:55beast ruler of the upper city. Now I stood outside the three-story penthouse atop the
00:59central tower. Beside me, the butler carried himself with quiet arrogance.
01:03The lord is looking for a mother for his child, not a wife for himself. I need you very clear
01:09on that. Our lord is a very desirable man. Don't get any ideas you shouldn't.
01:15I kept my eyes lowered. Honestly, this job was perfect for me. Eight hours ago, I signed the
01:20divorce papers and my ex dumped me back in the barren lower city. The last thing I wanted
01:24was another husband. But a roof? Three meals? A place to disappear? That was a miracle.
01:29I understand. I won't get any ideas.
01:31Then he led me into the dining hall. At the long marble table, a father and son were locked
01:36in a standoff. The lord held a bowl and a spoon, his face tired. The boy pressed his lips
01:41shut and glared up at his father like a tiny soldier holding the line. Neither moved.
01:46Finally, the lord sighed and set the spoon down.
01:49One bite. One small bite. Is that really too much?
01:55The butler stepped forward.
01:56Sir, another applicate. She's a human, but looks decent.
02:01The man turned. The open collar of his black shirt revealed tattoos stretching from his broad
02:05chest to his throat. Sleeves rolled to the elbow, forearms hard with muscle. A cybernetic
02:10stud glinted in his left ear. His horns made him look like a demon. I'd seen that face on the
02:16business feeds. Caius Draven. The pure blood dragon who ran Draven's syndicate. And through
02:21it, the whole Night City. He was at the top of the food chain. Money. Power. Blood on his hands.
02:27So this wasn't a dream. Or a scam. A man like Caius Draven had no reason to scam a broke
02:32divorcee coming from the lower city. His eyes moved over me.
02:36Name.
02:36I figured he'd come straight from his business. Handling traitors. Tearing enemies apart. And now
02:41he'd been defeated by a toddler. Feeding the kid was probably harder than running his empire.
02:46Aria Bennett.
02:47A barely there nod. He held out the plate.
02:51Try.
02:55So this was my interview. If I didn't pass, I'd end up under a bridge with the homeless.
02:59I smiled my warmest, gentlest smile and walked toward the boy. Whoosh. He bolted under the
03:05table. Only his eyes peeked out. Dark. Round. Furious.
03:09I don't want her. Send her away. She's a bad lady. They're all bad ladies.
03:14So before me, this kid had already been through who knows how many stepmoms. Fine. I had to do my
03:19best. I scanned the room and clocked it instantly. Toy figures everywhere. Little wolves. Lions. And most
03:25of all, dragons. I chose a flame guard dragon and a lion and placed them at the child's feet. Then
03:30I picked up the spoon. Don't worry. I'm not feeding you. I'm feeding the flame guard. Open up,
03:36big guy. Gotta eat if you want to guard your people. A baby dragon who won't eat stays skinny. How
03:44can
03:44he protect his clan? Oh, the lion wants his carrots. Good call. Now the lion is stronger than
03:50the dragon. The boy watched. Half hidden. Lips parting. Smacking his mouth a little. I pretended
03:55not to see. His nose started turning pink like he was about to cry. Wait. Is that a baby dragon
04:01over there? Flame guard? Can you share with him? He has to eat too if he's going to grow
04:05up strong. The boy nodded furiously. He took the spoon with his lips before I could reach
04:10him. He ate several mouthfuls. Then he glared at me. Why won't you give me meat? You scared
04:16I'll get stronger than the dragon lord, bad lady. I glanced at the couch. Caius Draven's
04:22mouth curved. A small, real smile. I moved into the penthouse that night. There were three
04:32floors. I got the second floor with Milo. Caius had the whole third floor to himself.
04:37The butler walked me to my room and gave me one last warning. You do not go up to the
04:40third floor. Ever. His voice dropped. The last cat girl who tried sneaking into the boss's bed
04:46got her tail snapped and was tossed off the roof. I nodded so hard I almost gave myself a whiplash.
04:51Won't happen. You have my word. Strong fathers raised strong sons. Milo was only four and slept
04:57in his own bed without a fuss. That made my job easier. I just changed into the silk pajamas from
05:02the closet. The knock made me jump. Come down. Let's talk. Caius was on the couch in the great room.
05:10Long legs crossed. Whiskey in his hand. I sat across from him on the other couch. Hands in
05:15my lap. Knees together. Like a job interview. You're good with kids. You have one of your own.
05:23No. I helped raise my ex's nephew for two years. My ex belonged to the Wrens, a newly risen Fox
05:30family
05:30in the upper city. Back then, his mother decided I, a low-born human, was unfit to be seen in
05:35public
05:36up there. They ordered me to quit the job I had found myself and called it generosity. Then,
05:40after I did, they said I was lazy with nothing to do. So they fired the nanny and dumped his
05:45sister's spoiled brat on me. More free servant than mate. Caius nodded. He touched his earring
05:50and a holographic screen appeared. File says you're divorced. Yes. Reason? A human girl like me wasn't
06:00worthy of a noble upper city Fox family, I guess. Only a coward would say that. You saw the ad.
06:06I'm hiring a mother for Milo. Not a date for myself. Some rogue shifters terrified him when he was
06:12little. He's been insecure ever since. Hates leaving the home. Has never had a single friend.
06:19I work long hours. I need someone with patience. Someone who'll stay. His gaze settled on me.
06:28There'll be a prenup. Everything stays separate. Especially in bed.
06:37Marriage in the rich upper city was a contract before it was anything else. Mine with Lucien had
06:42been for love, but because of the gap between our families, I'd signed one with him too. When the
06:46love ran out, I walked away with nothing. Not even my ring. Let alone a powerful beast house like
06:52the Draven's. They'd only be more careful. I understand. Honestly, if you just need someone
06:58in the house, we don't have to make it legal. I'm fine without the paperwork. Marriage is for Milo.
07:04He needs the most stable mother I can give him. And marriage? And marriage is the strongest contract
07:09there is. It made sense. I understand. Don't worry. You'll get a hundred thousand a month for expenses.
07:16And a legal identity in upper city. This was the part I cared about. I'd been burned before.
07:21Mr. Draven, if we ever divorce, do I keep the money you've given me?
07:27Of course. If it's yours, then I'm all okay with it. As for sex...
07:31I knew some beastmen had an insatiable sex drive. I kept my head down, not daring to look
07:36at him.
07:37I don't need anything from you, though.
07:41That's fine. Neither do I.
07:43So, three days after I signed divorce papers, I got married again. No ceremony. No guests.
07:49Same as my first wedding. The butler added an extra dish to dinner. I thought that was
07:53the celebration. But then Caius slid a signet ring across the table. A Draven house ring.
07:58A key to the power of the entire upper city.
08:01That's not necessary.
08:05Lucian never even gave me his family ring.
08:08For Milo's sake.
08:09Then I understood. The kid needed the illusion of a family. I went quiet and finally took
08:14it.
08:14I'll keep it safe.
08:15That night, I'd just gotten into bed when the door creaked open. Milo stood in the doorway,
08:20bare feet, hair sticking up, fidgeting with his dinosaur pajamas.
08:23What's up, kiddo?
08:24Aria? Can you read me a bedtime story?
08:29What? I'll get my dad to pay you extra. If you don't want to, forget it.
08:38Come here. I held the covers open. He scrambled in like he'd been waiting for it all day.
08:45Halfway through the story, he was out cold against my shoulder. Next morning at breakfast,
08:50Caius' eyes widened when the butler told him Milo had slept in my bed.
08:53Aria, that was above and beyond. I'll add another 50,000 a month.
08:59Mr. Draven, that's way too much.
09:01It was. By a lot. I'd given far more than this in my last marriage. Yet when the divorce was
09:06finalized, I could not even afford an hotel. During the day, I babysat his nephew. At night,
09:11I cooked for my husband. After satisfying his excessive desires at night, I still had to wake
09:16up at five to clean the house and make breakfast. His mother judged.
09:20We could hire someone, but Aria just sits around all day. Wouldn't be fair.
09:24And on the day of the divorce, his sister told the lawyer I'd been living off them for three
09:29years. Mr. Draven, it's really too much. I like Milo. He's a sweet kid. Reading him a book is
09:37nothing. As I said it, Milo came over and grabbed my fingers with his small, warm hand.
09:45Milo looked up at me with those big, round eyes. He was actually moved.
09:49You don't know. The women before you only cared about impressing me. They ignored him.
09:5750,000. That's the new number. Not negotiable.
10:01I gave up and thanked him. From that day on, Milo was my shadow. Caius was buried in his syndicate.
10:05The gene deals, the arms, the blood. The huge tower was usually just the two of us. I did my
10:10best to play with him and make him happy every day. Until the day I had a follow-up at
10:13the clinic,
10:14the butler had warned me. Milo couldn't leave the tower. Outside set off panic attacks.
10:20Hey, babe. Wait for me at home. I'll be back in an hour. He grabbed my hand and wouldn't let
10:26go.
10:26Didn't say a word. Just looked at me with those dark, sad eyes. The butler sighed.
10:30He's scared you won't come back. His mother left him exactly like that.
10:34I'm coming back. I'll see the doctor and come right home. You play here, okay?
10:39I was still mid-sentence when he climbed into the back seat of the car. The butler tried not to
10:43hope.
10:45Master Milo, you're going to the clinic with Miss Bennett?
10:52Thank God. He's finally willing to leave the tower.
10:58Your depression's improving. Keep it slow. Stay relaxed. I took the script and the meds and left.
11:05Milo was waiting in the lobby with his little dragon toy.
11:09Aria, are you sick?
11:11A little, kiddo. I used to skip meals a lot, so I got sick.
11:14Promise me you'll never let yourself get like that.
11:17Does it hurt? If it hurts, I can give you candy?
11:19He pulled a piece of candy from his pocket and pressed it into my palm.
11:24Daddy told me candy makes you forget.
11:26My tears fell without warning. In the Wren house, I'd cry, and they'd call it dramatic.
11:31Lower city girl. Can't handle the lifestyle. A human is just too weak.
11:36I told Lucian I had depression.
11:38You were making it up to ruin my mood. Stop faking it for attention.
11:43The nephew I'd raised for two years called me ugly and grasping on divorce day.
11:47And here was this four-year-old beast heir handing me his last piece of candy.
11:51I scooped him up and held him tight. So small, so warm. He patted my back with one tiny hand.
11:57Aria, I'm going to eat every meal so I can grow up and protect you.
12:01I laughed through tears.
12:03You'd better grow fast, babe.
12:04When we walked out of the clinic, a blacked-out limo idled at the curb.
12:08Caius leaned against it, charcoal suit, hands in his pockets.
12:11Everyone stared. I walked over with Milo's hand in mine.
12:16Mr. Dreyfin, why are you here?
12:21He scooped his son into his arms.
12:23Seeing how calm the boy was, his eyes suddenly reddened.
12:25His voice turned rough with feeling.
12:28The butler called, said Milo went out with you. I had to see it.
12:31Milo reached for my hand from his father's arms.
12:33As long as I'm with Aira, you can stop worrying.
12:36Caius looked at me for a long moment, then nodded.
12:39I know.
12:40That night, he tried to raise my pay again.
12:42This time, a black card.
12:43I refused so hard that he laughed.
12:47Aria, there must be something you want.
12:50I thought about it.
12:51Could you help me find a used car?
12:525,000 or under, so I can take Milo out without depending on the driver.
12:57Pick anything from the garage?
12:59The cheapest car in your garage is a quarter million.
13:02I wouldn't dare drive it.
13:03He considered it.
13:04Fine.
13:05Next morning, an old, beat-up sedan was parked beside his hover limo.
13:09He also flew in a psychiatrist, a big name from the Western Districts.
13:13Same diagnosis as the clinic.
13:14But this time, my meds were upgraded to the brand I'd never been able to afford.
13:18On the way out, the doctor told Caius,
13:20Your wife needs company.
13:22Family.
13:23Don't push her too hard.
13:24Caius' face was serious.
13:26I'll remember that.
13:27The next day, I drove Milo out with me.
13:29He'd always been insecure.
13:30Had barely seen the outside world.
13:32Now, I wanted to show it to him.
13:34First, the amusement park.
13:35He grabbed my hand and dragged me to take pictures with the dragon mascot.
13:39Then I took him to the open market.
13:41He'd never been to a market in his life.
13:42He trailed behind me, holding a live lobster in a plastic bag.
13:46His perfect little face frozen in horror.
13:49Aria!
13:49I don't want to hold this!
13:51My hands are full, Milo.
13:53Just a few steps.
13:54Fine.
13:55One time only.
13:57And no more lobster.
13:58I was hiding a smile when I heard the voice from the parking lot.
14:03Aria!
14:06It was Lucian, my ex-husband.
14:11He was in a crisp brown suit,
14:13the tips of his fox ears catching the light,
14:15like he'd stepped off a feed cover.
14:17It had been five weeks since the divorce.
14:19My stomach nodded on sight.
14:21Lucian and I met in university.
14:22I was the only Lower City girl admitted on the scholarship.
14:25But he came from one of those new-money gene-tech families,
14:28fox shifters were naturally striking.
14:31And he was the most romantic and wealthy of them.
14:34He'd ignored every objection from his family to put a ring on me.
14:37At our wedding, he promised to protect me for life.
14:40But I should have known how obsessed gene-mod families were with hierarchy.
14:44Then he took over Wren Holdings.
14:46He started finding fault with everything.
14:48He wanted me to quit my job,
14:50take care of his parents,
14:51take care of his sister's kid,
14:53cook,
14:54laundry,
14:55cleaning.
14:55I did all of it,
14:56because I loved him.
14:58Because my own family had never loved me,
15:00and I didn't know any better.
15:01Until one day I caught him in a private club with a fox girl in his lap.
15:05They were kissing.
15:07My whole world shattered.
15:13I cried.
15:14I screamed.
15:15Swear it would stop what successful man doesn't have side action.
15:19Lucian said I'd been spoiled rotten.
15:21He blocked my number.
15:23Stopped coming home.
15:24My depression cratered.
15:25I filed for divorce.
15:27He thought it was a bluff.
15:29His family told him,
15:31don't let her win.
15:32He had his lawyer draft the papers.
15:34Signed in seven seconds.
15:35I walked out with nothing.
15:37Four years dating.
15:38Three years married.
15:39Done.
15:40Now he strolled toward me,
15:42eyes sliding from the grocery bag in my arm
15:44to the kid behind me
15:45to the old car in the lot.
15:46Aria.
15:46Elite degree.
15:47And here you are playing nanny?
15:49What were you thinking?
15:50Not your business.
15:52Aria, try to understand.
15:54The day you married into the Wren house,
15:56you became the Wren name.
15:58Lucian, we're divorced.
16:00I have nothing to do with your family anymore.
16:02Even divorced, you're my ex-mate.
16:04People still bring me up when they talk about you.
16:06Stop embarrassing me.
16:08Use your head for one.
16:09Stop being so emotional.
16:11I couldn't listen anymore.
16:12I didn't want that voice in Milo's ears.
16:14Aria, I bet your life in the Lower City wasn't good.
16:17Admit you were wrong.
16:19And apologize.
16:20I'll think about taking you back.
16:21The girls outside the marriage were nothing.
16:23I haven't replaced you.
16:24The seat's still open.
16:25Just swallow your pride.
16:26Apologize to my mother and my sister and I'll-
16:28Don't bother holding it.
16:29Give the seat to someone else, Lucian.
16:31I'm not interested.
16:35On the drive home,
16:37a new number called.
16:38Mason,
16:39the nephew I'd raised for two years.
16:41Hey, Mass.
16:42Aria!
16:43Aria!
16:44You stupid human loser!
16:46My mom wants to talk to you!
16:48My throat closed up.
16:49Aria, Lucian tells me you're working as a nanny.
16:51Have you ever thought about anyone but yourself?
16:54You're slapping Lucian's face.
16:55You're slapping the Wren name.
16:57What does that look like to people?
16:58I always said it.
16:59You'll never rise above your roots.
17:01Trash dressed in silk.
17:02I hung up,
17:03blocked her,
17:04pulled over.
17:06I crashed onto the wheel and bawled.
17:08I cried until I was so empty I felt nothing.
17:12Aria,
17:13here.
17:15Tissue.
17:16I'm sorry, sweetheart.
17:17Did I scare you?
17:18Aria,
17:19I'm not scared.
17:20You can cry as long as you want.
17:22I'll wait.
17:23Adults crying isn't shameful.
17:24I won't laugh.
17:25Thanks, my little gentleman.
17:27I'm done crying.
17:28Let's go home.
17:31I went to bed early that night.
17:32Didn't feel up to dinner.
17:35Then a knock.
17:37Aria,
17:38can I come in?
17:38Caius,
17:39come in.
17:40He was in a tight white tank top,
17:42the dragon mark standing out even more.
17:44Dark hair loose over his forehead,
17:46whiskey in his hand,
17:47looser than I'd ever seen him.
17:48His gaze flicked to my wet collarbone,
17:51then snapped to the wall like he'd been caught.
17:53His tail shifted once against the floor.
17:55The clothes in your closet,
17:58you never wear any of them.
18:00They're too nice.
18:01I'm not used to it.
18:02I'd learned one thing in the Wren marriage.
18:04Don't force yourself into a world that isn't yours.
18:07In the upper city,
18:08a human who climbed too high
18:09only fell harder.
18:11Not your style?
18:13I'll have the designer come fit you for new ones.
18:15No, no, Mr. Draven.
18:16I'm in the tower all day with Milo.
18:18Nowhere to wear that kind of thing.
18:19Truly.
18:20I heard you saw your ex today.
18:22Wren, isn't it?
18:23Wren Hondings?
18:26I froze.
18:28Milo had snitched.
18:29I pressed my lips together.
18:30Yes.
18:31That Wren.
18:32Old news.
18:33He read my face and changed lanes.
18:35Aria, since you came,
18:37Milo's been a different child.
18:40I shifted.
18:41Uncomfortable.
18:42You pay me very well.
18:43It's what I'm here for.
18:44Aria,
18:45ask me for anything.
18:46I can probably make it happen.
18:48Mr. Draven,
18:49I don't need anything.
18:52I'll say it again.
18:53I'm the ruler of the whole beast family.
18:55If you want,
18:56I can make sure he never speaks again by tomorrow.
18:58Without warning,
18:59he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
19:01Did I scare you?
19:02I shook my head.
19:04His hand slid down from my cheek.
19:07He gave a small nod,
19:08then walked out.
19:12For the next two weeks,
19:13Kaya started coming home early.
19:15Dinner with Milo and me,
19:16sometimes board games after,
19:18sometimes a film.
19:19A man behind the whole upper city
19:21didn't change his schedule for no reason.
19:23I started to worry.
19:24Was the Draven empire on fire?
19:26Not that I cared about him.
19:27I just really cared about my 150 grand a month.
19:30Mr. Draven,
19:32you don't have to keep coming home this early.
19:37Milo has me.
19:39If you've got business,
19:40take it.
19:41Kaya's picked up a red toy block.
19:43Voice perfectly neutral.
19:45The psychiatrist said you need family.
19:48Milo and I are your family now.
19:50We have responsibilities.
19:52Since when are we family?
19:53I wanted to say.
19:55I didn't.
19:55Honestly,
19:56Milo's enough.
19:57The doctor said my improvement is mostly thanks to him.
20:00Kaya's looked up and rubbed his chin.
20:02Something flickered behind his eyes.
20:04I couldn't read it.
20:05I grabbed Milo's hand and stood.
20:07Come on, buddy.
20:09Story time.
20:10Daddy still has work.
20:11Milo trotted along,
20:12then shot his father a glare over his shoulder.
20:14A glare that almost said,
20:16you blew it.
20:17Arya.
20:18Kaya's voice,
20:20stopping me at the door.
20:22Yes.
20:23His ears were faintly pink.
20:25He cleared his throat.
20:26Tomorrow night,
20:28there's an event.
20:29Plus sun's required.
20:33Would you come with me?
20:36Me?
20:37You.
20:38I don't have time to find someone else.
20:40I'll pay you an appearance fee.
20:42A man like him couldn't find a date in 24 hours?
20:45I didn't overthink it.
20:47There was money on the table.
20:48Sure.
20:49Yes.
20:52I don't know the social rules in your world, though.
20:55I don't want to embarrass you.
20:56Friends were a moneyed house, too.
20:57But Lucian never took me to anything,
20:59because his mother said,
21:01she doesn't know how to act in Upper City.
21:03Don't let her embarrass us.
21:05Arya's brow eased.
21:08Stand next to me.
21:10That's all.
21:10If you want,
21:11I can make the gossip shut up for good.
21:13The butler chimed in,
21:14beaming.
21:15Miss Bennett,
21:16you don't need to know the rules.
21:18The overlord is the rules.
21:19Hard to argue with that.
21:21The next afternoon,
21:22a design team showed up at the tower.
21:24Hair,
21:25makeup,
21:26dress,
21:26jewelry.
21:27They huddled and debated each detail
21:29for 20 minutes at a stretch.
21:31By the time Caius got home,
21:33I was starting to feel sick
21:34about how much was on me.
21:36He walked in,
21:36saw me,
21:37his eyes did something.
21:38A brief flash,
21:40almost stunned,
21:40before he caught himself.
21:42Milo was clutching my hand,
21:43beaming.
21:44Daddy,
21:45look how pretty Arisa is.
21:48Call her mom.
21:49Milo turned his head and harumphed.
21:51I patted his hair.
21:52It's okay.
21:54I like Arya.
21:56Makes me feel young.
22:00The event was a charity gala at the Apex.
22:03Every major name in Night City was there.
22:05Old money,
22:06bigger money,
22:06political faces,
22:08a few faces I knew from the feeds,
22:09and a few I knew not to recognize at all.
22:12They orbited Caius immediately.
22:14The talk started landing on me.
22:15Mr. Darren,
22:16who's the beautiful lady?
22:19I'm a friend of Mr. Darren's.
22:21Caius held me close to his side.
22:24My mate,
22:26Arya.
22:27The room shifted,
22:28a chorus of polite gasps,
22:30compliments raining down.
22:32My face went hot to my collarbone.
22:34Caius squeezed my hand,
22:35leaned in.
22:36His voice dropped to my ear.
22:38Arya,
22:39is being my mate really that embarrassing?
22:42You couldn't say it?
22:43Bourbon and cedar on his breath.
22:46No,
22:47no,
22:48I just,
22:48I didn't want to embarrass you.
22:50His eyes darkened.
22:52Arya,
22:54only a weak man is embarrassed by his wife.
22:57He looked at me like he was lighting something on fire.
23:00I had to look away.
23:01I'll grab a drink.
23:03I bolted.
23:05I'd been hiding by the champagne tower for about 90 seconds, men.
23:09Arya?
23:09Lucien.
23:13There was no date.
23:14Just him.
23:15Hadn't Caius said plus ones required?
23:17Lucien's face was pure shock.
23:21I almost didn't recognize you.
23:24I've never seen you look like this.
23:27Gorgeous.
23:29And how exactly did you get in here?
23:31Your nanny job?
23:32I stepped back.
23:33Stay away from me.
23:35He moved closer.
23:36Arya.
23:37About my sister's call.
23:39That wasn't me.
23:40I'd never authorize that.
23:42Truth is,
23:43I only agreed to the divorce to teach you a lesson.
23:46It was just a small reminder.
23:48I never actually planned to let you go.
23:51Apologize to my mom and my sister.
23:52We'll remarry.
23:53I'll forget the rest.
23:55Ren and Sochins is bleeding right now.
23:56I'm slammed.
23:57Stop making this hard for me.
23:59He reached for my hand.
24:01Lucien special.
24:02One slap.
24:03One kiss.
24:04He ran me on that loop for three years.
24:07I'm not the Arya he married anymore.
24:09I walked back.
24:11Lucien.
24:12Divorced means divorced.
24:15I'd rather sleep under the skybrick than wear your name again.
24:18Find someone else for that throne.
24:20His face tightened.
24:22He smiled like ice.
24:23Still stubborn.
24:25You haven't suffered enough.
24:27Crawl back when you've actually been broken.
24:29That's when Caius started walking toward us.
24:32Lucien's whole posture changed.
24:34Arya.
24:35We'll talk later.
24:35There's a heavyweight I need to corner.
24:37Don't get in the way.
24:40He smoothed his lapels, plastered on his best smile,
24:43and intercepted Caius with a business card already out.
24:46Overlord.
24:47I'm Lucien Ren.
24:49Ren Holdings.
24:52I'd like to talk about the mandate you pulled.
24:54Ren Holdings has been working on gene mod technology for five years.
24:58And overnight, you pulled our licensing.
25:00If we fell short, please tell me where.
25:03Anything you need, we'll make it right.
25:05Lucien, half-bowed, smile so polished it could blind.
25:09Caius's eyes went past him, straight to me.
25:12Arya.
25:14What do you think?
25:15Should I give him a second chance?
25:17Lucien's smile froze.
25:20Arya?
25:21What does she have to do with...
25:22Overlord, you should know.
25:23Arya is my ex-wife.
25:25I don't know how she got in here tonight.
25:27Probably trying to ambush me into reconciliation.
25:29She's just a housewife.
25:30Pay her no mind.
25:31Caius didn't even glance at him.
25:33Arya.
25:34Your call.
25:37I'll follow your lead.
25:39Lucien's face changed colors.
25:43I kept my voice flat.
25:45Mr. Ren just asked me not to interfere in his business conversation.
25:49I'd hate to interfere.
25:50Lucien flared.
25:51A man's business is none of your concern.
25:53Of course.
25:55Lower fiddle instincts.
25:57Caius's voice came in cold and final.
25:59Then I'll assume my mate doesn't approve of Ren Hounjing's.
26:02Mr. Ren will have to pass.
26:04His arms slid around my shoulders.
26:06He turned us toward the bar.
26:07Lucien was still standing there, brain catching up.
26:10Then a man in a tuxedo brushed past him.
26:13Ren, you insulted the Overlord's mate?
26:16You stepped on a live mine.
26:17That's the only woman who's been on his arm in twenty years.
26:20The Overlord's wife?
26:22Impossible.
26:23She's just a nanny.
26:23Lucien had seen Arya at the open market, driving the cheap car, carrying a lobster for the brat.
26:29He knew what he saw.
26:30A fancy dress didn't make a duchess.
26:32The man shook his head and walked off.
26:34Some idiots won't listen.
26:36Let them burn.
26:40He was too close.
26:41His face carved out of something dangerous.
26:44Eyes blown gold.
26:45Heat from his breath landed on my throat.
26:48He smelled like bourbon and cedar, looking at my mouth like he wanted it.
26:52People say liquor talks.
26:53They're not wrong.
26:54Mr. Draven, you've had too much.
26:56He paused, closed his fingers around empty air, sat back, pinched the bridge of his nose.
27:02You're right.
27:02I'm sorry.
27:03I had too much.
27:04The rest of the ride was silence.
27:06A heavy, humming silence with my pulse loud in my ears.
27:11Milo saved me.
27:12I scooped him up and ran upstairs before I had to look Caius in the face again.
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