Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

In an instant, he vanished from his previous spot, reappearing like a dark blur behind the bald man. The drunken fool didn't even have time to react as Adrian delivered a precise strike to the back of his neck, knocking him out cold.

The man's body crumpled to the ground in a heap, the flames in his hand extinguished as he hit the floor. Adrian straightened, adjusting his sleeves nonchalantly, and glanced at the Black Widow.

"Thank you for lending a hand, Lady Nymera." He nodded subtly.

"Well," Black Widow - Nymera drawled, her lips curling into a devilish smile as she looked at the unconscious man. "That was... swift. Impressive, as always, Mr. Lucien."

"Anyway, want to join me for a drink? I will treat you." She then winked seductively at him.

Adrian simply gave her an indifferent look before stepping around the fallen man, his attention no longer on the ridiculous confrontation. "I'm sorry, but I'm here for business," he said coolly, brushing past her. "Maybe next time."

Evangeline's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered, amusement dancing in her eyes as she watched him walk away. "Oh, darling," she called after him, her voice teasing, "you say that now... but you'll come back to play eventually."

Adrian didn't dignify her words with a response as he made his way to the private room where his meeting with Evangeline's associate, Evangeline herself, or possibly someone even higher up, would take place. The entire hall buzzed with whispers as he moved, but he paid no mind to any of it.

As the door to the meeting room closed behind him, Adrian finally exhaled, mentally preparing himself for whatever the next stage of this twisted game would be. He had just defused one nuisance, but the real ones still lay ahead.

"You have come, Mr Lucien."

As Adrian stepped into the private room, the dim lighting and the rich, dark wood of the furnishings gave the space a sense of mystery and quiet sophistication. A single figure stood near the far end of the room, bathed in the warm glow of a single chandelier. The voice that greeted him was smooth, calm, and slightly amused.

"Of course, my investment in both your business and the relationship between us is at stake after all," Adrian replied politely. "Well, then shall we start the second part of the deal?"

"So, did you see the business? Its growth? Did you make sure that you made the right choice after all?" Evangeline smiled.

Adrian's eyes remained calm and unwavering as he met Evangeline's gaze across the room. His tone was measured but polite as he responded to her earlier question.

"If I didn't believe in its potential, I wouldn't have even considered investing in it, Lady Evangeline," he said coolly. "I've never been one to gamble on uncertainties."

Evangeline's smile lingered as she gestured for him to sit, her eyes watching him with interest. "And I trust that my faith in your judgment hasn't been misplaced. The business has grown considerably in the past few months—faster than I had expected. It seems we've made quite the mark, Mr. Lucien."

Adrian took his seat, his expression neutral. "Growth was inevitable with the right adjustments. Our contract and your plans outlined everything clearly, and the results speak for themselves."

Evangeline nodded, reaching for the elegantly bound document on the table.

"Indeed. As per our agreement, the required sum has been prepared." He handed over a slip of paper, the amount written clearly on it, matching what they had discussed in their previous meetings. "This is the final installment of our initial contract. But you and I both know that this is only the beginning of what we can accomplish."

She took the paper, briefly glancing at it before slipping it into her storage ring. "The terms are met, and we will proceed as outlined. The next phase should be smoother, now that the foundation has been solidified."

They continued to discuss the finer details of their arrangement—future expansions, key markets, and the influence they were beginning to wield in certain circles. It was a straightforward, efficient exchange, devoid of pleasantries, as both parties understood the stakes. Business was business, after all.

As the conversation neared its conclusion, Evangeline leaned back slightly, her expression shifting into one of curiosity. "I must admit, I'm intrigued by how you managed to handle the Wild Heart Sanctuary issue so... swiftly. Word reached me that it was resolved almost overnight."

Adrian's gaze sharpened ever so slightly. "I have my methods," he said with a hint of finality. "Methods that are effective enough for situations that require discretion."

Evangeline's smile was still there, but her eyes glimmered with something more—perhaps a hint of respect, or at the very least, recognition of his capability. "You've certainly proven resourceful as you claim to be. If you ever need... assistance with your dealings at the sanctuary, I'd be more than happy to lend a hand."

Adrian shook his head. "That won't be necessary. I'll handle it. You've got your own business to manage as well, Lady Evangeline."

She gave a small shrug, clearly not offended. "As you wish, Mr. Lucien. But remember, I'm always here if you change your mind."

Their meeting came to an end shortly after that. Adrian stood, preparing to leave, when he paused just before reaching the door. His back still turned to Evangeline, his voice dropped to a cold, warning tone.

"About today's incident," he said quietly, though the steel in his voice was unmistakable. "I trust something like that won't happen again. I am not fond of such things. Deal with those problems on your own."

He was obviously talking about the no hair and fat belly problem. He was sure it was Evangeline who pulled the strings behind the scenes. He didn't know her intention but he really didn't like it. Hell, he even got into a situation with that woman.

"..."

There was a brief silence before Evangeline responded, her voice soft but carrying an edge of sincerity. "You have my word, Mr. Lucien. It won't happen again."

Adrian didn't respond as he opened the door and walked out, leaving the room in silence. The deal was settled, but the game they were playing was far from over.