Elena stood near the glass balcony, the soft morning light brushing her face with gentle warmth.
But her expression held a quiet storm. She had been trying to remain composed ever since Lucas' latest message.
His indifferent attitude—so casual, so dismissive—had chipped away at her calm.
Her fingers unconsciously drifted to the silver chain around her neck. Hanging delicately at the end of it was a small, heart-shaped locket.
With a soft click, she opened it. Inside was a photo she had kept hidden from the world: a picture of herself smiling with a much younger Leo.
His small hands wrapped around her neck, his cheek pressed lovingly against hers.
A real smile tugged at her lips.
From the corner of the room, her assistant—who had quietly observed Elena's many moods over the years—spoke gently, "Ma'am, you smiled... it's been a while. You should do that more often."
Elena closed the locket slowly and said nothing at first. But there was a subtle warmth in her gaze as she whispered, more to herself than anyone else, "With Leo by my side, I think I will."
Her mind wandered briefly, recalling that moment on her birthday years ago.
Little Leo had rushed into her room, a handmade box in hand, his eyes bright with excitement. "Happy Birthday, Mama!" he had shouted, holding up the locket like it was treasure.
Since then, she had never taken it off.
Her expression hardened again. Lucas.
"I won't give up on Leo this time," she said, her voice steady, resolute.
She picked up her phone and messaged Leo: I might need to be away for a few days. Business.
The reply came swiftly.
Leo: Safe travels. Remember to take care of yourself.
Elena paused. A warmth spread through her chest again. He still cared. That alone was enough.
---
Leo, on the other hand, was in the middle of a short break.
After hours of nonstop cultivation, even his Immortal Body needed a moment to relax.
He sat in the quiet study room, a steaming cup of tea resting on the table. Slowly, sip by sip, he savored it.
The gentle bitterness soothed his nerves, and he took the opportunity to review the latest reports.
Alex's movements were being shadowed with precision.
Leo smirked. "Our beloved protagonist, always blessed by heaven. But now, every step you take—every resource you touch—will be mine."
As if in response, a loud ding echoed in his head.
Then another. And another.
Ding! [You have earned 500 points for intercepting an opportunity.]
Ding! [You have earned 1000 points for resource plunder.]
Ding! [Total Points: +2500]
Leo sighed. "System, mute notifications for now. You're ruining the mood."
[Understood. Notification sounds disabled.]
With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the panel. But his heart was light.
In total, 5000 points.
He hadn't lifted a finger. All he did was place a net, and the prey fell into it themselves.
He immediately passed orders to the Shadow Force.
"Don't just follow Alex. Stockpile the resources he loses.
We'll use them for training and development. Make sure no resource is wasted."
The ten Starforged members and the two Dominion Realm guards nodded in unison.
"As you command, Young Master."
Leo's orders were law. But what warmed them wasn't just his strength or foresight—it was his care.
Distributing the harvested resources to them instead of hoarding them… that meant something.
"Our master truly values us," one of them whispered.
Back in the study, Leo chuckled to himself.
The best way to build loyalty is to give them a stake in your success.
He leaned back, eyes closed, a satisfied smirk on his lips.
Alex, wherever you walk, heaven might still smile on you—but I'll be the shadow behind you, turning your luck into my fortune.
---
Meanwhile, far away in the Skydawn manor, Lucas stared at the message on his phone. Elena had made it clear: he was not to contact Leo without permission.
Her exact words echoed in his head: "He's my son. Don't forget that, Lucas."
He wanted to argue. Wanted to say it wasn't true. But he remained silent.
Sophia, standing nearby, asked hesitantly, "Father, should I go bring Leo back? It was my fault after all..."
"No. Let him be," Lucas said. His voice lacked strength.
For the first time, he realized Leo had grown beyond his reach.
---
Back on Leo's end, the sky began to darken as dusk crept in. He stood by the window, the cool breeze brushing against his skin.
His phone buzzed. A report from the Shadow Force:
Target has entered the eastern market district. Spotted negotiating a trade with guild merchants.
Leo smiled again.
"That's it, Alex. Just keep chasing your fate. I'll be the one rewriting it."
Author's Note:
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– azuredragonx
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