"I thought you had better patience than this." Alaric lifted a brow. "I only use my acting when it's necessary. In front of you, Your Highness, I don't feel the need to pretend. After all, you see right through me. And I don't think you'd be opposed to my joining." Lucien rose to his feet and loosened his wrist a little. He looked straight at Alaric, his expression serious. "I may not object to you joining, but that doesn't mean everyone else feels the same way," he said. "Mr. Wynn, I think you should settle things with Silas first." The mention of Silas made Alaric let out a sigh. "That's exactly why I've been taking such good care of you, Your Highness. If I want Silas to agree, I'll need your help." Otherwise, he wouldn't have wasted so much time quietly watching over Lucien while he worked.And right on cue, Silas came in with a tray of freshly cooked food. When he saw Alaric standing beside Lucien, he set the dishes down on the table. Looking at Lucien, he said, "Your food's ready. Hurry and eat." Earlier, Lucien had suddenly felt a little hungry and didn't want any nutrient fluid, so Silas had gone to the kitchen to make him a late-night snack. "It's so late now. I didn't expect Mr. Wynn to be still awake. I made quite a lot. Do you want to join us?" "Sure." Alaric didn't refuse and casually sat back down on the couch. Just then, Corvin walked out with a glass of water, only to be hit with the scent of food. Following the smell, he saw Lucien, Silas, and Alaric sitting in the starrail's living area. They were having a late-night snack. "You're eating without me?" He hurried over and dropped into the seat beside Silas."Smells amazing. I could tell you made it." Silas passed him a fork. "If you want some, just say so." "Heh." Corvin grinned as he took it. "I knew you'd be the best to me, Silas." Lucien shot him a look. "Only Silas treats you well? Am I not good to you?" "Fine, fine, you're all good to me." Corvin grinned, then added with a teasing squint, "But maybe stop sending so many orders to my workshop. That'd be even better." "I'm helping you make money, and you're unhappy about it?" Lucien raised a brow. "It's not about the money. I have no time to spend with Emma because of those orders. I'm miserable." "I barely placed a few orders. You not having time for Emma is not my fault." Lucien absolutely refused to admit he ordered too much. Alaric turned to Corvin with a smile. "I already told my cousin. By the time we reach Central Planet, he should be there too. With him around, you'll finally get to breathe a little." Corvin stared at Alaric gratefully. "Alaric, you're a real brother." He lifted his water. "To show my gratitude, I must toast you—with this cup of water." Mentioning water made Silas suddenly think of the alcohol Lucien, Edric, and Drake had drunk last time. Smiling, he said, "I wonder if Emma still has any of that alcohol left?" "Alcohol?" Corvin blinked at him. "What's that?" Silas explained, "It's a drink sort of like fruit juice, except it makes you drunk. You can ask Emma yourself." The scent of it had lingered in his mind since they'd returned from home. He had wanted to try it. And he wasn't worried about getting drunk like Lucien, Edric, or Drake. He was a vine. Worst case, he'd sprout roots and stay in place for a while. Lucien shot him a warning glare. He really knew how to pick the worst possible topic at the worst possible time. "Alcohol?" Alaric remembered seeing something similar at the Beast God's place—something the Beast God guarded fiercely and never let him touch. He hadn't expected Emma to have some. Corvin's curiosity skyrocketed. "I'll ask Emma tomorrow." And the pajamas too… I haven't brought that up with Emma yet, but I'll be with her tomorrow night anyway. I can ask then. … At NexusPrime Tech Headquarters on Central Planet… The top-floor conference room was still brightly lit at one in the morning. The air was cold enough to cut. Several Empire executives in sharp suits stood alongside three Fox Clan Elders in traditional attire, their eyes fixed on Damian like judges ready to deliver a verdict. Tension thickened the atmosphere."Damian, have you made up your mind yet?" At last, an Empire official broke the silence. Leaning on the table with his palms pressed down, he exuded an unyielding authority. "NexusPrime Tech may have been founded by you—we don't deny that. But don't forget, without our support and your clan behind you, the company would've never gotten this far. We put you on that pedestal, and we can drag you off it just as easily. You could lose everything." His words echoed through the room, carrying a clear, unmistakable threat. "Great," Damian drawled. Lounging lazily on the couch, he was completely unfazed by the pressure mounting around him. A faint, mocking smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "By all means," he said with a soft chuckle, his tone dripping with careless provocation. "If you want to see me lose everything…"