CHAPTER 50: BEFORE DINNER

Linus is standing in front of a full-length mirror in his bedroom at the Sky Suite, checking his appearance one last time before heading out. Today, he’s wearing a casual pearly white shirt and dark grey trousers. The top button is open.

Miranda sits at her dressing table, trying to clasp her necklace.

Linus comes up behind her and helps. "I’m sorry that dinner has to be tonight. It’s the only free time I have. I need to be at Solarys by two p.m. tomorrow at the latest." He kisses her hair as he apologizes.

Miranda smiles. "It’s okay. Leila understands. We’ve been planning this dinner for days now, and it never happened. Now that it finally does, I’m beyond happy. I just hope Thea can join us."

Linus nods. He offers her his hand, which she takes. "I hope so too. Let’s go. I hope the kids are ready."

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Liam sits in the living room, and he looks very unhappy. He believes this is a waste of time. He has no intention of marrying Thea. His mind drifts back to what his father said less than two hours ago.

"Your mom isn’t ordering you to marry Thea. She just wants to introduce you to her. Just do it. She’s not bad. Who knows? She might surprise you."

Liam presses his lips together. He knows Aunt Leila is his mother’s best friend, and they haven’t met in years. He knows the Montrose boys. He doesn’t really like Arthur, he thinks too highly of himself.

But Julian is different. Liam likes Julian. He’s very smart, and his inventions are out of this world. Monfort Industries has tried to create a space pouch for years but hasn’t succeeded.

Claudia enters the living room. She laughs when she sees him pouting. "Is being introduced to a girl that bad?"

Liam turns to his sister. "No, it’s not. I just think it’s a complete waste of time. I want to search for Aldriana, not go to dinner where I’ll be treated as an object on display."

"If that’s what you think I’m doing, you can leave." Miranda’s sharp voice comes from behind him.

Liam startles and stands up, not daring to meet his mother’s eyes. He looks at his father, silently asking for help.

Linus looks back at him, showing a hint of displeasure. Liam sighs in defeat. If even his father agrees, then he’ll go and perform as expected.

He quickly approaches his mother, ready to coax her, but she says, "I don’t want to force you to do anything you don’t want. And when have I ever done that? I only asked you to come to dinner with my best friend’s family. If you think that’s too much for you, you can stay behind."

With that, she turns around and leaves.

Linus gives Liam a sharp look and follows his wife.

Claudia steps beside her brother and whispers, "Now you’ve done it." Then she runs after their parents.

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"You don’t have to force yourself to join us for dinner, Thea," Leila says when she sees Theo in the dining room.

"I know, Mother. I’m really okay. I’ve been sleeping for three days. I feel fresh." Theo assures her. His mind drifts back to a few hours ago.

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Arthur has just left.

Theo is thinking hard about the press conference. Aldriana is exposed. If she stays quiet and never appears again, the city will plunge into chaos, fighting over the Heartstones.

Theo flips the bedcover and gets off the bed. He starts pacing.

I never meant to create Aldriana. But now that she’s here, how can I utilize her to the maximum? How much money are we talking about here that even the city will fight for its mining rights?

It shows that Heartstones really are the currency.

Theo stops. His gaze lands on the azure Heartstone. And this one. Fifty-one percent purity. Let me check it again.

He approaches the Heartstone, places his hands on it, and closes his eyes.

It’s still the same as before. The quality isn’t good.They say this is fifty-one percent and are fighting over it?Theo sighs, opens his eyes, and pulls his hands back, when he notices something else.

Ah, the mana. Of course. Out here is so different from in there. The lack of mana is almost suffocating. I never noticed it before, but now, after feeling that abundance inside the dungeon... being out here feels draining.

He sighs again. I’m getting addicted. What if –

He touches the Heartstone again. I’m right. I can absorb the mana. So Heartstones basically are like... what’s that word again... batteries. What they call "energy" is actually magic energy or mana.

Yes. Heartstones are crystallized mana. And people have been using them to replace their energy source. If Arthur is right that magic once existed in this world, then... magic is slowly returning.

Back to Aldriana. Hmm. The Monforts are coming for dinner. Is Liam coming? I should attend too, see what he thinks about Aldriana.

Hah! I’m talking about myself in third person. I’m slowly losing my mind.

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Back in the dining room, Leila is busy doing the final check on the meals and the table. Theo is helping her set it. The table is beautifully arranged for nine people. Fresh flowers sit in the center, their fragrance filling the room.

"It looks really nice, Thea. Now go and get ready," Leila smiles.

Theo smiles back. "You too, Mother."

Leila nods and exits the dining room with her daughter.

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"Welcome to Montrose Estate," Ben greets the guests.

Miranda enters with anticipation. She always loves coming here. Monfort House in the capital is nothing like this, its design is sleek and luxurious, much like the Sky Suite. But Montrose Estate feels different. It’s like an older country house untouched by time or technology – warm, inviting, and alive with history.

The Monforts look slightly out of their element, yet Miranda couldn’t feel happier.

"Miranda! You’re finally here!" Leila exclaims, rushing forward to hug her, even though they saw each other just a few hours ago.

Maurice, standing behind Leila, steps forward and shakes Linus’ hand. He’s met Linus several times at social events, but the man had always seemed distant. Tonight, however, Linus appears relaxed, almost approachable.

"Sorry for coming this late, and thank you for inviting us." Linus says.

The two women finally pull apart, still smiling at each other.

Miranda suddenly remembers something. She turns to Liam, who’s standing behind Linus, and reaches for him with a proud smile. "This is Liam, my oldest."

Liam steps forward and shakes Leila’s hand. "It’s very nice to meet you, Aunt Leila. I’m sorry I couldn’t meet you earlier."

Then he turns to Maurice and shakes his hand. "It’s an honor to meet you, Uncle Maurice. Thank you for welcoming me."

He smiles politely at both of them.

Leila and Miranda exchange a quick, knowing glance and smile.

"Welcome to our home," Leila says warmly. "Please, let’s go straight to the dining room. It’s already late. I’m hope you’re all hungry. Come!"