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"You'd better deal with him quickly. Who knows what strings he might pull with the Swift Clan to mess with your business."

Ellie heaved a sigh of exhaustion.

She had repeatedly declined that person's invitation, but he still kept pestering her. If not for her business, she might have already beaten the crap out of him.

Therefore, she could only roll her eyes at her best friend's teasing remarks.

"Do you need my help?" Valyn asked in all seriousness, void of her usual playfulness.

Ellie felt warmth in her heart when she heard the offer. Despite their usual banter, she was truly glad to have a best friend like Valyn, especially in situations like this.

Nevertheless, she acted the opposite, despite being touched within her heart.

"Hmph, I still have enough strength to protect myself. I don't need help from a bitch like you!"

Once again, Valyn broke her usual innocent character and raised her voice.

"W-What did you just say, you bitch? Keep calling me a bitch, and you'll be dead!"

"Hmph, I want to see you try," Ellie dared.

However, when Valyn was just about to retort, the room suddenly swung heavily open before an arrogant male voice drew their attention.

"I apologize for the intrusion, but I can't wait any longer to see you, Miss Vancord."

Hearing the man's voice, Ellie's expression instantly darkened, as Vincent and Valyn turned their heads to the owner of the voice.

It was a good-looking man in his early twenties. His brown hair was brushed upward, and he stood 6 feet 2 inches tall.

He had a good physique, fair skin, and wore expensive equipment. On his flank were two rough-looking men standing expressionless in silence.

He was the Young Master of the Boltor Clan, Clark Boltor.

Still wearing a dark expression, Ellie addressed the man. "Young Master Boltor, I don't think I gave you permission to enter my room."

At this moment, the female staff member she had ordered to bring Young Master Boltor to the VIP room arrived late, flustered.

"L-Lady Boss, I—"

Ellie glanced at the woman.

"It's alright, Tina. You can go back and continue your work."

"T-Thank you, Lady Boss."

Tina bowed apologetically before quickly leaving.

Once Tina left, Ellie snapped back at the Young Master Boltor, who was smiling smugly.

"Please, don't get mad at me, Ellie. I just really cannot wait to see you."

Although apologetic, his eyes and expression betrayed everything he had said. Furthermore, he switched the way he addressed her, making Ellie even more displeased.

With tightly furrowed brows, Ellie responded in a cold voice, "We are not that close for you to address me casually, Young Master Boltor."

At this moment, Clark finally scanned the room. His brows furrowed for a moment when he saw Vincent, then shifted to subtle surprise when his eyes caught sight of the innocent beauty, Valyn.

In the next second, he placed his right arm on his chest, took a practiced bow, and introduced himself in the most noble way he could.

"I apologize for the sudden intrusion. I didn't know Ellie had guests. Let me introduce myself. My name is Clark Boltor, the sole heir of the Boltor Family. And who might these distinguished guests be?"

"Valyn."

"Vincent."

Valyn and Vincent curtly replied.

Clark's lips subtly twitched, displeased at their curt response, but he didn't show it. He kept his smile and addressed Valyn.

"So, it's Miss Valyn. It's my pleasure to meet a beautiful woman like you on this chaotic day. You must be one of Ellie's friends. A beautiful woman like you only deserves beautiful people around her..."

Clark continued blabbering, obviously ignoring Vincent. Explore more at empire

After a while, Clark finally moved his attention to Ellie.

"Ellie, have you already carefully considered your answer to my invitation?"

"Young Master Boltor, I already told you many times. I am not joining your clan. You should understand, with your stature, that I'm declining your invitation."

"Why? Is there something you don't like about the benefits? Are they lacking? You can tell me if you have any conditions, and I'll consider them."

"No. Please leave, Young Master Boltor. You are ruining my time with my guests." Ellie had already thrown away the pretense she had.

She was clearly displeased by Clark's behavior.

The moment Clark heard that, his expression immediately darkened with displeasure.

"Ellie, are you sure about your decision?"

"I am sure, and please stop addressing me so casually."

"Are you sure you won't regret it?"

"What do you mean by that? Are you threatening me?"

"No, no. I wouldn't dare threaten you, but if someone were to decline my invitation again, I might say something to the Swift Clan. Someone might lose her business." Clark's words carried an indirect threat.

Ellie's expression darkened further.

Despite Clark's casual tone, she could sense the menace beneath his words, causing her to fall silent.

As much as she hated to admit it, Clark had the connections to make good on his threat. But even so, she would not sell herself out of fear of losing her business.

Her only concern was for her staff, who treated their work as their livelihood. If she lost her business, they would lose their jobs.

Nevertheless, she would never join the Boltor Clan. Not because the benefits were bad, but because she could already see Clark's sinister intentions.

The way he looked at her—and at Valyn, even though he quickly hid it—did not sit well with her.

There was no good in having a connection with a lecherous person like him.

At this moment, Vincent could no longer hold himself back and let out a soft chuckle, which immediately drew Clark's attention.

"Is there something funny about what I said?" Clark asked, displeased.

Vincent feigned surprise before laughing awkwardly.

"Haha, no, Young Master Boltor. I just remembered something funny from a novel I read. It's about a toad chasing a swan."

So, it's real. I thought those authors were just making cringe dialogues, but those words were actually said by this young master, Vincent thought, laughing in his mind.

Despite Vincent's excuse, Clark still felt displeased for some reason.

Even more so when Valyn followed with a chuckle.

"Haha, that's right. I also used to read something like that when I was a kid. The toad was so ridiculous!" Valyn added.

At this moment, Ellie already realized that Vincent and Valyn were not talking about the toad but about Clark instead, forcing her to stifle a chuckle.

Meanwhile, Clark was at a loss. He couldn't understand what they were talking about, but he was clearly displeased.

One of the rough-looking men behind him approached and whispered something into his ear.

Clark's expression darkened as his face turned red with anger.

"You bastard!"