Corporate Villainy: Trampling Protagonists as a Business Dad

Day 6 - 7:30 PM - Vincent's Main Mansion

Vincent adjusted his midnight blue dinner jacket one final time before the full-length mirror in his master suite. The expensive silk fabric draped perfectly across his broad shoulders, the subtle herringbone pattern catching the light with each movement. His black hair was styled with meticulous precision, and his blue eyes held the focused intensity of a predator preparing for the hunt.

Helena emerged from the adjacent dressing room, and Vincent's breath caught despite himself. She wore a burgundy silk gown that hugged her curves with architectural precision, the deep color complementing her warm brown hair and eyes. The dress featured a sophisticated off-shoulder design that showcased her elegant neck and collarbone, while the fitted bodice flowed into a graceful A-line skirt that moved like liquid silk with each step.

"You look absolutely devastating," Vincent said, his voice carrying genuine admiration as he approached her.

Helena's smile was radiant as she reached up to adjust his platinum cufflinks. "We make quite the pair, don't we?" She stepped back to admire their reflection in the mirror. "The power couple of Autumnvale."

They did indeed make a striking pair. Vincent's dark sophistication provided the perfect counterpoint to Helena's warm elegance, their combined presence commanding attention without appearing ostentatious. The careful coordination of their outfits—his midnight blue complementing her burgundy—spoke of a partnership that extended far beyond mere attraction.

"The car is ready, sir," David announced from the doorway, his own formal attire impeccable as always.

Vincent nodded, offering Helena his arm. "Shall we make our entrance?"

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The Phantom's interior was a sanctuary of cream leather and polished wood, the soft lighting creating an intimate atmosphere as they glided through Autumnvale's evening traffic. Helena sat close beside Vincent, her hand resting on his thigh as she studied his profile with knowing eyes.

"You've been planning something since this afternoon," she said, her fingers shaking his arm gently. "Tell me. What are you going to do?"

Vincent remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. Why are you so excited? Do you like seeing others being miserable? he thought, though her enthusiasm was oddly endearing.

"You will know soon," he said finally, chuckling as he pulled her closer by the waist. "What's the fun in telling you now?"

Helena's eyes sparkled with anticipation, but she settled back against him as Vincent began his briefing.

"Tonight's guest list reads like a who's who of Autumnvale's power structure," Vincent explained, his voice taking on a more analytical tone. "Haruto Naratomi from Sector 5's Naratomi Commerce Union will be there—he also controls Sector 9's NexTek Systems. Finance, trade agreements, and communications all under his influence."

"The one who's always smiling?" Helena asked.

"That's him. They say he was smiling even when his father died. Some whisper he's the one who killed his father and several stepbrothers to consolidate power." Vincent's tone was matter-of-fact. "He maintains a facade of neutrality while engaging in backchannel sabotage."

Helena nodded thoughtfully. "And his rival?"

"Rayven Veyrin. He controls both Sector 6's Kaito Maritime Conglomerate and Sector 10's Old Lineage District. A handsome old man with blood red eyes and a face that has never been genuinely seen smiling. He's the strongest sector leader in the city by a small margin, leveraging his shipping monopoly and aristocratic connections. Make sure to follow the noble etiquette around him."

"Mhm. Bitter enemies?"

"History of contract disputes and an ongoing trade war. Rayven's coastal independence philosophy clashes with Haruto's financial control strategies."

As the city lights streamed past their windows, Vincent continued. "Director Lysa Sero from Sector 8's SeroTech Innovation District will be interesting. White-haired, a little crazy, but brilliant. She treats me like a son because I apparently remind her of her deceased boy who died in a Qi injection experiment."

"How did he die?"

"Exploded all over the place during the procedure." Vincent's expression darkened slightly. "SeroTech's culture of rapid innovation comes with costs."

Helena blinked slowly, then tilted her head like a confused puppy. "I'm sorry, did you just say... exploded? Like, boom exploded? Are we talking about a person or a watermelon at a science fair?"

Vincent's lips twitched at her reaction. "A person. Her son. During a cultivation enhancement experiment."

"And she's..." Helena gestured vaguely with her hands, "...still doing these experiments? After her child literally went kaboom?"

"She considers it a necessary sacrifice for scientific advancement."

Helena stared at him for a long moment, then slowly shook her head. "You know what? I'm just going to nod and smile tonight. Because apparently, in the world of corporate elite, having your offspring detonate during research is just another Tuesday." She paused, then added thoughtfully, "Do you think she keeps the lab coat he was wearing? Like, as a memento?"

Vincent couldn't help but chuckle at her expression of bewildered horror. "I'll be sure to ask her about her keepsake collection."

"Please don't."

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The Chillton Hotel, unlike it's cheap name stood like a monument to Autumnvale's golden age, its neo-classical facade transformed from an ancient government building into the city's most prestigious venue. Towering marble columns supported ornate balconies, while crystal chandeliers cast warm light through floor-to-ceiling windows. The building's historical grandeur had been seamlessly integrated with modern luxury, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance.

Olivia was waiting at the entrance, and Vincent felt a pang of concern at her appearance. She wore a sophisticated black evening dress that showcased her professional elegance, the fabric flowing gracefully to her ankles with subtle silver accents that caught the light. Her makeup was flawless, but it couldn't entirely hide the exhaustion in her eyes or the slight tension in her shoulders from days of intensive work.

"You look absolutely beautiful tonight, Olivia," Vincent said warmly as they approached.

A delicate blush colored her cheeks, and she replied in a low, almost shy voice that carried an unexpectedly cute quality. "Thank you, sir. You both look... magnificent."

She tried to maintain her neutral professional expression, but Vincent could see the genuine pleasure his compliment had brought her.

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The ballroom was a masterpiece of historical preservation and modern sophistication. Soaring ceilings featured intricate plasterwork and gilt details, while massive crystal chandeliers cast dancing light across the polished marble floors. Ancient tapestries shared wall space with contemporary art, and the room's acoustics had been carefully designed to allow private conversations amid the gentle buzz of social interaction.

As Vincent, Helena, and Olivia entered, they immediately attracted attention. Admiring glances followed Helena's graceful movement, while Vincent's commanding presence drew respectful nods from business associates and curious stares from competitors. Some looks carried obvious envy, others calculation, and a few held barely concealed hostility.

The atmosphere was deceptively pleasant. Everyone seemed to be smiling, laughing, and engaging in animated conversation, but Vincent could feel the underlying tension crackling through the air like electricity before a storm. Groups formed and reformed with strategic precision, alliances and rivalries playing out in subtle body language and carefully chosen words. The concealed hostility in certain eyes revealed the true nature of these gatherings—warfare conducted with champagne and carefully worded compliments.

As representatives of a top-ten corporate power in the city, they were immediately surrounded by a steady stream of visitors offering respect, seeking favors, or simply positioning themselves for future opportunities. Vincent smoothly directed Helena and Olivia to handle the secondary contacts—Helena's reputation as a PR genius who had proven her capabilities in just a month preceded her, though Olivia's presence provided additional support for those unfamiliar with her.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Vincent's first significant encounter was with Haruto Naratomi, the perpetually smiling controller of Sectors 5 and 9. The man approached with his characteristic pleasant expression, flanked by two elegantly dressed women who represented the maximum allowed companions for the evening.

"Mr. Cornelius," Haruto said, his smile never wavering even as his eyes remained calculating. "Such a pleasure to see Cornelius Corporation maintaining stability during these... turbulent times."

Vincent inclined his head respectfully. "Mr. Naratomi. Your expertise in financial arbitration and communications infrastructure has been invaluable to the city's continued prosperity."

"You're too kind." Haruto's smile somehow became even more pronounced. "Though I notice certain sectors have been experiencing unusual supply chain disruptions. The Naratomi Commerce Union stands ready to provide arbitration services should any parties require neutral mediation."

The offer was delivered with perfect politeness, but Vincent recognized the underlying message—Haruto was positioning himself to profit from the Annapurna-Meridian conflict while maintaining his facade of neutrality.

Before Vincent could respond, a commanding presence approached. Rayven Veyrin cut an imposing figure with his black hair and distinctive red eyes, his expression as cold and silent as his reputation suggested. The two women accompanying him moved with the practiced grace of those accustomed to aristocratic society.

"Cornelius," Rayven said simply, his voice carrying the weight of absolute authority. "Your transportation networks have been... adequate during the recent market volatility."

It was perhaps the closest thing to a compliment Vincent had ever heard from the man. Haruto's smile tightened almost imperceptibly at Rayven's arrival—the bitter rivals maintaining their feud even in social settings.

"Mr. Veyrin," Vincent replied diplomatically. "The Kaito Maritime Conglomerate's shipping efficiency has been exemplary. The Old Lineage District's historical preservation efforts deserve particular recognition."

Rayven's expression didn't change, but Vincent detected a fractional nod of acknowledgment. "Tradition and strength endure while lesser endeavors crumble."

The pointed comment was clearly directed at Haruto, whose smile never faltered despite the obvious provocation.

Salmon Khan's arrival provided welcome relief from the growing tension. The burly leader of Sector 11's Krishi Reclaim Consortium approached with his characteristic booming laugh, his two wives flanking him with obvious affection.

"Vincent, my friend!" Khan's voice carried across the immediate area. "Looking sharp as always. The spirit herb shipments you've been handling have been absolutely perfect—not a single damaged container."

Vincent genuinely smiled at the straightforward praise. "Mr. Khan, your consortium's agricultural innovations continue to impress. The quality of your cultivation materials is also unmatched."

"Ha! That's what happens when you treat the land with respect instead of trying to conquer it." Khan's expression grew more serious. "Though I'll admit, some of my neighbors in Sector 4 have been making unreasonable demands about land usage. The Martial Clans District seems to think agriculture is just another form of territory to be claimed."

The complaint was delivered with Khan's usual directness, but Vincent noted the underlying concern. The land disputes Khan mentioned could easily escalate into something more serious.

Director Lysa Sero's approach was announced by the subtle mechanical humming of her augmented accessories. The elderly woman with white hair moved with surprising energy, her eyes lighting up as she spotted Vincent.

"Vincent, my dear boy!"