NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 42: Confirmed
Day 6 - 8:15 PM - The Chillton Hotel Ballroom
Vincent's eyes narrowed as he studied the figure following behind Celia. The man moved with the fluid confidence of someone accustomed to violence, his posture screaming military precision despite the formal setting. When several businessmen's gazes lingered appreciatively on Celia's entrance, the bodyguard's smirk widened—not with amusement, but with the kind of predatory satisfaction that suggested he viewed their admiration as pathetic.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
New Protagonist Detected.
Name: Marcus (Mickey)
Luck Points: 2200
Current Threat Index: Medium
Vincent's suspicions were confirmed. He'd been wondering about Celia's mysterious new bodyguard for days, but David's information network hadn't been able to penetrate whatever background this man had constructed.
Time for more direct methods of investigation.
"Well, I guess I'll just have to use this," Vincent murmured, accessing the system store with practiced efficiency.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
[VP — 1380 - 300 = 1080]
[Backstory Excavator] - Variable VP (200-800 depending on target)
Reveals complete protagonist backstory including hidden traumas, motivations
Exposes family secrets, forgotten enemies, and buried shame
The information flooded Vincent's consciousness like ice water. Marcus—the self-proclaimed "Shadow Wolf King"—was a retired mercenary who'd seen Celia's photograph in a business magazine and decided she would make a suitable conquest after his retirement from the battlefield. The arrogance, the protective behavior, the dismissive attitude toward everyone else—it all fit the pattern of a domineering protagonist who viewed everyone as beneath him.
This kind of protagonist would use his strength to save the female lead multiple times, Vincent thought. Eventually she'll fall in love with the strong, protective alpha male while he builds his shadow empire by doing the same thing on repeat. Classic formula.
Simultaneously, Vincent activated his [Soul Reader's Insight] ability, focusing on Celia. The passive ability he'd been using to monitor his department heads' loyalty would serve him well here—he needed to understand her current emotional state and relationship dynamics.
[CELIA ANNAPURNA - SOUL METRICS]
Raj Annapurna: 92/100 ( Deceased Father )
Tanya Annapurna : 97/100 (Mother)
Marcus: 67/100 (Trust + Emotionally neutral)
General State: Vigilant, Distressed, Exhausted
Hidden Insight: Views you as a piece to use against Meridian.
"As expected of you Celia" Vincent chuckled to himself.
But it was when Marcus's gaze swept across the room and landed on Helena and Olivia that Vincent felt his eyes narrowing imperceptibly. The bodyguard's eyes lingered on both women with obvious interest, his expression shifting to one of calculated assessment.
Marcus's thoughts were anything but subtle as he studied the two beauties. Now those are women worth having, he mused, his gaze lingering on Helena's elegant curves before shifting to Olivia's refined beauty. Marcus had seen many women during his mercenary times, even slept with many of them but none were as beautiful as the women around him today. Interesting. Taming such beauties will be a challenge but I, Marcus, accept this challenge. He promised himself as he burned their faces and figures in his mind.
Vincent's lip curled slightly in distaste. Sure enough, one mountain cannot have two tigers.
He caught the eye of a nearby waiter—one of David's carefully placed assets—who gave an almost imperceptible nod.
The same elixir with the same dose that had been used on Jin was now prepared for Marcus. Vincent watched as the waiter approached the group around Celia, tray balanced perfectly in his hands.
Then something unexpected happened.
The waiter suddenly tripped, splashing the drugged water across a portly businessman's face instead of giving it to Marcus. The startled man stumbled backward, his elbow catching a decorative vase that began to topple toward the marble floor.
In a blur of motion that drew gasps from several onlookers, Marcus moved.
His speed was inhuman—one moment he was standing casually behind Celia, the next he had somehow caught the falling vase with his foot, balancing it with perfect precision while maintaining his arrogant expression.
"That was remarkable reflexes," someone murmured appreciatively.
"Quite the skilled guardian she's acquired."
"Such incredible speed and precision."
Marcus's expression flickered with disdain, as if the praise was beneath his notice. Seriously? This is what gets them excited? he thought dismissively. I've done harder stuff in my sleep.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Protagonist Marcus has sucessfully showed off in front of you
Marcus LP— +50 Vincent LP— -50
Vincent stood frozen, momentarily speechless. Not only had he failed to achieve his objective, but he'd inadvertently provided Marcus with an opportunity to show off his abilities. The protagonist's high luck value was already manifesting, turning Vincent's trap into a stage for Marcus to display his superiority. It made Vincent feel like a third rate villain.
Medium level threat, Vincent thought grimly. I'll need more luck value and a better strategy.
He quickly sent a message to David, instructing him to check on Jin's condition at the hospital. If Vincent was going to squeeze more luck points from that source. It doesn't matter if he is in the hospital or his grave anymore.
If Jin knew all this, he would curse Vincent's entire lineage.
The formal opening of the ball proceeded smoothly, with guests raising their glasses in the traditional toast. Vincent watched with growing amusement as Marcus's behavior became increasingly unreasonable. The bodyguard's cold stares were driving away any man who dared approach Celia, turning what should have been networking opportunities into uncomfortable encounters. Celia who was already exhausted from days didn't notice it.
Meanwhile, Marcus found his attention repeatedly drawn to the two women. Tsk Tsk, he thought, watching Helena laugh with a group of businessmen.
Vincent didn't know Marcus's thoughts but he could guess what Marcus was thinking by how his eyes lingered on his lover and secretary. Although Vincent was very displeased with how every protagonist seem to eye his woman he didn't yell it out directly. He has to keep Marcus's vigilance low for at least until his next plan starts.
Time to meet my sector neighbour, Vincent decided.
He approached with two glasses of wine, his expression carefully neutral despite the storm brewing beneath the surface.
"Miss Celia, how are you doing? I haven't seen you for a few months and you look even younger now." Vincent's smile was warm and genuine. "Congratulations on your advancement in cultivation."
Celia's surprise was evident. "How did Mr. Vincent know?"
"Just a man's intuition," Vincent replied smoothly, though his [Soul Reader's Insight] had revealed her recent breakthrough along with her current emotional state—a mixture of pride in her achievement and growing embarrassment at Marcus's behavior.
"Mr. Cornelius seems to have changed somehow." Celia's eyes narrowed slightly, her business instincts picking up on something different in his demeanor.
Vincent raised an eyebrow, internally noting her perceptiveness. She's indeed worthy of being among the top ten leaders. I'll need to be more careful.
"I hope you're saying this in a positive way," Vincent laughed, extending the wine glass toward her with practiced charm.
Celia chuckled, her tension easing slightly. "Who knows." She reached for the glass, but suddenly Marcus's hand intercepted it with military precision.
"Miss Celia," Marcus said, his voice carrying the authority of someone unaccustomed to being questioned, "I advise you not to drink too much. You've already had one and a half glasses, and it's not good for your health."
The condescending tone was bad enough, but Vincent noticed how Marcus's eyes flickered towards him like he was seeing a criminal trying to get her drunk.
Marcus was quite displeased with the behaviour of the man in front of him. Not only did he completely ignore himself, he also dare to act friendly with his woman in front of him. Marcus thought that he couldn't let Celia be influenced by such a man and decided to intervene.
"Your bodyguard is quite... attentive," Vincent said mildly, his tone carrying just enough subtle criticism to highlight the inappropriate nature of Marcus's public control without appearing directly confrontational. "Though I'm sure Miss Celia is not a child and perfectly capable of managing her own consumption."
A faint flush colored Celia's cheeks at the implied embarrassment. Marcus's jaw tightened, recognizing the criticism even if he couldn't articulate why it stung.
"You're very considerate but I know Miss Celia better than anyone else so you won't understand my actions." Marcus said, his tone suggesting anything but gratitude.
"Did you come alone?" Celia asked quickly, clearly attempting to defuse the growing tension.
"No, I came with my lover and secretary," Vincent replied, gesturing toward Helena and Olivia.
He followed the hand pointing and his pupils contracted slightly.
What the hell? Both of them? His thoughts screeched to a halt. He came here... with those women?
The arrogance that normally filled Marcus's chest sputtered, replaced by a rare moment of stunned disbelief. This wasn't fair. In fact, it was outrageous.
Are you telling me this corporate slimeball landed not one, but two heavenly-tier women? He gave Vincent a second glance, as if seeing him properly for the first time. Tall. Calm. Well-dressed. That smug smile. That infuriating smile.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Protagonist Marcus feels jealous of you
Marcus LP— -50 Vincent LP— +50 VP— +100