The subordinate replied respectfully, "According to the information we’ve gathered, Bree appears to have taken an interest in Dax."
Vincent lounged lazily against the sofa, his posture relaxed yet commanding. His long legs, clad in perfectly tailored black trousers, rested atop the coffee table, the elegant lines of his physique accentuated by the precise cut of the fabric.
The relentless nausea of the past few days had left a faint pallor on his handsome features. A lingering weariness shadowed his eyes, refusing to fade completely.
At the mention of Bree’s interest in Dax, the fingers scrolling across his communicator paused ever so slightly.
His voice remained calm as he asked, "And what is Dax’s position, the Fox Clan’s stance, and the attitude of the Empire’s upper leadership?"
His gaze lowered slightly. Thick lashes cast soft shadows across his face, concealing most of the emotions hidden within his eyes. Only occasional flashes of light flickered through their depths, impossible to decipher.
The subordinate hurried to answer.
"Based on our investigation, Bree once sent her mate, Sylas Ruan, to approach Dax personally. She made her intentions very clear and expressed her desire for Dax to become her mate."
"Dax rejected the proposal on the spot."
"Not long afterward, Bree’s new company launched this series of aggressive commercial attacks against Starlight Prime Tech."
"Within the Fox Clan, especially among the Council of Elders, pressure has been mounting on Dax."
"The elders believe that Bree is a human female capable of increasing her mates’ strength. Combined with the extraordinary business talent and technological capabilities she has recently demonstrated, they see her as an invaluable asset."
"In their view, if Dax were to form a mating bond with Bree, it would bring tremendous benefits to both the Fox Clan and Starlight Prime Tech, with virtually no drawbacks."
"The Empire’s upper leadership holds a similarly ambiguous position."
"They care about profits."
"Starlight Prime Tech has long been one of their greatest sources of wealth, and the technologies Bree has introduced represent significant advancements and enhancements to existing industries."
"Several influential figures have subtly suggested to Dax that if Starlight Prime Tech were to combine forces with Bree’s technologies, the resulting partnership could generate unimaginable wealth and propel the Empire’s technological development forward by leaps and bounds."
"They would also like to see Dax form a mating bond with Bree."
After finishing his report, the subordinate cautiously glanced at Vincent’s expression before continuing.
"However, Dax seems determined to oppose Bree to the very end."
"He appears completely unconcerned by the pressure from either the Fox Clan’s Council of Elders or the Empire’s leadership."
"I’ve heard that recently, certain members of the leadership and the Fox Clan elders have been secretly discussing removing Dax from Starlight Prime Tech altogether."
"His current situation isn’t very favorable."
After all, Starlight Prime Tech had been built by Dax from the ground up.
Unfortunately, his personal strength was not powerful enough to stand completely independent, forcing him to rely on both the Empire’s support and the backing of the Fox Clan.
In the past, no one could replace him, so neither the Empire’s leadership nor the Fox Clan elders dared move against him.
Now, however, Bree’s appearance had changed everything.
Suddenly, Dax’s position had become precariously uncertain.
Vincent’s finger came to an abrupt stop on the communicator screen.
Slowly, he lifted his gaze and looked at his subordinate.
His expression remained calm.
"Go tell Dax that Marshal Vangar holds him in very high regard."
"If he is willing, then beginning immediately, he need only contribute forty percent of Starlight Prime Tech’s annual profits to the Marshal’s Estate."
"Should he accept, the Marshal will guarantee his complete independence from both the Empire’s leadership and the Fox Clan’s control."
Vincent paused briefly. A meaningful smile curved the corner of his lips.
"Offer him something even more valuable."
"Absolute freedom."
"Yes, understood."
After ending the call, Vincent continued reviewing the remaining reports on his communicator.
He had specifically searched for every piece of information concerning Bree’s recent activities.
Yet no matter how closely he examined the records, nothing appeared out of place.
A faint smile touched his lips.
"You’ve hidden it well."
Suppressing the lingering discomfort in his stomach, Vincent finished dealing with the rest of his work.
The moment he shut down the communicator, Lian approached.
"Your Highness Prince Vincent is certainly dedicated."
Lian strolled over and settled onto the sofa beside him.
"It’s already this late, and you’re still working."
As he spoke, he placed a hand lightly on Vincent’s shoulder.
A gentle stream of healing energy flowed from his palm, entering Vincent’s body and gradually easing the lingering discomfort.
The churning sensation in Vincent’s stomach slowly subsided.
"Thank you."
He looked noticeably more comfortable now.
Lian rose to his feet and smiled.
"Don’t misunderstand. I’m not doing this for you. I’m doing it for Rory. If you’re feeling too miserable, she’ll worry."
His smile softened.
"And I hate seeing her worry."
A low chuckle escaped Vincent.
"Now that Rory isn’t here, Young Master Lian, you’re not even pretending anymore?"
"I was under the impression you were a very patient man."
One of Lian’s brows lifted.
"My acting skills are reserved for specific audiences."
The amusement in his eyes was impossible to miss.
"In front of Your Highness Prince Vincent, I don’t think there’s any need for me to put on an act."
Lian’s smile was calm and unguarded.
"After all, all of you can see straight through my intentions. And besides, I believe Your Highness isn’t opposed to my joining you."
Vincent rose from the sofa and casually rolled his wrist.
Then he lifted his gaze and looked at Lian with unusual seriousness.
"The fact that I’m not opposed doesn’t mean others feel the same."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"Young Master Lian, perhaps you should settle things with Yuel first."
At the mention of Yuel, Lian let out a helpless sigh.
"That’s exactly why I’ve been taking such meticulous care of Your Highness."
His expression became faintly amused.
"If I want Yuel’s approval, I’ll need your help."
Otherwise, he would never have wasted so much time quietly watching over Vincent while he worked.
As if summoned by the conversation itself, Yuel appeared carrying a tray of freshly prepared food.
The rich aroma spread through the lounge the moment he entered.
His gaze briefly swept over Lian standing beside Vincent before he set the dishes down on the table.
Turning to Vincent, he said, "The food you wanted is ready."
"Eat while it’s still hot."
Earlier, Vincent had suddenly felt hungry. He had no desire to drink nutrient solution, so Yuel had personally gone to the kitchen to prepare a late-night meal for him.
Yuel glanced toward Lian.
"It’s quite late. I didn’t expect Young Master Lian to still be awake."
"I made plenty of food. Would you like to join us?"
"Gladly."
Lian accepted without hesitation and smoothly settled back onto the sofa.
At that moment, Nix emerged from his room in search of water.
The delicious scent drifting through the corridor immediately caught his attention.
Following the aroma, he arrived at the lounge to find Vincent, Yuel, and Lian gathered around the table enjoying a midnight meal.
"You’re actually eating?"
He strode over in surprise and naturally dropped into the seat beside Yuel.
"This smells incredible."
He inhaled deeply.
"I could tell from the scent alone that Yuel made it."
Yuel handed him a pair of chopsticks.
"If you want some, just say so."
"Hehe."
Nix accepted them with a grin.
"I knew Yuel treats me the best."
Vincent laughed.
"So only Yuel treats you well?"
He raised an eyebrow.
"And what about me? Have I not treated you well enough?"
"Of course you have. All of you treat me well."
Nix hurriedly corrected himself.
Then he looked at Vincent with an exaggeratedly pitiful expression.
"You’d treat me even better if you’d stop placing so many orders with my workshop."
Vincent’s brows lifted.
"I’m helping you make money, and you’re complaining?"
Nix immediately replied, "It’s not like I’m short on money."
His tone became dramatically mournful.
"And every hour I spend making money is an hour I can’t spend with Rory."
"That doesn’t make me happy at all."
Vincent scoffed.
"I haven’t given you that many orders."
"The reason you don’t have time for Rory certainly isn’t because of me."
There was absolutely no chance he would admit that the volume of his orders was excessive.
Across the table, Lian chuckled.
"I’ve already contacted my cousin."
"By the time we reach the Central District, he should have arrived as well."
His smile widened slightly.
"With him around, your workload may become much lighter."
Nix immediately looked at him as if he had just seen a savior descend from the heavens.
"Lian, you’re truly a loyal friend."
He grabbed the glass of water in front of him and raised it solemnly.
"To express my gratitude, I must offer you a toast."
"Unfortunately, all I have is water."
The sight made everyone laugh.
The mention of drinks suddenly reminded Yuel of something.
His eyes brightened slightly.
"I wonder whether Rory still has any of that alcohol left."
As soon as the word left his mouth, memories surfaced of the alcohol Vincent and Jasper had sampled before.
"Alcohol?"
Nix turned toward him in confusion.
His expression was completely blank.
"What’s alcohol?"