Chapter 287

Undercurrents

At age ten, Adrian Valdemar was discovered covered in bruises by his elder brother Alexander during a routine clothing change. The next morning, Patriarch Valdemar personally retrieved the boy to the family manor.

From that day forward, Adrian began daily combat training at dawn under the Valdemar security chief's supervision.

Director Chen drummed lacquered crimson nails against the tabletop, watching Adrian's expression darken with visible satisfaction.

"Did you think I'd invite you here unprepared?"

Her sharp clap summoned assistants and bodyguards. "Restrain him."

Adrian lunged for the private room's exit.

The hallway staff could provide witnesses if he just reached—

The door swung open to reveal unnatural stillness.

Every VIP room stood darkened. Even the service call buttons had been deactivated.

A security guard's uniform gleamed conspicuously near the elevators.

"Help! Kidnapping!" Adrian gasped, clutching the guard's sleeve. "I'm the second heir of Valdemar Holdings!"

The guard remained immobile.

Footsteps approached. Adrian shoved past only to be seized by vise-like grips.

His pupils contracted.

The betrayal stung deeper than expected—his own family's security turning against him.

"Our thanks," an assistant simpered. "This thief stole props from our production."

The guards handed Adrian over without hesitation.

When the door sealed shut again, Director Chen swirled her merlot with deliberate slowness.

"Must we resort to unpleasantness?" Her gaze traced his disheveled collar. "Such unnecessary defiance."

Adrian mentally cursed eighteen generations of Chen ancestors.

"Now Director," he suddenly beamed, "just a harmless prank."

Her eyes narrowed. "More tricks?"

"Wouldn't dream of it." He shrugged toward the liquor table, fingers brushing a crystal glass. "Not when even your security dances to your tune."

"Spill one drop," she hissed, "and you'll drink double."

Amber liquid caught the chandelier's glow as Adrian raised his glass.

"Such exquisite vintage..." His throat worked with each deliberate swallow. "Waste would be criminal."