At the Gothic mansion, everyone was still discussing their plan to lure the hidden figure into revealing himself when the gatebell suddenly rang.

  Chen curled his lips slightly.

  – “Well, that’s uncanny. We just mentioned him, and he’s already here.”

  H?u K? adjusted his expression, then walked out with a bright smile to open the gate.

  – “Mr. D?ng, what brings you here?”

  C?u D?ng held up a wedding invitation.

  – “Earlier I handed out the invitations, but when I checked again at home, I realized the one meant for the platinum-blond young man got mixed in with the leftovers. I was hoping you could help pass it to him.”

  At that moment, Arian stepped out, looking relaxed and radiant. H?u K? flicked him a glance.

  – “He just arrived.”

  C?u D?ng froze for a few seconds. The striking appearance of the royal crown prince Arian left him stunned — both his aura and looks were clearly beyond those of ordinary people. A thought flashed through his mind.

  – “Whose kid is this? So handsome… must be a foreigner. What a pity he already has a girlfriend. Otherwise, I’d push Anh Ph??ng toward him immediately.”

  He quickly switched to a warm smile.

  – “I came to deliver your wedding invitation. Please arrange to attend with Miss H?ng Nhung.”

  Arian stepped forward and accepted the invitation.

  – “Thank you. We’ll be there. We’re about to go have áo Dài tailored, so we’ll see you later.”

  C?u D?ng immediately followed up.

  – “Oh? Really? My family, Mr. Tài’s family, and the in-laws are also heading out to have ours made. If you don’t mind, we can go together. It’ll be more fun.”

  Just then, Trúc Di?n and Master V?nh also stepped out. Master V?nh greeted him cheerfully.

  – “Mr. D?ng, it’s been a long time. Congratulations to your family on gaining such a fine son-in-law.”

  C?u D?ng responded, though his expression stiffened slightly.

  – “Ah… thank you, you and Mr. Trúc Di?n.”

  But inwardly, he was seething.

  – “Fine son-in-law, my foot. A troublemaker who wrecks everything and schemes to dig gold from his wife’s family.”

  What caught his eye next were Erion, Trúc Di?n, Din, H?u K?, L?p Thành… all refined, elegant gentlemen — and most importantly, powerful tycoons. His blood boiled even more.

  – “All top-tier — rich, handsome, noble. And yet my Th? has no such luck, stuck with that useless bastard, nowhere near her sister’s match.”

  Din stepped forward, completely at ease.

  – “Then we’ll go together as well. The wedding is this Sunday — we need to prepare in time.”

  C?u D?ng nodded.

  – “Alright. I’ll go tell my wife, and then we’ll head out.”

  With that, he hurried back home.

  ---

  As soon as C?u D?ng disappeared from view, Erion smirked.

  – “I can’t read memories or thoughts, but I’m willing to bet he’s harboring ambitions — probably planning to marry off his youngest daughter to one of you.”

  The little imps covered their mouths, snickering. One of them chimed in excitedly.

  – “Even we wouldn’t want that, let alone masters who are tycoons beyond this planet.”

  Nh? Phu smiled softly.

  – “Let’s get ready and go.”

  Trang suddenly remembered something.

  – “What about H?ng Nhung and Lita?”

  Arian shrugged.

  – “Why worry? The Satan royal family has its own fashion design team — top-tier craftsmanship. We’re only going there to get close to that person.”

  L?p Thành nodded.

  – “I mentioned yesterday that I’d sponsor the tailoring costs. The Serpent Clan also has excellent tailors for áo Dài and qipao.”

  C?u D?ng hurried into the living room.

  – “The folks at the Gothic mansion are also heading out to have their áo dài tailored. Call Mr. Tài’s family and ask them to go together.”

  M? Linh cheerfully picked up her phone and called Mr. Tài.

  – “You and ch? Nga get ready to have áo Dài made with us, alright? We should hurry — if something doesn’t fit right, there’ll still be time for alterations.”

  On the other end of the line, Mr. Tài sounded enthusiastic.

  – “That’s right, ch?. I’ll tell my wife to get ready. But the professor, Join, and Mary haven’t come back yet.”

  M? Linh replied:

  – “I heard the professor asked the two kids to help prepare online lesson plans. It’s fine — they can come later.”

  After hanging up, M? Linh headed toward the kitchen.

  – “Mrs T?, take a break and get ready to go have áo Dài made. And let my daughters know too.”

  From the living room, Mr. Tín spoke up while neatly arranging the wedding invitations.

  – “The invitations for my in-laws are in the pink paper bag. I’ll take mine home and go invite guests tomorrow morning.”

  Curious, Mrs. Nguy?t asked:

  – “What about the wedding banquet? Which restaurant are you planning to book, in-law?”

  C?u D?ng showed a hint of pride.

  – “I’ve got a familiar place. A close couple of mine owns the restaurant — big entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry. I’ve already spoken with their manager. I chose a nearby venue for convenience. As for the menu, the manager has already sent it. After we finish tailoring the áo Dài, I’ll bring it over for you to review.”

  Anh Tú spoke gently:

  – “Then I’ll stay home to work, Dad. I still have some real estate contracts to go over.”

  C?u D?ng nodded.

  – “You focus on your work. Mrs. T? has already cooked lunch — eat if you’re hungry. Your mom and I will probably eat out this afternoon.”

  He turned to Anh ?ào, who was organizing food to put into the refrigerator.

  – “Honey, get ready to go with your parents. I’ll take care of the rest.”

  Anh ?ào nodded lightly.

  – “Alright. I’ll go change upstairs. Help me later, okay? And put the dried noodles and spices in the kitchen cabinet near where Mrs. T? cooks.”

  ---

  At a high-end restaurant

  Deep, Charles, Join, and Mary were having lunch. Deep frowned again.

  – “I’ve been thinking this whole time and still don’t know where to start investigating.”

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  Charles poured more mineral water for Deep.

  – “Eat first, then think it through. You need fuel before you can reason.”

  While eating, Join suddenly noticed familiar faces — Anh Th? and Huy had just walked in, with Huy carrying a pile of shopping bags for his wife. Join lowered his voice.

  – “That’s Anh Th? and Huy.”

  Everyone looked over. Deep quickly waved.

  – “Over here!”

  Anh Th? smiled brightly and walked over. Huy hesitated slightly — Join and Mary were witches, and Deep was still irritated about the whole “pregnancy-for-benefits” situation, so he felt a bit nervous.

  Charles stood up and pulled out a chair for Anh Th?.

  – “Sit down, dear. You’re pregnant — be careful.”

  Anh Th? smiled.

  – “Thank you, Professor.”

  Deep shot Huy a sideways glance.

  – “Sit down, Huy.”

  Huy sat, his face stiff.

  – “Y-yes… thank you, Uncle, Professor.”

  Mary smiled warmly.

  – “What would you like to eat? I’ll order for you.” She slid the menu toward Anh Th?.

  Join glanced at Huy and noticed the male áo dài headpiece in one of the bags.

  – “Is that a hat? It doesn’t quite look like one — kind of unusual.”

  Deep explained:

  – “That’s a m?n for men’s áo Dài. The women’s version is more stylized, with more details.”

  Huy nodded.

  – “Mine was ready-made — it fit as soon as I tried it on. Th?’s has to be tailored to her figure to look nice.”

  Mary asked:

  – “Have you chosen your wedding dress yet, Miss Th??”

  Anh Th? nodded.

  – “I picked two. The waist was a bit loose, so I left them with the tailor for adjustments — picking them up tomorrow. The áo dài measurements are done too; they’re rushing it to be ready in time.”

  Mary suddenly remembered.

  – “Oh! We haven’t gone to have our áo dài made yet!”

  Join chimed in.

  – “Then we should go right after eating, or we won’t make it in time.”

  Charles nodded approvingly.

  – “I like áo Dài as well. I’ll wear one to Anh Th?’s wedding.”

  Deep slapped the table lightly.

  – “Alright then — eat quickly and let’s go.”

  In the villa area of District 2, C?u D?ng’s family, Mr. Tài’s family, and the group from the Gothic mansion had all gotten into their cars. One luxury vehicle after another rolled forward in a long, gleaming convoy.

  Inside the Maybach, Arian sat in the driver’s seat, icy blue eyes flashing with a sharp glint.

  – “Just now, I couldn’t sense anything at all… the reputation of that disguise technique is truly well-deserved.”

  Seated in the back, Master V?nh nodded.

  – “That disguise art is combined with innate abilities. We only detect it when he accidentally leaves a flaw.”

  Trúc Di?n spoke in a low voice:

  – “We must force him to reveal himself as soon as possible. Even though he’s Princess Trang’s benefactor, his mission of protecting her has already been fulfilled. The fact that he’s still staying with that family… definitely isn’t without reason.”

  Arian shrugged.

  – “Whether he leaves or stays depends on Father’s command. Anyone who dares defy it… except Erion — the one who never listens to anyone.”

  Master V?nh let out a soft, bitter chuckle.

  – “With power on par with the Dark Lord himself, it’s understandable that he fears nothing.”

  ---

  Inside the Audi, all four Serpent Clan agents wore deep frowns.

  H?u K? gripped the steering wheel in irritation.

  – “I can’t smell anything now either. He’s already fixed his disguise.”

  Nh? Phu remained calmer.

  – “What if we let him expose himself?”

  L?p Thành shook his head.

  – “That won’t be easy. I don’t know if the Grand General has a plan yet.”

  ---

  In the Bentley Bentayga, Erion drove with a scowl on his face.

  – “Is there any way to force him to confess on his own?”

  Trang stayed silent, her gaze deep and distant, as if calculating something.

  ---

  When the convoy arrived at the áo dài tailor shop across from Tan ??nh Market, the vibrant afternoon of Saigon unfolded before them.

  The sun dipped behind the pink fa?ade of Tan ??nh Church. The breeze carried the scent of kumquat tea and mixed rice paper snacks, along with the echoing calls of street vendors. Buyers and sellers bustled about, traffic packed the streets, and the afternoon sunlight reflected off the áo Dài displayed at the shopfront, making them glow brilliantly.

  C?u D?ng said cheerfully:

  – “Let’s go in. The owner is inside.”

  Erion’s group stepped out of their vehicles as well. The little imps looked around curiously, as if they had wandered into a world bursting with color.

  Inside the shop, countless types of áo dài fabric were on display: Hà ??ng silk as soft as flowing water, brocade with raised patterns, exquisitely beaded designs for the in-laws, youthful tones for young women, and pristine white fabrics for female students.

  The shop owner came out, beaming.

  – “Welcome, everyone! Are you here to buy fabric or have something tailored?”

  C?u D?ng replied confidently:

  – “We already have fabric. We’re here to have them tailored. I’ve heard your shop does excellent work.”

  The owner brightened even more.

  – “You’ve come to the right place. My tailors are artisans, specialists who sew for well-known artists.”

  He glanced at the foreign guests, beautiful as sculpted statues.

  – “Foreign customers love áo Dài too — they come here all the time. Please, everyone, come inside.”

  Din nodded, adding a touch of performance.

  – “Let’s take a look. The fabrics are quite nice. Anyone who wants to buy more, feel free.”

  But at this moment, no one in the group was truly focused on the fabrics. Every pair of eyes was discreetly fixed on their target.

  ??i Ng?c whispered:

  – “I can’t sense anything anymore. He appears and disappears — it’s truly unpredictable.”

  Trúc Di?n replied softly:

  – “As long as we watch closely… he’s bound to slip up.”

  Din lowered his voice:

  – “Act natural. Don’t give D?ng’s family — or the target — any reason to be suspicious.”

  Inside the fabric shop, the little imps stared wide-eyed at the colorful bolts of cloth — shimmering brocade, soft silk, sparkling metallic threads, and crystal beads glinting like the afternoon sun.

  One of them exclaimed:

  – “Master, we want to buy some too!”

  Erion nodded calmly.

  – “Fine. I’ll get each of you an outfit. Just remember — don’t choose anything too flashy.”

  At the command, the whole group burst into excited motion, scattering to pick out fabrics.

  The shop owner laughed.

  – “These young lads are so curious.”

  Din smoothly explained:

  – “It just proves how outstanding your products are. That’s why they’re so enthusiastic.”

  The owner immediately beamed with pride.

  – “Thank you, honored guests! If you’re tailoring in large quantities, I’ll give you a special price.”

  ---

  In the measuring room further inside, the tailors were hard at work.

  M? Linh was visibly delighted.

  – “You all sew beautifully. Money isn’t an issue.”

  One tailor nodded confidently.

  – “You can rest assured. Once you come here, the result is guaranteed to be beautiful.”

  He looked at the fabric bought from B?n Thành Market, his eyes lighting up.

  – “This color is perfect for designs for the in-laws — elegant and dignified.”

  C?u D?ng nodded in satisfaction.

  – “Just make it as beautiful as possible. As for my two daughters, they chose brocade. Do you think that’s suitable?”

  The tailor examined the two samples chosen by Anh Ph??ng and Anh ?ào, then nodded right away.

  – “Both are young. Baby pink brocade and pastel purple suit them perfectly. If you want them to stand out more, I can add matching crystal embellishments at the collar and sleeve edges.”

  Anh ?ào smiled.

  – “Then please do that. I like crystal details too.”

  ---

  Outside, the little imps were still spinning around in awe. A shop assistant approached them with a friendly smile.

  – “Have you boys chosen anything yet? Need some advice?”

  One of them replied immediately:

  – “Our master said not to choose colors that are too flashy. Big brother, just pick something moderate.”

  The assistant blinked in surprise.

  – “Mas… master? That’s a strange way to address someone…”

  Trúc Di?n instantly stepped in to smooth things over.

  – “They mean neutral tones. They’re also obsessed with comics, so they talk like that.”

  Hearing this, the assistant relaxed.

  – “Ah, I’m a comic fan too. For neutral tones suitable for young men, there’s white, gray, ash, beige, black, and brown. Plain fabrics or light patterns all look great.”

  Erion nodded.

  – “Choose for them. As long as it suits them.”

  The assistant turned politely to Din.

  – “Would you gentlemen like to have something tailored as well, or need advice on fabric colors?”

  Arian answered for them:

  – “Pick for the kids first.”

  ---

  H?u K? leaned closer to Master V?nh and spoke softly:

  – “I’ve already called the Snake Clan’s tailors to come here directly. D?ng’s family is large—if they only rely on this shop, it might take too long.”

  Master V?nh nodded.

  – “Good idea. The wedding is this weekend. I’m afraid it won’t be ready in time.”

  At C?u D?ng’s villa, Anh Tú wasn’t reviewing documents at all — he was searching for Trang’s childhood photo album. In the storage room on the rooftop terrace, he scanned every corner carefully.

  – “Where could that album be… I need to be quick. Once her in-laws arrive, I’ll lose my chance.”

  The dim light in the storage room would have been insufficient for an ordinary human, but with fae vision, it posed no problem at all. After some searching, Anh Tú spotted a wooden chest covered in a thick layer of dust.

  He frowned.

  – “That’s strange. Aunt T? cleans regularly, yet this chest is covered in dust… and it’s locked tight too.”

  He raised a finger, and a sharp fae claw emerged. With just a few light movements, the lock was pried open without leaving a single trace. He lifted the lid —and as expected, the photo album was inside.

  – “Pretty thick, too.”

  He opened the first page. In the photo, a little girl hugged a teddy bear while sitting on a chair; on either side stood a gentle-looking couple. He carefully slid the photo out and flipped it over. On the back were a few handwritten words:

  – “Happy birthday to our daughter.”

  Anh Tú immediately understood: the little girl was Trang, and the couple were Mr. Qu?c and Mrs. H?nh.

  He put the photo back and continued turning the pages. The family pictures of C?u D?ng and his three daughters were all perfectly normal… until he reached the near end of the album.

  There, a series of photos showed a car with failed brakes plunging down the foot of a mountain pass, flipping over repeatedly before erupting into a sea of flames. Each moment was captured like a tragedy frozen in frames.

  Anh Tú froze.

  – “They… were there? They stood by and watched their own sister and brother-in-law burn alive? And they even photographed everything… this is horrifying.”

  But he quickly steadied himself.

  – “I can’t take the album. That would raise immediate suspicion. I need another way.”

  He carefully laid each photo on the floor, took out a digital camera, adjusted it to night mode, and photographed every single image without missing one. Then he meticulously returned each photo to its exact place in the album, as if it had never been touched.

  As he was about to put the album back into the chest, he noticed a stack of documents.

  – “What’s this?… A waiver of inheritance rights? The signer is… Sister Trang?”

  He frowned deeply.

  – “That’s not right. They must have drafted this and forged her signature. I need to record all of it.”

  He photographed every document, page by page, then returned everything to its original position in the chest and locked it carefully, just as it had been before. After that, he sent a message to Trúc Di?n:

  – “Everything is done.”

  ---

  At the áo Dài shop, Trúc Di?n read the message, and his expression changed instantly. Everyone understood at once. The little imps had also finished choosing their fabrics.

  He said to the shop assistant:

  – “Please settle the bill. We need to leave immediately.”

  The assistant nodded and swiftly wrapped the bundles of fabric into paper bags.

  Seeing Erion’s group preparing to leave, C?u D?ng hurried over.

  – “I was planning to invite everyone to dinner after the áo dài are finished.”

  Yin replied politely:

  – “Thank you, but we have an urgent matter at the company. My assistant just received a call.”

  Chen added seamlessly:

  – “The staff reported that the packaging machine suddenly malfunctioned. The boss has to rush over to handle it.”

  Mr. Tài nodded in understanding.

  – “Then you should go right away. If the packaging machine breaks down, it delays production.”

  L?p Thành inclined his head slightly.

  – “Then we’ll take our leave. We look forward to seeing everyone again.”

  Erion’s group quickly got into their cars and left the area in haste.