At the modeling competition, outside the waiting room, Huy had just brought Anh Th? over. The moment she saw her daughter, M? Linh hurried forward with joy:

  – “My dear girl, are you tired?”

  Anh Th?’s face looked slightly pale — she had attended a wedding yesterday and came straight to the competition today, and she was also pregnant. But with the position of global brand ambassador on the line, she refused to appear weak. She took a deep breath and brightened her expression:

  – “I’m fine, Mom. I’m going to be the winner.”

  C?u D?ng spoke proudly:

  – “As long as one of my three princesses gets selected, our family’s status will rise.”

  Huy took the chance to ask:

  – “Have Sister ?ào and Anh Ph??ng taken their turns yet, Dad?”

  C?u D?ng replied without even looking at his son-in-law:

  – “?ào already went — she’ll definitely pass the preliminary round. Ph??ng is still waiting.”

  His tone turned noticeably colder:

  – “After the competition, you’ll move back to your wife’s parents’ house, right?”

  Huy tried to keep calm:

  – “Yes. My wife needs prenatal care — staying close to her parents gives me peace of mind too.”

  But inside, he was celebrating:

  – “I’d love to stay as a live-in son-in-law long term. That makes it easier to get close to my in-laws’ fortune.”

  Anh Tú, the eldest son-in-law, understood that line of thinking perfectly. He kept a polite smile on the outside, but inwardly scoffed:

  – “Take it slow, brother-in-law. Life is long — my wife’s family safe isn’t something you can just crack open whenever you want.”

  C?u D?ng’s gaze turned icy with his inner thought:

  – “You think living in my house makes you king? I’m the king here. You’re still too green, boy.”

  Right then, Grimm’s voice echoed through the speaker:

  – “Next contestant, Thanh Trúc, please.”

  A girl immediately stepped forward. She looked shy and gentle in a white blouse and a short black pleated skirt, petite and adorable. Her chestnut-brown hair was softly curled, decorated with a small bow. Her face was pure and bright, her eyes sparkling like shooting stars.

  Her voice was sweet and delicate:

  – “Yes, I’m here.”

  Grimm and Kane almost froze. Kane lowered his voice:

  – “Whose kid is this? She’s unbelievably cute. With that face — she’d be perfect for a student cosmetics line.”

  Thanh Trúc stepped up, and Grimm politely gestured:

  – “Please come inside.”

  Even after she passed, Grimm was still turning his head to watch her:

  – “Good heavens, she’s as gentle as a freshly blooming flower.”

  Inside, the judging panel immediately took notice. Her crystal-clear beauty made the room pause for a few seconds. Even Nicolas looked up.

  The woman in the pastel purple suit whispered:

  – “She’s a perfect match for the teen cosmetics line.”

  The young man leaned toward Nicolas:

  – “What do you think, Chairman? We’re still searching for the global ambassador, but for the teen line — she’s an excellent fit.”

  Nicolas gave a slight nod:

  – “Approved. Put her information on the shortlist.”

  After several professional questions from the judges, Thanh Trúc answered clearly and confidently. Finally, the woman in the red dress smiled:

  – “You have great potential. We will contact you again. Please accept a small gift from the brand.”

  Thanh Trúc bowed politely and walked out with the light, graceful steps of a schoolgirl.

  The man in the ash-gray suit watched her leave:

  – “Outstanding. A brand representative should be like that — one look and you immediately know which line they fit.”

  Outside, Grimm handed her the gift:

  – “Here’s a small present for you.”

  Thanh Trúc smiled — an innocent, radiant smile. Her eyes drifted past Grimm’s shoulder as she spoke lightly:

  – “I think that makeup brush set over there is really cute.”

  Kane immediately picked up the pastel pink brush set and handed it to her:

  – “Here — it’s very soft, premium line. A gift for you.”

  Thanh Trúc bowed slightly as she accepted it:

  – “Thank you. You two are truly gentlemen.”

  Grimm and Kane practically beamed with pride at the beauty’s praise.

  Thanh Trúc walked away, crossing to the other side of the street. As she moved, she brushed her hair back and murmured softly — a low male voice sounded instead:

  – “Better than expected. Your turn now, Bách Di?n.”

  Grimm’s voice rang out steadily again:

  – “Next contestant, Miss Anh Ph??ng.”

  M? Linh immediately pulled her daughter closer, straightened her outfit, and smoothed her hair:

  – “Do your best, sweetheart.”

  Anh Ph??ng looked confident:

  – “Don’t worry, Mom and Dad. I’ll definitely make it to the next round.”

  She walked into the casting room. Her appearance, makeup style, and hairstyle were all done in a rock style — bold, strong, and energetic.

  Kane nodded:

  – “She’s got a strong vibe. Pretty fresh too.”

  Grimm frowned slightly and sniffed the air:

  – “I smell something… very familiar.”

  Inside, the judging panel all turned their eyes toward Anh Ph??ng — not because of her appearance, but because the energy frequency she emitted was quietly spreading.

  All of them were high-ranking demons. Nicolas sensed it even more clearly than the others.

  On Anh Ph??ng’s side, she also immediately realized that the judges and the brand chairman were not human. But she couldn’t show fear. If suspicion arose, the consequences would be severe.

  She instantly pretended to feel dizzy, her face turning pale. The woman in the pastel purple suit knew at a glance that Anh Ph??ng was acting, but said nothing. In her eyes, Anh Ph??ng was just an ordinary human who had learned a bit of witchcraft.

  The others showed faint contempt. To them, such immature magic wasn’t enough to be considered a threat.

  The man in the ash-gray suit spoke:

  – “Where’s Grimm? Take the contestant outside to rest.”

  Grimm immediately hurried in. Seeing Anh Ph??ng sitting on the floor, he quickly helped her up:

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  – “Are you okay? Do you need me to call emergency services?”

  Anh Ph??ng shook her head:

  – “Thank you. I’m just a little dizzy — I’ll be fine after some rest.”

  Grimm quickly escorted her outside.

  Outside, C?u D?ng and M? Linh rushed over in alarm:

  – “What happened to you? Do you need to go to the hospital?”

  Grimm explained:

  – “She got dizzy. We have a first-aid team — I’ll call them right away.”

  Anh Ph??ng shook her head again:

  – “No need. I’ll be fine after resting a bit. Thank you very much.”

  Mary and Join quickly helped Anh Ph??ng sit down. With just a glance, Join knew something was wrong. He lowered his voice and asked quietly:

  – “Inside… you met people from the circle, didn’t you?”

  Anh Ph??ng nodded:

  – “The judges and the brand chairman are all high-ranking demons. I couldn’t fight them — so I had to pretend to faint.”

  Mary was shocked but tried to hold back her fear:

  – “Oh my God… how can that be? What if they make a move?”

  Join reassured her:

  – “Stay calm. They can tell we’re human — just people who learned magic. If they really intended harm, Anh Ph??ng would already be in trouble.”

  Inside the Bentley, everyone watched every moment. Erion smirked:

  – “That girl knows fear after all.”

  Trang frowned thoughtfully:

  – “Black Diamond’s people are in there — how could they not recognize it?”

  Din gave a faint smile:

  – “Because they’re all lesser demons. Their subordinates are the same — similar energy frequencies, so it’s hard for them to recognize each other.”

  He glanced at the screen:

  – “Those kids, on the other hand, are witches — different power systems, easy to spot.”

  Charles observed through the car window:

  – “Exactly. I’m an angel — they’d recognize me immediately.”

  Erion’s eyes stayed on the laptop:

  – “We and the Royal House of Satan are demon lords. Din and Yin are high-ranking vampires — our energy fluctuations are too strong. We shouldn’t appear right now.”

  He curled his lips coldly:

  – “Those lesser demons over there can move freely. Same energy layer — perfect for camouflage.”

  Inside the casting room, Nicolas gave a half-smile, his voice dripping with sarcasm:

  – “An apprentice witch wants to become a model too?”

  The woman in the purple suit lightly clicked her pen against the table, her tone calm:

  – “Anyone can have ambition — the difference lies in the execution process.”

  The woman in the red dress frowned slightly, suspicion clear in her eyes:

  – “I’m only worried that the witch council might send subordinates to infiltrate.”

  Nicolas curled his lips coldly:

  – “We and they have always stayed out of each other’s affairs. But if they provoke conflict first, we won’t show mercy.”

  The young man glanced at his watch and spoke:

  – “It’s noon already. Let’s take a break. The upcoming contestants also need time to prepare.”

  The woman in the red dress nodded in agreement:

  – “I found a restaurant nearby. Let’s go.”

  The judges and Nicolas stood up and left the room. The man in the ash-gray suit turned and instructed Grimm:

  – “Give the staff a lunch break and remind the next contestants to get ready.”

  Grimm bowed respectfully:

  – “Yes, understood. Enjoy your meal, bosses.”

  Across the street, inside the car, Erion slowly rolled his neck, his eyes never leaving the laptop:

  – “They’re heading out. We’ll take a break too.”

  Din nodded, voice steady:

  – “All data has been fully saved. The agents did very well.”

  In the Cadillac behind them, the Grand Madam Advisor slowly turned the page of a book about ancient spells:

  – “Let’s see how the Lord will handle this, now that the clues about their factory are clear.”

  Trúc Di?n watched through the tinted glass as Nicolas’s group stepped into their cars one by one:

  – “If he has powerful backing, we’ll need to wait for Father Emperor’s investigation to see who the ‘old tree’ behind him really is.”

  Lita frowned slightly:

  – “I wonder what information the Queen Mother and Her Majesty have gathered so far.”

  Arian spoke thoughtfully through his headphones:

  – “His background isn’t simple. We must proceed step by step — haste brings failure.”

  H?ng Nhung looked worried:

  – “I’m afraid that if this is tied to family relations, Father Emperor will be put in a difficult position.”

  Arian kept his usual calm expression:

  – “Father Emperor always calculates carefully. He has always been cautious. We continue the investigation — whatever comes will come.”

  ***

  At the Bình Chánh headquarters, after confirming the exact coordinates of the factory hidden deep inside Cát Tiên National Park, the agents were archiving images and analyzing the 3D terrain maps.

  Demon King Satan only glanced once and grasped the entire layout:

  – “Quite fortified. For those unfamiliar with the forest, this place is nothing less than a maze.”

  His gaze turned cold:

  – “I only need to know who stands behind him — and on the Dark Planet, who has the power to open the space gate and aid the enemy. That alone is enough grounds for a complete purge.”

  On the Dark Planet, the dwarven demons slowly drove their horse carts across Dream Village. The wheels rolled steadily over the white stone road, hoofbeats blending into the peaceful air. The villagers passed by indifferently, not the slightest bit suspicious, only glancing at the black-cloth-covered baskets as if they were just another shipment of raw materials.

  Once they crossed the village boundary, the scenery changed completely. An ancient town appeared, bearing the perfect features of Europe in its golden age. The main road was wide and straight, paved with blue stone laid in precise alignment, not a single slab out of rhythm. On both sides stood tall gray-stone buildings with solid facades, finely curved iron balconies, and high arched windows fitted with dark stained glass reflecting the dim light of the dark sky like solemn mirrors.

  At the central square rose a white marble fountain in dignified silence. Statues of angels and ancient beasts were intricately carved, standing in alternating formation with imposing postures. The water flowed slowly and evenly, like the controlled breathing of the entire town. There was no noise, no loud voices — everything operated in absolute order.

  The people here wore classic European aristocratic attire: long, expertly tailored cloaks, well-fitted formal suits, layered gowns with elaborate trims. Every step was unhurried, every gaze measured, exuding the aura of those accustomed to power. In this town, luxury was not displayed — it existed as an unwritten law embedded in every gesture and breath.

  The carriage turned off the main stone road. Its wheels rolled slowly along a narrow white-gravel path and stopped at the rear gate of a large villa hidden within a small forest. Ancient trees towered around the estate, their canopies interwoven into a natural vault. Only thin streaks of light filtered through, keeping the space subdued and completely isolated from the town outside.

  The villa stood with the imposing presence of old European nobility. Dark stone walls were built thick and solid, their surfaces lightly mossed by time, radiating an irreplicable antique character. The steep pointed roof was layered with orderly slate tiles, with smaller towers rising like silent spearheads. Tall, narrow stained-glass windows with intricately carved dark wooden frames reflected the forest’s dim glow — beautiful yet unreadable.

  The upper balconies were supported by large stone pillars carved with classical motifs, each line sharp and exact, clearly the work of royal craftsmen. Everything was designed to display status without any need for flashy symbols — only those truly of the upper class could recognize the value hidden behind that quiet stillness.

  Around the villa, the garden was planned as an extension of the natural forest: stone paths winding between carefully trimmed low shrubs, with tall trees farther out forming a protective ring. The wind moved through the leaves with a steady rustle, like whispers from a place accustomed to secrets and power.

  A servant quickly ran out to open the gate. Immediately, soldiers from inside the villa hurried out and carefully carried the baskets of Velvet Crave inside with practiced precision.

  The servant pulled a red velvet pouch from his coat and placed it into the hands of the dwarf leader:

  – “Your payment. Just keep delivering the flowers at this exact time.”

  The representative dwarf bowed as he received the pouch, his voice respectful:

  – “Please convey our thanks to the master. We will deliver the flowers on schedule as requested.”

  The carriage quickly left the forest, leaving behind a heavy, quiet stillness. From inside the villa, a man in a tailcoat stepped out. His silver hair was neatly tied back, and every motion as he adjusted his bow tie carried the strict air of someone used to giving orders.

  – “Take them inside and divide the petals into smaller bags for easier transport.”

  His voice was low but icy:

  – “Be gentle. Bruised petals will release toxins and lose potency. If the extract is not perfectly refined, its effectiveness will drop significantly.”

  The servant immediately bowed.

  – “Yes, sir, steward. I always instruct them to handle Velvet Crave with utmost care.”

  Inside the villa, beneath the basement level, the dark red petals were gradually carried into the shadows — silently preparing for a chain of dangerous transactions hidden from the world.

  In the grand living room of the villa, a classic crystal chandelier cast a refined pale golden glow. A man in traditional aristocratic attire sat upright in a leather armchair. He wore a high-collared white shirt and a jet-black tailcoat, its silver buttons engraved with intricate antique motifs. His bow tie was perfectly knotted, gloves neatly placed on the armrest — every detail radiating the authority of a long-standing ruling class.

  Beside him sat his wife, Duchess Amanda. She wore a layered, voluminous gown in old European noble style, made of dark silk and lace arranged in elaborate tiers, the waist tightly fitted to enhance her regal bearing. Her pale blonde hair was styled in a high bun adorned with a jeweled pin. Her cool white complexion and sharp eyes hid behind a composed exterior.

  Both were reading newspapers, the room so quiet that each page turn could be clearly heard.

  Amanda closed her paper, her voice calm but cold:

  – “Handle it carefully. Don’t let anyone grow suspicious.”

  Victor smirked, eyes still on the page:

  – “What are you worried about? My subordinates are extremely discreet. Everything is under control.”

  Amanda gave a dry laugh and glanced at him:

  – “Don’t forget — the Satan Royal Family controls this entire planet. Not even the smallest corner escapes their eyes.”

  Her voice lowered in warning:

  – “If Demon King Satan traces this back to us, our family won’t just lose everything — we’ll be exiled.”

  Victor set the newspaper down and leaned back comfortably:

  – “Don’t frighten yourself. By the time he gets close, I’ll have already cleared everything out.”

  Right then, the steward entered and bowed deeply with absolute respect:

  – “Master, Madam. The Velvet Crave has arrived. The servants are inspecting and packaging it. It is scheduled to be transported to the factory tonight.”

  Victor nodded slowly:

  – “Remember this. Everything must proceed in silence.”

  His tone turned colder:

  – “The Satan Royal patrol guards and agents sweep the area frequently. We must not be seen.”

  The steward bowed even lower:

  – “Rest assured, Master, Madam. I’ve prepared for the worst-case scenario.”

  ***

  On Earth, Nicolas and the judging panel had finished lunch and their break. One by one, they returned to their positions as the competition resumed. Outside the waiting room, contestants adjusted their outfits, and the tense atmosphere gradually returned.

  Across the street, inside discreetly parked luxury cars, the observers had also settled back into position, continuing to monitor every development of the contest.

  Grimm’s voice rang out through the microphone, clear and firm:

  – “Next contestant, Ms. Anh Th?, please.”

  Anh Th? immediately stood:

  – “Yes.”

  Huy gently held his wife’s hand, unable to hide his worry:

  – “Walk carefully. Don’t let it affect our baby.”

  Anh Th? smiled, her gaze resolute:

  – “Don’t worry. I have to win this competition.”

  Out in the corridor, Kane had overheard that Anh Th? was pregnant. He immediately returned to the casting room and bowed as he reported:

  – “Respected judges, I heard the next contestant is pregnant.”

  The woman in the pastel purple suit spoke at once:

  – “If she’s pregnant, she cannot compete.”

  The man in the ash-gray suit softened slightly, thinking more carefully:

  – “Let her come in. We’ll explain the reason for rejection clearly so she doesn’t feel wronged.”

  Kane bowed:

  – “Yes. I’ll bring her in right away.”

  No one knew that behind the stage lights and professional smiles, each step was moving closer to a dangerous boundary between humanity and darkness.