Chapter 8 The Four Lucifers
More and more people came up to greet them, exchange business cards, and engage in small talk, subtly flaunting their worth, all driven by naked self-interest.
Elara and Ethan finally managed to shake off the crowd and, seizing a moment of respite, slipped away.
"It's a cursed bond!" Ethan muttered, one hand in his pocket, exuding a casual, slightly roguish charm as he drifted among the guests.
He knew full well that Kieran's greeting of him had nothing to do with his reputation in Vossshire.
The Craigmor clan had some influence, but compared to the Blackwood Heritage Group, they were on a completely different level.
The key was Elara.
Kieran must have seen the mockery from the crowd earlier and stepped in to assert his presence.
Elara rolled her eyes. "That middle-aged guy was giving you a weird look. Be careful."
"You win," Ethan conceded immediately.
Despite his usual bravado, he was genuinely wary of men with questionable intentions.
He moved closer to Elara, grinning. "If he tries anything, I'll kick him where it hurts!"
"Elara, you wouldn't get involved with Kieran, would you?" He asked.
"Look, that guy is still staring at you!" Elara interrupted him.
"Come on, I'm just worried about you. Even if that guy ends up with me tonight, it's only because I'm too handsome for my own good."
Ethan leaned in, lowering his voice. "Elara, do you not know Kieran?"
"The CEO of Blackwood Heritage Group, tough as nails, ruthless. Isn't that common knowledge?"
Ethan shook his head, glancing in Kieran's direction. "He's a tyrant, a real piece of work!"
Elara scoffed. "Isn't that you?"
"Me? Compared to him, I'm as innocent as a flower."
Ethan held up four fingers. "In Vossshire, there are four recognized Lucifers. Kieran is the top one!"
"I have no grudges, and I've done nothing wrong. Why should I fear him?"
Ethan shook his head. "No, I mean, he's dangerous. Stay away from him, keep your distance."
"It's just a business relationship. I provide my skills and show my value. Who he is doesn't matter. I only serve the Blackwood Heritage Group." Elara was pragmatic. Kieran's identity and actions were irrelevant.
Since she couldn't face the challenges alone, seeking a reliable supporter became her temporary strategy.
The contract didn't mean she would be bound to Kieran forever; she planned to leave eventually.
Ethan was about to say more when he saw Jasper returning, heading their way.
"Mr. Craigmor," Jasper addressed him, but looked at Elara. "Mr. Blackwood would like you to join him for a moment to ask about your grandfather's health. If you're not too busy, please come over."
"Me?" Ethan pointed at himself, puzzled.
His grandfather had long retired and had no dealings with Kieran.
The answer was clear as he glanced at Elara.
"Miss Voss, please join us as well."
In this setting, Kieran was the center of attention. Refusing his invitation wasn't an option, and Elara couldn't afford to offend him.
Jasper led the way, with Ethan and Elara following closely, whispering to each other.
Elara whispered, "Ethan, initiate Plan A!"
"Is that necessary? What if..."
Ethan looked hesitant, but a glance from Elara made him comply instantly.
He adopted a determined expression, draping his arm over Elara's shoulder in a familiar gesture from their school days, where Ethan often pretended to be her boyfriend to fend off suitors.
Despite Elara's beauty, Ethan never had any romantic feelings for her.
He even questioned his orientation at one point, but after dating several women, he confirmed it wasn't an issue.
This earned him a reputation as a player, leading to scoldings from Elara and Sylvia.
Jasper noticed Ethan's move but said nothing, a small smile flickering across his lips.
Elara observed this, knowing that the appearance of their relationship was more important than the truth.
In the reception room, the real power players of Vossshire were gathered.
Though the doors were open, outsiders could only look in, creating an unbridgeable divide.
Kieran sat on the central sofa, surrounded by others in a formation that highlighted his importance.
Someone handed him a well-lit cigar.
But one person stood out: Yuki, who had earlier harassed Elara and clashed with Ethan, now drenched and kneeling beside Kieran, having been doused with cold water to sober up.
An epiphany washed over them. Then Ethan explained quietly, "Those three are the former top bosses of Vossshire, known as the Four Lucifers. The old man on Kieran's left is from Yuki's family."
Elara nodded. "Three of the Four Lucifers are here. Where's the fourth?"
Ethan looked embarrassed, and Elara understood.
"My grandfather was the leader of them. He retired, leaving the life of crime behind. But these three stayed committed, aiming to grow their influence."
"They seem to have done well, sitting with Kieran," Elara noted.
"Yeah, they cling to their old assets and reputation."
As they approached, they stopped talking.
Jasper arranged a chair next to Kieran and gestured for them to sit.
Ethan carefully guided Elara to sit beside him, then, prompted by her, took her hand.
Kieran didn't glance at them once.