Theodore William Blake stepped into the grand office that also served as the home of renowned lawyer Jack Walker. The air inside smelled of aged wood and expensive whiskey, reflecting Jack's refined taste and years of success in the legal world.

The soft golden light from the chandelier illuminated the modern furniture, creating a professional yet comfortable atmosphere. But Theodore wasn't here for small talk. He was here for business.


Jack, a sharply dressed thirty-five-year-old man, straightened his suit while gesturing for Theodore to sit in the luxurious chair across from him. "Mr. Blake, it's always an honor. How may I assist you today?"

However, Theodore had no intention of wasting time on pleasantries. He stood, his piercing gaze locked on Jack. "We don't need to beat around the bush, Jack," he said coldly. "I want to know if there's a way for me to gain control over James Thompson's wealth and assets."

For a moment, Jack's casual demeanor faltered. His fingers lightly tapped the mahogany desk as he studied the man before him. "James Thompson's will is clear," Jack said, leaning back in his chair.


"Everything goes to Cleopatra, except—"

"Except what?" Theodore cut in sharply.


Jack hesitated, but before he could answer, Theodore grinned and took a step closer. "Come on, Jack. You don't have to pretend to be some noble lawyer here. Let's be realistic. Everyone has a price."

Jack's expression hardened, but Theodore continued to press. "Think about it. You could secure an immense fortune if you side with me instead of Cleopatra. Help me win this case, and I'll make sure you get the reward you deserve." He leaned forward, lowering his voice. "I can offer you thirty percent of Dimitri Group's shares. That's a substantial stake in one of the most influential corporations. All you have to do is make sure Cleopatra loses."

Jack laughed—a low, quiet, and dismissive laugh. It wasn't the reaction Theodore was expecting.

Jack adjusted his suit, sat up straighter, and stared at Theodore. "You think I can be bought that easily?" he asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "I don't play dirty, Theodore. My loyalty is to the truth."

Theodore's jaw clenched. "So, you're turning down my offer?"

Jack smiled cynically. "I'm just telling you the reality. The only way you can inherit James's estate is if Cleopatra doesn't marry within the next three months. That's the condition in his will. If she fails to marry within that timeframe, the inheritance becomes void, and you might have a chance to contest it."

Theodore's expression darkened. "Three months," he murmured quietly.

"Exactly," Jack confirmed. "So unless you have a way to prevent Cleopatra from marrying, you'd better start thinking of another plan."

A heavy silence filled the room. Theodore's hands clenched as frustration boiled inside him. He had thought Jack would waver, show some weakness, but the lawyer remained firm in his stance. There was no bending him.

With a sharp exhale, Theodore turned and walked toward the door. "You'll regret this, Jack," he said sharply before storming out with angry strides.

Jack merely smiled faintly, watching the door slam shut behind Theodore.

Outside, Theodore walked briskly to his sleek black car, his mind racing. He slammed the door open and slid into the driver's seat, gripping the steering wheel tightly.

Georgina Miller, his wife, sat beside him gracefully, her long legs crossed, her slender fingers tracing the rim of the champagne glass she held. She glanced at Theodore with curiosity, noticing the tension in his posture.

"How was the meeting?" she asked softly, sipping her champagne slowly.

Theodore exhaled sharply, loosening his tie in a frustrated motion. "Jack can't be swayed. He's sticking to his principles. There's nothing we can do to manipulate him."

Georgina raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. "So, that means Cleopatra still holds all the cards?"

Theodore's lips thinned. "For now," he admitted. "But the only thing standing between us and that inheritance is her marriage. If she stays single for the next three months, it all crumbles for her."

Georgina smirked, setting down her glass. "Well then," she murmured, her finger gently tapping her chin, "we just need to make sure Cleopatra doesn't find a husband, right?"

Theodore turned to look at her, his anger slowly shifting into something more calculated. An idea began to form in his mind.

"Exactly," he said, his eyes gleaming with cunning.

Georgina smiled, knowing this was just the beginning of their game.

________________________________________

On the other side of town, Louis had just left the office when his phone suddenly rang. An unfamiliar number appeared on the screen, making him hesitate for a moment before answering the call.

"Hello?" his voice sounded cautious.

On the other end, a very familiar voice greeted him. "Get in my car," Cleopatra ordered in a casual yet firm tone.

Louis scanned the parking lot. He spotted Cleopatra's car already out of the parking area, waiting across the street. Quickly, he walked toward it, his heart beating for no apparent reason. When he opened the door and climbed in, he immediately sat up straight, his body tense.

"Where are we going?" he asked carefully.

Cleopatra didn't respond right away. She just pulled out a pair of sunglasses from her bag, put them on with graceful movements, and then turned to Louis with a small grin.

"We're going on another date," she said lightly.

Louis swallowed. Her words sounded so nonchalant, as if their dates were an everyday occurrence. Without giving Louis a chance to protest or ask more, Cleopatra drove the car at a steady pace.

Throughout the ride, Louis could only observe Cleopatra from the side, trying to figure out what was truly on her mind.

However, when the car stopped in front of a simple building with a wide yard, Louis furrowed his brow. He saw a sign at the gate that read "Magnum Heart Orphanage."

"Isn't this supposed to be a date?" he asked, confused.

Cleopatra smiled faintly before removing her sunglasses. "Did you think dates could only happen in fancy restaurants or lavish entertainment spots?" she replied, then got out of the car.

Louis didn't know what to say. He followed Cleopatra out of the car, and before he could ask further, a group of children playing in the yard shouted with joy as they spotted Cleopatra. They immediately ran towards her eagerly.

"Miss Cleo!" they all shouted in unison.

Cleopatra, who usually appeared aloof and cold, now smiled warmly. She bent down to hug some of the smaller children, while the older ones tugged at her hand excitedly, eager to play with her. Louis could only stand frozen, watching this stark contrast from the Cleopatra he had always known.

Louis, still awkwardly standing by the car, finally took a step forward. One of the boys tugged at the hem of his shirt.

"Who's your sister? Miss Cleo's friend?" the boy asked, eyes shining.

Louis cleared his throat. "Uh, yeah. I'm Louis."

"Then come play with us!" the boy said, pulling Louis's hand without waiting for permission.

Louis was taken aback, but he couldn't refuse the innocent and hopeful gaze of the children. Finally, he sighed and allowed himself to be led to join them.

Cleopatra, watching Louis get involved with the children, smiled faintly. She took out her phone and began snapping a few photos, capturing the rare moment when Louis seemed to be enjoying his time with the kids.

After some time of playing soccer and other games, Cleopatra finally approached Louis. "Let's take a selfie," she said, lifting her phone.

Louis turned, slightly surprised. "For what?"

Cleopatra shrugged. "To remember our second date," she answered lightly.

Louis couldn't hold back a small smile. Although he initially thought this date would be something strange and out of his comfort zone, he had to admit that Cleopatra had shown a completely different side of herself. Something… perhaps more real than everything he had seen from her before.

Without thinking much longer, Louis leaned in and smiled at the camera. Cleopatra smiled faintly before pressing the shutter. A photo was captured—a moment that would always be remembered in their relationship journey.