Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 501

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**

**Chapter 501: Cornered at Midnight**

“I had expected you to exhibit a bit more patience than this,” Lucien remarked, his voice carrying a hint of disappointment.

Alaric raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth curling slightly in amusement. “My dear Prince, I reserve my acting for moments of necessity. In your presence, I find no reason to don a façade. After all, you possess an uncanny ability to see right through me. And if I’m not mistaken, you wouldn’t mind my presence here,” he replied, his tone light yet earnest.

As Lucien stood, he loosened his wrist, a subtle gesture that hinted at the seriousness of their conversation. His gaze locked onto Alaric, the weight of his words palpable in the air between them.

“I might not have any objections to your joining us, but that doesn’t mean the others will share my sentiments,” he stated firmly. “Mr. Wynn, I believe it would be prudent for you to resolve your issues with Silas first.”

The mere mention of Silas elicited a weary sigh from Alaric, who leaned back slightly, contemplating the situation. “That’s precisely why I’ve been so diligent in looking after you, Your Highness. If I wish to secure Silas’s agreement, I’ll require your assistance.”

After all, he wouldn’t have squandered precious time merely observing Lucien as he worked, if it weren’t for the hope of gaining Silas’s favor.

At that moment, Silas entered, balancing a tray laden with freshly prepared food. Upon spotting Alaric beside Lucien, he placed the dishes down with a clatter. “Your meal is ready. You should eat while it’s hot,” he announced, his tone brisk yet warm.

Earlier, Lucien had felt an unexpected pang of hunger, dismissing the idea of nutrient fluid, prompting Silas to whip up a late-night snack in the kitchen.

“It’s quite late now. I didn’t anticipate Mr. Wynn still being awake. I made a generous portion. Would you care to join us?” Silas offered, glancing between the two men.

“Absolutely,” Alaric replied without hesitation, settling back onto the couch with an air of casualness.

Just then, Corvin emerged from the adjoining room, a glass of water in hand, only to be greeted by the mouthwatering aroma wafting through the air. Following the scent, he found Lucien, Silas, and Alaric gathered in the starrail’s living area, indulging in a late-night feast.

“You’re feasting without me?” Corvin exclaimed, rushing over and plopping himself down beside Silas.

“Smells incredible! I can tell you were the chef behind this,” he added, his enthusiasm palpable.

Silas handed him a fork with a grin. “If you’re hungry, don’t hesitate to dig in.”

Corvin chuckled as he accepted the utensil. “Of course! I knew you’d be my savior, Silas.”

Lucien shot him a mock glare. “Is Silas the only one who treats you well? Am I not worthy of your affection?”

“Alright, alright! You’re all good to me,” Corvin replied, his grin widening. He squinted playfully at Lucien, adding, “But maybe ease up on the orders to my workshop. That would be even better.”

“I’m merely helping you line your pockets, and yet you grumble about it?” Lucien raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips.

“It’s not about the money! Those orders have left me with no time to spend with Emma, and that’s what truly makes me miserable,” Corvin lamented.

Meanwhile, at NexusPrime Tech Headquarters on Central Planet…

The top-floor conference room remained ablaze with light, even as the clock struck one in the morning. The air was biting, a chill that seemed to seep into one’s bones.

Several Empire executives, clad in sharp suits, stood in a rigid line alongside three Fox Clan Elders adorned in traditional garb, their eyes fixed on Damian like judges poised to deliver a sentence.

The tension in the room was palpable, thick enough to cut through with a knife.

“Damian, have you reached a decision yet?” one of the Empire officials finally broke the silence, leaning heavily on the table, his palms pressing down as if to ground himself in authority.

“Nexus Prime Tech may have been birthed by your vision—we acknowledge that. But let’s not forget, without our backing and your clan’s influence, this company would never have ascended to such heights. We elevated you to that pedestal, and we can just as easily pull you down from it. You stand to lose everything,” he warned, his voice echoing ominously in the chamber.

His words hung in the air, unmistakably laced with a threat.

“Great,” Damian drawled, his voice dripping with nonchalance.

Lounging comfortably on the couch, he appeared utterly unfazed by the mounting pressure surrounding him. A faint, mocking smile curled at the edges of his lips.

“By all means,” he said with a soft chuckle, a hint of provocation lacing his tone. “If you’re eager to witness my downfall…”