The Unshackled King (by David Wu) novel Chapter 97

Megan smiled gracefully, "What a coincidence running into you here in River City, Nina. Is it so strange to see me with Mr. Bryant?"

Nina returned the smile, though her tone carried a subtle edge. "Strange? Not exactly. But given your... prominent position, being seen with a man could spark rumors. That wouldn't be good for your reputation, Megan."

A playful glint flashed in Megan's eyes. "I've heard Mr. Bryant is already engaged. Wouldn't you being with him raise a few eyebrows as well, dear Nina?"

Stefan stood frozen between them, sensing the thinly veiled rivalry.

Couldn't they pick a better time and place for this? Being stuck in the middle was painfully awkward.

What he didn't know was that back in Mound City, Megan and Nina were both celebrated for their beauty and shrewdness—two women whose reputations stood equal, each quietly determined not to be outshone by the other.

"I don't care about gossip. As long as Stefan doesn't mind, neither do I," Nina said, her gaze locking onto Stefan.

She watched him closely, waiting for his reaction.

"Ahem... We're all friends here. Why would I mind?" Stefan cleared his throat, quickly steering the conversation elsewhere. "By the way, Nina, did you manage to buy the herbs you needed? If not, I can take you to get them."

"That would be wonderful." Delight brightened Nina's face. She then glanced triumphantly at Megan. "Megan, Stefan is taking me to buy herbs now. You won't be tagging along, will you?"

Megan smiled inwardly. Of course she would go—she'd never back down in front of Nina.

As for an excuse? Her eyes drifted to Stefan.

He'd mentioned that invisible thread tying them together; she could simply blame it on him.

Just as she was about to reply, her phone rang. After answering it, her brow furrowed slightly.

Hanging up, she turned to Stefan with a hint of regret. "Mr. Bryant, something urgent has come up at the trade association. I must leave now. Let's talk later."

She lifted her phone with a meaningful smile, having already exchanged numbers with him earlier.

The gesture was a silent reminder to stay in touch.

"I need a quiet place to prepare some medicinal compounds," he explained. "But staying with the Stewarts makes that difficult. I'd likely be interrupted or... misunderstood."

"Medicinal compounds? You're an alchemist?" Nina's eyes widened in astonishment, her lips parting slightly.

Stefan pushed away the distracting thoughts that followed—now was not the time.

Nina was genuinely stunned. Through her connections, she had come across ancient texts mentioning alchemists—individuals who could craft extraordinary pills and potions.

She never imagined she would meet someone with such skills in person.

"You... you know alchemy?" she finally managed to say.

"I do. It's not too difficult once you grasp the basics," Stefan said casually, omitting the part about channeling true energy—a crucial element he kept to himself.

"How incredible!" Nina took a deep breath, her surprise melting into a warm smile. "Finding a place won't be a problem. Come with me. I have a property here in River City that's been sitting empty. We can use it."