CHAPTER 126: AQUA REGIA!!!

A Few Days Ago – Citadel City, Silvey’s Apartment

The apartment was sleek and modern, its tall windows framing the glowing cityscape of Citadel City. Glasses clinked softly as music played low in the background, a contrast to the laughter of two women reunited after years apart.

Silvey leaned comfortably against the sofa, a glass of red wine in hand. Her eyes softened as she looked across at the woman sitting opposite.

"So... what are your plans now, Layla? When you said you were coming to Citadel City for work, I was so excited to see you again."

Layla—Luna Whitecliff under another name—swirled the amber drink in her glass before raising it to her lips. Her smile was faint, but her tone warm.

"I’m happy to see you too. I missed you." She took a sip before continuing, her voice carrying a tired edge. "You know, I started working during my final year itself. I’ve been exhausted. I needed a break."

Silvey tilted her head, curiosity lighting her face. "So why Citadel City?"

Layla chuckled lightly, her eyes lowering to her glass. "I just wanted to see you. But when I told my manager, he asked me where I was going. As soon as I said Citadel, he handed me a job to complete there. He told me, ’Finish this work first, then you can take your break.’"

Silvey laughed softly, shaking her head. "Two birds with one stone."

Layla’s lips curved faintly as she raised her glass. "Looks like it. But still—I got my break."

The two women sipped in silence for a moment, the warmth of their reunion softening the cool glow of the apartment.

Then Silvey leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with something deeper.

"I’m planning to visit Star Harbor soon. I need to inspect our new automobile facility there. Do you want to come with me?"

Layla straightened slightly, intrigued. "I’d love to go. But... What was that about your cousin?"

Silvey’s expression shifted—pride mixed with determination. "Yes. He’s a long-lost cousin. But more than that... he might help me. Help me break free from these family bindings that keep choking me."

Layla raised her brows, hiding her curiosity behind a sip of her drink. "So... how will he help you?"

Silvey leaned back, her eyes drifting toward the window where the city lights shimmered like stars. "Let’s not talk about that tonight. You just got here, and it’s been too long since we’ve enjoyed time together."

She refilled both their glasses, the red liquid catching the light.

Layla didn’t press further. She lifted her glass toward Silvey, her voice calm but tinged with something unreadable.

"Cheers."

"Cheers," Silvey echoed, their glasses meeting with a soft clink.

The night carried on with laughter, but under it, both women nursed secrets of their own.

Citadel City – Kyle’s Private Manor, Two Days Later of Luna’s Arrival

The manor stood on the outskirts of Citadel City, Kyle sat in his study, the glow of a single lamp cutting through the dark. Papers and old ledgers lay scattered across the wide mahogany desk, his fingers drumming slowly against them as Luna entered.

She bowed her head lightly before speaking, her voice steady.

"Boss, Silvey is planning to use Miles... for her freedom."

Kyle’s lips curled into a sharp smile, his eyes narrowing with cruel amusement.

"Is that so?" He leaned back in his chair, laughter rolling low in his throat. "My poor niece. She truly believes she can break free from the shackles of this family?"

He shook his head, eyes gleaming like a predator’s in the half-light.

"Naïve girl. Once I take full command of the family, she won’t just fail to escape—I’ll make sure the chains tighten. She will be mine to control. Forever."

Luna stood silently, her posture disciplined though her gaze flickered briefly.

Kyle leaned forward, his voice dropping into a chilling command.

"Go to Star Harbor with her. Watch her every move. Report everything—every word, every meeting, every step she takes. I want to know how she plans to use Miles. And when the time comes, I’ll make both of them regret it."

Luna bowed her head lower, her voice unwavering.

"Yes, Boss."

Present – Sterling Enterprises, Cinder Square

The private elevator hummed as it rose smoothly through the tower. The glass wall revealed the sprawling view of Star Harbor below—traffic weaving like veins of light, the horizon stretching out toward the endless sea.

Layla’s eyes softened. "This view... it’s amazing."

Silvey leaned closer, pointing through the glass. "You can even see the sea from here. Look, over there. Once we’re done here, let’s visit the beach. Then your break will be worth the time."

Layla stayed quiet, her gaze fixed on the glittering waves in the distance. For a moment, her expression shifted—less composed, more vulnerable—as a memory stirred. She had once stood on those same shores with her father, years ago, before the world had changed forever.

"Layla?" Silvey’s voice pulled her back. "Are you okay?"

Luna blinked, forcing a smile. "Yes... I’d love to."

The elevator chimed, doors sliding open.

A suited security officer bowed slightly and gestured. "This way. The Chairman’s cabin is on the right."

"Thank you," Diane replied curtly, her professional tone steady.

The three women walked down the polished corridor, their footsteps muffled against the dark carpet. They stopped before a tall door. Diane lifted her hand and knocked lightly.

From inside came a calm voice.

"Come in."

The door opened.

Inside, the office exuded quiet power. Wide glass walls framed the city beyond, the last light of day spilling across the room. At the center sat Miles Sterling, composed in his chair, the posture of a man who didn’t just run a company—he commanded an empire.

His eyes lifted, sharp but calm, locking on the three as they entered.

"Miss Silvey," he said evenly. "We meet again. Ladies, please—have a seat."

"Hello, Miles," Silvey replied with a soft smile, settling into the chair opposite his desk. "I hope you don’t mind us meeting you like this."

Miles’s lips curved faintly. "How could I deny guests of Star Harbor?"

Silvey gestured with her hand. "This is my assistant, Diane—you may remember her from the auction. And this," she paused with a hint of pride, "is my friend, Layla."

Layla gave a polite nod, her tone smooth but carrying a subtle weight.

"Hello, Mr. Sterling. I’ve heard a lot about you... the secret chairman behind Sterling Enterprises."

Miles leaned back, folding his hands on the desk. "Everyone has secrets, Miss Layla. Deep, hidden secrets."

For a flicker of a second, Layla felt the words pierce deeper than intended. It was as though he weren’t speaking generally, but directly to her.

Miles didn’t let the silence linger. His gaze shifted back to Silvey.

"Anyway. How can I help you, Miss Silvey?"

"You can call me Silvey," she said softly. "Why so formal? You’re family as well."

Miles exhaled, almost amused.

"Correction—the abandoned branch of the family. How could I speak so casually to the lady of the main family?"

The words hung heavy in the air, silence stretching between them. Even Diane shifted slightly, uncertain.

Then Miles chuckled, breaking the tension. "Alright. I was kidding. Tell me, how can I help you, Silvey?"

Silvey released a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. "I need your help."

Miles’s expression sharpened, his tone serious. "I’m listening."

"I know there was injustice done to you," she began carefully, her voice firm. "And I can help you bring justice to your father."

Miles’s gaze didn’t waver. He said nothing, letting her continue.

Silvey pressed forward. "I want to live my life on my own terms. In our family, daughters are bound to marry into other business families. It’s a rule. A cage. I want someone to break that rule. Based on the current situation, it will soon fall into Uncle Kyle’s hands... and that will be a nightmare. You’re the only son of the Sterling family who can change it."

Miles’s voice was quiet, but firm. "Are you forgetting something? Your family will never give me that chance."

Silvey’s eyes sparked with determination. "The inheritance is based on achievements. And I’m certain you’ve achieved more than Uncle Kyle ever has. Not only that—your grandfather, Tim, held ten percent of ACE’s shares. Legally, you inherited those. Even if you don’t know it, the family lawyer has the records. If you step back into ACE legally, no one can question you."

Miles leaned back, sighing. "The truth is—I already know about those shares. I’ve seen the documents. But it won’t work. Your plan will collapse before it even begins."

Silvey frowned. "Why? That would be a blow to Uncle Kyle. He won’t see it coming."

Miles’s gaze was steady, his words deliberate.

"Do you really think Kyle doesn’t know you’re here in Star Harbor... meeting me?"

Silvey froze. "No. He doesn’t know. He might know I’m in Star Harbor, but not about this meeting."

Miles’s lips curved in a faint, humorless smile. "Seems your senses are covered with lies."

Her eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

Miles tapped a finger against his desk. "I run a jewelry business here. Have you heard of aqua regia?"

Silvey tilted her head. "A chemical?"

"Right," Miles said. "It’s used to strip impurities from gold. Do you know how it works?"

Before Silvey could answer, Layla spoke suddenly, her voice calm but precise.

"The nitric acid oxidizes the gold into ions. The hydrochloric acid provides chloride ions, creating a stable complex that pulls the gold into solution."

All eyes turned to her.

Silvey blinked in surprise. "Woah... since when were you interested in science?"

Layla shifted slightly. "Well—"

Miles cut in smoothly, his voice slicing through the moment.

"Well. Like father, like daughter. Miss Layla’s father was a genius scientist."

Layla’s face drained of color instantly. Her shoulders stiffened, every nerve in her body ready to react.

Miles leaned forward, his gaze sharp, his tone cutting like a blade.

"Am I right, Miss Layla? Or should I say... Miss Luna Whitecliff?"

The words struck the room like stone crashing into glass.

Silence.

Silvey’s eyes darted between them, confusion and disbelief mixing in her expression.

"Hold on... what’s going on here?"

The air grew heavy, charged with truths that could no longer be hidden.

To be continued...