CHAPTER 174: SERIOUSLY!! A BLIND DATE.

The VIPs exited the private room one by one, the heavy doors closing behind them with a soft thud.

Silence lingered — heavy, thoughtful.

The man beside him leaned slightly, cautious in tone.

"Master... there are people investigating us."

Basil didn’t lift his gaze immediately.

Seated comfortably, legs crossed, fingers tapping the armrest — he looked almost bored.

"Foreigners?" he asked, voice flat, eyes still half-lidded.

"Seems like it," the man answered. "They move like trained operatives."

Basil finally looked up, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Calm. Inevitable.

"So... the people of Star Harbor have been stirred."

A low chuckle left him.

"Interesting."

The man waited, unsure whether amusement was good or terrifying.

Basil continued, tone casual yet unsettlingly sharp,

"Let them run around. They won’t get anything — at least not from Silverline soil."

A pause. A colder glint passed through his eyes.

"Let’s see his capability," Basil murmured, tapping his finger slower now.

"If he can reach here... I will welcome him personally."

The subordinate stiffened.

"Should I keep an eye on them?"

Basil’s grin widened — not kind. Mocking.

"Do you really think men sent by Ghost himself wouldn’t notice you?"

A soft scoff.

"Let them hunt shadows. They will return to Star Harbor empty-handed."

The man swallowed — visible relief and fear tangled in his breath.

"Understood, Master."

"Good."

Basil waved a hand lazily.

"Send those men in again."

The subordinate bowed deeply and hurried out, leaving Basil alone — bathed in the dim golden light.

Expression unreadable.

Amused.

Calculating.

And waiting.

...

Star harbor- The Pearl Villa

Miles leaned back against the glass railing, phone pressed to his ear, voice low.

"No — I don’t know about any enemies. Wait... are you saying Chester got abducted?"

Silvey exhaled sharply on the other end, disbelief and a little shock in her tone.

"So he really disappeared? And Kyle came back alone?"

"Yes," Miles replied, jaw tight. "And that’s a failure from my side."

Silvey didn’t hesitate.

"Let me ask you something, Miles. Does it even matter? If Sterling’s enemy took him — why aren’t they taking action on us as well? Why only Chester? Why send Kyle back? Maybe they only needed Chester. Based on everything we uncovered... maybe he was actually the enemy to someone far bigger. Honestly, I think he deserves whatever came for him."

Miles stared ahead at the city lights.

"I don’t care if they kill him," he said quietly. "But someone out there knows a lot about us. Maybe more than we know about ourselves. Which means they have eyes on us — on our families, on me and you. That unknown threat? And I don’t want to keep it loose, we end it."

Silvey fell silent for a few seconds, then—

"You’re right. I’ll ask Grandpa. He might know something. I’ll call you once I get answers."

"Alright," Miles murmured.

A small pause. Then her tone softened.

"Miles."

"Hm?"

"Thank you... for everything. I knew you would help. Now I don’t have to marry some random heir to secure my place. You gave me freedom." Her voice wavered just a little. "You’re a good brother to have."

Miles chuckled lightly.

"It’s nothing. You helped me too, Silvey. And since you already called me brother — come to Star Harbor sometime. You met my family once, but they thought you were just a friend. Next time, I’ll introduce you properly."

Silvey smiled on the other side; it could be heard even through the speaker.

"I will come. I really want to meet your siblings."

"They’ll be happy to see you," Miles replied.

"Alright then. I’ll talk to Grandpa."

"Okay."

The call ended — screen dimming — and Miles lowered the phone, expression unreadable but determined.

Big bro—Asher’s tiny voice came from the hallway.

Miles opened the door. "Tell me, soldier."

Asher puffed his cheeks. "Mama is calling you."

Miles chuckled. "Ohh, let’s go then."

Asher grabbed his hand and the two walked downstairs, Miles matching his step to the tiny trotting feet beside him.

"Mom, you called?" Miles sat across from Elena. "Where’s Dad?"

Elena smiled, "Oh, he went to the golf course. Showing off that new kit you gifted him."

Miles nodded proudly. "So he liked it."

"Of course."

Miles leaned forward. "Alright, what did you want to talk about?"

Elena took a breath, adjusting her seat. "I know you’re busy but... can you spare one more day?"

Miles softened. "You already know, if you ask, I’ll move mountains. Just tell me."

Elena brightened. "Actually... I have a request. I have a high school friend. We were classmates—me, she, and your dad."

Miles raised a brow. "High school friend? How can I help her?"

Elena cleared her throat. "She has a daughter. I want you to see her tomorrow."

Miles blinked. "See her...? As in—do I know her?"

"No," Elena said quickly, "see her means meet her. Hang out. Get to know her."

Miles stared. "...Mom. Is this you setting me up on a date?"

Elena folded her hands dramatically. "Son, please. You’re always surrounded by girls yet you never look at them. It’s time you find a soulmate."

Miles sighed, cheeks heating. "Mom, come on. It’s the modern generation. I can find someone myself."

Elena covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. "You won’t, that’s the problem. Just once, son. My friend asked—she’ll feel bad if you reject. Her daughter’s name is Mishell. She’s very pretty. Just meet."

Miles rubbed his temples. "Fine. I’ll go. But this is the last one."

Elena clapped softly. "Thank you, son."

A voice cut in from the doorway. "Don’t listen to him, Aunt. He’ll never find a girl himself."

Everyone turned.

Asher sprinted over. "Big brother Dion! Big sister Flora!"

Hope chimed, "Call her sister-in-law!"

Asher gasped. "Oopsie."

Flora bent down, patting their heads. "You can call me anything, little cuties."

Miles stood. "Look who decided to show up. The freshly married lovebirds. Suddenly free when I come home?"

Flora shrugged with mischief. "We didn’t see you in the office. Thought you died."

Miles gave her a look.

Dion chuckled. "Ignore her. Aunt invited us."

Elena smiled warmly. "Welcome home, you two. Come, sit."

Flora pointed dramatically at Miles. "So who’s going on a date?"

Miles coughed. "Nobody important."

Dion smirked. "Good luck, brother. Just don’t interrogate her like a criminal."

Flora burst laughing. "Aunt, did you know—when he was like sixteen, Ray gave him a romance novel to read? This man took notes. NOTES. Asking Ray questions like a student."

Miles slapped his forehead. "I told you two to keep that buried."

Elena lit up like Christmas. "Really?! I wish I could’ve seen that!"

Everyone went quiet for a beat — remembering a time before all the pain, all the chaos.

Then Miles clicked his tongue. "Stop backbiting me, all of you."

Laughter erupted, light and warm, filling the villa.

Next day Sterling Enterprises — Cinder Square, Afternoon

"June, I’m going to the café across the square," Miles said as he buttoned up his overcoat and grabbed his phone. "If anything comes up, come find me or call."

June blinked. "Boss... it’s your date. I refuse to be the villain who interrupts."

Miles gave her a flat look. "Just in case it’s important."

June sighed dramatically. "Fine. I’ll only disturb you if the world ends."

Miles shook his head and walked toward the elevator.

...

A gentle breeze moved through the plaza as Miles crossed the street.

He pushed open the café’s polished glass door and stepped inside.

He was well dressed , A charcoal tailored overcoat draped over a black cashmere turtleneck, slim dark trousers, polished leather shoes, and his signature cold, quiet elegance. His hair cleanly styled, watch understated yet expensive — effortlessly commanding.

Heads turned.

He looks like someone who owns half the city... well, technically, he does.

The café manager spotted him and hurried over.

"Mr. Sterling — good afternoon!"

"Hello."

"Is... is there an issue? We already paid this month’s rent."

Miles raised a brow. "I have a reservation."

The manager nearly bowed. "My apologies! We are honored to have you. Please, this way."

A staff member rushed over, nervous smile plastered on. "Mr. Sterling, if you’ll follow me."

Miles walked behind her calmly, though the café suddenly felt like someone had flipped a switch from cozy to... boardroom panic.

He sat at the reserved table near the window.

Checked the time.

Pulled out his phone.

A chat opened — no name saved, just a number.

Miles: You’re late.

A few seconds.

Delivered.

Read.

Mishell: I’m on my way.

Miles set his phone down, expression unreadable.

He never realized how dramatic a simple blind date could feel.

Ten minutes passed.

Still no sign of her.

Miles tapped the edge of his phone once, twice. Then he typed again:

Miles: Is there a problem?

No reply.

He stared at the screen for another few seconds before locking it.

A sigh escaped him — quiet, impatient, impossible to notice unless you were watching closely.

A waiter approached, nervous but trained to keep his composure.

"Mr. Sterling, do you need anything?"

Miles didn’t look up. "Cold coffee."

"Right away, sir."

The waiter hurried off.

Miles leaned back, trying not to appear bothered — but the tension in his jaw said otherwise. He didn’t do blind dates. He didn’t do waiting. Yet here he was, doing both.

Mom’s request. Just finish this and go.

The café doors chimed.

Miles looked up.

She arrived — elegant, smiling politely as her eyes scanned for the reserved table.

And beside her, a young man walked in as well.

A boy.

Confident posture. Same age as her. Wearing a smug little grin.

They walked towards Miles’ table together.

Miles’ expression froze — not angry, just... blank.

A colder silence followed him than any winter air outside.

...she brought someone?