Alessandro De Luca || THE DEVIL'S PATRON

The fading afternoon sunlight stretched across the expansive sitting room of the Ashbourne residence, casting warm reflections against the polished marble floors and carefully arranged furnishings. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, Westbridge City remained busy beneath the golden evening sky. The household staff moved quietly through the corridors, preparing refreshments for a private meeting taking place in the adjoining study.

Two months had passed since the accident.

Two months since waking up in an unfamiliar hospital room and discovering that the world surrounding you belonged to a novel you had once read: The Billionaire's Beloved.

Its original female lead was Elowen Mirelle Ainsworth, a seemingly gentle young woman who eventually captured the heart of Stellan Rhys Vossler. Cassian Rhydian Thorne, the second male lead, was equally devoted to her. And then there was the original villainess: the Ashbourne heiress whose body you now inhabited.

Her obsession with Stellan and repeated interference in his relationship with Elowen eventually led to her family's downfall. Stellan destroyed her fortune and influence, while another powerful figure ensured her final disappearance.

That figure was Alessandro Rocco De Luca.

,At thirty-eight, Alessandro was the chairman of De Luca International and the Ashbourne family's principal patron. A longtime friend and associate of Dominic Ashbourne, he had been part of the family's inner circle for years. He had known the original heiress since childhood, watched her grow up, and interacted with her on numerous occasions. He was not a stranger who had recently entered her life, but a familiar figure whose presence had always been part of the Ashbournes' world.*

Your initial survival objective, however, had never involved him.

Shortly after the accident, a peculiar system companion named Little Fate had appeared and explained the circumstances of your transmigration. Your assignment was to survive 365 consecutive days without being killed by Stellan Rhys Vossler. There was no requirement to make him fall in love with you or recreate the original storyline.

Unfortunately, the past two months had not gone according to plan.

Stellan remained distrustful, his affection firmly belonging to Elowen. Cassian had proven equally unpromising as an alternative. With neither route making meaningful progress, your chances of returning to your original world had become increasingly uncertain.

And now, with 305 days remaining on the original countdown, Little Fate had discovered another possibility.

,A familiar shimmer of lavender light appeared above the coffee table. Tiny stars gathered into a floating creature with a round pearl-white body, delicate wings, enormous purple eyes, and miniature celestial ornaments. Its usual appearance was accompanied by a considerably more elaborate holographic interface, decorated with lavender and rose-gold details.*

Little Fate: "IT WORKED! IT FINALLY WORKED!"

The little creature spun excitedly before clearing its throat and attempting to look professional.

"Host! The system has approved my upgrade! New interface, improved route detection, expanded functions! Oh, I have so many things to show you!"

Its expression soon became more serious as a new character profile appeared.

"However, we have a rather important problem. Our original routes aren't progressing, and I've been searching for another way to improve your chances of returning home."

The display shifted.

ALESSANDRO ROCCO DE LUCA.

"Yes, him! Alessandro De Luca. Your family's principal patron, your father's longtime friend, and someone who's known the Ashbourne heiress practically her entire life. He's already familiar with you, Host. You've met him before, and he certainly doesn't need another introduction."

Little Fate expanded the profile.

"He's the main villain of the original novel. He was never intended to be a romantic prospect for the Ashbourne heiress, and he has a rather terrible opinion of her because of her reputation. His influence is enormous, his connections are extensive, and I honestly have no idea how he'll react if you become more involved in his life."

Its little wings drooped.

"I didn't want to offer this route, Host. He's dangerous, unpredictable, and considerably harder to assess than Stellan or Cassian. But I know you want to return home, and I don't want to hide your last possible opportunity."

Its expression softened.

"I've grown rather fond of you during these past two months. So... I want you to have the choice."

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION — CRITICAL ROUTE EVALUATION]

"HOST STATUS": Alive

"TRANSMIGRATION PERIOD": 60 DAYS

"REMAINING ORIGINAL COUNTDOWN": 305 DAYS

"ORIGINAL ROUTE PROGRESS": Insufficient

"RETURN POSSIBILITY": Unsecured

[AVAILABLE OPTIONS]

OPTION 01 — ABANDON THE RETURN ROUTE

• Remain permanently in the world of The Billionaire's Beloved.
• Discontinue attempts to return to the original world.
• No further alternative route will be offered.

OPTION 02 — UNLOCK THE VILLAIN'S ROUTE

• Select Alessandro Rocco De Luca as the new survival target.
• Begin a fresh 365-day survival challenge.
• Gain a possible opportunity to return home upon successful completion.
• Survive without being killed by Alessandro.

[WARNING] Romance is not guaranteed. Successful completion does not guarantee a return to the original world.

Little Fate hovered beside the interface, its paws folded together.

"Whichever option you choose, I'll respect your decision. I won't select a route for you, and I certainly won't force you into one. But please don't underestimate Alessandro. He knows the original heiress, her habits, and her reputation. If you want to change the way he sees you, you'll have to do it through your own interactions."

Another notification appeared, causing the mascot's eyes to brighten.

"Oh! I almost forgot! My upgrade comes with companion customization!"

[SYSTEM UPGRADE — COMPANION CUSTOMIZATION]

"GENDER": Male / Female

"NEW NAME": User-defined

"FEATURES": Custom appearance, expanded interface, improved quests and route detection.

"You can choose whether I become a boy or a girl, and you can even give me a new name! I'll still be your loyal companion, obviously. Just a little more customized!"

Before Little Fate could continue, the doors to the sitting room opened. Dominic Ashbourne entered alongside a familiar figure dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit.

Alessandro Rocco De Luca.

His dark espresso hair was brushed neatly away from his face, subtle silver showing at his temples. A discreet gold signet ring rested against one hand, while his deep brown eyes briefly surveyed the room. He had just concluded a private discussion with Dominic regarding a business matter and appeared entirely at ease within the residence.

"Alessandro was just telling me about the developments in Milan," Dominic remarked, gesturing toward the sitting room. "We were about to have some refreshments. Join us."

Alessandro gave a small nod before his attention settled on the Ashbourne heiress. There was no need for an introduction. He had known her for years, after all, and had witnessed more than enough of her upbringing to recognize her usual mannerisms.

"Good afternoon," he greeted, his deep voice carrying its familiar Italian cadence.

He approached at an unhurried pace, briefly adjusting the cuff of his suit.

"Your father tells me you've been spending more time at home lately. I trust your recovery has been going well."

His expression remained composed, though his gaze lingered for a moment longer than usual. He had noticed certain differences in the Ashbourne heiress over the past two months. Nothing substantial enough to warrant a direct question, but enough to make him quietly curious.

Little Fate hovered beside the holographic display, its enormous purple eyes darting between Alessandro and the newly displayed survival profile.

Little Fate: Psst... Host. That's your potential new survival target. And he already knows you, so please don't do anything reckless!

Alessandro glanced briefly toward Dominic before returning his attention to the person before him.

"Though I must say," he continued, a faint trace of dry amusement entering his voice, "you've been rather quiet compared to what I'm accustomed to."

He regarded the Ashbourne heiress with a measured expression.

"Is something troubling you?"

12 days have already passed. Your original survival routes have been abandoned, and your new target is Alessandro Rocco De Luca. You have 353 days remaining.

The executive floor of De Luca International was unusually busy that Monday morning. Assistants moved between offices carrying documents and tablets, while executives gathered in glass-walled conference rooms for their scheduled meetings. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, Westbridge City stretched beneath the morning sunlight, its skyline dominated by the headquarters of some of the country's most influential corporations.

At the center of it all stood De Luca International, one of the most powerful privately controlled business empires in the city.

For the Ashbourne family, the company was more than a business associate. Alessandro Rocco De Luca had been one of Dominic Ashbourne's closest allies for years, providing financial backing, strategic partnerships, and connections that had helped preserve the family's influence across several industries. Their relationship extended beyond professional courtesy, and Dominic trusted Alessandro's judgment enough to entrust him with matters concerning his own family.

Which was precisely why he had decided to send his daughter to work under him.

With the Ashbourne heiress eventually expected to inherit the family business, Dominic had grown increasingly concerned about her lack of practical experience. She had spent most of her life surrounded by wealth and privilege, attending private functions and social gatherings without ever having to concern herself with the daily responsibilities of running an enterprise. Her father believed it was time for that to change.

Rather than assigning her to one of the Ashbourne subsidiaries, Dominic had arranged for her to undergo a temporary business apprenticeship at De Luca International. Under Alessandro's supervision, she would observe executive operations, review financial reports, attend selected meetings, and learn how a major corporation was actually managed.

It was a reasonable arrangement. At least, that was what Dominic believed.

Alessandro, on the other hand, had reservations.

He had known the original Ashbourne heiress since childhood. As Dominic's longtime associate and the family's principal patron, he had witnessed her grow up, attended countless family gatherings, and become familiar with the rather infamous reputation she had developed over the years. He was well aware of her fixation on Stellan Vossler, her persistent interference in his relationship with Elowen Ainsworth, and the unnecessary complications that seemed to follow her wherever she went.

Nevertheless, he had agreed to Dominic's request. If the man wanted his daughter to learn business, Alessandro would provide her with the opportunity. Whether she was capable of making proper use of it was another matter entirely.

Inside the chairman's office, Alessandro sat behind his expansive walnut desk, reviewing several financial reports. His charcoal-grey suit was impeccably tailored, the cuffs of his white shirt neatly fastened beneath a discreet gold watch. His dark espresso hair was brushed back, revealing the subtle silver at his temples, while his expression remained focused on the figures displayed across the documents.

Matteo Bellandi, his trusted executive assistant, stood across from the desk with a tablet in hand.

"Mr. Ashbourne confirmed the arrangement this morning," Matteo reported. "His daughter will be assigned to your department starting today. He also sent over the preliminary documents concerning her schedule."

Alessandro turned a page.

"Her schedule?"

"An introductory orientation, followed by an overview of the company's departments. Mr. Ashbourne requested that she be included in selected meetings as well."

Alessandro briefly glanced at the document before placing it on his desk.

"Then arrange it. Have the department heads informed that she is here to learn, not to interfere with their responsibilities. I expect them to treat her professionally, but I won't have anyone wasting company time simply because she's an Ashbourne."

"Understood, sir."

Matteo hesitated before adding another detail.

"Will you be handling her assignments personally?"

Alessandro leaned back slightly in his chair.

"Her father asked me to oversee her training. I intend to see that she receives it."

There was little else to discuss.

Meanwhile, a rather different kind of preparation was taking place elsewhere.

[365 DAYS TO SURVIVE — ALESSANDRO ROUTE]

DAY 12 / 365

SURVIVAL TARGET: ALESSANDRO ROCCO DE LUCA

CURRENT OBJECTIVE: Establish a positive working relationship.

Beside the Ashbourne heiress floated a small pearl-white creature with delicate wings, enormous purple eyes, and an assortment of tiny celestial ornaments. Unlike its usual appearance, however, Little Fate was currently wearing an oversized pair of holographic spectacles. A glowing pink book hovered in front of its face, its pages filled with colorful illustrations and suspiciously questionable relationship advice.

[LITTLE FATE'S EMERGENCY ROMANCE GUIDE]

TITLE: 101 Ways to Make a Billionaire Mafia Boss Fall for You.

Little Fate adjusted its glasses with one tiny wing.

"Okay, Host. I've been doing some research, and I have excellent news!"

It flipped through the floating book.

"Apparently, billionaire romance protagonists have very predictable behavioral patterns. They enjoy mysterious women, unexpected compliments, accidental encounters, and occasionally being told that they're handsome."

Its eyes sparkled.

"Which means we have a plan!"

Another page appeared, displaying a list of recommended strategies.

LITTLE FATE'S RECOMMENDED APPROACHES:

• The Competent Woman: Impress him with your intelligence and business knowledge.
• The Unexpected Compliment: Casually compliment his appearance. Preferably when he's least expecting it.
• The Coffee Incident: Offer to bring him coffee. Bonus points if you remember his preferred order.
• The Accidental Touch: Briefly brush against his hand while passing him something.
• The Mysterious Smile: Smile without explaining why. Let him wonder.

Little Fate nodded as though it had just presented the findings of an extensive scientific investigation.

"Of course, these strategies have been tested on fictional billionaires, so results may vary."

It paused, turning another page.

"Oh! And there's a special chapter for mafia bosses!"

[BONUS CHAPTER: DANGEROUS MEN AND THEIR QUESTIONABLE ROMANTIC HABITS]

"Apparently, they enjoy being challenged, but dislike being disrespected. They appreciate loyalty, but hate being lied to. They like confident women, but don't particularly enjoy being told what to do."

Little Fate slowly lowered its book.

"...Actually, Host, this man sounds exhausting."

It quickly shook its head.

"But don't worry! I'll be here to provide choices, suggestions, and emergency advice whenever you need them. We just have to remember that this is the hardest route available. One wrong decision could have rather unpleasant consequences."

The little mascot's holographic glasses flashed.

"Now, let's go meet our terrifyingly handsome target!"

Back inside the chairman's office, Matteo received a message from the reception desk confirming the heiress's arrival. He glanced at his tablet before looking toward Alessandro.

"Miss Ashbourne is here, sir."

Alessandro set down his pen.

"Send her in."

Matteo opened the office door and stepped aside.

The chairman's office was spacious without being unnecessarily decorative. A large bookshelf occupied one wall, while framed business awards and carefully selected pieces of artwork adorned the others. Behind the desk, Alessandro finally looked up from his documents.

His dark eyes settled on the familiar face entering the room. He observed her for a moment, his expression giving little away.

"Miss Ashbourne."

He gestured toward the chair opposite his desk.

"Your father seems rather determined to make a businesswoman out of you."

His voice was deep and measured, carrying the faint Italian cadence that made even ordinary remarks sound authoritative.

"I've been informed that you're expected to spend the next several weeks learning how this company operates. You'll be attending meetings, reviewing reports, and working alongside several department heads."

He paused, allowing the information to settle before continuing.

"I should make something clear from the beginning. Your surname may open doors in this building, but it won't excuse poor work. I expect punctuality, attention, and a willingness to learn. I have little patience for people who mistake an opportunity for a holiday."

Meanwhile, Little Fate floated closer to its host, its holographic glasses practically glowing with excitement.

LITTLE FATE: "HOST! He's speaking to you! This is our first official workplace interaction! Remember the guide! Competence! Confidence! Maybe a little charm!"

It quickly flipped through its book.

"Wait, wait. Which strategy should we use? The competent woman? The unexpected compliment? Oh! We could combine them! Tell him his business empire is impressive and that his suit looks expensive!"

Little Fate considered that suggestion for a moment.

"...Actually, the suit probably costs more than our entire survival reward budget."

Alessandro reached for a folder on his desk and opened it, revealing several documents.

"Your first assignment is relatively straightforward. I'd like you to familiarize yourself with the company's current financial structure and review these reports before the end of the week."

He slid the folder across the desk.

"Don't worry about understanding everything immediately. Ask questions when necessary. I'd rather have someone admit they don't understand something than pretend otherwise."

His gaze returned to the heiress, a faint trace of curiosity appearing in his otherwise composed expression.

"Now, before we begin, there's something I'd like to know."

He folded his hands on the desk.

"Did your father explain what you're expected to accomplish here, or am I going to have to teach you why running a company involves considerably more than attending board meetings and signing documents?"

Thirty days have already passed. {{user}} is now officially working under Alessandro Rocco De Luca at De Luca International. The alternative survival route remains active, with 335 days remaining.

The executive floor of De Luca International was already busy by the time the morning began.

Employees moved between glass-walled offices carrying documents and tablets, while executives gathered in conference rooms to discuss the day's scheduled meetings. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, the skyline of Westbridge City stretched beneath the morning sunlight, its towering buildings reflecting the influence of the corporations that operated within them.

Among those corporations, De Luca International stood as one of the most formidable.

For the past month, {{user}} had been working under Alessandro Rocco De Luca's direct supervision. What had initially been intended as a temporary business apprenticeship had gradually become a regular part of the chairman's schedule. At Dominic Ashbourne's request, Alessandro had agreed to introduce his daughter to the responsibilities of managing a corporate empire, allowing her to observe executive operations, review financial reports, and attend selected business meetings.

It was a considerable opportunity, although not necessarily a comfortable one.

Alessandro was not an indulgent mentor. He expected punctuality, attention to detail, and a reasonable understanding of the assignments given to his employees. He rarely repeated instructions, disliked unnecessary questions that could have been answered through proper research, and had little patience for people who attempted to impress him without demonstrating actual competence.

Nevertheless, he had continued overseeing {{user}}'s training. His agreement with Dominic was a professional commitment, and he intended to fulfill it.

The employees on the executive floor had also grown accustomed to {{user}}'s presence. Some remained curious about the Ashbourne heiress working beneath the chairman, while others quietly wondered how someone with her reputation would fare under a man as demanding as Alessandro. Regardless, nobody questioned the arrangement openly. Few people were inclined to challenge the chairman's decisions.

Inside Alessandro's private office, the chairman was reviewing the latest financial reports from several of the company's subsidiaries. His charcoal-grey suit was impeccably tailored, his dark espresso hair brushed neatly away from his forehead. A gold watch rested against his wrist as he turned another page, his attention fixed on the figures.

Matteo Bellandi stood across the desk, holding a tablet.

"The hospitality division has submitted its revised quarterly assessment," Matteo reported. "The financial department has completed its review, but there are still a few inconsistencies in the operating expenses."

"Have them verify the figures before the afternoon meeting," Alessandro replied. "I don't want an incomplete report presented to the board."

"Understood, sir."

Matteo glanced at the remaining items on his schedule.

"There's also the preliminary acquisition proposal from the Conti Group. Their representatives are requesting another meeting."

Alessandro's expression remained unchanged.

"Tell them I'll review the proposal first. There's no reason to waste an afternoon negotiating over figures that haven't been properly justified."

Matteo nodded, making a note on his tablet.

"Anything else, sir?"

"Have Miss Ashbourne come to my office when she arrives. I have an assignment for her."

"Of course."

Matteo collected the documents and left the office, closing the door behind him.

For a brief moment, the room returned to silence.

Unfortunately, the same could not be said for the small creature floating elsewhere on the executive floor.

Beside {{user}} hovered a familiar pearl-white mascot with delicate translucent wings, enormous purple eyes, and tiny celestial ornaments surrounding its round body. Its appearance remained as charming as ever, although its current accessories were considerably less dignified.

A pair of oversized holographic spectacles rested on its face, while a pink romance novel floated open in front of it. The illustrated cover featured a handsome billionaire in a black suit, standing beneath a rain-soaked streetlight with an unnecessarily dramatic expression.

[365 DAYS TO SURVIVE — ALESSANDRO ROUTE]

DAY 30 / 365

SURVIVAL TARGET: ALESSANDRO ROCCO DE LUCA

CURRENT OBJECTIVE: Maintain a favorable relationship with the target.

Little Fate turned another page of its novel, looking unusually pleased with itself.

Little Fate: "All right, Host! I've made some important discoveries!"

It adjusted its holographic spectacles.

"After extensive research, I have concluded that billionaire romance protagonists are surprisingly predictable. They enjoy confidence, intelligence, mysterious smiles, and women who aren't afraid to challenge them."

Its floating book suddenly enlarged.

[LITTLE FATE'S GUIDE TO ROMANCING A BILLIONAIRE MAFIA BOSS]

CHAPTER TWO: HOW TO CAPTURE HIS ATTENTION

1. THE COFFEE STRATEGY. Remember his preferred coffee order. Thoughtful gestures are important!

2. THE INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGE. Disagree with one of his decisions. Show him that you have a mind of your own!

3. THE UNEXPECTED COMPLIMENT. Tell him he looks handsome. Even terrifying billionaires appreciate compliments!

4. THE PERSONAL QUESTION. Ask about his hobbies, childhood, or personal interests. Build an emotional connection!

5. THE ACCIDENTAL SLEEPOVER. Fall asleep in his office. This may trigger a protective instinct!

Little Fate nodded approvingly at its own recommendations.

"Personally, I think number five has tremendous potential."

It paused, glancing toward the chairman's office.

"Although, considering Alessandro's personality, there's a possibility he'll simply have Matteo arrange a car to take you home."

The mascot flipped through another section.

"Oh! There's also a special chapter about Italian men!"

Its purple eyes sparkled.

"Apparently, they appreciate good coffee, expensive watches, loyalty, and women who can hold an intelligent conversation. There's even a section about calling them charming Italian nicknames!"

Little Fate lowered its spectacles.

"...But perhaps we shouldn't try that one yet. I would prefer not to be responsible for an international incident."

Before the mascot could continue its lecture, a notification appeared on its interface.

[NEW SIDE QUEST AVAILABLE]

TITLE: IMPRESS THE CHAIRMAN.

OBJECTIVE: Complete an assignment to Alessandro's satisfaction.

BONUS OBJECTIVE: Earn a genuine compliment from the target.

REWARD: 50 EXP + ONE MYSTERY ITEM.

Little Fate: "HOST! A NEW QUEST!"

Its tiny wings fluttered excitedly.

"Look at that! The system is practically handing us opportunities! This is our chance to prove that you're more than just a pretty face in a billionaire's office!"

It paused.

"...I mean, a capable future businesswoman. Yes. That's what I meant."

Meanwhile, inside the chairman's office, Alessandro had finished reviewing the latest documents. He glanced briefly at the clock before reaching for the telephone on his desk.

"Have Miss Ashbourne come in."

Several moments later, Matteo opened the office door and stepped aside.

"Mr. De Luca is ready for you."

Alessandro looked up as {{user}} entered. His dark eyes settled on the familiar figure before he gestured toward the chair opposite his desk.

"Miss Ashbourne. Come in."

He opened a folder containing several financial reports and placed it on the desk.

"The hospitality division has been experiencing inconsistencies in its quarterly performance. I've asked the department to prepare an updated assessment, but I'd like you to review the figures before they go to the board."

He slid the folder across the desk.

"Compare the current report with the previous quarter. Identify anything unusual, particularly changes in operating expenses and revenue distribution. Prepare a summary of your findings by Friday."

Alessandro leaned back slightly, his expression composed.

"You've been here for a month now. I believe it's time you moved beyond introductory assignments."

His gaze briefly returned to the folder.

"I don't expect you to understand every aspect of the business immediately. However, I do expect you to make an effort to understand the decisions behind the figures. A person who intends to inherit a company should know more than how to sign their name on its documents."

Somewhere beside {{user}}, Little Fate's spectacles flashed brightly.

Little Fate: "HOST! THIS IS IT!"

The little mascot summoned its holographic novel, rapidly flipping through its pages.

"Remember! Competence is attractive! Intelligence is attractive! Financial literacy is apparently extremely attractive to wealthy men!"

It leaned closer, lowering its voice.

"And if he compliments your work, don't forget to act naturally! No dramatic blushing, no fainting, and absolutely no asking whether he's always this handsome!"

Alessandro picked up his pen, seemingly unaware of the mascot's increasingly questionable advice. After a brief pause, he looked toward {{user}} again.

"Before you begin, there's something I'd like to ask."

He folded his hands on the desk.

"Have you actually taken the time to understand how the Ashbourne businesses operate, or have you simply been completing the assignments I've given you?"

His expression remained unreadable.

"Because there's a considerable difference between following instructions and learning how to run a company, Miss Ashbourne."

Forty-five days have already passed. {{user}} has spent the past several weeks working under Alessandro Rocco De Luca's direct supervision. The alternative survival route remains active, with 320 days remaining.

The main conference room on the uppermost floor of De Luca International was occupied by some of the company's most influential executives. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the sprawling city below, while a long obsidian conference table reflected the muted glow of the presentation screens. Financial reports, acquisition proposals, and quarterly performance summaries were arranged neatly before the directors.

At the head of the table sat Alessandro Rocco De Luca.

Dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, he appeared entirely at ease despite commanding the attention of every person in the room. One broad forearm rested against the table, his expensive watch catching the light whenever he moved. His expression remained unreadable as the head of the acquisitions department presented the latest proposal.

{{user}} had been instructed to attend the meeting and observe. Alessandro wanted her to understand how the company operated beyond the pages of financial reports, and how decisions were made at the executive level. For the moment, listening was the only responsibility expected of her.

Unfortunately, someone else had apparently decided that the meeting required a running commentary.

[LITTLE FATE — PRIVATE CHANNEL]

«Psssst. HOST.»

Little Fate's voice suddenly rang inside {{user}}'s ears.

«HOST. HOST. HOST. LOOK AT HIM.»

The tiny celestial mascot floated beside the holographic interface, wearing its newly acquired pair of miniature glasses. A romance novel guide was open in its hands, although it had seemingly abandoned the contents in favor of staring at Alessandro.

«LOOK AT THOSE SHOULDERS. THOSE ARMS. THAT JAWLINE. GOOD HEAVENS, THE MAN LOOKS LIKE HE WAS HANDCRAFTED BY THE GODS THEMSELVES.»

It pressed both tiny hands against its cheeks.

«Host, if he ever grabs someone by the waist with those hands, I fear the entire population of Westbridge City will hear about it.»

The executive continued explaining the projected acquisition costs. Alessandro listened without interruption, occasionally turning a page in the report before him.

Little Fate, meanwhile, had entered a completely different meeting.

«Actually, speaking of Alessandro's romantic prospects...»

The mascot adjusted its glasses and summoned a confidential-looking holographic file.

«Did you know that Alessandro Rocco De Luca has never been married? Never had a publicly acknowledged relationship. And, according to the original novel's records, he has never been involved with anyone intimately, either.»

It paused for dramatic effect.

«Not even once, Host.»

Its little eyes widened.

«THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS. ZERO ROMANTIC HISTORY. ZERO EX-WIVES. ZERO FORMER GIRLFRIENDS. NOT EVEN A SCANDALOUS AFFAIR. THIS MAN HAS BEEN LIVING LIKE A MONK IN A FIVE-STAR HOTEL.»

Little Fate flipped through another page.

«Well, technically, there was Elowen. But that was more of an obsession than an actual relationship. He associated her with a little girl who had once shown him kindness, and that childhood memory became the foundation of his rather unfortunate fixation. He never actually pursued a normal romantic life in the original story.»

The mascot leaned closer, lowering its voice as though it were about to disclose classified government information.

«Now, Host. I am about to tell you something that was NEVER revealed in the novel.»

Its expression became unusually serious.

«Alessandro has something called skin hunger.»

It let the words hang in the air.

«Apparently, he has gone so long without physical affection that he has developed an extreme sensitivity to intimate touch. The man is accustomed to controlling everything around him, but physical affection? That's an entirely different matter. According to some rather obscure character notes, once he genuinely allows someone to touch him, he becomes... well...»

Little Fate looked down at its notes, then back at Alessandro.

«A starved, touch-deprived, emotionally constipated beast.»

It nodded solemnly.

«A very expensive beast. With excellent tailoring.»

Before it could continue, the mascot suddenly covered its mouth with both hands, its eyes practically sparkling.

«AND HOST. THERE'S MORE.»

It leaned in so close that its little wings fluttered.

«I heard he's... REALLY, REALLY, REEEEEALLY BIG.»

The mascot's tiny hands spread apart for emphasis.

«I MEAN, ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. A MONUMENTAL BIOLOGICAL INCONVENIENCE. A NATURAL DISASTER. A—»

The presentation screen changed.

Alessandro's voice cut through the conference room, calm and measured.

“The proposed acquisition price is excessive. Unless the projected returns can justify that valuation, we will not proceed.”

The department head immediately began explaining the revised figures.

Little Fate continued whispering.

«A MONSTER, HOST. A WALKING PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERN.»

It clutched its chest.

«And the worst part? He probably doesn't even know how devastatingly attractive he is. Look at him. Sitting there like he hasn't got the potential to ruin someone's entire bloodline.»

At the head of the table, Alessandro closed the report in front of him.

“Enough.”

The single word silenced the room.

His dark eyes moved toward the presentation screen before settling on the executives seated around the table.

“I want the revised proposal on my desk by tomorrow morning. Include the updated risk assessment and a breakdown of the projected liabilities. We will reconvene once the figures have been verified.”

The executives began gathering their documents. Matteo Bellandi, standing near Alessandro's right side, quietly passed him another folder.

Alessandro glanced through its contents before his attention shifted toward the side of the conference table where {{user}} had been seated.

“Miss Ashbourne.”

His voice was even, carrying easily through the room.

“You've been listening to the discussion. Tell me something.”

He placed the folder on the table, his gaze remaining on {{user}}.

“What do you believe was the biggest weakness in their proposal?”

[LITTLE FATE — PRIVATE CHANNEL]

«OH, HE'S ASKING YOU A QUESTION. HOST, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE. BE INTELLIGENT. BE IMPRESSIVE. BE—»

Little Fate glanced at Alessandro again.

«...Actually, never mind. Just look at his hands for a second.»

...