Bent Way

Chapter 2: Destined For You

Bailey pushed the door open.

The spacious conference room overlooked the city's skyline through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. A long walnut conference table occupied the center, while architectural drawings, project files, and digital tablets had already been arranged neatly across its polished surface.

At the head of the table stood Michael Harrison, the founder and owner of RS Hotels.

Though nearly seventy years old, Michael carried himself with the quiet confidence of a man who had spent decades building one of the country's most prestigious hotel chains. His silver hair was neatly combed back, and the fine lines on his face reflected years of experience rather than weakness. Dressed in a tailored charcoal suit, he possessed an air of authority that made everyone in the room instinctively respect him.

Standing to his right was his eldest son, Lloyd Harrison, Executive Director of RS Hotels. Calm, intelligent, and admired throughout the industry, Lloyd had become his father's most trusted partner in business. Unlike his younger brother, Ryan Harrison, whose name had recently been dragged into a high-profile murder investigation that had severely damaged the company's reputation, Lloyd had always maintained the image of a capable and dependable businessman.

Michael stepped forward and offered his hand.

"Miss Elvina, welcome. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Harrison," Elvina replied politely as they shook hands.

After everyone had taken their seats, Bailey dimmed the lights and connected her tablet to the projector. A breathtaking three-dimensional rendering appeared on the screen.

The image revealed a luxurious hotel lobby dominated by a magnificent multi-story aquarium. Crystal-clear water surrounded elegant walkways, while vibrant marine life swam gracefully behind enormous glass panels. The next slide displayed an engagement hall overlooking the aquarium, giving guests the breathtaking illusion of celebrating beneath the ocean.

The room fell silent as everyone admired the design.

Elvina stood beside the screen, holding the presentation remote.

"Mr. Harrison," she began calmly, "with all due respect, every major company in this city currently sees RS Hotels as a sinking ship."

Silence filled the conference room.

Several executives exchanged uneasy glances.

Lloyd's expression hardened slightly, but Michael remained composed.

"I hope," Michael said evenly, "you didn't come here simply to remind us of our current situation."

A confident smile appeared on Elvina's face.

"No."

She changed to the next slide.

"I came because everyone else is running away from you."

Her gaze moved from Michael to Lloyd.

"When others see a crisis, I see an opportunity."

She pointed toward the architectural rendering behind her.

"This project is more than an aquarium and an engagement hall. It is an opportunity to rebuild the identity of RS Hotels."

Lloyd finally broke his silence.

"And what do you expect in return?"

Without hesitation, Elvina answered.

"Investment."

The screen changed once more.

A breathtaking aerial image of Jojo Island appeared, followed by a master plan filled with luxury resorts, private villas, marinas, shopping districts, and entertainment complexes.

"My company has already secured the preliminary development rights for Jojo Island," she explained. "The vision is to transform it into an international luxury resort destination. However, a project of this magnitude requires substantial capital."

Michael studied the plans carefully before looking back at her.

"So you want RS Hotels to finance your dream?"

Elvina gently shook her head.

"Not finance it."

She met his eyes confidently.

"I want you to become my partner."

Lloyd folded his arms across his chest.

"You're asking a company whose reputation is hanging by a thread to invest hundreds of millions into an island project."

"Exactly."

His eyebrows lifted slightly.

"That's a dangerous proposal."

Elvina remained perfectly calm.

"No."

She paused just long enough for everyone in the room to focus on her next words.

"What's dangerous is doing nothing while your competitors erase everything your family has built."

The room became silent once again.

She continued with unwavering confidence.

"I can offer RS Hotels something no press conference, apology, or public statement ever could."

She pointed toward the aquarium design.

"A new beginning."

"When people hear the name RS Hotels, they won't remember the murder scandal."

She switched to the final rendering.

"They'll remember the world's most breathtaking underwater engagement hall."

For several long moments, Michael said nothing.

Then, a slow smile appeared on his face.

"I've attended business meetings for over forty years," he said thoughtfully. "Most people come here asking for money."

He looked directly at Elvina.

"You came here offering us a future."

Elvina smiled faintly.

"I always believe that the right investment doesn't rescue a company."

"It transforms one."

Michael leaned back in his chair before exchanging a glance with Lloyd.

Finally, he nodded.

"We'll review the partnership proposal."

Elvina extended her hand across the table.

"That's all I ask, Mr. Harrison."

Michael accepted the handshake, sealing not an agreement, but the beginning of a partnership that had the potential to change the future of both companies.

-----

Far away, beyond kingdoms and mountains, stood a magnificent palace that seemed to touch the heavens. Its towering walls rose proudly beneath the morning sky, while countless velvet curtains swayed gently in the breeze, giving the grand halls an almost dreamlike elegance.

Deep within the palace lay a luxurious chamber.

At its center stood a large circular bed draped in soft velvet and fine silk sheets. Resting upon it was a young man of extraordinary beauty. His long eyelashes cast delicate shadows over his face, and his silky black hair lay scattered across the pillow. He slept peacefully as the cool morning breeze drifted through the open window, brushing gently against his skin.

The chamber reflected the architecture of an ancient kingdom. Instead of glass, the wide window remained completely open, framed only by carved stone arches. Beyond it stretched breathtaking gardens and distant mountains bathed in the pale light of dawn.

Slowly, the young prince opened his eyes.

A faint smile curved across his lips.

He rose gracefully from the bed, straightened the silk robe draped over his shoulders, and walked toward the open window. Closing his eyes, he inhaled the cool morning air as if it carried a memory only he could recognize.

His smile deepened ever so slightly.

In a voice barely louder than a whisper, he spoke to the wind.

"Perhaps... I was made for you."

He lowered his gaze.

"I tell everyone that I have no interest in love."

A soft laugh escaped him.

"But there is only one person..."

"You."

"I've never seen your face, yet somehow... I've fallen in love with you."

He imagined her as he spoke.

"Your hair dancing with the wind... your eyes."

He smiled to himself.

"One moment they burn with anger... and the next, they make me want to lose myself in them forever."

"Yes..."

"I like everything about you."

Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice someone standing behind him.

"So..." a familiar voice interrupted playfully. "Were you talking to yourself... or should I assume you were talking about me?"

The prince froze.

He quickly turned around.

Standing near the bed was his closest friend, Zeng, watching him with a suspicious smile.

"Did... did you hear anything?" the prince asked, trying to remain calm.

Zeng shrugged.

"Not really. You were mumbling so quietly that I couldn't hear a word."

He narrowed his eyes.

"But that smile..."

He pointed toward the window.

"Whenever you stand there looking outside with that expression, it doesn't seem like you're admiring the weather."

The prince looked away, pretending to remain indifferent.

"I was only enjoying the morning breeze."

He gave a casual shrug.

"I woke up earlier than usual today. That's all."

Zeng walked over and sat comfortably on the edge of the prince's bed.

"I've known you long enough to recognize when you're hiding something."

He folded his arms.

"There's definitely something you're keeping to yourself."

The prince remained silent.

After a brief pause, Zeng remembered why he had come.

"Oh, that's right."

He stood up.

"His Majesty has summoned you."

The prince looked back.

"My father?"

Zeng nodded.

"Someone important has arrived from another kingdom. I believe he's a prince."

The prince's expression immediately became serious.

"A prince from another kingdom..."

He paused for a moment before quietly murmuring,

"Considering the current political situation... this can't be a simple visit."

His eyes darkened with concern.

"There have already been too many border conflicts. If another kingdom is sending its prince..."

He sighed.

"...then Father probably fears that war may not be far away."

Suddenly, realization struck him.

"How could I forget?"

Without wasting another second, he hurried toward the dressing chamber.