Chapter 6
1246 Words
(Author’s POV)
The Crimson Lotus isn’t just a teahouse, it’s a sanctuary for the untouchable. A place where whispers of power dictate the future of the underworld.
And tonight, it is the stage for two legends to meet.
Adrian Ansaldo steps through the doors, his presence commanding and unapologetic. Dressed in black, his sharp gaze sweeps across the room before locking onto the woman waiting for him.
Selene Zhao.
She sits at a private table, draped in silk and confidence. The delicate flicker of candlelight casts soft shadows across her sharp, unreadable expression. A teapot sits between them, steam curling into the air like a silent invitation.
Adrian smirks, taking his time as he approaches. Not rushed. Not hesitant. He is a man who moves the world on his terms.
Selene watches him, her fingers resting against the rim of her porcelain cup. He takes the seat across from her, leaning back with effortless authority.
A king facing a queen.
A slow, heavy silence falls between them. A silent battle of wills. Neither looks away. Neither gives ground.
Adrian finally reaches for the teapot, pouring himself a cup.
"Tea? Not the kind of welcome I expected from a woman who plays with fire” Selene rests her chin on her hand, watching him with amused sharpness.
"Fire is for burning enemies. You are… an enigma” Adrian lifts the cup to his lips, taking a deliberate sip before setting it down. Unbothered. Unshaken.
"An enigma? You send men to test me, lead me through your city like a pawn, and now you sit here like a queen deciding if I’m worthy of your time”.
"That’s because I am deciding” Selene leans forward slightly, her voice smooth and unwavering. Adrian chuckles, shaking his head. Bold. Fearless. This woman had no hesitation in standing at his level.
"And what if I’m the one deciding if you’re worth mine?"
“Then it seems we’re both here for the same reason,” Selene’s smirk deepens.
"To see which one of us will bend first” Selene tilts her head.
Another silence. Tension thickens, unspoken power shifting between them. Adrian drums his fingers on the table before smirking.
"You enjoy playing games, don’t you?"
"Only when my opponent is worthy” Selene lifts her teacup again, her voice soft but lethal. Adrian chuckles darkly.
"Then I hope you’re ready, princess” Selene meets his gaze, unflinching.
"I was born ready, king” And just like that, the game officially begins.
It’s been a few hours since they both were seated at their own places and the playful battle of words has passed. Now, it’s time for the real conversation.
Selene Zhao sets her teacup down, her expression shifting from amusement to calculating sharpness. The flickering candlelight reflects in her dark eyes, cold, unreadable, and utterly in control.
Adrian Ansaldo mirrors her intensity, his fingers tapping idly against the rim of his cup. He’s played this game before negotiations, threats, alliances but never with someone who held herself like a crowned ruler in her own right.
“You came into my territory, Ansaldo. Without my permission” Selene speaks first, her voice smooth but laced with iron.
“Permission? I don’t ask for permission, princess. I take what I want” Adrian smirks, leaning back casually. Selene tilts her head slightly, unimpressed.
“That arrogance may work in the West. But here? It will get you killed” Adrian chuckles, unfazed.
“And yet, I’m still here. Sitting across from you, drinking your tea, breathing just fine” Selene doesn’t blink.
“For now” A slow, dangerous silence stretches between them. A test of dominance. A test of patience.
Finally, Adrian leans forward, his voice dropping to a dangerous edge.
“Let’s skip the formalities, Selene. We both know why I’m here. Your father’s reign is nearing its end. You’ll be the one taking his place. And I want in” Selene’s fingers trace the rim of her teacup.
“You want my territory?” Adrian shakes his head.
“I want control. A partnership” Selene raises a brow, amusement flickering through her gaze.
“Partnership? That’s a pretty word for invasion” Adrian smirks.
“Call it what you want. But you and I both know…our worlds are colliding. Western power is already creeping into Asia. If it’s not me, it’ll be someone else. Someone weaker. Someone reckless” He leans even closer, his voice low and unwavering.
“You don’t need a rival, Selene. You need an equal” Selene studies him carefully.
“And you think you’re that equal?” Adrian chuckles darkly.
“I don’t think. I know” Selene remains silent for a moment, tapping a single finger against the table, a habit of someone who thinks ten steps ahead.
Then, she smirks.
“Interesting offer. But tell me, Ansaldo…why should I trust you? Why should I share my empire with a man who walks into my city like he owns it?”
“Because I don’t need your empire, Selene. I already have mine” His gaze sharpens.
“But together? We’ll have the world” Adrian doesn’t hesitate.
Selene exhales slowly, studying him. Not a man who bows. Not a man who settles. But a man who sees her as a queen, not a piece on his chessboard.
"You’re bold, Ansaldo. I’ll give you that” She leans back, crossing her legs gracefully. Adrian grins.
“So, do we have a deal, princess?” Selene chuckles, taking another slow sip of her tea before answering.
"Not yet. Let’s see if you can survive my world first”.
And just like that, the game shifts again. Not allies. Not enemies. But something far more dangerous.
Selene Zhao sat still, poised like a statue of carved porcelain, her dark eyes locked on Adrian Ansaldo. Across the table, Adrian returned the stare, calm, unreadable, powerful.
No words. No movement. Just the hum of challenge between them, thick and electric. A full minute passed. Then another. King and Queen. Both daring the other to blink first.
Selene’s expression was unreadable, but Adrian, he saw past the mask. He knew that look. The gears turning behind her calm gaze. ‘She’s trying to figure out if I’m a threat or an asset’. A slow, knowing smirk tugged at his lips. But he didn’t speak. Didn’t give her that satisfaction.
Instead, he stood. The chair scraped lightly against the floor, a sound that broke the heavy silence. Adrian turned his back on her, a bold move, the kind only a man with absolute confidence would dare in her presence.
He had barely taken two steps toward the door when Selene’s voice sliced through the air, cool, sharp, and laced with sarcasm.
"Leaving already? Or did you forget…no one walks out on me without permission” Adrian paused. He didn’t turn around. Didn’t flinch. He tilted his head just enough for his voice to carry, dripping with his own brand of mockery and steel.
"You should get used to it, Selene…because I don't ask for permission” He tilted his head just enough for his voice to carry, dripping with his own brand of mockery and steel.
And with that, he walked out, his coat catching the air behind him, his smirk never leaving. Behind him, Selene’s lips curved upward, but her eyes remained sharp.
The game had officially begun…and neither of them played to lose.
- Writer
