The Devil's obsession with the Heiress

"Yes, Master... it’s true. The spirits are talking, and they are terrified to go near a woman who is currently in town," the spirit replied.

"Really?" Mord’s interest sharpened. "And who is this person? Who dares to command spirits within my territory... under my rule?"

"I do not have all the details, Master, but whoever it is must be powerful. The woman they have been warned about is said to possess a special kind of soul... one that draws spirits towards her."

"Is that so..." A slow, dangerous smile spread across his face. "If she is special, then she must taste exceptional."

Interest ignited within him as Mord was a low-level demon who relished the thrill of the hunt, especially when it came to things that were forbidden to him.

He delighted in sowing discord among humans, feeding on their darkest emotions, particularly those bound by sacred ties, husbands and wives, parents and children. Watching them break each other apart before he feasted on their souls was a pleasure that never grew dull, no matter how many times he indulged in it.

And now, the thought of someone being protected, warned against, stirred something far more dangerous within him.

"Order everyone in the area to hunt her and bring her to me... tomorrow night," Mord commanded, his voice laced with anticipation. "I want to see for myself what makes this woman so special."

The spirit bowed once more. "Yes, Master."

With that, it vanished into the night.

​

.....

​

It was the last day of the World Business Conference, and the most important one at that. It was the day of the auction, when massive projects would finally be presented for the billionaires to bid on.

But that was not all. The media was also present to cover the event, reporting to the world who secured which project.

Preparations were in full swing across the property where they were staying. Teams of delegates were engaged in intense discussions after the projects had been revealed the previous evening, just before the conference day had ended.

In a large private room, Aliana sat with her colleagues, reviewing the projects once more. "I think this is the one we should be aiming for," she said. "The construction of this massive port should bring us all the benefits we are seeking."

Jacob and the others reviewed the details along with Alester Vanderbilt, who had joined the meeting with everyone via video call.

"You are right, Aliana. I think this would be good for our company’s growth," Alester said, rubbing his chin in thought. "However, I do believe we might face some tough pushback from the Archon Group. This lies in their interest as much as ours."

Jacob chimed in. "I agree with you, Mr. Chairman. With so many benefits to reap, I strongly believe they will be vying for the same project."

Aliana remained deep in thought before replying. "It isn’t just about the bid price. The committee knows that if Archon Group wins, they will bring the Archon fleet with them, considering they have a massive shipping business. They will offer them a guaranteed economy, whereas we will offer them a masterpiece of engineering. We have to convince them that our construction quality is worth more than their promise of traffic."

"Yes, the organisers might keep that in mind. Beyond that, both sides have the capital to bid as high as they like. I am a little concerned about how far they will be willing to go. In the end, the people responsible for the project may have the final say if the bidding ends in a deadlock," Alester added.

"That is a possibility," Jacob nodded in agreement.

"Alright then. Let us prepare to present our case should it come to that, and hope for the best," Alester replied, ushering them into another round of intense discussion.

Although Aliana busied herself with business affairs, thoughts of a certain man had not left her since yesterday.

She had met another suitor in the evening, but nothing he said excited her.

Even when she spoke to Julian again, who apologised profusely for letting her leave the nightclub alone, she felt nothing.

Every man she spoke to had their strengths and weaknesses, yet Aliana’s mind remained occupied by the same dangerous thought that continued to creep back in.

After witnessing Gavriel during his presentation, she couldn’t stop herself from comparing every one of them to him.

Once again, blocking the intrusive thought from her mind, she forced herself to concentrate on the work that would require every ounce of her focus to secure the project.

On the other hand, Jacob’s mind had been fixated on Aliana and Gavriel since he witnessed their silent exchange before the speech.

A sense of panic was rising within him, especially after she had shut him down so sharply when he tried to gain her attention.

He was unable to forget the humiliation he had suffered, and his thoughts had begun to darken even further.

A desperate urge to act took hold of him before it was too late, his mind already shaping something far more sinister for when they returned to Astoria.

​

....

When the clock struck twelve in Gavriel’s hotel suite, a knock interrupted his thoughts before the door opened.

Cillian, looking sharp in a three-piece suit, stepped in and came to stand behind him. "The discussion is over. As per your input, we’ll be bidding for the port project."

"Hm," Gavriel acknowledged with a low hum, but he did not turn. He remained still, gazing out at the sea.

Cillian noticed his distant demeanour and added, "Looking at you, I don’t think you’re worried about the bid. It’s about tonight, isn’t it?"

When silence was his only answer, Cillian continued, "I didn’t realise the full moon falls tonight. There’s a party scheduled after the conference." His brown eyes studied him carefully. "Will you be able to handle it?"

"Have I ever failed to handle it?" Gavriel replied at last, turning to face him.

Cillian cleared his throat lightly. "Of course not. But... for some reason, you seem a little tense. Is something wrong?" This time, there was a hint of concern in his voice.

Gavriel’s jaw tightened slightly before he responded, "You’re overthinking. There’s nothing to worry about, as long as I return to that place tonight before it begins."

Cillian watched him for a moment longer before nodding. "Alright. I’ll cover for you when you decide to leave."

Then, with a faint smirk, he added, "Ready for the bid? I’m sure the ’she-devil’ will be."

A small smile touched Gavriel’s lips. "The she-devil, huh?" he repeated before turning towards the door.

"Looks like you are ready. Let’s get this over with, shall we?" Cillian said, following him out as they stepped into the long, tumultuous day that awaited them both.