The meeting was held in an undisclosed location—one of those places that only the most powerful people in the world ever stepped into.
The room was massive, with a circular black marble table at its center. Twelve figures sat around it, their faces half-hidden in the dim lighting. Some were politicians. Others were billionaires. A few were legends in the underworld.
And at the head of the table sat the Chairman—the most influential man in the world. Or at least, he used to be.
Vincent and Anastasia were the youngest people in the room, but as they stepped forward, there was no sign of hesitation. No fear.
They took their seats, side by side.
For a few moments, silence filled the chamber. Then, the Chairman finally spoke.
"You two have made quite an impact." His voice was smooth, controlled. "Many of us have been watching you since you were children. But now, it seems you've outgrown your places in this world."
Anastasia leaned back in her chair, her blue eyes cold. "That's an interesting way to say you've underestimated us."
A murmur rippled through the room. Some of the Council members smirked. Others scowled.
Vincent chuckled. "Let's not waste time. You didn't invite us here to praise us. What do you really want?"
The Chairman studied them for a moment before giving a slow, knowing smile. "We want to know where your loyalties lie."
There it was. The real reason for this meeting.
The Council wanted to know if Vincent and Anastasia would submit to them—if they would play by their rules.
But Vincent only tilted his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Loyalty is such a fragile thing. It's only given when there's something worth being loyal to."
Anastasia's voice was softer, but no less lethal. "And so far, we haven't seen anything worth our loyalty."
The room tensed.
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then, the Chairman chuckled. "I see. You two really are different." He leaned forward, eyes sharp. "Then tell me—what do you want?"
Vincent and Anastasia exchanged a glance.
And then Anastasia smiled.
It was not a sweet smile.
It was the smile of someone who had already won.
And when she finally answered, her words sent a chill through the room.
"We don't want to play the game."
She paused, her voice turning cold .
"We want to own it."