A soft morning light streamed through the grand windows of the guest room, casting golden patterns across the silk sheets. The room itself was an embodiment of quiet luxury—elegant yet not overly ostentatious. The walls were painted a muted ivory, accented with dark oak furnishings, while a plush Persian rug softened the marble floor beneath. A glass chandelier dangled from the high ceiling, its crystals refracting the morning sun into specks of light that danced across the room. A neatly arranged writing desk stood against the far wall, stocked with pristine notebooks and a silver fountain pen—almost as if it had been prepared for her specifically.
Sera stirred, the smooth fabric of the sheets cool against her skin. For a brief moment, she forgot everything—the burdens, the betrayals, the endless pursuit of reclaiming what was stolen. She simply lay there, staring at the ceiling, feeling a rare moment of peace.
Then, reality set in.
She exhaled sharply, pushing herself up. She had fallen asleep in Alexander Lorenzo’s guest room. The memory of the previous night came flooding back—the late-night discussions, the strategic debates, and the lingering tension that neither of them ever addressed.
Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she ran a hand through her dark brown hair, smoothing out the waves from sleep. Her amber eyes flickered toward the wardrobe where neatly pressed clothes had been left for her. No doubt Alexander’s doing.
Sera smirked. “Perfectionist as always.”
She dressed quickly, opting for a crisp white blouse and tailored pants, before making her way downstairs. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and something warm and buttery wafted through the halls. Her stomach twisted in hunger.
Stepping into the dining area, she was greeted by a sight she hadn’t quite expected.
Alexander stood at the kitchen island, sleeves rolled up, carefully plating a breakfast spread that looked almost too perfect to eat. There were golden croissants, soft scrambled eggs with a delicate garnish, and a serving of smoked salmon beside slices of fresh avocado. The coffee machine hummed behind him, filling the room with the comforting aroma of espresso.
Sera leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, amusement dancing in her eyes. “I didn’t realize you were the type to cook.”
Alexander, without looking up, placed the final plate down and met her gaze with his signature unreadable expression. “I’m not.” He gestured toward the seat across from him. “Sit.”
She hesitated, then walked over, slipping into the seat as he poured her a cup of coffee. Taking a sip, she hummed in approval. “Not bad.”
“I thought you’d like it.” His voice held a hint of satisfaction as he watched her reaction. “You barely eat properly when you’re too focused on something. And I also don’t do ‘not bad,’” he added smoothly, sitting across from her.
Sera opened her mouth to retort but found herself momentarily speechless. He noticed?
She smirked, slicing into the soft layers of her croissant.
They ate in a comfortable silence for a moment before Alexander finally spoke. “You’ve been unusually quiet. That’s never a good sign.”
Sera set her fork down, wiping her lips with a napkin. “I’ve decided to enter the National Science and Innovation Cup.”
Alexander’s silver-gray eyes sharpened. “That’s an ambitious move.”
“I need to remind the world who I am,” she said, her voice steady. “This is the perfect opportunity to prove that I’m not just another student from North Crescent Academy—I’m a force to be reckoned with.”
Alexander studied her for a long moment, then leaned back in his chair, expression unreadable. “And what do you need from me?”
Sera smirked. “I don’t need your help.”
His lips quirked upward slightly. “You say that, but you’re here.”
“I’m here because you’re one of the few people who can actually challenge me intellectually.” She leaned forward. “And because I know you’d never let me settle for anything less than victory.”
Alexander let out a quiet chuckle, a rare sound. “True.” He steepled his fingers, tilting his head. “Do you already have a project in mind?”
“Of course,” she said, eyes glinting with determination. “Something revolutionary.” Sera’s eyes gleamed with determination. “The tournament is divided into multiple rounds—innovation proposals, theoretical application, prototype development, and the final pitch to a panel of judges. I already have a concept in mind, but I need access to a proper lab.”
Alexander smirked. “You’re in luck. I happen to have one.”
Her lips parted in surprise. “You do?”
“One of my companies specializes in technology and engineering research. I can arrange for you to use the facilities.”
Sera stared at him, caught between gratitude and suspicion. “And what’s the catch?”
Alexander’s smirk deepened, but his tone was genuine. “No catch. I just enjoy watching you prove people wrong.”
A warmth spread through her chest. Why is he always like this?
She glanced around the house, noting how eerily quiet it was despite its grand size. “By the way, where is everyone? I haven’t seen a single household staff member since I arrived.”
Alexander chuckled softly. “I prefer my privacy. The staff only comes at scheduled times. I handle my own mornings.”
Sera raised an eyebrow, amused. “A billionaire who makes his own breakfast? That’s rare.”
“I have my ways,” he replied, taking a sip of his coffee. “Besides, it’s peaceful this way.”
A few days later, Sera stood in the grand hall of The National Science and Innovation Cup registration venue, surrounded by some of the brightest students in the country. Some were dressed in tailored blazers, others in their academy uniforms, but all had the same look—ambition.
She stepped forward, filling out her information and submitting her application. As soon as the registration officer stamped her form, an official-looking representative handed her a sleek envelope.
“Congratulations, Miss Villanueva. You are now a competitor in this year’s National Science and Innovation Cup.”
Sera took the envelope, gripping it tightly. This was it.
The game had begun.