Double D HIGH GROUP
THE MEETING ROOM
Devon's gaze cut through the room like a blade. The group of men before him were almost sweating; their nervous glances betrayed the terror settling into their bones. His silence was a threat in itself, heavy and suffocating. Each face in the room was slowly captured under his icy scrutiny. In this moment, Devon was a predator—calm, lethal, and utterly terrifying. Not a single man dared speak; even breathing seemed too bold.
"You've done well, haven't you?" His voice broke the silence, chilling and sharp, echoing off the walls as though it carried the power to steal life itself. "In just two days of my absence, you've managed to gain your freedom."
The men gulped nervously, hearts pounding so violently they feared it might give them away. They could only pray silently for luck to spare their lives today.
Devon's lips curled into a cold smirk, one that was worlds apart from the teasing smile he always showed Aveloria. This smirk was the kind that dictated life or death. "Since you've been so lazy, you should…"
Before he could finish, a phone rang loudly, cutting through the tension like a knife.
Every heart in the room jumped. Eyes darted nervously at one another. No one dared to breathe; Devon had an unyielding rule—interrupt him, and it was a direct ticket to hell.
"Who called at this moment?"
Was the only thought in their minds
All eyes searched for the culprit, but none of the men seemed responsible. Their gazes fell back on Devon, waiting for him to act.
In an instant, the murderous aura around him vanished without a trace. A perfect, warm smile spread across his face, and though he didn't even glance at the phone yet, he knew exactly who it was.
He picked up the receiver. "My Queen," he murmured, his tone softened, filled with warmth that seemed to stun the room into silence.
The men froze, disbelief etched into every feature.
"What?!" one muttered under his breath, nearly clutching his chest.
"Did I just see the devil… smile?!" another whispered, eyes wide.
"Is it possible that the heartless devil can actually… fall in love?"
"Which heart did he use to melt?"
"Who is this lucky—and unlucky—girl?"
A long silence followed, broken only by a soft, hesitant voice. "I… I met my friend Mira today, and… I want to follow her home. It's been a while since we spent time together. Can I go?"
Devon chuckled, a warm, fond sound that made even the toughest men pause. "Of course. Hold on, have you eaten?"
"It's just about lunchtime," Aveloria replied softly, her voice trembling with a lack of confidence.
"Following the school rules?" Devon teased lightly, running a finger over his forehead.
"No… I've been snacking during class, so I'm not too hungry. I'll just eat normal food… and it's not from the school restaurant. Xander went home to get it," she explained.
"The food… how many minutes late?" he asked, eyes narrowing slightly.
"About five," she admitted.
"Still manageable. Eat immediately," he commanded gently.
"I… I want to ask something else," she murmured.
"Go ahead, my Queen," he replied, his voice filled with reverence.
"Can… can I cause a little trouble? I… I won't go too far," she stammered.
Devon laughed quietly, pride swelling in his chest. "That's my Queen," he thought. "Do as you please, my beautiful Queen, until you are satisfied. But don't let anyone bully you."
"Yes!" Aveloria's voice rang cheerfully through the line. "You're the best!"
His smile widened. "Call me if you need anything. If the food isn't to your liking, just toss it—Clara will bring something better."
"You know my teacher?" Aveloria asked, a note of surprise in her tone.
"More like a maid," Devon replied casually, as though it were the most natural thing in the world.
A soft laugh escaped her lips. "Are you busy?"
Devon glanced at the men, who stared at him with pale faces and mouths slightly agape, then returned his attention to the phone. "Not worth calling busy," he said nonchalantly.
"I'll buy you something, okay?" she teased.
Devon's chuckle was warm, teasing. "Weird… why do I feel like you're treating me like a child?"
"You are… my baby," Aveloria whispered, then disconnected the call.
Devon's jaw dropped slightly as he stared at the phone. "Really?" he muttered. Resting his elbow on the desk, he shook his head in disbelief. "All thanks to your human friend, my Queen. You're getting wilder by the day."
The men remained frozen in shock. Devon was unrecognizable, and none could predict whether this was fortunate—or disastrous—for them.
Devon studied them for a moment, then stood. "Count today as your lucky day," he remarked coolly and exited the room.
Even after he left, the tension lingered. Finally, one man broke the silence.
"Someone tell me… is this a good sign, or a nightmare that he's actually in love?" He wiped sweat from his brow.
"No one can answer that," another admitted. "I'd be shocked if this were reality."
"What matters now is that he spared our lives. He rarely grants second chances. But… who is this girl?"
"She's no ordinary lady. She might even be worse than him," one suggested.
"Not necessarily. Judging by the questions he asked her, she seems delicate, almost opposite of him."
"We're alive today because of her. It's better to befriend girls from each family than risk offending them, in any case she's among them," a middle-aged man advised.
"True. Better to be her friend than her enemy," another agreed.
---
"Beauty Lori!" Mira called out, rushing to Aveloria's table with a box of food in hand. "I was looking for my favorite novel and couldn't find it. I'm so sorry I'm late."
Aveloria's face flushed as she revealed the book hidden under the table. "This?" she whispered.
Mira's jaw dropped. "You read it?"
Aveloria nodded.
Mira's excitement was palpable. "You're reading novels now! They're really fun, I promise."
"Can… can you get me more?" Aveloria asked shyly.
"Of course! I have plenty at home. I'll bring them tomorrow," Mira said proudly.
"How about I follow you home?" Aveloria hesitated, before asking.
"No problem! I'll fill you with more romance novels. I guarantee you'll fall in love with them," Mira boasted.
Aveloria smiled gently as she continued eating.
---
Closing hour.
"Beauty Lori, are you sure you want to follow me? You might be frightened," Mira said, nervous but smiling.
Aveloria's smile was calm and harmless.
Mira sighed. "What about your family? Won't they worry?"
Aveloria shook her head.
"Lady boss!"
A sleek, Mafia-style car—a Black Venom Phantom—pulled up in front of them. Xander rolled down the window, his sharp eyes scanning them.
Mira's eyes widened in astonishment. "Wow! This car looks so expensive! I've never seen anything like it in my life… maybe our families couldn't even afford it," she giggled.
"Let's go," Aveloria said softly, smiling as she guided Mira into the car. Xander started the engine, and the Phantom glided away.
---
The car stopped in front of a massive villa. Mira eagerly helped Aveloria out.
"I guess no one's home. That's good, too. Let's go inside," Mira said happily, leading the way.
Xander remained outside, leaning against the car, his expression darkening. He looked every bit the grim reaper, ready to strike.
"I pray there's a decent meal waiting for lunch," he murmured, lips curling in a sinister grin.
Inside, the villa was pristine, tidy, and welcoming. Still, Aveloria felt a strange emptiness. She couldn't put her finger on it.
"Is it because I've always lived with Devon?" she wondered, settling into a seat.
"Wait here, Beauty Lori. I'll get you something to drink," Mira said, rushing off.
Aveloria's brow furrowed slightly. "I feel… strange since arriving here," she mused, taking a deep breath.
"I came to teach those who bully my friend a lesson… but somehow, they're lucky they aren't here," she whispered. "Wait… why do I suddenly feel so courageous?"
"This isn't right. I should be pleading on Mira's behalf, not standing up to them," she reminded herself.
Mira returned with a bottle of apple juice. "Let's go to my room in case they come back. Better safe than sorry," she chuckled.
Aveloria nodded and followed.
---
Meanwhile, another car pulled up—shabby, pale, and completely unlike the Phantom.
A family of four stepped out: a mother, father, daughter, and son, all wearing expressions of confusion and dread.
Their eyes immediately locked on Xander, who smoked leisurely with a dark smirk, utterly unconcerned.
"Where did this mad dog come from?" the daughter shouted, anger flashing.
The father placed a hand on her shoulder, pale as if he could feel death looming. "Isn't this Devon's right-hand man? Why is he here?" he murmured.
The entire family froze.
"Does that mean Devon himself is here?" the son asked shakily. "Father… did we offend him?"
The father drew a deep breath. "I don't know… but he never visits a family without leaving them wiped out. We're doomed."
"What should we do now? Just leave?" the mother whispered, panic in her voice.
"Going back won't help. Desmond, Sophie, do not speak once we enter. And whatever you do, don't look him in the eyes," he warned firmly.
"Yes, Father," the children replied, stepping inside in silence.
Xander smirked, single word slicing the air: "Foolish."