"Sorry guys," she said, "I had a visitor who just left, that's why I'm late. Shall we start? You know time's flying."
They started their academic discussion, focusing seriously on their topic. Jokes and side talk were put aside. The whole class buzzed with quiet murmurs as several groups worked together, exchanging ideas in low tones.
-----
At that moment, a tall man with black hair and a silver beard appeared walking into a grand living room. He wore workout clothes, several black necklaces around his neck, and a black bracelet on his wrist. In his hand, he carried a golden cane. Behind him walked two large men dressed in black suits—bodyguards—moving precisely in rhythm with his steps.
When he entered the luxurious living room, several other men were already seated—each dressed sharply in suits, radiating wealth. The moment he appeared, they all stood up and bowed respectfully toward him. He motioned with his cane for them to sit.
He sat on a uniquely crafted wooden chair, his sharp eyes scanning each of them in silence. Then he lifted his cane, pointing it toward a hefty man holding a numbered briefcase.
"Do you remember," he began slowly, "I told you to prepare the reception for all the foreign guests arriving next Saturday… How far have you gotten?"
The fat man bowed his head slightly. "My Chief, everything is ready as planned. But… there's one more request. Since your clan is the greatest, and I too come from a noble lineage of our tribe, I'm asking you to bless a marriage between my daughter and your eldest son—the one you said would be returning home for the ceremony."
"That matter depends entirely on my son," the old man said sternly. "If he comes back saying he already has someone he wants to marry, I won't interfere. If he says he wants your daughter, then so be it. The days of forced marriages are gone—times have changed."
Then he turned his cane toward another man, this one of medium build, wearing a maroon suit and holding a black staff. He gave him a signal to speak.
"My Chief," the man said respectfully, bowing, "the vehicles for the ceremony are all ready, and our new business partner who wishes to sign the contract has already arrived. He asked to meet you tomorrow—he has some clauses he doesn't fully understand."
"There's nothing to discuss beyond that," the Chief said firmly. "Tell him I know what he wants—to twist things to favor himself. That won't happen. If he wants the deal, fine. If not, he can walk away. Let him go find another partner in Europe if he wishes—there are plenty there."
After saying that, he pointed his cane at two other men and said, "You two, make sure our government tender goes exactly as planned. The work must be done properly. If there's any negligence, I'll strip all our clan's privileges and make us ordinary men. And one more thing—I don't want to hear any more tribal favoritism in employment. I've received complaints through email. From now on, ensure no nonsense like that happens. Whoever qualifies should be given the job, even if they're not from our tribe. No discrimination—understood? You may all leave now."
After the long academic discussion, it was time to leave and rest. The girls left together with the boys. When they got outside, they walked chatting and laughing until they reached the parking lot, where a red Altezza was parked. The girl opened the driver's door and got in.
The boy went around to the other side and sat beside her, while the others took the back seats. He started the engine, reversed the car neatly out of the spot, and pulled up to the road. But just as he was about to drive off, a luxurious BMW suddenly pulled in front of them, blocking their path. Two sharply dressed young men stepped out.
Startled, the girl quickly rolled up all the windows and went quiet, glancing nervously at Bright.
"This guy really has guts," Everenta muttered.
"He's only acting brave because he knows Yosefu isn't around."
"Let me go teach him a quick lesson," said the boy sitting in the back seat.
"You, Fost—don't you dare," Helena snapped.
"You'll only cause trouble. Don't do anything stupid."
Before she could finish, Bright had already stepped out of the car. She reached for his arm to stop him but was too late—he was already outside.
"Fost, hurry after him!" Helena said anxiously.
"Those idiots might try something stupid."
Fost jumped out immediately and followed Bright, while the girls remained in the car, tense and worried.
When the two got close to the BMW, a brief exchange happened—whatever Bright said made the two swaggering guys quickly retreat to their car, reverse, and drive away.
Bright and Fost returned calmly, got back into their seats, and buckled up.
"What did you say to make them leave so fast?" Helena asked, astonished.