[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-harem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati":3,"chapter-harem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-harem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-chapter-755":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Harem Startup : The Demon Billionaire is on Vacation",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1411066,1864,"Chapter 755: Where Are You?","harem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-chapter-755",755,"\u003Cp>Chapter 755 – Where Are You?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel inhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scent of sea salt drifted faintly through the open balcony doors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel’s heart thudded once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The makeup artist stepped back. \"All done.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel looked at herself again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl in the mirror still looked perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, beneath the polish, she could see it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nervousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The quiet longing she didn’t know how to control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena straightened. \"You look like a storm about to break hearts,\" she declared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel laughed softly. \"That is not comforting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s not supposed to be.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena extended her hand. \"Come on. The world is waiting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel stood slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fabric of her gown whispered against the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her reflection followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elegant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trying to be brave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corridor outside the preparation suite was already alive with movement. Staff adjusted lighting panels. Assistants carried trays of champagne flutes. Somewhere below, a string quartet rehearsed the same ascending phrase again and again, the notes spiraling upward like something waiting to bloom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her heels clicked softly against the polished marble as she walked beside Sirena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The doors to the main hall opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Light flooded in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Everwing Spire main venue looked like the inside of a cathedral carved from sea glass. Arched ceilings. Cascading crystal chandeliers shaped like inverted coral reefs. Massive panels of transparent wall revealing the ocean beyond, the horizon painted in afternoon gold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So many people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heads turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whispers rose like a tide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The lost daughter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She looks just like her mother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel felt it immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The weight of attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It pressed against her skin like invisible hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her breath tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena stepped slightly closer, their arms brushing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Smile,\" Sirena murmured softly, not looking at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel tried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She felt it. The stretch of her lips. The careful tilt of her chin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some guests approached immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel’s mother was speaking to investors near the stage. Her father stood by the grand staircase, posture calm, eyes scanning the room like a king pretending not to worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel moved carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every step felt calculated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A middle aged woman with diamond earrings approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You must be Ariel.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was sweet but assessing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel dipped her head politely. \"Yes. It’s a pleasure to meet you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice didn’t shake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was a victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena carried the rest of the conversation smoothly, sliding in with confidence, answering questions, redirecting attention when Ariel’s silence stretched a second too long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel nodded when appropriate. Smiled when expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her eyes...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes searched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Near the balcony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the champagne tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Near the staircase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every tall silhouette made her heart jump for half a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Not him. Not him. Not him.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hated herself for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did it matter this much?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Music swelled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More guests arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flashbulbs from discreet media cameras flickered near the entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel tried to focus on the woman in front of her talking about marine conservation funding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her pulse had a rhythm of its own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Where are you?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena leaned closer at one point. \"You’re not listening,\" she whispered under her breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am,\" Ariel replied too quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re scanning the room.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel swallowed. \"I’m greeting guests.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena’s lips twitched faintly. \"Sure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another round of introductions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another handshake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another polite smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel’s social energy felt like sand slipping through her fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She needed...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Excuse yourself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stepped away from a conversation with careful grace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena gave her a knowing look but didn’t stop her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel drifted toward one of the side balconies overlooking the ocean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The doors were open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air outside was cooler.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Salted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Real.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She inhaled deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her shoulders lowered slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, laughter and music blended into a muffled hum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Out here, it was just waves and wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, she allowed herself to feel it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nerves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The embarrassment of wanting someone to show up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’You are ridiculous,’ she told herself. ’He is a businessman. He has no reason to prioritize you.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She placed her hands on the stone railing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ocean stretched endless and indifferent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you looking for me, Lady Ariel?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her heart stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice came from behind her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Low.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smooth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Calm like he’d been standing there all along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She gasped softly and turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux stood a few steps away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black suit. Perfectly tailored. Not flashy. Just expensive in the quiet way that didn’t need to prove anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His posture relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze direct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lux,\" she breathed. \"You startled me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He laughed softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I apologize. I didn’t realize I had that effect.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course he did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her pulse was racing again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena appeared moments later, having noticed the shift in Ariel’s expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stopped in front of Lux.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And stared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not subtly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Head to toe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then circled him slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux didn’t move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just let her inspect him like an artifact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not bad,\" Sirena said finally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel wanted to sink into the ocean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You look handsome. Neat. Kinda intimidating.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux’s brow lifted faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But not mysterious,\" Sirena continued. \"At least wear a mask if you want to keep the brand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Brand?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux smiled slightly. \"I never meant to be mysterious. The news called me mysterious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena folded her arms. \"Convenient.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel watched the exchange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was something about him here that felt different than their first meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More contained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like the air around him carried weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not arrogance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Ariel again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this time, his gaze lingered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not polite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Direct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You look stunning,\" he said simply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her throat tightened. \"Thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena narrowed her eyes slightly, studying the way Lux looked at her sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You came quickly,\" Sirena noted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was invited,\" Lux replied calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you prioritize every invitation?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That answer hung there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel felt heat rise to her cheeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course she did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well,\" Sirena said, clapping her hands lightly. \"I’ll leave you two to... discuss marine biodiversity or whatever it is billionaires and heiresses talk about.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She walked back inside, but not before giving Ariel a look that said ’I will interrogate you later’.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The balcony felt smaller now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux stepped slightly closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not touching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just enough that she felt his presence.\u003C\u002Fp>",1041,"2026-06-05T23:57:28.825Z",1,"novelbin.me","3bd4205bcb06f188228e01d29f32be04bc9df6d778402829629a6b42b44ab6d9","harem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-chapter-756","harem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-chapter-754",878,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fharem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-cover.jpg"]