[{"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-756":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},1411067,1864,"Chapter 756: Too Sentimental for My Taste","harem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-chapter-756",756,"\u003Cp>Chapter 756 – Too Sentimental for My Taste\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m glad you came,\" she admitted softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not mocking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not teasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aware.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wouldn’t miss the debut of Avariel’s long lost storm,\" he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The word wrapped around her strangely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She risked looking at him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her pulse skipped again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Close enough now that she could feel the warmth of him against the cool sea breeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ocean wind tugged lightly at her hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reached out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fingers brushed a strand of pearl from her shoulder back into place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The touch was brief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But deliberate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You look nervous,\" he murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because I wanted you here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because I was afraid you wouldn’t come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because when you look at me like that I forget how to breathe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s a big day,\" she said instead. She really wanted to hug him. But she couldn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He studied her. Like he could see the rest anyway. \"You don’t need to prove anything,\" he said quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her chest tightened. \"You don’t know that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was something in his tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn’t place it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it made her want to believe him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, applause erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reality crept back in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was Ariel Avariel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a girl on a balcony wishing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You should go inside,\" he said gently. \"Your family will want you visible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded and smiled softly. \"Thank you for coming, Lux.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tilted his head slightly. \"You’re welcome.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He watched her for half a second longer than necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he extended his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not rushed. Not dramatic. Just a quiet gesture. Palm open. Waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked at it like it was something fragile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she placed her hand in his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Small. Cool from the ocean breeze. Slightly tense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He closed his fingers around hers gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Firm enough to ground. Not enough to claim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Let’s not scare the heiress on her debut,’ he told himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They stepped back inside together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shift from balcony to ballroom was immediate. Warm light. Crystal reflections. Music swelling into something triumphant. Conversations overlapping in layered waves of money and ego.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heads turned again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just for her now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux felt it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shift in gaze. The recalculation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who is she walking with?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why is he holding her hand?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is this a statement?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He kept his expression neutral.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Polite smile. Controlled posture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was good at this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel’s hand tightened slightly in his as they entered fully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nervous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t look down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He just leaned slightly closer and murmured under his breath, \"Breathe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The announcer’s voice boomed lightly through hidden speakers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, investors and friends of Avariel...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The music softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spotlights shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the far end of the hall, Ariel’s parents stepped onto the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Avariel himself stood tall, composed. His wife radiant and sharp beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux released Ariel’s hand gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t his place to escort her further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She gave him one quick look before stepping forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then she moved toward the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux stayed where he was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Invisible in plain sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He folded his hands behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The host spoke about legacy. About lost and found. About miracles and tides returning what was stolen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux’s gaze never left her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She walked up the steps carefully. Graceful but not arrogant. Shy but not weak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she reached her parents, her mother took her hand. Her father placed a steady palm on her shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall quieted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today,\" Avariel said, voice strong and smooth, \"we officially welcome back our daughter. Ariel Avariel.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Applause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cameras flashing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel blinked quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trying not to cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He leaned slightly against one of the marble columns, arms folding loosely across his chest now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked out into the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes searched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And found him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t smile wider.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just held her gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re doing fine.\" His mouth moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She swallowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then she spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice trembled at first. Just slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I... I grew up not knowing where I belonged.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room leaned in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux’s jaw tightened faintly. He hated sentimental speeches. Too messy. Too emotional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But someone found me,\" she continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His brow lifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She took a breath. \"And he didn’t treat me like a failure. Or a project. He helped me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux exhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And with the help of Miss Rava Bluewave of Kraken...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least she mentioned Rava properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked back at him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Lux Vaelthorn.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ripple through the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Subtle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some recognition. Some curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some recalculation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t shift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t acknowledge it beyond the faintest tilt of his chin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He found me,\" she said, voice breaking now. \"And he believed me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sobbed softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux felt something uncomfortable twist in his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hated that feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He preferred numbers. Contracts. Risk matrices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wiped her tears quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you,\" she whispered. \"All of you. For welcoming me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The applause erupted louder this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux joined in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Measured. Calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His palms met with steady rhythm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He kept his expression warm enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Appropriate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But inside...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’This is too sentimental for my taste.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t deny the flicker of something under the feelings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not loud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not possessive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stood there because of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he chose to intervene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he chose not to ignore a missing piece in a ledger that didn’t benefit him financially at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Idiotic decision,’ CFO brain muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Worth it,’ something else replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He exhaled through his nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speeches continued. Investors nodded approvingly. Deals were already forming in the air like invisible ink drying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux’s mind ticked automatically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Avariel stock likely to spike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Public sympathy engagement strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Narrative momentum positive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He caught himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stop working.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t even make any analysis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel stepped back from the microphone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes were red but shining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she descended from the stage, the crowd parted for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She moved toward him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not toward investors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not toward politicians.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Dangerous choice, heiress.’\u003C\u002Fp>",1025,"2026-06-05T23:57:28.825Z",1,"novelbin.me","e3582b44c8e2d0d4582b6205223da8eac24a0af70f6d1085d9e68c7089a81aa8","harem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-chapter-757","harem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-chapter-755",878,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fharem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-cover.jpg"]