[{"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-758":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},1411069,1864,"Chapter 758: You Think too Small of Yourself","harem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-chapter-758",758,"\u003Cp>Chapter 758 – You Think too Small of Yourself\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze held hers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steady. Unapologetic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You think too small of yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She blinked quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You think too small of me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The honesty in that stung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it also felt warm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dangerously warm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dance slowed. Their steps shortened. They were closer now than before. Her breath brushed his jaw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a second, everything else dissolved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The music. The crowd. The speculation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just his hand at her waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes on her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her heart racing loud enough she was sure he could hear it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted to kiss him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted to see if that possessive edge would melt or sharpen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted to know what it meant to belong to someone like him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if she could survive it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers curled slightly into his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His head tilted just a fraction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The distance between them shrank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ariel.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux did not sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But internally? Yes. He absolutely did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena stepped in like a perfectly trained chess piece. Smooth. Elegant. Strategic. She did not shove. She did not raise her voice. She simply inserted herself between them with the kind of confidence only a heiress raised in boardrooms could manage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her smile was flawless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes were not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No scene. No drama. Just a silent interception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux straightened, adjusting his cufflinks lazily as if nothing had happened. As if he had not been a breath away from testing whether Ariel would lean in or pull back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena faced him fully now. \"Lux Vaelthorn.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He inclined his head slightly. \"Miss Avariel. Do you need something from me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her smile sharpened a little. \"No, nothing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Polite. Proper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was the kind of smile that came with fine print.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our parents just need to speak with her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariel blinked. \"They are?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena nodded gently, not breaking eye contact with Lux.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. The guards will take you there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux watched Ariel process that. The hesitation. The glance she threw him. Brief. Searching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave her a small nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guards moved smoothly around her, parting the crowd like water. The music continued as if nothing significant had just shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux felt the space beside him cool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena did not move away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, she extended her hand. \"May I have this dance?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t a request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not jealousy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Assessment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took her hand. \"Of course.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The orchestra adjusted tempo as if sensing the tension. They moved into position. Sirena stepped closer than Ariel had dared to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her grip was firmer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her technique was flawless. She matched him easily, no hesitation in her turns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t think,\" she began lightly, \"that your handsome face and your merit of finding her means you can do what you want to her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux almost smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So this was the angle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t recall claiming that right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Men rarely do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He guided her into a slow spin. She returned smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I did some investigation,\" she continued conversationally. \"You stay with some heiresses in your mansion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux did not flinch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You collect them like trophies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He chuckled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She blinked once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was not the answer she expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But,\" he added calmly, \"they aren’t my trophies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena’s fingers tightened slightly at his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Explain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They chose to be there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s what all powerful men say.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux leaned slightly closer, his tone lowering just enough to make it personal. \"You think your sister is naïve.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think she’s soft.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She’s braver than you give her credit for.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena’s jaw shifted faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dance floor rotated them through beams of afternoon light pouring from the high windows. Gold against marble. Perfume in the air. Whispers in the corners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux was acutely aware of eyes on them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let them watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She just found her place,\" Sirena said quietly. \"She doesn’t need to be swallowed by someone like you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swallowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interesting word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t swallow,\" he replied calmly. \"I invest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena nearly laughed despite herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re insufferable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve been called worse.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She studied him. \"You don’t look threatened.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shrugged. \"You’re protecting her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And that doesn’t concern you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It does.\" A beat. \"But not in the way you think.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena’s eyes narrowed slightly. \"Then in what way?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux guided her into a tighter turn. Their proximity closed again, but his expression remained composed. \"I don’t compete with family.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her brow lifted. \"Meaning?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Meaning if she chooses me, it won’t be because I overpowered you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena held his gaze. \"And if she doesn’t?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The simplicity of it unsettled her more than arrogance would have.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You would.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No bargaining. No pressure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t need to.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The music swelled again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena’s internal calculation was almost visible. She was sharp. That much he respected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re confident.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m patient.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She exhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I found informations,\" she continued. \"how the people that opposed you quietly disappeared. Vanished. Including the Delmars.\" Her lips twitched. \"You’re dangerous.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not deny it. \"And yet,\" he said calmly, \"I’m dancing with you instead of storming after her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena tilted her head slightly. \"That’s supposed to reassure me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It should.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dance slowed toward its close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena’s expression softened just a fraction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She searched his face for something reckless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She found none.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just steady intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That makes you worse,\" she muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The final notes approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena took a slow breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If she gets hurt,\" she said quietly, \"I will not smile like this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wouldn’t expect you to.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The music ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They separated smoothly, applause fluttering lightly around them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux released her hand first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you for the dance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena studied him one last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re not what I expected.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Neither are you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he added, voice level, not confrontational.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just a reminder... The decision is in Ariel’s hand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sirena’s eyes flickered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not mine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped back, adjusting his jacket as casually as if they had just discussed weather.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room resumed its hum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux glanced toward where Ariel had disappeared earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Territorial? Yes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Possessive? Absolutely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he would not drag her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would not cage her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would stand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because if she walked toward him on her own?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would mean everything.\u003C\u002Fp>",1048,"2026-06-05T23:57:28.825Z",1,"novelbin.me","144780e7111beb8c5d48287528269d0ec721f22238143460f78bbfc80d0c390c","harem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-chapter-759","harem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-chapter-757",878,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fharem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-cover.jpg"]