[{"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-786":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},1411097,1864,"Chapter 786 786: Do You Enjoy Competition? [Part 2]","harem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-chapter-786",786,"\u003Cp>It wasn't the polite noble laugh she had been using all afternoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was real.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Short.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that alone made three of the surrounding nobles visibly tense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux watched her carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A real reaction meant she had momentarily dropped the script.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which meant she was recalculating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which meant he had disrupted the game.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira leaned forward slightly, chin resting against her fingers, eyes glinting with interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're amusing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I try not to be boring.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Internally, Lux was running two separate threads of thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thread one: maintain her focus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thread two: keep the nobles engaged enough to amplify distraction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira, meanwhile, was thinking something very different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'He's not chasing.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every other demon here was subtly leaning in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adjusting posture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Offering compliments disguised as commentary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trying to signal value.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux looked like he was at a mildly interesting financial summit with good catering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would not do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira lifted her glass again and took a slow sip, letting her eyes travel deliberately down Lux's figure before returning to his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know,\" she said lightly, \"most demons would consider this gathering… an opportunity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux tilted his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled sweetly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To build connections.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the nobles beside her nodded eagerly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Lady Karess is very generous with her time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux nodded politely at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How fortunate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The noble beamed like he'd just contributed something meaningful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira's eyes never left Lux.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And yet,\" she continued smoothly, \"you don't seem eager.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux shrugged lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't like wasting opportunities.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled wider.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The subtle hook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira leaned closer, lowering her voice just enough to feel intimate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you waste this one…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes softened artificially.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…then you are the one who loses.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Classic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux almost admired it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Textbook manipulation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reframe the scenario so declining her becomes a personal failure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Very elegant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Very Envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux met her gaze calmly. \"I appreciate the warning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her smile faltered by a millimeter. \"You appreciate it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And I'll consider it carefully.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the nobles jumped in, sensing tension. \"Lady Karess rarely offers such… personal invitations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux glanced at him. \"That makes me fortunate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira tapped her finger lightly against her glass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are fortunate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She tilted her head slightly, lashes lowering just a fraction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But you don't look grateful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux blinked once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Escalation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now she was testing emotional reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trying to provoke insecurity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux allowed a faint crease to form between his brows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Should I?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nobles exchanged glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira's lips curved again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perhaps.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux exhaled softly, then leaned slightly closer, not enough to invade space, but enough to shift the dynamic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't believe gratitude should be performed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words landed gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because that answer did something she didn't expect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It removed the performance layer entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had been building a stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux just walked off it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside her head, irritation flickered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'He's not playing along.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But beneath that irritation…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux continued smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I came because you invited me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>True.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And I respect that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And because I was curious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Very true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Curious about what?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several nobles visibly stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira's heart skipped just a little.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Finally.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then Lux added calmly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And Envy House. I'm Hell's CFO. I need to know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back to balance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira exhaled slowly through her nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn't chasing her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was evaluating the entire House.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which meant…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn't beneath her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was on her level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that was dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She shifted tactics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice softened further. \"You know… some demons mistake my gatherings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux raised a brow. \"Oh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They think I enjoy watching them compete.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux glanced casually at the nobles around them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were absolutely competing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He returned his gaze to her. \"And do you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled sweetly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I prefer sincerity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nobles nodded eagerly. \"Lady Karess values authenticity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux almost laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Authenticity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this garden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux leaned back slightly. \"I value clarity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira tilted her head. \"And what would clarity look like to you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux met her gaze. \"A direct question.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira's eyes sharpened. \"Very well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She set her glass down gently. \"Do you find me desirable, Lord Vaelthorn?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Direct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nobles went silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of them nearly dropped his glass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux didn't react outwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, however…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His brain went.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Oh, we are doing this now.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He held her gaze calmly. \"You are extremely beautiful, powerful and intelligent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A noble beside him muttered, \"Obviously.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux continued smoothly. \"But desirability depends on context.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira blinked. \"…Context.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She leaned back slowly. \"And what context are you missing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux smiled faintly. \"Intent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nobles looked confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira, however, understood exactly what he meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Are you flirting because you want me? Or because you want something?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux wasn't accusing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was asking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which was infuriatingly mature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira crossed one leg over the other, silk shifting elegantly. \"And if I said I wanted you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux felt six pairs of eyes snap toward him instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Internally, he sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'This is so dramatic.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outwardly, he smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I would ask why.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the nobles looked scandalized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira stared at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You think I need a reason?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux tilted his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone does.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She held his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tension in the garden shifted from playful to sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside Vira's mind, something complicated stirred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn't dazzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn't intimidated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn't chasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he wasn't intimidated by her trying to flip the frame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That made her more curious than she wanted to admit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She leaned closer again, lowering her voice just for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Be careful, Lord Vaelthorn.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux's eyes softened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of what?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of thinking too much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tone was sweet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sometimes you miss what's right in front of you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There it was again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you don't take me, you're blind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you hesitate, you're foolish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux considered that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he gave her a small, slow smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I rarely miss what's important.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words were soft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But deliberate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira held his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>",1014,"2026-06-05T23:57:28.825Z",1,"novelbin.me","34a15497ecd1df6c22435e369a3d3ef392c12c2dcb372c319dadaf4d94792d71","harem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-chapter-787","harem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-chapter-785",878,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fharem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-cover.jpg"]