[{"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-789":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},1411100,1864,"Chapter 789: The Game Feel Incomplete","harem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-chapter-789",789,"\u003Cp>Chapter 789 – The Game Feel Incomplete\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux’s heartbeat remained steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that was starting to bother her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because even now, he wasn’t reacting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not truly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was participating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But not responding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that made the game feel... incomplete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So she leaned in a little more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pushed just a bit further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trying to force a crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trying to make him slip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trying to win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Voices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interrupting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Disgusting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The word cut through the garden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux didn’t turn immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gracefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three of the nobles had approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then four.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the rest followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tension from earlier had finally snapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of them stepped forward, jaw tight, glass still in hand. \"I never thought Lord Vaelthorn would stoop this low.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another scoffed. \"Seducing Lady Karess for personal gain. What a joke.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux blinked once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’...Ah. So we’re doing this now.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t move away from Vira.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t correct them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t defend himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He just stood there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exactly like someone who had nothing to prove.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which, ironically, made it worse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because silence looked like guilt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And neither helped them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the nobles scoffed loudly, stepping closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t play innocent, Vaelthorn. We all saw it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another crossed his arms, voice sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You walked straight past everyone else and went for her. No courtesy, no restraint.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A third added with a cold smile, \"Typical Greed. See something valuable, immediately try to claim it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Was this your plan from the start?\" one of them pressed. \"Charm her, secure influence, and walk away richer?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A quieter voice followed, more bitter than loud. \"Or do you think you can just buy her attention like everything else?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pathetic,\" another muttered. \"Using seduction as leverage. How low does Greed fall these days?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t clarify.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t correct the narrative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, she leaned slightly closer to Lux.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers still resting lightly against his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression soft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost... indulgent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like she was allowing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was being pursued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which flipped the entire situation instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, it looked like Lux had approached her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux had leaned in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux had crossed the line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nobles reacted more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outrage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jealousy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ego.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All boiling at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She invited all of us!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And yet he monopolizes her attention?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Typical Greed behavior.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Buy his way into everything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux exhaled quietly through his nose. ’This is getting loud.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira, meanwhile, felt something entirely different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enjoyment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pure, quiet enjoyment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this... This was the moment she liked most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When control slipped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When emotions surfaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She let the tension stretch just long enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sighed softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A delicate, almost reluctant sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was gentle now, almost apologetic as she finally turned toward the nobles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t misunderstand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several of them immediately looked at her, their expressions shifting, protective, attentive, eager to align.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira lowered her gaze slightly, playing the part perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Vaelthorn didn’t... do anything improper.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He only spoke to me about business.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That line landed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Measured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carefully chosen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She even added a faint, embarrassed smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My teasing earlier was just that... a joke.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the nobles frowned immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A joke?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With respect, Lady Karess... that didn’t look like a joke.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira tilted her head slightly, her expression softening further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I assure you—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they were already talking over her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He approached you first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And he didn’t leave your side.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s not business, that’s strategy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A third demon stepped forward, voice sharper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s Greed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like that explained everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He doesn’t do anything without calculation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira’s eyes flickered faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not offended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just... watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another added, tone almost protective, \"And he’s half incubus.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The word lingered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Loaded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Charm, influence, seduction... those are his tools.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He knows exactly what he’s doing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s manipulating the situation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Manipulating you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira lifted her hand slightly, as if to calm them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re overthinking—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the response was immediate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because they weren’t just reacting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What they didn’t know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The villa itself was soaked in Envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The garden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The subtle magic woven into every surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It amplified comparison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doubt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Possessiveness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They weren’t just defending her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were competing through her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in their minds, Lux had crossed the line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He isolated you. He redirected your attention. He’s trying to gain leverage through you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of them scoffed. \"And now he pretends innocence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another nodded, gaze locked on Lux. \"Classic manipulation. All charm, no honesty. And we’re supposed to believe this is just ’business’?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They didn’t believe her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not for a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira knew that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course she did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this was exactly how she designed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet... She still played the part.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint shake of her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if she was disappointed they couldn’t see her \"intent\" to protect Lux.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she didn’t push harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t defend Lux too strongly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just enough to look fair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Never enough to change the narrative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux glanced down at her briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just for a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes met again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in that single look...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was guiding it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just manipulation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But genuine amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’She’s enjoying this,’ he thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course she was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux almost smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the nobles stepped forward again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Closer this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Voice sharper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If this is how it’s going to be...\" He set his glass down with a small, deliberate click. \"...then let’s stop pretending.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others quieted slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The noble looked directly at Lux.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eyes hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Challenging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since it’s turned into a competition...\" A pause. \"...let’s make it one.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not playful anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not subtle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Direct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lux slowly lifted his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still composed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now... Interested. Because why not? This could buy more times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The noble’s lip curled slightly. \"I doubt Lord Vaelthorn is that strong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another nodded. \"After all...\" A faint scoff. \"Greed is only known for wealth. Only wealth. Tools for others.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They laughed. Mockingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vira didn’t interrupt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t stop them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t defend Lux.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She simply watched.\u003C\u002Fp>",1012,"2026-06-05T23:57:28.825Z",1,"novelbin.me","8fcb67f8424c6d14f055bc8c487272aef765a01c6c0f58d7c4c77111d05b0291","harem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-chapter-790","harem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-chapter-788",878,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fharem-startup-the-demon-billionaire-is-on-vacati-cover.jpg"]