[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system":3,"chapter-villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-chapter-116":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Villain of Fate: The Tyrant System",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},560704,810,"Chapter 116: Beneath the Polite Masks","villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-chapter-116",116,"\u003Cp>Beneath the Polite Masks\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After lazing around at home for two days, Julian D’Aurelius still hadn’t received any news from Ammy D’Aurelius.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That alone was suspicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ammy had been eager earlier, almost too eager. Someone like him wouldn’t stay quiet for long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian leaned against the balcony railing of his room, golden eyes watching the quiet courtyard below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strange...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But during those two days, something else had occupied his attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lina Ashford.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The so-called maid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had called her to his room many times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes under the excuse of cleaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes to bring tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes to \"assist\" him during training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first day, she stood beside him quietly while he practiced his movements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian wiped sweat from his forehead and casually tossed her a towel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lina walked over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wipe it,\" he said lazily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t hesitate. Her cool fingers gently wiped the sweat from his temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian studied her expression closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still patient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even a flicker of annoyance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later that same day—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian stretched lazily on the couch and said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My shoulders are stiff again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lina stepped behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers pressed into his shoulders with precise strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian exhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually... extremely professional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the second day, he grew even bolder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian lay on the sofa and looked at her thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Young Master Julian.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sat beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Julian casually rested his head on her thigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her body stiffened for the briefest moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she didn’t move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her soft thighs were warm and steady beneath his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian closed his eyes comfortably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was what people called a knee pillow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fragrant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And strangely relaxing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not bad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lina looked down at him silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside her mind—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had already imagined stabbing him three times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But outwardly, she remained perfectly composed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What puzzles me,\" Julian thought silently, \"is how patient this woman is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the original plot, Lina Ashford had never been this tolerant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dragon King stories always had one strange rule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Obsidian King’s women couldn’t be touched by other men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t that kind of story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which meant—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She must be waiting for an opportunity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian narrowed his eyes slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He should push a little further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mischievous thought flashed through his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe I should have her help with a bath next time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then he sighed quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Better not rush it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he pushed too hard, she might explode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he still needed her around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two full days had passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still no message from Ammy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian finally frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Ammy didn’t move soon, this whole game would become boring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he couldn’t stay home forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because today—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was the annual Valemont Chamber of Commerce meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every major company in Valemont would attend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian had to represent the D’Aurelius Group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier that morning, Mike Valquin had sent him a message through Hello Messenger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their family planned to publicly suppress the Bear Group during the meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The D’Aurelius family and the De Dominicis household had already formed an alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Together, the three households would pressure the Bear Group from every direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite its massive 700-billion Euro market value, the Bear Group was struggling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The combined power of three dominant households was overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several sectors of their business had already taken heavy losses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their stock had dropped for three consecutive days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian changed into a tailored suit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he reached the garage—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw his father, Gary D’Aurelius, already sitting inside the black G-Wagon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The engine was running.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian quickly opened the door and slid into the passenger seat with a grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dad, why didn’t you call me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gary didn’t even look at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How was I supposed to know you hadn’t left yet?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone carried clear irritation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Julian still annoyed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially after that ridiculous belt incident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gary remembered it vividly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brat had been whipped and then asked if he hadn’t eaten enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just thinking about it gave him a headache.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian scratched the back of his head awkwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dad still thinking about that day?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He chuckled sheepishly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I had a bit too much strong wine last time. Got carried away.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He leaned back in the seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t hold it against me, old man.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gary snorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned his head toward the window, ignoring him completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The car soon drove toward the venue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally the annual meeting was held at Lunar Citadel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after a recent major criminal investigation, the hotel had been sealed by authorities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So the meeting had been relocated to another luxury hotel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still six-star.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just slightly less prestigious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When their car arrived—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entrance was already crowded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luxury vehicles lined the driveway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elites from every major company in Valemont gathered outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Gary stepped out of the car—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People immediately came forward to greet him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. D’Aurelius!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Long time no see!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gary smiled politely and shook hands with several businessmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he rarely interfered with company operations, his personal connections were legendary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People respected him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some elegant socialites even approached him warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two of them hugged him lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gary smiled calmly while exchanging polite greetings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he quickly shot Julian a warning look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t tell your mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian simply chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was nothing to report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, big bro, you’re here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mike Valquin appeared from the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was surrounded by several stylish young women.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were daughters of influential Valemont households.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not as powerful as the D’Aurelius household.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But still part of the elite circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girls smiled politely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello, Young Master Julian.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian nodded casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mike quickly waved them away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have some business to discuss with my brother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll catch up with you later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girls nodded and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mike grabbed Julian’s arm and pulled him aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want you to meet someone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why so mysterious?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mike only smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ll see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few minutes later—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They arrived at a quiet suite inside the hotel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mike opened the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian stepped inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room was calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sunlight poured through the large windows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And beside the window—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A beautiful woman sat quietly painting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long blonde hair flowed down her back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her bright blue eyes were focused on the canvas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her posture elegant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her figure graceful and refined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian recognized her immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gwen Valquin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mike smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sis.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I brought him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he turned around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without another word—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door closed behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving Julian alone with Gwen.\u003C\u002Fp>",1080,"2026-05-30T15:14:55.252Z","2026-06-01T04:31:33.482Z",1,"novelbin.me","ec576ad03968faac4037a53d64b5d5cd1830d9cad8137a3fa31ea0491cab8b0e","villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-chapter-117","villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-chapter-115",232,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fvillain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-cover.jpg"]