Chapter 276: Chapter 276: The Truth

’She believes in me so easily,’ he thought, a flicker of self-disgust rising within him.

’Yet I can’t even uncover something this basic. I’m… incompetent.’ The realization stung more than he expected, like a dull ache that refused to fade.

Just as his thoughts tangled further, a message arrived one evening from an unknown number. The screen glowed coldly in the dark.

“If you want to know about Lana’s birth origin,” the message read, “come to this hotel.”

An address and room number followed.

Axel stared at the message for a long moment, the faint hum of the city filling the silence around him.

’A trap?’ he wondered. Then his lips curved slightly. ’So what if it is?’

He went.

There was no fear in his steps as he arrived at the hotel.

Axel walked with calm confidence, certain that whatever awaited him, he could handle it.

Standing outside the designated room, he paused briefly, then pushed the door open.

Inside, his gaze sharpened.

Sitting there was someone unmistakably familiar, someone who had been making waves throughout the business world, a name that appeared constantly in headlines and hushed discussions.

Lucian.

The sight of him made Axel’s eyes narrow slightly, surprise flickering across his face.

’So it’s you,’ he thought, the atmosphere in the room turning subtly heavy as the door closed behind him.

Once Axel sat down, he couldn’t help but look at Lucian with open curiosity.

“What are you doing here?” Axel asked, his voice steady but alert.

Lucian finally lifted his gaze to him and smiled faintly.

“Isn’t it strange,” he said calmly, “that you’ve been investigating Lana’s birth origin?”

Hearing that, Axel’s brows rose sharply. A chill ran through his spine.

“Was it you?” he demanded, his tone turning sharp. “Were you the one secretly interfering with my investigation every single time?”

Lucian’s smile deepened, unreadable.

“There are many things I want to tell you,” he replied lightly. “But sit down properly first. Otherwise, you might truly get the shock of your life.”

Axel clenched his fist under the table, his knuckles whitening.

“What do you want?” he asked, his gaze locked onto Lucian.

“I’ll tell you the origin of Lana’s birth,” Lucian said without hesitation. “And something even more shocking than that.”

Axel’s eyes narrowed. “And in return?” he pressed.

Lucian leaned back slightly. “I want to swap luck.”

The words hit Axel like a sudden blow. He frowned deeply.

“I’m not ready for that,” he said firmly. “I’m a mystic cultivator. Luck swapping requires talismans and ritual offerings. I know the ritual… because I’ve once been plagued by a luck-altering mechanism myself. I swore I’d never use it again.”

Lucian looked at him steadily.

“If you don’t perform the ritual,” he said quietly, “then you’ll never know Lana’s origin.”

Axel’s jaw tightened. The thought of Lana flashed through his mind. He stared at Lucian venomously.

“From what I’ve uncovered,” Axel said coldly, “Lana has feelings for you. You treat her gently too. So tell me… was all of that fake? Or is this some ulterior motive? Are you planning to betray her? Are you really that low?”

Lucian merely smiled.

“I know exactly what I’m doing,” he replied. “And everything I plan is for Lana. If you refuse, you’ll regret it too.”

Axel’s heart skipped. “This luck swapping… is it to be done on Lana?” he asked tightly.

Lucian nodded.

Axel’s fists clenched harder.

“I never thought you were this kind of person,” he snapped. “I’ll tell Lana the truth myself.”

He stood up abruptly, but before he could take another step… “Axel.”

The moment his name was called, his body stiffened. As if bound by an invisible force, he slowly sat back down. Panic surged within him. ’Why can’t I move?’

Lucian’s voice remained calm.

“I’ve proposed something. Whether you accept it or not, you should at least give me a response.”

Axel struggled, fury burning in his chest. “I’m not ready,” he growled.

“You shouldn’t rush to conclusions,” Lucian replied smoothly. “Hear the truth first.”

By the time Lucian finished speaking, Axel felt the strength drain from his limbs. His resistance crumbled like sand.

Lucian met his gaze again.

“Now,” he said, “can you perform the luck swapping?”

Axel clenched his fists once more, then exhaled heavily. “I’ll do it.”

Lucian smiled coldly. “Good. I’ll prepare the required materials.”

Axel swallowed and spoke grimly.

“My task ends once the swap is done and once I uncover what you asked me to.”

Lucian nodded.

Axel then looked at him sharply.

“How did you know everything?” he asked. “Even my channels were cut off because of her.”

Lucian smiled faintly. “I have my own connections.”

Then his tone turned serious.

“I’ll lend half of my resources to you. In return, your only job is to make sure Lana doesn’t come into contact with any GA members for the next year. I’ll be out of the country.”

Axel nodded slowly, conflicted emotions swirling in his chest.

“You’re really doing this much for Lana,” he muttered. “Shouldn’t you at least tell her the truth? Even if it hurts her?”

Lucian paused.

“If she knows the truth,” he said quietly, “there’s a high chance she won’t be able to control her anger and resentment. She’ll act impulsively.”

Axel frowned.

“You’re underestimating her,” he argued. “I know Lana. She always thinks things through. I’ve seen it myself. She stays clear-headed before acting.”

Lucian chuckled softly.

“That’s precisely why I’m certain,” he said. “You never once considered her reaction when she learns the truth. Her resentment would consume her, and she’d do things she’d regret. For now, it’s better she knows nothing.”

He looked at Axel seriously.

“My only goal is to make sure Lana doesn’t make any decision she’ll regret later.”

Axel sighed heavily, then nodded.

“Fine. I’ll protect her for the next year.”

Lucian seemed to recall something and added calmly,

“There’s another task. Don’t let Thessy get anywhere near Lana.”

Axel’s eyes flashed briefly before he nodded. “I’ll handle it.”

With everything settled, Lucian stood up. A faint smile curved his lips.

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