Chapter 11 — Pretty Baby and the Whip of the Moon's Fang
The hallway outside the ballroom was quiet, except for the faint clicking of Melissa Spears' shiny heels against the marble floor.
She was muttering to herself again, cheeks puffed up in frustration.
"Hmph! I don't like that Violet De'ora. Everyone says she's cute—whatever, I'm cuter! I'll show her!"
Her curls bounced as she stomped, looking every bit like a princess denied her crown.
Melissa wandered off, still sulking, when a sudden commotion startled her — a chandelier cable snapping just above her head.
Before it could fall, a girl her age yanked her backward, both tumbling to the ground as the crystal crashed beside them.
"Are you okay?" asked the girl, brushing dust from her sleeves.
Melissa blinked, stunned. "Y-you saved me."
Clara — now living as Julia Crescent — smiled sweetly, hiding the satisfaction in her eyes.
Her system had created the "accident" just to make this meeting possible.
"It's nothing," she said softly.
"I couldn't just watch you get hurt."
Melissa sniffled.
"Thank you… I'm Melissa Spears.
Who are you?"
"Julia," Clara answered smoothly.
"Nice to meet you."
Within minutes, Melissa — easily flattered and desperate for someone to admire her — decided Julia was special.
"You'll stay by me, right?" she asked proudly.
"You can be my helper.
My sidekick!"
"Of course," Clara said, smiling with a sweetness that didn't reach her eyes.
Look, at this fool, a sidekick not even a friend, Aah, she scoffed.
A useful idiot, she thought
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Moments later, applause filled the ballroom as the Mist Family made their grand entrance.
Aaron Mist, tall and regal in his black tux, and Elara Mist, glittering in white diamonds, were a sight to behold.
But all attention soon drifted to the golden-haired boy walking between them—Andrea Mist, seven years old and already a heartthrob in miniature.
The five top families—the De'orās, Spears, Giants, Hinds, and now the Mists—stood together in an elegant circle, smiling politely while quietly sizing each other up.
After a round of formal greetings, Elara leaned toward the Spears butler. "Take Andrea to the children's lounge.
He must be getting bored."
Andrea nodded and followed obediently.
Melissa's eyes lit up. "It's him! Andrea Mist!"
Julia's narrowed, feeling her heart skip. Andrea Mist here… right now.
"Come on!" Melissa squealed, dragging her along.
But her tiny legs weren't nearly as fast as her enthusiasm.
By the time they reached the end of the corridor, Andrea had already entered the kids' snack room.
"Ugh! Why am I so short!" she whined, stamping her foot.
Julia patted her head sweetly. "It's okay, Melissa. you will see him soon."
And I'll make sure of it.
But in her mind, she said
Does she also have feelings for Andrea, who does she think she is".
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Inside, the lounge was full of giggles, sugar, and chaos.
Violet De'ora sat with Emery, April, and Victoria, helping Emery balance cookies into a wobbly tower while Victoria babbled about her "funny tutor who talks in his sleep."
Everything was calm—until a voice rang out behind her.
"Pretty baby! You're my pretty baby! Where did you go? You disappeared from the big thingy that shows people!"
Before Violet could even turn, someone taller and warmer had already wrapped his arms around her.
Her small body stiffened.
"Wha—hey!"
It was Andrea Mist, grinning ear to ear, hugging her like a long-lost treasure.
Vira: "Host! Hug attack! Defense mode activated!"
Mira (internally):" Who is this kid, and why is this child built like a koala!?"
Everyone froze.
Emery's cookie tower collapsed again.
"Let go!" Violet protested, twisting in his grip. "You can't just hug people!"
Andrea blinked, confused, then frowned slightly.
"But you're my pretty baby.
You disappeared from the big thingy that shows people.
I was looking for you!"
Violet stared at him, then groaned internally.
Vira: "Host, he means TV.
You were his baby idol!,"
"That's Andrea Mist"
Mira: "Fantastic. I'm a former child celebrity, haunted by my fanboy, And the said fanboy, is this body's true love."
Vira (laughing): "Soulmates come in all forms!"
Sighing, Violet patted his arm.
"I didn't disappear, silly.
I'm still here."
Andrea brightened instantly.
"Really? You didn't run away?"
"Nope," she said softly.
"Still here."
His grin returned, brighter than ever—and he hugged her again.
Right then, the door opened, and Melissa and Julia stepped inside—just in time to see Andrea clinging to Violet, his cheek pressed against hers.
Melissa froze, her tiny fists tightening.
She marched straight to them, her face red with jealousy.
She shoved Violet aside and grabbed Andrea's hand.
"Hi, Andrea! It's nice to meet you.
I'm Melissa Spears—Dannon's cousin!" she chirped, squeezing his hand like she was claiming property.
Andrea frowned. "Who are you?"
"I just said—I'm Melissa!" she repeated proudly.
"And?" he said bluntly.
"Don't just touch me!" He yanked his hand free.
Melissa's jaw dropped.
"But you hugged Violet! Why can't I touch you?"
Andrea turned, eyes narrowing.
"'Cause she's my pretty baby.
And you're nothing stupid."
Gasps filled the room.
Violet's mouth fell open.
Vira: "Host, he just dropped a nuke."
Mira: "Oh my god. He's going to make enemies for life before hitting puberty."
Andrea promptly ignored everyone and went right back to hugging Violet.
Melissa's face twisted with rage.
Her eyes glistened with tears as she glared at Violet.
Violet De'ora… I'll make sure you suffer for stealing Andrea from me!
She ran from the room, crying loudly, her little heart cracking in half.
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From the doorway, Julia—still hidden behind the wall—watched with cold, calculating eyes.
Dear sister, she thought darkly, you beat me to him again.
But this time, either he'll be mine… or no one's.
The 10,000-year-old system inside her hummed approvingly.
System: "Host, potential emotional instability detected.
Suggest manipulation protocol: use Melissa Spears."
Clara: "Perfect.
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Meanwhile, Violet sighed, trying to peel Andrea off again.
Mira: "Vira, why can't this kid let me go? What's wrong with him!?"
Vira (snickering): "Host, remember—he's Andrea Mist.
His soul's bonded to yours, I mean Juliana's.
Every time he sees you, he feels like you're his."
Mira: "Great. I've adopted a psychic barnacle."
Vira: "Don't worry, the charity gala will end soon.
He'll go home.
You'll be free."
Mira: "Finally."
But "soon" turned into "never."
Andrea followed her everywhere for the rest of the evening, arms still wrapped around her like a bodyguard.
Not even Dannon or Lucas could pry him off.
Where Violet went, Andrea followed.
Where she sat, he sat.
Where she sighed, he smiled.
It was hopeless.
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Meanwhile, back in the grand ballroom, the auction had already gone deep into the night.
Antique guns, jeweled daggers, old calligraphy, even a royal vase—everything was being sold at sky-high prices.
Finally, the auctioneer grinned, holding up the last item.
"And for our grand finale—an artifact from the first matriarch of the Spears family! Its handle, embedded with gems by the first generation of the Mist family.
Its body, crafted from tiger skin lined with hidden blades.
A weapon of beauty and power—known as the Whip of the Moon's Fang.
Starting bid: one million dollars!"
A ripple of whispers filled the room.
"A whip?"
"For a million? They must be crazy."
But the whip gleamed under the golden lights—its body a deep violet hue, its handle glittering like starlight.
Kingsley De'ora's gaze softened.
He didn't care about legends or bloodlines.
He just thought it was beautiful.
And violet.
"Ten million," he said lazily, lifting his glass of wine.
Lily De'ora sighed, already knowing that tone.
Her husband was about to buy something for their daughter again.
The audience stirred—until another calm voice rose from the opposite table.
"Fifty million," said Aaron Mist, resting his chin on his hand.
A hush fell.
Even the auctioneer blinked twice.
Elara Mist, seated beside him, arched a brow.
"Aaron… that whip isn't ours."
Aaron smiled faintly.
"No. But it should have been."
The whip's gem-encrusted handle bore the same intricate design as the Sword of the Mist, the ancient heirloom resting in their family vault.
Two weapons forged as a pair—one for the husband, one for the wife.
A love token from generations past, when the heir of the Mist family married the daughter of the Spears.
To the Mists, the sword had always been a symbol of protection.
The whip—its twin—symbolized affection.
Kingsley frowned, sensing something more. "Eighty million," he countered.
Aaron didn't flinch.
"One hundred fifty million."
The entire hall gasped.
Even Lily put a hand on Kingsley's arm. "That's enough.
They clearly want it for something important."
Kingsley leaned back, frustration simmering beneath his calm smile. "Fine.
Let him have it. But I'll remember this."
The auctioneer, nearly fainting from the numbers, slammed his hammer.
"Sold! To Mr. Aaron Mist, for one hundred fifty million dollars!"
The crowd erupted in shocked murmurs.
"A whip for that much?"
"Must be magical."
"Or maybe cursed."
Kingsley's eyes followed the whip as it was carried off.
It shimmered faintly, that same soft violet glow that always reminded him of his daughter.
Even in loss, he couldn't help but think, It would've looked perfect in her hands.
Aaron said nothing, only exchanging a quiet look with his wife.
"It's for Andrea," he murmured.
"One day, it'll matter."
Elara gave him a small, knowing nod.
As the auction ended, guests returned to the gala hall—some to dance, some to gossip about the top families' wild bidding wars.
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The butlers soon gathered the children back.
Andrea had to be pried from Violet like a stubborn octopus.
He waved sadly as he left.
"Bye, pretty baby…"
Violet exhaled like she'd just finished a battle.
Vira: "Host, congrats—you survived your first fanboy boss battle."
Mira: "Barely.
My sanity's hanging by a thread."
Vira: "It's okay! The night's almost over!"
And as the music faded and laughter filled the grand hall, none of them noticed the faint pulse of light still glimmering from inside the Mist family's case—
the Whip of the Moon's Fang humming softly, as if calling out to the one who should have wielded it.
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After the children returned to their families, Aaron Mist lifted Andrea into his arms, smiling softly before showing him the whip he had just won.
"Someday," he said, his voice warm, "you'll give this to the person you love."
Andrea's eyes widened.
"Someone I love? Like you and Mama?"
Aaron chuckled, glancing at Elara, whose cheeks flushed faintly.
"Yes, just like me and your mama."
"Papa," Andrea said seriously, "does it have to be later? Can I give it to someone now?"
Aaron raised a brow.
"Why? Do you already have someone you love?"
Andrea nodded eagerly.
"Yes, Papa. Can I?"
Aaron hesitated, then smiled indulgently. "Fine, you can.
But listen—once you give this away, you can't take it back later.
No changing your mind, understood?"
"I promise, Papa!" Andrea declared, then took the whip and darted off before his father could say another word.
Elara sighed, amused.
"You knew that's what he was going to do, didn't you? That's why you bought the whip."
Aaron smirked slightly.
"Of course.
The son-in-law should be the one to buy gifts for his future wife, not the father. Besides, I just earned my boy a few points.
Now…" He stood and offered his hand. "Forget about our son's love story for a bit. May I have this dance, Mrs. Mist?"
Elara laughed softly.
"Why not?"
And the two of them swept off toward the dance floor, laughter following them.
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Meanwhile, at the De'ora seats—
"Mother, I'm back!" Violet ran up and threw herself into Lily's arms, giggling as her mother scooped her up.
Lily hugged her close, kissing her forehead. "There's my little princess.
Did you have fun?"
Violet nodded eagerly.
"Wow, so that's how it is now?" Kingsley teased, pretending to sulk.
"You've already forgotten your Dada?"
Violet squinted at him, hands on her tiny hips.
"Daddy, not Dada! How many times do I have to correct you?"
"Tch. Who cares? Come here, you." Kingsley swooped in, lifting her from Lily's arms and tickling her mercilessly until she burst into uncontrollable laughter.
They laughed together, not caring about the curious stares from the other guests.
That was the scene Andrea saw.
In his little mind, he thought in horror, No! Not the tickle monster! He's going to hurt my pretty baby!
He dashed forward, interrupting the De'oras' laughter.
"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. De'ora," he said breathlessly, "may I speak to Violet, please?"
"What does this kid want now ", thought Violet as she groaned, feeling frustrated.
"Oh?" Lily asked, blinking in surprise.
"Andrea, what do you need Violet for?"
"Well… it's kinda private," he mumbled, clutching something behind his back.
Seeing how nervous he was, Lily exchanged a glance with her husband, then smiled. "Alright.
Just over there, okay? Don't go too far."
Andrea nodded quickly and tugged Violet who was reluctant,away to a quieter corner.
When they stopped, he suddenly knelt down, holding out a small purple box with trembling hands.
Inside Mira's mind, Vira squealed, Host! Host! Oh my stars, is this boy proposing to you? At such a young age?!
"What are you doing?" Violet asked, half confused, half alarmed, half frustrated.
"Marry me, Violet," Andrea said earnestly.
"Not now, but later—later-later, when you're like my mommy and I'm like my daddy!" He flipped open the box, revealing the gleaming violet whip inside.
Vira's voice practically exploded in Violet's head.
Host! That's a SPACE WHIP!
Violet blinked.
"A what now?"
A whip that holds its own dimension, Vira explained quickly.
You can store items inside—treasures, potions, anything! It's insanely rare!
"So… like the spatial rings in novels?"
"Exactly! Only this is stronger.
You're so lucky, Host! Accept it, quick, before he changes his mind!"
Violet frowned . "He's just a kid, Vira."
"Even better! He'll forget about this later, but the whip will be yours forever!"
Violet sighed inwardly although secretly pleased about how she's about to own her own space.
Fine, I can't risk him giving it to someone else , especially not someone like Clara.
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Andrea was starting to look anxious, ready to burst into tears, when Violet finally said softly, "Yes."
His eyes lit up like fireworks.
"Really?!"
Violet nodded, taking the box gently from his hands.
Andrea whooped with joy, jumped up, and hugged her tightly—then, without thinking, leaned forward and kissed her right on the lips.
"You're my wife now!" he declared proudly, before running off toward his parents, shouting, "I'm going to tell my dad!"
Violet stood frozen.
"Did that kid just—kiss me?" she muttered.
"Congratulations, Host," Vira snickered. "First kiss at four years old.
You're such a trendsetter."
"Shut up," Violet hissed under her breath, cheeks flaming as she returned to her seat.
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When Kingsley saw the purple box in her hands, he blinked in confusion.
"Hold on. Isn't that…? Violet, why do you have that?"
"Oh, this?" Violet said quickly, trying to sound casual.
"Andrea gave it to me.
As a thank-you gift.
I helped him earlier."
Kingsley stared at her for a beat before leaning back, eyes wide, then breaking into a grin.
"You mean to tell me the Mists fought me for that whip, spent a fortune on it, and then their boy just handed it over to my daughter?"
Lily groaned softly.
"Kingsley…"
But he was already laughing, puffing his chest like a proud peacock.
"Well, what can I say? The De'oras are just that irresistible.
Even the Mist heir can't help but show his gratitude to my baby girl."
"Daddy," Violet said, face red, "you're being weird."
"I'm being honest!" he replied, grinning wider.
"Next time the Mists want to challenge me at an auction, they should remember how this one ended."
Lily rolled her eyes, trying not to smile. "You're enjoying this way too much."
"Maybe," he admitted.
"But come on, honey, our daughter just got herself a treasure of 150 million dollars—and I didn't even have to spend a dime.
Tell me that's not a win."
Violet groaned, burying her face in Lily's shoulder as her father chuckled proudly beside her.
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In the shadows behind a marble column, Clara stood trembling — her nails digging into her palms as she watched everything unfold.
She had followed Andrea when he ran off, curiosity and dread gnawing at her, only to witness everything:
Andrea kneeling before Violet, the glowing whip, the kiss, and now — that picture-perfect De'ora family laughing together like the world was theirs.
Her heart twisted painfully.
That should've been her standing there, laughing with parents who adored her.
Her, being kissed and promised to by the heir of the Mist family.
Her, being surrounded by love, attention, and light.
Instead, all she could feel was the icy bite of envy eating her alive.
The glow of the De'oras' happiness reflected in her tear-filled eyes, and for the first time, the flicker of something dark curled inside her chest — not sorrow, but fury.
Her little hands clenched tighter.
"You stole the life I should've lived," she whispered hoarsely, her voice shaking with rage, "and now you want to steal Andrea too?"
Her system's mechanical voice purred in her mind, Then take it back, Host.
Take back everything.
Clara's lips curved into a trembling smile. "Yes… I'll destroy her, piece by piece if I have to."
Her gaze lingered on the laughing De'oras — on the sight of Violet cuddled safely between her doting parents —, her eyes now burning like coals.
"Violet De'ora," she murmured, "you'll regret ever stealing what was mine."
The laughter of the De'oras echoed behind her as she turned away, swallowed by the shadows of the grand hall.
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Hi guys, this is my end of the year special gift to you. This will be the last update for this year, see you in 2026.
Love you
🥰🥰🥰
Bye....