Chapter 50 The door behind Aliana and Andrian closed automatically , leaving Albert and Elena standing anxiously in the hallway outside . Andrian's office was spacious , decorated with minimalist and elegant furniture . But Aliana had no time to admire any of it . Her eyes were immediately drawn to the wall behind Andrian's desk . He pressed a small hidden button beneath the desk , and the wall slowly shifted to reveal a secret door secured with another biometric system , Without a word , Andrian pressed his thumb against the scanner , and the door slid open . " Go in Andrian said . Aliana stepped inside with a pounding heart . The room was brightly lit with soft lighting , very different from what she had imagined , Glass shelves lined the walls , neatly displaying expensive art pieces and important documents belonging to Andrian . But Aliana's gaze was instantly locked on one item in the center of the room - Alicia's painting The painting stood tall on a display easel , graceful yet tragically damaged . Aliana's eyes welled up as she saw a long tear slicing through the delicate canvas painted by her late sister , She moved closer . Her trembling hand rose to cover her mouth , which was suddenly tight with tears she could no longer hold back . Andrian stood silently behind her , watching her shoulders begin to tremble . He had never imagined Aliana could look so fragile - all because of a single painting . Slowly , a pang of guilt crept into Andrian's chest . He knew how precious the painting was to Aliana , yet somehow he had forgotten his promise to show it to her . His workload , the upcoming vote - everything had made him neglectful , Last night , right after his meeting , Andrian had been planning to go home . But then Bianca appeared and asked him to dinner . He couldn't say no . Ho knew she'd worked all day trying to win support from the board . He didn't expect Allana to be waiting for him until midnight . " Can this painting be restored ? " Aliana asked softly , without turning to look at Andrian . Her eyes were still fixed on the long tear across Alicia's beloved painting . Andrian took a slow breath , hesitating before finally replying , " It's difficult , but perhaps someone truly skilled could manage it . " Aliana didn't turn around . She remained in place , silent , shoulders still shaking . Her quiet sobs felt to Andrian like agonizing screams , piercing straight through him . " I'm sorry , " Andrian finally said . " This painting might be important to you , but everything happening lately has been overwhelming . The attack , the vote tomorrow - I haven't been able to make time for anything else . Tophorrow's vote is a crucial turning point I must win . " " Lunderstand , " Aliana responded , her voice barely audible , hoarse from crying " I don't need your explanation " Andrian's chest tightened at her words - resigned , yet sharp . He took a step closer , standing directly behind her He lifted his hand , about to place it gently on her shoulder - to console her - but hesitated . Instead , he clenched his fist , pulling back . He couldn't bring himself to comfort the woman who always appeared so cold and strong in front of him . will find out who did this , " Andrian said firmly . " Even if the situation that night was chaotic , I'll track them down " Aliana turned her head briefly , her fists clenched tight as pain flooded her chest . " Don't make promises , " Aliana replied coldly , oyes returning to the torn painting . " I don't really care who did it , I just want it restored as soon as possible . " Andrian sensed the hopelessness in her voice , Slowly , he gave a solemn nod . I'll got it restored . It will look just like before I promise . " Aliana said nothing . She just continued to gaze at Alicia's painting in silence , as fresh tears rolled slowly down her cheeks . The room fell into silence . Neither Aliana or Andrian said another word The Next Morning Bianca woke up with a pounding headache . She squinted against the harsh sunlight flooding through her bedroom window . Grimacing , she massaged her temples , silently cursing herself for drinking too much and getting drunk the night before . Vequely, memories from the night before returned . She clearly remembered Andrian helping her out of the car , and catching a glimpse of Aliana standing there - watching them with piercing eyes . Aliana's cold expression and sharp gaze filled Blanca with both irritation and suspicion . Bianca abruptly sat up in bed , moving roughly . She grabbed her phone from the nightstand and immediately called Derek . " Derek ! " Bianca barked as her assistant entered the room . Her eyes narrowed with suspicion and curiosity . " Did Alana really meet Andrian last night ? " Derek was slightly startled by her question . He hadn't returned to the mansion with Blanca and Andrian the night before , as he'd had unfinished work back at the office . However , Derek made it his business to always be informed about what went on in the mansion , He had anticipated Bianca would ask him . He a answered cautiously , " Yes , s , Miss . I received a report from the staff that Mr. Andrian spoke privately with Miss Aliana last night . " " They spoke privately ? " Blanca repeated , her voice rising in fury . " Where did they talk ? " " According to the staff , they were alone for quite a while in Mr. Andrian's private study . " Derek replied quietly . Bianca's blood boiled . She clenched her fists tightly , her face flushing with rage , " Stupid ! How could I let myself get drunk and give that woman the chance to get close to Andrian ? " she muttered angrily , cursing herself . Derek , seeing Blanca's fury , lowered his head and didn't dare to say a word . He knew very well that Bianca was truly angry . " Aliana … that woman really doesn't know her place , " Bianca hissed again , her eyes burning with hatred . " I need to give her a firm warning so she knows where she belongs . Blanca stormed toward the door , ready to confront Aliana for what had happened the night before . But Derek blocked her path with a serious expression . " Miss , the voting meeting is about to start , " Derek reminded her . " You need to head to the office immediately , Mr. Andrian already left earlier this morning . " " What ? " Blanca exclaimed , both shocked and frustrated . She glanced at the time on her phone and realized she had indeed overslept due to her hangover . " Why didn't you wake me up earlier , Derek ? " - tried , Miss . " Derek stammered , clearly nervous . " But you didn't respond . You seemed to be heavily intoxicated last night " Blanca clicked her tongue in irritation and massaged her temples again , silently cursing herself . " I should've controlled myself . This is all because I got too excited having dinner with Andrian at that restaurant , " she muttered under her breath - filled with regret , though part of her still enjoyed recalling the elegant dinner she had shared with Andrian . " Wait here . I'll get ready . " Blanca turned around and hurried to her wardrobe . She picked out the sharpest , most elegant work attire for the crucial meeting ahead . " Derek , " Bianca called suddenly , her voice turning cold and calculating , " do you have the photos from last night - me having dinner with Andrian at the restaurant " Yes , Miss Derek replied , looking down and quickly averting his eyes as Bianca began slipping off the outer layer of her nightgown . " Send them all to Allana . I want her to know her place . " Derek paused briefly , then nodded firmly . " Understood , Miss , I'll send them right away . " Blanca smirked with satisfaction , her gaze filled with hatred and a small taste of victory . Without wasting another second , she entered the bathroom to get ready for the important meeting . Meanwhile , in the pavilion , Aliana was sipping warm tea prepared by Elena , trying to ease the headache caused by a lack of sleep the night before Her thoughts were still heavy - thinking about Alicia's death and the mystery of the fake Nyx identity that remained unsolved . However , the calmness of the morning helped ease the pressure she'd felt since the night before . Suddenly , her phone vibrated softly . She quickly glanced at the screen and saw a message from Rade * Miss , I managed to track Julian . He was spotted at a nightclub last night , and this morning he's located at an apartment in the southern district . We need to move before he disappears again . " Aliana immediately sat up straight , her expression turning sharp and serious . She knew this was the opportunity she had been waiting for . Quickly , she typed her response to Rafe . " Keep eyes on him . I'll be there soon . Send me the full address . A moment later , a message with the apartment address arrived . Aliana memorized it instantly . She looked out the window , scanning her surroundings cautiously . She knew security guards were still keeping an eye on her movements , but she had to leave . Especially today - when Andrian and Bianca would be busy with the company's affairs . She wouldn't waste the perfect chance to capture Julian , " Elena , I need to go out for a while . " Allana glanced at Elena , who stood beside her . The woman looked startled , and her expression quickly shifted to concern . " Don't let anyone know I'm leaving , especially Andrian , " Aliana said quietly but firmly . " I'll return as soon as possible . " " But Miss , what if something happens " I'll be fine ," Aliana cut her off , her voice calm but resolute . " I have to settle this matter . Please help me , Elena . " Seeing the seriousness in Aliana's eyes , Elena finally nodded despite her lingering worry . " Alright , Miss . I understand . But please … come back safely . You must be very careful Aliana gave her a small smile , trying to reassure her . " I promise . " Without wasting any more time , Aliana headed upstairs to her room . Elena quickly followed , her face filled with worry and deep concern . Elena rushed to the wardrobe and pulled out a plain maid's uniform they had prepared for emergencies like this . She helped Aliana change - putting her in a long dark skirt , a plain white blouse , and a black apron like those worn by the Velor mansion staff. Carefully , Elena tied Allana's long hair neatly and tucked it under a small maid's cap that made her hard to recognize at first glance . After ensuring the disguise was perfect , Elena stepped back and examined her work . " Now you really do look like an ordinary maid , Miss ," she whispered , satisfied but still uneasy . Aliana exited her room and took a different route than usual . She slipped out of the pavilion through the side door that connected to the servant corridor , then moved along a narrow hallway that wasn't covered by CCTV Pushing an empty trolley , Aliana walked with light but cautious steps , occasionally stopping and holding her breath whenever someone approached She occasionally bowed politely to fellow staff members to avoid raising suspicion . Fortunately , interactions among the mansion's servants were minimal . When she reached the back door - commonly used by staff for comings and goings - Allana carefully scanned her surroundings . After making sure the coast was clear , the quietly opened the door and slipped out , heading straight for a narrow path out of view from surveillance cameras . Aliana kept moving carefully until she reached the end of the alley . A taxi she had discreetly ordered was waiting . She got in without drawing attention and gave the address Rafe had sent her . As the taxi started moving , Aliana leaned back into the seat , letting out a relieved breath and removing the maid's cap she was wearing . Her gaze sharpened . This time , she was determined to capture Julian , She wouldn't let him escape again , Meanwhile , at Titan Group , the atmosphere in the boardroom was tense . The large , elegant room was filled with around sixty board members seated around a long oval table , all wearing serious expressions . Many looked uneasy , uncomfortable , and visibly reluctant . Andrian sat calmly at the head of the table , his gaze sharp as it swept across the room . To his right , Viktor stood alert , ready to record the results of the vote . On his lett , Bianca sat confidently despite arriving a bit late . Some board members exchanged glances filled with irritation and resentment . Randall Kent sat with a sour expression , clearly displeased with the situation . He clenched his teeth , occasionally casting hateful glances at Bianca . He was still angry about her blatant threats , but he knew he had no choice but to side with Andrian if he didn't want his reputation destroyed . Beside him , Linda Moore sat upright with a composed grace . Her face remained calm , but her eyes betrayed the deep frustration she held toward Bianca . She couldn't believe she had to submit to this young woman due to such humiliating personal threats . Peter Choi sat still with a cold , unreadable face , but the way his fingers drummed on the table betrayed his restlessness . He had been forced to vote for Andrian because Blanca knew his darkest secret -a blow to his ego and pride , feeling powerless and exposed by someone he deemed unworthy of being among senior directors . Edward Lowell , typically outspoken during meetings , was unusually silent . He sat stone - faced , still harboring intense resentment toward Bianca for the threats she made the day before . Yet he dared not take the risk of defying her . With a deep sigh , Edward accepted that he had no choice but to back Andrian this time . The meeting officially began as Andrian glanced briefly at Viktor , who stepped forward and addressed the room with authority . " Let's begin the vote for the major project we discussed in previous meetings . Your votes will determine the future direction of Titan Group , " Viktor declared , his voice echoing through the room , which instantly fell silent . Andrian set back in his chair , eyes narrowing as he scanned the increasingly tense faces around the table . Bianca remained composed beside him , hiding the lingering effects of her hangover beneath a mask of calm satisfaction . The boardroom was thick with tension as one by one , the members began casting their votes . Their low voices echoed , many uttering Andrian's name with unreadable expressions . Randall , Linda , Peter , and Edward all gave their votes reluctantly , avoiding eye contact with Bianca and visibly tense as they voiced their support for Andrian in front of Charlotte and Leonard - two outspoken critics of the project . At the far end of the table , Leonard Whitmore wore his usual skeptical expression . He occasionally shook his head and muttered dissatisfaction at his peers decisions . He stared coldly at Andrian as he cast his vote with unfiltered sarcasm . " I still don't agree with this project , " Leonard said bluntly , making it clear he was not in support of Andrian Andrian returned the gaze with an icy look , offering no response . 4/5 Across table , Charlotte Delacroix sat with elegant arrogance , her expression unreadable . She observed the voting process closely , knowing that Andrian only needed at least 35 % of the votes to pass the project - per the challenge she had issued some time ago . Charlotte crossed her arms and smiled faintly , occasionally glancing at Bianca with sharp , calculating eyes . Seeing several members switch sides in support of Andrian , she knew the victory was the result of Bianca's manipulation - but she chose to remain silent . She waited for the final results , ready to act if Andrian's votes fell short of the agreed threshold Once the vote concluded , Viktor promptly tallied the results and announced them with clear authority . With over 35 % of the votes in favor , in accordance with the prior agreement , Titan Group's newest project is officially approved , " Charlotte looked slightly surprised , but quickly masked it with her usual poised and haughty demeanor . She gave a small nod to acknowledge that Andrian had met the challenge she had set - though just barely , Meanwhile , Bianca smiled in quiet satisfaction , savoring her small victory over everyone in the room - especially Charlotte and Leonard , who had always looked down on Andrian's capabilitka .. Andrian observed the room with a cold gaze , fully aware that the support he'd received was tainted with reluctance . But to him , the win was all that mattered for now he didn't care how Bianca had secured it .