Six years later, in the bustling CBD of the Imperial Capital, the large LED screen was airing an interview—
"Recently, the Sycamore Group has gone public at the New York Stock Exchange, transforming from a startup into a colossal financial consortium in just six years.
Its actual owner and CEO, Magnus, has become a legend well-known to all on the NYSE, gracing the cover of Time magazine just last week.
Today, we have the privilege of interviewing Mr. Magnus himself. We'll discuss how he masterminded the creation of a commercial empire with the Sycamore Group over these six years."
Juniper emerged from the IFC Building, clutching her resume, her spirits low, only to see the dazzling man on the big screen.
Dressed in a sleek, cold grey suit with an impeccable black shirt and a neatly knotted silver-grey tie, his skin was pale, features sharp and striking. His hands, distinctly veined and well-formed, were casually clasped atop his lap. Relaxed yet upright in front of the camera, he maintained a polite but detached smile, exuding an aura of power and calm, an air of inapproachability enveloping him.
His answer to the interviewer's question was concise.
He said, "Hatred."
The host, thinking he was joking since they had gone to great lengths to secure an interview with the likes of Magnus, did not want to let the moment slip away. She pressed on with another pointed question, "There are rumors that Mr. Blackwood suffered imprisonment six years ago due to a betrayal by a former girlfriend. I'm a bit curious, is there any truth to this rumor?"
The temperature in the room plummeted instantly at the question.
Magnus was the picture of composure as he sat there, his handsome face betraying nothing of the storm brewing beneath the surface - a glint of cold, deadly intent in his eyes.
With a calculated ease, he buttoned up his suit jacket and rose gracefully, leaving behind a cryptic remark tinged with unspoken emotion, "Sometimes, curiosity doesn't do you any favors."
...
Across from the large screen stood Juniper, her spine stiff and her complexion notably paler.
Six years!
Time had refined Magnus into the epitome of masculine perfection, his presence more profound and understated than ever. His past stint behind bars had been relegated to a mere chapter, now closed and adding only a mystic complexity to his aura as a business magnate. There's an attraction to power, and when it's shrouded in mystery, it becomes irresistible.
People would merely sigh with pity, concluding that Magnus's first love had missed out. She would surely have regrets.
A mocking smile played on Juniper's lips - indeed, she was filled with regret.
Night and day, for six long years.
But her world and that of Magnus were now poles apart.
She'd just been fired from Imperial Capital TV, told she had crossed the wrong person. Her relentless job search had been met with rejection after rejection.
Undoubtedly, the influential figure she’d crossed was Magnus—he still harbored resentment towards her.
Yet Juniper didn't resent him; she accepted her fate, the just desserts she deserved.
The problem now was Jennifer's tuition; she couldn't scrape together the few thousand needed, not to mention the looming rent at the end of the month. The financial strain was overwhelming.
Money, money, money—where to earn it?
She fished out a business card her best friend Ophelia had given her—
Floating Life Nightclub, Mr. Joseph.
Thank goodness for her singing talent; she could make some extra cash singing part-time in nightclubs.
She had resisted because of pride, the worthless pride of the Beaumonts' young mistress, a television host. Now, unable to even support her child, her facade of dignity proved utterly useless.
8 PM, at the Floating Life Nightclub.
Inside the opulent private room.
"What was up with that host tonight? Of all the damned questions—bringing up the cursed first love! Michael, we've got to do something about her!"
She had already been fired, and today was Magnus's birthday. When he arrives later, don't bring up any of this unhappy business."
"Who would dare? I sure don't have the guts!! That's like walking into a minefield!"
The two who were speaking were none other than Robert and Michael from the Sycamore Group, and they were Magnus's closest friends.
Before long, Magnus arrived, flanked by two bodyguards dressed in black suits.
With an arm around Magnus's shoulder, Robert teased, "C'mon, smile! It's your birthday! Michael and I put together this private lounge for you—surprised or what?"
Magnus surveyed the room—balloons and streamers everywhere—but his expression remained stern as he settled into the sofa, crossing his long legs. "Just an ordinary birthday. Nothing special to celebrate."
"There you go again, so young and yet interested in nothing... Tonight, I'll hook you up with a real knockout, help you loosen up!" Robert joked.
Michael chimed in with a smirk, "You think Mr. Blackwood is as frivolous as you? Magnus, I actually did prepare a real surprise for you tonight..."
Just as he finished speaking, someone knocked on the door.
"Hi, I'm the singer Michael booked. May I come in now?"
With a grin Michael replied, "Speak of the devil and he shall appear. Here comes your surprise. Come on in!"
The door clicked open.
Juniper stepped in, clutching her violin.
The lounge was dimly lit.
But the moment she looked up, her eyes locked with those deep, dark eyes in the corner.
As their gazes collided, Juniper felt her blood run cold, as if frozen in her veins.
Her feet seemed nailed to the floor, unable to advance or retreat—forced to confront those icy, piercing dark eyes.
It wasn't just Juniper who was stunned; Robert was speechless for a moment too.
When he finally snapped out of it, he scoffed, "Well if it isn't Juniper from the prominent Beaumont family of X City! Ditched television hosting to sing in a place like this?"
In the corner, Magnus sat with an air of untouchable elegance, quietly watching the scene unfold before him like a spectator detached from the affair.
His handsome face was devoid of any emotion. His gaze upon her as if she were a stranger.
As strangers they were... nothing more.
Six years, Magnus. Long time no see.
Never did she imagine, their reunion would be here.
He—the honored guest. She—the performer.
Juniper dug her fingers into her palm, the pain bringing a measure of clarity to her thoughts.
She let out a hollow laugh, "Robert's here to spend money, and I'm here to make it. Of course, if my presence is unwanted, I'll be on my way. Sorry for dampening your spirits."
Her back was stiff with tension, yet she bowed deeply, keeping her head low.
She didn't want any trouble.
And she definitely didn't want to provoke Magnus any further.
Just as Juniper was about to leave with her violin...
From the shadowy corner, the silent man finally spoke up "Hold on."