Elliot was sitting with his hands clasped on the table

Despite his calm face, his constant rubbing of his hands showed his tension

In contrast to the nervous Elliot, Alexander was sitting quietly sipping his tea

Alexander had to admit that he admired Elliot's sincerity

He told Elliot he was going to sell Maria and then immediately hung up

He wanted Elliot to come here himself

He knew full well that Elliot wouldn't stay still when he heard Maria's name

Fifteen minutes after the call, Elliot arrived at the Ford family mansion

Alexander was standing at the gate to greet him

He didn't expect Elliot to come so quickly, he seemed to have underestimated this man's obsession

The two did not speak, they knew that this matter had to be discussed in a place where the eyes of others would not reach it

So they decided to hold their little meeting in Alexander's room

" What do you want to talk about..". Elliot broke the silence

"Haven't I been clear enough? I will sell my sister to you..." Alexander smiled

"..." Elliot stared at Alexander's face

He still doesn't understand what Alexander is talking about

"Well, it seems that you did not understand. I will tell you information that will help you get closer to Maria.."

" what are you talking about..". Elliot was looking at Alexander in surprise

"No need to pretend it, I know you like her..."

"Don't make baseless allegations, I..."

Alexander interrupted. "In this case, do you want me to give this information to other people? You know that there are a lot of young people who would like to have this information to get closer to Maria..."

Elliot's eyes wavered for the first time

Alexander smiled silently, he had succeeded in breaking Elliot's defenses

Alexander continued his attack. "I can tell you about the things Maria likes..."

"But I already know this information..." Elliot replied with an incomprehensible smile

Elliot seems to realize that Alexander already knows about his feelings for Maria

Therefore, there is no point in denying Alexander's words

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

" you know?..". Alexander's eyebrow rose

"Yes, I know everything."

"Do you know what her favorite clothes are?"

"She likes to buy luxury dresses from Shunelle..."

"What about the shoes you like?"

"She likes to buy high-heeled shoes from Poco."

"...." The corner of Alexander's mouth twitched

He didn't know that this boy was an obsessed stalker

"Did you know you're acting like a stalker?" Alexander asked sarcastically

" I know that". Elliot nods and seems to accept that his behavior is abnormal

Alexander decided to use his secret weapon. "But you don't know anything about her academic life."

Elliot's expression changed dramatically when Alexander struck that chord

Elliot was two years older than Maria, so he graduated from the academy before Maria

Elliot was worried that a nobleman would take advantage of his absence and flirt with Maria

The Imperial Academy is a place where talented young people from all over the world come together

Alexander tried to use Elliot's anxiety to his advantage

Elliot's mind was filled with many fears

What would I do if Maria loved someone in that place?

What will happen if Maria becomes close to someone of the opposite sex?

Elliot was terrified just thinking about it

Elliot looked at Alexander, who was smiling and looking at his face. " I am listening to you..."

Alexander leaned back on the chair and tapped his finger twice on the table. "I will monitor all the males who approach Maria and send you their names. Most of them are from low-ranking noble families and are hoping to gain Maria's favor or become romantically close to Maria if possible. I am sure you will be able to get rid of these insects..."

Elliot's eyes became sharp when he heard that there were people trying to seduce Maria

"Send me the name of each one of them..." Elliot ground his teeth as he thought about smashing the faces of those bastards

" No problem.."

"What do you want in return?" Elliot was not naive

He has been running the family business for a long time. Therefore, he knows that Alexander wants something from him in exchange for this information, because they were not close to begin with.

Alexander took a piece of paper out of his pocket and handed it to Elliot

Elliot began reading the contents of the paper. The paper contained thirty names of different materials

With every name of a material Elliot read his expression grew more difficult

Elliot placed the paper on the table. "Do you really want me to buy all these materials for you?"

Elliot wanted to laugh at Alexander

"I am the one who will pay, all you have to do is provide me with these materials from the black market..."

Elliot frowned. These materials were difficult to obtain but not impossible

After some thought he looked into Alexander's eyes. "I'll accept it, but you have to pay more..."

" What do you want?"

"I want you to discredit those bastards who get close to Maria…" Elliot answered quickly

"You want me to spread rumours?.." Alexander's eyes were half closed

"No, I want you to tell Maria some bad things about them. For example..." Elliot put his hands on his chin. "Tell her that they are bullying you, or that they are talking bad things about her."

"You know that our relationship is not good..." Alexander didn't look convinced

"Even if Maria is from a different mother, you two are still related by blood. She will definitely take your words into consideration."

"Okay, I will do that."

"Good." Elliot took the paper and put it in his pocket

Elliot got up to leave. But he stopped and turned his head to look at Alexander. "Is it clear?"

" what are you talking about?.."

"I'm talking about my feelings towards Maria. Was it that clear?.." Elliot was worried and seemed to be hoping to hear a definite answer

Alexander looked at him sarcastically. "It is crystal clear."

"..." Elliot wanted to bury himself in embarrassment

-------------------

Elliot sat in the back seat of the car

He was immersed in deep thought

This is the first time he has dealt with Alexander in such depth

Previously, their relationship was limited to short conversations and exchanging greetings on public occasions

It's not that Elliot hadn't tried to get close to Alexander before, but it was Alexander who was isolating himself from others

There were many who were disappointed because Alexander did not meet their expectations

Elliot understands this burden that Alexander was carrying due to him being the heir to the Ford family

Elliot has been trained in skills that will help him in his work as head of the family. The most important of these skills is to stand aside and watch the events unfold, and by studying and analyzing these events he will make his moves.

Elliot attended several events and parties at the Ford family mansion, and each time he saw that Maria and Lucas were the ones who attracted the attention of the attendees while Alexander was pushed to the side and ignored.

Elliot didn't blame them

Lucas had outstanding fighting skills

Maria is an example of an outstanding leader. She can lead others efficiently and is able to obtain the greatest amount of benefits in negotiations. This is why Elliot admires her.

In this case, what does Alexander have?

He was an ordinary person in all respects, and these nobles would benefit nothing from getting close to him. Of course, there were those who tried to get close to him because of the Ford family name, but Alexander rejected them all.

Elliot could see Alexander standing on the side, looking at Maria and Lucas, who were surrounded by friends

Elliot tried to read Alexander, but his face was expressionless

What was Alexander thinking?

Was he jealous or hateful?

Is he wondering why everyone is gathering around the concubine's children while ignoring the legitimate wife's son?

Elliot was curious when thinking about what Alexander would do in the future

So he watched Alexander often

He didn't want Alexander to hurt Maria out of jealousy

But Alexander remained still, and did not show any strange movements. All he was doing was spending time in his room. This added an extra layer of mystery around the Alexandar. would he just sit still and do nothing?

Elliot took the paper out of his pocket

He examined the contents of the paper and frowned deeply

There was a lot of material he couldn't identify

What does he want to use these materials for?

He decided to seek the help of a scientist to find out the use of these materials