The suite felt even cosier in the morning light, with the sun peeking through the curtains and casting a warm, golden glow over everything.
Seraphina sat up in bed, the duvet still wrapped around her like a cosy cocoon, her big blue eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and contentment.
The breakfast had arrived quicker than expected—Elias and Jax had been efficient, dropping off trays laden with fluffy pancakes.
Scrambled eggs, fresh fruit bowls, crispy bacon, and steaming coffee before scurrying out with polite nods.
They still looked a bit flustered from the earlier surprise, but Seraphina found it endearing, like watching two big puppies try to act tough.
Callista, still in her unbuttoned shirt, had arranged the trays on the bed between them.
She looked adorable in the morning—her dark hair messy, green eyes soft and sleepy, a small smile playing on her lips as she poured coffee into two mugs.
"Here, black or with cream?" she asked, her voice gentle, like she was handling something precious.
"With cream, please," Seraphina replied, leaning forward to take the mug.
Their fingers brushed, sending a little spark through her.
[She's so thoughtful. Who knew the tough businesswoman had this side?]
They settled in, cross-legged on the bed, the sheets rumpled from the night before.
The pancakes were golden and stacked high, drizzled with maple syrup that smelled sweet and inviting.
Seraphina speared a piece of strawberry from the fruit bowl and popped it into her mouth, the juice bursting with flavour.
"This is heaven," she sighed, her red hair falling in waves over her shoulders.
Callista chuckled, a low, warm sound that made Seraphina's heart flutter.
"Better than last night's chaos?" She cut into her pancakes, forking a bite and holding it out to Seraphina playfully. "Try this."
Seraphina leaned in, taking the bite with a grin.
Syrup dripped a little on her chin, and she laughed, wiping it away. "Messy, but delicious. You're spoiling me already."
"That's the plan," Callista said, her green eyes twinkling.
She reached over, gently wiping a stray drop with her thumb, her touch lingering.
It was such an adorable, intimate gesture— like they were in their own little world.
As they ate, the conversation flowed easily, like old friends catching up.
Callista set her fork down for a moment, picking up the script from the nightstand again.
Shadow Siege lay open to a page with a tense chase scene, and she traced the words with her finger.
"This script... It's incredible. The way the operative outsmarts the terrorists in that elevator fight—it's smart, action-packed. How did you come up with it?"
Seraphina shrugged modestly, but her blue eyes lit up with passion.
"Inspiration hits in weird ways. I dream of writing movies that make people stars, you know? Turning unknowns into celebrities, featuring real talent."
"My stepsisters are in the industry, but they're just scratching the surface. I want to go big—win awards, have my stories everywhere."
Callista nodded, her expression serious yet supportive.
"I get that. My family's deep in it—Mom's Vivienne Thorne, the movie star. She's got connections that could help.
And me?
"I run the business side, but I love the creative spark. This script could be huge. We should talk about producing it."
Seraphina's heart skipped.
[She's offering help? Adorable how she's jumping in]
"Really? That would be amazing. But I don't want to rush. I have... sources for more ideas."
They talked more, sharing bites of food.
Callista fed Seraphina a piece of bacon, their laughs filling the room when it crumbled.
"Tell me about your family pressures," Seraphina said, curling closer.
"You mentioned the kids—nephew and niece?"
Callista's face softened, like a proud aunt. "Theo and Lila. Twins, six years old. Full of energy—Theo's into building forts, Lila loves drawing."
"They're why I need stability. Parents keep pushing marriage, but I don't let people close. Until you." She kissed Seraphina's hand, a cute, romantic move.
"Aww, they sound adorable. I'd love to meet them," Seraphina said, meaning it.
[Kids? This could be fun.]
The breakfast stretched on, adorable moments piling up—coffee sips, shared fruit, whispers about dreams.
But eventually, Seraphina felt a familiar chime in her mind.
"Excuse me for a sec," Seraphina said, slipping out of bed with the duvet around her.
"Bathroom break." Callista nodded, still munching on eggs.
In the bathroom, Seraphina locked the door quietly, her movements smooth.
The chime rang again—the system.
***************************************************
"Congratulations, Host. Task complete:
Callista Thorne has seen the script without a direct handover.
Reward: Instant Wealth Boost—10x your current hidden fortune. Credits updated."
Seraphina smiled at her reflection.
[Jackpot. My assassin's stash was big; now it's enormous.]
"New feature unlocked: The Market. Access premium items from parallel realms. Touch to interact."
Suddenly, a holographic screen materialised before her—not just in her mind, but visible and touchable, like a floating tablet shimmering in blue light.
She reached out, her fingers brushing the surface—it felt cool and solid, like glass.
[Whoa, I can touch it? That's new.]
She tapped, exploring.