Deviant: No Longer Human

"So, what do we have here? Unfilial daughters plotting against their father for inheritance...?" Wang Xiao teased as he approached, his arms opening wide in a dramatic gesture before he gently encircled both girls with a warm embrace from behind.

A faint, fresh fragrance wafted from his left, mingling with another sweet scent from his right, prompting a blissful smile to dance across his face.

"I had not anticipated my own flowers one day would rally with the enemy against their father," he mused softly, his voice a tender murmur as he peered down at the pair, his hands resting lightly on their delicate shoulders.

The world seemed to hold its breath for a moment.

"..."

"..."

Two pairs of eyes, brimming with a mix of resolve and gentle turmoil, glanced back at him—one set quietly, the other softly apprehensive.

"Dad, this display of melodrama is unnecessary... We are not aligning with your enemies," Yue murmured from his right, her voice reserved yet laced with an undeniable firmness. Her demure nature held by the strength clearly etched in her stance.

"Oh? And what might this be?" Wang Xiao's gaze shifted to the signboard clasped in her hand.

With a serene grace, Yue blinked slowly, her eyes reflecting the clear blue of a tranquil lake. "These are our demand..."

"They—and—we are distinct, separate from your conflicts. Different people, different demands." She lowered the signboard with a grace that seemed to paint the air with strokes of dignity, pointing gently yet definitively towards the crowd ahead.

Observing her elegant actions and the subtle gesture of her hand, as if she were severing ties with gentle precision, Wang Xiao felt a wave of warmth wash over him.

The quiet intensity of her resolve was as enchanting as it was impressive.

Yet, he could not simply step out of his role yet.

"Oh, what new demands do you have now?" Wang Xiao inquired, his eyebrow arching with a playful curiosity as he gazed upon Yue's exquisitely sculpted features.

The sun's golden rays bathed her face, illuminating her gem-like blue eyes with a celestial shimmer that seemed to draw him completely.

Even as he stood there, he found himself entranced, listening yet not fully grasping the words of the moment, lost in the smile.

Yue hesitated, her lips—a pair of delicate cherry blossoms—pressed together in thoughtful contemplation.

After a moment of silent debate, her voice, soft yet resolute, "It concerns my company... You promised to not interfere."

Wang Xiao, pulled abruptly from his reverie, adopted a more serious demeanor. "It's merely a single marriage, and aren't you already hosting events? Just accept it," he said with a nonchalant shrug, his voice light yet dismissive of her deeper concerns.

"It's not even here... It's in Icevale..." Yue's voice trailed off, her expression clouding with a mix of frustration and resignation.

The event was scheduled for the first week of September, and with such short notice, preparations seemed an impossible task, especially considering its location in a foreign land.

This endeavor was supposed to be her own empire, a company built from the ethereal dreams of managing exquisite events, a symbol to her independence and creative spirit.

But now, Wang Xiao had usurped even her right to choose the inaugural event of her own enterprise.

Just the day before, as she sifted through prospective events with the meticulous care of a seasoned artisan, selecting from those likely sent by acquaintances aware of her fledgling undertaking, her desire to forge a unique legacy was evident.

Yet, Wang Xiao, in a move as swift as a gust of wind, had nonchalantly reviewed the proposals, instantly selecting one and placing it before her.

His decision left her stunned—not merely due to its abruptness but because his choice implied a preordained plan, robbing her of the autonomy she cherished.

This realization—that her debut, meant to showcase her capabilities, was orchestrated by her father—weighed heavily on her heart, like a delicate flower under the early frost, threatening to stifle the fiery ambition that had driven her to embark on this path.

As the accusatory glances of his daughters bore into him, Wang Xiao's eyes betrayed a flicker of discomfort. "I assure you, that proposal wasn't of my doing... You can confirm with Juliana," he declared.

From the periphery, Juliana, adorned in elegant black heels that clicked softly against the cobblestones, stepped forward with a flutter of her silken dress, her sudden movement nearly causing her to stumble.

"Ah—yes! It was dispatched by our agents," she confirmed hastily, her voice a delicate tremble.

"!"

Yue, her celestial features tightened in a delicate frown, allowed her gaze to linger accusingly on Juliana for a brief moment, a silent warning glimmering in her deep, azure eyes.

She then turned back to Wang Xiao, her voice soft yet piercing as she delivered her query like a veiled sword thrust.

"Isn't she your girlfriend?" she inquired with a trace of frost.

"Obviously not," Wang Xiao replied instantly, his expression clearing, though inwardly he reveled in the strategic acumen they were beginning to show.

'They now use threats against others! Good! Good!' he celebrated silently.

Still unsatisfied, Yue's voice dropped to a grumble, her complaint filled with threads of silver disappointment. "... You cleverly introduced your agent under the guise of our assistant... If she is not your spy, then what, my dear dad, is she?"

Yue's memories fluttered back to the day they had sought an assistant.

Juliana had appeared before them, willing to work for a modest stipend and boasting impressive academic achievements.

Their meeting had seemed like fate, too perfect in its coincidence, and they had welcomed her without suspicion, not realizing she was a chess piece placed by Wang Xiao.

But the truth, like the slow blooming of a night-blooming flower, had revealed itself in mere months, exposing Wang Xiao's intricate strategy.

He had assured them that he was not accompanying them outside Xianthera, preferring instead to enjoy some solitary time.

But it had all been a well-crafted lie!

He was merely keeping an eye on them, monitoring their every move.

To Yue, this was utterly unacceptable!

How are they supposed to grow if they are constantly shielded?

If they don't mature, who will support him in the future?

If Wang Xiao could peer into her thoughts, he would immediately grab his lovely daughter in a instant hug and promptly assign her a much deserved solo journey through the Amazon rainforests to supply her growth.

Regrettably, neither possessed the ability to read minds.

Yue, realizing that contesting her stubborn father was futile, channeled her frustration elsewhere.

She cast a suspicious glance toward the woman standing near Juliana and queried, "Who is she now?"

Her inquiry prompted Juliana to also look toward her mother, her own curiosity piqued about why she was present.

Lisa remained unruffled, exuding charm and grace, even as Wenxi, who had been quiet until then, looked over her shoulder and caught sight of her.

A flicker of surprise danced in Wenxi's eyes as she swiftly connected the dots between Juliana and Lisa.

She couldn't help but direct a sharp, somewhat bitter glance at Wang Xiao, 'Did he grabbed both sisters?' she wondered, a touch of astonishment coloring her thoughts.

"Is it another... aunt?" Yue asked, her voice tinged with resignation and a hint of weariness, as she contemplated the task of keeping track of the seemingly endless list of aunts.

"Oh, don't mind her; she's just assisting me with some chores," Wang Xiao said, brushing off any concerns.

He would never admit to his debauchery in front of his daughters—not because he couldn't, but because he enjoyed watching their anger.

"Definitely..." Yue thought, her gaze drifting to Lisa's graceful swaying waist.

With such a figure, Lisa could certainly lend her father a hand with many chores.

Yue had 'no intention' of expanding the list of aunts, given Wang Xiao's habits.

He would take any beautiful woman in sight to his bed.

"Are you drunk?" Yue's delicate nose wrinkled as she caught the faint scent of alcohol from his breath.