The Extra Who Shouldn't Exist

At a quiet, dimly lit table, two elegant figures sat, sipping tea that had long gone cold. A faint shimmer in the air surrounded them—an advanced Auditory Focus Spell, perfectly tuned to pick up the hushed voices of Alex, Charlotte, and Lorenzo at the center table.

Alicia von Crestvale leaned back, a playful smirk on her lips as she sipped elegantly. "I have to say, this spell is really useful for snooping around on someone," she said with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.

Beside her, Evelyn sat composed as always, her expression as unreadable as stone. "It’s not snooping," she said evenly. "I just want to find out if that guy is worth investing in... and whether his nature leans toward good or evil."

Alicia chuckled softly. "After hearing all that? I can say this much—he’s got serious guts and ambition. He’s already trying to establish a business on his own. That’s rare for someone his age."

Then her smirk widened. "And his way of blackmailing people to get what he wants... totally reminds me of you."

Evelyn’s mouth twitched. "I’m not that bad."

"Are you sure?" Alicia teased, lifting a brow.

Evelyn didn’t reply. She simply turned her gaze forward and ignored the jab like a queen brushing off a jester.

A moment passed, and Alicia spoke again, softer this time. "Looks like he cares about people too. He understands that bullying helpless people is wrong. That... says something."

Evelyn nodded. "You’re right about that."

She turned slightly, watching Alicia’s unusually delighted expression.