บท 14: Who was he to judge?

In a country of over three billion people, several families are flourishing and finding success amidst a rapidly growing economy. However, few are aware of the struggles endured to achieve this prosperity. Among these families, the Au and Vin families rank among the top five, in terms of wealth and influence.

On the other hand, there exists a woman with the surname Confessions, who unfortunately continues to remain in relative obscurity, her story and struggles largely unnoticed by the broader public.

That woman became the wife of the sole heir to the vast Au wealth, a fact known too few, including her connection to the Fe family, one of the top three great families.

This connection is further complicated by her ties to the Fe family, which is recognized as one of the top three great families in the country. Such powerful connections add layers to her identity and status within 'prominent society', known only to the 'exclusive'.

The country itself boasts a rich history that spans thousands upon thousands of years, which creates intricate and often convoluted familial ties that weave through time. These complexities make it difficult to trace the lineage and relationships among the prominent families. Unfortunately, the great families, though greedy, knew their lineage and only focused on the main branch separating out the branch families giving them another name. They were noble, but could never be compared to the main branch.

However, this complicated tale must be told a later time, the focus should now be on the two men sitting silently in the vehicle.

They held their own thoughts and secrets, so no further words were necessary. When the vehicle arrived at the house, both men exited, one carrying a still-sleeping woman.

The man with the woman paused to gather his thoughts before moving forward, while the other returned to the vehicle to drive the short distance to his home. The next steps required careful consideration.

Vin Baisti was keenly aware of the course of action he needed to take, and he moved without the slightest hesitation to put his plan into effect. Gripping his phone with determination, he made the call without delay. "Young master Vin it has been a while."

The voice was deep and magnetic, with a smoky drawl. Vin Baisti felt impatient interrupting before he could continue. "Master Baii you had to instigate him?" A long silence followed before the other spoke, his tone remaining casual and indifferent.

"The magazine is owned by the Maise family; rather than discussing it with me, why don't you reach out to them directly?" The voice on the other end resonated deeply, carrying an intensity that mirrored Vin's own fierce demeanour. In fact, it seemed that all the men who held an interest in Storyia possessed a similar timbre to their voices, differing only in the nature of their aspirations and pursuits regarding her. Vin's frustration boiled over as he pronounced the name with contempt, "Baii Benedix!" Each syllable dripped with raw anger, revealing how deeply the situation affected him. This man embodies a different aspect of his personality, showcasing a more playful and lighthearted nature, as he skilfully executes his plans with a clever and cunning approach. At times, he becomes so engrossed in his new identity that he forgets he is now Baii Benedix, not Au Arrogan, husband to Storyia!

Similar to Storyia, he has a mixed racial background; he is half European and was born in Europe before relocating to C country with his mother. His mother,the eldest lady of the Baii family, moved there following her divorce, forcing him to shoulder the responsibility of leading the Baii family after his grandfather retired. In stark contrast, Storyia's beginnings are quite different. She was born in C country and grew up as an orphan, relying solely on her grandmother for care and support. Her grandmother, recognizing the importance of exposure to the world beyond their immediate surroundings, permitted her to travel frequently, allowing her to leave C country often rather than being confined to it. This freedom has shaped Storyia's experiences and worldview, setting her apart from Baii Benedix, who was still navigating the complexities of his new identity and familial responsibilities. It is not a bad thing for him because he had grown up quickly, but it is not like the Storyia who had a wider view of the world.

"Oi, young master Vin, call me Xi'di!" the voice commanded. Vin Baisti took a deep breath, massaging his left temple with his free hand before continuing. "Master Baii, please send the selected dresses and shoes to the Vin main house; the judging is tomorrow, while the Fe family holds a small birthday banquet for old lady Fe."

"The dresses for tomorrow are ready, but unfortunately, those for the birthday banquet will be ready only the day before. I'm handling it myself to ensure it's flawless."

Vin Baisti said nothing more and hung up, leaning back with his eyes closed. He then sent a message to remove all news about tonight's events.

He knows Au Arrogan might remove it, but he is confident that he has likely cared for her and momentarily overlooked what happened. The Duan family has begun to act recklessly in inappropriate areas.

It seems he will have to spend hours tempering his body again and preparing for the even tomorrow, another issue may also arise.

The vehicle came to a stop and the door was opened, Vin Baisti fixed his coat jacket and walked up the steps. The door was opened by the housekeeper who welcomed him home. "Welcome home eldest young master Vin."

In Baisti's response, he noted the house was quiet since he was the only one there. After his mother divorced his father, she took the main house and signed it over to him when he turned eighteen. He understood the situation clearly. His father's infidelity with his secretary was expected, but his mother, a proud doctor, could never accept such betrayal.

He felt it was right because he loved his own wife and any stain from another woman is also unacceptable, but in his memory, it was a deep pain. He had betrayed her even in this life, and coveted a woman already married. So who was he to judge?