Chapter 10 - Ending the Engagement

Aric stood before the mirror, his reflection showing a face of cold determination. Alicia, his loyal maid, helped him adjust the last details of his attire. Her hands moved deftly, smoothing out any wrinkles and ensuring he looked impeccable for his journey.

"You're ready, young master," Alicia said, stepping back to admire her work.

Aric nodded, a sinister smile playing on his lips. "Today, I will collect a lot of villain points," he murmured to himself, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

With a confident stride, Aric left his villa and made his way to the Song estate. The sprawling compound was impressive, with its ornate gates, manicured gardens, and imposing architecture, yet it lacked the sheer grandeur and overwhelming presence of the Lei family estate.

Upon arriving, Aric was immediately escorted to Sylvia's villa. He waited with calculated patience, knowing that his presence would stir unease. The moments ticked by until Sylvia finally appeared, her expression a mix of surprise and wariness.

[Name - Sylvia Song]

[Age - 18]

[Cultivation Level - Foundation Establishment (2nd Stage)]

[Strength - 16 (Normal Human Limit - 10)]

[Agility - 13 (Normal Human Limit - 10)]

[Intelligence - 10 (Normal Human Limit - 10)]

[Charm - 10 (Normal Human Limit - 10)]

[Physique - Celestial Lotus Physique]

[Bloodline - Bloodline of the Moonlit Phoenix]

[Cultivation Techniques - Moonlit Phoenix Art]

[Skills - Lunar Grace Movement, Phoenix Flame Strike, Moonlight Illusion, Heavenly Phoenix Rebirth (Advanced)]

[Protagonist Halo (Luck) - 21,000]

"She has the blood of Phoenix. That's quite interesting. It's the duty of every transmigrator to make the heroine crave for them. But this bitch does not deserve it. I have to just enjoy the villain points from her."

"May be I can NTR the protagonist. Ha ha ha. That would be fun."

"Let's see what this bitch has to say", Aric thought in his mind.

"Aric," she greeted, her voice steady but her eyes betraying her uncertainty. "I thought... I heard you were..."

"Dead?" Aric finished for her, a mocking smile on his lips. "Clearly, I'm not. But let's not waste time with pleasantries."

Sylvia's eyes narrowed, but she remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

"I've come to end our engagement," Aric declared, his tone icy. "It no longer serves my interests. You see, Sylvia, your little scheme with Jarod failed. And now, it's time for you to face the consequences."

Sylvia's face paled slightly, but she maintained her composure. "I want this engagement to end as well," she admitted, her voice tinged with relief. "I never wanted to marry you. I love Jarod."

Aric's smile widened, though it didn't reach his eyes. He leaned in close, his breath hot against her ear. "Keep your love for Jarod, Sylvia, but be prepared to face the consequences."

Sylvia's expression hardened, but before she could respond, the doors to the villa opened, and several members of the Song family entered. They had heard the commotion and were determined to intervene.

"Aric, you can't just end the engagement like this," one of the elders said, his tone authoritative. "This union is crucial for both our families. Think of the alliances, the power dynamics."

Another elder chimed in, his voice laced with frustration. "And demanding the return of all the gifts? That's preposterous. Those were given in good faith."

Aric's gaze remained steely, unfazed by their attempts to persuade him. "I am no longer interested in maintaining this farce. Sylvia's actions and your family's greed have made it clear that this engagement is a mistake. I have already informed my father of my decision."

The Song family members exchanged worried glances. They knew that the Lei family's power was immense, and losing this engagement could have severe repercussions.

"How dare you!" one of the elders snapped, turning to Sylvia. "You have brought shame upon our family with your reckless actions. Do you understand what you've done?"

Sylvia's face flushed with embarrassment and anger as she faced the scolding. "I didn't ask for this engagement," she retorted, her voice shaking. "I never wanted any of this."

"But your actions have consequences," another elder growled. "You have jeopardized our family's standing. We needed this alliance."

Sylvia's eyes filled with tears, but she held her ground. "I'm sorry, but I won't marry him."

Aric, sensing the tension and enjoying the chaos, decided to finalize his move. He pulled out his phone and called his father, putting the call on speaker.

"Father," Aric said, his voice respectful but firm. "I have ended my engagement with Sylvia Song. I also request that we sever all ties with the Song family. They are not worthy of our association."

There was a pause on the other end of the line before his father's deep voice responded. "Understood, Aric. Consider it done."

The room fell into a stunned silence. The Song family members were speechless, unable to comprehend the magnitude of what had just happened. Sylvia's face was a mask of shock and disbelief.

Aric ended the call and looked at the assembled group with a cold, triumphant smile. "This engagement is over. And so are our families' relations."

With that, he turned on his heel and strode out of the villa, leaving chaos in his wake. His mind was already racing with plans for his next move, but for now, he relished the feeling of power and control. Today, he had truly begun his path as a villain.

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Note: This world has been primarily an ancient world but they have developed many of the modern technologies like phones, cars for the convenience of normal citizen(aka mortals).