The outing finally began. They toured the city throughout the afternoon, but Al simply stood at a distance, completely uninvolved and not once invited to enjoy any part of the tour.
The group visited several urban landmarks, cultural museums, and art galleries, followed by lunch at a five-star restaurant.
In the evening, the trip continued to an elite shopping center.
As before, Al didn't walk at the front with Nayala or the Valendra family, instead trailing at the very rear, grouped with the guards. Some mall visitors even mistook him for a teenage assistant or junior aide since he wasn't wearing a standard bodyguard uniform.
Al didn't mind.
To him, being in the shadows allowed him to observe everything—with a clear head.
At least I don't have to deal with annoying stuff, Al thought.
As evening approached, the group arrived at the heart of the city—right in front of the sparkling, towering Aria Plaza Mall. A massive shopping complex with ultra-luxury zones, it was owned by one of the most influential global companies in the world: Aria Group. Its facade gleamed like a giant crystal, and every visitor had to pass through high-level security screening.
Wearing clean, casual attire, Al gazed at the mall. He recognized the logo and interior design. Familiar. But he kept it to himself.
Ahead of him, several Valendra family members—who had treated him like an extra all day—suddenly spoke up.
"Hey, kid! Watch your step—this isn't a street market!"
"Bet you've never even been to a place like this, huh?"
"Try not to get confused by the glass elevators or escalators, haha…"
A few chuckles sounded from behind—classic mockery from people who thought they were superior. Ironically, the Valendra family could only afford to visit this mall because they were being treated by the Virellanos.
They dared to sneer at Al again because Edward and Sandra weren't around, and Sarah and Lysha didn't seem interested in interfering.
Al said nothing. His eyes stared straight ahead. But his body tensed ever so slightly.
David, noticing from the front, casually walked over and patted Al on the shoulder with his signature friendly act.
"Relax, Al," he said loudly enough for the others to hear.
"This might be your first time in a mall this fancy… or maybe your first time in a mall ever, huh?"
"But don't worry. As long as you don't act weird or touch the expensive stuff, you'll be fine. See something you like, ask me or our sisters, okay?"
Al just glanced at him briefly. He didn't reply.
Sarah, who had been busy with her phone, chimed in without looking up:
"Al, most people who come here are elite. Don't embarrass the Virellano name. Just stay in the back with the bodyguards and behave."
Al let out a quiet sigh. He didn't have the energy to argue.
"All right, Sis," he replied lazily.
Meanwhile, Lysha, not far away, glanced at him from the corner of her eye. She said nothing, but the slight tightening of her jaw showed she wasn't happy about what just happened. Still confused why Al even had to come along.
The group walked through a golden-blue crystal-themed corridor. Not far ahead was the VVIP section—an exclusive zone that could only be accessed by those with special authorization and virtually unlimited bank accounts.
Some Valendra family members grew curious and began heading toward it.
"Eh, you probably shouldn't," Sarah said quickly, stepping in front of them.
"That area has extremely strict rules. Not everyone can go in."
Privately, Sarah grumbled. She could enter, sure. But bringing this crowd? No way. Even in the regular VIP section, a single clothing item could cost as much as a standard apartment unit. Trying to treat all these people would bankrupt the Virellano family.
The Valendra group nodded in disappointment, but they understood.
"Wow… So even being elite isn't enough to get in?"
"Guess it's true—there's always a higher sky above."
Sarah quietly sighed in relief. At least they knew their place.
---
Suddenly…
Footsteps echoed in the corridor.
Powerful. Elegant. Commanding.
The presence of the approaching group immediately drew everyone's attention. Shoppers stepped aside. Security personnel stood straight.
Leading the group was a young woman—extraordinarily beautiful and elegantly dressed. Even Sarah—known as a top celebrity—felt a pang of insecurity seeing her.
Her long, straight hair shone like moonlit midnight, perfectly styled. She wore a formal uniform with a small Alasia Group emblem. Behind her followed a male and female assistant, both carrying tablets and limited-edition branded bags. Then came a line of elite bodyguards walking in perfect formation, as if choreographed.
She was Aiza Hiruzen, Chairwoman and young CEO of Alasia Group, a global multi-continental corporation rivaling the world's top conglomerates.
Whispers filled the air:
"That's... Aiza Hiruzen, right?"
"The young CEO of Alasia?"
"Wow, she's really that gorgeous..."
"Oh my God, is she even human?"
"What did I dream last night to deserve this? Or am I still dreaming now?"
Everyone who had been admiring Sarah, Nayala, or Lysha now had their eyes glued to Aiza.
David couldn't blink. His eyes sparkled in awe. Next to him, Nayala pinched his arm jealously—but David seemed hypnotized.
Only one person remained unfazed: Al. His gaze was calm. Not impressed, not surprised. Almost… as if he already knew her.
As Aiza walked with her dignified grace, her eyes briefly flicked toward Al. Her steps paused for a second. Just one.
Then she walked on.
As they passed, David impulsively stepped forward:
"Excuse me, Miss… I'm David, from the Virellano family. I—"
Aiza glanced at him from head to toe. She said nothing.
Her female assistant took half a step forward.
"Please move aside."
Her voice was flat. Firm. It felt like a gust of invisible cold wind shoved David back. He slowly stepped away.
Rejected. Completely. For the first time.
His face turned red, awkward and slightly trembling.
Watching it all, Nayala grew even more irritated and glared at him sharply.
When Aiza passed by Al, she didn't say a word. But... she slightly lowered her head—a gesture so subtle only the most observant would notice—before lifting it again and walking past.
Al just gave a small smile.
Aiza's group entered the VVIP area. Her bodyguards stood outside like a living wall.
---
Back with the others.
Sarah stormed up to Al, barely containing her anger.
"Look at you! Even Miss Aiza was disgusted just looking at you! She bowed because she couldn't stand it!"
Al didn't answer. His eyes were still fixed ahead, watching Aiza's silhouette fade behind the crystal VVIP doors.
Sarah—usually full of confidence—couldn't deny one thing in her heart: she was mesmerized by Aiza too. And Aiza wasn't even an actress. Not a celebrity. Yet her presence seemed to demand the world's attention.
Meanwhile, Lysha and Nayala tried to snap David out of his daze.
David, finally regaining his senses, looked around in a panic at Lysha and Nayala's expressions. He stammered:
"Ah, that… it's nothing. I just wanted to build a connection with Alasia Group… that's all."
They nodded slightly, not wanting to drag it out—though they both knew it was a lame excuse.
"What's so great about Alasia Group anyway…" Nayala muttered, pouting.
Al remained silent.
His smile never faded.
---