Anh Th? stepped into the casting room with a fairly confident mindset. She gave a slight bow to greet the judging panel, her demeanor calm though unable to fully hide her nervousness. The woman in the red dress nodded lightly in return, her gaze gentle yet serious. She went straight to the point:

  – “May I ask — you’re pregnant, correct?”

  Anh Th? paused for a brief moment. Even though she had prepared herself mentally, the question still made her heart sink. After a few seconds of silence, she answered honestly:

  – “Yes… that’s correct.”

  The woman in the red dress nodded softly, her voice still kind:

  – “We are not rejecting you because of your appearance or ability. The main reason is the health of both you and your baby.”

  The woman in the pastel purple suit continued, looking directly at her without harshness:

  – “During pregnancy, your body and face will change due to weight and hormones. Your facial features won’t remain stable over time.”

  She paused briefly:

  – “Moreover, a model’s work schedule is very demanding, which would directly affect the fetus.”

  The man in the ash-gray suit nodded in agreement:

  – “Not to mention you would be exposed to cosmetic chemicals every day — not just makeup, but also hair spray, styling wax, and nail polish.”

  His voice lowered:

  – “Those are not safe for pregnant women.”

  The young man smiled reassuringly, trying to ease the mood:

  – “We’re sorry. For your health and the child’s safety, we cannot accept you into the company.”

  Anh Th? lowered her head. She felt a bit sad but understood that everything the judges said was reasonable. She couldn’t argue and had no grounds to blame them:

  – “Thank you.”

  As she turned to leave, the woman in the red dress said to Grimm:

  – “There’s a hair clip and hair tie set in the gift list. Please give it to the contestant.”

  Grimm bowed:

  – “Yes, ma’am.”

  Anh Th? walked outside where C?u D?ng and M? Linh quickly approached to ask about the result. She retold all the judges’ advice, her voice calm but tinged with regret.

  Anh Tú nodded in agreement:

  – “They’re right, Mom and Dad. Th? is pregnant — exposure to cosmetic chemicals would greatly affect the baby.”

  – “And the work schedule is intense, with lots of travel. That’s not good for her health.”

  Join gently added:

  – “Don’t be sad. Right now, your health and safety matter most. You’re still young — there will be many other opportunities.”

  Huy held his wife’s hand, his voice warm:

  – “Join is right. There will be other chances that suit you better.”

  C?u D?ng let out a breath and said in a lower tone:

  – “Alright, let’s go eat.”

  M? Linh lightly embraced her daughter’s shoulder:

  – “They said that for your own good. Let’s go.”

  After that, C?u D?ng’s family got into the car and left the competition area.

  Inside the Cadillac, the agents along with Bách Di?n were still observing from afar. Bách Di?n glanced at his watch:

  – “At this hour, Phong Túc should have returned to D?ng’s villa already. No need to worry.”

  ***

  At the gate of C?u D?ng’s villa, Phong Túc — in the appearance of dì T?, the housemaid — had returned. From a distance, no one could recognize his true identity.

  He walked into the house at an unhurried pace. As soon as he entered the living room, he dropped onto the sofa, his voice low and weary:

  – “Truly exhausting… but this role is almost over.”

  Phong Túc stood up and walked into his private room:

  – “Before leaving this place, I need to gather more evidence.”

  His eyes turned cold:

  – “Evidence of their murders and property seizure.”

  He stopped in front of the desk:

  – “I’ve already recorded everything.”

  His voice grew deeper, gaze sharp:

  – “Only one thing left… finding the lawyer from years ago — the one who helped them forge the documents.”

  At the competition venue, the lively atmosphere continued to spread across the casting area. Stage lights flooded the runway, and before the murmuring crowd could settle, Grimm picked up the microphone and called the next contestant:

  – “Please welcome Ms. Di?m Hoa.”

  At that very moment, a sexy, well-figured lady stepped out from behind the crowd. She was captivating in a pastel brown bodycon dress that hugged every perfect curve, highlighting her slim waist and long, toned legs. Her long black hair flowed down her back, with striking red ombré at the ends like a smoldering flame, making her presence even more mesmerizing.

  Di?m Hoa’s face was sharp and refined, her gaze deep and cold, carrying a charm that was both seductive and dangerous — like a female assassin stepping out of an action film. Just one look was enough to make people unable to look away.

  Kane widened his eyes and leaned over to nudge Grimm:

  – “Dude… do you see that?”

  Grimm swallowed hard, eyes fixed on the beauty approaching:

  – “That figure is absolutely top-tier… I’m seriously overwhelmed.”

  Di?m Hoa stepped forward, each movement light and decisive, carrying the rhythm of a hunting panther. She gave a faint smile, her low voice just loud enough to hear:

  – “Hello, gentlemen.”

  Grimm stammered, quickly straightening his posture:

  – “H-hello… please come inside for the audition.”

  As she passed them, Di?m Hoa gave a subtle wink. In that instant, Grimm and Kane felt as if an invisible arrow had shot straight through their hearts.

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  Inside the judging room, the panel and Nicolas stared without blinking. The air seemed to slow for a few beats. The young man tilted his head, observing her from head to toe, unable to hide his approval:

  – “Excellent. Face, aura, figure… incredibly seductive.”

  The woman in the pastel purple suit nodded, lips curving upward:

  – “I think we should move her straight into the next round.”

  Nicolas, who favored strong and wild personalities, was clearly right on target with this type. He gave a slight nod, his tone calm but decisive:

  – “You meet the contest criteria perfectly. Congratulations.”

  Di?m Hoa smiled, her sharp eyes shining with complete confidence:

  – “Thank you, judges. I won’t disappoint you.”

  When Di?m Hoa stepped back outside, Grimm and Kane were already waiting with a small gift bag in hand:

  – “For you. Pearl finishing powder — it reflects light softly and gives your skin a smooth, radiant effect.”

  She accepted the bag, leaned closer, lowered her voice, and added a meaningful wink:

  – “Thank you, gentlemen. See you again.”

  Kane stood frozen for a few seconds and answered reflexively:

  – “S-see… see you again.”

  Di?m Hoa turned and walked away with a confident stride, back straight and poised. But once her face was out of sight, her eyes shifted independently in two completely different directions, her gaze suddenly sharp and calculating.

  A playful male voice sounded:

  – “They really are crazy about pretty women. Good — that makes our plan succeed.”

  Inside the Bentley, Erion chuckled softly:

  – “What do you think would happen if they knew both cases were actually men?”

  Din laughed comfortably:

  – “They’d probably live the rest of their lives as introverts.”

  Charles laughed and shook his head:

  – “Long-term psychological trauma for sure.”

  Trang giggled, clearly amused:

  – “They probably wouldn’t dare date anyone again.”

  Inside the Cadillac, the Grand Madam Advisor sighed and shook her head helplessly:

  – “Those two are too ruthless. Every standard — facial ratios and body measurements — adjusted down to the millimeter.”

  Trúc Di?n slapped his forehead, sounding resigned:

  – “Only the two masters’ disguise techniques could pull off something like this.”

  Lita pouted, her eyes flashing with envy:

  – “Even I’m jealous. That body proportion looks like it came straight out of an animated film.”

  Inside the Ferrari, Yin and Chen could not hide their dissatisfaction. Chen rested his chin on his hand and let out a long, heavy sigh:

  – “Those two are seriously dangerous.”

  Yin tapped his fingers rhythmically on the steering wheel, eyes still fixed straight ahead:

  – “Everyone around the Sovereign has their own strengths, but when it comes to disguise techniques, they’re truly formidable. With magic added, they can even conceal their energy frequency.”

  Chen glanced out the car window, his voice lowering:

  – “So we’re heading back now, boss?”

  Yin gave a slight nod:

  – “Let me ask the General first.”

  Inside the Porsche, Arian still looked stunned:

  – “Those two even replicated the walking style and eye expressions… every single step looked more natural than a real woman’s.”

  H?ng Nhung nodded repeatedly, unable to hide her envy:

  – “I wear high heels and still can’t walk that gracefully. I’m honestly so jealous.”

  Erion’s voice came through the earpiece, cold and concise:

  – “We’re heading back. Black Diamond’s people have infiltrated their ranks. Information will be updated regularly.”

  Master V?nh nodded and smiled lightly:

  – “Then it’s time to conserve our strength and keep watching the drama between the parents-in-law and the son-in-law. Today’s his first day living with the wife’s family.”

  The Grand Madam Advisor tilted her head and asked:

  – “Are the Serpent Clan members not coming today?”

  Trúc Di?n answered immediately, without hesitation:

  – “They’re on another assignment, ma’am.”

  Din spoke up casually:

  – “Let’s go. We should stop somewhere to eat.”

  The little demons grumbled softly, each rubbing their stomachs:

  – “We’ve been hungry for a while now. Let’s go right away.”

  Yin spoke decisively:

  – “Then please come to my restaurant.”

  The cars gradually pulled away from their positions. Each group had reset their mindset, preparing for the next chain of events.

  ***

  At the Bình Chánh headquarters, images of a factory hidden within Cát Tiên National Park were being analyzed on a 3D terrain map by intelligence agents. Every forest angle, pathway, and elevation was magnified in detail.

  Demon King Satan remained calm, his voice deep and steady:

  – “Our agents have reached the forest edge and are preparing to monitor the target.”

  An agent bowed respectfully:

  – “All equipment and supplies are fully prepared. Rotational teams will maintain a 24/7 watch.”

  Satan nodded in satisfaction:

  – “Excellent.”

  His gaze rested on the floating curved screen as he spoke slowly:

  – “Now we only wait for information from the Queen and the Princess Consort.”

  On the Dark Planet, Queen Seraphina and Princess Consort Sophia were quietly observing every development transmitted through the satellite network. Layers of hologram screens floated in tiers, casting a cold glow across their faces.

  Seraphina let out a faint, chilly smile, a trace of satisfaction in her eyes:

  – “I wondered who it was… turns out to be an old acquaintance.”

  Sophia smirked and crossed her arms:

  – “Whether familiar or not, the Sovereign won’t show mercy. Should we inform him, Elder Sister?”

  Seraphina did not take her eyes off the screen, the corner of her lips curving with hidden intent:

  – “Not yet. I need their full activity schedule first…”

  Her voice slowed and deepened:

  – “And I want to see how many octopus tentacles are still wriggling.”

  ***

  On Earth, in Vietnam, a new day began.

  Morning mist still lingered around the Gothic villa. The little demons were still drowsy after staying up too late feasting the night before, sprawled across the mezzanine level. Outside, Trang was calmly tending the ornamental plants — from cacti and succulents to various flowering pots — each movement gentle and meticulous.

  In the kitchen, Erion was preparing breakfast, tossing asparagus in a hot pan. Din stood nearby, unhurriedly brewing tea and coffee, their aroma spreading through the room.

  Everything seemed peaceful in the early morning until…

  From C?u D?ng’s neighboring villa, a loud shout exploded across the compound:

  – “Huy! Where’s Huy? Who told you to feed my Koi fish? Do you know how much each one costs?!”

  Huy stammered, his face turning pale:

  – “I… I just wanted to help take care of the pond, Dad…”

  C?u D?ng continued shouting without losing intensity:

  – “Then go help Aunt T? prepare breakfast! As for the Koi pond, you are not to touch it again — got it?!”

  Huy lowered his head, looking sickly pale:

  – “Yes… I understand, Dad. I’m sorry.”

  He hurried into the kitchen to help Dì T? with the food, his steps still clumsy and rushed.

  Back at the Gothic villa, the little demons on the mezzanine all jolted awake. One yawned and muttered:

  – “Is it an earthquake or something? I hear someone yelling like crazy.”

  Another scratched his head, still half-asleep:

  – “That was louder than our masters when they shout.”

  Down in the kitchen, Erion kept stirring the asparagus while tilting his head to lightly clean his ear.

  – “At this rate, forget sleep — forget rest altogether.”

  Din gave a crooked smirk and set his coffee cup on the table:

  – “That centipede guy is pitiful… but he chose this himself. Not so easy to live off the in-laws.”

  Erion chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes:

  – “So the fluffy black cat and that chameleon will have to suffer too.”

  At Mr. Tài’s house, the morning began under a heavy mood as the echoes of shouting from C?u D?ng’s villa still carried across the neighborhood.

  In the kitchen, Professor Charles calmly brewed coffee. The aroma of roasted beans spread gently through the air. Hi?u sat at the dining table, getting ready to eat breakfast before school, but everyone’s faces looked strained from the noise coming from the other side of the fence. He took a sip of fresh milk and shook his head in exasperation:

  – “Mr. Anh Tú is from a wealthy family — being a live-in son-in-law is comfortable for him. But Huy… he’s in for a rough time.”

  Mrs. Nga ladled bowls of pho for the family and sighed:

  – “Whether daughter-in-law or son-in-law, if you come from a powerful family, you’re respected anywhere. If you’re poor… you just have to endure it.”

  Charles smiled faintly, but there was a trace of disdain behind it:

  – “That’s how life is, sister. Like Mr. D?ng’s niece…”

  He took a sip of coffee:

  – “She was looked down on openly. Whoever she liked turned her down — simply because she brought them no benefit.”

  Mrs. Nga lowered her head, her voice subdued:

  – “When she lived there, she was just like Huy now — scolded every day by her uncle and aunt, constantly picked on by the three daughters. Leaving that house… was like escaping a living hell.”

  Charles looked down at his cup, slowly stirring with a spoon. A cold glint flashed briefly in his eyes:

  – “Those people have gone too far…”

  – “Now their karma has arrived.”

  – “I will stay here… and witness your downfall with my own eyes.”

  At Mr. D?ng’s villa, in the kitchen, Dì T? — played by Phong Túc — was arranging fresh herbs onto plates. The corner of his lips curled upward, his eyes flashing with satisfaction:

  – “The moment has come… How satisfying.”

  Behind him, Huy approached and spoke softly:

  – “Let me help you, Auntie.”

  Instantly, Dì T? withdrew that look and returned to the gentle demeanor of a woman in her sixties. She smiled kindly:

  – “Help me set the chopsticks and spoons on the table. And bring out the dipping sauces too.”

  In his private room, Bách Di?n sat by the window. His hand had returned to its true form: Green-and-yellow mottled skin, rough and textured like a chameleon’s hide, covered with tiny spines. Veins stood out clearly, and his fingernails had lengthened into curved, sharp claws with a cold sheen. He calmly held a file, sharpening each claw slowly and meticulously.

  A delighted smirk touched his lips:

  – “Things in this house are about to get interesting…”

  His voice lowered:

  – “I want… even more than that.”

  On the balcony, Join and Mary stood overlooking the villa complex in the early morning light.

  Join crossed his arms and smirked:

  – “I wonder how that centipede will react. His power isn’t that great — nothing to worry about.”

  Mary plucked a small flower from a decorative pot and slowly twirled it between her fingers:

  – “He won’t dare use magic. He’ll use schemes… to seize his wife’s family fortune.”

  Join gave a half-smile, his gaze icy:

  – “His magic is lacking, and his schemes aren’t good enough either. He won’t get past the brains of Anh Ph??ng and her parents.”

  And so, Huy’s very first day as a live-in son-in-law officially began. In every room, every kitchen corner, every balcony, every villa… everyone was already in position — silent, prepared, and waiting for the next dramatic act to unfold.