Amelia gazed out of the carriage window, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and anticipation as they approached the splendor of the Imperial Palace. The palace's towering spires and architecture showcased the prestige and power of the ruling family. It was a sight that never failed to awe her, no matter how many times she had visited.
 
As the carriage rolled through the palace gates, the palace's interior came into view. Lush gardens, perfectly landscaped pathways, and elegant fountains greeted her eyes. Amelia's father had invited her to accompany him to the palace just so that she could broaden her research.
 
Amelia straightened her gown while anticipating the amount of knowledge the Imperial Library might have. Her father noticed her expression and made a satisfied face.
 
Her father sat across from her in the carriage, watching her intently. Amelia continued to take in the beauty and splendor of the imperial palace, but a thought came to her mind.
 
'The Imperial Palace is where the Imperial family lives. The Emperor is part of the Imperial family. The Emperor murdered me in my past life. Her mind raced as the carriage entered the palace. She was now in the den of the man who had a hand in her death, as well as Eliza and Victoria's deaths.
 
As the carriage came to a halt, footmen opened the doors, and Amelia emerged, her heart racing with nervousness. She stepped onto the pavement.
 
Crystal chandeliers illuminated the hallways with a warm and inviting glow, casting delicate patterns on the marble floor. Elaborate murals adorned the walls, depicting scenes from history and myth.
 
Amelia's eyes darted around the hallways, feeling a bit uneasy. Her father spoke, not noticing her nervousness. "I am going in to see the Emperor; would you like to come with me?"
 
Amelia flinched and subconsciously made a disgusted face. "No, father, I think we have to part at this point. See you later!" With that, Amelia turned her heels and briskly walked off in the direction of the library.
 
Her father shook his head. "Well, she will soon be the head of the duchy; she will have no choice but to see him later in the future."
 
Amelia's heel clicked on the marble floor as she made her way to her destination. Her mind is becoming erratic just at the thought of meeting with the man who ordered her execution.
 
'Okay, even though he ordered your execution in your last life, he was just doing his stupid job. At least it's not like I would run into him. Anyway, if I did, I would probably ignore him.
 
She finally made her way to the palace's opulent library. The vast collection of books and manuscripts was a treasure trove of knowledge.
 
Her eyes shone at the many books, and she proceeded to start searching the library for books that might be related to her research. She selected a few books and sat in the corner of the library, not wanting to be discovered or disturbed. She brought her tiny notebook with her so she could write down her discoveries.
 
While she read with her back against a bookcase, a person noticed her strawberry blonde hair as he reached for a book in the bookcase opposite hers. Amelia didn't notice anything at all, as she was already engrossed in her present book.
 
Silently, without her knowledge, he continued taking books from the shelf, giving himself a clear view of her. He was clearly intrigued, but Amelia remained completely unaware, too absorbed in her research.
 
A small smile played on his lips. Not many people visited the library, so it surprised him to see her in the library. He continued to observe her like she was a mythical creature.
 
He watched how she would randomly scribble in her notebook or chew her nails in concentration. He thought she was strange, but he couldn't deny the pull he felt toward her. He returned the books to their original places with care.
 
He beamed as he thought of an idea. He took his notebook, tore a page out of it, and wrote a simple note on the page, then passed it under the bookshelf.
 
Amelia caught something moving in her peripheral vision; she quickly looked up from her book in fright. She found a small piece of paper on the floor. She picked it up and examined it.

'HI' 

She saw it in cursive handwriting. She looked around and found no one who couldn't have left the letter. She shrugged and kept the letter in its former position.
 
"It's probably none of my business." Amelia muttered as she got back to her reading. A note came from under the bookshelf with more force, this time making the paper move towards her. She noticed this again and picked it up. Unfolding the note with curiosity, Amelia's eyebrows furrowed as she read the next few words scrawled on the paper:
 

'DON'T IGNORE ME.'
 

Startled and slightly bewildered, she looked around again, her gaze darting to the aisles adjacent to her. The library appeared to be relatively empty, leaving her perplexed about the identity of the mysterious writer.
 
Her heart racing, Amelia held the note, confused. "Is someone playing a prank on me?" she whispered under her breath, her voice tinged with annoyance.
 
As if on cue, yet another note slipped from beneath the shelf, accompanied by a faint rustling sound. Her eyes widened as she picked up the note, her brows furrowed, and she slowly started to make a frown on her face.

 
'NICE TO MEET YOU.'
 

"Nice to meet you. Do I even know you?" Amelia scoffed and glared at the bookshelf opposite her. She heard a velvety laugh from the opposite bookcase. The man laughed in amusement, and the new lady was certainly very witty.
 
Amelia couldn't help the mix of emotions coursing through her—a blend of surprise, fright, and a hint of annoyance. "What's the meaning of all this? Were you watching me?" she finally managed to ask, her tone a mixture of caution and anger.
 
He finally sent another note.

 
'JUST THOUGHT THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN AN INTERESTING WAY TO START A CONVERSATION'
 

Amelia imagines a pervert without a face, probably grinning at her. Amelia's lips twitched into a reluctant smile. She decided to write a note on one of those papers before sending it back under the shelf.

'PEEPING TOM, I HAVE A FIANCE'
 

Amelia had to play the fiancé card, although she wasn't feeling good about acknowledging that sorry excuse of a man as her fiancé, but at least he serves as a good shield.
 
He chuckled again, hearing a low, melodious sound that seemed to echo through the aisle. He slid another paper under the shelf.

'HEY, IT'S NOT LIKE THAT. IT'S JUST THAT YOU HAVE TO BE CREATIVE TO GET SOMEONE'S ATTENTION'

She rolled her eyes as she read the paper. "Well now, congratulations; you've got my attention," she admitted sarcastically. Another note came from under the shelf.
 

'FUNNY LADY, WHAT'S YOUR NAME?"

Amelia gritted her teeth in annoyance. Who the hell was this pervert? "What's yours first?" she replied, her tone condescending.
 
No letters came through; Amelia clicked her tongue. "A waste of time; I could be doing something productive." Amelia muttered under her breath. The man, after a long break of silence, finally answers.
 
"Lucas." A deep, rich, smooth voice sounded from the other side of the bookshelf and stunned Amelia. "Would you tell me yours now?"
 
Without thinking, Amelia quickly gave up her name, "Amelia."
 
Lucas was unaware of the smile as he whispered her name, "Amelia," as if savoring the sound of her name. He then took another page from his notebook, wrote on it, and sent it under the shelf.

'THEN IT'S A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU, AMELIA. WHAT BRINGS YOU TO THE LIBRARY. PEOPLE BARELY ENTER HERE; YOU'RE THE FIRST IN A LONG TIME! :)'

Amelia's eyes were fixated on the little smiley face at the corner of the page. Amelia didn't seem to know anybody by the name of Lucas, and for him to have accessed the library, he must be a noble who is probably working at the palace.
 
'Maybe he is a baron or something? Maybe a court noble,' Amelia thought to herself as she held his letter. Amelia decides to write her reply on the paper.

'THEN WHAT ARE YOU ALWAYS DOING ALONE IN HERE, APART FROM PEEPING AT YOUNG LADIES? I ALREADY KNEW THAT!'

Lucas smiled to himself as he read Amelia's note.

'I DON'T USUALLY PEEP AT YOUNG WOMEN; YOU JUST CAUGHT MY INTEREST. BUT YOU TELL ME FIRST WHAT YOU ARE DOING ALONE IN THE LIBRARY'

Amelia scoffed as he decided to play her game. She scribbled on the note and cheekily passed it under the bookshelf.

'OBVIOUSLY TO READ. BUT THEN AGAIN, IT'S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS.'

Amelia's back-and-forth note exchange with the mysterious Lucas continued, the banter becoming more playful with each message. They shared pieces of information about themselves, bantering back and forth through their paper notes.
 
Lucas's curiosity about Amelia seemed genuine, and Amelia found herself surprisingly entertained by their interaction, even though she wasn't entirely sure what to make of him.

'YOU REALLY ARE AN INTERESTING PERSON'

She folded the note and gently passed it under the bookshelf, awaiting his response. Almost immediately, another note appeared.

'I AM GLAD I WAS ABLE TO ENTERTAIN YOU'
 

Amelia couldn't help but suppress a chuckle as she read Lucas's response. After she read the note, she then realized that time was slipping away and she hadn't done anything reasonable concerning her research. She glanced guiltily at her notebook.
 
With a reluctant sigh, she decided to end their conservation. Amelia wrote her final note, her pen moving swiftly across the paper.

'IT'S BEEN FUN, BUT I MUST GET BACK TO MY RESEARCH. MAYBE WE'LL MEET AGAIN SOMEDAY, LUCAS.'

She placed the note under the shelf and waited for a moment, wondering if Lucas would respond one last time. After a brief pause, she saw a new note slide from beneath the bookshelf.

'UNTIL THEN, AMELIA, MAY YOUR RESEARCH BRING THE ANSWERS YOU SEEK. PS: I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU MORE IN THE LIBRARY'

Amelia smiled as she was touched by his words. She looked around the library one last time, observing her surroundings. She gathered her books and notebook, preparing to leave.
 
She walked away from the bookshelf and headed toward the library's exit, feeling a bit refreshed after making a new friend.
 
______________________________________
 
Preparations for the New Year at the Blackwood Hotel were going smoothly. Victoria diligently oversaw every detail with precision. The hotel was still decorated with sparkling lights, beautiful floral arrangements, and other winter decorations, giving off a festive atmosphere.
 
The staff of the Blackwood Hotel worked with purpose and efficiency in preparing for the New Year. However, during the excitement, there was one task that required the utmost seriousness: the preparation of the yearly records.
 
They were very much aware of the consequences if they didn't approach this task with all seriousness. They would have to deal with Victoria.
 
Victoria, their scary boss, paid key attention to detail and precision. Her reputation was matched only by her great intuition for detecting even the slightest mistake. The staff had learned that, sometimes in a hard way, but they understood why she was always bent on their necks and always emphasizing precision and order.
 
The business world is a harsh place for criticism and prejudice towards women, and only the strong at heart know how to maneuver their way through. They admired her strong will and determination, but when it came to her temper, they always avoided her at all costs.
 
So they all worked adequately. Errors in those financial records were a mistake they could never afford.
 
In her office, Victoria herself was engrossed in reviewing the previous year's accounts. She scanned the documents as she wrote a few notes on the pages. The number she saw indicated the hotel's successes and areas that needed improvement.
 
Victoria subconsciously chewed on her pen cover as she continued reviewing the documents in front of her. Suddenly her door opened, and Victoria's father, Robert Blackwood, appeared with her general manager trailing behind him.
 
The sound of the door opening broke Victoria's concentration as she gazed at her father making his way to an air chair in her office.
 
"Father, how nice of you to drop in." Victoria's tone was formal, with a faint smile on her lips.
 
"Victoria, we have an issue!" Her father sounded urgent as he settled into the air chair. Victoria remained composed.
 
"Okay?" Victoria said, urging her father to continue.
 
"The Opulent Chateau refused to have a partnership with us, and you unexpectedly left during the owner's meeting." Her father said it with feelings of concern and a little bit of disappointment. His gaze fixed on her, searching for a reaction.
 
Victoria leaned back in her chair; her expression remained, not bothering about the situation. "So, it's not like we aren't doing well on our own. Why must there be a partnership?"
 
"They believe that you are disrespectful and difficult to work with," her father explained, his disappointment evident in his voice.
 
Victoria maintained her composed demeanor. "Their perception of me won't define the success of the Blackwood Hotel. We've managed to thrive without partnerships so far," she stated firmly.
 
Her father sighed, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of the chair. "Victoria, you're a talented manager, but sometimes cooperation can lead to opportunities we might not have considered."
 
Victoria's expression softened as she thought of her father's words, "What do you want me to do now?"
 
"Luckily, I scheduled another meeting today. You will be meeting the board at the Opulent Chateau in one hour." Victoria's eyes widened at her father's revelation. She was disappointed that he couldn't do that without her knowledge.
 
"Why didn't you tell me it was that soon?" Victoria frowned at her father.
 
"It's for the best; now I expect you to go and get us that partnership." Her father stood from the air chair and walked out of the room briskly. Victoria sighed as he left.
 
"I tried stopping him." Her manager finally said this after being silent for a long time. Victoria gave him a glare.
______________________________________
 
Victoria rode in a carriage to the opulent chateau with her general manager. It was a silent ride to their destination. The general manager held the gift hamper containing a bottle of expensive champagne, which Victoria's father provided, on his lap.
 
Victoria didn't want it to seem like she was begging for their favor, but her father insisted otherwise. She sighed as she observed the moving buildings outside the carriage. The carriage entered a lavish estate with ornamental plants and a paved marble road leading to the entrance gate of the hotel. Victoria scoffed at the fanciness of the place.
 
This was the reason why the Opulent Chateau and the Blackwood Hotel were at loggerheads. Victoria didn't like to be friendly with competition, but fate said otherwise. The carriage entered through the gates and stopped at the front of the hotel. Victoria inhaled sharply before alighting the carriage, and her general manager followed awkwardly behind her with the gift hamper in his hand.
 
"Let's get this over with." She muttered and walked into the hotel. The Opulent Chateau's general manager greeted them at the entrance. She looked around; the interior was just as breathtaking as the exterior.
 
"Miss Victoria, you are welcome to the hotel, as are you, Mr. Jaxon."
 
'Wow, did I forget my own general manager's name?' Victoria thought to herself after her manager's presence was acknowledged, 'Well, I was always calling him Manager; it was natural that I might forget.'
 
"I am Douglas, the Opulent Chateau's general manager. It's a pleasure to meet you both. Come this way, please." Douglas led the way into the hotel and started the narration of the hotel establishment, which nobody seemed to inquire about. Victoria felt guarded and cautious, though. Although it seemed like Jaxon was interested in whatever Douglas was saying,
 
"Finally, the meeting room." Douglas stopped in front of a large, golden door. "At this point, only Miss Victoria is allowed to go in alone!" Victoria frowned
 
"Why?" She questioned Douglas. Douglas raised his hand in defense.
 
"Order from the top." He replied
 
"Young master, the hamper!" Her manager whispered to her. Victoria looked disdainfully at the hamper in his hand.
 
"There's no way; I am carrying that into a meeting." She shook her head stubbornly as she quickly entered the room before her manager could complain.
 
In the heart of a well-adorned room, a grand mahogany table took its place at the center, encircled by an array of elegantly positioned chairs.
 
A frown made its way to Victoria's features. The seats were empty upon her arrival. She became very angry.
 
"Is this a joke?" She exclaimed, not amused by the situation. She sat in one of the chairs with her leg draped over the other.
 
"I even brought a d*mn hamper!" She cussed under her breath. The doors behind her opened, and a familiar young man entered the room. Victoria looked at the man as he walked over to the head of the table.
 
"Nice for you to join us, Miss." He smiled at her. Victoria looks unamused; she doesn't remember his name after a moment of thinking.
 
"Keeping people waiting is bad for business." Victoria stated. The man still maintained his annoying smirk, which irked Victoria.
 
"But then you left during the last meeting we had, Miss Victoria." Victoria didn't say anything further. She understood where he was coming from, and even though she had more important things to do at that moment, she left the meeting.
 
"So let's get to it then, shall we?" He continued