Seated around a circular table, an air of tension hung in the atmosphere, stemming from the apprehension shared by the three women.
 
"So I gave you those necklaces." The old lady started. "They were bestowed on you as a gift from the light goddess Aurora!"
 
"So that probably means you know about us?" Amelia asked, seeking confirmation. The woman nodded.
 
"Before your reincarnation, the three of you encountered the goddess, and she presented a proposition for a second chance," the elderly woman continued, her eyes filled with mysterious delight. "You were personally selected by the goddess. What a stroke of fortune!"
 
Amelia, Eliza, and Victoria exchanged perplexed looks. This seemed to clarify things.
 
"What deal was that?" Eliza questioned the old lady, who chuckled at their puzzled expression.
 
"To help her catch a degenerate god." The old woman spoke straight to the point, her face devoid of the mischief it formerly had, now replaced with a serious expression.
 
The revelation hung heavily in the air as the three friends absorbed the old lady's words. A deal with a goddess to catch a rogue god—it sounded like something out of a story book.
 
"Why did the goddess need our help?" Victoria asked, trying to wrap her head around the incredible story.
 
The old lady leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You see, the divine beings have their limitations. They can't directly intervene in the mortal realm, and that's where you three come in. Mortals like you have the unique ability to cross the boundary between worlds."
 
Amelia, Eliza, and Victoria exchanged wide-eyed glances. This was a lot to take in. They had no recollection of such an extraordinary deal, but they couldn't deny the peculiar nature of their experiences since they were reborn. The circumstances behind their second meeting and memory gain seemed spectacular.
 
"What's our role in all of this?" Amelia asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.
 
The old lady smiled, her eyes twinkling. "You must uncover the identity of the rogue god and stop their malevolent plans. The fate of both mortal and divine realms rests on your shoulders."
 
"But since it is such a big deal, why couldn't we remember anything about it?" Eliza asked, "It seems far-fetched."
 
"That's another restriction under the direct contact rule for divine beings, but she did all she could to make you three regain your past life memories; although the process was gradual, you recovered your memories fully."
 
"That explains the deja vu!" Victoria commented while holding her chin, seeming to be in thought. Amelia and Eliza nodded in agreement.
 
"What about our necklaces?" Victoria asked, touching the pendant hanging around her neck. "Are they connected to this?"
 
The old lady nodded. "Those necklaces symbolize the goddess's power and your divine connection. They will assist you on your journey. They may even grant you special abilities."
 
"Like Powers? Like I could be a mage and cast magic spells?" Victoria exclaimed, rising from her seat, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
 
The old lady chuckled at Victoria's enthusiasm. "No, not that kind. I think? It's still a possibility she didn't tell me much about that."
 
"Oh!" Victoria said it disappointedly, her excitement fading at the clarification.
 
"But yes, probably powers, my dear. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. You must use them wisely, for the fate of both realms rests on your shoulders."
 
Amelia and Eliza exchanged glances. The realization that they now possessed extraordinary abilities was thrilling.
 
"I still wanted to cast spells, though," Victoria mumbled, still feeling disappointed.
 
"But how come you know all this?" Amelia questioned.
 
"I am just one of those gifted people." The woman shrugged.
 
"Are you like us too?" Eliza asked again.
 
"No, no. I am not reincarnated like the three of you." She chuckled at their questions.
 
"So you have no memory of your past life?" Amelia asked again.
 
"I wouldn't have known I existed in another time if not for the three of you."
 
"But what are you doing here?" Victoria then asked, "Aren't you like the head shaman of the Darklane district?"
 
"Is that what I was in my past life? How wonderful! I guess you three knew me then. No wonder you were so eager to leave the cafe earlier. I must have spooked you in your last life" The woman laughed at her own joke, but the girls maintained a straight face, not pleased with her insensitive joke.
 
"You had us in your stall until we got arrested, then sentenced to death." Victoria said with a serious expression that gave the lady chills.
 
"Oops!" She chuckled nervously with an apologetic expression, then scratched the back of her head.
 
"So what do you do in this life?" Eliza began trying to disperse the tension in the air.
 
"I am running a cafe as a self-employed business lady." She said it gleefully. The girls sighed relief for the lady. At least she wouldn't get arrested in this life as just a shop owner.
 
After that, they were done eating. The three women left the cafe, bidding the old lady goodbye and good luck with her business.
____________________________________________
 
"Sister, sister! We got the newspaper for Mr. Andrew." The triplets ran into the house, giggling. Eliza was in the kitchen, placing Andrew's food on a tray and preparing to take it upstairs. The triplets rushed to the kitchen, where Eliza was.
 
"Did he ask for a newspaper?" Eliza questioned them. They shook their heads in unison. "Then why did you get him a newspaper?"
 
"Because Mr. Andrew said he liked reading newspapers, and we wanted to surprise him!" They cheered.
 
"I'm pretty sure he knows about the surprise now, considering how loud you three are." Eliza gave them a stern look, warning them to be quiet. She took the tray and headed upstairs to see Andrew.
 
The triplets obeyed and followed Eliza upstairs. Eliza entered her room and found Andrew sitting up, as if he already knew they were coming. She placed the tray on the bed where Andrew sat.
 
"Are you feeling better?" She inquired. He nodded in response.
 
"I feel less pain, thank you." He expressed his gratitude for Eliza's concern.
 
"Mr. Andrew, we've got you something!" Don handed the newspaper to Andrew, and the front page caught Eliza's attention.
 
It featured a drawing of the old lady they had met the day before being arrested by the Imperial Guards.
 
'What did she do? She even made the front page,' Eliza thought as Andrew thanked the kids for their thoughtfulness.
____________________________________________
 
"Eccentric middle-aged lady gets arrested for running an illegal business venture?" Victoria's brow furrowed as she read the newspaper headlines.
 
"It seems like trouble follows wherever she goes. Is that lady really all right? At least we weren't there this time," Victoria commented, studying the black-and-white picture of the lady being handcuffed by the Imperial guards.
 
Her hotel manager walked into her office, and Victoria quickly folded the newspaper, tucking it under a stack of paperwork on her desk. She couldn't help but feel a lingering sense of unease about their encounter with the old lady. It seemed that trouble followed her wherever she went.
 
The manager, Jaxon, greeted her warmly. "Good morning, Victoria! You're here bright and early."
 
Victoria managed a polite smile, though her thoughts were still preoccupied with the newspaper article. "Good morning. Yes, I decided to start the day early."
 
Jaxon nodded and cleared his throat. "That's great to hear. So, does this mean you'll be able to meet with Mr-?"
 
Victoria shot him a sharp look, her eyes daring him to complete his sentence. Her manager immediately fell silent.
 
Jaxon cleared his throat once more, seemingly flustered by Victoria's reaction. "Ahem, well, Victoria, I understand that this is a delicate matter, but he has been waiting for you."
 
Victoria softened her expression slightly, understanding the importance of the meeting. "I know, Jaxon. I will meet with him when I'm ready."
 
Her manager gasped dramatically, his hand on his chest and his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Miss Victoria knows my name!"
 
Victoria raised an eyebrow, mildly confused. "Of course, I know your name, Jaxon. You're my manager, after all."
 
Jaxon wiped away an imaginary tear. "You've just made my day, Miss Victoria. But we still have to schedule the meeting with Mr. Alexander."
 
Victoria sighed, feeling overwhelmed with the situation at hand. She didn't want to have anything to do with him, but she couldn't go against her father's wishes. She looked at Jaxon, who had the expression of a dog being praised by his owner.
 
"What are your thoughts on this sudden arrangement?" She asked abruptly, catching Jaxon off guard.
 
"What arrangement?" Jaxon asked in confusion.
 
"Regarding the partnership between the Blackwood Hotel and the Opulent Chateau," she clarified. Jaxon furrowed his brows as he considered his response.
 
"I'm quite indifferent about it," he replied, but Victoria wasn't pleased with his answer. Jaxon noticed the slight shift in her mood and quickly corrected himself.
 
"Not that... I'm saying the change was necessary. We were doing fine before," he stammered.
 
Victoria nodded, appreciating Jaxon's attempt to clarify his stance. She leaned back in her chair, her fingers tapping thoughtfully on her desk.
 
"I understand the potential benefits of this partnership," she began. "But it all feels so sudden, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for this level of collaboration, especially with someone like him. However, I would like to meet with Mr. Alexander in person today before making any decisions." She couldn't hide the hint of distaste in her voice when mentioning Alexander's name.
 
Jaxon nodded in agreement. "I'll make sure to gather all the necessary information and arrange a meeting with Mr. Alexander."
 
"Thank you, Jaxon," Victoria said with a small, appreciative smile. "I appreciate your understanding."
 
Jaxon headed towards the door, satisfied and fulfilled that Victoria had agreed to meet with Alexander, giving their partnership a chance to proceed.
____________________________________________
 
Alexander arrived at Victoria's hotel, his steps echoing in the grand lobby as he made his way to her office. He was certainly relieved when Victoria decided to talk to him about their partnership. He took a moment to compose himself, straightening his suit and running a hand through his hair before he knocked lightly on the door.
 
"Come in," Victoria's voice sounded from within. She sat behind her desk, her expression unreadable, as she watched him enter.
 
Alexander stepped inside, wearing a professional smile as he greeted her, "Good afternoon, Victoria."
 
Victoria nodded curtly, not bothering to return his greeting. "You came quicker than I hoped."
 
"Yes," he replied, trying to keep his tone pleasant. "But before we go into that, there's something I'd like to say."
 
Victoria raised an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What is it?"
 
Alexander took a deep breath, searching for the right words. "I want to apologize, Victoria. I realize I've behaved poorly in the past, and I deeply regret any hurt I may have caused you."
 
Victoria's gaze remained cold and unforgiving. "Is there anything else?"
 
Alexander swallowed his pride, his voice softening with sincerity. "I genuinely want to make amends, Victoria. I want to start fresh, put our differences behind us, and work together professionally, like real partners."
 
She leaned back in her chair, studying him with a calculating gaze. "Partners?" She couldn't hide the distaste in her voice.
 
Alexander nodded earnestly. "I understand it won't be easy, but we can make it work."
 
Victoria's lips curled into a cold smile. "Mr. Alexander, don't overstep your boundaries. We can discuss the partnership, but don't expect me to trust you and be your 'partner'." Victoria made air quotes.
 
Alexander felt disappointed, but he nodded with understanding. "Very well, Victoria. I'll respect your decision."
 
After the unsuccessful attempt at an apology, Alexander swiftly changed the topic. Clearing his throat, he leaned forward.

"Well then, our primary purpose here is to discuss the partnership between the Blackwood Hotel and the Opulent Chateau and what it entails," Alexander said, his voice carrying a professional tone.

Victoria, still cautious but ready to get down to business, gave a small nod to continue.

"So," Alexander responded, placing a folder with documents on the table. "I've prepared a draft proposal outlining the key points of our partnership."

Victoria took the folder and began reviewing its contents.

Alexander explained, "The proposal suggests a joint marketing campaign to attract high-end guests. We can offer special packages combining stays at both the Blackwood Hotel and the Opulent Chateau, providing a unique and luxurious experience. Additionally, we can start event hosting."

Victoria nodded, recognizing the potential benefits. "That sounds reasonable."

Alexander pointed to the document. "I have also perpared a revenue-sharing model, with each establishment receiving a fair percentage of the profits generated from the joint promotions. This way, we both benefit from its success."

Victoria considered this and nodded. "Fair enough. So what about the duration of this partnership? Is it going to be a long-term commitment?"

Alexander replied, "I suggest an initial term of two years, with an option to renew based on mutual satisfaction and performance. This gives us room to evaluate the partnership and decide on its continuation."

Victoria appreciated the options. "That seems reasonable, Mr. Alexander. You were very thorough in the preparations."

Alexander smiled politely. "Thank you, Victoria. I really appreciate your candour"

However, Victoria's mood shifted abruptly, and she scowled at him. "Don't smile at me!"

Alexander quickly wiped the smile off his face, understanding that Victoria's stern expression should not be taken lightly.

"Of course, Victoria," he replied, keeping his tone neutral. "I apologize if my expression was inappropriate."

Victoria nodded, somewhat satisfied with his response. "Let's focus on the partnership. I want this collaboration to be strictly professional. We'll work together, but I won't tolerate any personal interactions or distractions."

Alexander nodded in agreement. "Agreed, Victoria. Professionalism is our top priority."

Despite Victoria's stern expressions, Alexander found himself strangely drawn to her. He admired her fierce nature and the way she handled herself in a business setting. He couldn't help but think that her scowling expression was rather adorable, although he wisely kept that thought to himself, knowing it wasn't the right time to have such thoughts.