Supreme Casanova: Ultimate Harem System-Chapter 287: Dinner! (3)

Hugo sat rigidly in his chair, his back straighter than it had ever been in his entire life.

Across from him sat Emily's father—a man whose aura screamed power and authority. He wasn't glaring, no. That would have been too simple.

Instead, he just watched. Studying Hugo like he was a mystery that needed solving, a puzzle to be cracked.

The weight of that stare alone made Hugo want to confess to crimes he hadn't even committed!

Emily was sitting beside him, looking nervous but hopeful, while her mother had an amused expression, clearly enjoying the show that was about to unfold.

The room was stiflingly elegant—a private lounge filled with antique furniture, rich wooden paneling, and a fireplace that looked like it belonged in a villain's lair.

This was where men of wealth and power gathered to discuss matters beyond the comprehension of mere mortals.

And here sat Hugo, a mere mortal.

"So, Hugo," Emily's father began, his voice smooth but carrying a weight that could crush lesser men. "Tell me about your family."

Boom. First strike.

Hugo barely stopped himself from swallowing. Of course, this was the first thing he asked.

Aristocrats were obsessed with lineage, bloodlines, and legacies. Hugo's family? Ordinary at best, non existent at worst.

He couldn't exactly say, 'Oh yeah, sir, I was born in Spain, mostly raised by not mother, and now I'm here through sheer willpower and some shady system mechanics.'

Nope. Time to improvise.

He put on his most confident smile. "My family? They've always been in business. Not exactly old money, but very successful in their own way.

My father was an investor—made some great moves in the industry. My mother handled most of the family affairs, a wonderful woman. Very disciplined, but with a great heart."

Emily's father raised an eyebrow. "What kind of business?"

Hugo felt his soul leave his body for a second.

Crap. Crap. Crap.

Think, Hugo, think!

He had no idea what kind of business would sound impressive but also vague enough that this man couldn't look it up later.

"Luxury imports," Hugo said smoothly, as if he had rehearsed this his whole life.

"We specialized in high-end, exclusive products—things that aren't easily accessible to the public. My father always believed that true wealth lies in exclusivity."

There was a pause.

Emily's father narrowed his eyes slightly. Did he believe that? Was Hugo about to get exposed?!

Then, finally, the man gave a slow nod. "That's an interesting philosophy. I see you've inherited some of his beliefs."

Hugo kept his smile intact. That's right, old man. Keep swallowing the bait!

Emily was holding her breath beside him, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Clearly, she hadn't expected him to hold up this well.

"Where do you plan to take your career?" her father continued, swirling his wine glass like a supervillain plotting a downfall. "What is your goal in life?"

Ah, yes. The second strike.

Hugo had many goals in life, and most of them involved not dying because of his system's cruel missions and having a 12 woman harem.

But rich men like this didn't care about 'staying alive' as a goal. No, they wanted ambition. Vision. Plans for domination.

"I've always aimed to build something meaningful," Hugo said, his voice smooth.

"Something that lasts. Money is important, but true power comes from influence. That's why I've focused on expanding my network, making valuable connections. A person's wealth can be taken, but relationships and reputation? Those last forever."

Silence.

Emily's father studied him like a wolf sniffing for weakness. Hugo resisted the urge to sweat.

Then, surprisingly, the man smirked. "A very calculated answer."

Hugo shrugged. "It's a calculated world, sir."

Boom. Counterattack.

Emily's mother actually let out a small chuckle. Hugo was winning points.

Emily's father, however, wasn't done. "Tell me, Hugo," he said, leaning slightly forward. "What is your opinion on loyalty?"

Hugo felt his stomach drop for a second. Oh no. Emily had warned him that her father would test him. But this? This was a trap.

A landmine disguised as a simple question.

Because loyalty could mean many things. If he said he valued it too much, it could hint that he was too naive to survive in the real world.

If he said he didn't care about it, he'd sound like a shady, untrustworthy person.

There was only one way out of this.

Hugo smiled. "Loyalty is like an investment," he said. "It's valuable, but only if given to the right people. Blind loyalty? That's foolish. But loyalty to those who earn it? That's what makes a person strong."

Emily's father was silent for a moment. Then, finally, he nodded. "A wise answer."

Hugo had done it. He had survived the interrogation!

Emily exhaled loudly beside him, like she had been holding her breath the whole time.

Her mother smiled approvingly, while her father gave him a final glance, as if deciding whether or not to respect him.

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Then, the tension broke.

"Well," Emily's father said, standing up. "The main party is starting soon. Let's move to the main hall."

Emily visibly relaxed, her shoulders losing some of their tension. As everyone started to get up, she turned to Hugo, her eyes full of gratitude.

"You did amazing," she whispered. "I thought he was going to tear you apart."

Hugo grinned. "Please, I've faced worse."

That was a complete lie. He had never been this stressed in his entire life. But he wasn't about to let her or her father know that.

They began walking toward the grand ballroom, where more guests, more wealth, and more judgment awaited.

But just as Hugo was starting to feel a little proud of himself, Emily's mother stopped her daughter and whispered something in her ear.

Emily's entire expression changed.

Her face went pale for a second, then turned into a serious look of concern.

She immediately turned back to Hugo, grabbing his arm.

"We have a problem," she whispered urgently.

Hugo blinked. "Wait. What?"

Emily swallowed. "A big problem."

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