Novel Full Chapter 1721: Learn by Doing
Chapter 1721: Learn by Doing
Villain Ch 1721. Learn by Doing
Azura couldn’t help it. Her spoon paused halfway to her mouth. This didn’t feel like a dinner conversation anymore. It felt like witnessing a family where empire-building was part of the bedtime routine.
Jordan turned his gaze, smooth and deliberate, toward Allen.
“You too.”
Allen looked up from his plate, a brow lifting with practiced ease.
“You also need to learn,” Jordan said, voice calm but firm. “But I won’t give you a teacher.”
Allen’s eyes narrowed slightly, not in rebellion—just in quiet interest. “Then how?”
“You’ll learn by doing. You are faster that way.”
Azura could almost feel the silence sharpen at the edges.
Allen leaned back slightly in his seat, expression unreadable. But Azura could see something flicker behind his eyes. Not fear. Not even surprise.
Anticipation.
“Tell me when,” he said simply.
Jordan gave a single nod. That was all.
And somehow, that one exchange said more than a ten-page corporate contract.
Emma picked at her dessert with less energy now, slumping in her chair.
Azura sipped her tea, quiet. She felt like she was witnessing something raw. Not emotional. Not explosive. But the kind of raw that came from watching pieces shift into place.
Jordan hadn’t raised his voice once. But everything he said felt like a sealed deal. Like a man who didn’t threaten or boast because he already knew the ending. The only question left was how everyone else would play along.
Dinner shifted after that. The tension didn’t vanish—it just faded into something else. Something heavier, but less sharp. Like the room finally acknowledged the elephant in the room and decided to pass it a wine glass.
Jordan didn’t say much after that. He just finished his steak with a businessman’s precision, wiped his mouth with a folded napkin, and offered Azura a rare, almost gentle nod. Like an acknowledgment. A stamp of approval—or maybe a warning.
Kai returned with tiny post-dessert things. Rose-shaped mints. Warm hand towels. A menu card of tomorrow’s breakfast options because of course this house ran like a hotel. Emma rolled her eyes at it, tossed hers back onto the table, and declared she was not choosing anything that early.
Azura took a mint.
Because what else do you do after a conversation like that?
Eventually, the air settled just enough for people to start pretending it was a normal evening again.
She set her fork down, leaned back, and exhaled softly. “Thank you,” she said, voice calm but sincere. “For the dinner.”
Jordan looked at her with the faintest glint in his eyes. “You’re always welcome. Just be prepared.”
Azura smiled faintly. “I’m trying.”
Allen stood up beside her, slow and fluid like always, the movement casual but unmistakably intentional. He reached for his jacket. “Let me drive you back.”
Azura blinked. “Drive?”
He gave her a look. “Yes. Drive.”
“I literally stay in the apartment two blocks down,” she said. “I can walk. I do it all the time.”
Allen shrugged. “Then let me walk you.”
From across the table, Emma made a gagging sound. “Ew! You make it sound like she’s a dog.”
Allen didn’t miss a beat. “You know what I mean,” he deadpanned.
Azura rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the tiny laugh that escaped. “Fine.”
She stood, smoothing her clothes as she did, and offered Emma a crooked smile. “Don’t stay up too late.”
Emma groaned again. “I’m reviewing projections for a fake bakery brand launch tomorrow. My soul already left the building.”
Azura turned to Jordan. “Goodnight. And thank you again.”
Jordan gave a simple nod. “Goodnight.”
Kai opened the main door before either of them even reached it. Because of course he did.
Allen didn’t speak as they walked through the front hallway. The marble floors were cold under her heels, echoing softly with every step.
The night outside was crisp. Cool air kissed her cheeks as soon as they stepped onto the porch. Streetlights hummed in the distance, and the quiet of this part of the district always felt surreal—clean sidewalks, expensive hedges trimmed to architectural perfection, not a single leaf out of place. The kind of neighborhood that whispered old money even when it was silent.
They walked side by side for a few seconds, their footsteps in sync. Allen had his hands in his pockets, gaze half on the sidewalk, half on her.
And then, softly, without warning…
“What’s your answer?”
Azura almost tripped.
Her heart did that stupid, traitorous leap. The one that usually came after game-winning combos or narrow escapes. But this wasn’t PvP.
This was him.
And somehow, that was worse.
She stopped walking.
He did too.
Her fingers tightened slightly around her purse strap. The words got tangled in her mouth again.
“You know what I’m going to say,” she finally murmured.
Allen turned to her fully, face unreadable. But his eyes were so damn focused.
“Is it a yes?”
Her mouth felt dry. She hated this. Not the question. Just how real he made everything feel. Like there was no way to laugh this off or reset the conversation. No safety net.
She nodded.
Then added, quietly, “It’s a yes. But—”
She swallowed. “Just… maybe let’s keep it between us. For now. My family’s still figuring stuff out. You’re still growing your name in business. You’ve got your father’s empire. The game. The media. Everything. Let things settle first. Okay?”
Allen tilted his head, considering.
Then, with a small smirk, “Fine. We’ll keep it quiet.”
Azura exhaled, relieved and exhausted all at once. “Thank you.”
He leaned a little closer. “But you know this means I’m still going to flirt.”
Her cheeks flared red. “Allen—”
“I’m keeping it low-key,” he promised, mock-solemn. “Just occasional emotional destabilization.”
She groaned, walking faster. “Why do I like you.”
He grinned as he followed. “Because I kissed you like I meant it.”
She choked on her breath. “You said we were keeping it quiet!”
“No one’s here but the street lamps.”
“You’re the worst.”
“I’m your worst.”
Azura shoved him lightly. He didn’t budge.
And yet… she smiled.
Because despite everything—the power, the pressure, the names, the secrets—this moment felt normal. Like something she could hold onto. Her fingers brushed his briefly as they walked the last stretch to her apartment door.