The hospital room was enveloped in silence, broken only by the rhythmic beeping of medical equipment. Livia’s fingers curled slightly, her gaze locked onto Marcellus, her patience slowly wearing thin.After a long pause, Marcellus finally spoke, his voice deep and steady. “First of all, in my current condition, I can’t do anything. If Edgar, other competitors, or even potential enemies were to get their hands on that document now, the consequences would be unimaginable. Rather than letting them find it, I’d rather you two get to it first.”He paused, his eyes sweeping between Livia and Elias before continuing, “But I must warn you—I’ve already sent people to search every possible location, and they found nothing. I doubt you’ll have better luck. And—” his voice dropped, his gaze sharpening, “you’re being watched. Every move you make is under scrutiny. No matter what, don’t let them sense your true objective, and above all, do not expose the final destination.”Livia frowned. She knew
The night was deep and quiet. Outside the hospital, the streetlights cast a cold glow, stretching the shadows of Livia and Elias into elongated silhouettes.Elias quickened his pace to catch up with Livia, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness. “You should stop worrying about him. He’s always been like this—bottling everything up, never saying a word. It’s frustrating.”Livia halted and cast Elias a long, measured glance before shaking her head slightly. Her voice was calm and subdued. “That’s not the real reason he’s hiding things.” She sighed, a faint, unreadable smile playing at her lips. “But for now, I’ll believe he has his own concerns. Let’s not dwell on him—we have more pressing matters to handle.”With that, she turned decisively toward the hospital exit. “Let’s go back to the castle. It’s time we took a look at those classified documents on the expansion project.”Elias raised an eyebrow before a slight smile tugged at his lips, and he followed.—The moment they stepped
Livia gazed out of the car window, the city lights flickering in her pupils like ripples disturbing the uneasy waters of her heart. Elias’s eyes remained fixed on her, his silence pressing down on her like an invisible weight.As expected, she hadn’t hidden it well enough… Livia sighed inwardly. She knew Elias was sharp—he wouldn’t be easily fooled. Since he had already sensed something, there was no point in further concealment. Instead, she chose to reveal just enough of the truth.She remained silent for a while before speaking slowly, “Everyone has their secrets, don’t they?” Turning to meet Elias’s gaze, her tone was calm yet carried a trace of solemnity. “But I won’t lie to you—there is something wrong with Eryx.”Elias’s eyes sharpened slightly, but he didn’t interrupt.Livia continued, “I know you sent Red to protect me.” Her lips curved into a faint, teasing smile. “But as you’ve noticed, Marcellus isn’t a threat to me right now. Or rather, in his current state, he doesn’t ha
The night had fallen, draping the castle in an air of solemn mystery. The carriage wheels rolled over the gravel path, producing a soft, crisp sound that stood out in the evening’s stillness. Livia gazed out the window, her thoughts lingering on the conversation she had just had.She knew her words were like a stone cast into deep water—ripples spreading in unpredictable directions. She had never been one to trust easily, yet Elias… He was too resolute, believing in her judgment even more than she did herself.Turning to look at him, she found Elias focused on the road ahead, his hands gripping the wheel steadily, his mind seemingly elsewhere. Eventually, she broke the silence, reminding him solemnly, “Elias, I don’t have any solid evidence—no tangible proof. If we accuse Eryx like this, no one will believe us. Besides, how can you be sure Edgar isn’t involved?”Elias snapped out of his thoughts, his expression turning sharp with frustration and anger. “But you’re his daughter! And Er
The night was dark and quiet, like a thick, inky shadow. A woman dressed in black slipped silently through the shadows toward the castle ahead. The moonlight cast a faint glow on her slender figure, outlining her graceful shape even in the night. The castle was a classic piece of medieval European architecture, with tall, towering spires and thick stone walls that looked both grand and eerie. Alia smirked slightly, muttering to herself, “Doesn’t seem too hard. A place this big, and no guards in sight? This should be a piece of cake.”Even though she felt relaxed, Alia’s movements were precise and careful. She pulled out a detailed map of the castle from her bag, studying it in the dim light. With a confident nod, she silently slipped inside. Her eyes were sharp, quickly memorizing every hallway and corner. There were no guards, but infrared sensors were everywhere. Trained from a young age, Alia was more than used to these challenges. She moved skillfully, evading every sensor like a
“How…how can it be him…” Alia’s heart raced as she stared in disbelief. The gunshot from last night seemed to still echo in her ears, and the cold, unyielding face was vivid in her memory. Yet here was Marcellus, no longer ruthless and indifferent. His gaze was soft, almost tender, filled with a strange mix of love and unease, as if she were his most cherished treasure.“You… you…” Alia tried to speak, but her voice was hoarse. She forced herself to calm down, struggling to keep a steady expression. However, her wide eyes betrayed a sense of shock and fear she could not hide, and her trembling hands revealed the turmoil within her.Marcellus noticed her reaction, and with surprising gentleness, he lowered his head and held her hand firmly. “I know you’re still weak. Don’t worry. Whatever you want to say, you can tell me after you’ve rested.” His hand was warm and reassuring, conveying a comforting strength. But to Alia, this warmth only intensified her dread.Images from the night bef
Alia gracefully took a seat on the sofa across from him, masking her inner frustration with a gentle smile. Pretending to be a noble lady is truly exhausting. If I were in my original body, I could have leaped across the room in a few strides. Now, these legs are so weak, overly delicate. Despite her irritation, her face maintained an appearance of soft, elegant composure, her every gesture smooth and refined. She turned her head and softly instructed Elise, “Elise, could you bring some tea for Elias and me?”Elise nodded respectfully and left to prepare the tea.As soon as the door closed, Elias wasted no time. He stood up and sat down right next to Alia, startling her with his sudden closeness. She shifted a little away. Then, his deep, slightly teasing voice reached her ear, “Alia, are you feeling better? I was only away for a month at Marcellus’s command, and I return to find you gravely ill.”Alia stole a glance at Elias. He leaned casually against the sofa, his handsome features
Elise returned to the study with a tea tray, only to find that Elias was already gone. She blinked in mild confusion before setting the tea gently on the table in front of Alia. Alia, feeling a surge of anxiety, seized the opportunity to ask casually, “Elise, what kind of person is Elias? What’s your impression of him?”A shy blush appeared on Elise’s cheeks as she stammered, “Well… he’s very handsome… but, hmm, I guess he doesn’t get along very well with Master Marcellus.”Alia’s heart skipped a beat, and she continued to lead her gently, “Oh? Why do you say that?”Elise gave a small smile, as if hesitant to say too much but continued honestly, “Though he’s not involved in the family business like Master Marcellus, he’s often sent by him on these mysterious errands. Every time he returns, he looks exhausted. I’ve heard no one really knows what these tasks are about.”Elise glanced cautiously at Alia’s expression, then hesitated before adding, “Actually… you and Elias seem quite close
The night had fallen, draping the castle in an air of solemn mystery. The carriage wheels rolled over the gravel path, producing a soft, crisp sound that stood out in the evening’s stillness. Livia gazed out the window, her thoughts lingering on the conversation she had just had.She knew her words were like a stone cast into deep water—ripples spreading in unpredictable directions. She had never been one to trust easily, yet Elias… He was too resolute, believing in her judgment even more than she did herself.Turning to look at him, she found Elias focused on the road ahead, his hands gripping the wheel steadily, his mind seemingly elsewhere. Eventually, she broke the silence, reminding him solemnly, “Elias, I don’t have any solid evidence—no tangible proof. If we accuse Eryx like this, no one will believe us. Besides, how can you be sure Edgar isn’t involved?”Elias snapped out of his thoughts, his expression turning sharp with frustration and anger. “But you’re his daughter! And Er
Livia gazed out of the car window, the city lights flickering in her pupils like ripples disturbing the uneasy waters of her heart. Elias’s eyes remained fixed on her, his silence pressing down on her like an invisible weight.As expected, she hadn’t hidden it well enough… Livia sighed inwardly. She knew Elias was sharp—he wouldn’t be easily fooled. Since he had already sensed something, there was no point in further concealment. Instead, she chose to reveal just enough of the truth.She remained silent for a while before speaking slowly, “Everyone has their secrets, don’t they?” Turning to meet Elias’s gaze, her tone was calm yet carried a trace of solemnity. “But I won’t lie to you—there is something wrong with Eryx.”Elias’s eyes sharpened slightly, but he didn’t interrupt.Livia continued, “I know you sent Red to protect me.” Her lips curved into a faint, teasing smile. “But as you’ve noticed, Marcellus isn’t a threat to me right now. Or rather, in his current state, he doesn’t ha
The night was deep and quiet. Outside the hospital, the streetlights cast a cold glow, stretching the shadows of Livia and Elias into elongated silhouettes.Elias quickened his pace to catch up with Livia, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness. “You should stop worrying about him. He’s always been like this—bottling everything up, never saying a word. It’s frustrating.”Livia halted and cast Elias a long, measured glance before shaking her head slightly. Her voice was calm and subdued. “That’s not the real reason he’s hiding things.” She sighed, a faint, unreadable smile playing at her lips. “But for now, I’ll believe he has his own concerns. Let’s not dwell on him—we have more pressing matters to handle.”With that, she turned decisively toward the hospital exit. “Let’s go back to the castle. It’s time we took a look at those classified documents on the expansion project.”Elias raised an eyebrow before a slight smile tugged at his lips, and he followed.—The moment they stepped
The hospital room was enveloped in silence, broken only by the rhythmic beeping of medical equipment. Livia’s fingers curled slightly, her gaze locked onto Marcellus, her patience slowly wearing thin.After a long pause, Marcellus finally spoke, his voice deep and steady. “First of all, in my current condition, I can’t do anything. If Edgar, other competitors, or even potential enemies were to get their hands on that document now, the consequences would be unimaginable. Rather than letting them find it, I’d rather you two get to it first.”He paused, his eyes sweeping between Livia and Elias before continuing, “But I must warn you—I’ve already sent people to search every possible location, and they found nothing. I doubt you’ll have better luck. And—” his voice dropped, his gaze sharpening, “you’re being watched. Every move you make is under scrutiny. No matter what, don’t let them sense your true objective, and above all, do not expose the final destination.”Livia frowned. She knew
Shaking her head, Livia felt a surge of exhilaration rise within her. She knew she had to inform her “allies” immediately and announce the victory she had secured in this political battle. Under the night sky, she strode forward with unwavering determination, as if each step she took was carving out the path to the future.The scene shifted to the dimly lit hospital corridor, where the flickering lights cast fragmented shadows on the walls. By Marcellus’s bedside, the atmosphere was both heavy and intimate. After a day of rest, his condition had noticeably improved—his complexion looked rosier, and the bandages wrapped around his wounds hinted at the beginnings of recovery. But what stood out the most was the gleam in his eyes, as if he had already learned of Livia’s success. His lips trembled slightly, and a faint murmur escaped them:“I knew you could do it.”That simple remark struck Livia straight to the heart like a wave of warmth. She sighed lightly, her tone laced with both rel
The night was as dark as ink, and a gentle breeze brushed past the treetops in the courtyard, bringing a touch of coolness. Under the moonlight, the stone-paved path shimmered faintly, while distant lanterns swayed in the wind, resembling scattered stars.Livia walked briskly out of the courtyard, her steps steady, yet unable to conceal the joy and excitement bubbling within her. However, just as she stepped down the stairs, a familiar figure blocked her path.She halted, slightly startled, and looked up—Allen.The black military uniform he wore appeared even more austere in the darkness. Gone was the relaxed demeanor he had shown earlier inside; now, he carried an air of composed authority. His cape fluttered lightly in the night breeze, and beneath his refined features lay a steely calm, the kind honed through years of battle. Livia had now recognized him—Allen, the general of the First Legion. Having him on her side today was perhaps her greatest fortune and support.She immediatel
Edgar leaned back in the heavy rosewood chair of his study, his gaze calmly fixed on the concealed door before him. The fireplace crackled with a steady flame, its orange-red glow casting shifting shadows on the oil paintings adorning the walls. A faint scent of burning wood lingered in the air, yet the warmth of the fire failed to dispel the underlying chill in the room.His voice was unhurried, carrying a detached indifference. “You saw and heard everything yourself. I have no reason to stop Livia from temporarily taking charge. And besides, Livia is my daughter, after all. I’ve warned you already—you are not to harm her.”Eryx let out a low chuckle, laced with both mockery and disdain. As he approached, his black-gloved fingers idly rubbed against his palm, his tone dark and slow. “No need to worry. I won’t harm her. No matter how capable she is, Livia is not Marcellus. As long as Marcellus isn’t the one leading the expansion project, it won’t be too much of a problem for me.”Edga
As Livia stepped out of the governor’s mansion, the air outside felt far lighter than the stifling atmosphere within. Yet, she could still feel the faint dampness in her palms. Even though the man she had faced was her so-called “father,” she knew all too well that Edgar was no kind parent—he was the ruler of this city, a man of power, calculation, and unwavering control. More importantly, she had never once regarded him as her father.She exhaled slowly, her gaze sweeping across the horizon, where the setting sun tinged the sky with a soft crimson glow. But there was no relief in her heart. She had won today’s negotiation, but this was only the beginning. She was not Livia—she was Alia, a woman from the lower depths of society, forced to tread carefully. More than anyone, she understood the consequences of failure.Raising her hand, she brushed her fingertips against the lingering moisture in her palm before lowering her arm, pushing all emotions deep inside. At this moment, she coul
Just as Livia was still probing her father’s stance, Allen, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke. His tone was resolute, carrying an undeniable firmness:“My First Legion will fully support Livia.”A single sentence, like a thunderclap, shattered the delicate balance in the room.Livia jerked her head up, staring at Allen in shock. She had never known who took over the First Legion after her mother’s passing. But now, it finally dawned on her—Elise had mentioned it once before: her mother’s direct lineage had inherited the command. That name… it was Allen.So it was him. No wonder he had sided with her without hesitation. That meant Emma had likely arranged this after their conversation yesterday.A surge of complex emotions welled up within her. On one hand, she found herself even more intrigued by her mother—what kind of person had she been to command such loyalty, even after death, that so many people still remembered her and were willing to help her daughter? On the