Elias sneered, a hint of self-mockery in his expression. “What, did you think I was just some useless playboy squandering the family’s wealth? Emma, Marcellus’ mother, treated me decently—or at least pretended to. And since they brought me out of the orphanage into this powerful family, I understood that I had to repay the favor. From a young age, I was sent to deal with unsavory characters in the streets, handling dirty work for the family.”His words carried both bitterness and an unyielding edge. “Eventually, I took control of the family’s underground network. Any threat or danger to the family? It was my job to resolve it. Do you think someone like me wouldn’t have built up my own resources and connections in such an environment? Naturally, I picked up skills that most people couldn’t even dream of, learning secrets that ordinary folks would never uncover.”Elias shifted the tone, his voice tinged with pride. “As for the diary—of course, I found it when he wasn’t around. He though
“Came to me?” Hearing Elias mention this part of the past again, Alia took a deep breath. She knew she couldn’t avoid the truth any longer and decided to face it head-on. “Tell me more. What exactly happened?”“Yes,” Elias said, his gaze suddenly turning tender. He held Alia’s hands tightly, his voice trembling slightly. “I love you. My feelings for you have always been genuine. For so many years, I kept them buried in my heart, never daring to hope you might feel the same. So when you came to me that day, seeking my help, do you have any idea how happy that made me?”Alia froze, stunned by the intense emotion in Elias’s words.“I fell in love with you long ago,” Elias continued, his eyes filled with bittersweet memories. “But I always held back because I knew your marriage to Marcellus was a contract, a transaction between families. At first, I even believed Marcellus truly cared for you. You seemed composed and rational, never revealing any feelings toward me beyond friendship.”He
Elias furrowed his brow, his voice low and tinged with helplessness. “I’m not entirely sure. Something happened back then, and the Grail vanished from everyone’s sight. I tried to investigate, but the trail went cold completely. What I do know is that Marcellus and Edgar haven’t given up looking for it. This city’s expansion project is just another of their tests. They’re hoping it will prompt you to sense the Grail’s presence again or lead to the discovery of a similar artifact.”“Sense it?” Alia’s eyes widened as she stared at Elias in disbelief. “If the Grail is so dangerous and ominous, why are they so obsessed with finding it? What are they planning to do?”Elias shook his head, his expression darkening with a trace of complexity. “I don’t know their exact motives. But there’s no doubt the Grail has some purpose we don’t yet understand. And you”—his gaze locked onto Alia’s—“are the key to their plans. Because you’ve sensed its presence before, they believe only you can find it ag
“Why did I marry Livia? “. The line pierced her heart like a blade. Her breathing grew rapid, her chest heavy as though a stone pressed down on it. The following words sent a chill coursing through her:“Our marriage was solely for family interests. More importantly, it was because of her ability to sense the Grail. That was the only reason. I had to keep her.”Her fingers froze on the page, her eyes drawn to the torn edges of some entries. The gaps seemed to silently scream of secrets more vital than the words that remained. Secrets that might tie everything to the Grail.On the final recorded page, a single line struck like a tolling bell:“No matter what it costs, I will never let Livia leave me.”Alia’s gaze lingered on the words, Marcellus’s tender, low voice echoing in her mind. She recalled his apparent care and affection. But was it all just a lie? If Livia had been nothing more than a tool to him, what could she be?“If he didn’t love Livia, how could he possibly love me?” A
When the car came to a stop, Alia and Elise stepped out, taking in the sight before them. Alia was slightly surprised by what she saw.Adrian’s new home was located in the northern part of the city, far from the bustling downtown area. Although described as a “new home,” the house itself had a modest exterior. There were no lavish carvings or extravagant decorations, nor was there a prominent family crest on display. The structure, built with deep gray stone, exuded a clean and understated elegance, carrying a steady and composed aura.The yard wasn’t large, but it was impeccably maintained. The neatly trimmed lawn bordered a few evergreen trees, creating a natural perimeter. A gravel path led to the front door, where a few guards stood respectfully, bowing slightly in greeting to Alia.“At least my younger brother seems to have some sense. No unnecessary extravagance,” Alia thought, feeling a rare hint of appreciation for Adrian.Adrian personally came out to welcome them. Dressed in
Alia took a deep breath, her gaze shifting between Adrian and Elise. Her eyes carried a hint of weariness but also relief.Ensuring no attendants were nearby, she spoke softly:“Let me be straightforward. The two of you being together won’t be easy, but I’m in support of it.”Adrian and Elise exchanged a glance, clearly unprepared for Alia’s directness. Their expressions betrayed a mix of tension and unease.But Alia pressed on, her tone unusually serious:“Adrian, I trust your character. However, I must remind you that Elise is my ‘sister’—my family. Her happiness means more to me than anything. If you truly want to be with her, you must treat her well and ensure she never suffers any harm.”Her voice was firm, slow, and carried an unspoken pressure.“If you want to be with her, you’ll need to
In the living room, the atmosphere lightened significantly after Alia’s departure.Adrian looked at Elise, a warm smile spreading across his face. Taking her hand gently, he led her to the window, where sunlight poured through the glass, casting a soft glow over the young couple.“She really gave us her blessing,” Adrian said, his voice tinged with disbelief and excitement. “I thought she’d be more hesitant.”Elise gazed at him, shaking her head lightly. “Livia only wants me to be happy. She’s the type to have a tough exterior but a soft heart.”Adrian chuckled at her response, his eyes softening as he reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, his voice full of affection:“I know how much she cares for you, but from now on, you won’t have to let her worry anymore. That responsibility is mine to bear.”Elise let out a small laugh, tilting her head playfully. “Can you really handle it? You still act like a child sometimes.”Adrian feigned a dramatic sigh, pretending to be hur
The conversation in the grand hall ended quickly. Elias and Adrian made an excuse to leave, giving the space to Alia and Marcellus. The atmosphere instantly grew subtle. Sunlight streamed through the towering floor-to-ceiling windows, falling between them. Despite their close proximity, an invisible barrier seemed to stretch between them.Alia was about to speak when Marcellus suddenly approached her. Without warning, his hand gently cupped her cheek, and he leaned in, pressing his lips to hers.His actions were decisive, tinged with a hint of urgency, as if emotions pent up for too long were now spilling over. The warmth of his touch conveyed a tumult of feelings—possession, hesitation, and a faint trace of tenderness.Alia froze for a moment, her heartbeat accelerating rapidly. But she quickly regained her composure. She neither resisted nor pulled away, yet her response lacked enthusiasm. Her posture remained stiff, and though her lips parted slightly, she didn’t truly reciprocate,
Marcellus looked at Livia, his voice tinged with concern. “Alright, go get some rest.”But Livia did not move. Instead, she frowned, a trace of unease in her eyes. “No, I’ll stay here with you. What if someone attacks you again?”Her gaze was unwavering—she was clearly unwilling to leave.Marcellus let out a soft sigh, a fleeting hint of helplessness flashing across his eyes. Still, his tone remained gentle. “They won’t. I’ve already told you—if someone is targeting me, they won’t take my life. At least, not yet.”He paused, his deep gaze fixed on her. “It’s you who should be more careful. Besides, you’ll be facing Edgar tomorrow. You need rest to be at your best.”Livia pressed her lips together before finally nodding. “Fine. I’ll go back for now.”Her voice regained its usual calmness, and her speech quickened. After all, at her core, she was still Alia—the thief she had always been. Once she pulled herself out of the whirlpool of emotions, she had no desire to linger on them. She p
Marcellus frowned slightly as he looked at the resolute Livia before him. He spoke slowly, his voice carrying a hint of concern. “But you have to convince your father.”Livia’s status certainly gave her an advantage, but Edgar was not someone easily swayed. Moreover, he likely had his own considerations and plans.Livia, however, did not hesitate. Her eyes were unwavering. “I will. I don’t believe he would refuse.”Marcellus fell into brief contemplation, his tone becoming more serious. “You know what our goal is, don’t you?”He didn’t say it outright, but Livia knew exactly what he was referring to—the Holy Grail. This coveted artifact was far more complex than it appeared, shrouded in secrets beyond imagination. More importantly, there was an unspoken scheme between Edgar and Marcellus, one they had no intention of revealing to outsiders.Marcellus was always cautious. His words were both a test and a final reminder. He knew that both Livia and Elias were already aware of the Holy G
The room fell into silence. Marcellus’ deep gaze locked onto her, his voice low yet resolute. “Livia, I feel like you’ve changed ever since your last coma.”Livia—no, Alia—startled awake.A chill crept down her spine, and her fingers clenched unconsciously, trembling slightly at the tips.She had almost grown accustomed to being Livia—accustomed to everything around her, to her role as Marcellus’ wife, to being the object of Elias’ affection, to being the key figure entangled in the Holy Grail’s secret. Yet now, hearing Marcellus pierce through her pretense so directly, she suddenly realized—she had sunk too deep into this web of secrets and emotions.She had told herself countless times that she was just Alia, just a petty thief, someone who didn’t belong in this world. But every time she tried to distance herself, something unexpected would drag her back into this identity—forcing her to accept feelings and a fate that were never meant to be hers.But this time… perhaps this was her
Elias looked at Livia, his gaze flickering slightly. He wanted to refute her, but her analysis was almost flawless. Indeed, if Livia took over, Eryx’s plans would be completely disrupted, and Marcellus wouldn’t truly lose his power.But…“Are you sure?” Marcellus finally spoke, his deep voice carrying a hint of complexity as he locked eyes with her. “Do you understand what this means?”Livia nodded without hesitation. “Of course, I do.”She took a deep breath, her tone softening slightly. “This isn’t just about your safety. It’s because…I don’t want Eryx to get his way.”Marcellus’s gaze darkened, a trace of unreadable emotion flashing in his eyes.For a moment, the air in the hospital room seemed to freeze.Marcellus stared at Livia in silence, struggling with something within himself. Then, he slowly spoke, his voice carrying an unusual trace of concern. “But what about your safety?”Unlike his usual composed self, there was a subtle, almost imperceptible worry in his voice. “If you
The atmosphere in the hospital room was heavy and tense. The dim lighting cast soft shadows, but it couldn’t dispel the suffocating pressure hanging in the air.Marcellus leaned against the hospital bed, his head lowered in deep thought. After a moment, he slowly spoke, “This is what I wanted to tell you—if the explosion was truly aimed at me, then the enemy, having gone to such lengths, wouldn’t have let me escape at the last moment.”His gaze darkened, as if playing out every possible scenario in his mind. “If this was an assassination attempt, they had the means to ensure I died beneath the rubble. But I survived, injured but alive. What does that mean?”He let out a quiet sigh, his eyes growing even more profound. “If this was really meant to kill me, then it’s highly possible… they spared me on purpose.”Livia’s breath hitched slightly, and she couldn’t help but ask, “Spared you? Why?”“It could be a warning,” Marcellus replied, his tone devoid of emotion, as if merely stating a
Elias was just about to step out of the hospital room when Marcellus’s deep voice sounded from behind him.“Don’t go.”Elias paused slightly and turned back. Marcellus’s expression had grown even more solemn, his gaze deep and intense, as if it could pull someone in. He glanced at Livia, then subtly gestured toward the door. Elias understood and casually locked it, ensuring that only the three of them remained inside.“This incident… there’s something off about it,” Marcellus said, his voice low, carrying a suppressed chill.Elias frowned, immediately catching the underlying meaning in his words. “You’re saying… this wasn’t an accident?”Livia’s heart clenched, and she unconsciously tightened her fists, her eyes filled with shock. “What? Not an accident?”She had assumed it was just a construction mishap. Given the scale of the expansion project, even a slight oversight could lead to danger. But if it wasn’t an accident… that meant someone had deliberately caused the explosion.Marcel
Elias stood at the hospital room door, hesitating to step inside. Marcellus had fallen back into a deep sleep after his conversation with Livia.Through the narrow gap in the door, Elias could see Livia sitting beside Marcellus’s bed, her expression heavy with complex emotions. In her eyes, there was concern, heartache, and… perhaps even a deep affection she herself might not want to admit.Elias’s heart clenched.He didn’t want to acknowledge it, but the truth was undeniable—she had always loved Marcellus.He should have expected it. He should have realized it long ago. Yet just hours ago, he had still believed he had a chance. At the top of the Ferris wheel, when he held her hand, she hadn’t pulled away. He had even come so close… so close to kissing her.But then, the explosion shattered everything in an instant.A bitter thought crossed his mind—if that explosion had come just a few minutes later, would things have been different?But reality didn’t deal in “what-ifs.”His gaze fe
The night sky was torn apart by a sudden explosion, its fiery glow illuminating the darkness. The shockwave rippled through the ground, shaking it ever so slightly. Livia’s heart clenched, her mind racing through countless possibilities, but the one that terrified her most—was Marcellus or Adrian caught in that explosion?Screams and frantic cries echoed through the streets as people fled in panic. The once-quiet night was shattered beyond repair. Livia instinctively moved toward the explosion, but Elias grabbed her wrist, his brows tightly furrowed.“Don’t be reckless. At least confirm the situation first.”Livia took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. She quickly pulled out her phone and contacted Adrian.“Are you both okay?” Her voice carried a trace of urgency.A few seconds later, Adrian’s voice came through. “Elise and I are fine. The explosion happened far from us.”Livia let out a breath of relief, but her heart remained lodged in her throat. “What about Marcellus? W
Livia’s mind was in turmoil. She was still trying to figure out what Eryx’s sudden interference meant, whether Edgar’s arrangements were intentional or had hidden motives, and—most pressing of all—what Marcellus’s situation was at that moment…But Elias nonchalantly interrupted her thoughts. “Thinking about all that won’t change anything. Today, I’m taking you out—to eat, to have fun. Let’s take a break.”Livia looked up at him. His expression held an unusual seriousness, as if he had planned this all along. There was no urgency in his gaze, no command—only a quiet expectation, like he was waiting for her answer.She hesitated. It was true—these past few days, her mind had barely had a moment’s rest. Problems tangled together, suffocating her. Maybe, just maybe, taking a break would actually help her sort things out.In the end, she gave a slight nod.Seeing her agree, Elias’s lips curved into a relaxed smile. “Then let’s go. I’ve planned everything for today.”—As night fell, the to