Inside, heavy breathing could be heard—panicked and unsteady. Perhaps Gerald had never experienced such chaos in his entire life.No matter how big the problem, he had always been able to handle it with ease. But this? This was beyond his control.The thought of dying here was mortifying enough, but the idea of his body being found in such a place was even worse—especially since, on the eve of the New Year, he had sternly scolded Carissa before leaving the palace."Come out!" Carissa shouted again, her voice sharp and commanding.Two barefoot courtesans stepped out. The room was warm, heated by silver charcoal. Carpets cover the floor, making it easy to walk barefoot."Will you leave on your own, or must I escort you?" Carissa asked calmly.The two courtesans hurried out, leaving Gerald behind the screen, trembling faintly.Carissa grabbed the embroidered tablecloth from the tabletop and moved behind the screen, draping it over Gerald. Then, she seized his arm and said, "Let
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