“What’s the progress?” Leon’s voice echoed through the livingroom as he stared coldly at Jen. Jen frowned. “I’m handling it. I wanted to get rid of the woman first—the one who survived the knife attack—before moving against Adrian. You gave me twenty days.” The next second, Leon’s fist smashed into his face. Jen staggered backward, crashing into the stone pillar behind him. Blood spilled from the corner of his mouth as he looked up in shock. Leon walked toward him slowly, fury burning in his eyes. “Do you think this is a game?” he asked. “The only reason I’m not using my cultivation on you is because it would count as abuse of authority.” Jen wiped the blood from his lips and stood straight again. “You’re changing the plan overnight,” he snapped. “Adrian Cole isn’t some ordinary target. One mistake and I’m the one dragged back into punishment while you stand there watching.” “You still don’t understand the danger we’re in,” Leon replied sharply. Jen scoffed. “Then explain it.”

The door creaked open wider, and the maid motioned him inside with a sharp flick of her wrist.“Step in,” she said curtly, her eyes narrow and calculating. “Come see the head of the maids. She’s waiting.”The prince walked carefully, keeping his posture humble, his gaze low. The hall smelled faintly of herbs and cooking smoke, the walls lined with polished wood, the faint echo of footsteps behind him. Every sound seemed amplified in the quiet tension of the house.At the far end, the head maid stood, arms crossed, radiating authority like a storm ready to strike. Her eyes scanned him, sharp and unyielding.“Did you see the postcard outside?” she asked, her voice tight with suspicion.The prince bowed slightly, a practiced humility in his stance. “I just thought I’d give it a trial. I needed the work.”Her lips pressed into a thin line. “Do you have a professional license? Something that proves you’re capable… not clumsy like the others who’ve tried?” Her tone carried the weight of jud

The maids’ quarters buzzed with gossip immediately after the new schedule was posted. "Chairman Cole had reassigned his personal room attendant"" "And the person chosen was Lysa" Maids gathered in the courtyard, pretending to fold laundry but they wouldn't stop whispering among themselves. “Did you see the schedule?” “I thought it was fake at first.” “It isn’t. The chairman personally requested her.” One maid scoffed loudly. “Since when does Chairman Cole care about servants?” Another shook her head. “That’s what’s strange. He barely even notices people.” “Exactly,” someone added bitterly. “Elegant women from powerful families throw themselves at him and he ignores them. But suddenly he notices Lysa?” The group burst into mocking laughter. “That plain girl?” “She doesn’t even talk.” “She acts innocent, but girls like that are always hiding something.” Near the edge of the courtyard, Prince Corwins swept quietly while listening to everything “What happened?” he asked cas

Lisa carefully balanced the tray, her small hands steady despite the slight tremor in her fingers. She had practiced this walk countless times in her mind, determined not to make a mistake this time, she can’t choose to disappoint Adrian after he choose her. Stepping into the room, the tray in front of her, she froze mid-step. Suddenly, without warning, the same flashes that had plagued her before erupted in her vision—bright, chaotic, disorienting. Her knees buckled, and the tray slipped from her grasp, coffee spilling across the floor. Adrian, seated at his desk, immediately noticed the sudden movement. His eyes narrowed. “Lysa!” he called sharply. Before she could respond, he was on his feet, crossing the room in long strides. He reached her just as her body collapsed, catching her in his arms with precise, practiced ease. The coffee tray clattered harmlessly to the floor, forgotten. “Careful!” he said, his voice low but urgent. He laid her gently on the floor, examining he

Prince Corwin lingered near the hallway where Lysa usually passed. He had been watching quietly, careful not to draw attention. Every time he stepped closer, she flinched, pulling back as if anticipating ridicule or danger. He sighed softly, realizing she was more guarded than he had thought.“Lysa,” he called gently, careful not to startle her.She froze, eyes widening, but then quickly turned to retreat.“Wait,” he said, keeping his tone light. “I’m not here to mock you. I… I just want to talk.”Lysa hesitated, shrinking back. Her mind was clouded, her memories fragmented, and the instinct to avoid strangers—especially men—was ingrained now.Corwin stepped closer, careful to give her space. “I’m alone in this world too,” he said quietly. “I’m not used to this human place, and… I just want to make friends. That’s all.”Her eyes flickered with doubt. “Friends?” she whispered.“Yes,” he said softly. “No games, no teasing. Just… someone who wants to help you, not hurt you.”Lysa stared