During the days of Adrian's disappearance, the family was embroiled in yet another storm.
Lianna suddenly approached Edgar with a request to study abroad, a proposal that took him by surprise. His daughter had always been willful, yet she had never truly strayed far from the family—why was she now actively seeking to leave?
"Why this sudden desire to go overseas?" Edgar sat in his study, his sharp gaze scrutinizing the girl before him. His eyes held a hint of suspicion.
Lianna remained composed, a playful smile tugging at her lips, exuding the usual blend of youthful mischief and endearment. "Father, I've been in the family for too long. I want to see the world, broaden my horizons! That way, I can contribute even more to the family in the future, don't you think?"
Edgar took a slow sip of tea, not responding immediately. Instead, he studied her intently. "You've grown up here, surrounded by the family. Are you not afraid that life outside might be difficult for you?"
"Of course not!" Lianna tilted her head slightly, her tone lighthearted. "Didn't my sister also study abroad back then? I want to see the world, just like she did."
Edgar fell into brief contemplation before finally nodding. "Since you've made up your mind, I will make the necessary arrangements."
—A few days earlier, Livia and Elias had approached Lianna.
That day, Lianna had just returned from the garden when a servant informed her that Livia was waiting for her. She hurried over, only to find Elias there as well.
"Sister, you were looking for me?" Lianna blinked, glancing at the two of them. She could sense that something unusual was going on.
Livia offered a gentle smile and gestured for her to take a seat on the sofa before speaking in a calm voice. "Lianna, are you aware of the situation between Elise and Adrian?"
Lianna hesitated briefly before nodding. "I know a little… Brother likes Elise, doesn't he? But… it seems their relationship isn't allowed."
Elias sighed, taking over the conversation. "It's not just 'not allowed'—Father has already found out."
Lianna's eyes widened in shock. She covered her mouth and gasped, "What?! Then does that mean Adrian and Elise—"
Livia nodded slightly, her tone steady yet serious. "Father hasn't said anything outright, but he is already preparing to separate them."
Lianna's heart sank. A whirlwind of emotions stirred within her. She had always known that marriage within their family was never about love—it was about alliances. But now that she was facing the reality of it, she felt an unshakable unease. This wasn't just about Adrian—it was about her as well. Would she, too, one day be assigned a partner against her will? Would her choices be disregarded? Her gaze flickered toward Elias, uncertainty creeping into her thoughts.
Livia continued, "But Adrian didn't disappoint me. He's prepared to give up everything to be with Elise."
"I always thought my brother was the least likely to defy Father for love…" Lianna's voice wavered slightly, as though struggling to process the revelation. "But he's actually willing to risk everything for it."
Elias spoke softly, "Livia once told me that Adrian was never someone who yielded easily. The power and status he's been fighting for weren't for ambition—they were so he could protect Elise."
Listening to him, warmth surged through Lianna's chest. She suddenly realized how different she was from Adrian. She had always been the spoiled one, demanding things without truly understanding their worth. Yet Adrian, the most obedient among them, had chosen to defy everything for love.
She clenched her fists, determination flashing in her eyes. "Sister, you must have a plan. That's why you called me here, isn't it?"
Livia met her gaze, a subtle smile playing on her lips. "Are you willing to help them?"
Without hesitation, Lianna nodded. "Of course! If my brother is willing to fight for this, I won't let his efforts go to waste! I'll do whatever it takes!"
Livia gave her an approving nod before looking at her with a profound expression. "Would you be willing to leave the family for a while?"
Lianna was taken aback. "Leave the family?"
Elias nodded. "If you truly want to help Adrian and Elise, then you must make Father see Adrian's true worth."
Livia's voice was steady, carrying a sense of certainty. "All you need to do is request to study abroad. Nothing more."
Lianna frowned slightly. "But how would me leaving help?"
Livia chuckled lightly. "Your absence won't make you insignificant—it will shift the balance in a way that works to our advantage. Without you here, Father will be forced to reconsider his choices. He will realize that Adrian is his only viable heir."
Lianna fell silent, contemplating her sister's words. She had never desired to inherit the family business. She had always preferred her role as the pampered daughter of a noble household, knowing that either Adrian or Livia would inherit the burden. With them in charge, she wouldn't have to fear being forced into an unwanted marriage. With this thought, she quickly made up her mind. She turned to Elias, her expression unwavering. "I'll do it."
Elias was slightly surprised before a smile of admiration crossed his face. "Lianna, you're braver than I expected."
A faint blush colored Lianna's cheeks, though deep inside, she felt a quiet pride. She looked at Livia, her voice solemn. "Sister, I'll follow your plan."
Livia reached out and gently patted her head, her smile carrying a hint of approval. "Then I'll leave it to you."
—And so, a few days later, Lianna stood before Edgar and made her request to study abroad.
On the surface, her decision seemed like nothing more than a whimsical desire for freedom. But in reality, she was paving the way for her brother's future—and, in doing so, securing her own.