Day by day, there was still no news of Adrian. The expansion plans had come to a complete halt, and an unspoken tension loomed over the entire castle. Even Edgar, who had remained patient, finally lost his composure and called in person.
When Livia picked up the phone, Edgar's deep voice carried a hint of impatience. "Livia, what the hell is going on?"
She smiled slightly, her tone gentle. "Father, what are you referring to?"
"Don't play dumb with me." Edgar let out a cold snort, his voice laced with irritation. "Do you know something? Adrian has completely disappeared these past few days. And Elise? She's not in the castle either, is she?"
Livia arched a delicate brow, a subtle smile lingering on her lips. "Father, are you implying something?"
There was a brief silence before Edgar spoke again, his voice turning cold. "Did they elope?"
Livia sighed softly and said slowly, "I truly don't know what happened. But, Father, do you? What exactly drove Adrian to 'run away'?"
The other end of the line fell silent.
Edgar's voice deepened, carrying an undeniable authority. "Livia, don't play games with me. I know you're involved, but I need Adrian to understand the consequences of his actions. If he really leaves, can he afford the price? And you—can you?"
Livia let out a quiet laugh, leaning back in her chair. A hint of mockery laced her voice. "Father, I'm not sure if Adrian can afford it, but I'm certain that our family—or rather, you—might not be able to."
She deliberately paused before continuing, her voice slow and deliberate. "My health hasn't been great lately. I was kidnapped once, and now, as a married woman, I can no longer concern myself with family affairs. Lianna? She's been a pampered princess since childhood, doing nothing but throwing tantrums. As for… the child in your wife's belly?"
Edgar's grip on the phone tightened, his face darkening. "Livia…"
But she didn't stop, her voice calm and composed. "That child isn't even born yet. Even if he is, how many years will it take for him to grow strong enough to bear responsibility? By the time he does, will the family still be as secure as it is now?"
Edgar remained silent.
His brows furrowed deeper, fingers lightly tapping the desk. He knew Livia's words carried weight—perhaps more than she herself realized. He had expectations for the child soon to be born, but there were hidden truths that Livia was unaware of. The family affairs were complex, and without Adrian, the entire situation would become dangerously unstable.
Hearing the silence on the other end, Livia's lips curled slightly. "Father, take your time to think it over."
Edgar's voice grew heavier. "Are you threatening me?"
Livia chuckled. "How could I possibly threaten you? I'm merely stating facts. You should give it some serious thought—"
She paused briefly, then her tone softened. "Father, Adrian is not someone who makes rash decisions. You should trust him, just as you should trust your own choices."
Edgar didn't respond, remaining silent for a long time.
Livia knew she had said enough. Without another word, she simply said, "Father, take your time."
Then, without hesitation, she ended the call, leaving Edgar to his thoughts.
The night was as dark as ink. Outside the window, the wind rustled through the castle's courtyard trees, and the occasional hoot of an owl broke the stillness. In this quiet night, Livia stood outside Marcellus's door, her slender, pale fingers gently tapping against the wood.
The door opened, revealing Marcellus. He saw Livia standing there, draped in nothing but a silk robe. The delicate fabric clung to her curves, slipping slightly to reveal her exquisite collarbone. Her golden hair was slightly tousled, and her gaze was unreadable, filled with an emotion he couldn't quite grasp.
"Livia?" His voice was low, tinged with caution.
She didn't respond. Instead, she stepped inside, nudged the door shut with her foot, and—without warning—wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her warm lips against his.
For a moment, Marcellus froze. Logic told him to push her away, but instinct had a stronger pull. After a brief hesitation, he pulled her tightly into his embrace. His hands rested on her waist, his palms pressing against her soft skin, feeling the faint tremble in her body.
"What are you doing?" he whispered, his breath uneven. He pressed his forehead against hers, searching her eyes for an answer.
Livia's fingers slid down, tracing lightly over his chest. Her voice was soft yet resolute. "Don't ask."
She rose onto her toes and kissed him again, this time with urgency. Marcellus knew she wasn't just looking for comfort—she wanted more. She was trying to fill some kind of void.
And him? Could he really resist her request?
One by one, their clothes slipped to the floor. The flickering candlelight cast their intertwined shadows onto the walls. His lips trailed down from her brow, tracing her features, feeling every shiver that ran through her body. She tilted her head back, her fingers tightening against his skin, her nails sinking into his back. Her breaths came in soft, suppressed gasps, a mix of longing and release.
Marcellus suddenly stilled, lifting his gaze to hers. In a hushed voice, he asked, "Livia, are you sure about this?"
She looked at him, emotions swirling in her eyes—complex, yet unwavering. "Shut up."
In that instant, reason shattered completely. Burning emotions spiraled out of control. The quiet night was soon filled with the sound of rapid, breathless whispers…