Leo's grip on the cup tightened. Liana's presence was no accident—Maria was toying with him. "Why's she here?" he asked.
Maria's laugh was cold. "A maid serves the nobles, Leonhardt. What else?"
He sipped, his voice steady but laced with danger. "Why're you trying to kill me?"
Maria's laugh was sharp, cutting. "Why would I? But let's say… the first son's privilege is a thorn in my side. My son deserves the dukedom, not some leftover."
Leo's smirk didn't waver. "Funny. I was already the family joke—useless, ignored. Everyone loves your boy. Why risk it?"
Maria's cup slipped, shattering on the floor with a piercing crash. She didn't blink, her eyes boring into Leo's. "Girl," she hissed, not looking at Liana, "clean this."
Liana whispered, "Yes, Madam," and knelt, gathering shards with shaking hands.
