"I will deliver her to your house myself tomorrow. For now, I want you to restrain yourself and return to your room. I am hosting important guests at the gala downstairs," Leo said. His voice was firm, though every word that left his mouth felt like a blade stabbing into his own dignity.
Celine turned her head sharply, pinning Leo with a gaze saturated with rage, hatred, and profound betrayal. She could not believe that the man who had just held her warmly in the garden was now using her as a bargaining chip to negotiate with a demon.
Richard laughed lowly, a gravelly sound that made the hair on Celine's neck stand on end. "I'm only warning you, Leo. Do not try to play games behind my back. As your father, I am still trying to trust you this once," Richard said as he rose slowly to his feet.
Richard stepped closer, his eyes scanning the curves of Celine's body with a sickening glint of lust.
