Beneath the Polite Masks
After lazing around at home for two days, Julian D'Aurelius still hadn't received any news from Ammy D'Aurelius.
That alone was suspicious.
Ammy had been eager earlier, almost too eager. Someone like him wouldn't stay quiet for long.
Julian leaned against the balcony railing of his room, golden eyes watching the quiet courtyard below.
Strange…
But during those two days, something else had occupied his attention.
Lina Ashford.
The so-called maid.
He had called her to his room many times.
Sometimes under the excuse of cleaning.
Sometimes to bring tea.
Sometimes to "assist" him during training.
The first day, she stood beside him quietly while he practiced his movements.
Julian wiped sweat from his forehead and casually tossed her a towel.
"Come here."
Lina walked over.
"Wipe it," he said lazily.
She didn't hesitate. Her cool fingers gently wiped the sweat from his temple.
Julian studied her expression closely.
Still calm.
Still patient.
