"It only works if the connection is done willingly. You can lock me up, but you'll just be watching me die while the beast takes your mind." I explained further, not wanting to leave any chance for him to doubt my words.
He turned back to me, his expression unreadable. "And what exactly do you need protection from? You're a noblewoman. You have a family that has the power and wealth to do so."
I wanted to smack him hard. Does he think that everyone has the same privileges as him?
Because some of us were on the verge of losing everything, and by someone, I meant my family, the Solynes. Though in people's eyes, he was the viscount, in reality, it was much different.
Edward, my father, was losing his investments in mines that were supposed to have crystals and mana. Also, the loans he took from other aristocrats were piling up. Mary might be working for Jenna, but she couldn't resist sharing and talking about things she heard here and there.
With her grace, I got the reality check on where the Solyne stand currently, and the image was not as pleasing as people think. With people already eyeing his title were ready to rip off his power for their own gains. Though he deserved it because, without learning, he invested in unpredictable things. In our modern era, we might say it is known as crypto or share market investments.
Too much uncertainty, but unfortunately, I belonged to this family, which means them going into ruins would also lead me into this mess. So, to survive and live well, I would need a little help from him.
Taking in a deep breath, I started off, "I need you to ensure that my father invests in specific profitable things instead of those mines. Also, if possible, guide my brother, Alexander, to become the heir of the family. And lastly..." I stopped mid-sentence as I tested my thoughts on my tongue.
He watched me for a long time, the silence stretching until I could hear the ticking of a clock somewhere in the hall. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and dangerous.
"What is that last thing you want? If I am to help you, I need to know the extent of your... ambitions." His expressions deepened with seriousness.
I licked my dry lips, collecting the courage to speak up. After a few seconds had passed, I finally completed, "I want to meet her."
Xander frowned, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Her? Who?"
Tugging my lips between my teeth, I waited to calculate if it was too late to take my words back. "Selene, I want to have a private tea with the to-be Duchess," I replied, the name feeling like a spark on my tongue.
Xander's eyes flared with a sudden, sharp suspicion. "Selene? You want to meet the woman you're being accused of almost killing?"
I didn't show how those affected me, and was reminded of my worst night other than that accident night, but I need to do it. I need to hide every possible weakness because if he gets even a sniff of how scared I was, the whole game would become advantageous to him.
I need to show that meeting the only character I adored the most will not affect me in any possible way.
"Yes, because nothing defuses a lie faster than standing in front of the person it's built around," I said, meeting his gaze steadily.
He laughed a short, humorless laugh as he added, "Or it confirms it."
"Only if I'm guilty. If I weren't, no amount of distance would save me anyway. And if I am to survive the people and duke's judgment, I need more than your word. I need visibility." I replied back in my steel tone.
He studied me for a long moment, eyes narrowing as if he were looking past my face and into the motives beneath it.
"I might remind you that, after that incident, Marcus had surveilled every movement around her. Almost no visitors are allowed to see her, and even those who are checked carefully," he said coldly.
"I know, that's why it has to be through you," I said quietly, impatiently waiting for his response. He stood there with his eyes expanded in shock or surprise. I couldn't pinpoint it, but he definitely didn't expect this answer from me.
He then turned away, pacing once across the chamber, hands clasped behind his back. When he spoke again, his voice was measured and calm in the way storms are calm before breaking, "Do you understand that a single mistake of yours could cost me everything?" Xander said.
"I will be careful and will not let others twist out the situation, I promise," I replied, but from his expression, he did not look convinced, which wavered the confidence in me. Still, I added, "And even if the situation turns against me, I will make sure that at the very least… I choose how it ends."
He stopped in his tracks at my last words. Slowly, he turned back to me. "And what do you intend to do at this… meeting?"
I didn't rush the answer and took a moment before the words came out of my mouth.
"I intend to become an ally and stop these rumours about me hating Selene. To be honest, I wanted to become more than an ally...a friend." I said, as emotions started to take over my practical words.
"Convenient words, but what about Josephine?" he asked, his tone tinged with curiosity, as if he were watching some kdrama.
My expression stiffened as her name rang in my ear. That engagement party was our first and last meeting until she framed me. Unknowningly, my expression hardened because the next second, the corner of his lips lifted in a grin, enjoying every moment of this.
"She...I...will take care of her," I somehow managed to answer him without sounding like a bitch, but in that moment, my mind started to brew some special plan for my dearest Josephine.
Since she wouldn't let me meet Selene alone, I'd have to find a more crooked way to get what I wanted.
Xander watched me for a heartbeat longer, that infuriatingly sharp gaze finally dimming as he gave a single, curt nod. "I will consider it, but do not think of taking it for granted. If you step out of line, I will find a way to silence the beast and you along with it."
With that chilling promise hanging in the air, he gestured toward the grand double doors leading out to outside. Our "private negotiation" was over. It was time to complete the system's given task.