Javien did not reply immediately. The suffocating silence once again enveloped the room, feeling heavier than ever before.
Only the ticking of the wall clock filled the space, as if counting down the seconds to their downfall.
"Yes, My Lady," Javien answered at last. His voice was quiet, yet every single word that left his lips felt like a massive boulder crashing onto the floor.
"It is not merely a bait... but a warning. The Duke knows I will never allow Olivia to be touched. And if he wishes to destroy me... he only needs to snap his fingers to make Olivia vanish from my sight."
Ophilia bit her lip, her pale face looking increasingly worried about their safety.
Celine, meanwhile, could no longer bring herself to speak, her hands freezing cold as she sat on the long sofa.
Javien slowly raised his gaze, locking his eyes directly with Ophilia's, his expression the darkest Ophilia had ever seen.
