When Kallion pointed out Layla's rash suggestion, she lowered her head and bit her lips.
Both the head maid and butler were clearly surprised too—they hadn't expected her opinion to be dismissed so quickly.
Layla had always been someone Kallion deeply trusted.
As she clenched her hands, Kallion quietly observed her.
"…I wasn't thinking clearly," she admitted.
Kallion sighed deeply. He was disappointed, yes—but he knew Layla only acted that way out of her deep concern for Valdormer.
It made sense that she would still doubt having the daughter of the Heister family as the lady of the house. Even he had once suspected Yuliana after reading that half-burned letter.
But Layla's mistake wasn't unforgivable. Everyone makes mistakes.
He had worked with her for too long to cut her off now—Layla was more than a secretary; she was like family.
He ran a hand over his face, looking tired, and said, "Let's just forget what was said. Things are chaotic enough—everyone, stay calm and think carefully."
The butler and head maid quickly bowed, sensing Kallion's authority.
Once they left, Kallion waved Layla away as well.
"You should go too."
"But—"
"I want to be alone."
Hearing his firm voice, Layla turned away with a stiff face, full of regret.
Only after she left did Kallion lean back in his chair, exhausted.
Even now, all he could think about was Yuliana—specifically, the Yuliana from his dreams.
"I love you, Kallion…"
Damn it.
"I love you…"
Again.
He could even hear her voice echoing in real life now.
And despite how tired he was, his body responded again.
Something was clearly wrong with him.
***
The reception room was decorated in Valdormer's usual dark mahogany and black marble style.
Kallion had arrived early and was already sitting on a black leather sofa.
Lloyd walked in and sat across from him calmly, even with Kallion's cold stare on him.
"I didn't expect such a warm invitation," Lloyd said casually.
Kallion briefly frowned but quickly returned to his usual expressionless face.
He leaned back and got straight to the point.
"Valdormer has no intention of withdrawing from the diamond mine bidding."
Lloyd crossed his legs calmly. "Neither does Silverstel."
Kallion sighed. "If both sides refuse to back down, the bid price will skyrocket."
"Then Valdormer should back down," Lloyd replied smoothly.
"…We'll guarantee 20% of the diamonds from the mine at half the price."
Even if Silverstel won the bid, the mine was close to Valdormer territory, so transport would still require cooperation.
Lloyd had clearly expected this offer and responded with a smile.
"Let's say 50%."
Kallion gritted his teeth. "30."
"40. We can't go lower than that."
"…35. That's our final offer."
Even that was a generous deal—securing diamond supply in advance wasn't something money alone could buy.
"Fine," Lloyd said, smiling and holding out his hand.
Kallion hesitated, clearly annoyed.
Agreeing to this deal felt like giving in to Lloyd's plan.
Still, Lloyd just smiled easily. "I look forward to working together."
Working together, my ass.
Kallion's icy glare carried a hint of killing intent.
Lloyd slowly pulled his hand back, not looking bothered.
He was just about to leave when Kallion spoke in a low voice.
"Why did you lie?"
Suddenly, a chilling aura surrounded Kallion—the dark energy he usually kept hidden leaked out, filled with rage and menace.
He looked like a grim reaper.
Gritting his teeth, Kallion repeated, "Why did you lie about getting the diamond mine information from Yuliana?"
Lloyd's usual calm face twitched slightly.
"Isn't it your mistake for trusting your rival's word?"
Gone was the friendly tone—Lloyd's eyes turned cold, and he spoke informally, angering Kallion even more.
Then Lloyd smirked.
"I warned you. If I saw an opening, I'd use it."
It sounded like he wanted Yuliana to be kicked out of Valdormer.
After Lloyd left, Kallion remained still, unable to move.
***
As Lloyd headed to his carriage, his eyes wandered to the garden.
Yuliana was sitting at a table, staring into space.
Unlike most noblewomen surrounded by servants, she only had Kate beside her.
Lloyd walked toward her quietly.
"You seem thinner," he said softly.
His cold expression from earlier vanished, replaced by the gentle smile Yuliana remembered.
Seeing how worn down she looked, Lloyd frowned.
"You could have asked me for help. If you had, maybe I would've told the truth."
Yuliana looked at him blankly.
"That makes it sound like you didn't tell the truth."
Lloyd went quiet.
"…Isn't that right?"
"…."
"Why did you do it?"
Yuliana's calm voice held no anger, just quiet pain.
Lloyd lowered to one knee without warning.
Even then, Yuliana didn't react—just watched him coldly.
He gently held her hand, looking at the delicate skin, then placed a kiss on it.
It was a gesture full of regret, like a knight pledging loyalty—or a man begging forgiveness.
Yuliana's face hardened.
She tried to pull her hand away, but Lloyd held it tightly and looked up at her with sad eyes.
"Valdormer doesn't deserve someone like you," he whispered.
He wanted her to leave it all behind and come to him.
If she just reached out, he'd do anything for her—even walk into hell.
Yuliana held his gaze in silence.
From the shadows inside the mansion, Kallion was watching the entire scene.
***
Even with the chaos around the mine bidding, Yuliana worked hard and brought the budget documents to Kallion's office.
Layla wasn't there—only Kallion sat at his desk.
Yuliana placed the documents down quietly and turned to leave, but his voice stopped her.
"So you're showing off your affair with that man to everyone now?" he said coldly.
Yuliana frowned and turned around.