I was so shocked that I froze in place. Seeing me like that, Layla began to shed tears.
"M-Madam. I'm really sorry. Lord Kallion told me to take him to you immediately. I must've lost my mind for a moment. Please forgive me. Please…"
With her face slapped, her hair messy, and her legs black and bruised, she trembled like a fragile maid abused by her mistress.
It looked like she had been waiting for me to question her—her dual-faced act left me speechless.
"Layla, what on earth…?"
Just as I was about to ask about this unbelievable situation, Kallion stepped in front of me coldly.
Standing firmly like a knight shielding Layla, he glared at me sharply and menacingly.
To him, I must look like nothing more than the daughter of his mother's enemy, a selfish and cruel woman who vents her anger by abusing her maid.
Even I had to admit—anyone would see it that way now.
"I assigned Layla to help you manage the estate. And this is how you treated her?"
I didn't even feel like defending myself.
Whether it was Layla who deliberately harmed herself to frame me, or Kallion who trusted her completely—it all felt equally disgusting to me.
With a lifeless expression, I turned around and began walking away.
I had no energy left to argue.
But then, he grabbed my wrist again.
"We're not done talking."
"Let go of me."
"Explain this situation properly before you go."
His threatening voice made me turn to look at him weakly.
"I didn't do it."
"What?"
"I didn't hurt her leg."
Kallion's expression became strange, and he frowned as if he couldn't believe it.
Seeing that, I let out a bitter laugh.
"Why do you want me to explain when you won't believe anything I say anyway?"
Then I looked him straight in the eyes with a tired expression.
"Just believe whatever you want."
At the emptiness in my gaze, he loosened his grip on my wrist.
Taking that moment, I pulled my hand free and walked off like a ghost wandering the halls.
***
In his office, Kallion called the doctor to treat Layla's leg. He stared out the window for a long time, confused.
Even if she was from an enemy family, Yuliana had been faithfully managing the estate all this time.
Despite having the authority of a lady of the house, she never spent money carelessly—only using what was necessary for appearances.
She never bought anything for herself. It was as if she thought everything in the estate was meaningless.
That kind of woman… it didn't make sense that she would covet his late mother's room.
Nor did it make sense that she would harm Layla, no matter her background.
According to the head butler, Yuliana cared for the staff, even treasuring her personal maid Kate like family.
So seeing Layla in such a state now only confused him more.
Could it be that Yuliana suspected something between him and Layla and lashed out because of jealousy?
But even that theory had flaws.
Layla claimed Yuliana had known it was his mother's room and still entered out of greed.
"I was invited by the owner of the room."
But Yuliana had spoken as if someone else had invited her in.
Nothing added up. Too many inconsistencies.
If it had been two months ago, he would've believed Layla without hesitation and blamed Yuliana immediately.
But ever since Yuliana became the lady of the house, Layla had been strangely quick to make mistakes.
Still, it was hard to believe Layla had set this up.
He had known her for over ten years—since she was a young girl. She was like a little sister to him.
Kallion looked at Layla, who was now lying on the sofa being treated by the doctor.
"Layla."
"Yes, Lord Kallion?"
"Are you telling me the complete truth?"
Layla froze at his question, lips pressed together.
Then, with a firm expression, she met his sharp gaze.
"I've served you for eight years. I would never lie to you."
Her gaze was too confident for someone who was lying. Kallion grew even more confused.
Even if there were lies in her story, the injuries on her legs were real.
Unless she had hurt herself—which seemed unthinkable—someone had to have caused them.
And the only person in the estate with enough authority to lay hands on her was Yuliana.
Sigh…
Kallion rubbed his forehead, still overwhelmed by the situation that led nowhere.
Just then, the door to the office flew open, and a maid rushed in, panicked.
No maid entered without permission, so Kallion turned to her in confusion.
It was none other than Yuliana's personal maid.
"There's a problem!"
The maid, Kate, looked pale and breathless. Kallion narrowed his eyes.
"What is it?"
Almost in tears, Kate shouted,
"The lady… she's gone!"
Kallion frowned deeply and asked again, as if he'd misheard.
"What…?"
When Kallion entered Yuliana's room, it looked like nothing was out of place, making him doubt she had truly left.
"Are you sure she left?"
His voice was sharp. Kate stepped forward, trembling, and held out a ring and a short letter.
To Kate,
I'm sorry I couldn't take care of you until the end.
I hope this helps you somehow.
It was Yuliana's handwriting.
"She left this letter and ring behind. And in the dressing room, a few of her usual dresses and her travel bag are missing."
Even as she wept, Kate calmly reported everything she knew and wiped her eyes with her sleeve.
She seemed hurt that Yuliana had left her behind.
Watching her, Kallion sighed and rubbed his forehead.
"She might come back soon. Let's wait a day. If she doesn't return, send people to search for her."
Layla bowed slightly, hiding her stiff expression.
"Yes, my lord."
"She probably went to her family home—the Heister estate. Check with them just in case."
"Yes."
"Don't tell them she ran away. Just confirm if she went there."
"…Yes."
Layla's face grew tenser as Kallion's instructions went on.
She bowed again and quietly left the room.
After watching her go, Kallion turned to the waiting butler.
"Cliff."
"Yes, Lord Kallion."
"Just in case, assign someone else to look for her too."
"…Understood."
Cliff looked puzzled that Kallion was no longer fully trusting Layla, but he soon bowed and left.
Kate, looking swollen-eyed but determined, bowed deeply.
"I—I'll check around the estate too, just in case!"
Watching her rush out, Kallion collapsed into the sofa.
This was where Yuliana would usually sit,
reading or drinking tea.
He stared at the empty seat, then leaned back and sighed.
This was a political marriage between families.
She wasn't someone who would walk away so recklessly.
If she had meant to, she would've done it long ago.
Even when he was harsh with his words, grabbed her wrist roughly, or nearly forced himself on her during what should've been their first night together—she endured it all.
As if she had to protect or wait for something, no matter what.
Letting out a bitter sigh, Kallion closed his eyes.
He hoped that by the time he opened them again, there would be news about Yuliana.