Seeing her determination, Phoenix didn’t argue. Xerxes came in just then with another tray of dishes. Phoenix picked up her chopsticks as she spoke. “By the way, I’m giving you Abyss. When you head back to the office, take Abyss and Delilah with you.”

Delilah immediately protested. “Why Abyss but not Kitty? I want to bring Kitty too!”

“Kitty weighs over six hundred pounds,” Phoenix said flatly. “How the hell are you planning to fit her in your car? Do you want to total it?”

“Phoenix, you’re such a jerk! That’s discrimination!”

Phoenix rolled his eyes and set his chopsticks down with a sharp clack. “Children shouldn’t interrupt when adults are talking.”

Delilah’s eyes instantly filled with tears. She turned pitifully to Clarissa. “Clarissa… Phoenix is bullying me!”

Clarissa couldn’t help laughing. She patted Delilah’s hand gently. “Alright, alright.” Then she looked up at Phoenix. “It’s fine to bring Delilah, but bringing Abyss to the company might not be ideal.”

“You own the company,” Phoenix said dryly. “Do whatever you want. Just let him ride in the car when you go out. I trained Abyss myself. With him and Delilah around, I’ll at least be able to relax.”

Her tone was casual, but the worry behind it was real. Deep down, Phoenix had a gut feeling—Atticus wasn’t finished yet.

Clarissa thought about it, then nodded. It was her company, after all. She could make the rules.

That night, Delilah moved into Clarissa’s room to sleep. Clarissa didn’t mind; she liked Delilah’s company. It made the big, quiet room feel a little warmer.

Clarissa stood behind her, brushing out her long braid. The soft strands slid through her fingers like cool silk.

“Delilah, your hair is gorgeous,” Clarissa said softly. “It’s honestly the most beautiful hair I’ve ever seen.”

Delilah laughed shyly. “William said the same thing.”

Clarissa blinked in surprise. “He combed your hair too?”

“Just once,” Delilah replied, smiling.

Clarissa’s eyes softened, but she didn’t press further. She tied off the end of the braid neatly and said, “There. Perfect.”

Delilah looked at her reflection in the mirror and grinned. “Clarissa, you’re so beautiful—just like my master.”

Clarissa smiled faintly. “Your master?”

Delilah hesitated, then nodded.

“Tell me about your time in the mountains,” Clarissa said.

“The mountains? That’s boring,” Delilah said with a little pout. “You really want to hear about that?”

“I’ve never seen them,” Clarissa replied. “How could I find them boring?”

Delilah gave a small “oh,” and then began to speak seriously. Her voice was light and melodic, like a spring breeze.

Clarissa listened quietly. Her mind drifted as Delilah spoke—images of misty hills, mountain winds, and the echo of laughter far away. Before long, fatigue crept in. Her breathing slowed, and she drifted into sleep, her head resting lightly against the pillow.

Delilah turned her head, noticing that Clarissa was already asleep. She blinked, then smiled faintly. Without thinking, she shifted closer, finding a comfortable spot in Clarissa’s arms. The night was peaceful. Within moments, she, too, had fallen asleep.

.......

Inside the apartment, Atticus pulled a small device from a locked cabinet and connected it to his computer with practiced ease.

The moment he powered it on, a massive 3D projection flared to life around him—ghostly blue light flooding the room.

He placed the receiver against his ear. At once, a cacophony of overlapping voices and static filled the air, a chaotic chorus of whispers and data streams.

Atticus’s expression hardened. “Quiet.”

His tone was calm, almost toneless—but the noise cut off instantly.

He adjusted a few dials, then sank into his chair. “Get ready,” he said quietly. “You have a mission. Fail, and you’ll end up like A. Understood?”

The line crackled, then went dead.

.......

Three days later, the burning in Clarissa’s chest had almost completely faded after daily acupuncture sessions.

Phoenix sat nearby, watching the color return to Clarissa’s cheeks. “How do you feel?”

“I’m fine now,” Clarissa said softly. “Completely fine.”

Phoenix nodded, but her thoughts were elsewhere. She already knew who had been behind Clarissa’s drowning—and she hadn’t expected it to connect back to an old case. One that, disturbingly, led to Atticus.

She had planned to tell Clarissa everything once she confirmed the details, but now... the best thing Clarissa could do was forget him entirely.

Phoenix pushed the thought aside and smiled. “Alright. I had someone make you a late-night snack. Eat before bed.”

“Midnight snack!”

Before Clarissa could answer, Delilah—who’d been half-asleep nearby—sprang to life. “Thank you, Phoenix! You’re the best!”

Phoenix rolled her eyes. “This is for Clarissa. You have your own. Go find Xerxes.”

“Got it!” Delilah grinned and darted off down the hall.

Moments later, the servants arrived with a tray of steaming food. Clarissa said nothing, simply lifted a spoon and took a small sip.

Phoenix watched her. “Good?”

“You should try some too.”

“Alright,” Phoenix said, leaning forward with a teasing smile. “Ah—”

Clarissa laughed softly, scooped up a spoonful, blew on it, and offered it to her. Phoenix took it, savoring the taste.

“It’s really good,” she said quietly.

“Want more?”

“No, it’s all yours. It was made especially for you.” Phoenix rested her chin on her hand, her gaze never leaving Clarissa.

Clarissa felt it and looked up. “What? Do I have something on my face?”

Phoenix’s lips curved. “My Clarissa’s too pretty. Can’t help but look.”

Clarissa laughed, shaking her head. “You.”

“Drink up,” Phoenix murmured.

Clarissa finished the soup obediently. Once the servants cleared the table and left, Phoenix rose and locked the door.

Clarissa blinked. “Why’d you lock it? Delilah’s not back yet.”

“Forget that girl,” Phoenix said, taking her hand. “The doctor said no late nights. Let’s go to bed. I haven’t slept beside you in ages.”

Clarissa didn’t resist. Phoenix led her to the bed and pulled her close.

“Clarissa...”

“Hm? What is it?”

“Nothing,” Phoenix murmured, slipping an arm around her. “Your hands are cold. Let me warm them.”

She pressed Clarissa’s hands between her own. Her fingers were long and smooth, calloused in places—like Atticus’s—but graceful, steady.

Clarissa sighed softly, relaxing into her. “Thank you, Phoenix.”

Phoenix stilled for a beat. “Thank me? For what?”

“For staying by my side,” Clarissa said. “Whatever happens next... as long as it’s within my power, I’ll always have your back.”

“Clarissa...” Phoenix brushed a strand of hair from her face, her voice low. After a pause, she whispered, “Can I ask you something?”

Clarissa smiled faintly. “Why so formal? Just ask.”

“Forget it,” Phoenix said with a shrug. “Tell me—what are your plans from here?”

Clarissa thought for a moment. “For now, I just want to focus on running the company, saving up for retirement. Maybe I’ll convince Grandpa to come live with me... or move in with him when I’ve earned enough.”

Phoenix’s eyes gleamed faintly. “Silly Clarissa. You’re really planning to stay single forever?”

Clarissa smiled. “Maybe. I’m fine that way. I don’t need anyone else.”

She lifted her gaze. “You two are enough for me.”

Phoenix chuckled softly. “Alright. Then I’ll take care of you from now on. Let all those bastards rot.”

Clarissa laughed and nodded. “Deal.”

Feeling safe in Phoenix’s arms, her eyelids grew heavy.

“Clarissa...”

“Mmm?” she murmured sleepily.

Phoenix breathed in the soft scent of her hair, hesitated for a moment, then gave a faint, self-mocking smile. She leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to Clarissa’s forehead.

“It’s alright,” she whispered. “Sleep.”

Clarissa murmured something incoherent and drifted off completely.

Phoenix looked down at Clarissa’s sleeping face, her expression softening. Her voice was barely a whisper. “If I’m a man in my next life… would you marry me?”

But the moment the thought surfaced, she caught herself. If that ever happened, wouldn’t she be no different from that disgusting bastard, Atticus?

She exhaled quietly and brushed a stray lock of hair from Clarissa’s forehead. As long as you’re happy, she thought, I’ll stay by your side. I’ll protect you for as long as I live.

Her gaze lingered on Clarissa’s peaceful face, a faint smile flickering through her eyes before she finally closed them and drifted off to sleep beside her.

Outside, Delilah wandered back to her room, humming with satisfaction after a late-night feast. Her belly was full, and her mood was light. She turned the knob— Click. Locked.

She blinked, tried again. Still locked.

“What the hell?” She paused, realization dawning. Phoenix.

Her face twisted in outrage. “Ugh! Phoenix, you bastard!”

.....

By morning, Phoenix and Clarissa woke to find breakfast already laid out.

Clarissa reached for a glass, poured some water, and slid it across the table. Phoenix took a sip just as Clarissa asked, “Where’s Delilah? I haven’t seen her.”

Phoenix froze. Right—Delilah.

When Xerxes entered, Phoenix asked casually, “Have you seen Delilah this morning?”

He looked puzzled. “Miss Delilah? Isn’t she in Miss Clarissa’s room?”

Phoenix and Clarissa exchanged glances. Something felt off.

Phoenix stood abruptly. “Let’s go check.”

“I’m coming too.”

They hurried to Delilah’s room. The bed was neatly made—too neatly. Anyone who knew Delilah knew she never made her bed.

Phoenix’s expression darkened. “No way…”

Before they could start searching, Xerxes rushed in from the courtyard. “Phoenix! Miss Clarissa! Miss Delilah is back.”

“Back?”

They hurried to the entrance—and there she was, Delilah, trotting up the path with William at her side.

Phoenix’s eyes narrowed slightly, scanning the man. Clarissa caught the quick, silent exchange between them, an unspoken tension threading the air.

William hadn’t expected Clarissa to be here. Surprise flickered briefly in his eyes, then disappeared behind his calm smile.

“Miss Clarissa,” he greeted smoothly.

Clarissa returned the smile politely.

Phoenix stepped forward, her tone sharp. She grabbed Delilah’s wrist and pulled her behind her.

“Phoenix, what the hell are you doing?” Delilah protested, struggling a little, but Phoenix’s grip was firm.

“How dare you sneak out and play runaway?” Phoenix’s glare could have burned through steel. “I’ll deal with you later.”

Delilah gawked at her, speechless.

“Take it easy,” William said mildly, noticing the red mark on Delilah’s wrist.

Phoenix met his gaze and nodded stiffly. “Delilah’s like family to me. I’m sorry for the trouble she caused.”

William’s smile was soft, effortless. “It’s fine. She’s a good girl.”

William turned to Delilah. “I should get going. You can talk later.”

Delilah looked reluctant, but with Phoenix standing there, she didn’t dare say much. “Okay…” she mumbled.

William gave a faint, knowing smile before glancing once more at Clarissa and Phoenix. “Goodbye, then.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Phoenix said, tone polite but guarded. “Clarissa, take Delilah inside.”

Clarissa tugged the sulking girl back toward the house.

.....

By the time Phoenix came back, Clarissa and Delilah were already at the table, eating breakfast. Delilah’s cheeks were puffed out like a squirrel’s, her mouth full of food.

Phoenix marched straight over and dropped into the seat beside her. “Still eating? You’ve got guts, kid—running away and all.”

She snatched the bun right out of Delilah’s hand. “Tell me, did that guy try anything? You don’t eat until you answer me.”

“Phoenix,” Clarissa sighed, “give her the bun back before she starts crying.”

Phoenix groaned but handed it over.

Delilah huffed. “You were the one who locked me out!”

“I gave you your own room!” Phoenix snapped, slamming a hand on the table.

Delilah flinched and ducked behind Clarissa for cover.