。

Morning arrived at the Velor estate, but Aliana hadn’t closed her eyes all night.

She had spent the hours studying the detailed reports sent by Rafe, analyzing every piece of information about Bianca Lorraine-

And trying to understand the name Julian Crane, which kept ying in her mind.

“Someone like Bianca wouldn’t act without a clear reason,” Aliana murmured, her gaze fixed on the garden bathed in the first light of day. “She’s too clever to take risks without a big payoff. If she really hired someone to attack Alicia, then it wasn’t just about protecting her position. It was a direct hit against Andrian. She wants to make sure no one reces her at his side.”

A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

“Come in,” she said tly.

Elena stepped in, her face looking fresh despite the tiredness in her eyes.

“Good morning, Miss Aliana,” she greeted gently. “I’ve asked the maid to prepare breakfast.

Aliana gave a slight nod. “Let’s eat first. I’ll need the energy to face today.”

iana

Would you like to

cat now?

dining room in the pavilion. Breakfast was ne

neatlyid

iby /ithe staff

fresh fruit, and a cup

Elena followed Alíana into the smKIHLAHOM

of ck coffee. Aliana ate calmly, but her

Elena sat restlessly in her seat. Aftind continued to race.

a moment, she spoke in a careful tone.

Wat darkness under Aliana bS /b

“Did you not sleepst night, Miss? You look tired,” she asked, concerned by the

Aliana looked at Elena briefly before replying, “There’s a lot on my mind, Elena. I couldn’t sleep.”

“You still need to take care of your health, Miss. I’m worried you’ll get sick.”

Elena grew increasingly anxious. She knew exactly what was weighing on her mistress.

“I’m fine,” Aliana said firmly. “There’s no need to worry too much about me.”

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Growing up bas /bthe adopted daughter of a mafia boss had shaped Aliana into someone fiercely independent and emotionally guarded.

Since childhood, she had learned that too much attention often brought weakness–and in the world she came from, weakness was never tolerated. She had been trained to hide her emotions, suppress pain, and protect herself without relying on anyone.

Aliana was never trulyfortable with people who showed too much concern, especially over personal matters. For her, such concern onlyplicated what should be simple. The world she lived in had no ce for feelings, let alone softness.

“Elena,” Aliana said, her voice cold but not unkind, “I know you care. But I don’t need that kind of attention. I’ve always taken care of myself.”

Elena looked like she wanted to protest, but she knew her limits. She simply nodded, though her worry was still clear.

“Understood, Miss. But if you need anything, please tell me.”

Aliana didn’t answer. She turned her eyes back to her breakfast te. She knew Elena meant well, but years of living in a ruthless world made it hard for her to ept such care. In her mind, care often equaled vulnerability–and vulnerability could be exploited by

enemies.

Once she had finished her meal, Aliana wiped her mouth with a napkin. She stood gracefully and walked toward the window, her eyes fixed on the grand Velor mansion in the distance.

“Elena,” Aliana called without turning around.

“Yes, Miss?” Elena replied, rising from her chair immediately.

“Have you heard when Andrian bis /bing back?“

Elena suffered. Her body tensed. While helping with breakfast earlier, she had overheard the head butler mention Andrian’s return. He had arrived at the main house that morning–along with Bianca.

3:44 PM

But Elena hadn’t dared to tell Aliana, especially since Andrian hadn’t evene to the pavilion to greet her.

Aliana took Elena’s silence as an answer. She immediately understood that Andrian had returned.

“Let’s go to the main house and greet him. I can’t just sit around doing nothing. I need to resolve Alicia’s case and

Elena gasped. “Go… go home? What do you mean, Miss? You’re nning to leave?”

Aliana nced at her with a t stare.

go home.”

“Don’t think I’ll stay here forever. This isn’t my home–neither is the Zavier estate. I’m only staying here until Alicia’s matters are settled.”

“B–but Missb… /byou’re married. Will Mr. Andrian really allow you to leave?”

“Why wouldn’t he?” Aliana replied coolly. “This marriage is just a formality. I can end it anytime I want. I’m sure Andrian thinks the same.”

Elena was deeply worried by Aliana’s words. But remembering how Andrian hadn’t even bothered to attend the wedding reception with her, she couldn’t argue. Maybe Andrian did want to separate–just as Aliana assumed.

PAY

Ah,” Aliana muttered suddenly, her expression serious as she looked at Elena. The name that had haunted her all night returned to her mind. “Elena… do you know a man named Julian Crane? Or have you ever heard Alicia mention him?”

“Ju–Julian Crane?” Elena thought for a moment, then quickly shook her head. “No, Miss. I’ve never heard that name. Who is he?”

“He’s a fixer,” Aliana replied sharply. “Someone who’s hired to make problems disappear–by any means necessary, including violence. Bianca met with him just days before Alicia was attacked. If I can find Julian, I might be able to dig up more.”

Elena clenched her fists, her face filled with anger and sadness. “Miss, does that mean Miss Bianca really is behind all of this?b” /b

Aliana gave her a sharp look. “Bianca has both motive and opportunity–but that’s not enough to use her. I need evidence, Elena. Solid, undeniable evidence.”

Elena nodded quickly, ashamed of having jumped to conclusions. “I’ll do anything to help you, Missb. /bJust

Aliana turned her eyes back to the Velor mansion.

tell me

what to do.”

“Watch everyone in this houseb. /bThe maids, the staff, even guests whoe and go. If you hear anything–anything at all–report it to me. We don’t know who we can trust here.”

“Yes, Miss,” Elena answered firmly.