Chapter 012🗝️

“Then have a good night, Madam.”

Melaria paused mid-nod, about to respond casually. She tried to look closely at Izuli’s face again, but Izuli had already turned and gone back into the bedroom.

‘Is it just my imagination?’

It must be. There was no way the quiet, meek Izuli—who’d always taken whatever they dished out—would mock her otherwise. Dismissing the smile as a misperception, exhaustion washed over her. Melaria sighed and turned to leave. No matter how much she didn’t want to believe it, this was reality. She needed to come up with a new plan as quickly as possible.

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Closing the bedroom door behind her, Izuli grinned widely, her face lit up with satisfaction. Seeing her so genuinely pleased, Ricardo couldn’t help but ask:

“Why are you so happy?”

“Why? Didn’t you see how pale Melaria looked—like she was about to collapse any second? It’s so satisfying!”

Even…