Her late daughter was Grace’s one untouchable wound.
Suppressing a trembling lip, she shot back.
“My daughter… is gone. Robert’s nothing to me now. And you know I opposed their relationship from the start. I should hate him—he drove a wedge between us.”
“Ah, my mistake. Just a concern. I’ll take my leave—much to do for the lord.”
Octavio left with a cryptic smile.
Grace, chilled by it, glared at his retreating figure.
* * *
“Robert’s been summoned?”
“Yes. The lord called for him urgently this morning.”
“Took longer than expected.”
Rebecca said calmly.
Kanna looked puzzled.
“You knew he’d be found out?”
“Of course. Probably Octavio’s doing, diverting Zeppelin’s obsession to rooting out a traitor.”
“Then Robert…”
“Will die.”
“What?”
Kanna’s eyes widened at Rebecca’s casual tone.
Ignoring her, Rebecca read a letter Leo brought.
“Eustaf’s researching Rose Grapes. It’s like Yulian knew my plan. Curious, isn’t it, Kanna?”
“I suppose. Good that he’s useful.”
Kanna’s expression remained uneasy, troubled by Rebecca’s words about Robert.
But, steadfast in her loyalty, she didn’t question her.
Rebecca smiled softly, observing her.
“It’s time for Robert to leave the estate. Sometimes death brings freedom.”
“He’d consider it an honor to die for you.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll bring him back.”
“What…?”
“You didn’t think I’d let him die by Zeppelin’s hand, did you? Disappointing.”
Rebecca grinned mischievously.
Finishing her reply, she tucked it into Leo’s collar.
As Leo leapt out the window, she wrote two more letters and handed them to Kanna.
“Give one to Catherine in her presence, the other to Mother secretly. And stop by Liberta Orphanage. Margaret’s ready to decide.”
“How can I leave you in this state?”
Kanna eyed Rebecca, wincing from pain.
Rebecca took her hands.
“My fever’s down, I’m fine. You’re the only one I trust. And I have more allies now.”
She clapped twice.
The door opened, and Susan and Emily, another maid, entered.
“You called?”
Both had profited from Rebecca’s tips, believing her a saint, ready to do anything for her.
Rebecca gave Kanna a “see?” look.
Kanna smiled reluctantly, then sternly instructed the maids.
Rebecca watched them fondly.
* * *
“Can you handle it? Refuse now, and I’ll find another way.”
Deep sea-blue eyes asked with genuine concern.
His tense lips softened.
“I never thought I’d escape without sacrifice.”
“No choice, then. I’ll risk my life to save you, so hold on.”
Her willingness to stake her life for him reminded him of his lost love.
“Robert!”
Oh, Layla.
In dreams, he saw her grasp his hand as he fell into the abyss.
Cold.
Staring at her warmth, she pulled him upward.
“Robert, snap out of it!”
“Lay… I miss you. Can’t we just go together?”
“No. You promised to live happily for both of us. Go back.”
“Layla!”
Her starry black eyes scattered light, her tears carrying him to the surface.
* * *
“Wake up!”
Cold water splashed his face.
Robert gasped awake, blood from his forehead blurring his vision.
He remembered where he was—the torture chamber beneath the Hall of Light.
Zeppelin sat before him, his patience exhausted.
“I’ll ask once more. Why spread those lies?”
“They’re not lies. She’s a true saint.”
“Pity, Robert. I valued you.”
Zeppelin sighed, gesturing.
Knight Bates picked up a red-hot poker.
Robert screamed in agony.
Behind Zeppelin, Octavio watched with evident pleasure.
Octavio…
It was you.
Octavio had always checked Robert, trusted by Zeppelin, viewing him as a threat.
But Robert didn’t care. He never wanted Octavio’s place.
A dog is a dog—fighting for the lead wasn’t worth it.
Yet Octavio was the type to crush threats early.
He’d been waiting for a chance to catch Robert.
Today, he’d seized it.
This should be enough.
Breathing heavily, Robert spoke haltingly.
“One… last cigarette. Then I’ll tell the truth.”
Bates glanced at Zeppelin.
Robert was doomed either way—Zeppelin needed a scapegoat.
Zeppelin cracked his knuckles, loosening his hands.
A dying man’s wish could be granted.
He nodded.
Bates found a cigarette in Robert’s pocket and placed it in his mouth.
“Hoo.”
Robert exhaled a long plume, cool smoke filling his lungs.
He smiled, satisfied.
All according to her will…
The scent of death was sweet.
“Now, speak.”
In a haze, Robert gave Zeppelin the answer he wanted.
“I loved her.”
“What?”
“Shall I repeat? I loved Lady Rebecca—her beauty, her heart. She’s too good for you. If you love her, let her go! You’re her torment.”
“You bastard!”
As expected.
Zeppelin, eyes bloodshot, lunged at Robert.
Losing control, he pummeled Robert’s head with brass knuckles.
Bloodied, Robert no longer made a sound.
“How dare a dog covet his master’s?”
Octavio, barely containing a grin, restrained Zeppelin.
His eyes curved in delight, belying his words.
“Stop, you’ll kill him.”
“Him, or anyone else, coveting what’s mine…”
Bates checked Robert’s nose.
“He’s dead.”
“Handle it.”
Zeppelin clicked his tongue, raking his hair, looking as if he’d crushed an annoying insect.
“I feel filthy. Octavio, have a bath prepared.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Zeppelin’s footsteps echoed as he climbed from the chilling cellar.
Bates kept his head bowed until Zeppelin was gone, then turned to Robert.
The cigarette in his mouth burned fiercely to the end.
* * *
Receiving Rebecca’s letter, Danae hurriedly prepared to leave.
As she donned her hat, Theo blocked her path.
“Darling, where do you keep going?”
“I told you—Mrs. Jenkins’ house.”
“Don’t lie. Your right eyebrow twitches when you do. Is there…?”
Danae froze.
Does he know something?
Tears welled in Theo’s blue eyes.
“Another man, isn’t it? Because I’m useless…”
“Theo Obelia! What are you saying?”
“If not, why keep leaving me behind?”
Theo grabbed her waist, pinning her.
“Are you mad? Move!”
Tears streaming, Theo pleaded.
“I can’t live without you. If you’re remarrying, at least keep me as a mistress!”
“You’re talking nonsense!”
“Daddy!”
Livia and Helena shouted, rushing to grab his arms.
“Don’t interfere with Mom’s work!”
“Yeah! She’s earning money!”
“Earning money…?”
Theo’s teary eyes widened.
Danae, startled, turned to her twins.
“How did you know?”
Grinning, Helena and Livia answered in turn.
“Our meals have been amazing lately!”
“You bought us new dresses!”
“We get dessert every day!”
“Dad doesn’t earn a cent, so who else could it be?”
“Mom!”
Theo was shocked by their blunt words.
“You’re… earning money?”
Good thing I sent Catherine.
Danae sighed, resigned.
“Yes. I can’t say more. Don’t worry—it’s not illegal or dangerous.”
“I’m so useless you had to… I promised you’d never lift a finger…”
As Theo teared up again, Danae soothed him.
“Everyone has different talents. You’re just not good at earning.”
Helena and Livia chimed in.
“Yeah, Dad’s great at cooking!”
“And better at cleaning and laundry than Mom!”
Theo blinked his long lashes.
“Well, that’s true.”
