TRCR 8

In truth, Zeppelin had no intention of selling the Balaria coast estate.
But Yulian possessed two paintings Zeppelin had desperately sought.
They were the final pieces to complete his collection.
Reluctantly, Zeppelin handed over the estate to Yulian.
“He’s got a good eye for art, I’ll give him that. But he’ll never have Rebecca.”
Zeppelin deliberately wrapped his arm around Rebecca’s waist.
Yulian stared intently at Zeppelin’s slender hand gripping her tightly.
His brow furrowed slightly.
“I’ll take my wife now.”
Zeppelin hurriedly pulled Rebecca to the center of the banquet hall, a subtle sense of triumph gleaming in his eyes.
Rebecca is mine. Someone like you could never have her.
With that thought, Rebecca seemed even more lovable today.
He drew her close and showered kisses on her shoulder and forehead.
Rebecca barely suppressed the urge to gag, but to others, they appeared as a tender couple.
The crowd buzzed with chatter about the Devonshire couple.
“How can the count be so affectionate with his wife?”
“What good is that? She’s practically locked away in their estate.”
“Of course. She’s the empire’s greatest beauty. I’d keep her caged and away from everyone too.”
“I don’t know. I think the second wife is the real beauty. Alicia, was it? I caught a glimpse of her once—she was dazzling.”
“Damn, the count’s a lucky man. By the way, isn’t the second wife here? I wanted to get a look at her.”
“What nerve would she have to show up? A commoner, and a wife in name only—more like a mistress…”
The gossiping crowd fell silent as Yulian strode toward the couple.
Confirming all eyes, especially the emperor’s, were on him, Yulian twisted his lips into a smirk.
Though Zeppelin was tall, Yulian towered over him by a head.
Zeppelin looked up at him with a scowl.
“Is there more to say?”
“No, I’ve no business with you, Count. My matter is with her.”
Yulian bent down to meet Rebecca’s eyes and slowly extended his hand.
“Rebecca, would you honor me with a dance?”
He deliberately omitted her Devonshire title, calling her name with an intimate tone, ignoring Zeppelin’s clenched fists.
The banquet hall fell silent, as if doused with water.
Everyone gaped, looking between Yulian and Rebecca.
Rebecca met Yulian’s gaze and held her breath for a moment.
In her past life, they’d had little contact. At most, she’d glimpsed him from afar.
His black eyes, like peering into an abyss, studied her with curiosity.
In contrast to their sharp intelligence, the dark shadows under his eyes betrayed his deep ennui and desperation.
Rebecca’s gaze traced his dangerously sharp jawline.
Her heart pounded uncontrollably.
She began to understand why so many noblewomen were drawn to him despite his sordid reputation.
He was dangerous. A mere glance into his eyes made her mind go blank.
She could easily get swept away if she wasn’t careful.
“Refuse him, Rebecca. He’s not worth your time.”
Zeppelin’s tight grip on her shoulder snapped her back to reality.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She had to take the duke’s hand now.
Carefully, so Zeppelin wouldn’t notice, Rebecca glanced at Emperor Zahidra.
She sent him a fleeting, pitiful look before lowering her head.
Catching the shimmer in her blue eyes, Zahidra flinched.
Zeppelin was devoted but obsessively possessive of his wife.
Zahidra had ignored their domestic affairs, but if Duke Johannes was involved, it changed things.
He quickly calculated.
Zeppelin was pro-emperor. If Yulian showed interest in his wife, it could be a significant weakness.
Besides, rescuing a beauty from distress was always delightful.
Zahidra laughed heartily.
“Count Devonshire! Clinging to your wife like that isn’t a good look.”
“But, Your Majesty! This man was rude enough to…”
“I see no rudeness. She danced the first with you, didn’t she? From what I hear, your wife has never danced with another man. One dance won’t hurt. Allow it.”
The crowd murmured, already abuzz with unsavory rumors about Rebecca’s rare social appearances.
Zeppelin swallowed a groan.
With the emperor speaking so firmly, refusal wasn’t an option.
He shot Yulian, who was smiling leisurely, a venomous glare.
“Fine. But just one dance.”
“No, I wasn’t asking you, Count. I’m asking the lady.”
Rebecca glanced at Zeppelin, feigning hesitation. When he reluctantly nodded, she slowly took Yulian’s hand.
Unlike Zeppelin’s soft hands, Yulian’s were large, rough, but warm.
“The honor is mine, Lady.”
Yulian kissed the back of her hand, treating her like an unmarried noblewoman.
Zeppelin glared as if he’d burn down the palace.
The second dance began.
Others danced too, but their steps faltered as they stared at Yulian and Rebecca.
“Now, tell me. What’s this deal?”
Rebecca tried to ignore his hand on her waist.
This was her first time being so close to a man other than Zeppelin. Her neck stiffened with tension.
“What I meant to say was…”
Glancing up at Yulian, she nearly gasped at his eyes.
They had turned a radiant gold.
He urged her next words, eyeing her like intriguing prey.
Rebecca shut her eyes tightly, recalling the wrongs done to her in the past to steady herself.
Her racing pulse slowly calmed.
Opening her eyes, she spoke.
“I’m going to divorce.”
“What…?”
“So marry me.”
Rebecca’s voluminous dress swirled and gathered to the sweet music.
The beads sewn into the lace sparkled dazzlingly with every rustle.
Despite his large frame, Yulian moved lightly, handling Rebecca with ease.
Countless eyes followed their sweeping dance across the ballroom.
With Zeppelin, Rebecca sometimes looked like his sister due to their similar features.
But here, the dark man from hell and the fair woman from heaven were an enthralling pair.
The emperor and everyone in the hall watched their dance, captivated.
If not for Zeppelin’s fury, they could’ve danced all day, a mesmerizing sight.
Unlike his steady steps, Yulian’s eyes gleamed with strange excitement and curiosity.
Rebecca met his persistent gaze boldly, lifting the corners of her eyes.
“I know it’s not a romantic proposal, but it’s not a bad deal for you.”
“Why?”
“The temple will soon pressure you to take a bride.”
“Where did you hear that?”
“Sources don’t matter to our deal. I’ll be your bride. If you marry me, your concerns won’t come to pass. I swear I won’t touch a hair on your head during our marriage. Naturally, I won’t demand love or bear an heir. In short, a marriage in name only.”
“Does she think she could touch me just because she wants to?”
Yulian smirked, looking down at Rebecca’s slender waist.
“Is that all you want?”
Rebecca hesitated, then shook her head.
The dance reached its climax. Yulian lifted her high.
She was lighter than he’d expected.
Lifted higher than intended, he panicked.
Gasps of awe erupted around them.
Rebecca’s golden hair cascaded over him like a waterfall of light.
Yulian’s eyes widened.
In midair, Rebecca whispered with fiery eyes.
“Give me the power to destroy the Devonshire family. In return, I’ll save you.”
She descended, taking his hand and spinning gracefully.
Yulian narrowed his eyes, studying her expression.
Her unwavering gaze didn’t seem to lie.
“How do I trust you?”
“You have to. You’re desperate, aren’t you? To save your little sister from the curse.”
They spun apart, arms stretched to their full length.
She even knows about Lily?
Yulian stared at her, stunned.
Her gaze remained steadfast, as it had from the start.
“Salvation, huh.”
He pulled her back into his arms. She came willingly.
Yulian gripped her waist firmly as she arched back.
The dance would soon end, and so would their private talk.
Yulian grew anxious.
He wanted to speak with her longer.
“I won’t demand an answer now. When you decide, send Leo to the Devonshire estate. My room is on the second floor, east wing. I’ll place yellow flowers by the window.”
Yulian looked at her, astonished.
She straightened, a sly smile curling her lips.
“I also know you can communicate with Leo, the divine messenger. I’ll await your reply.”
“Rebecca!”
The moment the music stopped, Zeppelin rushed over and grabbed her wrist.
His patience was nearly spent; he was beyond caring about appearances.
“Then, farewell.”
Rebecca gave a curt goodbye and left.
Yulian stared blankly at the spot she’d vacated.