ow

drinking in the grandeur of the Palmers mansion. The luxurious car glided s

ed the sunlight, polished chrome accents gleamed, and creamy white stone that radiated warmth-l

feur, resplendent in his tailored coat adorned with the Palmer family

icking crisply on the polished stone. Rowan, dressed in imp

r stomach as greeted Cressida with a warm smile. "Good day, ma'

the door. "This way, ma'am," she s

ows of maids, impeccably dressed in their black and white unif

." They murmured, their voices

out of her room, hurrying toward her with open arms and a radiant smile so she haste

g." Amabel said, her voi

ma." Cressi

ding her to the sofa where they sat together. "How are you d

rm smile. "The pictures I saw didn't do you justice," she sai

lanced downward, a demure smile playing on

see Dawson emerging from the hallway. She quickly rose to her feet,

they approached him, her voice warm

" She greeted, her voice polite and respectful. However, Dawson didn't

s expression unreadable, before turning

on walk away, then turned to Cressida with a puzzled e

ts flashed with a wry insight, and she pushed the thought aside, shaking

ghts momentarily etched on her face, but she swiftly smoothed out her exp

he said warmly. "He's

as if Dawson's behavior didn't faze her. "He holds a prominent po

brightening convincing

pered, a warm smile spreading across her face. She closed the space between them, envelopin

'Yes, I will, and also a

°

r. Amabel had excused herself to speak with Dawson, and Alar

wheeled him in, Cressida watching with interest. As they drew

ment isn't part of our deal, is it?" His low, icy tone questioned. "You're here

decided to tread carefully around him, at least until the marriage was s

loser. "What proposal?" He questioned. He had been observing from just

n remained impassive. He was well-versed in the unwritten rules under the Palmers'

with curiosity as he stepped closer. His gaze was fixed on Alaric,

flashed with resentment, a deep-seated loathing for his father simmering beneath the surf

ating the question. Before Dawson could speak, Alaric intervened,

tone authoritative. "Mind

d between Cressida and Alaric before settling on Alaric. "How dare you spea

ad, a cold glint in his eye. "She'll be my wife, living under our roof in a few days. No point in pretending

for the drama, so she

ng in his throat as he gritted his teeth to hold b

r than you, old man. Why don't you walk a

anger, his gaze fixed on Alaric's profile. With a sil

losed. He clenched his fist, his eyes turning outrageously r

y. He hated Dawson, Amabel, and Felix-his own family. But Dawson topped the list,

ep, fueled by ye

Looks like things get pretty interesting around here," she said with a nod, her arms unfolding as she

r the drama, woman," he said, his voice low and serious. "You have a

ed to let go and breathe. Life's like a river-if it doesn't flow, it stagnates. You work, you

rly." Alaric said, reaching

, her hands extending to he

was curt. "You're n

d, her smile broadening. "But efficiency is

"Not possible. And even if it is, I wou

ge is a contract, not a bond. Our purpose is to build a weapon-a leth

She grasped the wheelchair and pushed it forward. "Sorry in advance, but I'll

*

duration

voice steady as she read out. "No prying, no intrud

was studying his copy, his eyes n

," Alaric's gaze remained fixed on his copy as he read on. "No mission secrets are

erms?" He asked, and before she could respo

ow I'd agree? Shouldn't you let me

e? I sensed the Soul Keeper's presence. Deat

, Lawson Cressida, agree to your terms." She r