Chapter 42: Breaking Boundaries
Rose sat in the spacious room, her eyes wide as she took in the extravagant interior of the mansion. Every detail screamed opulence, from the intricate carvings on the furniture to the sparkling chandeliers. Yet, amidst the splendor, one thought nagged at her—why bring her here instead of the living room? Shouldn’t visitors be placed in more public spaces?
Almost as if reading her mind, Rylan’s deep voice broke the silence. "This is my room."
She shot him a curious glance, her brows raised. Could he actually read minds? But Rylan didn’t linger on her expression. He knew precisely why he’d brought her here instead of the main areas of the mansion. Rose was reckless, unpredictable. With the way their past encounters had gone, he was certain she’d cause some sort of disaster if she were allowed near the more delicate parts of the house.
And besides, he was taking a risk himself. He had been explicitly told by Zylan not to let her into the mansion, yet here she was, in his room. The reason he had disobeyed Zylan for the first time ever was because she was Naomi’s friend. If she were kicked out, she would undoubtedly tell Naomi, likely adding a few dramatic details to make herself seem more pitiful. This could easily create tension between Naomi and Zylan, which was the last thing Rylan wanted to cause.
"This should be the last time you come here," Rylan said firmly, his gaze cold and unwavering.
Rose smirked, her eyes dancing with mischief as she caught his tone. "And why’s that, Mr. Rylan?" She lifted her chin slightly, trying to mimic the tone of a refined young lady. The effect was almost comical, her forced elegance clashing with her natural sass.
Rylan’s face remained impassive, a perfect mask of indifference. "You’re not allowed here," he replied simply.
"And why should I listen to you?" she countered, crossing her arms. Her defiance was clear, laced with an edge that Rylan couldn’t ignore. "It’s not like you’re Naomi’s husband or anything. You’re just a... keeper, assigned to watch over this house."
The words struck a nerve. It wasn’t precisely an insult, but something about her dismissive tone made it sting. His jaw tightened as he struggled to keep his composure. What on earth was wrong with this girl?
Rose watched him closely, clearly enjoying the effect her words had on him. "If Naomi told me to stay away, I’d listen," she said with a shrug. "But you?" She scoffed, relishing the chance to push his buttons. "I won’t."
Her eyes sparkled with defiance, her smirk daring him to respond. Rylan could feel the heat of her gaze, but he kept his face expressionless. His voice turned colder as he warned, "Mind your words. I could easily have the guards throw you out."