Chapter 131. Grand Rewards
Duke Albrecht Dranemount sat behind a gleaming mahogany desk in the Dranemount Manor office.
Albrecht’s stern face and sharp eyes were fixed on his children with a mix of disillusionment and tired affection.
Erin and Adrian sat opposite each other on soft velvet couches, their argument simmering like a storm about to burst.
Erin’s delicate fingers curled around the porcelain cup as she sipped her tea calmly, her silver hair shining like the moon.
Adrian’s voice pierced the room with a sharp annoyance as he leaned forward, his broad shoulders taut, his hands braced on the low, polished table between them. "Where did you go after knocking me out cold, Erin? Come on."
Erin’s violet eyes sparkled with mischief. "Just sightseeing, dear brother. I was bored." She tilted her head, letting the words hang like a dare.
Adrian’s jaw tightened, and he turned to their father, pointing at her. "See, Father? She’s hiding something. She always is."
Erin’s lips curved into a sly smirk as she set her teacup down with a sharp clink.
"Hiding something?" she purred, voice teasing but firm.
"Why, Adrian, do you think I was scared of you..." She paused, smirk sharpening as she leaned forward a bit. "...elder brother?"
Adrian’s face flushed, voice rising. "You should at least show me some respect!" he snapped. "Do you know how much chaos you caused, vanishing like that? The nation’s already on edge after Caulem’s daughter disappeared."