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Yuvan’s eyes gleamed darkly as he took the vial. “And what happens if I administer another dose after the effects fade? Wouldn’t that extend the attachment indefinitely?”
Wayne frowned. “This is still poison, Your Highness. Prolonged use will harm the body. There have been cases where someone was dosed three times and became mentally impaired afterward. Too many doses could lead to irreversible brain damage, leaving one utterly incapacitated or even dead.”
Yuvan’s smile turned cold and predatory. “An imbecile would be even easier to control. The Spencer family would beg me to take care of her.”
Seeing Yuvan’s increasingly ruthless mindset, Wayne couldn’t help but caution him, warning, “Your Highness, while planning is in our hands and outcomes are up to the heavens, hinging an entire scheme on controlling a single person is far too risky. It could backfire disastrously.”
Wayne believed that while Violet held some influence, she wasn’t significant enough to make both the Spencer family and Sophie completely back down. The plan was too dangerous, and failure would bring severe consequences.
The only reason he had offered the drug was to give Violet a temporary emotional connection to Yuvan. Even if it was fleeting, as long as she stood by his side at a critical moment, the people from Hell Monarch Estate would be less likely to make things difficult for him. The priority now was finding a way to retreat to Valken. Once they were back there and Violet was under Yuvan’s control, they could take their time plotting their next moves.
Even so, Wayne still felt the plan was dangerously reckless.
At Edgeview Estate, preparations were grand and meticulous. Over at Hell Monarch Estate, everyone spared no effort in dressing up as well.
Sophie had swapped back into women’s attire for the occasion. She donned a flowing crimson gown crafted from fine brocade, its patterns subtly embroidered with gold in floral and vine motifs. Her hair was styled in a high braided crown, adorned with delicate pearl hairpins on either side. A cascade of curls, embellished with tiny pearls that shimmered in the light, fell softly down her back, adding a lively, enchanting touch to her noble appearance.
Meanwhile, Rafael wore a deep azure surcoat of fine brocade, embroidered with delicate gold accents along the edges and hem Beneath it, a fitted tunic of soft ivory linen, subtly adorned with intricate stitching at the cuffs and neckline, complemented his tall, lean frame. The rich fabrics and meticulous detailing made his chiseled features appear even more refined.
Violet also dressed up carefully. Since arriving in the capital, she had rarely attended banquets. With Sophie accompanying her this time, she couldn’t afford to look out of place.
She had no shortage of outfits, thanks to her wealth. Each season demanded its own wardrobe, even though she usually rotated between just a few practical pieces. The more elaborate dresses often stayed untouched-but owning them was a necessity, even if wearing them wasn’t.
Lulu beamed as she brought out an ensemble for Violet-a fine tunic of pale apricot silk, embroidered with intricate lily patterns in gold thread. The tunic was paired with a pleated skirt of soft ivory, decorated with delicate butterfly motifs, blending lively charm with refined grace.
Though Violet had spent years running wild in Meadow Ridge, her roots as the daughter of a prestigious merchant family still shone through. With just a little grooming and refinement in her manners, she was just as elegant as the noblewomen in the capital.
Travis was also attending tonight, but he insisted that his current attire as the captain of the guards was the best choice. It perfectly showcased his commanding presence, and no other Outfit could compare. Besides, he had convinced himself that the longer he admired his reflection in the mirror, the better he looked.
According to his account, his striking appearance had captivated a whole gaggle of maids. A few even lost their sense of direction around him, frequently bringing him snacks and bottles of wine as tokens of their admiration.
As dusk settled, two carriages from Hell Monarch Estate arrived promptly at the gates of Edgeview Estate.
The moment the carriages pulled up, the gatekeeper hurried to report their arrival. The main gate of Edgeview Estate was even opened to welcome them, showing just how important the occasion was. Molly and Fiona stood at the entrance with Stephanie and Sabrina, ready to greet their guests. Since Violet was a woman, Lucian and Randall didn’t come out to join them.
The sight of two carriages immediately set Fiona on edge. She was well aware of Yuvan’s plans for the night. Only Violet was supposed to be coming-why were two carriages necessary? When Rafael and Sophie stepped out of one of the carriages, Fiona froze and her carefully curated smile faltered.
What were they doing here?
“I thought you only invited Violet! How did you extend the invitation?” she hissed under her breath, glaring at Molly.
However, Molly was visibly pleased with herself. Originally, Yuvan had instructed her to invite only Violet. With Rafael and Sophie also showing up, she believed her husband would be delighted.
Annoyed by Fiona’s accusatory tone, Molly’s face darkened. “What kind of attitude is that? You’re talking to me, the princess consort! I managed to get them here-something you couldn’t even do, so keep your mouth shut!” Fiona had no interest in engaging further with this fool. She waved to a maid standing nearby.
“Go and inform His Highness at once!”
The maid nodded and hurried inside.
When Yuvan received the report in the study, he shot to his feet, his expression twisting in disbelief. “What? Rafael and Sophie are here too?”
Yuvan had planned to remain in the study tonight, leaving Fiona and Molly to entertain Violet along with his daughters. Once Violet consumed the drugged drink, Fiona would bring her to him.
Unlike Yuvan’s shock and anger, Wayne was surprisingly pleased.
After dismissing the maid, he turned to Yuvan and said, “Your Highness, this is a golden opportunity! We’ve tried to visit Hell Monarch Estate multiple times, only to be turned away Prince Rafael wouldn’t even meet you privately. But now, he’s come to your doorstep. Even if you can’t win him over tonight, maintaining a friendly front could open doors for the future.”
Wayne had always insisted on trying to win Rafael over. However, Hell Monarch Estate was like an impenetrable fortress, indifferent to both soft diplomacy and hard tactics. It was why they had been forced to change strategies. They hadn’t expected Rafael to willingly walk into their territory-this was a gift handed to them on a silver platter!
On the contrary, Yuvan didn’t share Wayne’s enthusiasm. His face was shadowed with a stormy mix of anger and frustration, as though something he had eagerly anticipated had slipped through his fingers and left him with nothing but empty disappointment. “Your Highness?” Wayne called out.
Yuvan’s gaze turned cold and dark. “Of all the times he could have shown up, it had to be now.”
Wayne blinked in confusion. “Isn’t his arrival a good thing?”
To Wayne, Yuvan’s current plan was reckless and fraught with risk. Strengthening ties with Rafael and bringing him to their side would yield far greater benefits. No one was entirely free of desires. Rafael was often at odds with Salvador and the target of the king’s paranoia, so he must harbor resentment deep down.
Even if they couldn’t secure the Hell Monarch’s fulNoyalty, driving a wedge between him and Salvador would still be advantageous. Should Rafael ever oppose the king openly even without fully sidial nee with Yuvan-it would work in their favor. Salvador would undoubtedly focus on dealing with his brother first, leaving Yuvan free to reap the rewards of their conflict.
The opportunity to engage with Rafael had been elusive, until now. Why was Yuvan so furious?
Realization dawned on Wayne. He stared at Yuvan intently and asked, “Your Highness, do you genuinely want Violet for yourself? Isn’t it just about using her to control the Spencer family?”
Yuvan’s expression twisted into one of embarrassed anger, as though Wayne had just struck a nerve. “Don’t talk nonsense!”
However, Wayne didn’t miss the flicker of emotion in Yuvan’s eyes. His suspicions confirmed, he frowned deeply, his tone turning serious as he cautioned, “Your Highness, if you’re planning something grand, you mustn’t let lust cloud your judgment.” “There’s no such thing,” Yuvan snapped, his voice tight as he forced his emotions back under control. “You’re right, Wayne. If he has come, it’s an opportunity. Let’s go.”
Wayne wasn’t reassured and continued to advise Yuvan.
“Your Highness, once your ambitions are realized, there will be no shortage of women for you to choose from. When that time comes, you might find Violet no different from anyone else.” “That’s enough.” Yuvan’s expression darkened.
After uttering those words, an unexpected wave of frustration surged within him. It wasn’t something he could control-the feeling swelled, crashing over him like a tidal wave until it spilled out.
“I have lived a simple, restrained life these years. I’ve kept my desires in check, suppressing my nature and not allowing any mistakes to show. It’s not like I haven’t been tempted over the years, but I ignored all of it because I knew indulging in pleasures would ruin everything. But Violet Spencer is different. She’s the first woman I’ve desired who also happens to be useful. She’s the perfect candidate to help me achieve my goals.”
Wayne was both alarmed and furious at Yuvan’s outburst. For the first time, he raised his voice in a harsh reprimand.
“Your Highness, are you saying you have feelings for Violet? That you’re in love with her? If that’s what you believe, let me tell you it’s not love. It’s just a flimsy excuse to justify despicable behavior. It’s nothing more than lust, dressed up as affection. If you truly cared for her, you wouldn’t be plotting to ruin her reputation. I’ve even told you the drug could be fatal, yet you didn’t hesitate for a second.”
Yuvan’s face flushed with anger at being so bluntly confronted. Embarrassed and enraged, he threw caution to the wind.
“Fine! So what if I do have those thoughts? And how dare you call me despicable? How many men out there have multiple wives and concubines, and still keep mistresses? Compared to them, I’ve lived an ascetic life! Do you need to make a big deal out of one or two instances? Remember your place. You’re just my strategist! What I choose to do is none of your business.”
“Your Highness!” Wayne didn’t back down, and his voice grew colder. “If your aspirations are merely to pursue women and indulge in fleeting desires, then I want no part to play in your future. I wish you all the best. I hope your ambitions come true and your future is bright.”
The room fell into an oppressive silence.
Yuvan’s expression alternated between shades of red and white, but he managed to hold back his anger and soften his tone.
“Wayne, don’t say such things. It would hurt my feelings. I’m not someone who acts on impulse. I’ve always valued your advice and followed it. Perhaps the string of failures since arriving in the capital has put me in a foul mood, which made me think of this as a way to relieve myself. It’s just a woman, after all. If you disapprove, then I won’t dwell on it any further.”
Wayne knew his words risked offending Yuvan, but he pressed on earnestly.