Dane's POV:"Y–you… what are you trying to do?" I knew I couldn't argue with Brian. He knew everything because he was the one behind it. Brian smiled, a smile that made my stomach twist."So now, what should I do with this secret, hm? I think… this will remain a beautiful little secret if Vincent never finds out, right?"I looked up at him, my eyes blurred with tears."What do you want…"He lightly grasped my chin, his voice deep and arrogant:"Very simple. I just want everything to go back to how it was. Majori returns to me, and you stay with Vincent. That's all."I froze, stammering:"But… but what should I do…"The moment I said it, a surge of jealousy rose inside me. What was so good about Majori that someone could love her like this, a perfect man and yet she still came back to fight with me over Vincent? What did I lack compared to her? Appearance, character, background, I was inferior in nothing. So why did men chase her, protect her, while no one did that for me?My hand hidden under my coat tightened unconsciously. I lifted my head to look straight into his eyes. Yes, it was difficult to get Majori out of Vincent's line of sight, but not impossible. And since Brian said so, he would surely do whatever I asked to achieve his goal. To protect my own secret, I could do it, I had to do it."As long as Majori returns to you, you'll keep that secret for me, right? You won't go back on your word?"Just imagining Vincent discovering the truth behind everything I had built so beautifully felt like being pushed straight into hell painful, terrifying. The feeling of being distrusted, of being called a liar those things shattered the last bits of hesitation and fear inside me."Who do you think I am? The Alpha male of the Blue Moon pack lying? Every promise I make represents the honor of the entire pack. Don't worry, Dane," Brian said, his eyes gleaming. "As long as Majori comes back, everything will return to order. Vincent will be yours, Dane. I promise. I'll handle everything. I'll make the whole world believe you're the pitiful one, the victim. And the secret about your father… will remain buried."I stared at him for a long time, my lips trembling. Those two words, remain buried were like a drug injected straight through my ears, intoxicating my mind, making me want to fall asleep inside them."But… if I'm alone, it'll be very difficult."Of course I knew that. It would be hard to find another opportunity like today. And after this incident, Vincent would undoubtedly increase security around Majori's room, monitor anyone going in or out, maybe even add more cameras. I knew well how terrified Vincent was of losing Majori."That, you don't have to worry about, my little Dane. How could I let you shoulder this alone? You're just a fragile little girl after all, aren't you? I've arranged everything already. You only need to help me with a few things." Brian's hand trailed along my jawline and stopped at my chin, then his three fingers pinched hard under my lower lip, making me instinctively frown and let out a soft cry. He truly did not treat me gently, no matter how sweet his words sounded."Help you with a few things?" My trust in him began to mix with suspicion. My eyes flickered with alertness. "These things… they won't harm Vincent, will they?"I knew Brian and Vincent were political rivals. What if he used me, under the guise of bringing Majori back, to steal Vincent's secrets or do something that would damage him? And anything that harmed Vincent, I would never do it."Don't worry. Matters between men, I won't use a woman to gain the upper hand. This really is nothing more than bringing Majori back, the woman I love. You understand, don't you?"Then Brian suddenly leaned in, whispering at my ear, his voice seductive."And in fact, you don't have a choice. You don't get to choose whether to trust me or not, you can only trust me completely, Dane. If this method doesn't bring Majori back, I have others. But you only have one path."
He was right. I had no choice. As long as I was careful. I believed I was smart enough to stay alert and notice if Brian did anything harmful to Vincent's interests. Yes. As for bringing Majori back, I thought I could manage it.I nodded once, softly, but enough for him to see.Brian smiled, patted my cheek, his hand icy cold:"Good girl. I knew you'd understand."Then he released my chin and stood up, brushing the snow off his coat. His warm voice echoed through the white night:"Those who behave always get the best things. Especially those who listen to Brian. You should know that well."I sat there on the freezing snow, my tears falling into the bright red bloodstain of the driver.The wind whipped through my hair, carrying away lies, secrets, and even my soul.I didn't know how long I sat there in the snow. Only that when Brian walked away, I didn't even dare breathe too loudly, afraid he would turn back and crush me with a single look.Wind screeched through the dry branches, blowing the blood-stained strands of hair stuck to my cheek. I could no longer feel my hands; my knees throbbed with pain, but I didn't dare move.Brian was gone.
I lowered my head, choking out a bitter laugh, my shoulders trembling with despair.When Vichy shakily grabbed my hand, her voice quivering with fear:"Miss… what do we do now?"I didn't answer. I had no choice. I just had to survive and keep Vincent from finding out."What else can we do? Go sit in the car," I snapped, instinctively lashing out because of the turmoil in my chest."But… Miss, the car's engine is damaged… we…"Vichy's voice wavered, almost crying. And indeed, Brian's men had destroyed the engine without us noticing. But that wasn't my concern. I didn't know how to drive anyway, and now was not the time to risk my life. Irritated that my maid couldn't understand and kept asking, I snarled:"Just do as I say. With that stupid brain of yours, you'll always only ever be a servant. Ryder will definitely find me. When he does, I just need to put on a pitiful act."Yes. I was missing, Ryder would search for me quickly and would be the one to find me first. Then I only needed to act like a victim. He would speak for me in front of Vincent and protect me."Help me stand."I barked at Vichy. As the mistress, of course I had already arranged everything to my advantage. A lowly servant had no right to worry. My legs were numb now, every movement difficult. My knees had sunk deeply into the snow; I was sure I'd be dealing with terrible joint pain once I got back.The car would at least shield me from the cold a little, and when Ryder found me, I could act frightened and hide inside. But as I took a few steps, from afar, the sound of an engine and headlights cut through the falling snow and shone directly toward me.