Wester Silver's laughter burst out suddenly, loud and sharp, echoing against the walls of his private chamber. It was not amusement but fury vented through ridicule, the kind of laughter that preceded punishment rather than forgiveness.
"In my entire life," he said between lingering chuckles, "I have never encountered a fool like you, woman. You injure my servant, become an accomplice to the murderer of my security chief, enter my own mansion, and then speak to me as though you are the offended party."
His gaze sharpened.
"Do you even understand who stands before you right now? Even members of other major houses do not dare address me in such a tone."
Kiara folded her hands behind her back, her posture straight and unyielding.
"No wonder your gatekeeper and security chief were so arrogant," she replied calmly. "As is the master, so are the subordinates. Overestimating oneself is common. Underestimating others is fatal."
The temperature in the chamber seemed to drop.
