Layla returned to the shack late at night.
She clutched the pouch of gold in her hands, but the thing that made her heart race even faster... wasn't the money.
It was the System window that appeared before her.
> **[New Skill Unlocked: Desire Reading]**
> **[Description: Allows the Host to discern a target's greatest desire or deepest fear]**
>
Layla sat on her old wooden bed and activated the skill.
Suddenly...
A mild headache washed over her.
Then, fragmented images and words began to manifest.
Men craving money.
Men craving women.
Men craving power.
Men craving revenge.
Layla smiled slowly.
This skill alone... was more dangerous than beauty itself.
The next morning, she went out to the market. She was wearing a simple dress, yet her body and features had become more alluring than ever before.
As she passed by people... she began to notice new things.
The moment she looked at someone, a small window would appear:
> **[Target: Bread Vendor]**
> **[Greatest Desire: Wealth]**
> **[Deepest Fear: Bankruptcy]**
>
> **[Target: Guard]**
> **[Greatest Desire: Women]**
> **[Deepest Fear: Losing his job]**
>
> **[Target: Merchant's Wife]**
> **[Greatest Desire: To be the center of attention / Jealousy of more beautiful women]**
>
Layla felt as if she were peering into the very souls of humans. Every person had a weakness, and every weakness... could be exploited.
But what caught her attention most was a man standing at the market entrance.
He wore luxurious black clothing. Behind him stood a large carriage and two guards. He was distinct from the rest of the villagers: handsome, calm, and with eyes that were strangely cold.
The moment Layla's eyes landed on him, a new window appeared:
> **[Target: Adrian Moore]**
> **[Greatest Merchant from the Capital]**
> **[Danger Level: High]**
> **[Greatest Desire: A woman who is intelligent and different]**
> **[Deepest Fear: Betrayal]**
>
Layla froze.
For the first time, the System didn't present a man who was easy to control. Instead, it showed a dangerous man.
And a man like him... could grant her much more than just gold.
Adrian lifted his gaze toward her for a moment. Then, he offered a faint smile, as if he sensed her watching him.
As for Layla...
She simply smiled back.
Because she realized that her real game... had only just begun.
**What is Layla's next move? Should she approach Adrian directly, or use her new "Desire Reading" to manipulate the market and force him to notice her?**