Chapter 1155:

A cigarette appeared in Torin’s hand, rolling between his fingers as he lounged against the wall, all casual indifference. “Funny, isn’t it? Life throws old acquaintances together in the strangest places. Are you glad?”

That glint in his eye told Elena he was enjoying her discomfort just a little too much.

Torin needed no introduction to Elena’s complicated past with Elyse—calling them “old acquaintances” barely scratched the surface.

A glint of frost flashed in Elena’s gaze. “Honestly, I’d celebrate the day you finally drop dead.”

Torin’s lips curled, laughter escaping him. If anyone else had spoken to him like that, they’d be in pieces by now. But she was an exception. No matter how far she pushed, he found himself endlessly entertained by her boldness.

The flame from his lighter danced briefly before he took a slow drag. “Hate to break it to you, but you might be waiting a long time.”

A plume of smoke floated around him, softening his sharp features into something almost unreal—equal parts elegance and danger.

The sharp scent of tobacco wrinkled Elena’s nose, and she pivoted, moving to leave the smoky hallway behind.

For a long moment, Torin watched her silhouette slip away, his amusement fading to a thoughtful stillness. Only when the last of his cigarette burned out did a different look pass over his eyes—a flash of cold intent—and his focus shifted to the upper level.

Upstairs, before the maids returned, Elyse had already put the necklace back in its original place. She was nearly out the door when a voice like ice cut through the air and pinned her in place. “Do you have a death wish, touching my woman?”

Elyse froze, feeling like prey under the gaze of a predator. Slowly, she raised her eyes to…

met his gaze. Her lips twisted into a weak imitation of a smile, laced with panic. “I’m not sure what you mean, Your Grace. Really.”

In an instant, Torin moved, his hand closing around Elyse’s throat. “Still playing dumb? How audacious!”

Panic flared as Elyse clawed at his grip, veins straining, breath cut short, eyes wide with terror. Fear made her shake her head desperately, mouthing silent pleas. “Please, no, please…”

𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕤𝕥 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕠𝕟 𝓰𝖺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀․𝗰𝗈𝗆

Before darkness overtook her, Torin’s fingers released her.

Crashing to the floor, Elyse gulped for air, lungs burning, words tumbling out in a shaky whisper. “I swear, I didn’t mean to—please, I really didn’t know…” Tears blurred her vision as she tried to explain, her voice barely more than a broken plea.

Torin’s eyes never shifted her way. His warning dropped like a stone. “Don’t think just because you’ve done something for me it will buy you any mercy. Plot against Elena again, and I’ll make sure no one ever finds your body.”

Elyse’s pupils dilated in terror, as though a horrifying realization had just crossed her mind. She shook her head wildly.

The ballroom buzzed with music and laughter, but Elena had no desire to join the dance. All she wanted was a peaceful corner to herself. Sadly, a bothersome person kept shadowing her. Irritated, she narrowed her eyes and asked, “How long do you plan on tailing me?”

Torin twirled the stem of his wine glass between his fingers, the red liquid swirling lazily. With a roguish grin, he replied, “My legs are attached to me. If you don’t like them, you could always tie them up.”

Then, with deliberate flair, he stretched out his legs and crossed them in front of her.

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