Before she could think further, darkness swallowed her whole.
A deafening roar filled Liesa's ears. Her body burned and froze at the same time, the sensations tearing through her. She thrashed weakly, desperate, like someone drowning.
When her hand found someone, she grabbed on instinct. Her fingers tightened with all the strength she could muster. No matter what, she refused to let go.
When Liesa woke up, the first thing she saw was a white ceiling. Then came the familiar decor. She blinked slowly, confusion pulling at her. They were back at the estate.
A wave of heat wrapped around her, comforting yet strange. She looked down and realized she was covered with a thermal device, warmth radiating through every layer of clothing.
On the sofa beside her, Angus sat quietly, gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. His gaze was fixed on her, not blinking.
"Sir…" Liesa started, her voice soft. She paused, forcing a small smile, trying to push past the discomfort of his unwavering stare.
She thought,
"Could you help me take this off?" she asked gently, gesturing toward the thermal device. "It's getting a little too warm."
Angus glanced at her, then reached over and turned off the equipment with a fluid motion. He picked up a glass of water from the table and handed it to her.
Liesa hesitated for a moment. Only then did she notice how dry her throat was. She pushed herself up and took the glass, nodding a quiet thanks.
Angus watched her drink, his gaze steady and unreadable. Liesa sneaked a quick glance at him. Something felt off.
She thought,
After wetting her throat, she set the glass down and met his gaze. "Was Silas arrested?" she asked, keeping her tone careful.
"He was," Angus replied, his voice even, almost indifferent.
Liesa nodded slowly, then hesitated. "And Mr. Gra… your father?"
"He had a stroke. He's been hospitalized," Angus said, his voice calm but with an underlying weight.
Before Liesa could ask more, he spoke again, slow and controlled. "I've taken over the company. When they're able to come back, they'll have nothing left."
Liesa fell silent, her thoughts swirling. She met his gaze, searching for something she couldn't quite place.
After a long pause, she asked softly, "When I was about to freeze… was it you who saved me?"
"Yes," Angus answered, his voice unwavering.
Liesa smiled faintly, clapping lightly as if celebrating justice. But inside, everything was a mess.
She thought,
Angus glanced at her, his expression cooling. "Why did you lie to me?" he asked quietly.
Liesa froze for a moment, then gave an awkward smile. "I just thought… we were still connected," she said, her voice light. "You could finish your business first, then come get me." She scratched her cheek lightly.
She thought,
"My business was that important?" Angus asked, his voice low.
"Of course," Liesa answered without hesitation.
Angus tapped his fingers slowly against the leather armrest. The cool surface grounded him, sharpening his thoughts.
Silence stretched between them. Liesa glanced around, something felt familiar… but also off. Her eyes widened.
She thought,
She thought,
Liesa's entire worldview tilted.
Angus let out a soft scoff. "Just realized?" he said, watching her reaction.
"…Why am I here?" Liesa asked, forcing a polite smile, though a trace of panic slipped through.
That tiny flicker didn't escape Angus. His expression eased slightly. "The equipment was too large. It couldn't be moved to your room."
Liesa glanced at the bulky medical devices nearby, then fell silent for a moment. "…You could've just sent me to a hospital," she said finally. "You didn't have to move everything in here."
Angus gave her a cold look, and Liesa quickly adjusted her tone. "Thank you, sir. I'm really happy to have your concern," she said, then lay back down, pretending to enjoy being at home and recovering.
Angus gave a faint smile, then walked over to the bookshelf, pulling out a book as if he intended to stay by her side for a while longer.
Liesa wanted to ask him to leave so she could sort out her thoughts, but seeing that he seemed settled in for the long haul, she couldn't bring herself to say anything.
Instead, she thought,
Unfortunately, it seemed like she wouldn't be getting that chance.
By the time night fell, Angus hadn't left.
They ended up having dinner together in her room. Liesa hesitated before gently suggesting it might be time for him to rest.
He glanced at her briefly, then turned and headed toward the bathroom.
Liesa blinked, her mind racing.
Ten minutes later, Angus returned, wrapped in a towel, and stood at the foot of her bed, his expression unreadable.
Liesa was stunned. She blinked again, trying to process the scene. "…?"
She thought,
"I promised you a reward once the task was completed," Angus said, his voice calm and detached.
Liesa froze. Her first instinct was,
Liesa stared at Angus Romano, her mind going blank for a second.
Then it clicked.
Back when she insisted on searching Silas's room, Angus had promised her a reward once it was done.
Her gaze dropped—straight to the towel barely hanging at his waist.
Understanding hit all at once.
"Y-you don't have to go that far…" Liesa blurted, eyes wide. She shifted back instinctively, her thoughts spiraling out of control.
She thought,
Wasn't he never interested in her before?
Her fingers clenched the sheets.