"Huhh…" Julie released a frustrated sigh as they reached the main palace.
The servants only observed as the three walked into the palace.
As they stepped into the inner corridor, Lily stopped and turned toward Julie.
"Take him to his room," she said. "And don't try anything funny this time. If I hear even a single complaint, I'll personally ask Father to lock you in the self-reflection chamber for three years. Do you understand?"
Julie stiffened slightly at the warning and lowered her head, unable to meet her sister's gaze. "I understand…" she muttered, her earlier arrogance completely gone.
Tony, on the other hand, simply smiled, as if the entire situation amused him.
"Thank you for your concern… I will also be careful." he said while giving Lily a casual-wave.
"I'm sorry… I never expected my sister to go this far!" Lily said apologistically.
"Don't worry… She will learn her lesson sooner or later." Tony said while patting on Julie's head.
Lily hesitated for a brief second, clearly uncomfortable with his tone, before giving a short nod and turning away. She entered her chamber without another word, the door closing behind her with a soft but final sound.
The corridor fell silent.
Julie didn't speak. She simply began walking… leading Tony through the inner passageways of the Frost estate.
The silence between them stretched, heavy and awkward.
For the first time, Julie didn't dare look at him directly. The events in the Wild Herb Garden weighed on her mind, and the fact that he had returned completely unharmed only made her more uneasy.
Tony followed with his hands casually tucked into his pockets, his gaze fixed on her back, observing every subtle movement. To him, she didn't look like a proud Frost family member anymore.
She looked like prey!.
They stopped in front of a guest room.
"This is your room," Julie said shortly, pointing toward it without turning fully toward him.
Tony didn't move immediately. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, studying her with a faint smile that sent an inexplicable chill down her spine.
"And where do you think you're going?" he asked calmly. "Do you believe you can just walk away after what you did?"
Julie's fingers tightened slightly. She forced herself to turn around, her expression guarded. "What do you want?" she asked, trying to sound firm.
Tony's smile didn't change. "Open the door."
Julie clenched her jaw… but she swallowed her pride and unlocked the door. She pushed it open, clearly wanting to finish this and leave as soon as possible.
But just as she turned…
"Wait."
Tony's voice stopped her again.
He walked past her into the room, glancing around briefly before speaking without looking back. "Go prepare the bath."
Julie froze.
"What…?!"
She turned sharply, disbelief and anger flashing across her face. "Who do you think you are?" she snapped. "If you want service, I'll send a maid. Don't order me around."
She turned to leave.
"You can try that," Tony said calmly as he began unbuttoning his coat. "But the moment you step out, I'll go straight to your father and explain how you left me to die."
Julie stopped mid-step… Her body stiffened. Slowly, she turned back, her eyes filled with anger.
"You…!"
Tony didn't even look at her. "I'm waiting."
For a few seconds, she stared at him with a reluctant look. Julie's fists trembled slightly as she struggled to control herself.
Then, with a frustrated stomp, she turned and walked into the washroom without another word.
Inside, she gritted her teeth as she prepared the bath, deliberately turning the temperature higher than necessary. Through the faint reflection on the glass, she could see Tony removing his coat, his movements calm, unhurried, as if he had already won.
"Arrogant bastard…" she muttered under her breath.
By the time she finished and stepped out, Tony had already removed his upper garments, his body exposed from the waist up. The sight caught her off guard for a split second… not because of modesty, but because of something she couldn't immediately explain.
His physique… It wasn't what she expected.
Julie's expression flickered before she immediately turned her head away. "The bath is ready," she said quickly, moving toward the door.
But she didn't get far…. A hand caught her wrist!
Before she could react, she was pushed hardly against the door, her back meeting the surface as Tony leaned closer. Her breath hitched slightly as his shadow fell over her.
"What are you doing?!" she asked, her voice no longer as steady as before.
Tony didn't answer immediately. He simply raised his hand and pressed a finger lightly against her forehead, pushing her head back just enough to create space.
His gaze lingered on her face for a moment before shifting lower.
"Have you thought about my offer?" he asked softly. "You taking your sister's place doesn't sound like a bad idea."
Julie's anger flared instantly. "Stop dreaming… Even if you suddenly became powerful, I wouldn't stand beside someone like you. You're disgusting."
Tony chuckled under his breath, clearly amused by her reaction. He moved slightly closer, just enough to make her tense again.
Julie's lips parted, but no words came out immediately.
Her body had gone rigid.
For the first time, she felt something she didn't expect.
His presence felt heavier than it should have been.
Her instincts told her to push him away, yet her body didn't move as freely as it should.
Tony noticed her nervous face… His smile deepened slightly.
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Tell me how you are going to pay for your sins… little witch?"
Julie's breathing grew uneven. "Please… Just… move away," she said in a shaking tone.
But Tony leaned closer… while she struggled, he placed his hands on her shoulders and was almost ready to touch her lips.
For a moment, she closed her eyes, bracing herself… But nothing happened.
The pressure disappeared… When she opened her eyes again, Tony was already gone… inside the washroom.
Julie stood there, stunned for a moment before frustration flooded her expression.
"Bastard…" she muttered angrily.
She turned and stepped outside the door…
"Ahhh…!"
Pain shot through her scalp.
She reached up instinctively and realized… Her hair was tied to the door handle.
Her expression froze… Then twisted with fury.
"TONY…!!"
Her shout echoed through the room as she struggled to free herself.
***
Inside the washroom, Tony sank into the bath, the hot water easing the tension in his body.
He raised his hand slowly, observing it.
His skin felt different… Harder… More resilient.
Even his nails had changed slightly, gaining a subtle density that hadn't existed before.
His reflection in the glass caught his attention.
"So this is the Dragon Physique…"
'System…' Tony called out.
*****************************
[Fated Villain System]
Villain: Tony Clark
Age: 18 years, 9 months
Martial Arts: Elite Warrior (PEAK)
Comprehension: Heaven Devouring Origin Scripture
Fighting Technique: Tyrant Dragon Fist [Minor Success]
Movement Technique: None
[Tyrant Dragon Physique - 1st evolution completed]
*******************************
A faint smile appeared. "Seems like my martial cultivation also increased with my physique. With this… I don't need to fear Grandmasters anymore. At least I can survive in a direct clash!"
His thoughts shifted.
Lily Frost… A Heaven-blessed existence.
Tony's expression dimmed slightly.
If she remained an ally, this marriage could elevate the Clark family beyond imagination.
But if there was even a trace of hidden intent… The consequences would be catastrophic.
"I need to be careful…" His eyes narrowed slightly.