Chapter 417: The Mastermind and Her Pitiful Patron [2]

Evangeline moved to Lucian's side, watching him from the corner of her eye, gauging every slight reaction. His silence persisted, but his body had grown tense, his muscles rigid beneath the composed exterior.

'Hehe.'

Evangeline smirked.

"And... in return," she whispered, her voice carrying a seductive edge,

"I showed you my work. My creations. You listened, intrigued, didn't you? You listened to my story, my purpose… my goal."

With every word, she stepped closer, until she stood directly in front of him. Her gaze locked onto his, a predatory and seductive gleam flashing within her eyes as she closed the gap between them. Her hands reached out, fingers brushing gently, almost tenderly, against his neck. Her touch was light but deliberate, and she could feel the tension in his body stiffen further under her fingers.

"You supported me," she whispered, her voice soft yet intense.

"You encouraged me."

"...You helped me."