Chapter 152: Ruthless Monster

Maria batted her lashes innocently, her lips forming the beginnings of a dangerous word. "That b—"

Vyan's finger was on her lips in an instant as he cut her off, "Don't. I won't hear such a word against her."

The unexpected coldness in his voice made Maria blink, startled by the sharp edge in his gaze. "Oh, okay… I guess you two are close, then."

"Why would you—" Vyan began, but the knowledge of Maria and Iyana's history came to his mind. His expression tightened, and he gripped Maria's arm firmly. "We need to talk." As they stood at the grand entrance of the manor, he added, "But not here."

While passing by a cluster of servants, Vyan shot them a piercing glare. They immediately bowed their heads in apology, well aware of their lapse in vigilance—Maria's wandering presence around the manor, especially with Iyana so near, was a serious oversight.