Later that day, following Seraphina's unsuccessful attempt to persuade Briana, Beatrice stormed into Lucian's study, forcefully slamming the door behind her. She spoke with urgency, "I've exhausted every effort, but Briana remains obstinate. The swearing-in ceremony is tomorrow."
Lucian, burdened with a sigh, replied, "There's nothing we can do."
"Other nobles are already scrutinizing us due to Eveloria's disappearance. Provoking Gavriel might risk him revealing everything about Briana. Let it be and shift our focus to Ambrose; he's now the only child I acknowledge," Lucian said, his gaze fixed firmly on Beatrice.
Beatrice, feeling uneasy under his penetrating stare, averted her eyes, her response uncertain. "Very well," Lucian declared, "You may leave."
