Alia felt a storm brewing inside her as she heard Elias's words. Her coma wasn't just due to an illness! She had always thought it was 'her' own body's weakness, but now she realized there was a conspiracy—someone had actually tried to harm Livia. Suppressing the turmoil in her heart, Alia knew the guests at this banquet must hold more clues, so she used her sharp instincts to observe them carefully, hoping to catch some hint of the truth in their expressions.
Elias's anger was barely restrained, his gaze sharp as a blade aimed at Marcellus, tinged with a long-held frustration. Marcellus's expression, however, was unreadable—mixed with regret and fury, as though battling some tangled emotion within. Alia scrutinized him, trying to interpret the true meaning behind his demeanor, but even her keen intuition couldn't fully unravel it. As for Lianna and Adrian, they simply looked shocked, clearly unaware and even a bit fearful as they watched the argument unfold.
Elias's pointed accusation was like a heavy blow, silencing the room. Marcellus's eyes flashed with barely concealed anger as he set down his wine glass, his voice cold and restrained. "Elias, watch your words. Livia's health is my concern, and as for why she fell ill, that's none of your business."
Elias sneered, dismissing him with an icy tone. "None of my business? She's unwell because she married you, trapped in this dangerous 'fortress' of yours! Her safety should be your top priority as her husband, not leaving her to face these hidden threats!"
His words were filled with reproach, tinged with a resentment that only intensified the tension in the room. No one dared to speak, afraid any word might spark a greater conflict. Alia could feel their uneasy glances and wondered if there was an even darker truth hidden beneath. She forced herself to maintain her composure, setting down her utensils as she calmly said, "This injury really was an accident; there's no need for concern."
Despite her calm tone, Alia's heart pounded. It was as if the original owner of this body was sending her a message, a silent warning that someone truly did intend to harm her. A shiver ran through Alia, as a chilling thought took root—perhaps the real Livia had been killed by another's hand before she had "returned" to this world, and that the conspiracy had unfolded right here, in this cold castle. Alia sensed that this plot against Livia was just the beginning, the key to unraveling all the mysteries she would need to solve.
As she scanned the faces around her, Alia felt strangely out of place, as though caught between two worlds. The true Livia might have been an innocent victim, unaware of the dangers around her, becoming a casualty of a deeper scheme. Now, Alia had inadvertently inherited this role, stepping into the unseen game where she'd have to take up Livia's place.
Determined, Alia gripped her fork and knife tightly, vowing silently to clear away the fog surrounding her. She lowered her gaze, carefully concealing her emotions, resuming the role of "Livia" for now. But deep down, she was resolute: no matter who was behind it all, she would make sure they paid for their schemes.
Gradually, her heart settled, and her pulse returned to normal, as though Livia's spirit acknowledged her resolve.
Marcellus's gaze softened for a moment as he listened to her, a hint of apology in his eyes, though he spoke with unwavering certainty. "Alia, it truly was an accident." His words, though cold, carried a trace of guilt that only deepened Alia's doubts about his true intentions.
Elias, however, was unmoved by his response, merely huffing in disdain and staying silent. Everyone's gaze shifted uneasily between them, the air so thick with tension it was suffocating.
Finally, the strained dinner came to an abrupt end. Elias stormed out without looking back. Marcellus watched his retreating figure without a word, as though silently accepting this unhappy conclusion. The room fell silent as the doors closed, leaving a heavy stillness in their wake.
After Lianna and Adrian took their leave, the vast dining room was left with only Marcellus and Alia. The two exchanged a wordless glance, with the air still charged with lingering hostility. Alia opened her mouth to speak, but Marcellus rose calmly, turning toward the door as he called out, "Elise, bring someone to clean up the dining room."
Then, turning back to Alia, he said in a deep yet authoritative tone, "Livia, come with me to the bedroom. We need to talk."
Alia blinked, feeling a slight unease. She maintained her composure, yet a trace of nervousness flickered beneath her calm exterior. She nodded and rose slowly, silently following him.
Walking down the dimly lit corridor, Alia sensed an indescribable pressure in the air. Her intuition told her that a hidden corner of the castle's secrets was about to reveal itself, and that she and Marcellus stood at the very center of the tangled web of intrigue.
As their footsteps echoed along the corridor, Alia found herself recalling a strange realization: ever since she had "returned" in Livia's body, Marcellus had seemed constantly occupied, never resting within the castle, as if something urgent had kept him away. Could his busyness be connected to the plot against Livia?
She paused at the doorway, and just then, Marcellus glanced back at her, his gaze unexpectedly gentle, his usual coldness softened by a faint smile. He said in a low, tender voice, "My dear, come in. The night is long, and we have much to discuss and do."