"I know," Seren said, walking over to the table to pick up the invitation again. "But there's something about the way she extended the invitation. She doesn't seem like the others."
Kael's eyes followed her movement, his tone subtly shifting. "What makes you think she's different?"
"She's warm. Genuine, even." Seren paused, letting the words sink in. "I've met a few people like her in the past, but they're rare."
Kael was quiet for a moment, his gaze now intent on her. "And you trust her?"
Seren gave a small shrug, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. "I don't know yet. But... she invited me, and I'm not going to turn down a chance to learn more about the people in this world."
Kael stood up, his figure towering over her, and walked slowly toward her. "Be careful, Seren. There's more to people like her than meets the eye. This world is full of people with hidden motives. The smile they offer you may hide something darker."
Seren nodded, but her gaze didn't waver from his. "I'm aware of that. I know how to navigate this world, Kael."
His eyes softened for a brief moment before his usual coldness returned. "Just remember, you don't need to please them. You just need to outsmart them."
Seren's lips curved slightly into a confident smile. "I'll keep that in mind."
For a moment, they both stood there in a rare silence, the tension in the room thick. Seren could feel the weight of his words hanging in the air, but it only solidified her resolve. She wasn't going to back down, not from the challenge of this world, and certainly not from Rosalind's invitation.
Kael turned away and moved toward the bed, his tone returning to its usual neutrality. "Sleep well, Seren."
She watched him for a moment, then gave a soft nod. "Goodnight, Kael."
As she prepared for bed herself, her thoughts lingered on the invitation, but also on the subtle shift in the air between them. There was something about the way Kael had looked at her just then—a slight warmth mixed with something far more complex.
Maybe it was that he wasn't quite as indifferent as he liked to pretend.
Or maybe it was just the reality of their world—a world where trust was scarce, and even the most genuine gesture could hide a deeper motive.
Morning in the Velyne mansion was a picture of quiet luxury. The dining hall, adorned with soft golden light, was already filled with the usual presence of the family. Seren entered with a steady pace, her posture composed, but the moment her gaze landed on Kael, waiting at the head of the table, she knew something was different.
He never waited.
His parents were already seated, engaged in their quiet conversation. Grandfather Velyne sipped his tea, ever watchful. Thalina greeted Seren with a bright smile, which she returned with a nod before taking her seat.
Breakfast went on as usual—calm, elegant, and filled with occasional conversation among the family members.
Seren didn't question Kael's silence, nor did she react when his gaze flickered toward her a few times. Whatever he wanted to say, he was waiting for the right moment.
And that moment came when she stepped outside.
The morning sun cast a soft glow over the entrance as Seren approached her car, adjusting her gloves with practiced ease. Then, she felt it—Kael's presence behind her.
She turned, only to find him standing there, composed as ever.
"You'll take Eric with you," he said, tone clipped.
Seren blinked, then let out a soft laugh. "Excuse me?"
Kael didn't repeat himself. Instead, Eric Vaughn stepped forward—silent, unyielding.
Seren's amusement faded.
"You're sending a bodyguard with me?"
Kael's gaze remained impassive. "Yes."
She exhaled slowly, tilting her head. "It's an afternoon tea, Kael. Not a war council."
His eyes darkened just slightly. "You don't know what you're walking into."
The warning was quiet, firm.
Seren studied him, searching for the real reason behind his insistence. Not control. Not possession. Something else.
But Kael never gave anything away so easily.
She turned to Eric instead. "I assume you've already been briefed?"
Eric gave a respectful nod. "I will ensure your safety, Young Madam."
Seren let out a slow breath. Fine.
She could fight this, but Kael wouldn't budge. And if she was being honest… something about his insistence unsettled her.
She turned toward the car, stepping in without another word.
Kael watched her go.
And as the door closed, Seren couldn't help but wonder—was this protection… or was Kael expecting a storm?
As Kael watched Seren's car disappear, a flicker of something unfamiliar settled in his chest.
It wasn't just concern for her safety.
It wasn't just about protecting his name, his reputation, or even the power struggles of the elite.
Back in his office, Kael seated in his office, his expression unreadable as he listened to Lucas, his most trusted assistant, deliver the latest report.
"The rumors have already spread across the elite circles," Lucas stated. "While most see them as nothing more than idle gossip, there are a few who are… particularly interested."
Kael's fingers tapped against the glass. "Who?"
Lucas handed over a discreet file. "Several names came up, but the most notable one is Harrison Wren."
Kael's gaze sharpened.
Harrison Wren—an influential businessman, known for his subtle but ruthless tactics. He wasn't just powerful; he was calculating, always looking for weaknesses to exploit.
"He'll be at the event," Lucas continued. "He's taken an unusual interest in your wife."
Silence.
Kael's grip on the file tightened.
It wasn't a coincidence.
The rumors about Seren had been carefully placed. Not to ruin her reputation completely—but to draw attention to her. To make people scrutinize her, test her, see what kind of woman had married Kael Velyne.
And Harrison Wren was exactly the kind of man who would use that situation to his advantage.
"He's planning something," Kael stated coldly.
Lucas nodded. "Likely. Whether it's business-related or personal, we can't say yet."
Kael's jaw tightened.
Seren was sharp—he had no doubt she could handle herself in a room full of elites. But Wren wasn't just any businessman. He played a different kind of game.
A dangerous one.
Kael closed the file with a snap. "Make sure Eric stays close."
Lucas inclined his head. "Understood."
Kael turned back to the window, watching as Seren's car disappeared beyond the mansion gates.
His fingers curled slightly.
Seren didn't know it yet.
But the moment she stepped into that event, she wasn't just attending a gathering.
She was walking into a carefully laid trap.
And Kael would not allow anyone to use his wife as a pawn.
The thought of someone like Harrison Wren setting his sights on her was enough to make Kael's expression darken.
He told himself it was logical. Seren was his wife—at least in the eyes of the world. It was only natural that he ensured no one used her against him.
And yet…
His fingers pressed against the table, tension coiled in his shoulders.
He had always been cold, calculating, detached.
So why did the idea of someone else toying with Seren leave a bitter taste in his mouth?
A dangerous thought lingered at the edge of his mind, unspoken but undeniable.
Perhaps, without realizing it—**without admitting it—**he had already started to hold her in his heart.
And that—that—was a weakness he could not afford.
With a sharp exhale, Kael turned away from the window, locking those thoughts away as if they had never existed.
There was no place for sentiment.
Not in his world.
Not for a man like him.
Not for a woman like her.
Or so he told himself.
Seren stepped out of the car, the weight of the moment pressing against her chest. She had been to events before, but this one was different—bigger, more prestigious, and infinitely more intimidating. The grand tea event was held in a sprawling garden, the sort of place where every detail seemed carefully designed to exude wealth and power. She took a deep breath, steadying herself as her heels clicked on the stone path leading up to the entrance.
But as she straightened her back, preparing to face the crowd, she noticed something that immediately unsettled her. Eric Vaughn, Kael's ever-present personal bodyguard, was standing beside her, his silent figure as imposing as ever. His presence was not subtle—he stood like a shadow, close enough that she could feel his quiet vigilance, but far enough to make her realize something was amiss.
Her pulse quickened. What is he doing here? She hadn't expected him to accompany her to such an event. This wasn't just any private gathering; it was a display of power and influence, and his presence felt like a deliberate show of force.
"Young Madam, shall we?" Eric's low voice was calm and unwavering as he gestured ahead.
Seren blinked, collecting her composure, and nodded. It wasn't as if she could say anything to change it now. She tried to focus on the event ahead, though a small knot of discomfort twisted in her stomach. There was no point in questioning Kael's choices, especially not in public. So, she walked forward with her head held high, pushing the unease aside.