"He should be considered among the enemies. I really don't like his actions, especially since the deputy elder I killed had also stolen the ring!" As he spoke, he hooked my hand and raised an eyebrow, saying, "Are you worried he might see this ring?"
"Uh... yes!" I had forgotten that Lionel also harbored hatred toward them. Perhaps he would help me eliminate him.
But I couldn't tell him that I was a member of the Marcus organization.
Under the golden crystal chandelier, sitting or standing were all people—vampires.
They were eerily quiet, with no breathing, no heartbeat, and no hushed whispers or discussions.
A group of stunningly beautiful, yet hypocritical men and women, dressed in either eccentric outfits or formal attire, stood frozen like models at a fashion show.
For them, there was no difference in time or nation here. Their pale faces were filled with astonishment and surprise, without even a trace of disdain. Even Lisa, the housekeeper in a striking black gown standing in the corner, looked surprised.
These vampires, who had lived for who knows how many years, clearly seemed to have seen a familiar old acquaintance, their eyes filled with emotion.
Emotion—for those who have lived for centuries, it is indeed a profoundly impactful word. People who have experienced the vicissitudes of life should remain as calm as still water. Even if they see something bizarre, they shouldn't have such a sudden reaction!
Could it be that I really resemble Princess Sibelle and Miss Tiffany so closely?
Why isn't Lionel surprised?
As I pondered, he held me and walked unhurriedly toward the steps at the end of the carpet. The people holding wine glasses on both sides slowly stepped aside, making way as if welcoming a king with solemn dignity.
I even began to suspect that Lionel might not just be a baron! A man who could fall in love with a princess and a duke's daughter... tsk tsk, I really don't know him well enough!
I dared not let my gaze wander, but out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a man in the left corner who wasn't looking this way. Compared to these surprised vampires, he was too indifferent!
He wore a black suit, with neat, jet-black short hair. His face, like the other vampires, was pale and bloodless, yet strikingly handsome. Standing in that corner, he silently and modestly sipped the red wine in his hand. His deep, dark eyes were like an ancient well—bottomless yet sparkling like stars. Not only did he seem familiar, but the coldness he exuded wasn't as chilling as the other vampires—it had a touch of warmth.
When he raised his eyes and saw me, our gazes met. Suddenly, he lifted his head, holding his wine glass, and walked over, bowing slightly, "Your Royal Highness!" The address sounded respectful yet teasing, clearly hinting at something.
Hearing this voice, I was momentarily stunned. Although his voice had changed, I could still recognize that the man before me was my ruthless boss—Dene William?!
No wonder his gaze was so familiar. However, to be fair, this disguise wasn't as handsome as his real face.
Lionel, however, smiled and replied, "Winans, you've mistaken her. She's not Princess Sibelle. Her name is Margie, my current girlfriend."
So, Lionel still remembers his Princess Sibelle! Was it because he saw my resemblance to Princess Sibelle when we first met that he became so persistent?
Only I understood that Dene calling me "Your Royal Highness" was a reminder of my code name and the purpose of my mission here!
"Winans" was the name Dene used while undercover among the vampires. But strangely, why did he suddenly appear here? He moves so quickly! Moreover, it seemed that Lionel and he had an unusual relationship.
Apart from his quick movements, disguises, and invisibility, which he shared with Bevis and Rion, I thought Dene had no other specialties. Now, I realized that even if his heart stopped beating, he could still live normally.
I ignored Lionel's introduction and simply offered my hand, allowing "Winans"—Dene—to kiss the back of it. As expected, his hand and lips were as cold as Lionel's.
"Winans, can you show me your fangs?" I half-jokingly posed a challenge.
If you're going to disguise yourself as a vampire, you should at least prepare the most crucial details!
He took my hand, like a true vampire, and greedily inhaled deeply, saying with a hint of sarcasm, "Hmm, I hope the baron won't mind too much!"
"Margie is rarely unafraid of vampires, hehe..." Lionel's words carried a hint of mockery, clearly criticizing me for being easily frightened by him.
After Winans kissed the back of my hand, his deep eyes turned into a terrifying blood-red, his fangs gleaming coldly.
I couldn't help but marvel at the mastery of his disguise! "Hehe, your teeth are so white. What brand of toothpaste do you use?"
Seizing the moment of his distraction, I quickly withdrew my hand and raised an eyebrow, reminding him, "Be careful not to scratch my hand. That's enough. I prefer you with black eyes."
He raised the corner of his mouth, smiling as naturally as if he had just finished a few drinks. "It's my honor to have earned Your Royal Highness's favor," he said, stepping closer to me in a provocative manner. "The baron has indeed found a treasure. I can smell how sweet the princess's blood is. It's a deadly temptation!"
God, is this still Dene? He's acting like a real vampire!
Lionel suddenly tightened his grip around my waist. "Winans, watch your behavior. Margie is mine."
"Mine?!" I gave him a doubtful look, but under his cold gaze, I wisely kept my mouth shut. After all, he was holding this banquet to protect me, and Winans wasn't the only guest here.
"Fine, I'll wait until you discard her to make my move," Winans said thoughtfully, glancing at me with a look that hinted he had already made up his mind.