Chapter 6

My eyes lit up, and I instinctively looked up at him. "Really?"

I figured my eyes must be sparkling right now. At such close distance, I could almost see my own reflection in Virio's eyes.

That was when I remembered—the dress I was wearing had been torn by Hamilton, the hem nearly shredded, and there were still some red marks on my exposed arms and legs.

Without a doubt, those were all left by Hamilton.

Virio noticed something too, following my gaze as he looked me over.

I suddenly felt dirty and instinctively tried to pull away from his embrace.

Just as I grabbed the corner of a nearby blanket, wanting to wrap myself up, Virio suddenly pulled me into his arms. "Don't worry, I know you were just protecting yourself."

I almost cried. "Mr. Soren, I promise I didn't give myself to him."

"He's ugly, a monster, and he's sick! If he wasn't my uncle's... I absolutely, absolutely wouldn't..."

Halfway through, remembering that today's mess was all my uncle's doing, I shut my mouth.

Hatred surged in my eyes.

"Ms. Lacey, sounds like you're quite dissatisfied with that Killian." Virio lifted his hand to tilt my chin up, forcing me to look at him. "But you've escaped from Hamilton again, ruining Killian's plan. I'm guessing he won't let you off the hook."

I bit my lower lip and nodded, looking at him helplessly, gently holding onto his arm.

I heard my own voice, aggrieved and helpless, yet with a sweet, delicate tone. "So, Mr. Soren, our cooperation should also include dealing with my uncle, right?"

Virio looked at me, suddenly smiled, and leaned down to kiss me lightly.

He bit my lip, watching me wince in pain, and said unclearly, "Of course."

When I was sent back home, it was already the next morning.

After spending the night at Virio's place, I had showered and changed clothes.

Of course, Virio had prepared them for me again—this time the latest limited edition from LV.

So when I got home, I saw Killian looking furious.

He seemed really angry but was still pretending to be a gentleman, sitting properly on the sofa.

But I knew that from the moment I stepped through the door, he was brewing up a storm aimed at me.

Sure enough, when I walked up to Killian and spoke respectfully, his roar came crashing down on me. "I gave you a second chance, gave you an honor representing the family, and you screwed it up again!"

I knew Hamilton must have been released last night and couldn't wait to call Killian.

Being roughed up by Virio's people must have humiliated Hamilton. I had no doubt I'd really offended him this time.

Twice in a row.

Thinking of that greasy man's impotent rage, I couldn't help but want to laugh inside.

But on the surface, I pretended to look innocent. "Uncle Killian, I told you, he has a disease. If I succeeded this time, I wouldn't be able to in the future..."

Killian didn't listen to my explanation at all. He pointed at me with one finger, jumping with rage.

This was the first time I'd seen him so out of control, completely losing his usual dark, gentlemanly composure.

"Elvira, starting today, I'm freezing all your accounts as punishment! Our family has been supporting you, letting you into high society, but you clearly don't know gratitude!"

These words felt ironic to me.

Since childhood, I'd been raised as a socialite, which was why Virio was so surprised when he realized it was my first time.

People could imagine what kind of debauched impression I must give people!

All of this was thanks to Killian.

If it were before, I would have been grateful for all this, but now, thinking about how Hamilton treated me at my uncle's instruction...

I forced myself to recall my "agreement" with Virio, making myself appear calm.

Just then, the sound of high heels approached.

It was Freya walking over.

Seeing the clothes I was wearing, she immediately spoke sarcastically, "Looks like you have a good relationship with Mr. Soren. I heard he rescued you again?"

Freya's infatuation with Virio was too obvious, and her tone was almost out of control.

This made Killian glance at her with displeasure, as if he thought she couldn't keep her cool.

Freya quickly brought the topic back. "But Elvira, you're really too thoughtless. The family gave you this opportunity, and you didn't cherish it."

"Punishing you is right. From today on, just stay put and wait for your next chance to redeem yourself!"

Facing her gloating, I barely reacted.

Killian waved his hand, about to tell me to get lost, but his phone rang.

Soon, he responded to whoever was on the other end.

After hanging up, Killian stared at me with a complicated expression.

Freya still didn't know what had happened and kept staring at me. "Didn't you hear what we said? Elvira, hurry back to your room and reflect!"

I knew Killian and the others were planning to ground me.

I was about to speak when I heard Killian say, "Freya, shut up first."

His gaze fell on me, surprisingly somewhat gentle for once.

"I just got a call. The partner in Area A that we've been unable to close a deal with sent an invitation."

Halfway through, he stared at me meaningfully.

I thought of what Virio had said before, wondering if this had something to do with him.

Then Killian continued, "This cooperation specifically requires Elvira to complete it. Looks like you can redeem yourself for now."

My heart leaped with joy.

I knew this must be Virio working behind the scenes.

We'd just made our agreement, and he was already moving this fast!

But not being grounded put me in a good mood.

Hearing this twist, Freya stared at us in disbelief. "What?"

"But Elvira clearly just..."

"Enough, Freya!" Killian impatiently told her to shut up. "Elvira, it all depends on your performance. We've been negotiating this old deal for a long time. If you can really close it, I won't punish you anymore."

I nodded gently, lifted my new dress elegantly, curtsied, and said, "Thank you, Uncle Killian."

As I went upstairs to change clothes, I noticed Freya's gloomy expression.

She hurried after me and stopped me at the staircase landing. "Elvira, what exactly is your relationship with Mr. Soren!"

Her infatuation with Virio was well known.

As her sister, I knew this too. She'd attended several parties before only because she heard Virio would be there.

But thinking of my cooperation with Virio, I didn't want to reveal anything.

"You're overthinking it. I don't have any special relationship with anyone." With that, I turned and went back to my room.

But I could feel Freya's sinister gaze.