The assassin who attacked Andrian had yet to be found . $ 8 vouchers Over the past few days , the security system at the Velor family mansion had been tightened significantly . Additional cameras had been installed in every corner . Armed patrols were conducted every two hours . The main gate was guarded by at least six men . Two supervisors stood watch at the side post , and all entry and exit were monitored directly from the central security control room . No outsiders could enter without biometric identification . Even couriers had to leave packages outside the gate Inside the pavilion , Aliana could only observe through the window . Like previous days , she sat in a chair near the floor balcony , watching the courtyard below . Three escort vehicles were parked in perfect alignment . The security team wore black uniforms with special emblems on their left arms - they weren't regular guards , but former military or private defense contractors . Where journalists once surrounded the estate , now none could get close . Andrian had hired a private security firm to secure the entire property . The mansion's atmosphere had transformed into that of a military base . Aliana sighed . It had been nearly a week since the charity gala incident . The wound on her shoulder was beginning to dry . The pain had lessened , though it hadn't healed completely . But what bothered her most wasn't the pain - it was being confined like a prisoner . Previously , Aliana had planned to go to Ravenska to visit her adoptive father . But that plan had to be postponed . She couldn't leave the mansion - not out of fear , but because her every move was being watched . Aliana knew well - if she was caught sneaking out without permission , the guards would immediately report to Andrian . That would only make things worse . Because right now , the last thing she needed was to give Andrian more reason to suspect her . Andrian still didn't fully trust her . Since the gala incident , they hadn't spoken at all . But Aliana knew he was keeping an eye on her - whether because he thought she was Nyx , or because he wanted proof of her involvement in the attack that night . Aliana turned toward the vanity mirror . She realized that doing nothing would get her nowhere . Today , she decided to act . She walked to the wardrobe and checked the row of blazers and casual dresses . She picked a simple monochrome outfit- black pants and a white top . No flashy makeup ; just groomed brows and a touch of clear lip balm . Her hair was tied in a low ponytail - formal , but neutral . Elena entered the room and stopped short at the sight of Aliana , already dressed . " Miss … Are you going somewhere ? " Elena asked softly . Aliana turned . Her gaze was unreadable . " I want to speak with Andrian . " " You want to see Mr. Andrian ? " Elena looked worried . " Yes . " Aliana slipped on her watch and picked up her phone . Her movements were calm , but Elena knew there was tension behind them . " Elena , come with me . " 1/5 8:19 pm Chapter 37 Without protest , Elena nodded and followed behind . 25 youchers They descended to the first floor , heading down a back corridor of the pavilion - a hidden passage that connected to the main mansion , known only to insiders . At the end of the hallway , two guards stood at attention . When they saw Aliana approaching , they stiffened . One of them spoke . " Apologies , Mrs. Aliana . We've been ordered not to let anyone into the mansion without direct authorization from Mr. Andrian . " Aliana met his gaze firmly . " Then tell him I want to talk ." They exchanged glances . One lifted a walkie - talkie and spoke briefly . After receiving approval from the commenter , the guard gave a small salute . " You may proceed , ma'am . Mr. Andrian is in his study . " Aliana stepped forward confidently , Elena trailing a few steps behind . Along the hallway of the main mansion , staff and guards watched their passage - but no one dared speak . When they reached the study door , Aliana stopped . She told Elena to wait outside . " Wait here . " Elena hesitated . " Are you sure ? " " I'm just talking to Andrian for a moment . " Elena nodded and opened the door . With steady steps , Aliana entered the study . Andrian stood with his back to the door , staring at a digital map on a large screen . Hearing the door open , he turned . " What is it ? " Andrian's voice was wary . " I want to talk ." Andrian turned off the screen and faced her fully . " Speak ." " I want permission . " " Permission ? " " Yes ," Aliana said firmly . " I want to go to Ravenska . For a short vacation and to visit my adoptive parents . " Andrian narrowed his eyes , his voice flat . " At a time like this ? " " Yes . I'm bored . " Andrian exhaled . He walked to the desk and sat in the leather chair . " You know the situation is still critical . My attacker hasn't been found . And you … are under surveillance . And yet you want a vacation ." " I'll go insane if I stay trapped in that pavilion . I have nothing to do with whoever attacked you , so let me go . I just want a short break - to clear my mind . " Andrian clenched his jaw . His gaze was sharp , fixed on Aliana with careful deliberation . 2/5 8:19 pm S Chapter 37 He didn't like her idea . Every instinct in him rejected the thought of letting Aliana out of his sight . 35 vouchers After all , Andrian was responsible for the safety of every member of the Velor family - those living in the mansion or otherwise . Security was enforced under his strict command . But Andrian also understood what it felt like to be caged . And beneath his lingering suspicions of Aliana , he knew too well : being under constant pressure could drive anyone to the edge . After a few seconds of tense silence , Andrian finally spoke - his voice cool , but firm . " Fine . You can go . But you won't be going alone ." Aliana frowned slightly . " I'll assign you a security team . Two cars , five men . Every movement of yours will be monitored . " Aliana nodded without protest . She knew this was her only chance to get out . " I accept ." Andrian stood and walked closer . His face still held questions . " Are you sure you're going to Ravenska just for a vacation ? " " I said it's only for a while , " Aliana replied curtly , unwilling to give more explanation . Andrian didn't press further . He pressed the intercom button . " Prepare two vehicles and five guards to escort Aliana to Ravenska . Use the main route . Do not allow any outside contact . " " Yes , sir ," came the response . Aliana was satisfied with the decision . She remained standing before Andrian , tempted to ask about Alicia's painting she'd won at the auction . But after a moment's thought , she decided now wasn't the right time . She could wait until things calmed down . Aliana turned around and headed for the door . But just before her hand touched the handle , Andrian spoke again . " I don't know what you're planning . But I'll be watching your every move . " " Do that , " Aliana replied without looking back . " Watch all you want . You won't find anything . " She opened the door and walked out , leaving Andrian standing in the middle of the room with suspicion clouding his face . A few minutes after Aliana's departure , the study felt even more silent than before . The chandelier cast a dim glow , lighting the large digital map projected on one wall . Papers were neatly stacked on the desk , but Andrian's mind was elsewhere- focused on the true reason behind Aliana's request to leave . A knock on the door shifted his attention . " Come in ," Andrian said shortly . Elric stepped inside , dressed in a sharp black suit with an earpiece in his ear . His expression was sharp , alert . " You called for me , sir ? " 3/5 8:19 pm Chapter 37 D Andrian stood from his chair and crossed his arms . " I want you to accompany Aliana on her trip . " Elric frowned , his expression shifting . 35 voucherS " Apologies , sir . But I believe my top priority is still here . You were just attacked . The threat is still present . I can't leave you without primary security . " Andrian exhaled slowly . He walked over to the tall windows overlooking the back garden . " I know . But this time , perhaps Aliana needs you more . " Elric remained silent . His face clearly showed disagreement . He was puzzled by Andrian's sudden concern ! un , the " She's my legal wife , Elric ," Andrian continued . " If something bad happens to her while she's outside our pr public will come after me . Our relationship has been the subject of gossip from the start . Many are waiting for me to slip up . " He turned , his gaze serious . " You know how the media twists everything . They won't say Aliana ran off or had an accident - they'll say I let her go or hired someone to hurt her . I'll be accused of failing to protect my own wife . " Elric lowered his head , weighing Andrian's words . After a pause , he looked up again . " I still disagree , sir . If it's Aliana's safety you're worried about , I'll strengthen her security and send our best men . " Andrian was quiet for a moment . He knew it wouldn't be easy to convince Elric without a solid reason . " Actually … there's another reason I'm letting her go ." Elric fixed his attention on Andrian . " I'm letting her go because I don't trust her ," Andrian said slowly but with conviction . " We've been watching her for days . There's nothing suspicious . Her movements are too clean . Too normal ." Elric listened intently . " I'm convinced Aliana isn't just going for a vacation . She's planning something . That's why I'm giving her a little freedom- to see what she's really hiding . " Now Elric understood . Andrian wasn't just allowing the trip - he was testing her . " There's no one I trust more than you , Elric ," Andrian said more softly . " I want you to observe her closely . Find out where she goes , who she meets , and what she does while she's away from me . I need to know if she really is the innocent wife she pretends to be - or the figure we've long suspected ." Elric nodded slowly . His eyes were sharp , his voice resolute . " Understood , sir . I'll follow your orders . " " Good , " Andrian said . " I've always trusted you . " 4/5