Chapter 37 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 Freelance photographer Violet Beck is forced into an engagement with CEO Roy Payne. He is everything her wild heart rebels against: proper, predictable, and painfully kind. But love has a way of devel...