Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Enchantress Strikes

“What’s the matter?” Arthur tiptoed out of the room, careful not to wake the sleeping figure within. He closed the door softly behind him and turned to ask the butler.

“Your Highness, Miss Maria has arrived.”

“Maria?” Arthur’s brow furrowed slightly, a trace of displeasure flickering across his face.

Sensing Arthur’s annoyance, the butler added, “Miss used the Spencer family’s influence to track your whereabouts.” The butler left his words unfinished, but Arthur understood at once—there were no secrets from the head of the Spencer family when he wished to know something. Besides, Arthur had made no effort to conceal his movements.

“Where is she now?”

“In the reception room on the second floor.”

Without another word, Arthur strode toward the reception room. The moment he entered, a tall figure rushed forward, throwing herself into his arms.

“Arthur, I’ve missed you so much.” Maria clung to him tightly, leaving no space between them.

A flash of disdain crossed Arthur’s eyes. He pushed Maria away and walked to the sofa, seating himself with one leg crossed over the other, a wicked smile playing on his lips. “Is that so?”

Maria gazed at him with infatuation, wanting to squeeze in beside him on the sofa. But as she stepped forward, she realized Arthur was sitting on a single chair, having left no room for anyone else. A fleeting sadness passed through her eyes, but she forced a radiant smile, concealing her disappointment, and sat as close to Arthur as possible.

“Well? What brings you here?” Arthur’s tone was cold, the mocking curve at his lips unable to hide the chill in his words.

Maria’s heart trembled with a cold ache, but she kept smiling. “Is it wrong to visit you for no reason at all?”

“I trust you haven’t forgotten our conversation the other day,” Arthur said, accepting a cup of hot tea from the butler. He took a sip, gazing down at the swirling liquid.

Maria’s eyes flickered, and she forced down her irritation, replying teasingly, “Of course not. I remember every single word you said.” As she spoke, her look carried a hidden meaning.

“If you have nothing important, you should go back. Don’t come to see me unless it’s necessary.” With that, Arthur rose and headed for the stairs.

“I heard you brought her here. I want to see her.” Maria sprang up, her voice urgent.

“That has nothing to do with you.” Arthur glanced at the butler. “Show her out.”

“Arthur—” Maria called out desperately, trying to intercept him. The butler swiftly stepped between them, bowing slightly with respectful formality. “Miss, the door is this way.”

“Get out of my way!” Maria’s eyes flashed with anger as Arthur retreated step by step. No matter how she tried, the butler blocked her path, unyielding. Only when Arthur had disappeared did Maria glare venomously after him, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. With a cold snort and one last glare at the butler, she spun on her heel and stormed off.

The butler watched her retreating figure, shaking his head with a silent sigh.

Meanwhile, Arthur quickened his pace toward his bedroom the moment he left the reception room, his steps betraying an agitation even he did not notice. He paused before his door, hand on the knob, hesitant—what if he opened the door and she was gone? Arthur stood there foolishly, unsure what to do.

After a moment’s inner turmoil, he finally summoned his courage and opened the door. Inside, the bed was perfectly made, as if no one had slept there at all. Disappointment clouded his gaze as he walked to the bedside, but when he noticed the faint traces of creased linen, his brow eased. Gently, he stroked those tiny wrinkles, as if by touching them he could touch her.

As he lingered, his hand suddenly paused—where was she? Rising, he was about to call for a maid when a soft, almost inaudible voice drifted from the bathroom.

“Arthur, is that you?”

He turned abruptly toward the bathroom, disbelief flickering in his eyes.

She was still here?

She hadn’t left in disgust?

Suddenly, his eyes stung with unexpected emotion. He took slow steps to the bathroom door, his voice trembling as he asked, “What’s wrong?” His hand reached for the handle, ready to enter.

But then Ying Yue’s anxious voice called out, “Don’t come in!”

——— Author’s Note ———

Dear readers passing by, won’t you add this humble work to your collection?