Chapter 2

The elderly butler shook his head slightly, keeping his voice low.

"Miss Scarlett, Mr. Vance is Mr. Vance. There will never be another Colin Stone in this world."

"This one was only an imitation. He shared the shape, but never the soul... There is no need to grieve for him."

I closed my eyes, sinking deep into the shadows of the sofa.

Seeing my prolonged silence, the butler took a step forward and ventured carefully, "Are you still... reluctant to let him go?"

I let out a soft sneer and opened my eyes, devoid of any warmth.

"He's a cheap fake. Why would I hesitate? I was just wondering what kind of death would be too good for him."

"Find a chance. Ruin that face."

The lighter flicked, a blue flame dancing in the dark. I sat up and lit another cigarette.

A sick, possessive edge crept into my voice.

"I won't let him die... while wearing Colin's face."

I tilted my head, flashing the butler an innocent, chilling smile.

"Besides, I'm not the only one who wants him dead."

"Our dear Miss Frost wants the exact same thing, doesn't she?"

*Knock, knock, knock.*

The study door was shoved open by Julian’s right-hand man, breathing hard.

"Boss, Julian got ambushed down at the docks this morning. A warehouse went up in flames. His face... was badly burned, but luckily he survived."

Gabe paused, glancing nervously at my expression before pressing on.

"Miss Frost is by his side, but the business is in chaos right now. She doesn't understand our operations."

"Julian asked you to step in and take control."

I smirked to myself. What did Julian think I was?

A tool to be picked up when trouble hit, and tossed aside when he wanted peace?

I closed the folder on my desk, stood up, and adjusted my blazer.

"Lead the way."

Reaching the hospital room, I heard Natalie's soft, pleading voice drifting through the slightly open door.

"Julian, didn't you promise me?"

"All that dirty, dangerous work—leave it to Scarlett. We can step away from the underworld and live a normal life. Isn't that what you've always wanted?"

Julian sounded hesitant, trying to reason with her.

"But before this, I was always the one standing in front of her. If she runs into danger later..."

Natalie's voice instantly broke into a sorrowful sob.

"If you won't think of yourself, won't you think of our baby?"

"He's so small. He can't grow up without a father."

Looking down at Natalie's swollen belly, Julian gave in.

"Alright. When she gets here, I'll make it clear to her."

Just then, Gabe cleared his throat behind me.

The two inside turned around, only to freeze when they saw me standing by the door. Awkward guilt washed over their faces.

I didn't care in the slightest.

My eyes were locked onto Julian's face. It was wrapped tightly in layers of gauze, dark crimson seeping around the edges.

Good. That face was thoroughly ruined.

A satisfied smile touched my lips, and my voice remained perfectly composed.

"Since Miss Frost put it that way, just focus on resting. I already spoke with the doctor. You can be discharged this afternoon. There will probably be scars, but as long as the dressings are changed on schedule, you'll be fine."

"Don't worry about business outside. I have everything under control."

With my reassurance, Julian wiped his hands of all danger and burden without a second thought, completely immersing himself in his domestic bubble with Natalie.

Late at night, three days after his discharge, I walked into the villa reeking of iron and blood, only to find Julian and Natalie locked in an embrace in the living room.

The air froze for several beats.

Julian shoved Natalie away, his eyes catching the dark red stain along the hem of my coat. Guilt flickered across his face.

"Are you... alright?"