Chapter 46
She had grown accustomed to a life of abundance and laziness without even trying. Since it had become difficult for her to return to her former life, his initial objective was achieved.
He should send her away, but he didn’t want to. If he sent her away, he wouldn’t be able to see Aniella waiting for him there anymore, would he? That woman who would take a step forward when he reached out, looking at him with a puzzled expression asking what was wrong…
“It’s as if I want to keep Aniella Mullier by my side for life.”
He let out a disbelieving laugh. He laughed out loud, but the tail end of his laughter gradually died down. He thought it was absurd, but a deep voice inside him told him it wasn’t the time for that.
“Damn it.”
Paiki muttered a low curse. Right. It wasn’t a time for laughter. Just as she had grown accustomed to a lazy life, he had grown accustomed to a life where she existed in his mind.
Talking to her, smelling her scent, kissing, biting, and sucking. Even when she wasn’t by his side, often checking what she was doing.
How did he spend his time when she wasn’t there? It didn’t come to mind easily.
So this must be that case of ‘temporary protection eventually leading to adoption’. Faced with something he never thought would happen to him, Paiki was confused.
“Your Grace.”
The butler, who had served the tea and left the study, returned to announce a visitor.
“Claudie Mullier is here?”
Paiki made a face and clicked his tongue. She had often visited, wanting to see Aniella. He hadn’t counted exactly, but this visit was at least the fifth. Each time, he sent her away saying Aniella was in no state to meet, but it seemed she hadn’t tired of it and had come again.
“Shall I tell her to leave?”
The butler asked, as if familiar with the routine. Paiki thought for a moment and shook his head. Unlike Aniella, this was a woman who didn’t know how to give up. He needed to have a proper confrontation once, so she wouldn’t come looking again.
“Bring her here.”
A short while later, the butler brought Claudie in. As soon as she saw Paiki’s face, she got straight to the point.
“I’m tired of hearing all sorts of excuses. If my sister is still safe and sound, please return her to our home immediately.”
“Your tone suggests you think your sister might be dead.”
“I asked the servants. But they all said they had never seen my sister. They said no such woman had ever come to the Duke’s residence!”
Claudie was agitated, clenching her fists tightly at her sides.
“Where exactly are you keeping her?”
“Aniella is safe and sound.”
Paiki had no intention whatsoever of telling her her whereabouts.
“If you do not return her, I have my own plans.”
Claudie placed a piece of paper on the table and pushed it toward him.
Paiki glanced at the paper and her face, then examined what she had brought. A smile touched the corner of his mouth as he read the densely written contents.
“An article claiming I kidnapped the innocent Aniella Mullier from the party and am holding her captive. You plan to publish this in a weekly magazine?”
“Yes. It will be published in this Saturday’s weekly edition.”
“And if I stop you right here, right now, from publishing this article?”
“I’ve asked a friend to ensure the article is published in my place if I don’t return. You will never be able to force me to reveal who that friend is.”
It seemed she hadn’t come foolishly and unprepared. Paiki leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. If she thought brandishing a mere weekly magazine article was a clever method, he was sorry to say it wasn’t very impactful.
Were there any citizens of the empire who didn’t know the Emperor’s fixer engaged in kidnapping and imprisonment? It was an openly known fact.
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