Imprinted with the Obsessive Male Lead - Chapter 19

The problem was that, judging by how things were unfolding now, there was a high likelihood the matter would take a long time to resolve, and there was no leeway to wait patiently. Incidents of mana generation had been occurring more frequently. Especially in the land below the mountain range, the ground was unstable, to the point that there were even signs of storms forming.

What Anthony was saying, under the guise of coincidence, was to strike a quick deal with Vivian Grace. If he could just meet the negotiating counterpart, Chase was a man who could force the conclusion he wanted one way or another. Whether by coercive means, or anything else.

Without saying much, Chase held out his hand toward Anthony. It meant he would sign his attendance on the party invitation. Anthony, quick to read the situation, promptly placed the invitation on top of his hand.

“There’s one more document that needs your signature, but I didn’t bring it with me. I’ll go get it.”

While rummaging through the bundle of papers he was holding, Anthony turned back in front of the study. Chase answered with a nod and, while staring at the invitation, turned the study’s doorknob with his other hand.

It was an invitation he had received a month ago and had not even taken out to look at until now, assuming he would naturally refuse it.

“Seriously, such pointless…”

Muttering as he looked at the envelope, lavishly made by inlaying real gold into thick paper, Chase stopped short while opening the study door and froze in place.

For a place frequented only by men, his study carried a rather pleasant scent. That was because Anthony, who came and went here the most and was sensitive to smells, brought citrus-scented candles every morning.

Chase’s gaze swept through the study quickly and precisely. The bookshelves filling the walls from floor to ceiling, the desk placed in front of the window, a console and a fireplace to its right. And in front of that, a long velvet sofa and a table. Nothing was different from the morning.

Except that, mixed in with the usual citrus scent, there was an unfamiliar sweet-and-sour fruity scent, like cherries.

From right to left, once more. As Chase slowly scanned the room again, his gaze stopped.

By the sunlit window, behind the pure white curtains, a shadow wavered faintly. It was the silhouette of a small, slender woman. What was more, strands of long, light beige blond hair were sticking out beside the curtain.

‘Hah.’

Suppressing the urge to rush over and yank the curtain aside, Chase pulled out the invitation and scribbled his signature onto the reply sheet. Then he deliberately set the pen down with a sharp clack, turned around, leaned his hips against the desk, and folded his arms.

He did not know when she had slipped in, but it seemed she had thought things through in her own way. If this woman had been here all day, it made sense that no matter how thoroughly they searched the Grand Duke’s castle, they had not been able to find her.

Chase stared fixedly at the curtain.

“Come out.”

Flinch.

The shadow jerked. That was all. Nita Grace showed no intention of coming out.

“I said come out. If you don’t want to be dragged out by force, then right now…”

“I don’t want to.”

“If you don’t come out by the count of three, I’ll drag you out.”

“Please. Can’t you let me stay here? I’m begging you.”

“Three.”

“…”

“Two.”

That was when it happened. With her head lowered, Nita suddenly darted past Chase and ran toward the door. Chase, who had reflexively reached out to grab her wrist, stopped his outstretched arm. Then, frowning, he quickly walked over and blocked the door. Nita immediately spun around and rushed back toward the curtain.

‘Damn it. Is this little thing playing games with me?’

“Stay right there.”

At the threateningly lowered voice, Nita froze like ice and stopped in her tracks. Chase looked at her from behind as she hunched her shoulders and covered her head.

She’s not even a child. Does she think hiding her head makes her invisible? This is ridiculous.

Watching to see how far she would go, he observed as she began to inch forward again. Soft light beige blond hair, flowing in gentle waves down past her waist, swayed prettily with each small movement.

So they weren’t lying when they said her condition had improved a lot. Her steps were slow, sluggish like a snail. It’s not as if moving like that makes her unseen.

Just a few steps.

As he watched her strain to put even that much distance between them, Chase leisurely closed in right behind her.

“Nita Grace.”

He relaxed his grip as much as possible and placed a hand on her shoulder, slowly turning her to face him. And the moment he met those large, pink eyes, Logan’s words rang in his ears.

‘She’s become very beautiful, to the point you might not even recognize her.’

Who is this?