Chapter 66: An Unexpected Reunion

In the living room, the atmosphere lightened significantly after Alia's departure.

Adrian looked at Elise, a warm smile spreading across his face. Taking her hand gently, he led her to the window, where sunlight poured through the glass, casting a soft glow over the young couple.

"She really gave us her blessing," Adrian said, his voice tinged with disbelief and excitement. "I thought she'd be more hesitant."

Elise gazed at him, shaking her head lightly. "Livia only wants me to be happy. She's the type to have a tough exterior but a soft heart."

Adrian chuckled at her response, his eyes softening as he reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, his voice full of affection:

"I know how much she cares for you, but from now on, you won't have to let her worry anymore. That responsibility is mine to bear."

Elise let out a small laugh, tilting her head playfully. "Can you really handle it? You still act like a child sometimes."

Adrian feigned a dramatic sigh, pretending to be hurt. "You've wounded my pride! Just you wait—I'll make Livia and everyone else see that I can take care of you!"

Elise's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Then you'd better hurry. I won't wait for you forever."

At her teasing, Adrian's demeanor shifted. He tightened his grip on her hand, his expression serious. "I won't let you down. Ever."

They stood together by the window, the garden outside peaceful and bathed in sunlight. A gentle breeze wafted in, carrying the earthy scent of grass and flowers.

Adrian slowly drew Elise into his arms, wrapping her shoulders in a comforting embrace. Their closeness wasn't overly intimate, but it radiated warmth and trust.

"Sometimes, I can't believe we've made it this far," Adrian murmured softly.

Elise looked up at him, her gaze tender. "It's not a dream. It's something we fought for. But there are still challenges ahead."

Adrian looked down at her, his expression resolute. "As long as you're with me, I'll face any challenge without hesitation."

Outside, the sunlight softened, and their shadows overlapped, symbolizing their promise to face the future together.

Meanwhile, Alia lay in the guest room, her body relaxed but her thoughts restless. From next door, she faintly heard the sound of low voices and laughter—a simple, unadulterated happiness.

"They really do love each other," Alia thought, a small smile curling her lips. But the smile quickly gave way to a more complex expression.

"I hope they can hold on to that simplicity," she mused silently, closing her eyes. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, Elise's earlier words kept replaying in her mind:

"Marcellus loves you, too."

Alia shook her head, trying to dismiss the thought. But the more she resisted, the more entangled she became in the contradictions swirling in her heart.

The room was quiet save for the soft rustling of leaves outside the window. Alia sat up, walking to the window to gaze out at the verdant garden. The lush lawn and vibrant flowerbeds seemed to remind her that there was still beauty in the world worth cherishing.

"Maybe I should focus on sorting out everything. The 'Holy Grail' takes priority. Everything else… I'll put aside for now," Alia decided firmly.

Just as she was about to lie down again, hurried footsteps approached from outside the door.

The door opened gently, revealing Elise, her face flushed with a mix of nervousness and excitement.

"Livia, Marcellus is here!" Elise said, her voice low but tinged with urgency.

Alia's head snapped up, her eyes widening in surprise. "Why is he here?"

Elise quickly explained, "Adrian invited him today. He said they needed to discuss task assignments for the expansion project."

Alia's heart sank, her thoughts spinning into chaos. She instinctively stepped back, her hand clutching the edge of the bed.

"Why now…" she thought, frustrated. She had hoped to avoid Marcellus, to give herself time to sort out her emotions. Yet fate seemed determined to thrust them together.

"Where is he?" Alia asked, trying to steady her voice, though the tension beneath was evident.

"He's in the main hall, talking to Adrian," Elise replied.

Taking a deep breath, Alia forced herself to regain her composure. She turned to adjust her dress and smoothed her hair, tucking a stray lock behind her ear. She couldn't afford to appear flustered.

"Let's go," Alia said firmly, though each step she took seemed to weigh heavier on her heart.

As she and Elise walked down the corridor toward the hall, Alia's thoughts swirled with memories of Marcellus.

"What kind of person is he, really? What does he feel for me? Can he see through my facade?"

Her unanswered questions only deepened her unease.

When they entered the hall, Marcellus's figure immediately caught Alia's eye.

He stood by the window, speaking in low tones with Adrian. The sunlight streaming through the curtains illuminated his sharp features, accentuating his tall, commanding presence.

Adrian stood beside him, his tone respectful but slightly apprehensive. In contrast, Marcellus exuded an air of calm control, as though the entire scene was playing out according to his design.

Sensing movement, Marcellus turned his head slowly, his gaze locking onto Alia.

His deep, enigmatic eyes seemed to hold countless emotions, making it impossible to discern his thoughts.

The moment their eyes met, Alia felt a jolt in her chest. But she quickly masked her reaction, nodding at him in greeting.

"Marcellus, what brings you here?" Alia asked, her tone steady, striving for an air of nonchalance.