Chapter 108: Gabriel's Revenge (2)

The seventh day of the ball had arrived, marking the grand finale to the week-long festivities. The previous day had passed without incident—Gabriel had skillfully continued ignoring his family, avoiding any potential confrontations with the ease of someone who had mastered the art. He knew they wanted to speak with him, but as far as he was concerned, they could wait.

Tonight, however, would be different.

As the day progressed, Gabriel found himself in the Emperor's study, seeking a moment of quiet before the final night's inevitable flood of pleasantries and strategic conversations. The soft glow of the ether lamps illuminated the dark wooden desk before him, casting long shadows across the ornate bookshelves that lined the walls.

The door creaked open, and Gabriel turned, half-expecting Damian. Instead, Charles stood in the doorway, his posture straight, his usual unreadable expression in place.