A muscle in Valeria's jaw tightened at the insult. There was no way she was going to let such clear insults go unnoticed.
"I'm here to do my job. Unlike some, I don't need to play games to prove my worth."
Her words sound cutting, but her tone did not seem to be as sharp as before.
Ethan chuckled, a low, dangerous sound.
"Is that why you're here with backup? Didn't think you'd need that."
The group behind Valeria shifted uncomfortably. They wore matching gear, the insignia of the Vale family stitched onto their sleeves.
They looked young—too young. Their eyes held more fear than confidence, and Selene's suspicion was confirmed.
Disposable.
'Ah, these poor people are being used and discarded by the Vale family. It makes me want to help them.'
Selene could not help but pity the people who were in a situation similar to her past self.
Valeria's eyes flashed.