JEALOUS TONGUES AND SHATTERED TEMPERS

The walls of the Moreau estate felt colder now—especially to Selene.

She sat on the edge of Adrien's bed, legs crossed, a silk robe wrapped around her like armor. Her eyes burned holes into the bedroom door as if expecting Ravenna to walk past it again. The nerve of that girl. Walking through the halls like she belonged. Like she hadn't been dumped here for one reason alone—to disappear quietly.

Selene had returned early from Italy the moment she heard about Ravenna. And the moment she arrived, she saw it.

Adrien hadn't just abducted some witness to silence her. He was unraveling around her.

And that made Selene burn.

She gripped her phone tighter as the memory of the party flickered in her mind like a cruel film reel.

---

Flashback

Selene had walked in late, draped in emerald and dripping diamonds, expecting admiration. Instead, she saw Adrien dragging a girl by the wrist—that girl. Dressed in a stolen gown, Ravenna's face was pale but undeniably captivating. Her dark hair had fallen in soft waves, and her eyes—wide, defiant, bruised with pain—had drawn attention like a flame.

Selene had seen the looks.

Not just from Adrien.

From the men. From women. From everyone.

Even drunk, Ravenna had shimmered like a secret people wanted to keep for themselves.

It made Selene sick.

Adrien had pulled her away that night like she was his. Not a maid. Not a prisoner.

---

Back to present

Selene stood from the bed and stormed down the hallway. She found Ravenna in the laundry room, folding towels like she had something to prove.

"Enjoying your little promotion?" Selene asked, voice low and cutting.

Ravenna didn't respond at first. She just folded another towel.

Selene stepped closer. "You think he cares about you? Don't be naive. Adrien doesn't feel. He uses. And once he's done playing dress-up with you, you'll be back in that cell. Or worse."

Ravenna looked up slowly, her expression calm. "You sound afraid."

Selene blinked. "Excuse me?"

"You're afraid I'm not just another girl he caged."

Selene's face twisted in rage. "You have no idea what you're talking about, little girl. I've seen Adrien gut men alive. What do you think happens when you get under his skin?"

"I already am," Ravenna said softly, and Selene's mouth opened—but no words came out.

A sharp voice cut the tension.

"Selene."

Adrien stood at the doorway, eyes locked on the both of them.

Selene straightened instantly. "I was just reminding your guest of her place."

"Were you?" Adrien asked coldly. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're the one who forgot hers."

Ravenna lowered her eyes, but not from fear—from calculation.

Selene took a step toward him. "Adrien—"

"Don't," he growled. "Not again. If I catch you speaking to her like that one more time, I'll have you escorted out."

The silence was thunderous.

Selene stared at him as if he had struck her.

"Because of her?" she hissed. "You'd throw me out?"

Adrien's jaw tensed. "Try me."

She didn't speak again. Her heels clicked furiously against the tile as she left.

---

Later that night…

Adrien sat on the balcony, alone, nursing his third drink.

He hated himself.

Not because he defended Ravenna. But because he meant it.

He closed his eyes and pictured her hands on the piano, the bruises she tried to hide, the way she looked at him now—not with fear anymore, but disappointment.

His fingers gripped the glass until it cracked.

He was losing control.

And worst of all…

He didn't want it back.