Zhao Li Xin's eyes flickered with admiration, faint but unmistakable. This scheming side of her, this was why he found her so cute, almost adorable.
He had always known Lory's methods were different from his. Where he used threats and violence to pressure his enemies, Lory's persuasion was gentler, softer, and misleadingly harmless. Though the result remained exactly the same.
Lory leaned back against the counter. "Lucia Viora," she murmured, tasting the words as if they amused her. She paused, then her gaze slid lazily toward Derek and Myra. A kind, almost benevolent smile bloomed on her face.
"You can leave," Lory said, with the quiet authority of someone bestowing mercy.
Derek and Myra froze for half a heartbeat—then their faces lit up. Without another word, they moved quickly, almost eagerly, striding across the room as if afraid the offer might vanish if they hesitated. As he passed, Derek spared Calista a brief glance, his expression stiff.
