Chapter 20 : planning
After Leo's sudden change in behavior, silence fell over the room.
Everyone looked at each other.
Only Smith didn't seem confused.
He leaned back slightly and gave Leo a side glance — a slow, knowing smile spreading across his face.
Natasha finally broke the silence.
"Alright," she exhaled. "What exactly is going on in that head of yours? And who's starting the countdown?"
Smith answered before Leo could.
"Who else?" he said calmly. "The two women — Silent Duchess and Valley Lily."
The air shifted.
Understanding dawned on every face.
"Oh…"
Smith turned to Leo.
"So? What happened?"
Leo's expression darkened slightly.
"George gave me a mission," he said evenly. "Capture them. No matter what."
The room stiffened.
"He said not to kill them," Leo continued. "This is my chance… no. Our chance."
Jack leaned forward, eyes shining with excitement.
"So what's the plan?"
For a moment, Leo didn't answer.
Instead, a low chuckle escaped him.
It wasn't amusement.
It was strategy.
George's House
"Why would you give him that mission?" Enzo asked politely, though concern lingered beneath his tone.
George remained calm.
"I believe he can handle it. Didn't you notice? Even during the fight, he slipped a transmitter into her pocket."
Enzo's brows narrowed.
"…Fine."
He turned and left without another word.
George's gaze followed him.
"He's ready," he murmured to himself.
The Second Flower
Realiana sat quietly at the dining table, pushing her food around.
She wasn't hungry.
She felt lonely.
Sasha stood beside her, serving silently.
"Where is Nichol?" Realiana finally asked.
Her eyes remained lowered. She hesitated.
Nichol was her five-year-old little brother.
"I'm not certain, my lady," Sasha replied softly. "Sir Enzo mentioned he was with Miss Cleo."
"With her…?" Realiana whispered.
Before she could think further —
Knock knock.
Sasha opened the door.
Enzo stepped inside, one hand hidden behind his back.
Realiana sat lazily, one leg folded onto the chair, the other touching the floor.
"What?" she asked suspiciously, eyebrows slightly tangled.
Without speaking, Enzo slowly revealed what he was hiding.
Her favorite sweet.
A soft, playful smile curved on his lips.
She stared at it. Then at him.
She took it.
"…Fine. I forgive you."
"Miss Realiana," he placed a dramatic hand over his chest. "If you liked it, could I at least receive a smile? That would be enough for me, ma'am."
She burst into laughter.
Bright. Free. Uncontrolled.
The walls seemed to echo with it.
Enzo blinked dramatically.
"I asked for a smile and you gave me a jackpot."
"Uncle," she teased, "save that love for Auntie and go bring her back before she gets angry again."
He sighed theatrically.
"Ah, you're right. I should leave before I'm scolded. But don't be angry with me."
"Yes, my lord," she said playfully. "I apologize."
He laughed softly and left.
The moment the door closed, Realiana eagerly opened the sweet box—
Suddenly—
A hand grabbed it.
"Sasha! Why?!" she protested.
"My lady, please finish your breakfast first."
"Nooo! Uncle gave it to me!" she complained, even doing a small dramatic dance.
Her laughter filled the room again.
But in the far corner of the dim corridor—
A shadow stood still.
Watching.
Listening.
"These walls," a low voice whispered,
"have been starving to hear that sound."