"Where is she?" Arjan demanded, his gaze fixed on the butler, who appeared visibly nervous. With each passing second, Arjan's expression grew darker.
"Answer me now, or your madame will face the consequences," he warned, his eyes blazing with fury.
"The young mistress went to visit her grandparents," the butler replied carefully. "I tried to inform you since she rarely uses her phone, but unfortunately, you didn't answer my call last night, young master. She didn't seem well when she left the mansion." He hoped his explanation would ease the growing tension, but it did little to help.
"You called me?" Arjan scoffed, his voice laced with disbelief. The butler remained bowed humbly, showing his sincerity. Arjan pulled out his phone to check for any missed calls. To his surprise, he found numerous calls—not just from the butler but also from his father, his mother, and even Ethan.
Running a frustrated hand through his hair, Arjan stood up from the couch and strode toward the exit of the mansion.
"Young master," the butler called out, hurrying after him.
"You're fired, Mr. Butler," Arjan stated coldly, clicking his tongue in irritation.
The butler froze in place, shock written all over his face.
"I'm sorry to say, young master, but you cannot fire me," he replied respectfully. "I am bound to the Davier family for life. Serving you is my duty and priority." He bowed his head deeply, his unwavering loyalty only fueling Arjan's irritation.
Without another word, Arjan walked out, his patience worn thin. Sliding into his car, he sped off, his mind focused on one thing—bringing Taylah back to the mansion. He wanted to see her vulnerable, helpless. How dare she disobey him and leave without his permission?
She had to be punished for disobeying him. That was the only thought consuming Arjan's mind.
The drive took longer than he had expected. As his car slowed, his gaze locked onto something he had never seen before—Taylah, smiling with a delicate flower crown on her head. The flowers were wilting, yet they still clung to her as if they belonged there, as if they had been made just for her.
He pulled over and stepped out of the car. Unintentionally, his feet carried him toward her, against his own will. For the first time, Taylah looked breathtaking in her white dress, and everything around him faded into silence.
Then, her smile began to disappear, snapping Arjan out of his trance. Fear and anguish took over her delicate features as she clung tightly to her grandmother's hand.
"What's wrong, little pearl?" Mrs. Russell asked gently, stroking Taylah's hand with care.
Taylah couldn't respond. Her eyes remained locked on Arjan, who was steadily approaching them.
Mrs. Russell followed Taylah's gaze, her expression shifting to one of surprise when she saw Arjan.
"Oh, Mr. Arjan Davier is here," she remarked, her tone laced with sarcasm, though she wasn't entirely aware of the tension between them.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Russell. I apologize for the unannounced visit," Arjan said smoothly. His eyes then shifted to Taylah. "You see, I'm here to pick up my wife." His voice softened, though there was an unmistakable edge beneath his words. "Did you enjoy your night with your grandparents, honey? I've missed you. Waking up without you at home felt terrible."
Taylah's hands trembled. She couldn't tell whether it was fear or anger surging through her. Clenching the fabric of her dress, she struggled to suppress the emotions threatening to surface.
"Why don't we continue this conversation in the car?" Mrs. Russell suggested, taking Taylah's hand and gently leading her away.
Arjan followed closely behind, his presence looming over them.
They reached home within minutes. As soon as they stepped inside the mansion, Mr. Russell greeted his wife and granddaughter with a warm smile, but his expression shifted the moment he saw Arjan.
"I didn't expect to see my little pearl's husband. I thought he was too busy with work," Mr. Russell said, shaking Arjan's hand. Arjan returned the gesture with a faint smile, though his gaze remained locked on Taylah.
"Alright, enough chit-chat," Mr. Russell said cheerfully. "I've prepared a delicious lunch. Come, little pearl, you'll love it."
Taylah managed a weak smile as she nodded.
"You're invited as well," Mrs. Russell added as she walked ahead.
Arjan followed behind them, observing everything in silence. It was unfamiliar to him—this warmth, this affection they showed Taylah. Dia had never mentioned her grandparents before.
The way they treated Taylah only fueled his resentment. How could a bully receive such love and care, while Dia was left with nothing? The thought gnawed at him.
Mrs. Russell served lunch for both of them before settling into her seat.
"By the way, how is your business going? I heard you're managing your father's company now," Mr. Russell said, starting the conversation.
"Well, yes, Mr. Russell. It's going well," Arjan replied.
"That's good. And don't call me Mr. Russell—call me Grandpa, like our little pearl does," Mr. Russell said with a warm smile.
Arjan nodded, a rare gentle smile appearing on his lips. Taylah couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. Why did she rarely get to see that smile? Why did he never look at her like that?
As she quietly munched on her food, Taylah stole a glance at Arjan. To everyone else, he seemed charming and composed. But she knew better—he was a wolf in sheep's clothing.
"Well… I was wondering if I could take my wife with me after lunch," Arjan said casually.
The moment his words dropped, the dining hall was filled with the sound of clattering utensils and muffled coughing.
"What's wrong, little pearl?" Mrs. Russell asked, her voice laced with concern as she looked at Taylah.
"Nothing," Taylah murmured, keeping her gaze lowered, avoiding everyone's eyes.
The rest of the lunch passed in heavy, unspoken silence.
Now, in the solitude of her room, Taylah paced back and forth, nervously fidgeting with her fingers. Her mind raced with thoughts, but before she could process them, the door swung open.
Arjan stood at the entrance.
Her breath hitched. His expression made it clear—he was beyond furious.
"You dared to walk out of the mansion without my permission?" he growled, his voice sharp with restrained rage. "You've got some nerve."
Taylah felt a twist in her gut, her stomach churning with unease.
"I-I missed my grandparents," she stammered, turning away from him. "I just wanted to see them."
Before she could take another step, Arjan grabbed her forearm, yanking her around to face him.
"You looked so happy with your grandparents," he spat bitterly. "I had no idea you even had living grandparents while Dia is suffering because of you. Unbelievable… Taylah, you are the most cold-hearted animal I've ever seen."
His words sliced through her like daggers.
Taylah let out a scoff—painful, bitter. What did Arjan know? Explaining anything to him would be a waste of breath.
A hollow laugh escaped her lips, laced with mockery.
That only fueled Arjan's anger further.