The party with the Clarks was just as expected. They were the type who never stopped talking. There was never a single moment of silence.

Good thing Lynsandra was well-versed in occasions like this.

"Grandpa," Cassian solemnly cleared his throat, causing the room to fall quiet. He adjusted in his seat, staring at the portrait. "I know it’s late, but I’m sure you’re listening."

"I’d like to introduce you to Lizzie," he said, reaching for Lynsandra’s hand and offering her a sweet smile. "Lizzie is my girl."

He paused and turned to the portrait of the old man. "I promised you before that once I introduced someone to you, I’d make sure she’s the one. I... I really like her."

Lynsandra paused as she glanced at Cassian’s side profile, then at the hand holding hers.

Everyone around the table—and even those seated farther away—smiled graciously. If not for the existence of the harem, they would have surely assumed Lynsandra and Cassian would be tying the knot.

"He truly adores her," someone at another table whispered. "I’ve never seen him like that with a woman."

"Even I would fall for the Luna," another leaned forward and murmured quietly. "She’s too gorgeous. I never thought she had such a feminine side."

Victor glanced around, hearing the whispers and seeing the approving smiles. He exhaled heavily, his eyes falling on Lynsandra.

She was simply staring at Cassian with a subtle smile, making it impossible for anyone to read what she was thinking.

"That’s it!" Cassian ended brightly, turning to Lynsandra. "If Lizzie chooses me, I promise in front of my grandpa that I will devote my whole life, my love, and—of course—my body to you."

Lynsandra smiled faintly, lifting her hand to stroke his cheek.

Applause erupted around the dining hall, as if the declaration had truly earned it. Cassian beamed and bowed slightly while Lynsandra remained quiet. Her smile, however, lingered until dinner concluded.

Once dinner ended, Lynsandra expected the guests to crowd her for conversation. Fortunately, Cassian chased them away and led her to the veranda.

"My family can be annoying," he said, leaning back against the railing while facing Lynsandra beside him. "Lizzie, did you like the dinner?"

"It wasn’t bad," she replied, studying him. Curiosity gleamed in her eyes before she asked, "Cassian... about what you said to your grandpa earlier..."

She trailed off as he tilted his head slightly.

"...Do you like your grandfather?"

From what she knew—at least from Victor—their grandfather had abandoned them. Their father, Cassian and Victor’s father, had been the prodigal son. He had Victor with his first wife, then spiraled and ended up having an affair with a human. That affair was the reason Cassian existed.

But even so, she knew Victor had never treated Cassian poorly. If anything, Victor adored him and acted as his protector. He had even sent his younger brother abroad to study while Victor worked multiple part-time jobs to support him and save for his start-up.

She knew that because when she met Victor, that had been his reality.

Lynsandra’s help had freed Victor from those financial burdens. She had even given him most of what she earned so he could launch his business.

So she knew the brothers hadn’t had a good relationship with their grandfather.

"Mhm!" Cassian nodded enthusiastically. "He’s really good to me, even though he wasn’t part of our lives for a while. But he helped us a lot."

"Helped you how?"

"Hm?" His brows rose as he blinked. "Well, Grandpa didn’t know where we were for years because our dad took us away. But once he found us, he did his best to make up for the years we weren’t with him."

"...I see." Lynsandra blinked. How strange.

If she were right, Victor had probably altered parts of that story—as he always did—to protect his little brother.

She bit her tongue and nodded.

"Lizzie, do you want dessert?" Cassian asked eagerly. "Or wine? Champagne?"

"Wine."

"Okay!" he chirped. "I’ll get you one. Wait here, okay? Don’t wander off, or they won’t leave you alone. They’re really chatty."

Like you.

With that, Cassian left the veranda to fetch her drink.

Lynsandra watched him go before turning her gaze ahead. From this spot, she could see the driveway, though the parked cars blocked most of her view.

I was wondering what I’d gain from agreeing to come with him, she thought, crossing her arms. I didn’t want to use Cassian anymore. He’s poor collateral for my pettiness.

But since she wanted to speak to Victor about something, this opportunity had been too convenient to ignore. Now that she was here, she didn’t feel the need to confirm whether Victor was present in the mansion or not during the full moon.

Was she afraid of the mere idea that it had truly been Victor that night? Or did she already know it was impossible? Or perhaps... deep down, she simply didn’t care either way?

It was only a moment of confusion, but now, it was clear that she honestly didn’t care.

Her thoughts halted at the sound of the door creaking open behind her.

The scent carried by the wind wasn’t Cassian’s, but it was familiar. It was Victor’s favorite perfume. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Here we go.

Slowly, she glanced over her shoulder before turning fully to face him.

There, Victor stood at the entrance of the veranda. His eyes softened as they landed on her, the corners of his lips curling into a wry smile.

"Hey," he said gently, stepping closer and stopping a few paces away. "Can we talk?"

Lynsandra said nothing, only stared at him. After a moment, she looked out over the railing again.

"If this is about Cassian, don’t worry," she replied coldly. "Whether you believe me or not, your brother is doing fine in the harem. Better than most, if I may add—"

"I missed you."

She paused, her brows crinkling as she turned toward him.

At the same time, Victor’s hand slid over hers on the railing, his gaze fixed on her.

"I missed you every single day of my life," he admitted softly. "Liz. I’m sorry about what happened."