On the other side, after closing the communication window...

"Firld is still so reserved."

Remembering the shy face reflected on the screen just moments ago, Elvire let out a soft laugh.

"Young Mistress?"

Garna, standing ready nearby, voiced her confusion.

"Heh heh, nothing."

Still smiling, Elvire rose from her desk and walked to the window.

"I will personally orchestrate the Ouyang Clan’s destruction. Firld has been mine from the start. Your fate has long been in my hands. Just a little more time..."

Her hand, resting on the glass, suddenly clenched as Elvire’s face twisted into an obsessed smile.

"Young Mistress, someone requests an audience."

Just as Elvire was lost in her fantasies, Garna’s voice reached her ears.

...

The smile on her face turned icy. Elvire turned to look at Garna. She was annoyed—being disturbed during deep thought was unforgivable. Garna’s mistake was inexcusable.

"I won’t see anyone. Reject them."

Suppressing her anger, Elvire waved her hand, signaling Garna to dismiss the visitor.

"Yes..."

"Not even your father?"

Just as Garna’s assent sounded, a slightly aged male voice filled the office. Seeing the old man who’d entered uninvited, Garna glanced at her mistress Elvire, looking troubled.

"Garna, step back."

"Yes."

The maid immediately moved from the doorway to Elvire’s side. With her no longer blocking the way, the old man entered, smiling.

"Father..."

At that moment, no matter how reluctant, Elvire straightened her posture. She stared at the smiling old man—her father—with emotionless eyes.

"We haven’t met in a long time, have we?"

"Yes."

Watching her father sit uninvited in the office chair, Elvire’s brows furrowed slightly.

"Elvire, do you hate me?"

"Not at all."

"Then why did you just frown?"

...

The old man’s observation skills were astonishing. Elvire’s brow had twitched for only an instant, yet he’d caught it. But her expression remained icy.

"Father, what brings you here today?"

"Lately, I’ve heard much about you—some good, some bad. Concerned, I came to visit."

"How honored I am that Gamol Toynea would personally come to this icy wilderness. And for such a trivial reason—to check on someone. Won’t people call it boring?"

Hahahahahahahaha!

Suddenly, the old man Gamol burst into laughter.

"Meeting one’s daughter—no one else can judge that. But Elvire, haven’t you gone too far these past years?"

"What are you talking about?"

Hearing Gamol’s words, Elvire’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"Two years ago, your secret schemes against the Ouyang Clan—you didn’t think anyone knew? Though you used Huang Long’s money, traces remain. This evidence could bring attacks on our family. I’ve worked hard to erase it."

"Is that so."

Elvire had noticed Gamol’s words too. But she’d done nothing—perhaps she didn’t care.

"I don’t blame you. Just a reminder: your power is tied to Toynea. If you harm the main family, I may not protect you."

Gamol spoke in a ‘kind’ tone, which only deepened Elvire’s displeasure.

"I understand. I’ll be careful."

"Good. Time’s up—I have other places to go. I won’t disturb you further, my dear daughter."

Rising from the chair, Gamol smiled at Garna.

"You’ve done well. Keep protecting my daughter diligently."

"It’s my duty."

To Gamol’s praise, Garna reacted little. She gave a polite reply, then fell silent again.

"Goodbye, Elvire."

"Take care on your way, Father."

After Garna saw Gamol out, Elvire’s icy expression crumbled—her face twisted with intense hatred.

"That nauseating greeting..."

Gritting her teeth, Elvire forced out the words.

Turning, she looked up at the pure white scenery outside the window. Her heart boiled with fury.

"I must speed things up."

A long-prepared plan surfaced in her mind. Elvire revealed a sinister smile...