“Go ahead.”
“Spare Auston and Edwin’s lives. One is my son. The other, my grandson.”
Donathew didn’t twist the knife with words like *“One’s your father, the other your half-brother.”* He knew too well: Auston wasn’t just Liang Di’s father—he’d tried to kill her. And Edwin? The illegitimate son born from Auston’s affair with the maid Miranda while Lady Meredith still lived.
Worse… Auston and Miranda had murdered Liang Di’s birth mother. Matricidal foes. Donathew had no defense. No words left.
Liang Di fell silent.
Donathew sighed. “At least… while I still draw breath, leave them be.”
Staring at Donathew’s weathered face, Liang Di hesitated—then gave a slow nod.
*How long can an old man like him last?*
Cold. Honest. Her truest thought.
— The Next Day, at the Noble Academy —
Word had spread: Liang Lin and Liang Di had sent the Orlando City baron couple straight to imperial prison.
In swordsmanship class, a noble boy shot Liang Lin a look of pure admiration—no crush, no hidden longing. Just idol-worship.
Another boy mustered courage and greeted her.
Liang Lin blinked, confused. *Since when do they talk to me? Did I suddenly become… nicer?*
Today’s “villainess” remained blissfully unaware~
She challenged the instructor again. He’d once scoffed at sparring with “a mere child.” Only after she crushed Gar did he take her seriously.
Now? He felt uneasy. His skill barely edged Gar’s—and he’d *seen* how utterly she’d dominated him.
Predictably, he lost. Bowing deeply, he murmured, “Miss Liang Lin… I am humbled.”
“No need,” she replied calmly. “I’m simply a genius here. Undeniable.”
Wind lifted her high black ponytail, tousled her fluffy bangs. Sunlight haloed her upright stance—confident. Unapologetic.
Boys stared, admiration plain on their faces.
After class, one noble boy squeezed his eyes shut, stepped closer, and blurted: “Miss Liang Lin! I heard—you single-handedly defeated axe-wielding thugs in Orlando City! So heroic!”
“Uh…” Liang Lin didn’t get the closed eyes. But the praise sparked that familiar thrill of superiority. She lifted her chin proudly.
“Study hard. Maybe one day you’ll reach one-tenth of my level.”
Arrogant? Yes. But this time—applause erupted.
Liang Di watched from afar, pride swelling warm in her chest. *Like a wife beholding her husband’s triumph.*
Then—a noble girl tugged Liang Lin’s sleeve.
“M-Miss Liang Lin…”
Petite. Pink hair spilling over her shoulders. Face flushed. Half a head shorter. Adorably flustered—like a little penguin. She hooked a finger shyly around Liang Lin’s sleeve.
“Anything wrong?” Liang Lin asked politely, gently pulling her hand back.
“I’m Joy… of the Motley family.” Joy watched Liang Lin’s face anxiously. “C-Can I invite you… to our tea party this weekend? Other girls our age will be there…”
No one had invited Liang Lin in ages. Her tea party reputation was… legendary.
“Wait—you mean *me*?” Liang Lin pointed at herself. “Liang Lin Langwen Di? Sure there’s no mix-up?”
Joy flapped her hands, then nodded frantically. Her panic drew a smile from Liang Lin—cold. Sharp. Almost a sneer. Joy flinched but pressed on: “I *want* to invite you! Will you come?”
Liang Lin hated tea parties. The gossip. The sickly-sweet pastries. She opened her mouth—
“No. She’s not going.”
Liang Di strode from the corridor corner, yanking Liang Lin behind her. Her gaze—icy blades. Threat. Terror. Joy stumbled back, spine hitting cold stone.
“My sister has a date with me this weekend.”
“Liang Di! What are you *saying*?!” Liang Lin lunged to cover her mouth—but Liang Di seized her wrist. *Does she have no shame?!*
“Your name is Joy, right?” Liang Di’s eyes stayed locked on the trembling girl.
Joy’s legs locked. *Run. Run or she’ll kill you.*
“S-Sorry! Miss Liang Di! I didn’t know! I’ll go! I’m leaving!” She fled, footsteps frantic.
“Liang Lin…”
Liang Di turned slowly. Eyes wide. Pupils glowing that eerie green.
“Elder Sister Liang Lin… you’ve been naughty.”
A whisper—like an ancient deity’s murmur—detonated in Liang Lin’s ears, buzzing relentlessly.
“Come with me to the restroom.”
