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    My heart skipped a beat. I wondered if it was just my imagination, but Edward seemed to mind his background.


    In Clusia’s long history, the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children in wealthy families had always been significant. It was like an ingrained sense of superiority that could greatly influence a person’s life.


    “He did mention it, but I didn’t press for details,” I confessed, unable to keep lying any longer.


    Edward let out a self–deprecatingugh. “In my family, with our old traditions of schrs, farmers, artisans, and merchants, I was only allowed to go into business. Do you think that’s funny?”


    I was genuinely surprised. ‘Wow, so that’s actually a thing. Is Ryan in politics because he’s the legitimate grandson?‘ I wondered.


    “I think no matter what you do, if you can reach the top, that’s seriously impressive. Not everyone has the kind of talent to make a real mark,” I said, feeling a bit more confident—maybe because I could sense Edward doubting himself–though I was a little nervous.


    “Really?” Edward turned to look at me. “You don’t think I’m only ever meant to be a profit–chasing businessman like those people out there think?”


    “Those people out there only badmouth you because they can’t measure up to you,” I said, raising an eyebrow with a little scoff.


    In my view, only people with lousy character would go out of their way to badmouth others. If someone’s truly secure and content, why would they bother talking down about others?


    Edward seemedforted by my words, a rxed smile tugged at the corners of his eyes and lips.


    “Looks like you’ve got a real knack forforting people,” Edward said, stepping closer and gazing down at me. “You’re right. The ones gossiping behind my back just can’t measure up to me. Still, their words do get under my skin.”


    “If even you can’t keep those rumors out of your mind, then I guess it’s perfectly normal for someone like me to let them get to me,” I said with a self–deprecating smile,


    Edward’s eyes grew darker<b>, </b>a fiery passion flickering there, barely contained.


    My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly ducked my head. ‘Am I really just throwing myself into danger, even though I know better?‘ I wondered.


    “It’s been ages since I really opened up to anyone about how I feel. Tonight, I’m genuinely happy,” Edward said, his voice dropping to a husky, almost intoxicating tone.


    <b>I </b>couldn’t help but freeze for a moment.


    Edward sat down on the sofa nearby, closing his eyes. “I used to be both arrogant and insecure, so I ended up with a pretty strange personality. Outsiders say I’m hard to approach, and my own family thinks I’m cold and


    <b>11:55 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>11 </b>


    indifferent. What kind of person do you think I am?<b>” </b>


    I was caught off guard. ‘Is this some kind of trick question?‘ I thought.


    55 vouchers


    “Honestly, I think you’re not easy to get close to, and youe off as pretty aloof and distant,” I admitted.


    Edward’s eyes flew open, fixing on me. “That shallow?”


    I gave a sheepishugh. “Honestly, I don’t really know you. We haven’t known each other that long, so I probably shouldn’t be making snap judgments.”


    Edward shot me a knowing smile. “So, it’s just because we don’t know each other well enough yet–that’s why you see me that way?”


    “That’s right,” I said.


    “Now I’m curious–if you really got to know me, how would you see me then?” Edward asked, a yful glint in his eyes<b>. </b>


    I could tell what he was thinking, but honestly, that kind of idea just isn’t realistic.


    “Mr. Jennings…” I hesitated.


    “Just call me Edward,” he cut in.


    I was startled, and after taking a steadying breath, I said, “You know about me and Ryan. After being with the nephew, I just can’t get involved with the uncle. That’s crossing a line. If people ever talked about it, I’d honestly feel ashamed.”


    Edward’s handsome features went rigid, his gaze dropping as he fell silent in thought. It was obvious–this was a gap that just couldn’t be bridged.


    “Let’s just stop here, okay?” I pleaded.


    A sh of unwillingness flickered in Edward’s eyes, and his voice went cold. “Is this really the end for us?”


    <b>I </b>avoided his gaze and nodded. “Yes. There’s really no need for us to get to know each other better. You don’t need to hear my one–sided opinion–it doesn’t matter anyway…”


    “No!” Edward’s breath hitched, suddenly growing rapid. “You have no idea what really matters to me.”


    I stared at him, stunned.


    Edward suddenly got up and strode over to me.


    I was sitting in a single armchair, and as his tall figure loomed closer, it felt like he blocked out the light overhead. He nted his arms on either side of the chair, caging me in.


    “I want to know what kind of person you see me as,” Edward said, his voice dropping low, his eyes lingering on my face.


    <b>11:55 </b>Thu, Sep <b>11 </b>


    :


    I was totally flustered, my fingers knotted together in myp.


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    “Things like society’s rules or morals–they don’t matter at all when ites to how I feel about you,” Edward murmured as he leaned in. My whole body tensed up, nerves making me freeze in ce.


    <i>“</i>I can ignore what everyone else thinks. Victoria, the only opinion I care about is yours,” Edward said, his voice low and steady as he leaned even closer.


    I held my breath, looking up at him. In that moment, Edward closed the distance and pressed his lips to mine.


    On a night so cold, any spark of heat between us felt overwhelming.


    The moment our lips touched, I instinctively pulled back, wanting to stop him.


    But Edward refused to let me escape. As I retreated, he leaned in even harder, his kiss relentless, refusing to let go.


    “No… Edward!” I protested, my voice shaky.


    I pushed him away, desperate. “We can’t do this…”