?Chapter 1155:


    A cigarette appeared in Torin’s hand, rolling between his fingers as he lounged against the wall, all casual indifference. “Funny, isn’t it? Life throws old acquaintances together in the strangest ces. Are you d?”


    That glint in his eye told Elena he was enjoying her difort just a little too much.


    Torin needed no introduction to Elena’splicated past with Elyse—calling them “old acquaintances” barely scratched the surface.


    A glint of frost shed in Elena’s gaze. “Honestly, I’d celebrate the day you finally drop dead.”


    Torin’s lips curled,ughter escaping him. If anyone else had spoken to him like that, they’d be in pieces by now. But she was an exception. No matter how far she pushed, he found himself endlessly entertained by her boldness.


    The me from his lighter danced briefly before he took a slow drag. “Hate to break it to you, but you might be waiting a long time.”


    A plume of smoke floated around him, softening his sharp features into something almost unreal—equal parts elegance and danger.


    The sharp scent of tobo wrinkled Elena’s nose, and she pivoted, moving to leave the smoky hallway behind.


    For a long moment, Torin watched her silhouette slip away, his amusement fading to a thoughtful stillness. Only when thest of his cigarette burned out did a different look pass over his eyes—a sh of cold intent—and his focus shifted to the upper level.


    Upstairs, before the maids returned, Elyse had already put the ne back in its original ce. She was nearly out the door when a voice like ice cut through the air and pinned her in ce. “Do you have a death wish, touching my woman?”


    Elyse froze, feeling like prey under the gaze of a predator. Slowly, she raised her eyes to…


    met his gaze. Her lips twisted into a weak imitation of a smile,ced with panic. “I’m not sure what you mean, Your Grace. Really.”


    In an instant, Torin moved, his hand closing around Elyse’s throat. “Still ying dumb? How audacious!”


    Panic red as Elyse wed at his grip, veins straining, breath cut short, eyes wide with terror. Fear made her shake her head desperately, mouthing silent pleas. “Please, no, please…”


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    Before darkness overtook her, Torin’s fingers released her.


    Crashing to the floor, Elyse gulped for air, lungs burning, words tumbling out in a shaky whisper. “I swear, I didn’t mean to—please, I really didn’t know…” Tears blurred her vision as she tried to exin, her voice barely more than a broken plea.


    Torin’s eyes never shifted her way. His warning dropped like a stone. “Don’t think just because you’ve done something for me it will buy you any mercy. Plot against Elena again, and I’ll make sure no one ever finds your body.”


    Elyse’s pupils dted in terror, as though a horrifying realization had just crossed her mind. She shook her head wildly.


    The ballroom buzzed with music andughter, but Elena had no desire to join the dance. All she wanted was a peaceful corner to herself. Sadly, a bothersome person kept shadowing her. Irritated, she narrowed her eyes and asked, “How long do you n on tailing me?”


    Torin twirled the stem of his wine ss between his fingers, the red liquid swirlingzily. With a roguish grin, he replied, “My legs are attached to me. If you don’t like them, you could always tie them up.”


    Then, with deliberate ir, he stretched out his legs and crossed them in front of her.


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