Everyone else at the table was clinking glasses and trading toasts, but only Citrine and Sherman seemed untouched by the lively atmosphere, as if they existed in a world apart.

Sherman leaned in and whispered, "Citrine, even though you control the weapons business the Archer family needs to partner with, they might show you some respect. But I doubt Vester would ever invite you to their estate."

"He absolutely will," Citrine replied, her tone unwavering.

Sherman stared at her, wide-eyed.

She clarified, "Though, it'll be under the pretense of treating Vester's legs."

Citrine went on, her voice low and certain. "Vester might not be favored in the Archer family-he's not even the head's legitimate son-but he's not someone to underestimate. He's spent years searching for a cure for his legs. I'm sure he'll come to me sooner or later. It's only a matter of time."

As she finished speaking, Citrine caught sight of a man from the Northriver family approaching from across the room.

He was dressed in a sharp suit, engaged in quiet conversation with a Magnolia gentleman nearby, but his eyes-restless and sharp-never left her.

What's he doing here?

Citrine frowned slightly, eyes scanning him from head to toe, trying to figure out which of his personalities she was dealing with tonight.

A moment later, Sebastian Vesper strode over and stopped directly in front of her.

certain now-this was his

asked, her voice calm but

shot one of his own back: "What about you?

was here because

back home, he'd had someone investigate and discovered that Raymond Carmichael had

would try to save Raymond-so he came

this gala, he'd called in a few

narrowed her eyes,

finally relented, his gaze flickering with concern as he looked at

mastermind behind Mirage

the only real reason she would attend an

figured it out, Citrine

eyes clear and steady. "So you came here for me?"

he'd handed her his resignation—wasn't he supposed to be giving up on

before she could stop it. “You

"Hm?" Sebastian looked confused.

fumbled for

had always been a mystery to her. She tried

own way:

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