2

Livia knew she'd lost her mind for saying that, but she chuckled cheerfully.

Brown's expression shifted slightly.

'This girl is really something. Even with trembling lips and shaking hands, she can say things like that. I see you're trying to hold it in, Miss,' he thought.

"You have to say 'okay' to every order from the young master. No questions asked. Just do as you're told," Brown explained.

"Okay, is that so?" Livia blinked innocently.

'Pfft, this girl is fearless,' Brown thought.

"In the Alexander Residence, you'll live with the young master's mother and two younger sisters. You must respect them and avoid causing trouble. Remember, your duty is to serve your husband-ignore everything else."

"Okay, go on," Livia said, seeming unfazed.

But, her hands were sweating cold. She was beginning to realize what kind of hell awaited her, all for her family's luxurious life.

"You can keep your job, stay in touch with your family, and meet friends. But you must be home before the young master returns. Please read the papers about what you should do when he arrives."

Livia flipped through the pages, her eyes narrowing.

'Is your boss the emperor?' she thought, glaring at Brown.

"Exactly as you think," Brown said.

Livia covered her mouth, surprised.

'Could this man read my mind?'

"The young master is an emperor. He can make your family live or destroy it in the blink of an eye."

"Okay," Livia shuddered. "I'll do my best. But may I ask something?"

"Please, Miss."

"Can I have sex with other men? Like, have a boyfriend?"

Brown's expression changed. He looked at her carefully. He knew she was a victim of her parents' greed, but how could she be this fearless? Especially after receiving those strict rules.

Livia took a calm sip of her saliva, waiting for his answer.

"Are you serious?" Brown frowned disapprovingly. 'This girl is shameless to the max. Desperation must make people brave.'

"Well," Livia pursed her lips, looking cute. "As long as the young master doesn't know, I think it's fine. But no one else must find out. Keep it hidden so no one smells it ever."

Brown's tone grew firm, like a warning.

"True. But be warned-young master's anger is fierce. Be wise and cautious."

"Okay," Livia smiled brightly.

'What?! She's wrapping hopelessness in cheerfulness. She's impressive,' Brown thought.

He pulled out a card. "This is an unlimited credit card. Use it to buy whatever you need, but be wise. The young master will ask how you spend it."

"Thank you, I will use it wisely," Livia said, taking the card and placing it in her bag.

"Can I buy a house with this card?"

"I suggest you don't, Miss," Brown answered firmly.

"Pfft. I was just kidding, Assistant Brown."

Brown smiled wryly, clearly displeased.

He never liked his master's future wife from the start. He knew why Damian chose Livia-a woman not his type. She was just a tool for escape and revenge. That meant trouble was inevitable.

"Do you have a girlfriend, Assistant Brown?" Livia asked.

"Sorry, Miss, I can't answer personal questions."

"Then, do you want to be my lover?"

Assistant Brown's face flushed bright red. He clenched his fists, both angry and flustered. This woman was definitely too bold for her own good.

"Haha, I'm just kidding, Assistant Brown. Don't take it seriously," Livia said with a small, nervous laugh.

Assistant Brown took a slow breath, trying to calm himself. He was almost provoked by her words-an irritation unusual for someone so typically expressionless.

"Miss," he said firmly, "in the future, I hope you'll be more careful with what you say, especially around the young master. What you think is just a joke might be taken seriously by him-and you will be the one to suffer the consequences."

He paused, then added coldly, "And remember, I'm not saying this because I care about you. Frankly, I don't care whether you live or die once you enter the Alexander Residence. What matters is that everything around Master Damian runs exactly as it should."

Livia swallowed hard. Her tiny heart shrank at those words.

The man in front of her didn't care about her at all. Live or die-it made no difference to him.

"Okay, Assistant Brown. Thanks for the advice. I'll be more careful with what I say," she managed, her voice steady despite the chill settling over her.

After a heavy silence, Livia had no choice but to look away toward the car window. She didn't know how long she stared out, lost in her thoughts, when Assistant Brown's voice echoed again as the car came to a steady stop.

He opened the door for her and said, "We're here. Please study and memorize everything I've written on those sheets. As for the wedding, a messenger will come to pick you up later to prepare your gown and other things. Until then, I expect you to stay at home and do nothing else."

"Okay," Livia whispered.

She hurried out of the car.

"Thank you for everything," she said softly.

They bowed their heads respectfully to each other.

After the car drove off and disappeared from sight, Livia still stood there, dazed and motionless. Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

She had given all she had today-bravery, strength, and a false front.

Wow. From today on, her life would lose all meaning.

What a pity.

***