Semua Bab Bound by My Signature : Bab 21 - Bab 29

[Azure Hotel and Suites - Devian's Suite] Devian hissed with pain, immediately alerting Vanessa. He stood up quickly, and she followed. Her eyes widened as she took in the deep cuts on his arm. She rushed to hold his hands, leading him back toward his chair. "You're so careless! I'm so sorry," she said, her voice laced with guilt. "Sit here." She looked around, wiping her palms on her clothes, thoroughly confused about what to do. "Um... where's the first aid?" Blood was beginning to drip from his arm, but Devian remained quiet, his eyes fixed on her. "Devian?" Her voice seemed to snap him out of his thoughts. He raised an eyebrow, looking barely bothered by the wound. "The first-aid box?" "There's no need for that. It's my fault anyway," he said casually, as if bleeding out were a daily routine. "There is a need for that! And I'm glad you admitted it was your fault," she said, folding her arms and squinting at him. "It's actually your fault, you know," he countered suddenly. V

Mira looked at her like she had completely lost her mind. "I don't get you," she said, her expression matching her sister's irritated glare. Standing face-to-face, the two looked far more like bitter enemies than sisters. "Don't act dumb." Anna paused as she looked around to take in their surrounding. Then she turned back to her raising her hand and pointing an accusing finger at Mira, her eyes sweeping over her from head to toe. "What did you say to Ethan? He's ignoring me! He practically threw me out of the conversation and offered to finish your work! Answer me!" she said as her voice rose with every word. "You've got to be kidding me," Mira murmured, closing her eyes for a brief second before opening them again. "Is this the urgent issue you were talking about?" "Don't change the topic. Answer me!" Anna snapped. Mira shook her head. "If you're insecure about how Ethan treats you, that has nothing to do with me." Mira answered her. Anna’s eyes flashed with pure venom. Stepping

Both of them froze in that position, unsure of what to do. Devian stood holding the wall for support, watching them silently as his eyes narrowed on their uncomfortably close posture. A muscle in his jaw twitched once, the only outer sign of the sudden surge of cold annoyance coursing through him. "What's happening here?" he asked again, raising an eyebrow as he waited, patiently. Logan cleared his throat. "Move back," he whispered softly into Vanessa's ear. Only then did Vanessa realize their current position, quickly stepping backward as her cheeks flushed crimson. She coughed awkwardly to clear her throat. "Good... good day, sir," she greeted nervously. Devian ignored her greeting entirely, paying her no attention. He glanced at her briefly before turning his full focus onto Logan, who was currently stuffing his mouth with food. "Logan? When did you get here?" Devian asked, his face morphing into a brief flash of shock before he quickly smoothed his expression back into an ic

[ The Brown Residence — Study ] Anna walked into the study looking visibly shaken. Her legs looked wobbly and her eyes were glossy with unshed tears that caught the dim lamplight as she stared first at her father, then at her mother. "Why is that?" she asked once more, her voice trembling with an exquisite blend of panic and disbelief. "I'd rather not think about all of what you just said. Not yet. Mom gave you a practical solution, but you won't accept it. Why won't you?" Her pulse raced violently beneath her skin. Silence answered her. "We're bankrupt now! Me! Anna Brown is now on the verge of poverty!" she added, tears spilling over her lashes in heavy streams before either parent had a chance to interrupt her dramatic outburst. Mrs. Brown rushed closer, placing a comforting hand on her daughter's trembling shoulder to guide her toward a leather armchair. Anna didn't resist, letting her weight sink heavily into the cushion. Opposite them, Mr. Brown turned his face away, unable

[ The Brown Residence — Dining Room ]Hours later, the grand crystal chandelier illuminated a scene that Vanessa had only ever dreamed of, yet it felt entirely poisonous.For the first time in her memory, Vanessa sat in a central seat at the mahogany dining table alongside the entire family. Mr. Brown sat at the head, quieter than usual, while Mrs. Brown, Anna, and Mira filled out the rest of the setting. The table groaned under the weight of an unnaturally lavish feast: roasted rosemary lamb, buttery mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus garnished with garlic, and fresh baked rolls served alongside fine crystal wine glasses."Here, Van, try some of the lamb," Mrs. Brown cooed softly, leaning over to serve a generous portion onto Vanessa's plate with a gentle, maternal smile. "You've been working so hard lately. You deserve a proper feast.""And have some roasted vegetables too," Anna added smoothly, passing the silver platter across the table with a pleasant, practiced grin. "You really