Seeing Aier like this, Ailei couldn’t help but let out a laugh: “Pfft… Here, Sweet Iced Tea.”
She stuffed the Sweet Iced Tea into Aier’s hands. “I bought this for you out of my own pocket. Remember, you owe me a favor now. If I need your help in the future, you’d better pay it back.”
“Th-thank you.” Aier held the chilly cup, her cheeks turning slightly red.
Looking at the defenseless gratitude on the girl’s face before her, three words floated through Ailei’s mind:
So easy to fool.
The real reason Ailei didn’t use the Royal Seal to buy Sweet Iced Tea was simple: it was too cheap, totally unworthy of using that gilded symbol of authority, which would only cheapen the Royal Family’s image.
But Aier’s little head couldn’t think of that much.
As long as there was something tasty to eat or drink, her attention would be instantly stolen away.
She sipped at the Sweet Iced Tea Ailei had bought her, and the tension she’d carried all the way seemed to ease a little. She looked much more relaxed than during the jewelry test.
Waaah~~~ So good! So cold and refreshing!
Sunlight shone through the glass cup, casting amber spots across her face. Her eyelashes left butterfly-wing shadows on her cheeks.
All of a sudden, Ailei understood the Duke’s obsession—there was a fragile, transparent quality about this girl, making one want to lock her away in a jewelry box and treasure her forever.
When they returned to Iron Eagle Fortress, the noonday sun had already dyed the spires golden like sculptures.
Ailei still had other work to do. Before handling her own business, she pointed to the Spiral Staircase for Aier. “The Duke is on the top floor.”
Her voice returned to its usual cold, businesslike tone. She turned and left, her silver hair drawing a sharp arc through the air.
This woman really could change her face in an instant…
But, to be fair, Ailei still left a good first impression on Aier—especially after comparing her with Xie Yier. Ailei felt much more human.
“Thank you, Sister Ailei.” Aier bid farewell to Ailei.
Ailei’s steps paused almost imperceptibly, the corners of her mouth curving with the faintest smile.
Such a sweet talker…
After they parted, Aier tiptoed up the Spiral Staircase.
At the very last step, through the half-open oak door, Aier saw Xie Yier bent over, reviewing documents.
Sunlight gilded her black hair, her slender fingers tapping the desk from time to time, as if playing a silent symphony.
The noonday sun poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, outlining Xie Yier’s silhouette even more clearly.
For the first time, Aier saw her face clearly in full light.
Each strand of her black hair flowed with the sheen of molten obsidian.
The dark green gown, in the strong light, revealed the unique texture of silk, its curves from swan neck to slender waist as perfect as an artist’s stroke.
Those long legs, wrapped in black stockings, shone like gold in the sun.
Her pointed heels dangled lazily from her toes, exuding a languid sensuality.
Aier unconsciously held her breath.
If the girls at the academy were Morning Dew Candy kissed by dew, then Xie Yier was Whiskey Chocolate—rich, intoxicating, with a bitter aftertaste that left one trembling.
Just sitting there, she radiated a dangerous allure, like a Black Rose with thorns—knowing it would prick you, yet making it impossible to resist.
So beautiful…
Aier stood outside the door, dazed by the sight. Really, who could resist such a big sister?
Suddenly, a flutter of excitement rose in Aier’s chest.
But in the next instant, she snapped awake.
Aier, get a grip! This is the villainess who will squeeze you dry and make you call her master! Don’t be fooled by appearances—pay off your debt and run!
“What are you daydreaming about at the door?” A lazy, seductive voice suddenly called out.
“Ah!” Aier was so startled that her hand shook, nearly spilling the Sweet Iced Tea.
How did this woman walk so quietly?!
At some point, Xie Yier had already arrived at the door. Backlit, her tall figure was like a drawn blade, arms folded, golden eyes locking onto Aier with a half-smile.
“Do you like what you see?” Her voice carried a knowing tone, as if she saw through everything.
“M-master.” Aier hurried to hide the cup behind her back.
Xie Yier’s gaze fixed on the cheap drink, her brow slightly furrowing. “Little cutie, you should know that nothing outside is as clean as what we have at home. What if my little cutie gets sick from eating out?”
Xie Yier had a serious obsession with cleanliness and was extremely particular about anything she ate or drank. If she hadn’t personally verified the hygiene, she absolutely wouldn’t touch it.
And as her possession, Aier had to follow the same rules.
“Yes, I’ll throw it away right now!”
Aier hurriedly tossed the Sweet Iced Tea into the trash, the wooden cup clinking crisply against the metal bin.
What a shame—she still had half left.
Seeing Aier obediently throw it away at once, Xie Yier was finally satisfied and turned to leave.
But halfway through turning, she suddenly stopped. The tip of her elegant black shoe shifted direction. She narrowed her eyes, her nostrils flaring slightly. “Little cutie, what wildflower scent have you picked up today?”
In that instant, a dangerous light flickered in Xie Yier’s golden eyes, making Aier shiver.
“You didn’t go out for just one morning and find another woman, did you?”
“No, I was at Commercial Street the whole time.” Aier nervously shrank her neck.
She carefully replayed the morning in her mind—other than going out with Housekeeper Ailei, she hadn’t come into contact with any other women, and that woman who tried to talk to her had kept her distance.
“Then how do you explain the perfume?”
Xie Yier stepped closer, her high nose nearly touching Aier’s neck.
Warm breath brushed her skin, carrying a dangerous rose fragrance that made Aier’s soft body tremble.
“It’s probably Sister Ailei’s…”
A cold sweat broke out on Aier’s back. She herself hadn’t even noticed any perfume on her.
“Sister? When did you get so close with her?” Xie Yier immediately caught on to the way she was addressed, her golden eyes darkening dangerously. “Besides, the perfume Ailei uses is the one I gave her. I’ve never smelled this kind of scent before.”
Alarms blared wildly in Aier’s mind. She had no idea how she’d managed to step on so many landmines.
Wait… isn’t it normal to call a woman just a few years older ‘sister’?!
“I… I was just being respectful, that’s all! And I really haven’t been with any other women! I swear!”
Aier hurried to explain. She didn’t want Sister Ailei to get into trouble, especially after she’d helped her today.
Xie Yier studied her panic-stricken, tearful little face, the hostility in her eyes easing slightly.
That jade-like finger gently pressed to Aier’s lips, the touch intimate, yet laced with a hint of irresistible threat.
With a half-smile, Xie Yier said, “Ailei is just your housekeeper. From now on, I don’t want to hear you sweetly calling her ‘sister’, understand? Otherwise…”
Otherwise… I’ll have to teach you to behave~
Xie Yier’s lips curled, her delicate fingers slipping down along Aier’s smooth neck…
Aier suddenly trembled violently. “I got it (I understand)”
In that instant, she felt that if she didn’t answer quickly, she’d be thrown onto the bed and ravished.
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