Chapter 26: The only treasure she had ever given me was her love…

Chapter 26: The only treasure she had ever given me was her love... Tch. So much for walking out peacefully. Honestly, I couldn’t blame him. His own granddaughter stole a priceless treasure. Tch. Can’t understand how people can be so unfilial. I mean stealing from her own blood... seriously, who even gives someone an idea like that? ...Oops. That was me, wasn’t it? But hey, she should’ve used her own brain before actually doing it. So really, it’s her fault. Not mine. "Yes?" I asked, tilting my head slightly like I had no idea what he was about to bring up. Samuel asked with an impatient voice. "About the item my granddaughter entrusted to you?" "Sorry what?" I asked, feigning innocence. "What are you talking about Elder Samuel?" The old man’s expression shifted, ever so slightly. He was trying to stay calm, to keep things civil. He even shot a glare at Seles, who was staring at me with wide and panicked eyes. "You–you what are you saying? I gave you The Crimson’s Tear... remember." Her voice came slightly broken. "As much as it hurts, Seles," I said, making my voice as soft as possible. "breaking off our engagement is just as painful for me as it is for you..." I sighed, shaking my head like I was barely holding back tears. "...But you have to be strong. You’ll get through this." "You son of a—" Before Seles could show her love to me, a loud slap echoed across the room. And trust me, it wasn’t me this time. Samuel was the one who slapped Seles. "Mind your words, Seles." His voice was serious. But I could see his gaze constantly wandering to Aeon behind me. He was probably worried she would take action, if Seles was too disrespectful. "Young Master... are you sure Seles didn’t entrust you with any treasure?" Samuel asked. "Elder Samuel," I said calmly. "I honestly have no idea what this ’Crimson’s Tear’ even is. Why would I take something like that?" I braced myself for what I was about to say next. Fuck... this was going to be embarrassing. But hey, a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. I had to sell the act. There was only one way. "The only treasure she had ever given me was her love... and even that was taken away from me." Fuck. I cringed so hard I nearly folded into myself. Someone please dig a hole. I’m ready to disappear. But I controlled myself and even faked wiping a tear. "Sorry Elder... I’m not in any condition to talk. I’ll take my leave now." With those final words, I turned toward the door. ...But before I stepped out, I had to deliver one last parting gift. My revenge, for making me say something that cringe. "Please... Elder... Please don’t be too hard on her." The words sounded heartfelt. Like I was still worried about her. But with the look on Samuel’s face? Yeah, they were going to have the exact opposite effect. Either way, my job here was done. I turned around and right on cue, my cloak started fluttering behind me dramatically. Perfect timing. I gave it mental praise as I walked out of the room. The door clicked shut behind me. Aeon followed, her expression as composed as ever. "Forget what you saw or heard," I told her, walking toward my room. "Pff—Yes, Young Master." I swear I heard a laugh but I didn’t turn around. Nope. Not acknowledging that. Fuck, I was way too embarrassed. Just then— "ARGHHHHHH!" A loud, frustrated yell echoed from the meeting room. Yeah... definitely Samuel. I kept walking, ignoring it. Yup. No DNA test needed. Seles was definitely his granddaughter. ___ [Seles’s POV] Seles stared at the spot where Rael had vanished just moments ago. "No... no, no, no." She collapsed into the couch, her hands trembling as her gaze went blank. "This can’t be true." "He... he promised," she whispered, as if the words could reverse what had just happened. "He even signed a soul contract with me..." Reality crashed down around her but she kept trying to deny it. Then— "ARGHHHHHH!" She heard her grandfather scream in frustration. He was glaring at her now, his face twisted in fury. "You foolish bitch," he snapped. "Where did you hide my treasure?!" Pressure slammed down on her. Her body started trembling. "Grandpa—I... I gave it to him," her voice broke. "He promised to return it... He signed the contract—" Pakk!! A slap echoed through the room. Her head snapped sideways. Her left cheek stung with pain. Tears welled in her eyes. But even through the pain... she refused to believe it. "He must’ve done something," she muttered. "He... he must’ve faked the contract. Somehow. Please... Grandpa..." She looked up at him, her eyes pleading. "He tricked me. Please... just trust me—" Pakk!! Another slap. "You fool." Samuel’s voice turned low. "Even the Emperor himself couldn’t forge a soul contract. And you think that boy could do that?!" Seles trembled, unable to speak. Her mind spun with denial. She opened her mouth to say something but before she could, her grandfather interrupted. "Enough. We’ve embarrassed ourselves enough for one day. You’ll answer for this when we’re home." he said calmly as he grabbed her arm, dragging her to her feet. Seles couldn’t control her tears. This wasn’t fair. She had trusted Rael. She gave him everything. He was the one who stole her grandfather’s treasure. He was the one who lied. So why... Why was she the one being punished? ____ Author’s Note: Whew—this Chapter was a mix of petty revenge, emotional damage and dramatic exits. Rael really went all-in on the acting, didn’t he? And yes... things are only going to spiral more from here. So keep your seat belts fastened. The real story has just started. The Demon Academy is going to start in the next few Chapters. Challenge Time ???? If we hit 500+ Power Stones or 100+ Golden Tickets this week, I’ll start updating 2 Chapters per day from next week! Let’s make it happen. ????