Chapter 82\u00a0<\/p>\n
Selene\u00a0<\/p>\n
:\u00a0<\/p>\n
88\u00a0<\/p>\n
65 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
I sank deeper into the cold water until it reached my shoulders, my eyes closed as I forced my breathing to steady. The chill seeped into my skin, but it did little to reduce the restless heat inside my body. Still, I stayed there, unmoving as I tried to meditate, and focus on anything other than my arousal.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After a while, a soft knock echoed against the wooden door.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cCome in,\u201d I said, my voice calm.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The door opened, and Evelyn stepped inside, careful and quiet as always. She was holding a tray as she approached the bath. When she reached my side, she bowed and gently set the tray down. \u201cMy lady,\u201d she said softly, \u201cI\u2019ve brought more plants.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t open my eyes. I only gave a faint nod in response.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Evelyn lifted the bowl and poured the contents into the water. The crushed plant touched the surface and dissolved almost instantly, the water clouding for a moment before clearing again. A faint scent rose into the air.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Several days had passed since the eunuch\u2019s visit, and every one of them had been difficult. My heat had fully taken hold, and the cold baths had become my only refuge. They didn\u2019t cure anything, but they helped, it was just enough to keep me functional. The plants Evelyn used were meant to mask scent. They worked, but only temporarily, and only if reapplied again and again.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Because of that, I had barely left the bathhouse or my room. I hadn\u2019t attended my moonborn lessons. I hadn\u2019t gone into the courtyard. I refused visitors without exception. Too many eyes were watching me these days, many people curious about why I had suddenly disappeared from sight.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I noticed servants sent by Sienna lingering nearby more than once, but I ignored them all, giving no one even the smallest opening to pry into my condition.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After soaking for a while longer, I finally opened my eyes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Evelyn was still standing there, her hands folded in front of her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m fine, Evelyn,\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I rose from the bath, water streaming down my skin and dripping back into the pool. Evelyn moved immediately, grabbing a thick bathrobe and draping it around my shoulders. I stepped out of the bathhouse slowly, the cool air brushing against my damp skin.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She hesitated before speaking again. \u201cI\u2019m still worried, my lady. Today is the alpha\u2019s banquet. There will be many guests, and too many men.\u201d She lowered her voice. \u201cYou\u2019ve managed to hide it so far, but with so many people gathered in one place, I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s possible to conceal your heat completely.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t dismiss her concern. I understood it better than anyone.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI know,\u201d I said as we walked. \u201cThat\u2019s why I stayed in the water for so long, and why I used more of the plant\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:36 Fri, Dec 26\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 82\u00a0<\/p>\n
:\u00a0<\/p>\n
88\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
than usual.\u201d I paused for a moment before adding, \u201cIf I feel it slipping out of my control, I\u2019ll leave immediately. I won\u2019t push myself.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Evelyn searched my face, then slowly nodded. \u201cOkay, my lady, just be careful.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Evelyn pushed the door open first, and we stepped into my room.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The sight waiting for us made her freeze on the spot.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna was sitting comfortably on one of my chairs, a teacup lifted delicately to her lips as if she owned the place. Behind her stood her maid, Emma, hands folded neatly, chin slightly raised, but she avoided looking at me directly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Evelyn\u2019s voice trembled. \u201cW-what are you doing in Lady Selene\u2019s room without permission?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Emma\u2019s gaze snapped to her. \u201cHow dare you speak to Lady Sienna like that? Do you have a death wish?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Evelyn flinched, her mouth parting as if to argue. \u201cBut-\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna took another unhurried sip of tea before setting the cup down. She turned her head toward Evelyn, smiling sweetly. \u201cAre you saying I can\u2019t come into my sister\u2019s room whenever I want?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Evelyn went silent, clearly unsure how to respond.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose as the dull throb behind my eyes intensified. I didn\u2019t have the patience for this today. \u201cWhat do you want, Sienna?\u201d I asked flatly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her smile widened as she stood and walked toward me, closing the distance. She reached out and grabbed my hand, her grip light but insistent. \u201cSelene, the banquet is about to start soon.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I raised an eyebrow, my expression blank. \u201cSo?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She didn\u2019t let go of my hand. \u201cSister, I don\u2019t have anything to wear. Can I choose something from the clothes the alpha gave you?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I stared at her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A woman who obsessed over appearances, who planned outfits days in advance, suddenly had nothing to wear, on the day of the alpha\u2019s banquet? The lie was so transparent it was almost insulting.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Before I could respond, she released my hand and moved straight toward my closet. She opened it without hesitation, eyes scanning eagerly before lighting up. She reached in and pulled out the most beautiful dress hanging there.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It was the dress Alpha Rhydian had gifted me specifically for the banquet.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She held it up in admiration. \u201cCan I have this one?\u201d she asked, turning back to me with a hopeful smile. \u201cPlease, Selene. I really don\u2019t have anything suitable. You have so many clothes from the alpha anyway. You can give me just one, right?\u201d She tilted her head. \u201cThat\u2019s what a good sister would do.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
My lips twitched.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Fri, Dec 26\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 82\u00a0<\/p>\n
The audacity. The shamelessness. The certainty that I would give in, just like I always had before.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Evelyn opened her mouth, clearly ready to explode, but I lifted a hand to stop her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can have it,\u201d I said calmly. \u201cTake it and leave.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The room went still.\u00a0<\/p>\n
88\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
Evelyn stared at me. Emma blinked in surprise. Even Sienna froze, clearly not expecting such an easy victory.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cR-really?\u201d Sienna asked, then quickly smiled. \u201cThank you, Selene.\u201d She clutched the dress to her chest, visibly pleased. \u201cWe\u2019ll be going in the same carriage. I\u2019ll get dressed and meet you downstairs.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
With that, she turned and left the room in a cheerful mood, Emma following closely behind.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I watched the door close behind her, my expression unreadable.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Evelyn let out an annoyed breath, her brows drawn together. \u201cMy lady, she did that on purpose,\u201d she said, clearly irritated. \u201cShe chose the prettiest dress. She wanted to outshine you. I was going to choose that one for you to wear.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I waved my hand dismissively and sat down on the bed, crossing my legs with ease. \u201cNo need,\u201d I said calmly. \u201cI wasn\u2019t planning on wearing that dress anyway. Let her do whatever she wants.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Evelyn looked even more confused. \u201cThen\u2026 what were you planning to wear?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Before I could answer, there was a knock on the door.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cCome in,\u201d I said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The door opened, and a familiar face stepped inside. It was Maya, the young girl who had brought the materials for the dress I wore at my coming-of-age ceremony. She stood a little stiffly by the door, hands clasped in front of her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Evelyn\u2019s expression softened immediately. \u201cMaya? How are you?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Maya blushed and lowered her gaze. \u201cI-I\u2019m fine, ma\u2019am.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cCall me Evelyn.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSince you already know each other, there\u2019s no need for introductions. Maya will be working as my maid from now on, and Evelyn, you\u2019ll be her supervisor.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Evelyn paused at my words and turned to look at Maya. Maya swallowed, clearly nervous, as if expecting scolding. Instead, Evelyn smiled widely, placed a hand on her shoulder, and said warmly, \u201cWelcome, Maya. Let\u2019s serve Lady Selene together. But just know this, I won\u2019t forgive anyone who betrays her.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Maya\u2019s eyes widened, and she nodded quickly. \u201cY-yes!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cGood girl,\u201d Evelyn said, satisfied.\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:36 Fri, Dec 26\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 82\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMaya, where is the dress?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00d8 (\u00a0<\/p>\n
E55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cExcuse me, my lady.\u201d She hurried to the closet and carefully brought out a white dress, simple in design, paired with a large coat.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Evelyn frowned slightly. \u201cThe dress is\u2014\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s plain, with no design,\u201d I finished for her. \u201cAnd that\u2019s fine. I had it made with special plants woven into the fabric. The material prevents the cold and keeps my scent hidden for a longer period of time.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Evelyn stared at the clothes, stunned. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything like this before, my lady. You\u2019re so intelligent.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I smiled proudly. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Evelyn. We\u2019ll use this knowledge to make a lot of money someday. We will be the richest people in the world.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
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18:36 Fri, Dec 26\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hope Is Not Optional \u2014 Manuel Flores 82 Chapter 82\u00a0 Selene\u00a0 :\u00a0 88\u00a0 65 vouchers\u00a0 I sank deeper into the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[82],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27876","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-ruthless-tycoons-obsession-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27876","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27876"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27876\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27876"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27876"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27876"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}