Upon suddenly hearing Xiao Ran's words, Cornelia's body stiffened involuntarily. Yet she did not turn around to look at him, merely remaining silent and unable to respond, because Xiao Ran was not wrong. She truly had wanted to use Area 19's current situation to keep Xiao Ran tied down, though she also knew it would not be of much use.
Cornelia was exceptionally clearheaded now. Ever since she had awakened that first time, she had been completely lucid, but that did not affect the relationship that had already happened and continued to happen between her and Xiao Ran.
She clearly knew that Xiao Ran had used some strange, special ability to plant something within her heart. She understood even more clearly what changes those things had brought her. They had not altered her memories, nor had they changed her personality; even her thoughts had not changed much. They had merely left behind an imposing figure in her heart, one she found difficult to resist, a figure she would gradually become willing to give everything to obey. And when her emotions and spirit fluctuated most intensely, it had evolved into even more things.
Her reason told her she should not do this, that she should not do anything at all. Yet she simply could not control the deepest hopes and desires in her heart, which drove her to obey. The conflict between reason and her heart tormented Cornelia somewhat. She did not wish to betray her father, but she also could not do anything detrimental to or betray Xiao Ran. Urged on by her own reason, the only solution she could think of without betraying either side was to keep Xiao Ran delayed in Area 19.
But Xiao Ran had seen through her intentions at a glance and exposed them without