Mikhailovna dressed with meticulous care, trying to conceal her inner panic and humiliation beneath dignified makeup and clothing. Then she drew a deep breath and, with heavy steps, headed toward the private courtyard where Li Chen was staying-a place that now seemed to her like a demon's lair.
She dismissed the maids standing at the entrance, whose eyes held knowing looks, and walked straight into the inner room.
Li Chen was reclining lazily on a soft couch, toying with a faintly glowing witchcraft rune. He seemed unsurprised by her arrival, merely lifting his eyelids, the ghost of a smile lingering at the corners of his mouth.
Mikhailovna forced herself to meet those eyes that seemed capable of seeing through a person's heart. Her voice was slightly dry with nerves, but she struggled to remain composed. "Lord Wizard, please... please leave Valentina alone."
At her words, Li Chen showed just the right trace of surprise. He sat upright and studied the beautiful woman struggling to maintain her composure with keen interest. "Oh? What makes you say that, madam? Lady Valentina and I merely happened to meet in the garden this afternoon and exchanged a few words. She seemed quite interested in some of the witchcraft experiences I described. Is there anything wrong with that?"
He truly was somewhat surprised. He had only just set out the "bait," and before he had even begun reeling in the line, this "big fish" had willingly bitten the hook-and reacted so fiercely at that.
His manner seemed to say, What kind of man do you take me, Li Chen, for?
But in truth, Mikhailovna's instincts were right. If she did not stop him now, Li Chen would certainly try to get his hands on Valentina.
That venomous woman, whom everyone else considered sharp-tongued and spiteful,