“Who?” His eyes widened, not expecting such an outcome while his tone turned bitter. Seeing him again made a rush of adrenaline flow through my spine as the typical foolish expression has dissipated into a stern, resolute one, brimming with confidence and determination.

“There.” Carefully, my finger rose in the air just to point at the clumsy man carrying a big sack of vegetables into the pantry. “That butler is a professional assassin. He killed me once before, so if he’s here... someone hired him to commit murder.”

His attention shifted back to me, as he kindly wrapped his arms around my waist, helping me up. I leaned into the tree, observing that annoying cunt chatting happily with one of the young maids, probably flirting just to get some intel from places man couldn’t reach.

But something felt wrong.

Why was he here?

Who could’ve hired him?

Who was his target?

Could it truly be me, or was I simply being too self-centered?

Rationally, my mind started to weight down the possibilities. It was possible that Terrel would hire him to assassinate his father, but they didn’t appear to be at odds with each other, at least not yet. Besides, he would need to get rid of his brother’s first. But maybe those are his targets. Maybe Gilbert needed to murder the brothers, but why? Terrel barely had any control over the house, still having planted enough spies and bribes into the servants. Who would support his ascension? Edgar would know it was him and, for sure, such fact would prevent him from becoming the rightful heir.

“He’s here for me...” I mumbled my conclusions out loud while unconsciously biting my finger. “But who would pay him to...?”

“Master...” Jade’s warmth covered my hand, pulling it away from my mouth in a slow, thoughtful movement. A pained smile rested on his lips. “Please, don’t hurt yourself.”

It was only at that moment that the stinging pain of a small river of blood, pouring out from the tip of my thumb, passed through my nerves. The drops had already fallen onto the land, tainting the grass in a vivid red, yet my taste buds seemed to have been too dull to even sense the sweetness of my own blood. I couldn’t help but to sneer at such disgraceful display of anxiety.

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Suddenly, Gilbert left the pantry and glanced at the garden, right at us. With a beautifully fake façade, a smile was carefully drawn on my lips, as if my mind was empty of any ill thoughts. Without paying too much attention to it, he simply walked back inside, in his awkward, wobbling way.

“Did you get a good look at him?”

“Yes.” Jade’s chocolate eyes could not hide the hatred in them. “Should I dispose of him?”

“No, we can’t act recklessly.”

It would be easier to get rid of him now, but the problem would remain. Someone wanted me dead and, until that person was found, I’d rather deal with a known opponent. As a prideful assassin, Gilbert was meticulous, throughout with everything and every job he took. Certainly, he would take his time studying the mansion before making a move, all without knowing about his handicap: my knowledge.

Besides, it would raise suspicion if a new butler disappeared just when a slave from an illegal market was purchased. Jade would be the first one they’d point their filthy fingers to and such event couldn’t come to be. That man’s accident needed to be planned, like a unfortunate accident within the estate… or a rather sudden departure after finding his long lost love.

My thoughts then flew to Bradley.

Could he have become delusional to that degree? In a state of if I can’t have you, then no one will?

His emerald eyes were stuck in my memory. They were lustful, filled with greed and a desire to own me, to have me, to win me; not to kill me. In a way, they were like Terrel’s, but at least Bradley didn’t seem like he wanted a lifeless doll around – he was far too intrigued by my immunity to his charms, or so it seemed.

Of course, none of the Wharton’s could’ve done it. Edgar adored me, just like my future brothers-in-law and, of course, Terrel’s obsessive behavior wouldn’t allow me to die. His so-called love ran far too deep to serve me to the afterlife. I was his doll, and he hated broken merchandise above all else.

It could be an unknown player, a noble I’d met at Lady Catherine’s ball, but my gut knew better. This had Duke Criswell written all over it, and he didn’t even try to hide it properly. That man truly thought little of me.

“So… I became a burden...” A rather pained laughter left my being. “My own father... is trying to get me killed. Oh, the irony...”

“Your father?” Jade’s eyes widened, clearly shocked by my words.

I mean, who would’ve thought their own flesh and blood would become their executioner? How could someone live the rest of their days knowing they murdered a being they willingly brought into this world, someone they swore to love and protect?

In his eyes, I had lost my value. A card that had become a threat needed to be decimated – that was the rule he had always abide by. With my death, Bradley would have no choice but to fall back in line and marry Amanda, his sole child. Losing the Wharton’s was better than losing the Trace’s, as if both houses were unknowingly pawns on his sickening schemes.

“Jade, we must remain oblivious... keep training, but at night stay with me. If he comes, knock him out. I have a plan.”