Something inside Lana snapped. Just a flicker, but sharp as lightning.
The gaze she once used to look at Lucian with admiration turned cold, void of warmth.
"You don't need to dig any deeper."
She held his gaze unflinchingly.
"And since you already know about the abuse, why bother pretending to ask about my past?"
Lucian gave a small, almost wistful smile and rested his elbows lightly on the table.
"I asked because I wanted to know whether you would willingly talk about what happened to you," he said gently.
"Do you not hold resentment toward Brenda? After everything she accused you of… after how hard you worked just to survive in the Almond family? You are no less pitiful than Brenda."
Lana slowly raised her finger and wagged it as if scolding a child.
"You're saying this only because you're close to me," she replied. "You don't know Brenda's pain."
Lucian blinked. His brows lifted.
"Are you a Holy Mother now?" He teased softly. "Sympathizing with your enemy?"
