C13 The Man in the Dark

What kind of life must one have lived to possess such dark eyes?

The man's lips curled into a slight smile, and a flicker of doubt passed through his deep-set eyes. Although the unfolding events seemed unrelated to the girl, upon closer consideration, they appeared to be intimately connected to her.

This young lady was far from the picture of innocence she presented.

"Indeed, fascinating!"

Upon hearing this, the previously suffocating and oppressive atmosphere in the shadows seemed to ease. Brannon, from his vantage point, stealthily peeked at the man engrossed in observation.

The man's features merged with the darkness, his expression as stern as ever. His lips curved up almost imperceptibly, casting a spell of bewilderment on onlookers.

Was that... a smile?

The unexpected smile left Brannon utterly perplexed.

The prior confusion was swiftly cast aside, forgotten.

This was his first glimpse of the stoic Asura Lord's smile, aside from the deliberately prominent scar marring his face.

His visage remained sharply defined, his features sculpted and regal, his demeanor coldly aristocratic. The Italian bespoke suit he wore seemed tailor-made for his refined and haughty elegance.

Even Brannon, as a man, sometimes found himself captivated.

But those who knew him best were acutely aware of the man's inherent brutality.

"Young master Joseph, we..."

At the man's fleeting glance, Brannon clammed up, his gaze shifting away from the icy glint in the man's eyes.

Brannon breathed a sigh of relief, while also brimming with curiosity.

Why had the typically detached young master Joseph, usually indifferent to worldly affairs, suddenly taken a liking to eavesdropping?

And to be so thoroughly engrossed, utterly spellbound—it was utterly baffling.

...

Halden observed everything, casting a glance at Old Madame Munro's protective stance, then at the tear mole beneath Ilyana's left eye, instantly grasping the situation.

With a slight upturn of his mouth, he quickly stepped forward, his tone laced with sarcasm,

"Big brother, you've gone too far! I'd advise you to keep your distance right now, lest you anger Mother further! Today is her grand birthday celebration, and you've turned it into a complete shambles!"

"Besides, haven't you always prided yourself on being the most devoted son? How could you suddenly forget all that? Or was it all just for show?"

With a barely concealed smirk, Halden's eyes twinkled with mischief. He wasn't about to miss such a prime opportunity to take a jab at Daxton.

Daxton, having just been chastised by Old Madame Munro, was already in a foul mood, but his position forced him to hold his tongue.

Now, shoved aside by Halden and unexpectedly accused of being unfilial, the rage he had been suppressing flared up fiercely.

"Halden, what are you implying? When did you see me do anything unfilial? You're making baseless accusations..."

Unruffled, Halden continued with a knowing tone, "Everyone here witnessed you talking back to Mom earlier. Are you really going to try to deny it?"

"I... I was just..."

Daxton's eyes darted to the judgmental gazes surrounding him, and he felt his resolve falter. The words of explanation died on his lips, unable to be spoken.