Chapter 311

About an hour later, Valerian gently opened Lisette’s bedroom door.

“Lisette, are you okay?”

He saw her sitting there, looking all kinds of upset, and his heart ached for her. “I’m sorry, it’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have let you go there.”

“Valerian, it’s not your fault,” Lisette replied.

She was wearing a simple nightgown, her eyes puffy and red, cheeks flushed from crying.

Valerian couldn’t help but notice how beautiful she looked, more so now than ever. She had grown up, no longer the little girl he remembered. She had become a young woman, and it was hard not to notice.

Her skin was smooth as cream, soft and inviting like a ripe cherry. Her nightgown was adorned with little pink peaches, accentuating her delicate frame.

He swallowed hard, feeling a twinge of guilt. Lisette’s neckline revealed more than it should have, and the loose straps hinted at things he shouldn’t be seeing.

Lisette noticed his gaze but didn’t acknowledge it. Instead, she looked even more dejected and said, “Valerian, was I really that embarrassing?”

“No! Of course not. It’s just us here, no outsiders. You’re our baby sister. No one’s judging you!” Valerian quickly reassured her, stepping forward to sit beside her.

The scent of her freshly washed hair reached him, and the silk of her nightgown barely concealed the curves beneath. Her legs, long and perfectly shaped, peeked out from the short hem.

“Valerian, you don’t resent me, do you?” Lisette murmured, clutching his arm and leaning closer.

Valerian tensed up, unsure of what to do. He wanted to pull back, but she held on, pressing even closer.

“Why are you avoiding me, Valerian? Do you really resent me?” she asked, letting go and looking down as if on the verge of tears.

Her nightgown slipped a little, revealing more of her skin, but she seemed oblivious, softly crying.

“Lisette, I don’t resent you. I could never resent you. I–I’m crazy about you!” Valerian blurted out, his heart pounding wildly.

He couldn’t stop himself. He leaned forward and kissed Lisette.

Lisette froze, resisting for a moment, until he let her go. She looked utterly shocked.

“Valerian… What are you doing?” she exclaimed, wiping her mouth in disbelief.

“I’m sorry!” Valerian stammered. “I–I’m just so in love with you!”

His cheeks turned crimson, heart racing with a mix of fear and exhilaration.

“But I’m your sister!” Lisette’s eyes filled with tears. “It isn’t right!”

Valerian watched her reaction. She said it wasn’t right, but she didn’t say she hated him.

A flicker of hope sparked in his heart.

“Lisette, I–I love you,” he said, looking at her earnestly. “Would you consider being with me?”

“No, we can’t do that. People will talk!” Lisette shook her head. “Valerian, please. You’re scaring me!”

“Lisette, I’m really in love with you. Please, think about it!” Valerian pleaded.

He glanced at her, feeling a mix of desperation and hope. “I’m sorry for scaring you. I’ll go… Wait for your answer.”

Chapter 311

The next day, in the backyard of Kirin Fondue.

Calliope was gently swaying on the porch swing when Fagan handed her the documents.

“Ma’am, this is Dante Lopez’s treatment plan. Mr. Myers asked me to deliver it to you.”