Chapter 1019

Wayne sighed quietly. "If it were any other woman, your usual methods would suffice. But Violet isn't just any woman. Ordinary drugs won't work on her."

Yuvan raised an eyebrow. "Aren't all these drugs supposed to stir desire? What's different about yours?"

"Strictly speaking, Your Highness, your usual drugs don't evoke real desire—they merely awaken physical urges. My concoction, however, is a type of parasitic toxin. It numbs the brain, and after intimacy, it causes the victim to develop an emotional attachment to their partner," Wayne explained.

Yuvan's face lit up. "That sounds like a miracle drug! Why didn't you give it to me sooner? If she becomes attached to me, what I desire will naturally become her desire as well."

Wayne smiled bitterly. "Your Highness, this so-called emotional attachment goes against one's free will. It can only last for a short time."

"How long?" Yuvan asked.

"Ten days, maybe half a month at most."

Yuvan's eyes gleamed darkly as he took the vial. "And what happens if I administer another dose after the effects fade? Wouldn't that extend the attachment indefinitely?"

Wayne frowned. "This is still poison, Your Highness. Prolonged use will harm the body. There have been cases where someone was dosed three times and became mentally impaired afterward. Too many doses could lead to irreversible brain damage, leaving one utterly incapacitated—or even dead."

Yuvan's smile turned cold and predatory. "An imbecile would be even easier to control. The Spencer family would beg me to take care of her."

Seeing Yuvan's increasingly ruthless demeanor, Wayne cautioned him, "Your Highness, while planning is in our hands and outcomes are up to the heavens, hinging an entire scheme on controlling a single person is far too risky. It could backfire disastrously."

Wayne believed that while Violet held some influence, she wasn't significant enough to make both the Spencer family and Carissa completely back down. The plan was too dangerous, and failure would bring severe consequences. He had offered the drug only to give Violet a temporary emotional connection to Yuvan. Even if fleeting, as long as she stood by his side at a critical moment, the people from Hell Monarch Estate would be less likely to make things difficult for him.

Chapter 1013

The priority now was finding a way to retreat to Valken. Once they were back and Violet was under Yuvan's control, they could take their time plotting their next moves.

Even so, Wayne still felt the plan was dangerously reckless.

At Edgeview Estate, preparations were grand and meticulous. At Hell Monarch Estate, everyone spared no effort in dressing up.

Carissa had resumed wearing women's attire. She donned a flowing crimson gown of fine brocade, subtly embroidered with gold floral and vine motifs. Her hair was styled in a high braided crown, adorned with delicate pearl hairpins. A cascade of curls, embellished with tiny pearls, fell softly down her back, adding a lively, enchanting touch to her noble appearance.

Rafael wore a deep azure surcoat of fine brocade, embroidered with delicate gold accents. Beneath it, a fitted tunic of soft ivory linen, subtly adorned with intricate stitching at the cuffs and neckline, complemented his tall, lean frame. The rich fabrics and meticulous detailing enhanced his chiseled features.

Violet also dressed carefully. Since arriving in the capital, she had rarely attended banquets. With Carissa accompanying her, she couldn't afford to look out of place. She had no shortage of outfits, thanks to her wealth. Each season demanded its own wardrobe, though she usually rotated between a few practical pieces. The more elaborate dresses often remained untouched—but owning them was a necessity, even if wearing them wasn't.

Lulu beamed as she presented Violet with an ensemble—a fine tunic of pale apricot silk, embroidered with intricate lily patterns in gold thread. The tunic was paired with a pleated ivory skirt, decorated with delicate butterfly motifs, blending lively charm with refined grace.

Though Violet had spent years in Meadow Ridge, her roots as the daughter of a prestigious merchant family still shone through. With a little grooming and refinement in her manners, she was as elegant as the noblewomen in the capital. Travis was also attending; he insisted his current attire as captain of the guards was the best choice. It showcased his commanding presence, and no other outfit could compare. Besides, he had convinced himself that the more he admired his reflection, the better he looked.

According to him, his striking appearance had captivated many maids. A few even lost their way around him, frequently bringing him snacks and wine as tokens of their admiration.