Chapter 1346

Violet and the others had stayed at Willowbrook Estate for many days, searching high and low, but found nothing. She decided it was time to leave. Spending each day indulging in Hayden's lavish meals and drinks had grown tiresome. Violet felt the days slipping away, especially since Carisa was so busy, and she couldn't help. It left her feeling unsettled.

At dinner that evening, she told Hayden, "I'll leave tomorrow."

Hayden smiled, glancing at her. "What's this? Haven't I treated you well with fine food and drink? Why the sudden departure?"

Violet replied honestly, "The food has been too good—every day, mountain delicacies or seafood."

Hayden laughed heartily. "You're like a wild boar, unable to appreciate the finer things!" He waved it off. "Fine, if you're tired of it, then go ahead."

He called for Sonny. "Sonny, go to the storeroom and select some gifts. When they leave tomorrow, ensure they have something to take with them."

"Certainly, Your Highness," Sonny replied.

Gordon, standing outside the door, overheard. "Your Highness, I'll go."

Hayden gave him a casual glance and waved his hand. "Alright, you go. Pick something nice—don't embarrass me."

"Of course, Your Highness," Gordon responded before leaving.

Violet almost called out to Gordon but hesitated. It seemed odd to receive gifts after such a long stay, especially since they had come primarily to enjoy the food and hospitality. A pang of guilt struck her.

Watching Gordon depart, something caught her eye. His posture—straight and dignified—had never seemed so striking before. She hadn't truly observed his walk, one hand casually behind him, fingers slightly curled. It gave him an air of noble bearing, an almost graceful demeanor.

For a moment, she was lost in thought. Then, she recalled his consistently graceful and somewhat arrogant manner around Hayden and the others. It hadn't been noticeable before, but now, with Sonny ahead and Gordon behind, the contrast was stark.

"Violet, what are you daydreaming about?" Hayden's voice broke her reverie.

Violet quickly smiled. "I was just thinking it's too much. We've been imposing for so long, and now you're giving us gifts? It makes it seem like we've come just to take advantage of you."

Hayden chuckled, his tone teasing. "I know you're wealthy and lack for nothing, but when I offer something, you should take it without being so polite. Don't act like a stranger."

Violet laughed lightly. "Well, since you insist, I'll accept with thanks."

Hayden looked at her thoughtfully, his gaze lingering before he returned to his meal. Violet ate absentmindedly, her thoughts elsewhere. After finishing, she excused herself and took Bun and Cynthia for a walk in the garden.

The garden lamps flickered softly, their light shimmering in the night. They seemed both near and distant, like the truth—always just out of reach, yet ever-present.

Cynthia, still cheerful, chattered about the gifts Hayden might give them. Young girls, after all, enjoyed receiving presents. Even the smallest token brought joy simply because it was given.

Bun broke the silence, noticing Violet's preoccupation. "Vivi, don't you think there's something off about Gordon?"

Violet looked up sharply. "What do you mean? What have you noticed?"

Bun paused. "His martial arts skills are unusually high." Violet blinked. "He knows martial arts? I didn't think so."

From his footsteps to his breathing, she'd never noticed anything suggesting combat training.

"Yesterday, when we were with Prince Hayden, carrying those parcels, Gordon was instructing servants to prune a tree. The young men carrying the items didn't see him, and were about to collide. Just as I was about to shout, he spun and sidestepped them, avoiding a collision."

Cynthia and Violet hadn't noticed. They'd been engrossed in conversation.

Cynthia shook her head. "So he sidestepped? That's not extraordinary. Maybe he just heard and dodged."

Bun shook his head. "No. It was different. His movement was almost impossible to see. His feet barely left the ground, and it was so quick and controlled I almost thought I'd imagined it. It's a level of skill none of us could replicate, not even Cari."

Violet fell silent. They could spin with their feet barely leaving the ground—it wasn't difficult. But if the movement was fast and there was little space, it was impossible without preparation. However, that wasn't the main point. Someone trained in martial arts could sense movement and hear breathing. Yet, Gordon revealed nothing. Even after days of proximity, there hadn't been a single flaw, showcasing his extensive training and remarkable self-control.