Barely ten minutes had passed before she returned, carrying four bottles of the same potion as before and a small wooden box.

  At Channis’s gesture, Baber took the items from the maid’s arms and walked toward Glen. His steps slowed deliberately, thoughts swirling in his mind—

  Should he seize the chance and strike while the man was off guard?

  No... he didn’t know the other’s true strength. That was far too reckless. Young Master Laville’s life came first.

  He cast a glance at Laville, trembling on the ground, then at Glen—who stood there completely defenseless.

  Yet that very calm, unguarded air didn’t make Baber underestimate him; it only deepened his unease.

  In the end, Glen obtained the items without any resistance. Baber dared not gamble.

  Opening the box, Glen saw a pouch of gold coins and several neatly arranged vials of potion. He recognized them as a lower-grade healing elixir and accepted them with satisfaction.

  “Now… can we have our son back?” Channis pleaded again, clutching Sofite tightly.

  Glen gave no answer. His gaze drifted once more to Laville.

  The boy was still shivering, but the hatred and fury hidden beneath his fearful fa?ade did not escape Glen’s keen eyes.

  He had seen such eyes countless times in his past life—the look of a vengeful child pretending to be weak. This curly-haired brat’s acting was abysmal.

  “No,” Glen said simply, lips curling as he refused the lord’s desperate plea.

  That single word sent Laville into real terror. His mind went blank as dread crashed over him like a wave.

  “Why?!” Channis roared, anguish twisting his face. “I’ve given you everything you asked for! Why won’t you keep your word?”

  “Please, don’t hurt my son!” Sofia screamed.

  “I never promised you anything, my lord,” Glen replied coolly. “But rest assured—I have no intention of killing him.”

  “Then… what do you mean to do?” Channis asked, voice trembling.

  “I’ll take him with me,” Glen said evenly. “He’ll work for me for a while. Since you two clearly can’t discipline your son, I’ll do it for you.”

  For a long moment, silence fell. None of them had imagined such an answer.

  “Absolutely not!” Channis and Sofia shouted in unison once the shock wore off.

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  They couldn’t bear to imagine what horrors Laville might endure if taken away by this man. The boy was their cherished child—one they had never dared to scold harshly, let alone allow another to seize.

  “You’d best remember where you stand,” Glen said, his gaze turning razor-sharp. “You came here intending to kill me. The only reason you’re still alive is because I decided to spare you—for the sake of your family’s love.”

  His voice dripped with killing intent, sweeping across everyone present.

  The private guards, even the hidden assassin lurking in the shadows, felt a cold shudder run down their spines.

  “How can I be sure you won’t harm Laville?” Channis finally forced himself to ask.

  “Heh…” Glen gave a cold, mirthless laugh. “You don’t have a choice. You’ll do as I say.”

  Sofia said nothing more, burying her face in Channis’s chest, weeping quietly. She knew nothing she said could change the outcome.

  Channis stared blankly, his spirit dimmed.

  Glen swept his gaze around once more. “Then it’s settled. I’m taking him.”

  He reached out toward Laville.

  The boy snapped back to his senses, realizing what was about to happen, and shouted, “Get away from me! Don’t touch me!”

  His defiance was met with a sharp, resounding slap.

  Pain silenced him instantly. Glen grabbed the boy by the collar, lifted him easily, and tossed him toward the manor gate.

  “Walk obediently, Young Master Laville,” Glen warned, his tone dripping with menace.

  Just then, Channis suddenly cried out, as if struck by a desperate idea. “Wait—wait a moment!”

  Glen and Laville both turned.

  “Could you… take another person along? Someone to look after him,” Channis said.

  “Oh?” Glen raised an eyebrow. “And who might that be?”

  Channis beckoned. “Tia—come here.”

  A young maid with large, tearful eyes and delicate features stepped forward. She wore a black-and-white uniform— the same girl who had brought the potion earlier.

  “She’s my wife’s most trusted maid, and someone we rely on deeply. Please, take her with you. Otherwise, we can’t be at ease.”

  Channis’s tone was humble, almost pleading.

  “Please allow me to go with him,” Tia said softly, bowing. “Young Master Laville needs my care.”

  One glance was enough for Glen to discern she wasn’t an ordinary maid. From her posture and the lines of her hands, he could tell she had been trained—dangerously well.

  So the old fox wants to send a spy with us, does he? he thought with an inward smirk, but voiced no objection.

  “Fine,” he said. “But only her.”

  After walking a short distance, Glen suddenly turned back. “Oh, and one more thing—don’t even think of spreading word about this. I may not fear trouble, but I despise it. Cause me annoyance, and it won’t end well.”

  He glanced pointedly at Lord Clough, who flinched at once.

  Satisfied with their silence, Glen finally departed.

  The great manor fell into uneasy quiet. No one dared speak until Channis finally muttered coldly, “No one is to mention what happened today.”

  …

  A curly-haired boy and a maid followed behind Glen, their faces filled with conflicting emotions.

  Laville gritted his teeth, seething with resentment, while Tia looked hesitant, as if torn by fear and resolve.

  “Excuse me…” she finally spoke, her voice timid.

  “Hmm?” Glen turned slightly.

  Laville glanced at her, equally curious.

  “Where are you taking us? You won’t… harm the young master, will you?” she asked, gathering her courage.

  “Harm him? Of course,” Glen said, almost amused. “If he disobeys me, I certainly will.”

  Laville’s face went pale; his steps faltered.

  Tia stiffened, then burst out, “Why would you do that? Even if Young Master Laville offended you, that doesn’t give you the right to torment him!”

  Glen merely gave a lazy shrug. “And why should they get to bully me first, while I can’t return the favor—with interest?”

  Her mouth opened, but no words came. After a long silence, she lowered her eyes.

  Glen continued, his tone cutting, “Tell me—have you never been scolded or struck while serving your noble masters? Or seen another maid punished unjustly?”

  Tia straightened at once. “No, never! The lord and lady may have tempers, but they’d never beat or scold us without reason!”