The next morning, Isadora came downstairs for breakfast, still annoyed with Valen.
In fact, just seeing his face this morning would probably irritate her even more.
Unfortunately, she had no choice but to live with him.
She pushed open the door to the dining room.
Empty.
Her eyes immediately scanned the room.
No Valen.
A small smile of relief appeared on her face.
“Thank God.” At least she wouldn’t have to deal with him this morning.
She walked toward the table and sat down, finally feeling like she could have a peaceful breakfast.
Then— BANG!
A gunshot echoed through the mansion.
Isadora nearly jumped out of her chair.
“What the—?!” She immediately stood up, her heart pounding.
“Was that a gunshot?!” She looked around in panic.
Yet strangely enough, no one seemed concerned.
The servants continued doing their jobs as if nothing had happened.
Even Anthony, who was standing nearby, remained completely calm.
Isadora stared at him in disbelief.
“Are you seriously not going to react to that?” Anthony simply looked at her.
“It’s the master.” “The master?” “He’s in his office.” Isadora blinked.
“He’s shooting a gun inside the house and everyone is just… okay with it?” Anthony gave her a polite nod.
“More or less.” She stared at him for a few seconds.
This man was insane.
Isadora grabbed the handkerchief from the table and threw it down in frustration.
She had barely slept because of the noise coming from the third floor last night.
And now, first thing in the morning, someone was firing a gun inside the house.
Fantastic.
Absolutely fantastic.
She marched toward Valen’s office.
“This is ridiculous.
I’m going to tell him—” She pushed the door open without knocking.
“Valen, what the hell is wrong with—” She froze.
Her mouth fell open.
The scene before her made absolutely no sense.
Valen was standing in the middle of the office, gun in hand.
And in front of him— Midnight.
Her cat.
The poor animal was crouched on top of a cabinet, its fur puffed up, staring at Valen with wide eyes.
Valen raised his gun again.
Isadora’s eyes widened.
“WHAT THE FUCK?!” Valen immediately turned toward her.
“Don’t come any closer.” “ARE YOU INSANE?!” Midnight suddenly jumped from the cabinet to the desk, easily dodging Valen’s aim.
Isadora rushed forward and scooped her cat into her arms.
“You’re trying to kill my baby?!” Valen lowered the gun slightly, his expression twisted with irritation.
“That thing was in my office.” “That thing has a name!” “I don’t care.” “You shot at my cat!” “I shot near your cat.” “That’s supposed to make it better?!” Valen glanced at Midnight.
The cat hissed at him.
He immediately took a step back.
Isadora stared at him.
Then at Midnight.
Then back at Valen.
“…Are you afraid of cats?” Valen’s expression hardened.
“No.” Midnight hissed again.
Valen instinctively raised the gun.
Isadora gasped.
“Oh my God.
You ARE afraid of cats!” “I am not afraid of cats.” “You literally have a gun pointed at a four-kilogram animal.” “It has claws.” Isadora stared at him in disbelief.
“Valen.” “What?” “It’s a cat.” “I know what it is.” “Then why are you acting like it’s going to murder you?” Valen’s jaw tightened.
“Because cats are unpredictable.” Midnight slowly stretched one paw toward him.
Valen immediately stepped back again.
Isadora burst out laughing.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” “This isn’t funny.” “It’s hilarious!” Valen glared at her.
“Get that creature out of my office.” “Her name is Midnight.” “I don’t care if her name is Satan.” Midnight hissed.
Valen pointed at the door.
“Out.” Isadora tightened her arms around Midnight and lifted him slightly so Valen could see him properly.
“First of all, he’s a boy.” Valen frowned.
“I don’t care.” “Look at him,” she continued, ignoring him completely.
“He looks like you.” Valen slowly turned his eyes toward the cat.
“What?” “Look!
Green eyes, just like yours.” She pointed at Midnight’s eyes, then glanced at Valen.
“And his fur is dark, just like the way you always dress.” She smiled brightly.
“Aww, that’s actually cute.” Valen stared at her as if she had just lost her mind.
“You mean I look like this… thing?” Isadora’s lips twitched.
She tried to hold back her laughter.
“Yes.” Valen’s expression darkened.
“I don’t look like a cat.” “You do.” “I don’t.” “You absolutely do.” Midnight let out a small meow.
Isadora looked down at him.
“See?
He agrees with me.” Valen’s jaw clenched.
Isadora hugged Midnight protectively against her chest.
“You’re the one who needs to get out.” Valen slowly narrowed his eyes.
“This is my office.” “And that’s my cat.” Silence.
They stared at each other.
Midnight suddenly let out a tiny meow.
Valen flinched.
Isadora’s lips curled into a mischievous smile.
“Oh, this is going to be fun.” Valen’s expression darkened.
“It won’t be.” Isadora turned toward the door, carrying Midnight in her arms.
“Aww, my poor baby,” she cooed, gently stroking his fur.
“This wicked man tried to kill you…” She pouted dramatically.
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” Valen’s eyes narrowed.
Isadora stopped at the doorway and slowly turned her head toward him.
“Yes.” She gave him an innocent smile.
“Wicked man.” Valen stared at her in disbelief.
“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” “A little.” She turned back toward the door and cuddled Midnight closer.
“Come on, baby.
Let’s get away from the wicked man before he tries to shoot you again.” “Isadora.” She looked over her shoulder.
“Yes, wicked man?” Valen’s jaw clenched.
“Get out.” She giggled and walked away.
“Come on, Midnight.
Daddy will protect you.” Valen’s eyes widened.
“Don’t call yourself his daddy.” Isadora laughed as she disappeared down the hallway.
“Too late!” “She really brought this animal here in my manor” Isadora walked down the hallway with Midnight in her arms, still muttering to her cat.
“Come on, baby.
Let’s stay far away from that wicked man.” She was almost at the staircase when she noticed something strange.
Two men were standing at the end of the corridor.
She had never seen them before.
They weren’t dressed like the other staff.
Both wore black suits, and neither of them spoke.
One of them looked at her.
Then at Midnight.
Then back at her.
Isadora slowed down.
“Uh… good morning?” Neither man answered.
She frowned.
Okay.
Weird.
She continued walking.