“Vania, you need to know something.”

Devandra’s voice echoed in the private conference room he had deliberately chosen—calm, cold, and calculating.

Vania stood rigid on the other side of the long table, her face sharp with suspicion. “What’s your game this time, Devandra? Haven’t you already ruined enough of my life?”

Devandra smiled faintly, his fingers tapping the table. “This isn’t a game. I just want you to open your eyes. You trust the people around you far too much.”

---

The door opened. Liora stepped in, her face pale, her stride hesitant. Her gaze briefly met Vania’s before she lowered her eyes.

“Why is she here?” Vania’s voice was...