Leo Leaf couldn't help but step back. Her already pale face turned even whiter from her injuries. She had thought that, as one of the Four Hall Masters, even if she made a mistake, Damien Gray wouldn’t be so ruthless. But now, she realized she was wrong. Seeing the murderous intent in Damien Gray’s eyes, she understood his words: if she made another mistake, he would erase her completely. The Ghost Guild would no longer need her, and whether she lived, died, or suffered a fate worse than death, it would mean nothing to the Ghost Guild. As for outsiders, Damien Gray would show no mercy. What awaited her was most likely endless torment and suffering, worse than death itself.
Morgan Shangguan’s gaze flickered, and she couldn’t help but glance at Damien Gray again. Judging by Leo Leaf’s anxious expression, whatever punishment was coming would not be light. Yet, knowing Damien Gray as she did, this didn’t seem like his style. He was crueler than most, and even harsh punishments seemed trivial to him. What’s more, he knew about Leo Leaf’s hostility toward her but never reacted. It was unlike him—unless he had some plan in mind?
Damien Gray turned to meet Morgan Shangguan’s searching gaze but said nothing.
He wrapped his arm around Morgan Shangguan and sat down on the soft couch in the courtyard, gently stroking her hair. Looking at her, he asked, “Mo’er, do you blame me?”
Morgan Shangguan was a little confused. “Blame you for what?”
“Leo Leaf has always been hostile toward you, and now she’s even attacked you. Yet I still keep her in the Ghost Guild.” Damien Gray spoke slowly, his gaze locked tightly on Morgan Shangguan, not moving at all, as if he wanted to capture every nuance of her expression—he didn’t want to miss a single detail.
Morgan Shangguan pushed him down onto the couch, lazily sprawled across his chest, closed her eyes, and sighed, “I just hope her fate won’t be too miserable.” For Damien Gray to have enough patience to slowly wear someone down was rare, and she knew it was a privilege—but it came at a painful price. Damien Gray was never patient, except when he had a purpose.
Damien Gray’s arm around her waist suddenly tightened, his chest vibrating as a low laugh sounded above Morgan Shangguan’s head. She didn’t bother to look up, just patted his chest in annoyance and said, “Stop moving!”
Damien Gray’s laughter faded, and his eyes were filled with tender affection as he gazed at her. He wasn’t surprised by Morgan Shangguan’s response; he always knew she truly understood him. Still, hearing her say it made him happy. That uncanny sense of mutual understanding, where words weren’t needed, was a perfect fit—and only she could give him that feeling.
In the quiet atmosphere, the sound of clothing rustling slowly filled the air. Morgan Shangguan opened her eyes, slapped away the wandering hand, and glared at the man beneath her, gritting her teeth. “Enough already!”
Hearing this, Damien Gray paused, then reached out to gently massage her waist, his voice soft. “Are you very tired?”
Morgan Shangguan’s anger vanished instantly, unable to even muster a spark. She rested her head on his chest and shook her head. “I’m fine.”
Damien Gray didn’t believe her. “Really?” he asked.
“Really!”
“Then…”
Feeling those hands start to wander again, Morgan Shangguan’s lips twitched in exasperation. This damn fox! He’d tricked her again!
She shot an annoyed glare at the smug man, but didn’t bother to argue. Instead, she lay back on his chest, indifferent to his teasing.
Damien Gray couldn’t help but frown. He stroked her hair gently, no longer making any excessive moves. Morgan Shangguan’s lazy demeanor showed she truly was tired.
Morgan Shangguan wrapped her arms around his waist, a faint smile appearing on her face pressed against his chest. Did he think he was the only one who could play tricks?
At first, she only wanted to mess with Damien Gray, but as she listened to his steady heartbeat, sleepiness gradually overtook her, and she drifted off.
When she woke again, before she could open her eyes, she heard voices speaking nearby.
"Guildmaster, what happened to Leo Leaf?" This was Lily Ling’s voice, tinged with confusion. She couldn’t understand why Damien Gray would suddenly issue such an order.
Maxwell Jing glanced at Damien Gray, whose expression was unreadable, and warned, "Lily Ling!"
Lily Ling immediately dropped her questions. Although Maxwell Jing usually acted carefree, when he was serious, it was best to heed his warning—otherwise, trouble would surely follow!
Damien Gray finally spoke. "I want her alive!" A cold glint flashed in his eyes, his tone icy. Yet the hand gently stroking Morgan Shangguan’s back remained as tender as ever.
Damien Gray had never dealt with Leo Leaf because she was still useful. But when he saw the hostility in her eyes toward Morgan Shangguan, he decided to abandon this pawn. He didn’t act immediately, though, because he needed a reasonable excuse. Even though he often acted on impulse, as a leader, he couldn’t let his subordinates lose all faith in him—Leo Leaf was still one of the Four Hall Masters and commanded many followers.
Normally, if it were for Morgan Shangguan, he wouldn’t hesitate to give up the Ghost Guild. But now, with mysterious forces lurking in the shadows and protecting him, he sensed danger. At a time like this, he couldn’t afford to act rashly, or he’d lose more than he gained.
His temperament might be hard for others to understand, but if anyone could consider things from all angles as he did, they’d see that he always chose what was most advantageous for himself.
But as Morgan Shangguan knew, he wasn’t a patient man. Whatever extra trouble Leo Leaf caused him, he would make her pay back double in the end!
Now, Leo Leaf’s actions had pushed him past his limit. She had thoroughly angered him. Morgan Shangguan was his forbidden boundary—if it didn’t involve her, there might be room for negotiation. But once she was involved, there was no chance he’d show any mercy!
Although Leo Leaf’s actions infuriated him, they also provided the perfect opportunity—he didn’t need to fabricate a reason anymore.