He Would Rather Throw It Away Than Give It to Her

"She said, 'Today, your maid Sierra brought joy to my birthday celebration, so it must be fate. When you return, look after her, and when she gives birth, let me know.'" Grace perfectly mimicked the Empress Dowager's tone, as if the Empress Dowager herself had spoken those exact words to her.

Dowager Lady Evelyn Lawrence's expression changed slightly. "She really said that?"

Grace nodded.

Dowager Lady Evelyn Lawrence fell silent, her gaze landing on Sierra. She didn't speak for a long while.

The royal family had spies in every major household—perhaps the Empress Dowager really did know something.

If she said that, could it mean she felt a connection to this girl, and wanted to protect her?

Naturally, they couldn't go against the Empress Dowager's wishes...

"Mother!" Grace Wan grew anxious. "What does the Empress Dowager mean by this?"

Dowager Lady Evelyn Lawrence shook her head and sighed, "Forget it! Just forget it!"

Grace Wan's face turned ashen.

Her dream of her son marrying the Princess and instantly rising from a lowly son to a royal consort popped like a bubble—"pop"—right in front of her.

Evan Xiao sat at his desk, his face dark, thinking back on everything with Grace (alias: Lily Bai).

Grace returned to her Serenity Pavilion and let out a deep sigh of relief.

Sierra was safe—for now.

When her father returned, he definitely wouldn't be like Dowager Lady Evelyn Zhu or Grace Wan, willing to marry off or drive away a pregnant maid just for wealth and status...

Then she thought of her own troubles.

And she was so desperate to get her Spirit Root back—was it all for Emperor Colin Gu?

And then, Evan Xiao had learned her true identity... and was ignoring her...

He'd even pushed her to the ground today—so heartless.

He'd heard plenty of rumors about how she'd clung to and obsessed over Emperor Colin Gu.

General's Manor.

Evan Xiao sat at his desk, his face dark, thinking back on everything with Lily Bai.

He called Steward Qin and Louis Lin over, gave them instructions, and transformed into his dragon form.

She was always trying to get him to sleep with her.

So she was after him for one thing only: to sleep with him!

All for the Spirit Root!

And she was so desperate to get her Spirit Root back—was it all for Colin Gu?

Just so she could be worthy of him?

To win his attention?

He'd heard plenty of rumors about how she'd clung to and obsessed over Colin Gu.

She really lived up to her reputation.

Just to be worthy of him, she'd even give up her chastity!

And the ridiculous part? She'd even taken his Heartscale!

Thinking of the Heartscale, he suddenly sensed—she was touching it again!

And... not just once, but over and over!

He could feel her soft fingers, her warm touch, and could almost smell her intoxicating scent...

Evan Xiao's breath caught—he actually felt a little tingly.

He slammed his hand on the desk with a loud "smack," face dark as he stood up.

No, he had to get his Heartscale back!

Even though the Heartscale had already been removed and couldn't be reattached, he was determined to take it back!

He'd rather toss it away than give it to her!

But the Zhu Family had a powerful protective array.

To get inside, he'd have to transform into his true form to bypass the array.

Normally, he could shift freely between dragon and human form.

But now, with his cultivation reduced to a pitiful level, if he transformed into his dragon form, it would take six hours before he could change back.

Just as he was thinking this, he suddenly felt something soft approach—and even nibble!

He instantly went weak all over, his heart trembling.

She... she actually kissed his Heartscale?

That shameless woman!

What on earth was she doing?

Whatever!

No matter what, he was going to get his Heartscale back!

He called Steward Qin and Louis Lin over, gave them instructions, and transformed into his dragon form.