Seeing Out the Old Year, Blood and Storm Outside the Manor

"What?"

Serena was stunned on the spot, her voice unconsciously rising as she lifted her head in disbelief. Her beautiful eyes widened, shining brightly: "Did you just apologize to me on behalf of Prince Adrian?"

Ninth Royal Uncle nodded, a pampering smile playing at his lips: "Although there were many people present at the time, Adrian did say those words to me. Since I agreed, of course I have to keep my word."

This was his way of telling Serena that if she doubted him, she could go verify it herself. He really was apologizing on Adrian’s behalf; she was simply overthinking things.

"Ugh..." Serena gritted her teeth, finding Ninth Royal Uncle’s smiling face more and more infuriating. Her right hand was already balled into a fist, but she forced herself to hold back.

She couldn’t hit him—if she left even a scratch on Ninth Royal Uncle’s face, he wouldn’t be able to show himself tomorrow. Serena unclenched her fist and yelled at him, "Give me your hand."

If she couldn’t hit his face, could she hit somewhere else?

"I’m not lying to you." Ninth Royal Uncle sighed helplessly. Seeing Serena’s puffed-up, angry look, he obediently stretched out his hand toward her.

Serena didn’t hold back—she grabbed Ninth Royal Uncle’s arm and bit down hard.

You make my heart ache, you make me angry—I'll bite you to death.

Serena really went savage—she bit down hard, only letting go when she tasted blood, then glared provocatively at Nolan.

"Still mad?" Nolan reached out to wipe the moisture from the corner of Serena’s mouth, his fingers gently pressing and rubbing her reddened lips. The way he moved, the tone in his voice—he acted as if he hadn’t just been bitten.

"Mad." Serena pouted, biting down on Nolan’s mischievous fingers.

"Then bite me again." Nolan teased, completely unfazed.

"No more biting. My teeth hurt." Her tongue flicked lightly over Nolan’s fingers—almost flirtatious. He felt a jolt of electricity shoot from his hand straight to his heart, leaving him tingling and parched. His voice dropped, thick with desire: "If you won’t bite, then it’s my turn. I’m angry too."

As soon as he spoke, Nolan lowered his head, leaning close to Serena’s ear, ready to nibble at her earlobe. The air was thick with tension. Serena froze, her body stiffening just a little.

Everything was perfect—Nolan was just about to get what he wanted—when chaos suddenly erupted.

"Assassins! There are assassins—protect the young lady!" someone shouted.

"Catch the assassins! Hurry, catch them!"

Just as the New Year was about to arrive, Feng Manor was hit by a wave of unwelcome guests. This group burst out of the night like wild beasts, charging in with blades drawn—cutting down anyone in their way.