Lily Xia glared at Morgan Shangguan for ignoring her mistress, her heart full of indignation. Suddenly, she bowed formally to Morgan, and said loudly, "Greetings, Demon Consort!" The words 'Demon Consort' were spat out with particular emphasis.
Morgan Shangguan glanced at her with a smile, showing no trace of anger. Lily Xia huffed and stood aside, but Morgan's expression remained gentle and calm, as if she could tolerate anything.
Claire Yi did not stop Lily Xia; instead, she studied Morgan Shangguan for a long moment before finally speaking softly, "I always thought Senior Brother would never fall in love with anyone."
Morgan Shangguan paused and asked, "Not even you?" Her expression clearly showed hope for Damien Gray, yet she spoke with such certainty that he would never love anyone. It was truly contradictory!
Morgan Shangguan really couldn't imagine what Damien Gray would be like if he fell in love with someone. But she knew that whoever he loved would be unlucky—only a fool wouldn't be devoured by that fox!
Claire Yi didn't know how to answer; she forced a smile and said, "Senior Brother has always been gentle since childhood, treating everyone the same, but he never gets too close to anyone." Even if she wanted to get closer, she didn't know how.
"Hmm..." Morgan Shangguan bit her spoon and tilted her head thoughtfully. "That's easy to imagine!" The gesture made her look rather cute, though she didn't realize it. Hidden in the shadows, a certain fox was watching.
Damien Gray curled his lips into a smile, his gaze landing on Claire Yi, eyes deep and unreadable. He didn't like Claire Yi—frankly, he found her somewhat annoying. If she hadn't saved him once, he wouldn't have allowed her near him at all, even though she appeared gentle and lovable.
Claire Yi seemed to recall a childhood memory, her eyes sparkling with a sweet smile. Her tone grew lighter, "But Senior Brother was always good to me. I was mischievous as a child—once I climbed a tree to steal bird eggs and fell, but Senior Brother caught me and even helped me get all the eggs down."
Morgan Shangguan took a sip of floral tea and mused, "Maybe he was just napping under the tree, and you happened to fall on him. He was annoyed by your disturbance, so he got the eggs for you to stop you from bothering him further!"
Morgan Shangguan really thought so, but after she finished speaking, she noticed the others looked upset. Lily Xia's eyes were practically on fire—she thought Morgan was being deliberately cruel. Even Claire Yi's gentle demeanor seemed forced.
Morgan Shangguan was momentarily stunned, realizing she had shattered someone's dream. She waved her hand lightly and said, "I was just talking nonsense, don't take it to heart!" Still, she truly believed her guess was most likely correct.
She really couldn't picture Damien Gray cherishing anyone tenderly, even though he always appeared so gentle and refined.
Damien Gray almost burst out laughing. Although Morgan Shangguan was only speculating, she was actually right—back then, it really was like that. But he hadn't given the matter a second thought; if Claire Yi hadn't brought it up, he would have forgotten entirely.
He suddenly realized that Morgan Shangguan was... rather adorable!
Morgan Shangguan finished her breakfast and tea. Seeing Claire Yi about to speak again, she quickly interrupted—she had no patience to waste her time here.
"Miss Yi, you really don't need to tell me about Damien Gray's childhood. I know you're close to him—much closer than I am. I understand my place, and I won't compete with you. To show my sincerity, I'll leave the Ghost King's Manor right now."
Under Claire Yi's stunned gaze, Morgan Shangguan turned to Susie Yun and said, "Susie Yun, let's go now."
Susie Yun picked up two bundles and followed Morgan Shangguan straight out of the courtyard.
Claire Yi froze, then her expression changed. This woman just left—what if Senior Brother thought she drove her away? Claire Yi suspected Morgan Shangguan was doing it on purpose! At that thought, she hurried after her.
Outside the manor, Damien Gray and Morgan Shangguan stood face to face. Damien had already arranged for twenty people to accompany Morgan, gently reminding her, "Consort, be careful on your journey. Take good care of yourself!"
Morgan Shangguan returned his concern, "You must take care of yourself too, Your Highness. Your health is already fragile—don't let yourself catch cold again!"
Claire Yi's expression shifted rapidly, like a painter's palette. It really looked like Morgan Shangguan was leaving, but such tender farewells hardly seemed like someone giving up on Senior Brother.
Morgan Shangguan's lips curled slightly, as if with a hint of sarcasm. Claire Yi was truly unlikable—she seemed gentle, but was full of schemes. Coming to talk about Damien Gray first thing in the morning was clearly meant to upset her, hoping she would quarrel with Damien and he would get tired of her, or better yet, she would give up. Playing tricks in front of her? Morgan wanted to see who would really be upset in the end.
Since Claire Yi wanted to play the role of a distraction in her life, Morgan didn't mind spending a little time playing along.
After their reluctant farewell, Morgan Shangguan finally boarded the carriage. Suddenly, she lifted the curtain and said to Claire Yi, "Miss Yi, I'm leaving now. Please take good care of His Highness for me!"
Claire Yi nodded blankly, watching the carriage roll away, unable to figure out what Morgan Shangguan meant. Was she really giving up Senior Brother?
Damien Gray narrowed his eyes as he watched the carriage disappear, a barely perceptible smile curling his lips. That woman really did run off as quickly as possible.
Interest flickered in his eyes. Morgan Shangguan had changed so much, and now she was anything but simple. The rise of the Cloud Guild was perfectly timed, coinciding with the gathering of the evil sects—and Morgan claimed she was going to pray for blessings.
That was just an excuse. Both of them knew it, so what was she really planning to do?
He would personally find out the truth behind his suspicions!
His gaze swept over the people lurking in the shadows. Damien Gray coughed weakly twice, then walked back into the manor as if nothing had happened.
Inside the carriage, Susie Yun frowned and said, "Miss, why didn't you teach that maid a lesson? Even if you were worried about trouble, you could have let Ryan handle it! Some things you shouldn't tolerate too much. And that Claire Yi—she doesn't seem to have good intentions, and she's really not likable."