Beneath the Gilded Veil

hilly night air. Her elegant departure was abrupt but unsubtle. His heart thumping in his chest, he watched her with h

t it all went away. He was unable to take his gaze off of her retreated form. There was no time

errace. He was simply another figure in a sea of luxury and prosperity, unnoticed by everyone. Howeve

g at the far end of the terrace with her back to him. To him, the city lights below merely provided

he mutely

Her eyes widened as she slowly turned, her expression a mix of asto

ush between them. Although it appeared as though she wanted to go, her feet

closer. "For how long?" Though he spoke calmly, there was the familiar

her eyes averting from his as though the truth were too painful

's tone hardened as he ma

e muttered. "At first, I was unaware, Archer. However, after that I was at a loss on how to

er of what Sebastian had stolen from him. "And you selected hi

had no choice." "You think I had it eas

ht, Archer's jaw tightened. Footsteps rever

o confront. As Sebastian Morland appeared on stage, his demeanor remained composed and somew

his voice. "I see that you located Elena. Alrig

nd the way he strolled over like this was all just a game. Though he knew better, he still wanted to punch him an

rd," Archer retorted, his voice icy. "Delig

boyant. By now, you ought to be aware that life isn't fair. The world goes on; you had

two men as she made her internal struggle obvious. Archer saw it, the part of

anded Sebastian to let her free. "She i

yes. The lighthearted facade gave down, revealing to Archer the guy who ha

igid. Do you really believe that I made her come here? Do you believe she is a prisoner? He

h his, and for an instant, it appeared as though she would respond to Sebasti

d around you, Archer." However, you are no longer in the core

nk. Sebastian would only be more satisfied if he hit him and lost control. It wa

, I'm not here for games." "Justice is my goal

me it was masked by something worse

tween the three of them, and the sound of laughter and voices spilled onto the terrace. They w

jacket. With a graceful nod to the arriving guests, he added, "Well, it seems ou

ever, Elena turned back just before they entered, briefly catching eyes with Archer. Something was in her express

cher to stand by himself in the chilly night air, his hea

the war. In fact, it h