Evelyn maintained a mask of cold, legalistic severity. "Officer, if my account is verified, surely there are consequences for such reckless slander and malicious fabrications? If people are allowed to invent lies about government officials without repercussion, what remains of the state’s credibility? It sets a dangerous precedent for others to follow suit."

Chief Barrett felt a shiver of realization. In the countryside, gossip was as common as dirt, and rarely did anyone take it to heart. But framing it as a strike against the state’s image—as an assault on the very foundations of authority? That was a different beast entirely.

She has the tongue of a scholar, Barrett thought. And as they say, a scholar’s words can be sharper than any blade.

By framing the issue this way, she had effectively backed the police into a corner. If they dismissed the incident as a petty family squabble, they were essentially admitting they didn't value the "credibility of the state." To ignore her complaint now would be to risk their own careers if she decided to take her grievance to a higher office.

The lead officer, sensing the shift in the room's gravity, nodded solemnly. "We take these matters very seriously, Comrade. I assure you, we will uncover the truth."

Dominic glared at Evelyn, his eyes burning with resentment. He couldn't believe she was truly prepared to destroy her own flesh and blood. To him, this wasn't justice; it was a betrayal of the highest order.

"Evelyn," Seraphina whispered, looking like a wounded bird. "I truly didn't mean to spread rumors..."

Evelyn ignored her, turning instead to Barrett. "Chief, am I free to go?"

Barrett nodded quickly, eager to get her away from the toxic atmosphere. "Yes, go on back."

As Evelyn turned to leave, Seraphina’s eyes welled with tears again. Barrett watched her with growing distaste. To him, this constant, weeping fragility was beginning to feel like a curse on the village’s morale.

"Seraphina," Barrett grunted. "Is there anything else?"

Seraphina looked up at him piteously. "Chief, I know Governor Adrian as well. He’s like an older brother to me. He might not even know I’ve arrived in the district yet. Could you give me his address?"

Barrett didn't blink. "He’s the Governor. If you want to see him, go to the Town Office."

Seraphina bit her lip. "Doesn't Evelyn know where he lives?"

"I wouldn't know," Barrett replied shortly. "You’ll have to ask her yourself."

Seraphina’s jaw tightened. Given Evelyn’s current hostility, asking her for a favor was out of the question. "Thank you, Chief," she murmured, before following the Ward brothers out of the office.

Back at the youth quarters, the thought of sharing a communal bed with the other women made Seraphina’s skin crawl. She was certain the place was crawling with fleas.

Her mind drifted back to Evelyn’s private room at the Barrett house. If she could move in there, she’d have the quiet and the comfort she craved. More importantly, she’d have the time to wear Evelyn down, to manipulate her back into their old "friendship."

But how to get in?

A spark of realization lit her eyes. Evelyn claimed she was done with Julian, but the moment she found out his cousin was the Governor, she had gone running to pay her respects. She was clearly seeking favor.

If Brother Adrian tells her to let me stay, she won't dare say no. Armed with this fantasy of reconciliation through authority, Seraphina endured one more night of misery.

The next morning, she demanded to go to town to find the Governor. However, having offended Barrett the day before, Dominic and Caleb found their requests for leave flatly denied.

Seraphina fumed silently. Just wait, she thought. Once I see Adrian, he’ll make that old man pay for his arrogance.

She boarded the village oxcart alone, wearing a pristine white dress. Throughout the bumpy journey, she sat in stony silence, terrified of catching a stray smudge of dirt or catching the scent of the hardworking peasants around her. Her cold, haughty demeanor ensured that no one tried to strike up a conversation.

When she arrived at the Town Office, she tossed three cents at the cart driver and hurried away.

The driver picked up the coins, shaking his head. "That girl is nothing like Evelyn."

"Tell me about it," a woman on the cart added. "Evelyn always says 'Thank you, Grandfather' when she pays. Her voice is like honey. She actually respects her elders."

"Exactly," another chimed in. "This one sat there like she had a nail in her backside the whole ride."

"Look at her face—all skin and bone and those shifty eyes. She’s not an honest one."

"If she were any good, would she have stolen Evelyn's fiancé and turned her own brothers against her?"

Unbeknownst to Seraphina, she had spent the morning snubbing the village’s most notorious gossips. By sunset, her reputation in Red Wolf Valley would be in tatters.

At the Town Office, Seraphina smoothed her dress and used a small mirror to check her reflection. She told the guard she was a relative of the new Governor, and he let her through.

Inside, she heard a muffled "Come in!"

She pushed the door open, a radiant, practiced smile on her face. "Brother Adrian!"

Adrian looked up. He recognized her instantly—the woman whose ambiguous relationship with Julian had nearly ruined Evelyn’s life. He was the one who had sent someone to the clinic for her yesterday, though he doubted she knew it.

"Brother Adrian," she continued, trying to bridge the gap. "I heard from Evelyn that you were the Governor here, but I couldn't believe it until I saw you."

Adrian’s eyes remained hooded. He knew exactly how Evelyn felt about this woman, and Seraphina's attempt to use Evelyn’s name to gain intimacy only annoyed him. His face, already stern, grew colder. "Is there something you need?"

The chill in his voice caught Seraphina off guard. "Brother Adrian, there’s a misunderstanding between Evelyn and Julian. I want to help them resolve it."

Adrian’s gaze turned heavy, his pupils dark and searching. Seraphina found herself holding her breath, unable to meet his eyes. She felt exposed, as if he were reading every selfish thought in her head.

"The engagement has been broken," he said flatly.

"I grew up with her," Seraphina hurried to say. "I know her better than anyone. She’s only acting out of anger; she could never truly leave Julian. Once they talk, things will go back to how they were."

Adrian’s patience evaporated. "If there is a misunderstanding, that is for Julian to address. This is a place of business. If you have no official reason to be here, please leave."

Seraphina panicked. She hadn't even reached her main point yet. "Brother Adrian, that’s why I’m here! I need to stay with her to help them talk. She listens to you—could you tell her to let me move into her room?"

Before she could finish, a knock interrupted them. Secretary Li entered and whispered into Adrian’s ear that the police had arrived to discuss the investigation into yesterday's assault.

Adrian frowned, casting a final, dismissive look at Seraphina. "Go. Julian has parents to handle his affairs. Do not bring his personal life into this office again."

"But Brother Adrian—!"

Secretary Li stepped forward, his tone firm. "Miss, the Governor is busy. You need to leave now."

Seraphina looked piteously at Adrian, hoping for a reprieve, but he was already pressing a button on his desk to have the officers shown in. When she heard the word "police," her expression faltered. She wanted to explain her side of yesterday's events. "Brother Adrian, about yesterday..."

Adrian saw she was still lingering and his face darkened into a scowl. "Out. Now."

Secretary Li sighed in frustration. Some people, it seemed, simply didn't understand the word no.