Chapter 20 Chapter 20 "This estate is mine. Are you implying that the person he's living with toward Dorian, where it shattered at his feet. the issue?" She flicked her sleeve, sending the cup flying Pointing at Edmund, she continued. "I have a clear conscience when it comes to him. If he doesn't want to stay here, he can leave and find his own way. Whoever wants to take him in is free to do so. But dragging him back and dumping him on me-what's that about? "You don't want him in your house, so you push him onto me? | w. return?" Edmund was nothing but trouble, a burden they kept passing around. lling to save him before, treating him well, but what did I get in His lowly status had already crushed all his dignity-but this was the path he had chosen. After tearing into Edmund, Luciana turned her anger toward Dorian. "Yesterday, I told you that from now on, you don't need to send your assignments to me. "I won't be overseeing your words or actions anymore. Today, you bring him here, and every word out against me. of your mouth is an accusation "Do I owe him? Do I owe you? Have you ever considered me for even a second? You're all the same-ungrateful, heartless snakes," Seizing the moment, Luciana finally said what she had long wanted to say. She had been itching to call them out to their faces-a bunch of ungrateful backstabbers. Her words struck a nerve with Dorian and Edmund, stirring up an inexplicable guilt. In their previous life, Luciana had scolded them before, but by then, they had already gotten everything they wanted and felt nothing but hatred toward her. They had long forgotten the past. Now, back at this point in time, the memories they had buried were slowly resurfacing. Luciana had actually... treated them quite well. No! That couldn't be right! It just couldn't! The struggle and conflict in the two's eyes left Juliette utterly balled. 1 "Luciana, that was a bit larsh. Yeah, Dorian was indeed a bit off the mark today, but cut him some slack. At least he's got you on his mind, right?" Juliette jumped in to smooth things over for Dorian. Luciana scoffed, "Got me on his mind? Try holding a grudge. Anyway, I'm done cleaning up messes. Get out, y'all." Edmund bolted out like a prisoner on parole-this place had humiliated him beyond endurance, and he couldn't stay a second longer. Juliette turned to leave, too. No point sticking around since her goal failed. Dorian froze mid-step-that damn gut-twisting rot he felt for Luciana was eating him alive. Yet her words just now gave him this weird, abandoned feeling... How could Luciana say something so cutting so easily! Sure, he pissed her off all the time, but she'd never gone this far. This was just brutal. "You" Dorian trailed off, at a loss. "Get out." Luciana inapped, no mercy in her tone. Furious and humiliated. Dorian stomped his foot in frustration and stormed out of the princess' estate. Qutaide, he realized Juliette had already left-her carriage was gone. No goodbye, no taking Edmund with her... just poof, vanished. Edmund, curled up in a comer, felt his spirit crumble. He wouldn't be this pathetic if he hadn't rushed things. Durun stared the bustling street and the tightly shut gates behind him, suddenly feeling empty. Am I upset over Luciana's harsh words? Or because Juliette didn't wait for mer 1/2 D Chapter 20 Both of them were lost in brief confusion and turmoil. Before Dorian could figure it out, a guard rushed over, panting. "Your Highness, the King summons-and he's furious." "Dad summons? He knows I sneaked out?! Dorian paled. AD In "Cougar and Cub" by CrushReel, a touching tale unfolds where the protagonist juggles her career and motherhood with grace. Upon receiving a promotion, envy lurks among her friends, leading to a deceitful scheme against her. Amidst this turmoil, a man inadvertently eavesdrops on their nefarious plan. As events unravel, the heroine emerges as a savior for the man entangled in unexpected trouble. This romance novel intricately weaves themes of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal into its modern setting. The protagonist's unwavering dedication to both her professional life and her child showcases her resilience in the face of adversity. Set against the backdrop of a grand mansion, the story delves deep into hidden emotions and intricate relationships, making it a captivating read for fans of sweet romance. What sets "Cougar and Cub" apart is its ability to blend contemporary elements with timeless romantic tropes. The author masterfully crafts a narrative that resonates with readers seeking a modern love story intertwined with moments of vulnerability and strength. Available to read at CrushReel, this ongoing saga promises an immersive experience that transcends traditional romance narratives.