I was wrong

When Catrina returned to the upper floor, the maid who had prepared a new meal was already waiting outside the door as instructed.

The moment she saw Catrina approaching, she lowered her head.

"Your Grace."

"Give it to me."

Catrina took the tray and dismissed her with a small gesture.

Only after the maid disappeared at the end of the corridor did she open the door and enter the room herself.

Lathel was still sitting on the bed.

The instant he saw Catrina, there was no surprise on his face.

His eyes simply dropped toward the silver chain around his wrist before lifting back to her, as though reminding her that the most important problem between them was still unresolved.

Pandora immediately spoke inside his head.

"She came back."

Lathel frowned.

Catrina, of course, had no idea what Pandora had said.

She placed the tray on the small table beside the bed.