“Auntie, you must be tired. Should I give you a shoulder massage?”

“I’ve been practicing my tea-making skills lately. Would you like to try some?”

Though her aunt’s tone had softened, she wasn’t so easily fooled.

Nia tugged on her aunt’s arm, trying to pull her toward the tea room, but the elf didn’t budge.

When Nia turned back, she met her aunt’s piercing gaze.

Her heart sank even further, but she plastered on an innocent, clueless expression.

“Auntie?”

Nia’s little tricks were no match for her aunt’s sharp insight. From the moment she stepped into the villa, she had already noticed traces of a man’s presence.

“The white T-shirt on the third-floor balcony—it’s a boy’s, isn’t it?”

Nia’s expression stiffened.

“Well, you see, gender-neutral clothing is trendy now. Boys’ clothes are… loose-fitting and comfortable to wear.”

Her aunt remained expressionless as she picked up a shaving razor.

Rong instinctively pounced forward, trying to snatch it away, but the elf simply raised her hand out of reach.

With a single glance, Rong was so intimidated she started stammering, her face flushing bright red.

“T-that’s… mine… Yes, it’s mine!”

The elf gave her a faint glance, then moved to the door, pointing at the neatly placed pair of men’s slippers.

The two friends exchanged helpless glances, their hearts sinking in unison.

'Nia, your aunt is so scary!'

Nia, on the verge of tears, thought the same.

She had always known her aunt wasn’t easy to deal with, but facing her directly like this was utterly draining!

The elf calmly adjusted her glasses before returning to the sofa. She rested her hands lightly on her chest, sitting down with the same imposing grace as before.

Nia's aunt slightly raised her chin, motioning for the two to sit across from her.

Nia’s fingers trembled slightly, but she still perched herself nervously on the edge of the sofa.

“Explain. What’s going on?”

“Nia, I don’t remember teaching you to be a child who lies.”

The powerful pressure from her aunt’s gaze made Nia’s eyes well up with tears. Her small fists clenched tightly.

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Her aunt felt terrifying right now—'too terrifying!'

Nia wanted to run, to push Lia forward and let her handle it instead.

But that wouldn’t work.

'That kid would only make it worse.'

If that happened, their master would really end up getting killed!

---

Meanwhile, Shia was leisurely wandering through the campus.

Although he was supposed to be living in one of the most luxurious villas, he found himself temporarily homeless.

He had no idea what those two were up to now, but judging by Nia’s phone call earlier, it seemed serious—and a little panicked.

So, he decided it was better to avoid going back for the time being.

As he strolled, he realized that during his time playing the game, he hadn’t truly appreciated this map.

The sunset now bathed the landscape in a warm glow, and the scenery was breathtaking.

Groups of girls strolled past in twos and threes, their short skirts, stockings, and beautiful legs adding endless vitality to the campus.

It was then that a familiar figure caught his eye.

Walking toward him was a graceful woman with long purple hair. She wore a simple sky-blue dress, its snug fit accentuating her elegant curves.

Her black-stockinged legs were long and shapely, exuding a mature charm that young girls could only envy.

Her purple hair swayed gently in the breeze, complementing her refined features and classical aura.

This outfit, exuding intellectual elegance, softened the sternness she usually carried as a lecturer.

Shia hadn’t expected to bump into Ella here.

Especially since today was a rest day.

Normally, the campus was almost empty on such days, aside from a few on-duty instructors.

Although surprised, Shia greeted her with a warm smile.

“Aunt Ella, what brings you to the campus today?”

“To see you,” Ella replied, her tone light and her smile gentle.

It sounded playful, but there was an undertone of sincerity.

“And what might Aunt Ella need me for?” Shia’s smile grew brighter, refined yet radiant.

“I’m just teasing you. I came to the office to pick up a few things,” she said, chuckling softly. “But honestly, it feels like I haven’t seen you in ages.”

“Would you like to come to my place for a bit?” She gestured toward her home.

Shia nodded without hesitation.

Since he couldn’t return home at the moment and had no idea what chaos Nia and Rong were up to, spending time with Aunt Ella didn’t seem like a bad idea.

Ella’s smile became even more tender.

Shia, however, failed to notice the flicker of something unusual in her soft, beautiful eyes.

---

Click.

The door opened, and warm light spilled into the foyer, adding to the cozy atmosphere inside the home.

Ella stepped aside, motioning for Shia to enter first.

After changing his shoes, Shia heard the sound of the door lock clicking behind him.

He turned to see Ella standing there, one hand behind her back as she locked the door. Her gaze, now icy, bore into his.

The once-gentle widow’s eyes grew dark, a shadow spreading through them like an encroaching storm.

A mix of grievance and elegance radiated from her, giving her the air of a dignified yet darkened older sister figure.

Ella approached, her steps slow and deliberate, her gaze fixed firmly on Shia.

“If I didn’t come to find you, would you never even glance my way?” she asked, her voice tinged with sadness and resentment.

Ever since their last meeting, she hadn’t seen him again.

Or rather, she hadn’t seen herself in his eyes.

He hadn’t sought her out.

Even when they crossed paths on campus, he wouldn’t spare her a second glance.

She had even attended the campus ball, watching him charm the campus goddesses one by one.

And she, the older woman, was invisible to him amidst the vibrant youth.

Her words, filled with grievance, left Shia momentarily speechless.

His tightly packed schedule had indeed caused him to overlook her.

Seeing the faint bitterness in her eyes and feeling the oppressive aura emanating from her darkened demeanor, Shia lowered his head and gave a helpless smile.

He raised his hands in a mock gesture of surrender, slowly retreating, though his movements remained casual.

She advanced step by step as he backed away.

Until he bumped into the sofa and fell backward onto it.

Yet Ella didn’t stop.

She bent over, her hands inching closer and closer.

'Is this going to end with a blade?'

Shia’s temples throbbed as Ella’s hands drew nearer.

Her fingers brushed past his shoulders, landing on the back of the sofa behind him.

The two were now very close. Ella stood over him, her long hair draping down and enclosing them in a small, intimate space.

The faint fragrance of her body, the light scent of her hair, and even the subtle hint of soap from her freshly washed clothes surrounded him.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com