Chapter 3

William, sitting in his wheelchair, raised an eyebrow. He'd underestimated Victoria's boldness.

Trevor had served the Howard Family for decades. Despite his position as the butler, everyone in the household treated him with respect. Yet Victoria had dared to talk back to him on her very first day.

William's grandmother, Ruby Powell, said the family had originally intended for him to marry him the Getty Family's second daughter, Lenora. But Lenora was frail and sickly and likely wouldn't live long.

The Howards were just trying to keep their ailing son company. If another bride were to die, they'd become the laughingstock of the city. So they arranged for the eldest daughter, Victoria, instead.

Beneath the tasteless outfit was a cool, clear voice — the kind that made you imagine a stunning beauty.

William covered his mouth and coughed softly. "Trevor, leave us."

"But, Mr. Howard, the lady lacks proper decorum."

"Out."

His voice never rose, yet the coldness in it cut like a blade to the bone.

Victoria turned. William wore a silver mask that covered half his face, exposing a hard jawline. At the mask's edge, you could glimpse the hideous burn scars it didn't quite cover.

Even in a wheelchair, his dignity and pride remained undiminished.

A jolt of surprise hit her. This was William Howard, the man who had once ruled Empire City. His reputation hadn't exaggerated.

If she could get him to help, they might finally uncover what happened to Camila. That's why she married into the Howard Family in the first place.

Once the truth came out, she'd leave.

Trevor withdrew respectfully. The moment the door closed, the room fell into darkness.

Victoria wasn't used to that sharp medicinal smell, nor the thick, suffocating stillness.

"could we open a window?"

"No." He said , his voice low and hoarse, edged with a heavy gloom.

But Victoria wasn't scared. She took two steps forward in the dark. "Don't you think it's suffocating in here?"

And that cold aura around him—it was practically freezing her.

William's lips curled in mockery. "It's fine like this. You can't see my face, and I don't have to deal with you."

"But we'll be seeing each other every day from now on. Are you planning to keep this up forever?" Victoria paused. "Besides, how am I supposed to treat you like this?"

William looked up, his gaze behind the mask so unnerving. "You know medicine?"

"Of course." Victoria lifted her chin.

Over the years, she'd studied countless medical texts. It's no exaggeration to say that when it comes to medicine, she's second to none in the world. Even with something complex, the worst case she'd just study a couple more books. Whatever the illness, she only needed to observe it once to understand it.

She'd brought up treatment, not out of kindness. She just wanted him to owe her a favor —to help her investigate Camila's death. When it came to the Howard Family's affairs, nobody knew more than he did.

A flicker of light crossed William's eyes, but it dimmed as quickly as it came.

These past few months, he'd shut himself away in this room. Renowned doctors had come and gone, all with the same verdict—he wouldn't live past this year.

That fire hadn't killed him, but the smoke had ravaged his lungs. Even the best physicians said he was beyond saving.

He must be crazy to have believed her for even a moment.

"I'll let it slide this time." His voice turned cold. "Speak out of turn again, and I'll have someone cut out your tongue."

That feeling — hope rising, only to shatter before his eyes. He'd endured it countless times these past months. Each one left his temper more volatile than the last.

If Victoria dared to speak out of turn again, he couldn't promise he wouldn't kill her.

But Victoria wasn't afraid. She understood him. A golden boy with his face destroyed overnight, handed a death sentence. Anyone would lose their mind.

She smiled. "There's no harm in trying. What if it works?"

William narrowed his eyes. "What if it doesn't?"

Victoria cursed under her breath, but she didn't let her smile slip.

"Then we're right back where we started. No damage done."

When those bright eyes looking at him, William found himself, somehow, wanting to believe one more time.

He'd see if she really had the skills.

"How do you intend to treat me?"

Victoria's lips curved up.

First step, goal achieved.