Chapter 181 

Killian’s POV 

The headache struck again for the umpteenth time today. Just barely out of one problem, and now I was being dragged into another. It wasn’t exactly the kind of ammunition I needed to bite through or tear apart the damn mountain of work in front of me. There were no quiet days in Sundrench. 

“Are you mad?” 

Out of the corner of my eye, Ruby looked genuinely scared, something I found rather ridiculous. Her terror only subsided when I claimed those tempting red lips. She hit my chest and glared at me, in that adorably annoyed way of hers. 

“Killian! Could you tone down your sense of humor a bit?” she snapped. 

I rolled my eyes. “Sweetheart, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten. I’m not exactly a walking sunshine with the charm of a stand–up comedian.” 

“Whatever helps you sleep at night. Back to the point!” she grumbled. 

“Alright, alright. My answer is no,” I said, leaning back against the soft headrest of the chair. “I’m not angry just irritated. Instead of coming to me, that boy ran straight to his uncle. What am I to him?” 

Ruby lowered her head slightly. “He’s considering your position, Killian. I don’t need to spell it out for you. That’s why he hasn’t come to you yet. For my life’s sake, love. Our son did come to you in the end. And he had a credible reason to bring to you.” 

“Really?” 

Theard my voice falter. Ruby squeezed my right arm, a reminder that tenderness was a part of love, not a weakness. Even after all these years with this woman, I still struggled to let go of the unhealthy patterns I’d built around myself. 

Emotionless used to feel easier, I once thought. On second thought, I wouldn’t trade this for anything. 

“Yes.” 

My cheeks hurt from holding back a smile. Ruby shifted to face me, whispering like she was sharing a secret meant only for the two of us. 

“You’re our son’s favorite. Don’t forget that.” 

And I replied, “I’ve carved it into my heart.” 

Ruby’s cheerful laughter burst into the air. It was so melodious, something I never grew tired of hearing. What an addictive woman. I kept her by my side a little longer, pushing aside all worldly matters. Sometimes, a twinge of jealousy and envy crept in, knowing she spent more time with the children than with me. 

I never brought it up recklessly. I was fully aware of the duty I carried. Long ago, when Ruby was still stuck in that miserable life with that nameless piece of trash, she was the one I constantly left alone in her room, without any schedule or promise of when I’d be done with my business. 

She was so understanding that I chose to bury my thoughts for as long as I could. I frowned, thinking of that one–eyed man who failed to become a proper substitute in my absence. Secretly, a wicked plan was starting to form in my mind. 

Well, someone else should feel the same torment I’ve endured. 

I flinched in the most unmanly way as Ruby’s fingers pinched my cheek. She sent me a warning through our bond. She probably knew exactly what I was thinking, considering I was the jerk who loved stealing other people’s karma. 

1/2 

08:52 Fri, 8 Aug O 

Chapter 181 

“Be a kind–hearted leader, my husband.” 

Oh, how desperately I wanted to take my mate back to our wedding bed and declare that my morals had drowned in a sea of darkness 

“Don’t accuse me like that. I’m stuck in this cursed work chair, after all,” I defended myself, sounding all innocent. 

“Just steer clear of that idea.” 

Ruby patted my cheek, clearly satisfied with how well she had me under control. She knew her king always surrendered willingly in any argument with her. 

“Yes, captain. Happy now?” I grumbled. 

She smirked. “Hmph! Come to Gallert’s room tonight if you have time. I’ll be monitoring your food intake.” 

Fixing her clothes, she slid off my lap, waving her hand as she chirped, “I love you, my grumpy husband.” I gazed affectionately at the last glimpse of her silhouette. Then I slammed the stamp onto the desk and let out a rough exhale. My mood darkened instantly like a sudden thunderstorm rolling in. 

Ruby could be cunning whenever the situation demanded it. Her cheerfulness masked the sharp vigilance of a mother, all in an effort to suppress the fury simmering beneath my skin, ready to explode. But that wasn’t the point. 

I was grateful for that blessing from the moon goddess on the condition that it wouldn’t become yet another suggestion that could damage Elias, emotionally or physically. 

If only Elias had come to me first, I would’ve assured him that his happiness mattered the most, without needing to hurt his would–be mate too deeply. My eyes drifted to the landline phone resting on the table. I was tempted to press those buttons, one by one, and demand that boy to return home. 

Or, more logically, I could go after him myself. But doing that would be enabling. One day, he’ll have to face social creatures on his own. I’m only meant to be his source of encouragement. 

“The Knightley household is never dull,” I muttered to myself. 

So, I decided to spend the rest of the day finishing my work. If the sky showed me mercy, I’d join Ruby in the morning slightly earlier than my usual routine. Just one task left, and then suddenly, the one I’d been waiting for walked through the door. Beads of sweat rolled down his face, his grin wide and full of teeth. 

“Leonidas, my mighty Beta. Did you enjoy your stroll today?” 

“A–ah, yes, my King.” 

He was pale as a jasmine, stammering as he placed his coat on the hanger in the corner. I cleared my throat, raising an eyebrow as Leonidas flinched. He really should’ve known better when dealing with his usual counterpart. 

“Dor” 

‘te for m 

primary”