Chapter 33

CHRISTIAN I frowned at Celine's unexpected arrival. "What are you doing here?" I inquired suspiciously. Despite my evident displeasure, she approached me hastily, her hands on my arms as she examined me with palpable anxiety. "I was so worried about you, Christian!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling. "I couldn't sleep all night, thinking of you!" I glared at her, about to push her hand away when she clutched her nails on my shirt and whispered, "Do you not want Denstones's land?" A threatening look flashed in her eyes that immediately made me pause. Approaching me, she closed the distance, inquiring solicitously, "Are you alright, my dear?" Her hand gently touched my cheeks. I briefly observed the children; they appeared surprised and bewildered. Cadence, due to her age, remained oblivious to the unfolding events, but Zeon's evident displeasure and disappointment deeply affected me, yet I feel quite helpless in this situation. "I am well," I replied, though my smile didn't quite reach