Chapter 5 I Spoil Her, Any Questions?

Jan took a step closer, his eyes dark and feral.

“How much have I sacrificed for the Wagner family? For you? Do you even know how many lives Lukas has on his hands? You still insist on staying? Fine—next time I’ll come for your corpse!”

Lia only shrugged. “Then you’d better pray I live long enough.”

His patience snapped. “I’ll ask you one last time—are you leaving?”

Her smile vanished. “No.”

“Why cling to him?”

She crossed her arms, her chin high. “Because I love his abs, his body, his stamina—and how long he can last.”

Erik’s hand trembled on the earpiece. Did she just say stamina? Long time?

Both he and Lukas were listening in. He risked a glance at his boss, hidden in the shadows. Instead of rage, Lukas sipped his wine, lips curving in the faintest smile.

Not angry…? Unbelievable. Everyone in Stilles Haus lived in terror of Lia’s antics, yet Lukas indulged her endlessly.

Lia tilted her head at Jan. “Did you hear me? My Lukas is perfect. All your so-called wealth doesn’t even come close. Now—get out.”

“Fine…”

His face flushed red, but then he exhaled and softened his tone, slipping into his well-practiced act.

“Lia, I know you’re angry, but how could I ever abandon you? I’ve been planning our future. I just need more time. Lukas is too powerful—if I could match him, I’d have taken you away already.”

He pulled out a velvet box, revealing a diamond ring. “Remember your promise—you said you’d love me forever. Endure a little longer…” He grabbed her hand, trying to slip the ring on.

“Lia, wait—”

A shriek split the air. “Lia!”

Anna’s voice rang across the hall, drawing every eye. Konrad Wagner stormed forward, face twisted with fury, Gudrun Eisendorf clinging theatrically to his arm.

“Lia, how dare you!” Konrad roared.

But Gudrun tugged on his sleeve, her voice dripping false concern. “Konrad, calm down. She’s still young. We should… overlook this.” Her words, loud enough for everyone to hear, spread the scandal like wildfire.

Whispers rippled through the guests.

“She’s married? With her reputation?”

“Still seducing men on the side—shameless.”

Lia stood unmoved. So this is the little trap they’ve staged? Pathetic.

“Lia, apologize to your father right now!” Gudrun snapped.

Lia’s lips curved coldly. “And in what capacity are you scolding me—my father’s mistress?”

Gudrun’s face blanched. She had given Konrad two daughters, but still lived as a shadow, never fully accepted by the Wagner family.

Anna squeezed her mother’s hand and bit her lip, eyes glistening. “Lia, how can you be so cruel? My mother always cared for you.”

Gudrun leaned pitifully into Konrad. “I told you we shouldn’t have come. We’re not even married, and now she humiliates me like this…”

Konrad’s face hardened, guilt twisting into anger. “Ungrateful child! Apologize to Ms. Eisendorf at once!”

“And what if I don’t?” Lia asked coolly.

“You—! You’ve already shamed us enough. Married in secret, disgracing the family, and now humiliating Jan—”

The same words… For a moment, Lia felt déjà vu. In her last life, she had been crushed under this chorus of accusations.

Not this time.

Before she could move, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her into a warm chest.

She looked up into Lukas’ eyes. Relief surged through her—he had heard everything, and he was still smiling.

“Arrogant?” Lukas’ voice cut like ice through the hall. He tightened his hold on her and glared at the crowd.

“I spoil her. Any questions?”