“Maybe,” Milan said in a mysterious tone, “what can I get in return?”

Ethan’s face turned pale. He realized Milan had completely changed. He’s asking for something… if I offer the wrong thing, I’ll never get another chance.

“Anything. Whatever you want,” Ethan said, his voice heavy with sorrow and helplessness.

Milan saw the pleading in his eyes.

“Yes…” Milan nodded slightly.

A warm, almost radiant expression spread across Ethan’s face, gratitude pouring from his entire being.

“Thank you very much, Milan.”

Milan handed the phone to Selene. She stood there dumbfounded, overwhelmed with a storm of emotions—sorrow, happiness, anger—everything mixed together.

“Selene,” Ethan’s voice came through, loving yet pressing. “My lovely daughter, please… do anything Milan says. I’m saying it again—do everything he tells you from now on.”

Selene froze. What? How could her father—who had always cherished her to death—first ask a man to “take care” of her, and now let her become his servant? A spark of anger rose in her chest.

“Father… everything he says? Anything?” Her tone carried disbelief and a sharp edge of mockery. The same father who once would’ve plucked out a man’s eyes for daring to glare at me—now says this?

“Yes,” Ethan said firmly. His eyes carried a strange expression, serious and resolute. “Anything. Even if it sounds unreasonable. I trust you, my daughter.”

Selene’s mind spun. Anything? He trusts me? What’s going on… who even is this Milan? And more than that—is he really my father?

“Take it as my repayment for that,” Milan cut in, his voice dominant and final. “Now there is no karma between us, Mr. Ethan.”

Ethan stood up, bowed deeply to the screen. His posture carried both pride and humility.

“I’m extremely grateful. Goodbye, Selene… don’t blame Daddy. This is for your own good.”

The call ended.

Ethan sat in silence, speaking to himself. I did the right thing… right? His thoughts tangled—memories of cruelty, mercy, and power. Even Satan himself would tell Milan to stop… yet he can be as benevolent as Buddha. HE SMILED, AND SHIVERED at the same time.

---

Milan left the living room and went to his bedroom. Selene stood frozen like a statue, her mind completely malfunctioning. Minutes passed before she finally composed herself—though only fragments of Ethan’s words echoed in her mind: “Do anything. Everything. Even if unreasonable.”

Her face turned scarlet. Her breathing quickened. What will he ask me to do? She ran through countless possibilities, each more embarrassing than the last—hugging, pinning her against the wall, whispering…

An hour passed. Then two. By the end, she looked like she had aged decades, drained of all energy.

What am I even thinking? she muttered, slapping her cheeks. I’m going crazy!

And then, her mind betrayed her again with another shameless fantasy—until drool actually touched her lips.

Cough.

Selene jumped, fixing her hair and clothes instantly. Milan’s voice carried through the door. He coughed deliberately—a polite warning that he was entering, respecting her privacy.

When he stepped into the living room, Selene was sitting as gracefully as she could, looking like a charming, mature lady. Milan almost laughed. Adorable. Dangerously adorable.

“I slept,” Milan said casually.

“N-no problem. I know it’s tiring—”

“I forgot you were here,” he interrupted with a guilty, straight tone.

Selene’s heart sank. Her face turned into that of an abandoned kitten, big eyes and trembling lips.

“Tha… that’s completely normal,” she said softly. How can any man ignore a young woman like me? Especially after my father gave him such rights…

Milan glanced at her pout, and his chest tightened. Too cute. He turned his head to hide his blush.

Selene herself was conflicted—grateful, sad, happy—all at once. She didn’t even know what she wanted anymore.

“I am hungry” Milan said suddenly. “I forgot about lunch.”

“You forgot about lunch? How can anyone forget when they’re hungry?” she teased, her frustration slipping out in a grin.

“Yes, how indeed. But then a dumb girl suddenly shows up at your house, and now you have to take care of her…” Milan smirked back.

Selene’s cheeks burned. Why am I being sarcastic? I’m dead weight right now… She blushed deeper.

“Should I cook someth—”

“No,” Milan interrupted again. “I prefer cooking my meals myself.”

To Selene, it was like a direct hit. She was proud of her cooking skills—and for the first time she’d offered them to someone—only to be rejected instantly.

I’m useless. I tried to help and he denied me… why am I stuck here? she muttered under her breath.

Milan overheard fragments of her angry mumbling. Cuteness overload again.

With a little smile, he said, “Are you hungry? If I remember right, you didn’t eat either.”

Selene bit her lip. How can I eat? I was left alone here with nothing. Should I raid his kitchen? Hypocrite…

“I don’t want to,” she said quickly, almost too aggressively. Then she realized her tone and added softly, “I’m not hungry.”

Grrrr.

Her stomach betrayed her with a loud growl. Face crimson, Selene snatched a pillow to hide her embarrassment.

“P-please… cook something for me too,” she whispered.

“Okay, okay, heehe,” Milan said, suppressing his laughter.

Selene froze. She heard laughter, him suppressing his laughter because of me. Her face burned as she hugged the pillow tighter, feeling both furious and flustered.