Once he confirmed she wasn't hurt, he immediately pulled her behind him. "Serena, what's going on?"
The men lying scattered on the floor were clearly from Norvane.
And from their attire, they were obviously assassins sent on a suicide mission.
"Just some small fry. It's nothing," Serena said with a lazy smile, a corner of her lip curling up. "I can handle it."
Behind his glasses, Julian's usually gentle eyes glinted coldly. "Norvane... is this related to why you suddenly left home before?"
"Yes." Serena looked at the tall, slender figure standing protectively in front of her. Her gaze softened.
This was the first time...
A family member had stood in front of her so resolutely.
She smiled, her voice softening. "It's over now. Don't worry, Julian."
Julian frowned and glanced around warily.
Confirming there were no more warriors, he turned back to Serena. "Serena, I know you're strong, even stronger than me. But no matter how capable you are, I'm your brother. I'm always going to worry."
Serena could feel her brother's sincere concern, the kind of care that came from the Hales.
At the Wynns', she had longed for this, even begged for the love they could have given her, but it was always out of reach...
Now, she had her real family.
A warmth spread through Serena's heart, and she no longer refused Julian's kindness.
She took Julian's sleeve and started walking toward the dressing room. "Julian, this isn't the time for that. The Norvane agents released a slow-acting poison gas in the ballroom. If it spreads for too long, the consequences will be dire, especially for Old Mr. Blackwood and Grandfather... Their bodies won't be able to withstand prolonged exposure."
"Poison gas?!" Julian's pupils contracted. The situation was far more serious than he had imagined.
"My bag is in the dressing room. It has my tools. I have to prepare an antidote immediately."
After entering the dressing room.
Serena quickly grabbed her bag and efficiently pulled out an old-fashioned wooden box.
When she opened it, it revealed neatly arranged vials, jars, grinding tools, and other medicinal implements.
Her movements were incredibly fast, without a moment's hesitation.
She picked up the herbs, weighing them in her hand to know the exact dosage.
She placed them in the grinder, grinding and mixing...
Her actions were exceptionally practiced.
Julian stood guard by the door, watching for any more Norvane agents.
But his gaze was unconsciously drawn to his sister and her fluid, graceful movements.
It seemed as if she didn't need to think at all; the formulas for every poison and its antidote were already in her mind.
She knew exactly how to neutralize the poison without a second thought.
Julian couldn't help but think back to how Serena had faced those
warriors her sharp, ruthless
her calm expression even when surrounded by blood, as if she were long accustomed to such
life-or-death battles. .net
He then thought of her stunning piano performance... and her
masterful medical skills, her position at the international research
institute, and the respect she
commanded from figures like Mr. Harrison...
An indescribable ache and sorrow welled up in his heart.
He couldn't begin to imagine what
kind of environment his little-
sister must have endured to become so
multi-talented.
It was as if she could do anything, as if no challenge could ever defeat her.
But Julian knew.
No one is born this strong.
How many untold hardships had his sister faced to get to where she was today?