Claude X Lia

Chapter 85

It was the middle of the day. The people of Ataer talked about nothing but the accident that occurred on the highway.

The culprit who deliberately caused the accident was Dornan, Marquis Vale's guard. Dornan, who barely survived the accident, refuted that it had happened because Matisse had slept on the wheel. But that was far from the truth, and there were witnesses who testified that the car had moved just fine along the road.

The owner of the cafe also pointed out that Matisse drove slowly to attempt to park just before the accident.

Dornan then changed his testimony like flipping a coin.

He confessed with the words, "I did it."

He confessed that he was the one who called the anarchists into the marquis's house, gave them the diamonds, and made them accuse Canillia Vale. He also claimed that he caused the accident because he was afraid that his crime would be exposed.

All were lies. His testimony was colorless. The "why" was missing, but he took the fifth by appointing an attorney.

"So this is how it's going to be wrapped up..."

Upon hearing the report telling him that it was unlikely Dornan would confess the truth, Claude killed the cigarette he was holding.

In the drawing room of the Grand Duke's house, Owen felt as if he was walking on eggshells at Claude's expression.

Ten days ago, Canillia, who was injured in the accident, had two major seizures. Every time she had a seizure, Claude grabbed the doctor's collar and demanded he save her. As soon as she stabilized, he moved her to the hospital room in the Grand Duke's manor.

Claude's scars still hadn't healed from that day.

He had jumped out of his car and pulled Canillia out, breaking his fingers. The vehicle exploded and the flames engulfed the road soon after he had.

Owen looked at Claude's splinted hand, looked for painkillers, and placed them in front of him.

"Sir, take care of yourself, first. Archduke Ian Sergio is to be expected soon."

Claude froze.

"He's alive?"

"Yes, sir. He was discharged yesterday."

"And the purpose of this visit?" asked Claude.

"He wishes to see Lady Canillia," answered Owen.

"Ha. You must be joking."

Cynical, Claude grabbed the arm of the chair and stood up. After swallowing a painkiller, he headed to the sunroom where Canillia was.

Inside, he was blinded by the sunlight. Canillia was fast asleep on a white couch.

There was a book dropped to the floor that she must have been reading, and the blanket that once covered her was pushed all the way to her feet. Surrounded by the light, she looked like a piece of soft candy.

After the accident, Canillia mostly spent the day here. Shocked that she was targeted, she became deathly afraid of the dark and startled at even the smallest of sound.

Claude cautiously approached her. Her innocent-looking face had become even more emaciated over the last few days. Her arms were wrapped around a cushion. Sitting on the floor in front of the sofa, he softly kissed her eyelids. Her soft skin smelled of dried flowers.

He passed the bridge of her nose and the corner of her mouth and kissed her on the lips. As he bit down on her lower lip, which was the color of red flowers, Canillia opened her eyes and looked at him.