Chapter 494 Facial Disguise Technique
After returning to the palace with Angela, Doris put her daughter to bed and joined Garrett in the living room.
"Garrett, I just happened to visit Azure Palace and accidentally saw our son with a woman..." Doris's face flushed with embarrassment. "When did Ethan start dating someone while I was away? Why didn't you tell me?"
Garrett sighed deeply. "It's rather recent. I don't believe they've made anything official yet."
"But they were quite intimate. They must be close to making it official. What's she like? Is Ethan serious about her?"
Shaking his head, Garrett replied, "That girl... perhaps once you meet her tomorrow, everything will become clear. I've spoken with Ethan. His feelings aren't too deep yet, so cutting ties now might be for the best."
"What are you suggesting?" Doris asked.
"Do you remember Ina?"
"Ina?" Doris pondered for a moment. "Ah yes, that girl who resembles Mary somewhat. Marquis Atreides' daughter?"
"Precisely."
"As you know, the palace originally had three powerful factions. Now that Count Marc has fallen, the other two are becoming restless. To maintain balance, I plan to elevate Atreides Ross to a position of power to counterbalance the other faction. As a gesture of loyalty, he's offered his daughter in marriage."
This arrangement would benefit everyone involved—Atreides would gain power, his daughter would become a princess, sacrificing freedom but gaining honor and wealth.
"Is this really appropriate?" Doris exclaimed. "Ethan will never agree!"
"He must put the kingdom first. He'll have to agree whether he likes it or not," Garrett said sternly. "Tomorrow, I'll discuss it with him thoroughly."
Noting the time, Garrett put his arm around Doris. "It's getting late. Let's go to bed."
Ever since becoming King of Gold Valley District, Garrett had prioritized political advantage in all his decisions. Though understandable, treating marriage as merely a political tool made Doris deeply uncomfortable.
She knew Garrett was determined to secure this political alliance, but she also knew Ethan's stubborn nature. Before, when Ethan was unattached, she might have convinced him, but now that he finally had someone in his life...
Doris was certain Ethan would refuse, leading to a major confrontation between father and son. She shuddered, sensing trouble on the horizon.
"Doris, why are you trembling?" Garrett asked.
She forced a laugh. "It's nothing. Just a bit cold."
Garrett pulled her close. "Let me take you to bed to warm up."
Doris smiled coyly and nestled against him, though her eyes betrayed her deep concern.
Meanwhile, Andrei's deception had been exposed at the research facility, resulting in his immediate dismissal. With the police now searching for him, he had become a fugitive.
He fled to his basement hideout and removed his disguise. Yaakov's medicine had proven effective—after using most of a bottle, Mary's injuries had begun to heal.
Seeing him undress, Mary panicked. "What are you doing? Stop undressing, you pervert!"
Finding her noisy, Andrei stuffed a rag into her mouth, reducing her protests to muffled sounds.
Ignoring her, he changed into different clothes and focused intently on his work at the desk.
Mary, tied to the bed and unable to move, could only watch him with wide eyes, relieved that he seemed uninterested in her.
Andrei sketched something, then used a mirror to apply a lifelike mask to his face. He sealed the edges with a special ointment, completely transforming his appearance.
Mary made a muffled exclamation of surprise.
"I'm a wanted man now," Andrei explained, glancing at her. "I can only evade capture using these facial disguises. Keep everything you've seen to yourself, or I'll ensure you never speak again."
Mary nodded frantically, then gestured toward her mouth as if wanting to speak.
Andrei removed the cloth. "Make it quick."
Pointing at his face, Mary asked, "What is that called? It's incredible!"
Andrei smiled proudly. "It's my master's proprietary facial disguise technique."
"Facial disguise technique?" Mary repeated thoughtfully, a malevolent glint appearing in her eyes. "Could you create one for me? I'll pay whatever you ask."
Andrei examined her face. "Your injuries will heal with another bottle of medicine. You don't need a disguise to maintain your beauty."
Realizing he'd misunderstood, Mary clarified, "No, I want a disguise so I can return to the palace with a new identity and take revenge on that wretched woman who ruined me. I'll make her pay tenfold!"
"Such a vindictive woman," Andrei remarked. "How much are you offering?"
"One hundred thousand dollars. Is that enough?"
Andrei raised an eyebrow. "Deal."
"I have two and a half bottles of medicine left," Mary said. "My face is healing well, but how long until the rest of my body recovers completely?"
"At most another week," Andrei replied. "Then you'll be fully restored."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
