I shot him an impatient glance and bit out, “I know.”
Then I narrated every important matter to Blair, who was listening to me with his full attention.
After that, he asked me to repeat everything once to confirm that I hadn’t bluffed about anything.
I inwardly complained that in these past five years, not just Rufus but Blair had also changed drastically. If they stood side-by-side, they truly looked like a pair of emotionless killers.
As this thought crossed my mind, a laughed involuntarily burst from my lips.
A second later, I realized how stupid my action was. Rufus scowled and eyed me as if I was a fool.
I was so embarrassed that I flushed deeply. When I turned my attention back to Blair on the screen, his expression was the same, but he touched his temple with his little finger.
I instantly understood.
That movement! It was a secret signal Blair and I had developed!
So, Blair was acting. He must have learned how to mask his emotions from Rufus. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to play such a disgusting character so well.
While Rufus was occupied with something else, I quickly raised my hand and scratched my forehead. A smile flashed across Blair’s eyes, but it was so fleeting that it disappeared almost instantly.
My spirits instantly improved. Rufus thought he had the upper hand, but he didn’t know that Blair was actually on my side!
After exchanging our secret signals, Blair’s serious face didn’t seem as annoying as before to me.
I answered all his questions, not hiding anything. If Rufus really wanted to dismiss me from the Alpha position, Blair was a good replacement.
He was more than capable. Not only was he Rufus ‘ exceptional assistant, but also a weapon that represented the royal family. With him leading the border pack, I was confident that those rampant vampires would not dare to intrude our territory again.
I didn’t know how Blair was released from the prison five years ago. After Rufus lost his memory, he must have forgotten his conflict with Blair too, or else he wouldn’t have given Blair such an important position now.
I was glad to see that they were friends again. A few minutes ago, I was furious because Rufus had detained me. But after this video call, most of my anger had disappeared.
In this case, I was better off staying where I was. The more I resisted, the more interested Rufus would be in me.
After disconnecting the call, I cheerfully asked Rufus, “What else do you need from me? Tell me everything. I’m willing to cooperate with you.”
Rufus silently stared at me with an unfathomable expression, sending a shiver up my spine. Was he planning something bad again?
I already gave in to him, and he still wasn’t satisfied? “Crystal,”
Rufus uttered my name very seriously. This was the first time in five years that he had talked to me so seriously. My heart began thumping and I stammered, “Wha… What? I’m cooperating!”
A note of grievance crept into my voice.
He cast a sidelong glance in my direction and his expression changed. With a scoff, he asked, “Have you met Blair before?”
My heart skipped a beat and I involuntarily shuddered. Facing Rufus’ questioning eyes, I pretended to be calm and said, “I don’t know him. Why do you ask?”
Crystal’s POV
Rufus pursed his lips and remained quiet for a few minutes. Then, he said, “Maybe I’m mistaken. I seem to notice a slight difference in your demeanor when you’re dealing with acquaintances and strangers. Sometimes I get the impression that you’re also familiar with me.”
I was nonplussed for a second before I smiled. “You’re definitely mistaken. This is the first time I’m visiting the imperial city and meeting you. I was nobody before this. How could I know you? And I haven’t stepped foot outside the border pack since assuming the position of Alpha.”
Rufus’ eyebrows furrowed as he countered, “I would never forget someone I’ve met.”
“You claim that you remember everyone you meet, so search your memory. Have you seen me before?” I asked. Rufus tilted his head and studied me thoughtfully. I held my breath and summoned my courage to meet his eyes, praying that he didn’t suddenly recall anything about our past.
After a while, he looked away and indifferently said, “I’ve definitely never seen you before.”
My body sagged in relief and I instantly changed the topic. “I wonder if Beryl is awake by now. If she has woken up, she might be crying for you.”
Rufus didn’t respond. He looked at his watch and said, “It’s late. Let’s go back.”
He walked out of the room first and instructed the female officers to bring both kids to us.
Beryl was still fast asleep. As soon as Arron spotted me, he rushed to me and grasped my hand. He positioned himself right next to me.
Everything happened last night and this morning must have frightened him. I affectionately ruffled his hair and asked softly, “Are you okay?”
He whispered back, “I’m fine, and so is Beryl. But she is still sleeping. I’m a little worried.”
“She is just tired. Let her sleep a little while longer,” I said in a comforting voice and hugged Arron.
Rufus stepped closer and took Beryl from the female officer’s arms. He said to me, “Beryl should stay with me for now. You can visit her anytime you want.”
My gaze bounced to Beryl, who was still out like a light, and I nodded unwillingly. Staying with Rufus was the best option for Beryl. Now that I wasn’t rushing out of the imperial capital, I could let Rufus take care of her for some time.
I inhaled deeply and added, “Beryl might be cranky when she wakes up. Please look after her.”
Rufus instantly replied, “I will. You don’t need to worry about that.”
Then he shifted his attention to Arron, who was still bandaged. He scowled and asked, “Hasn’t Arron recovered yet? His face is still wrapped in bandages.”
I quietly pulled him behind me, shielding him from Rufus’ gaze. “He has almost recovered.”
“Let my doctor check him again. His wounds are always covered and can’t get enough fresh air. That hampers the healing process,” Rufus suggested.
I became a little anxious and quickly refused. “No, thanks. I’ve got this under control. Arron will be fine soon and his dressing will be removed then.”
Rufus’ eyebrows nearly disappeared into his hairline as he said, “That’s good to hear. If you need any help, just bring him to me immediately. I don’t want you to complain that I didn’t treat you, a guest from the border pack, well.”
I rolled my eyes and shot back, “Then I should thank you in advance.”
Over the past few years, Rufus had not only got more cunning, but he had also become proficient in sarcasm. I really didn’t see that coming!
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