Vincent.
I had already known Maria was trying to cover up for him.
The moment I saw the determination in her eyes, I understood exactly what she was doing. She wanted to protect Noah, even if it meant deceiving me. But I wasn't foolish enough to fall for such a simple trick.
So, I decided to play along.
I acted as though I believed every word she said, allowing my expression to remain calm until the very moment she walked out of the room. The instant the door closed behind her, I gave a subtle signal to my guards. It was so quick that no one would have noticed it.
They already knew what to do.
I had instructed them beforehand to remain outside and seize whoever was hiding inside the room the second Maria left, and take the person straight to the punishment room.
A slow smile tugged at the corner of my lips.
Just as I had expected.
