Chapter 78: Unwanted Attention

Kerrigan sat at her desk, her fingers absently tracing the edges of a folder as she tried to focus on the work in front of her. The morning had been a whirlwind of meetings, reports, and the constant hum of emails demanding her attention.

She barely remembered what she was reading when the Prince’s call came through, his voice smooth and confident, yet carrying an undercurrent of expectation.

"Countess Lokir," his voice filled the silence of her office, "I trust you received my gift?"

Kerrigan’s mind scrambled to recall the item, and then it hit her—the gaudy necklace. She fought to keep her tone polite, though her heart wasn’t in it. "Yes, Your Highness, I did. Thank you. It’s... very generous."

"Generosity is the least I can offer to someone as remarkable as you," the Prince replied, his charm evident, though Kerrigan could hear the pride behind it. "I hope it suits you. I chose it with care."

Kerrigan smiled politely, though the expression didn’t reach her eyes. It wouldn’t matter,