For You, I Would Even Be A Villain

Chapter 10

His story wasn’t all that different from what she had expected.

After Lilith and Xenon left the hall, the banquet was abuzz with talk about them. Everyone speculated about their relationship.

Some claimed they had been lovers all along, while others insisted Xenon was seeking revenge against Lilith.

All eyes turned to Rosalin, the one left behind, but she merely smiled without offering an answer.

Even Carl was taken aback by the unexpected turn of events. He racked his brain, searching through old memories, but in the end, he couldn’t figure out the true nature of Lilith and Xenon’s relationship. The entire gathering was left in confusion.

Everything only settled when Xenon returned.

After being slapped by Lilith, Xenon reentered the banquet hall alone. His reappearance made everyone hesitant, exchanging glances, until one brave soul broke the silence, and soon the crowd surged toward him with questions.

Xenon handled them with a mix of strategic silence and brief, measured responses. Though he kept his walls up, revealing little, there was one thing everyone could clearly see—

He was serious.

“I will marry Lilith Blaine.”

That was the only answer he gave, no matter how many questions were thrown at him.

And that alone was enough for everyone to understand.

Whatever his true intentions were, one thing was certain—Xenon was determined to marry Lilith.

“It’s a good thing you left early yesterday. If you had stayed, things would’ve been even crazier.”

Carl joked, but Lilith, in no mood for humor, shot him a cold glare.

“And?”

“And what…?”

Scratching his head, Carl continued.

Once people confirmed Xenon’s sincerity, they gossiped even more. Despite the endless speculation, Xenon remained tight-lipped.

But just before leaving the banquet hall, he reportedly said—

“She will accept. Without a doubt.”

“Ha.”

Having listened to Carl’s entire story, Lilith let out a scoff, utterly dumbfounded.

“You Think I’ll Agree? What Nonsense.”

Lilith was furious at Xenon’s arrogant confidence.

She had already made it clear that she had no intention of marrying him, and she wasn’t someone who could be easily manipulated at his whim. He should know that better than anyone, yet he dared to say something so presumptuous.

Lilith felt the anger she had barely suppressed with floral tea rising within her again.

Completely oblivious to her frustration, Carl let out a carefree laugh and spoke.

“So, Lilith, are you really going to marry that guy?”

At his words, Lilith shot back coldly.

“What do you think?”

“No way. Obviously.”

Having known Lilith for years, Carl naturally knew the correct answer.

Lilith didn’t respond and instead elegantly brought the teacup back to her lips. However, despite her composed exterior, her mind was in turmoil.

She needed to sort things out. Where had everything gone wrong?

As she frowned, thoughts of clawing Xenon’s shameless face crossed her mind. The fragrance of the tea had long faded into the background.

Carl watched her in silence for a moment before finally speaking.

“Is it because of Calyx?”

At that, Lilith set down her teacup with a sharp clack.

The loud sound made it clear—she was far from pleased.

As someone trained to be an heir, Lilith had mastered the art of concealing her emotions.

For her to express herself so openly meant one of two things:

She was either too shaken to hide it—

Or she was deliberately making her displeasure known.

This time, it was undoubtedly the latter.

“Don’t cross the line, Carl.”

Lilith warned.

“Lilith—”

“Don’t say that name in front of me.”

Her expression darkened with clear distaste.

“The Only Reason I’m Tolerating Your Rudeness Right Now Is Because We’re Friends. But If You Bring Up Calyx in This Conversation One More Time, I’ll Throw You Out Immediately.”

Carl opened his mouth as if to argue but simply shrugged instead. He instinctively knew there was no getting through to her.

Ever since Calyx had gone missing, Lilith had been extremely sensitive whenever he was mentioned. Just hearing his name in her presence would provoke an intense reaction. Carl could only assume that she still hadn’t come to terms with reality.

“Sigh…”

Lilith pressed her fingers against her forehead, her expression contorting in discomfort.

Her head throbbed, and nausea began to rise once again. Closing her eyes, she massaged her temples with her thumbs before muttering under her breath.

“This is all Xenon’s fault.”

Her words carried an unmistakable bitterness. She fell into silent contemplation, her lips pressing together.

A heavy pause settled between them.

Carl, unbothered, leisurely called for a maid, poured himself another cup of tea, and sipped it as he patiently waited for Lilith to speak again.

And after a brief silence—

Lilith finally lifted her head and spoke.

“If you came here just to tell me about what happened yesterday, then your business here is done, isn’t it?”

“Huh?”

Caught off guard, Carl blinked in confusion.

Lilith shot him a look of exasperation before making it clear she was done entertaining him.

“I don’t have time to deal with you today. So if you’ve said everything you wanted to, you should be on your way.”

“Lilith!”

Carl called out, but Lilith ignored him completely and rose from her seat.

Seeing her reaction, Carl sighed in defeat, his expression turning helpless.

But he knew no amount of persistence would change her mind. Resigning himself to that fact, he let out another deep sigh and followed her out of the drawing room.

After sending Carl away, Lilith sat alone in her office, lost in thought.

“She will accept. Without fail.”

Xenon’s words, relayed by Carl, kept echoing in Lilith’s mind.

What exactly is he plotting?

Xenon was being relentless, but Lilith knew he wasn’t some oblivious fool. On the contrary, he was sharp and calculating. He had to be fully aware that she had no intention of marrying him…

Unconsciously, Lilith pictured Xenon’s face and furrowed her brows. She couldn’t begin to guess what scheme he was hiding.

Just then, a knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.

“Come in.”

At her command, the door creaked open cautiously.

A white-haired butler stepped inside and bowed respectfully. Without hesitation, Lilith asked,

“What is it?”

The butler hesitated, looking troubled.

“You have a visitor, my lady.”

“A visitor?”

Lilith’s brows knit together slightly.

Why are there so many uninvited guests today?

She had already sent Carl away earlier, so it couldn’t be him. Then who else would dare show up unannounced?

“I’m busy today. Send them away and tell them to schedule an appointment next time.”

Her voice was cold and firm. She had already tolerated one intrusion today; she had no intention of enduring another, especially when her patience was wearing thin.

But despite her clear dismissal, the butler hesitated.

Sensing that something was off, Lilith’s gaze sharpened in an instant.

“What is it?” she asked again, her tone edged with suspicion.

The butler fidgeted, reluctant to speak. His hesitation was unlike him, and Lilith’s expression grew even more rigid.

Finally, looking apologetic, the butler lowered his head and reported,

“Sir Xenon has arrived… with a marriage proposal.”

At that moment, Lilith felt the last thread of her sanity snap.