CHAPTER 440: CHAPTER 440 PROTEST

Adrian looked at Ruby. "And to learn what Madame Shades actually wants, we can use the offer she has made. If she expects Ruby to accept a marriage arrangement with Louis, that gives us a chance to watch closely, see who helps her, what papers she shows, who signs what. It is risky, but it could reveal her plan."

Karl’s face twisted with fury, his fists clenched. "Are you crazy, Brother Adi? How can wife agree to that disgusting fat ghost’s arrangement? No! I will never accept it!" His voice cracked with anger, his features darkened until he looked almost ugly in his rage.

Julian, quieter but no less serious, spoke slowly. "I think Brother Adi is right. We can observe them closely. Sometimes watching in silence gives more answers than fighting outright." His tone was careful, though his eyes flicked toward Ruby with concern.

Milo slammed his fist on the armrest, his cheeks puffed red. "I am with Brother Karl!" he burst out. "I don’t want wife to marry that bad ghost! We all know how cruel he is, he bullied us, he hurt us. Jules, Brother Adi, did you forget already?" His usually soft face was tight with anger, his eyes wet like he might cry but refusing to.

Ruby, who had been silent, finally straightened her back. Her voice carried steady strength as she cut through their quarrel. "I think Julian and Adrian are right. This will give us the chance to observe what they are planning. And maybe..." she paused, her lips tightening for a second, "maybe since I stopped drinking, Madame Shades must already be suspicious."

Karl and Milo both looked at her in disbelief. Their faces were stubborn with disapproval, but the seriousness in Ruby’s tone made them reluctantly nod, though their eyes still burned with protest.

"Madame Shades, that witch, poisoned you? That’s why you used to drink, isn’t it?" Karl suddenly snapped, his anger trembling into hurt. He leaned closer, eyes wide, his voice almost shaking. "How did you stop the alcohol then? Did you find an antidote?" The last word left his lips in a fearful whisper, as if he was afraid of the answer.

Adrian’s sharp eyes shifted toward Ruby at once, studying her face, and doubt flickered there like a shadow.

Ruby bit her lip hard, her gaze dropping for a second. Maybe... maybe she should tell them. Her chest felt heavy, her heart restless in its cage. She drew in a long breath. "Okay, you all listen to me carefully. It might sound absurd, but it is actually true..." Her words were low, deliberate, almost like she was forcing herself to push them out.

"What do you mean?" Adrian asked, his brows furrowed, his voice laced with suspicion.

Julian’s head turned, confusion clear in his eyes as he looked at his wife too, waiting for the truth to come out.

Ruby’s hands curled on her lap. She lowered her eyes for a second, then lifted them again with a sigh. "Well... actually..."

****

Far away, in Madame Shades’ mansion.

Louis paced before his mother like an impatient child, his lips pressed in a pout. "Mom, do you think she will accept my proposal? I don’t like those witches you showed me, I like Ruby," he said firmly, as though stamping his claim.

"Oh really?" Madame Shades asked lazily, tilting her chin with that cruel amusement she never bothered to hide.

"Hmm... I will kick out Karl and Adrian and the others after I marry her!" Louis declared, his fists clenched so tight the veins in his hands stood out, his tone full of greedy triumph.

Madame Shades only smiled, slow and cool. The smile did not reach her eyes. She watched him with the calm patience of someone who has seen many fits of pride and knows how to bend them to her will.

"You are eager," she said, voice soft like silk. "Good. Desire is useful, if it is shaped right." She leaned back in her chair and folded her hands. "But rushing is ugly."

Louis snorted. "Why should I wait? They keep circling her. They stare like vultures. If I make my move, they will step away." He sounded certain, as though he could imagine a stage where he simply pushed them aside.

Madame Shades’s lips twitched. "Do not be a child, Louis. We do not simply push. We arrange. You are correct that the ghosts will fight, Karl most of all, but they are messy. Mess makes trouble. We need a clean turn. We will use what we have to make them step back on their own. Or we will make sure there is no choice left for them."

Louis’s face fell for a heartbeat. "So what do you want me to do?" he asked, a little unsure now. The bravado slipped. Under it, he wanted direction, the safety of a plan.

Madame Shades folded her fingers together, her eyes cold and bright. "You will be the prize," she said. "You will look small, shy, harmless. Let them see you as a silly ghost who adores Ruby. That will make Karl rage, and Karl is predictable."

"So you mean I should keep up my act, Mom?" Louis asked, grinning like a boy who’d been given a toy. He bounced on his feet a little, eager and nervous all at once.

"Yeah, that’s what I’m saying," Madame Shades replied, voice soft but sharp. She folded her hands and watched him as if she were looking over a chessboard. "If Ruby agrees somehow, Karl will not be able to bear it. He might do something foolish. So you must be very careful. Be smart, Louis. Be small and shy and harmless. Make them lower their guard."

Fat Louis nodded, his fists clenching at his sides. He tried to look steady and serious, but there was a strange light in his eyes, pride mixed with the simple hunger of someone who wants something he thinks he deserves.

"Okay, Mom!" he said, bright and loud. "I’m going shopping with friends. I’ll tell everyone I’m going to marry Ruby!" He laughed, half show and half boast, then hurried out the door.