Chapter 449

Vivienne's sharp gaze fell upon Rory. "Didn't your etiquette teacher ever teach you that it's improper to interrupt your elders without permission, let alone lay hands on them?" Rory's hand, which had been raised to pat Vivienne's back, froze awkwardly mid-air—neither able to complete the gesture nor withdraw without further embarrassment. Unfazed by the young woman's discomfort, Vivienne continued without sparing her dignity. "As I recall, it was Leila Larry who invited you into our household, wasn't it? Now that she's no longer here, shouldn't you return to your own home?" Clenching her hands together, Rory bit her lip, swallowing her humiliation before replying meekly, "Grandmother, it... it was Brother Huan who asked me to stay." Vivienne's brow furrowed slightly. "If Huan insisted you remain, then confine yourself to the Second House's courtyard. Don't wander about unnecessarily." "Yes, Grandmother. I understand," Rory murmured in submission. Meanwhile, in the adjacent room, Mina