Chapter 209: A Brother's Folly

Frederick Frederick began pacing impatiently in his office, feeling the eyes of his Beta, Stefano, trained on him. He knew Stefano was likely annoyed by his anxious behavior, but Frederick simply didn’t have a choice. Alvario was coming to visit, and he wanted to check on his sister, Ila. Frederick had never felt so unnerved in his life. He knew he shouldn’t feel that way; after all, Alvario was the type of man who wouldn’t betray a friend. But still, doubts gnawed at Frederick. As he paced, Frederick suddenly stopped and looked at Stefano, who stood with a calm and patient expression. “Do you think I’ve done anything wrong? Do you think Ila told him something?” Frederick asked frantically. Stefano, ever the steady presence, simply shook his head. “I don’t understand why you’re worried,” he said, his voice measured and calm. Frederick scowled and turned his face away, his frustration bubbling over. “Why wouldn’t I be worried? You don’t just wake up one morning and decide you want