His Father Bought Me-Chapter 47: Roman Told Me

Estelle’s pulse pounded in her ears, but her face didn’t show it. Instead, she smoothed her expression into something almost pleasant.

Magnus’s gaze settled on her, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "I understand you asked for my wife’s room," he said.

Of course they told him. Estelle adjusted slightly in her chair, straightening her back, lifting her chin just a fraction higher. "I asked for the room fitting the lady of the house," she replied calmly. "I simply needed my own space, something more comfortable."

Vance let out a quiet scoff, shaking his head. "She wants to get comfortable," he muttered, the disapproval clear in his tone. "You could have chosen any room."

Estelle’s eyes slid to him, slowly, a faint smirk touching her lips. "Isn’t that room meant for the lady of the house?" she asked, her voice light, but pointed. Then she turned her attention back to Magnus, as if Vance no longer mattered.

Vance stepped forward, irritation flashing across his face, but Magnus lifted a hand, just slightly and that was enough. Vance stopped, though the tension in his jaw remained, his lips curled into a thin, cold smile.

Magnus, on the other hand, remained calm. "She’s free to take that room," he said evenly, his gaze fixed on Estelle. "Or any other room in this house. But next time," his voice lowered just enough to carry weight. "You will remember who allows you to remain here, and you will not try to override me again."

The words settled like a challenge between them.

Estelle didn’t look away, her posture held, steady, defiant. "I didn’t think I needed permission," she replied, her fingers moving lightly over the ring on her finger, adjusting it just enough to draw attention. "Especially since you told me to get comfortable when I arrived."

Magnus’s gaze dropped briefly to the ring and for a moment, something shifted behind his eyes, something calculating. Lena’s words echoed faintly in his mind. She asked for the Whitehall ring...

He smiled and nodded once. "Well, you’re not wrong," he said as his gaze lifted back to hers, sharper now. "That ring gives you the right to be here." He paused and then, quieter, more dangerously, he continued. "But I think you have more pressing matters to worry about."

He stepped closer, leaning down slightly, his presence suddenly suffocating. "We spoke not long ago," he continued, his voice low. "And I already have proof that you’re trying to fool me."

The air between them went cold.

Estelle’s eyes widened, the words catching her off guard. For a split second, everything inside her turned to ice and then her pulse surged, loud and uneven in her ears.

Magnus saw it. Of course he did and his smile deepened as he straightened, smoothing a hand over his jacket like he had just confirmed something satisfying.

"What are you talking about?" she asked, her voice steady, even as her throat ran dry.

Magnus tilted his head slightly, his gaze sharp, almost amused. "Roman told me," he said.

The words landed like an explosion in the quiet hallway.

Estelle’s fingers tightened slightly against the armrest. "That’s impossible," she said, the denial slipping out before she could stop it. He wouldn’t. She shook her head once. "He wouldn’t say that. There are no plans."

Magnus didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he glanced at the maids and gave a small nod. They understood at once and stepped away, their footsteps soft against the polished floor as they retreated down the hall. He turned to Vance next. "You too."

Vance frowned, clearly reluctant. "You want me to step back?"

Magnus didn’t even look at him this time, he just flicked his fingers in a dismissive wave. "Wait over there."

Vance exhaled sharply through his nose, muttering under his breath as he walked off, though not far enough to miss anything important.

Only when they were alone did Magnus step closer again, his presence pressing in. "I know about your bargain with Roman," he said.

Estelle blinked, her mind scrambling to catch up. "Bargain?"

Magnus gave a soft, humorless chuckle. "You should know by now that I’m always two steps ahead." His gaze dropped briefly to her hand, to the ring. "And honestly? I expected better." His eyes lifted again, colder now. "First, you secure not just any Whitehall ring, but the most valuable one. Then you request my wife’s room." He leaned in slightly, his voice lowering. "It’s almost impressive."

Estelle inhaled slowly, forcing her spine to stay straight. "I just—"

"I would advise you not to get too comfortable," Magnus cut in, smooth as a blade.

The air between them pulsed with tension.

Estelle’s jaw tightened. "I never asked for the ring," she said, each word measured. "I know Roman got it from you, and that’s all I know."

Magnus scoffed, the sound quiet but cutting. "At least own your scheming," he said. "Don’t insult me by pretending otherwise." He took another step closer, his voice dropping. "I never gave Roman that ring. He demanded it." He paused, his eyes narrowing. "And he told me you asked for it in exchange for helping him deceive me."

Estelle didn’t move, but the ring on her finger suddenly felt heavier, like it was burning straight through her skin. "That did not happen."

"You will need more than words to convince me," Magnus said, his tone cool, almost bored.

The air felt heavier now, pressing against Estelle’s chest.

"Remember," he continued, adjusting the cuff of his sleeve, "you are on probation." His gaze flicked back to her, sharp and deliberate. "The surgeons are already making preparations," he paused briefly. "But I will call them off the moment I smell something off."

The threat lingered, quiet and suffocating.

Estelle looked at him, her eyes narrowing. "Did Roman really tell you that or is this just a way to avoid keeping your word?" she asked, tilting her head.

Magnus’s jaw tightened. "My advice? Don’t unpack anything, don’t get too comfortable," he said, ignoring her question completely. His voice dropped slightly, colder now. "You might be leaving this house at any moment."

The words settled into her bones. Estelle drew in a breath, ready this time to speak, to push back, anything. But Magnus had already turned away, just like that as if she were no longer worth the time.

Estelle watched as he walked away, suspicion curling in her gut. "Roman told him, or he wants me to give him something he doesn’t have." He wants confirmation.