Fractured Ties

Philip blinked his eyes in surprise, clearly taken aback by Sylas's demeanor.

After a brief pause, he broke into a sly grin—a maddeningly smug expression that Sylas recognized all too well.

That grin usually signaled trouble.

"Young Master, could it be that you're curious? Are you worried about your little brother?"

Sylas drove his fist into Philip's gut, muttering that he should at least pretend to act like a proper subordinate.

How many times had he endured this same nonsense today alone?

It seemed every so-called aide in his household was a wild dog incapable of behaving appropriately, leaving Sylas perpetually drained.

Philip doubled over, coughing out a wheezy "kah!" along with something unpleasant from his stomach.

With teary eyes, he grumbled a complaint but eventually straightened himself, regaining composure.