Blackstone Code-Chapter 480: How to Elegantly and Ruthlessly Confuse the Answer

“I never thought you’d come.”
While some people were eager to escape this place, Lynch hadn’t expected Severella to show up here.
Their relationship had been more like ordinary acquaintances, without involving the usual romantic complications.
Sometimes being too handsome was a trouble—he often attracted unwanted attention. When Lynch and Severella left the main building, he noticed Penny’s somewhat resentful expression.
Penny knew Severella’s identity and background well. She also knew that unless Lynch protected her with everything he had, Severella could ruin her with just one phone call, or even without calling—just a public show of displeasure would be enough.
She would immediately be cast out by the entertainment industry, where everyone depended on the favors of wealthy capitalists, many of whom in turn had to answer to Mr. Wadrick.
Though Penny had already made her decision, she could only helplessly stand behind the gently swaying curtains, watching Lynch and Severella stroll romantically under the moonlight in the garden.
Neither Lynch nor Penny had expected Severella to come.
Severella, wandering aimlessly with Lynch, kicked a small flower growing in the lawn. Normally, a real lawn wouldn’t have wildflowers, but this one was specially designed for the governor’s residence and other upscale gardens.
A local company provided lawns mimicking natural environments—soft green grass dotted with small pink, yellow, or white flowers about the size of a man’s thumb, adding a touch of nature to the otherwise plain turf.
The flower bud, not yet fully open, was kicked halfway across the lawn. If it could speak, it might curse Severella and her family, but it could not.
The girl walked with hands behind her back, her steps light and her smile barely contained. “I didn’t expect this. When I saw you with…,” she tilted her head at Lynch, who quietly said Penny’s name.
It didn’t matter whether he said it or not—Severella’s influence meant she could get every detail about Penny’s family with a single phone call.
“Yes, Penny. When I saw the rumors about you two in the papers, it hurt,” her eyes shimmered softly in the gentle moonlight. “I think I might have fallen for you.”
She stopped, blushing, touching her cheek. “Am I really that red?”
The pure moonlight was soft like jade, not harsh like daylight, making her flawless face appear even more beautiful.
There was a softness, a mystery, a liveliness, and that striking blush. Lynch honestly nodded.
“This is my first confession. My father never gave me this chance before. It’s new, and maybe a little awkward. Is it embarrassing?”
She suddenly grew uncertain. “I rushed over here to confess, no band or violinist, no choir holding candles, no friends blessing us. This place isn’t romantic—not the right atmosphere… and today is your birthday.”
Maybe this was what love confessions looked like for the rich, Severella thought, based on what her friends told her.
Those friends created suffocatingly extravagant scenes with piles of money, almost stopping people’s breaths. Lynch noticed she said
violinist
differently—she said violinist as
violin master,
someone far more prestigious, likely much more expensive to hire.
Lynch smiled but didn’t answer. Instead, he asked, “Why do you like me?”
He didn’t think it was for his looks. Girls from her background might like someone’s appearance, but that alone wouldn’t make them truly like him. Lynch wondered if anyone could see past his excellent exterior to his even better inner self.
Severella blushed deeper but didn’t answer, choosing to change the subject.
She would never forget that afternoon, dust floating in sunlight, when her revered father, Mr. Wadrick, had listened seriously to Lynch. Leaning forward slightly, fully focused, Lynch spoke confidently with undeniable presence and poise.
She was too embarrassed to admit it, so she stayed silent.
They walked further until a hedge taller than a person blocked their path. Beyond it lay the boundary of the governor’s garden—beyond that, a completely different world.
Severella seemed to hesitate, then softly asked, “Will you accept my confession?”
“I don’t know,” Lynch shook his head. “I haven’t thought about that. We’re still young with many things to do. Neither of us is ready for this.”
“Can you imagine soon having a big belly, a body out of shape, spending each day stuck between endless morning sickness and stuffing food down your throat?”
“Then the child becomes another headache. You might think a nanny can help, but motherly love can’t be replaced, and ultimately you’re the one who cares for the child.”
“The family chores will wear you out…”
Lynch stopped. “But at that time, we’re still young. Marrying too early isn’t fair to people like us, and it’s not a good thing. Life will only bring despair.”
“Children crying over small things, not understanding their husband, and not even understanding themselves…”
“Give us some time. Let’s start as good friends first.”
Severella looked a bit disappointed—this wasn’t what she imagined—but quickly recovered and asked, “Is the gossip about you and…”
“Penny?” Lynch nodded without hesitation or shame. “Severella, you should know me, or yourself, or Mr. Wadrick.”
“We’re not after simple lust, but something beyond material things. Ordinary things might catch my eye sometimes, but they won’t stop me for those vulgar distractions.”
“To put it poetically, I seek a soulmate, a refuge for my soul,” he paused, clearly thinking of someone, “…Penny, who troubles you now, is more like an itch.”
“When you’re itchy, scratching feels good. But if you scratch when you’re not itchy, it only brings discomfort or pain.”
“I might get distracted by scenery, but I always
come home
.” They were near the governor’s house now. Lynch smiled, “I won’t treat you like an ordinary girl. That wouldn’t be fair. You’re different.”
Lynch was undeniably a jerk, but he was skilled with words.
It was a natural gift, a talent that made plain words shine brilliantly.
Severella’s expression had changed; her eyes sparkled with something new. She found his words beautiful, almost like modern poetry, full of elegance.
She wondered if she could be Lynch’s refuge.
Lynch stopped, looked at her, and slowly reached out. His palm slid between her hair and neck, covering her slightly flushed cheek. A pure smile spread across his face.
“But I’m grateful—grateful you like me. It’s the best gift I’ve received this year.”
He leaned in and gently kissed her forehead.
After a few seconds, he stepped back, walking beside her toward the house. “Things will get chaotic here soon. Dangerous events will happen. I hope you’ll go back.”
“What’s happening?” The girl’s attention shifted, following Lynch’s words.
Lynch’s expression was calm, with a hint of spirited confidence between his brows. He glanced up at the moon with a half-smile and said, “An awakening about the future—a dangerous one. You know there’s an irreconcilable conflict between the locals and people like us…”
Severella nodded. Though she wasn’t very interested in such matters, growing up in that kind of family under Mr. Wadrick’s guidance had taught her to read the newspapers daily and analyze the hidden stories behind the headlines.
She understood everything Lynch said—it all boiled down to a struggle over wealth and power.
But clearly, their focus wasn’t on the same thing. “Are you worried about me?”
Lynch thought for a moment, then accepted the idea. “Yes, I’m worried about you.”
“So, I hope the danger won’t come near you!”