Observing the unfolding scene, Annalise narrowed her eyes, her expression turning guarded.

"Is that so? You truly are a romantic soul! But you see, Karina has been infatuated with Virgil since she was a child. I always assumed she would find a boyfriend who resembles him. It's just unexpected that her choice would be the complete opposite.”

Though her words were coated in sweetness, the underlying meaning was unmistakable.

Annalise was deliberately reminding Barlow of Karina's feelings for Virgil.

She was subtly testing his tolerance for the fact that the woman he cared for harbored emotions for someone else.

Unfazed by Annalise's comment, Barlow remained composed, his demeanor undisturbed.

With a fluid motion, he raised his hand, gracefully twirling a lock of hair near Karina's ear.

“Karina, do you truly possess such feelings for your own brother?"

Karina's mind raced, trying to process the whirlwind of events unfolding before her. Lost in her thoughts, she felt a tingling sensation in her ear as Barlow's warm breath caressed her skin.

The proximity between them was so intimate that she could not help but imagine what it would feel like if they were to kiss.

Hold on! She had asked him to seduce Annalise, not her!

She quickly shook off the intrusive thought, her frown deepening as she pushed his hand away and glared at him.

Barlow raised his eyebrows almost imperceptibly, a hint of banter flashing through his eyes

Karina suddenly realized that she had Lost track of the conversation.

What did Barlow just imply?

Did he ask if she had feelings for her brother?

It must have been deliberate on his part.

A stolen glance was all she dared to take, her eyes darting towards Virgil, who sat there delicately sipping his tea.

Awkwardness seemed to envelop the room.

Annalise gracefully rose from her seat, making her way toward Barlow's side and refilling his glass.

“Please have some tea. And could you enlighten me about how you and Karina met?"

While she spoke, a subtle tremor ran through her hand, causing the tea to spill onto Barlow's clothes.