Alex stepped out of the hall, feeling numb, and collapsed onto the garden bench.He stared blankly ahead, lost in thoughts too dark and heavy to shake. He had no idea how much time had passed before Kelly stormed up beside him."Why did you do this, Alex?" Kelly snapped, his voice sharp as a blade.Alex frowned, puzzled. "Do what?""Don't play dumb with me," Kelly hissed, anger blazing in his eyes."I know you're a high-ranking Kingswell. Hell, everyone knows you're even above Albert Kingston himself. But that doesn't justify destroying the Guise family!""What the hell are you talking about?" Alex shot back, irritation growing in his voice."Alex, I know you’re close to the new king. Maybe you're his right-hand man, his private investigator—but you can't exploit the king for your own personal vendetta!""Personal vendetta?" Alex growled."Everyone at Kingswell knows what's going on," Kelly continued fiercely."Gilbert Guise hit Sophia, and now you're abusing your influence to crush h

“Oh? Really? Well, congratulations!” Alex exclaimed, genuinely startled.“I didn’t see that coming.”“Neither did I,” Sophia said with a relieved sigh, pulling out a chair and sitting down.“Everything was so sudden, chaotic even, but somehow, in the end, it all fell into place perfectly.”“Care to share the details?” Alex asked, pulling out a couple of instant drinks and offering her one.“Well, first things first,” Sophia began, leaning forward with excitement.“My marriage to Gilbert Guise has been officially registered with the government. There’s even a peculiar clause stating that, as his legal wife, I inherit everything from the Guise family—including the governor’s seat, which has passed down for generations.”She clearly looked thrilled knowing Gilbert was already dead—and she didn’t have to marry anyone now.All she had to do was accept everything the Gusie family owned.There was an old saying: if a man hurt a woman terribly but later died and left her all his money, he was

"What's all this about?" Sophia snapped, her eyes blazing as she glared at Henny."You've crossed the line. You're not welcome here—get out."Henny's expression turned icy. "You're kicking me out? Do you realize what this means?”“I'll report this straight to the Montclairs. You're throwing away your chance to become the matriarch."“Whatever, Get out!” Sophia yelled."N-No! Sophia, control yourself," Florence quickly interjected, forcing an awkward smile despite the redness spreading across her face."It's my fault entirely. Serving such low-quality tea to Madam Henny was unforgivable. Of course, you deserve only the finest. This mistake is mine."Clarissa sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. "What pathetic groveling."Henny shifted her cold gaze to Sophia."Sophia, what are you standing around for? Apologize immediately to Madam Henny," Florence pleaded, her voice desperate.Sophia shook her head stubbornly. "Forget it, Mom. I refuse to bow to her. Let the Montclairs decide—I w

Alex's heart went cold, twisted by a deep pang of regret.Hurting Sophia was never his intention.She was his everything—his reason for breathing—but everything about her drove his emotions beyond control.Near her, his heart became a storm of love and pain, so fierce he couldn’t think straight.He wanted revenge on everyone who had ever hurt Sophia, even her own mother.Yet now, seeing Sophia rush between them, all he could feel was guilt.He stood frozen, eyes heavy with shame, unsure how to even begin to explain himself.Sophia stared at Alex, eyes gentle despite the tension."It's okay," she whispered softly. "I know you didn't mean it. I just don't want you to hurt my mother, even if she's the one who's wrong."Alex lowered his gaze, voice barely audible. "I'm sorry."Sophia stepped closer and wrapped her arms around him."Don't apologize," she murmured into his chest."I know exactly why you acted that way. I was there—I saw what happened when Laura Montclair sent those soldiers

Sophia hit the ground hard, her head spinning.For a moment, everything blurred as she fought to steady her breathing."You dare disrespect me, you insolent brat?" Henny's voice trembled with rage. "Know your place! If you want my forgiveness, get on your knees and lick my shoes."Sophia tasted blood on her lips, the metallic tang sharpening her senses. Her vision cleared, and a fire sparked within her."That's it," she whispered fiercely to herself, determination flooding her veins."Guard," Henny barked. "Slap her again. Keep going until she learns how to respect her elders."The guard smirked cruelly as he approached Sophia, grabbing a fistful of her hair and jerking her head back."Sorry, sweetheart. Orders are orders."Sophia locked eyes with him, fury blazing in her gaze. "I'm warning you—let go of me or you're a dead man.""Little bitch—" His hand shot up, ready to strike.But before his palm could connect, a deafening gunshot shattered the room.Blood sprayed as the bullet pie