But Margaret pressed on, her words sharp as knives. “What has he ever given you? Can you look me in the eye and say you are proud to call that jobless man your husband? Can you honestly say he has elevated you, protected you, or secured your place in this world?” She leaned closer, her eyes blazing. “Or has he only dragged you into shadows where no one of your name should ever tread?”Elena’s throat tightened, but she refused to back down. “He may not have the wealth or the connections you admire, Grandma, but he has something none of your ‘young masters’ will ever have my heart. And that is worth more than all your alliances.”Margaret scoffed, shaking her head as if Elena were a naïve child. “Hearts break. Love fades. But power, status those endure. The Johnson boy could open doors for you that your so-called husband will never even touch. I am offering you a chance at greatness, and you’re throwing it away for a fantasy.”Elena stood abruptly, her hands trembling, her voice raw wit

"I’ll make myself available for you that day," Karvel promised, his voice steady but his eyes searching hers. "But I still need you to tell me if there’s anything you want. Don’t hold back because of me. You don’t need to pity me, Elena. I’ve already told you I’ll go the extra mile for you. Or… is it that you don’t want to ask me for anything because I’m not as rich as you?"Elena let out a soft sigh, shaking her head as a faint smile tugged at her lips. "Come on, Karvel. I thought we’d already talked about this? Why would you think like that? It’s not about money. It has never been. I don’t care if someone is rich or not. I don’t care about status, or names, or the weight of a family’s fortune. Even the so-called young master of the Jackson family do you know what I think of him? I don’t give a damn. He means nothing to me."Her words hit him deeply, and Karvel’s chest tightened with a mix of relief and longing. He leaned a little closer, lowering his voice as though he needed to mak

The rented hall was alive with chaos, a hive of activity that pulsed with money and influence. Workers rushed in and out of the enormous double doors, arms full of crystal centerpieces, velvet ribbons, and towering bouquets of imported roses. The hall itself had been draped in white and gold, shimmering fabric falling like waterfalls from the ceilings. At the far end, a stage was being built, complete with spotlights and a backdrop embroidered with Elena’s name in cursive silver letters.Rows of banquet tables were dressed with silk cloths, each set with gleaming china and crystal goblets that sparkled beneath chandeliers. In one corner, the cake arrived a towering, seven-tier masterpiece covered in sugar roses and delicate gold leaf. It looked less like dessert and more like art, a symbol of extravagance.Robert stood in the center of the hall with his arms crossed, barking orders at decorators. “Make sure the lights hit the ice sculpture yes, right there. It must catch everyone’s ey

Karvel lunged forward despite his restraints, his shoulder slamming into the man’s chest. The guards rushed in instantly, raining blows across his back and ribs until he was forced down again. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, but his glare never wavered.“Touch her,” Karvel spat through clenched teeth, “and I swear, even if it’s the last thing I do, I’ll tear you apart.”The man wiped his coat where Karvel had struck him, then straightened with a chuckle. “Fiery, aren’t you? I like that. It’ll make breaking you all the more satisfying.”He turned to his men. “Lock him up. No food, no water. I want him weak by the time I’m ready.”Two guards dragged Karvel down the corridor, shoving him into a small, damp cell. The heavy iron door slammed shut, the sound reverberating like a final insult.Karvel sank against the cold wall, his breaths ragged. Pain clawed through his body, but his mind stayed razor sharp. He couldn’t give in. He couldn’t let Elena be left waiting, not when s

Margaret was about to reply to Elena when someone suddenly stepped closer to her, leaning down to whisper something.“Madam… the young master and Mr. Morrison will not be able to attend the birthday party,” her assistant said carefully, his voice low as if afraid of the reaction it might spark.For a moment, Margaret stood frozen, unable to process what she had just heard. The words echoed in her ears, stripping her of the perfect composure she had maintained all evening. Her lips parted, but no sound came out. Finally, when she managed to steady herself, her voice broke in disbelief.“Why?” It was all she could manage, a single word drenched in confusion and suppressed fear.The assistant shifted uncomfortably under her piercing gaze. “I… I don’t know, Madam. That was the exact message Mr. Morrison asked me to deliver. Nothing more.”The hall grew tense. Guests who had been eagerly waiting for the grand entrance of the so-called young master began whispering among themselves, curiosi