After the door closed and their footsteps faded down the hallway, silence slowly filled the room. Only the quiet ticking of the wall clock remained, as if even time itself was holding its breath.Kael stood next to Evelyne, his eyes still on the door, making sure no one was coming back. After a few seconds, he turned to look at her—with a softer gaze than usual.“Thank you,” he said quietly. “It means a lot that you stood by me just now.”Evelyne looked at Kael, her eyes sharp but not completely cold.“I did it because of my grandfather’s will,” she replied flatly. “Nothing more.”Kael didn’t react. He just held her gaze in silence.“I respect my grandfather more than anyone in this world,” Evelyne continued. “That’s the only reason I stood beside you. So don’t get the wrong idea, Kael.”She took a step away from him. “But I do want to know… why did you provoke Vincent?”Kael stayed quiet, waiting for her to finish her question.Evelyne stared straight into his eyes. “Do you even know

The night sky hung quietly over the city, scattered with the twinkling lights of skyscrapers. Among all those majestic buildings, only one towered above the rest with unmistakable arrogance: Albrecht Tower. Its glass façade reflected the night in dazzling luxury, like a crystal palace from the future.A sleek coupe rolled to a stop at the main entrance. From inside, Bella Laurent stepped out gracefully. Her black velvet dress hugged her figure just right—elegant without trying too hard—while a pair of small diamond earrings caught the light with every subtle movement.The lobby staff bowed without a word, and within seconds, Bella was being whisked up in a private elevator—straight to the 51st floor.The elevator doors opened with a soft whoosh. Before her stretched a quiet corridor, lined with gray carpeting and lit by minimalist pendant lights. At the far end stood two men in black suits with earpieces—no greetings, just a quick facial scan before the doors behind them slid open aut