The rush of memories still echoed in Ronan's mind—grief, rage, humiliation.It all clashed inside his skull like thunder, threatening to swallow him whole.And then—her voice cut through it.Cold. Sharp. Drenched in contempt."Ronan, are you even listening to me?" Calista’s voice sliced into the moment like a blade.She stood in front of him, arms crossed, eyes blazing. “Don’t stand there acting like you’re dazed. I’m talking to you.”Ronan’s gaze was distant, his expression unreadable.Calista's anger flared. Her tone turned venomous."Don’t you dare pretend you’re lost in thought. You and I are done! I’ve told you this before—I don’t acknowledge this so-called engagement!" she snapped."Your precious House Crowne thought they could push it on me just because of your status. You think throwing your family name around makes you entitled to me? Disgusting."She took a step closer, jaw clenched."You’re nothing but a shadow that keeps following me. But not anymore—this ends now.”She ra

Calista froze mid‑stride, eyes widening. “What do you mean, ‘return everything’?” she snapped, whirling back to face Ronan.Her voice was sharp, but the way she hugged the lacquered weapon case to her chest and slipped her left hand—adorned with a violet‑gold bracelet—behind her back betrayed her unease.That dagger was no trinket; House Sable intended to present it at the upcoming Martial Arts Guild trials. Calista herself might not need it, but Lucien certainly did.And the bracelet—artificed by a Martial Saint—could conjure a three‑minute invincible shield. Priceless, irreplaceable. The thought of surrendering either piece made her stomach knot.Ronan’s calm laughter only deepened her irritation.“Didn’t you just declare you want no ties with House Crowne?” he said, voice mild.“If so, why cling to Crowne property? Cut the bond, Calista. That means returning everything that bond delivered.”She opened her mouth, but he cut her off, tone suddenly glacial.“You have no right to negot

The next morning, at exactly 9 a.m., the main hall of House Sable’s estate was filled with direct descendants of the clan.At the center, seated on a lavish throne, was Benedric Sable—the current patriarch and Calista’s father.Dressed in embroidered black robes, the tall, broad-shouldered man exuded an oppressive aura.Everyone present instinctively lowered their heads in deference.Calista stood beside him, red-eyed and pale. Lucien Cross stood next to her, tall and composed. But tension clung to them like a fog.Last night, Calista had returned home radiant, proudly announcing that the engagement with Ronan Crowne was officially over.She’d expected praise, but instead, Benedric’s face turned black.Without a word, he struck his daughter across the face.That slap had echoed through the halls—and through Calista’s pride.Now, as he glanced at her tear-streaked face and then at Lucien, Benedric’s scowl deepened.“Who told you to act on your own?” he growled.“Do you have any idea wh

With each item spoken, the tension in the room climbed.Benedric’s eye twitched.Several elders nearby exchanged wary glances.Just hearing Ronan list the first few items, they already knew the value far exceeded the total wealth House Sable had accumulated over the past century.If they really had to return all that, House Sable’s power would shrink by eighty percent or more!Even Lucien’s expression shifted slightly. The list was far more substantial than he’d expected.The hall was quiet, but the pressure was mounting.Ronan’s tone sharpened.“What’s the matter? You sever the bond, and now hesitate to return what came with it? Or does House Sable intend to breach its honor?”The words struck like stones.But before Benedric could speak, Calista stepped forward, arms crossed, her voice icy.“It was a relationship, not a business contract. Don’t be ridiculous. No woman would return such gifts after ten years of engagement.”Lucien immediately followed. “Calista’s right. No real man w

But Ronan?He didn’t even blink.With a sigh—almost as if bored—he lifted his hand and casually flicked it downward.Seeing Ronan’s carelessness, Lucien’s heart soared.Just as I thought! he sneered inwardly.Ronan was nothing but an arrogant fool, pampered by family resources.A mere Rank 5 who dared to act so casually in a real fight?Ronan was asking for death!“You’re dead—!”But before Lucien could fully savor his confidence, his expression shifted violently the moment Ronan’s palm came down.Too fast—he couldn’t dodge!All his strength had been channeled into his punch at Ronan.He had no time left to redirect his energy or step away.“No way! How could you—”Lucien never finished his sentence.A monstrous force crashed into him like a volcano eruption.BOOM!Lucien didn’t just stop.He was forced to his knees by a single hand strike, the impact so fierce it cracked the marble floor beneath him.A total, crushing defeat indeed!Gasps echoed across the hall.Lucien groaned.He la