Mr. Edmund reflexively released his grip from Jasmine’s wrist.Mr. Edmund had begun to fear Thom. Ever since that night— the night he saw the CCTV footage of Rachel's threesome in Shenina’s room with his own eyes, he had carried a sense of unease and fear toward the man he once considered a weak son-in-law who could be controlled.Madam Yosie did not have that hesitation. Her eyes narrowed, her finger pointing sharply at Thom."You’ve gone too far, Thom!" her voice rose, drawing the attention of several nearby guests. "You have no right to protect Jasmine and speak like that in front of her own father! Who do you think you are? Jasmine is not your wife. She is nothing to you!"Thom remained unaffected. His voice stayed calm, even calmer than usual. "I’m not going too far. I’m only stating a fact. Jasmine doesn’t want this. Why should she be forced?"Madam Yosie scoffed. She shifted her gaze to Jasmine, her eyes sharp like knives."Jasmine, listen carefully. You should obey your father

Thom released his grip. Theon stepped back several steps, holding his wrist that was starting to swell. His face was red from the pain, his breathing ragged, and his eyes wild like a wounded animal that was still dangerous. A middle-aged male guest approached, his hand outstretched to help. "Are you alright, son? Your hand—" "DON'T TOUCH ME!" Theon snapped, his voice piercing as it cut through the air. The guest recoiled in shock, pulling his hand back quickly. "I don't need your help! Go away!" Another guest who had also intended to help stopped in his tracks. They exchanged glances, then slowly moved away. Madam Yosie stepped forward, her face panicked. "Theon, let me see your hand—" "YOU SHUT UP TOO!" Theon glared at Madam Yosie, his eyes filled with rage. "This is all because of your stupid introduction! I was humiliated in public because of you!" Madam Yosie fell silent. Her mouth pressed shut. She did not dare to argue. Theon was wealthy, influential, and his family was s

Thom’s words hung in the air like lightning in a clear sky. Everyone fell silent for a moment, processing what had just come out of his mouth.Frank would not become a minister?Madam Yosie was the first to break the silence. She burst into laughter.HAHAH!"What you’re saying is nonsense, Thom!" her voice rang out, nearly shouting. "Frank won’t become a minister? What kind of nonsense is that? Huh?"She turned to Frank, her hand wrapping around his arm with full confidence. "Look, Frank. He’s jealous of your achievement. That’s why he’s saying things like that. Don’t believe him. He just wants to make you uneasy before the inauguration."Frank smiled. A forced smile—but it slowly became more natural as he convinced himself that Madam Yosie was right. Thom must be jealous. There was no way Thom’s words carried any other meaning."That’s amusing," Frank said, his voice trying to sound relaxed. "You really have the nerve to say something like that in front of me—right in front of a futu

Madam Yosie was still standing beside the table, her body stiff like a statue. Her eyes could not leave Thom’s back as he moved farther away toward the main stage. "It’s impossible!" she exclaimed, her voice hoarse from restrained emotion. "How could he be the one inaugurating the ministers? He’s a nobody! He’s just my daughter’s ex-husband who was never even acknowledged!"Rachel sat beside her mother, her face pale. Her fingers tightly gripped the hem of her red dress, wrinkling the fabric. Her lips trembled, but the sound that came out was only a faint whisper. "Yes... how is that possible? Thom was never involved in politics. He never attended state events. Why is he the one inaugurating them now?"Mr. Edmund remained silent. His eyes followed Thom, who had begun stepping up the stairs toward the stage. The old man said nothing, but in his heart, there was a feeling he could not explain. Not fear. Not anger. But a kind of realization that perhaps he had misjudged his son-in-law a

Frank was escorted out of the room with his hands cuffed. His face was deathly pale, his steps unsteady, but his eyes—his eyes remained fixed on Thom. Full of hatred. Full of resentment. The fire behind his pupils burned brightly, as if he wanted to burn Thom down with nothing but his gaze.Thom did not look away. He stepped down from the stage calmly, walking toward Frank, who paused briefly as the two police officers adjusted their pace.They faced each other. Only one step apart.Thom raised his hand. With an elegant motion, not rough, not rushed, he took hold of Frank’s suit collar. Not to slap. Not to choke. Just to hold it. To straighten it. As if he were helping a brother who was about to depart for a distant place."I have never lied about what I said," Thom said, his voice low, just enough to be heard by Frank and the two officers beside him. "Remember that."Frank clenched his teeth. "You—""Enjoy the legal process, brother." Thom released Frank’s collar, smoothed a crease t