Ethan folded his arms, smirking arrogantly as he glanced at Christopher. To him, the man was nothing but a broke fool bluffing to look powerful. He scoffed silently, thinking Christopher was all talk — a man playing hero in front of his wife to save face.But Christopher’s mind was far from their petty arrogance. Since returning to Lisle City, he had seen too many of these kinds of men — loud, ignorant, and obsessed with power they didn’t truly understand. If it weren’t for Faith’s surgery, he might have taken some amusement in watching how these two buffoons would crumble when faced with reality. Unfortunately, his patience was already wearing thin.Just as he was about to order Leon to throw them out of the hospital entirely, a commotion arose at the end of the corridor. A heavyset man appeared, his large belly straining against the buttons of his white shirt as he waddled forward, surrounded by a dozen uniformed security guards. The man’s steps were quick and purposeful, and his fa

“The surgery was a success. Your daughter is going to be fine,” the doctor said with a relieved smile.Anna’s hands flew to her mouth. “Really?” Her voice trembled as she stepped forward.From inside the operating room, Faith was wheeled out by a few nurses—her face pale, lips slightly parted, but breathing steadily. The rhythmic beeping of the monitor was the sweetest sound Anna had ever heard.“Faith…” Anna’s voice cracked as she hurried to the door. “Hope, are you okay?”The doctor raised a hand gently, signaling her to stay back. “Mrs. Christopher, please don’t disturb her yet. Your daughter is still under anesthesia.”Anna froze, tears already welling in her eyes.Christopher stepped closer, his gaze softening as he looked down at Faith. He brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead, his voice low and steady.“I know,” he murmured. “Faith is a strong girl. She always has been.”Seeing her daughter’s fragile, sleeping form made Anna’s heart ache. “Sweetheart…” she whispered, h

“What are you all doing here?”Anna asked with surprise as she approached the entrance of the grand banquet hall, where the members of the Lancaster and Dorne families stood gathered. The commotion had caught her attention from afar, out of curiosity she went closer.She stopped in front of them, her brows furrowing in confusion as she took in their dark, uneasy expressions.“Anna, are you and your family here for the banquet too?” Ethan stepped forward, asking with sarcasm.Anna raised an eyebrow. “Certainly. Why do you ask?” Her gaze flicked down to Ethan’s leg. “What happened to you? Did you offend someone and end up with a broken leg?”The color drained from Ethan’s face. He clenched his fists and pressed his lips tightly together, humiliated. He didn’t dare respond.“Who invited you here?” Hunter Dorne suddenly barked, his face twisting in anger. “Get out of here before you embarrass the Dorne family any further!”“Exactly, Howard,” Harold Lancaster added sharply, his tone full o

Once more, a thunderous roar filled the air.The ground quaked as three military helicopters sliced through the night sky, their powerful searchlights sweeping across the grounds like divine judgment. The furious beat of their propellers whipped up a violent wind that sent dresses fluttering, champagne glasses shattering, and guests stumbling backward to keep their balance.Gasps and shrieks echoed as the massive transport helicopter—a steel beast marked with the imperial insignia—descended slowly from the heavens. The downwash of the rotors stirred dust and leaves into a storm, forcing people to shield their faces.The dazzling lights pouring from the aircraft illuminated the castle’s courtyard until it gleamed as bright as day.Then—THUD!The helicopter landed with a weighty finality, shaking the earth beneath everyone’s feet.In perfect synchronization, over a hundred soldiers marched forward from the surrounding armored vehicles, forming sharp lines before the landing zone. Then

“Who is he, really?” someone murmured.“I heard he bought out the entire Dorne estate in one day.”“No, no—you’ve got it wrong. He’s just a silent investor, nothing more.”Before the gossip could swell any further, Leon stepped forward and walked to the center of the banquet hall.Anna’s heart skipped.That face. She remembered him instantly—the man who stood beside Christopher not long ago.If Leon is here… then…Her eyes instinctively drifted toward Christopher, seated calmly in the corner, sipping his drink. He didn’t flinch. Leon reached for the microphone, “Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, “allow me to introduce myself.”He straightened his uniform slightly and smiled. “I’m General Leon, perhaps you’ve seen me on TV or in the newspapers. I serve in the National Security Corps—and recently, I’ve been assigned to a rather… unique role.”The crowd collectively leaned forward.Leon’s gaze sharpened. “I currently serve as the chief security personnel for a very special individual.”