South City Police Station was unusually busy that morning, with officers moving through the corridors carrying files, answering ringing telephones, and occasionally glancing toward the reception area where several civilians waited for their cases to be handled. Yet despite the ordinary activity surrounding them, the arrival of Kade and Elara immediately drew attention. Two officers escorted them through the station and into the office of the head officer, where a middle-aged man wearing a pair of rectangular glasses sat behind a large wooden desk covered with documents. His expression was stern and professional, but the moment his eyes landed on Elara, a faint look of recognition appeared across his face. Kade’s handcuffs were removed as he entered the office.“Miss Elara Voss,” he said, leaning back in his chair as he studied her. “You used to be one of the most respected young women in South City. Your family name carried considerable weight, and everyone knew you as the acting dire

The officer didn’t bother responding to Kade’s question. His expression remained cold and dismissive as he turned toward the other officers and gave them a simple command. “Take him away.” The moment those words left his mouth, two officers immediately stepped forward, grabbing Kade by the arms before leading him out of the room. Elara watched in disbelief as they dragged him toward the station’s exit, her heart pounding violently in her chest. She knew something was terribly wrong. None of this felt like justice. The entire situation had been manipulated from the beginning, and now they were trying to send Kade back to the very place he had spent years escaping from.“Kade!” Elara called after him, quickly turning toward the officer. “Wait! You can’t do this!” She rushed after them for a few steps before the officers blocked her path. “He’s innocent! He didn’t attack Ramon first. His men attacked us, and Kade only defended me. That was self-defense. You need to investigate what actua

As she left, the officer waited until Elara had completely disappeared from sight before reaching into his pocket and pulling out his phone. He glanced around the office to make sure none of the other officers were close enough to overhear him, then dialed a number he had saved under a discreet name. The call was answered after only a few rings. “It’s done,” the officer said quietly, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. “Everything went exactly as you planned. The boy has been taken away, and the girl has been released.” There was a brief silence on the other end before Mark Knox’s amused voice came through. “Good,” Mark replied, sounding pleased with himself. “Now she’ll have no choice but to come begging.” He chuckled, clearly enjoying the thought. “That woman has spent too long thinking she can reject me and still live comfortably. Let’s see how proud she is when she realizes she has nobody left to turn to.” The officer laughed softly in agreement. “Yes, I’m sure she’ll co

Beatrice immediately scoffed. “Unbelievable.”Elara ignored her.The next moment, she slowly lowered herself onto her knees.Vivian’s eyes widened slightly as Elara bowed her head.“Grandma, please.”“Elara…”“Please help Kade.” Her voice trembled as tears began gathering in her eyes. “I’m sorry for disobeying you. I’m sorry for everything I’ve done. I know I made mistakes, but please, Grandma, don’t let him go back to Tartarus. I’ll do anything you want. Just help him.”Beatrice stared at her in disgust. “Look at you. Kneeling on the floor and begging because of some nobody. You’ve really become shameless, Elara.”Brent shook his head with disappointment. “I’m honestly ashamed to be related to you.”Elara heard every word, but none of them mattered anymore.She moved closer to Vivian until she was directly in front of her grandmother’s chair. Her hands trembled as she reached forward and gently held Vivian’s feet.“Please, Grandma.”Her tears finally fell.“You’re the only person who

Elara wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand. “Then… please help him.” “Oh, I will.” Vivian’s smile deepened. “You chose correctly.” Elara lowered her gaze, trying to steady her breathing. She had just traded away her future, her freedom, and perhaps the chance to ever decide whom she wanted to spend her life with. Yet she kept telling herself that it was worth it. Kade would be free. That was what mattered. Then Vivian glanced toward the entrance as though expecting someone. “Fortunately, Mark should be arriving any moment now. He already prepared the engagement nullification documents. Once you sign them, your engagement to Kade will officially be over.” Elara’s heart tightened at those words. She knew the engagement had never been a normal one. It had been arranged years ago by her grandfather and Kade’s master when they were children, a promise made between two powerful families before either of them had any say in the matter. She and Kade had even discussed ending it t