A loud, violent sound echoed from inside the house, followed by a woman's scream. Outside, the crowd fell silent. Some winced. Others looked away. But no one moved to help. Instead, the whispers resumed. As if it was normal. As if it was expected. "Look, he's hitting her again. That brute!" Veyron exhaled slowly, his fingers slowly tightening around the small bag in his hand. His expression didn't change. But the air around him grew colder, heavy and dangerous. He stepped forward. "Hey—" one of the neighbors called out instinctively. But Veyron didn't stop or spare him a glance. Another scream echoed from inside. This time, it was weaker. His gaze darkened. Six years ago, they had called him a monster. Something that shouldn't exist. And yet, people like Robert were still allowed to walk freely. Veyron reached for the door which was slightly ajar and pushed it open. Inside the house, an obese, bald man with ugly facial features grabbed a woman by the hair

Two hours later when Veyron stepped out of the hospital, night had already fallen. The city lights flickered alive.Jasmine had insisted he stay, but he refused. Her rental home was already too small for her family. Adding one more person would just be an inconvenience.He walked along the road, calm and silent. The plan was to find a hotel nearby where he could spend the night. However, he had only gone a few meters down the road when—VROOM!A luxurious car pulled up by the side. Smooth, sleek and silent. It was the latest model of Bentley Mulsanne.The door swung open and a middle-aged butler stepped out. He walked to the passenger door and respectfully opened the door with a bow.An elderly man stepped out slowly. He wore a simple robe of muted color, yet every thread spoke of refinement.The walking stick in his hand appeared plain at first glance, but its golden tip gave away information of its value.Nothing about him was flashy, yet everything about him spoke of wealth. Veyro

"Thank you… Mr Blackthorne," Iris lowered her gaze slightly as she stepped into the cab.Veyron closed the door gently."You don't have to be formal with me," he paused shortly before adding, "Silas was my brother. If you ever need any help in future, don't hesitate to let me know. I'll do my best to assist.""Okay, I'll remember that."But her voice was distant, polite, but guarded. Because deep down, she didn't believe he could help her."Drive safely," Veyron reminded the driver quietly as the car pulled away.He stood there watching, until the car disappeared.---The next morning, Iris stood in front of the Blackwell family's house. It was a beautiful, magnificent villa that spread over acres of land.However, she didn't move, because she already knew what was waiting inside. Mockery, humiliation and judgment.This wasn't home. It was a cage. She exhaled. There was no avoiding it. Thinking of this, she stepped in.---"Ah… you're finally back."The first person Iris ran into was

"But you only said I won't have to marry Julian anymore if I could successfully get Mr Rothwell to sign the contract. You didn't mention that I couldn't use any help!""You are so naive!" Victor's laughter rang out sharply. "Haha… you really thought that bet meant anything?"Iris froze, her fingers curled slowly by her side."That was just to keep you obedient," he continued in a casual tone."Whether you succeeded or not… you were always going to marry Julian."The words hit harder than any slap. Iris staggered back slightly. So, it was all a lie. All of it."Iris," Catherine chimed in with a smile, "don't look so shocked. You weren't deceived."Her gaze turned mocking. "You were just… foolish enough to believe it."The air suddenly felt suffocating for Iris."These marriage alliances," Victor added, "have always been decided by the family. You don't get a choice."His tone was calm, almost reasonable."As long as you stop your rebellious attitude and marry into the Hawthorne family,

The room fell silent and the words "Marry me" lingered in the air.Veyron stared at Iris. For the first time since they met, there was a flicker of surprise in his eyes.But she didn't look away. Her gaze remained steady and calm. Although, beneath that calm was urgency.Veyron reached for the glass of water beside the bed and took a slow drink. Not because he was thirsty. But because he needed a moment.When he lowered the glass, his expression had returned to its usual controlled and expressionless one."Are you serious?""Yes," she didn't hesitate to affirm her words. Then her eyes suddenly widened in horror. Only then did it hit her. What if he is—"You're not married… are you, Mr Blackthorne?"He shook his head once. Relief passed through her eyes, quickly and subtly. Before determination replaced it."Then marry me, Mr Blackthorne," she repeated, her voice firmer now. "We can go to the bureau of civil affairs and register our marriage today."He studied her carefully. Her breath