The soldiers paved a way as Rowan approached, and the entire passage seemed to change with his arrival. He did not hurry, nor did he need to. The military personnel opened a clear path for him as he walked through them with the confidence of a man who believed his authority was beyond question. His polished shoes struck the tiled floor with steady clicks, while his expensive military regalia looked even richer and more luxurious than the uniform Hawthorne himself had worn when he held the same position. When Rowan finally stopped, he stood face to face with Hawthorne. His eyes carried a poisonous, mocking look as he stared directly into Hawthorne's eyes, but Hawthorne remained completely unshaken. He stared back without blinking. As he studied Rowan, he noticed how much the man had changed. Rowan looked wealthier and fresher than before, and his body had become broader and more built, though he still carried a moderate frame rather than an enormous one. His sleek hair was careful

Hawthorne’s question remained hanging in the tense passage, but Irene did not answer immediately. She sighed deeply, almost as though his words had become an exhausting burden, then slowly turned her cold eyes toward him. “What will you even do if I tell you?” she asked. “Are you asking because you think you will do something? At the end of the day, what exactly will you do?” Hawthorne’s face remained still, but his heart tightened painfully. Irene gave a faint, mocking smile. “Anyway, I will tell you because I know you won’t do anything. Why should I hide it from you? I’m supposed to tell you what made me proud of my beloved darling.” She tightened her fingers around Rowan’s hand. “The motive is simple. I’m in love with him because I truly love him. He is more handsome than you, and he even has enough money to take care of me. In fact, I’m emotionally attached to him. There is no person who can separate us. Not even worthless and useless man like you.” Hawthorne’s chest rose s

The moment Rowan raised his hand, his face turned red with rage. His chest rose and fell heavily as he stared at Hawthorne, and for several seconds, he looked as though he was about to charge straight at him. The humiliation in Hawthorne’s words had struck a nerve, especially because the soldiers around them had heard almost everything. Rowan clenched his fists and took a step forward, his anger almost impossible to control.“Enough!” Rowan roared. “How dare you speak to me like that? You still think you can come here and challenge me?”He was about to move again when Irene quietly grabbed his arm and pulled him back. “Don’t bother yourself, darling,” she said coldly. “Let me do exactly what I’m capable of doing.”Rowan stopped and looked at her. His breathing was still heavy, but he eventually allowed himself to step back. “Irene…”“Leave him to me,” she interrupted. “I cannot stand here and watch him insult you.”Rowan remained silent, his eyes burning with fury as Irene turned awa