Dominic could not believe that Nash was actually throwing words at him here right now!He did not need anyone to point fingers at what he was doing.Nash's expression darkened as well. He pulled Nina behind him and said, "If you don't want to listen, then handle your own matters yourself. Don’t drag others into it."This could also be understood as he was stepping down as the Third Prince.And all of this was because of Nash's stance, particularly because of his relationship with Nina.Dominic pulled out his gun. As he cocked the trigger, Nash stood in front of Nina. Nash was ready to face death.Dominic was ruthless, but Nash had recovered and was still his most valued child. He could not just shoot Nash dead."It seems like you’re determined to be with her, even if it kills you. Fine, if she wants to be your wife, then she has to fulfill the duties of a wife. Being the wife of the Third Prince of Salterra isn’t that easy!" Dominic glared at Nina, his words cold and sharp.Nin
Nina was fearless, but Nash held her hand tightly. Although Dominic did not say anything, Nina noticed the cold fury in his eyes, making him look like a demon emerging from hell.As the ruler of a nation, Dominic was not accustomed to anyone speaking to him in such a tone, except during wartime."You’d better pray you don’t end up alone..."Before Dominic could finish his sentence, Nash angrily cut him off. "If you want to kill her, you'll have to kill me first!"Determination flashed in Nash’s eyes, spreading through his entire being in an instant.Dominic did not respond. His lips pressed into a straight line as he stared at Nash for a few seconds before finally turning and leaving.After Dominic left, Nina grasped Nash’s hand. "Maybe you should go back to Salterra and follow your father’s plan...""Nina, I wanted to wait until everything was settled. Because of uncontrollable circumstances, I couldn’t be by your side. But now, at this point, I can’t leave you because... you’r
For now, the only option was to coax him into eating a bit more. Thankfully, Micah’s words seemed to work. However, apart from eating, Orion remained completely silent.Micah watched Orion, hesitating for a moment before dialing Wilfred’s number. Wilfred quickly answered, "Mr. Micah."Micah said, "Nina has been helping a little boy, but he won't speak. I have a feeling something's wrong. Are you in Salterra? If so, come over and take a look at him."Since Nina had come to Salterra as a war journalist, Wilfred had also relocated and opened a small clinic to treat the local residents. Knowing how devoted Wilfred was to Nina, the Pharaoh had even helped Wilfred regain a civilian identity."Yes, I’ll come right away."Although Wilfred was usually busy treating patients at his clinic, he would always make time to see Nina. But Nina was often unavailable, and he did not want to impose, so he always asked her first before visiting. Lately, though, she had not been responding to his mes
Wilfred’s eyes widened in shock. "I was summoned by the military and just got out today."Micah understood immediately. He then signaled with a look, "Just do the DNA test between him and me.""Alright."However, when Wilfred tried to draw Orion’s blood, the boy resisted fiercely, clenching his teeth like a cornered wild animal.Orion quickly fled.Micah tried to calm him down, saying, "We just need to run some tests to make sure you’re not sick. We’re Nina’s friends, and we mean no harm.""You… liar!" Orion struggled to speak.Micah was taken aback. He had not expected Orion to talk but he was determined to get an answer now.Just as he was about to catch Orion, the boy ran straight into someone’s arms. Micah looked closely and realized it was Nina.Standing beside her was a man, about six-foot-three, wearing a black mask. From his sharp, cold eyes, Micah recognized him instantly.He blurted out, "Nash?""It’s me," Nash replied in a low, hoarse voice.He and Nina had rushe
Nina held Orion's hand and led him to find something to eat. She had made up her mind. She would resign from her position as a war journalist and take Orion back to Birkham to live a normal life. When the time came, Orion would go to school, and she would work to support them.Nash noticed that Nina was preoccupied and did not press further.Meanwhile, although Wilfred had come to understand everything, the heavy expression on his face said it all. When Nash was presumed "dead," Wilfred thought he might have a chance. But despite his efforts over the past five years, Nina had never allowed him into her heart.Now that Nash was alive and their child was too, Wilfred knew he had even less of a chance. But all he wanted was for Nina to be happy.Micah, who had always stood by Nina’s side, was ready to support her no matter who she chose."I’m warning you, don’t let your love turn into hatred. If you even think about disrupting Nina and Nash’s relationship, I won’t let you off eas
Nash walked up to Nina, a gentle smile on his lips. "Nina, let’s remarry."Let’s go back to Birkham together."Nash had made up his mind.The idea of reuniting their family was something Nina had only dreamed of, and now that it was slowly becoming a reality.It felt almost unreal to her. She reached out, instinctively touching Nash’s face, feeling the tangible warmth of his skin.Her throat tightened with emotion.At that moment, Orion suddenly collapsed, convulsing in pain, his face twisted in agony."Orion!" Nina screamed.Previously, when Orion had shown signs of distress, Nina’s concern was driven by compassion. But now, it was a mother’s worry for her child.Nina cradled Orion in her arms, her whole body trembling.Wilfred quickly approached. "Nina, let me take him. I’ll treat him!"Reluctantly, Nina released her hold on Orion.But Nash suddenly realized something important. Back when Orion was with his father, he had specific meals at regular intervals, including a s
"Alright." Wilfred responded immediately, but Nina was not on board. Just as she was about to object, Wilfred grabbed her arm."Nina, in this situation, even if you chase after them, it won’t do any good."Let Nash handle everything. Don’t worry, as long as I’m here, no matter what antidote is needed, I’ll make sure to get it for you," Wilfred said firmly, pressing his lips together in determination. He was resolute, even if it meant becoming the "healer" once again.Nina knew Wilfred would help, but her concern for Orion was overwhelming. A child of just five years old, yet he was enduring such intense suffering.She wished she could take his pain upon herself. But she also understood that giving in to grief would not help. She had to push those feelings aside.Meanwhile, Nash had taken Orion to his father. Dominic had anticipated Nash’s return, but he had not expected him to bring Orion along."You sent the child away before, so why are you bringing him back now? Do you think
Voices of discussion grew louder around them.Dominic stood there with his expression unchanged.Nash held Orion tightly, saying nothing, but his eyes conveyed everything. He had not wanted it to come to this, but today, Dominic had forced his hand."Give me the antidote. I have always been a citizen of Birkham. I’m here only because you saved me. I’ve been looking for a way to return.""Mr. President! We can’t let a Birkham citizen remain here!""Mr. President, please reconsider!"These were the voices of Dominic’s closest advisors.Dominic stared at Nash, his expression cold and calculating. Nash, however, remained resolute, convinced that his actions were the only way to resolve the situation."Don’t forget, your roots are here! If it weren’t for me, you would have been buried in a cold, icy river long ago! Nash…""Of course, I haven’t forgotten. But don’t you forget that I was once a military captain of Birkham. If you want Birkham’s military to attack Salterra, then go ah
Yelena quickly lowered her arm, letting her sleeve fall over the mark to cover it. “It’s nothing. Here’s your cocktail. Please enjoy.” “Yelena.” Hunter grabbed her wrist without warning. He pulled up her sleeve, revealing the deep, ugly scars on her arm. His brows knitted together instantly. “Who did this to you?” The force behind it was brutal—downright inhuman. Yelena remained silent. Who else could have done this besides Liam? But she had agreed to this. She had willingly accepted Hunter’s request and entered Liam’s world. She had no right to complain. Her silence gave Hunter all the confirmation he needed. “Liam did this to you, didn’t he?” Yelena nodded. “It’s nothing. The wounds have already started healing. They look worse than they feel. Give it some time, and they’ll fade.” “Wait here.” Hunter stood abruptly and walked away. Yelena had no idea what he was doing, but since he told her to wait, she didn’t argue. A few minu
Then again, it made sense. How could a normal person possibly empathize with a lunatic? If Yelena could understand Liam, that would make her just as twisted. *For the next few days, Yelena stayed home to recover. During that time, Liam came back a few times, bringing her flowers and food. Like a child showing off a treasure, he placed the food in front of her. “Yelena, these are your favorite honey crullers. I got them fresh from the bakery. Try them and see if you like them.” “I’m not really hungry.” She didn’t want to eat anything he gave her. She couldn’t even stand looking at him. But she had made a promise. So, she had to force herself to stay. Liam’s expression darkened. “Are you really not hungry, or do you just not want to eat what I give you?” For someone like him, once he had lost his temper once, the second time would only come faster and smoother. With a heavy thud, he slammed the honey crullers onto the table. “Yes, I hit y
If Liam had been a normal person, Hunter never would have sent her here in the first place. But of course, Yelena could only think that. She wasn’t suicidal enough to say it out loud. Instead, she reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. “I was really just messaging an old classmate. If you don’t believe me, go ahead—check my phone.” She wasn’t worried. Whenever she contacted Hunter, she deleted each message immediately. She had even forged an entire fake conversation just in case Liam ever got suspicious. So, no matter how thoroughly he checked, there would be nothing for him to find. Liam narrowed his eyes. “Is that so? Then why do I still feel like you’re lying? Women like you—nothing but liars, every last one of you.” Then, he struck her again. Yelena screamed. The pain was relentless, merciless. She had no idea how long it lasted—only that by the time he finally stopped, she was barely breathing. Her body slumped against the floor
Suddenly, footsteps sounded behind Yelena. She spun around, her heart hammering in her chest. Liam was walking toward her, a faint smile on his lips—but the coldness in his eyes told a different story. Memories of his past cruelty flashed through her mind, sending a shudder down her spine. She forced herself to stay calm. “Who are you messaging?” He was getting closer. So close that when he finally stopped, they were nearly pressed against each other. Then, without warning, his fingers clamped around her chin, gripping tighter and tighter. Pain shot through her jaw, and Yelena winced. “No one. Just an old classmate. I ran into her a few days ago while I was out.” “Oh? Is that so?” Liam’s voice softened, almost gentle. To anyone watching, he might have seemed like a kind, easygoing man. But Yelena knew better. He would never let her off that easily. And sure enough— In the next second, he grabbed a fistful of her hair and yanked her hea
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.“Haven’t I been just fine lately?“Or do you think my hand isn’t injured enough? If that’s the case, go ahead—do it yourself. “You already know I wouldn’t fight back no matter what.” Without warning, Yelena stretched out her injured hand, an act that instantly enraged Liam. “What the hell is wrong with you?” He snapped. “I was just making a casual remark. Is that really what you think of me? I already told you—I’m not going to lay a hand on you.“It wasn’t intentional before, and you know it. We both do. Stop acting like you’re above all this when we both know who sent you here.” Yelena felt a pang of sadness. They had spent so much time together, yet this was how he treated her—always choosing to hurt her. “I know—I wasn’t someone you chose, and none of this was intentional. But after all this time we've spent together...“I thought maybe I was a little different to you. But I guess I was wrong. Nothing has changed at all.
“Why do you even care about what happens to other people? Haven’t I made myself clear enough already?“Whose card is this—yours or mine?” His assistant immediately apologized upon hearing Caleb’s tone. “I hope you won’t hold this against me. I really wasn’t thinking clearly at the time—I should have considered this more carefully.” Caleb didn’t bother responding. After hanging up, he focused entirely on investigating Vera’s brother. *Meanwhile, Vera was deeply worried. If things had been somewhat under control before, now they were completely off track. The situation on both sides was far more complicated than she had anticipated. “Don’t worry. That’s exactly how it is. If you don’t want to go in person, I can go for you—but it won’t be cheap,” the private investigator said.Since Caleb had warned her about the private investigator, Vera started testing him, probing for inconsistencies. And sure enough, his story had too many holes. “Why are you so sure my b
As Caleb spoke, he looked at Vera with a hint of helplessness. After all, her hand had been injured because of Luna. “Don’t feel guilty about this. Honestly, it’s nothing to me.“And I’m not the type to carry burdens over things like this.“Besides, it’s been so long. If this had happened back then, I might have cared. But now? I just don’t think it matters anymore.” Vera’s voice was steady and sincere. But Caleb’s expression darkened. “Why would you say that? Why do you think it doesn’t matter? Do you really see me as just the same as everyone else?” For some reason, at this moment, Caleb took it personally. Vera couldn’t help but laugh. “Of course not. You’re different from the rest—so obviously, I wouldn’t see it the same way.“You’ve helped me so much. The least I can do is acknowledge that, instead of stubbornly nitpicking about what’s right or wrong, don’t you think?“Besides, whatever happened between you and Luna, that’s none of my business. It’s in
“I didn’t mean to just now. Besides, you’ve been acting all sneaky lately—so really, who else is to blame?” Seeing Yelena in tears, Liam, who had been furious just moments ago, felt a small pang of guilt. He was never good at expressing emotions. But watching her like this made him a little uncomfortable. “Go get your hand treated. Otherwise, people who don’t know any better might think I’ve been abusing you.” With that, he turned and walked away. Yelena watched his retreating figure, feeling a bit helpless. This wasn’t something she could decide on her own. Installing surveillance? It wasn’t as easy as it sounded. Liam was naturally suspicious. If he caught wind of it, the consequences would be disastrous. But she had no choice. She had a mission to complete, and there was more at stake than just this moment. Letting out a deep sigh, she finally decided to head to a clinic to get her hand treated. *“What happened to you? That’s a serious injury. You
And just like that, the conversation fell into a brief silence. Meanwhile, on the other side, Hunter received a call from Yelena. “What did you just say?” Yelena told him that her hand was broken, and on top of that, Liam seemed to be getting suspicious. She wasn’t sure what to do, so she called Hunter for advice. “I don’t really care what happens to you, but at the very least, take care of yourself.“Otherwise, if something else goes wrong later, I’ll have to step in and clean up the mess. Don’t you think so?” Hearing this, Yelena was a little taken aback. “It’s not just about my injury. The real problem is, I’m scared of what he might do now.” Sure, she had taken the two hundred thousand dollars, but she had to stay alive to spend it. At this rate, she wouldn’t even make it through in one piece. “I already told you—protect yourself. If you need anything else, I’ll try to provide it. But right now, I need you to do something for me.” Hunter had been look