032: Caught

It was a miserable sight. Ivan rushed to Iris’s side, dismissing Derek's perspective entirely. His nephew’s eyes burned with contempt, a silent challenge simmering in the air as if Ivan needed to reassert his dominance. Derek remained unfazed, his expression cold and detached. Without a word, he turned to leave, his intention clear—he would head to Autumn’s ward.

But Ivan moved swiftly, stepping into Derek’s path, blocking his way. The tension between them crackled like a live wire.

"You've been spending way too much time with my wife, don't you think?" Ivan’s voice was low, laced with a dangerous edge. Derek’s gaze flickered to Iris, who lay feigning sleep, her breathing uneven and unconvincing.

"Isn't that better?" Derek’s voice, deep and smooth, carried a hint of mockery. He tilted his head slightly, eyes narrowing. "You can have your mistress, and your wife doesn’t have to worry about your affair. Everyone’s happy, aren’t they?"

Ivan's grip on Iris tightened involuntarily, his kn