The heavy doors of the meeting room creaked open, breaking the tense silence that had settled over the military arena. All eyes turned toward the entrance as the jury members emerged first, their expressions grave. Following closely behind them were the civilian officials, their faces unreadable, their movements swift as they stepped back into the open.Calen watched in silence, his sharp instincts sensing that something was off. The officials from the civilian government exchanged brief words with each other, but whatever was said was lost in the muted hum of the crowd. They did not linger. Without a glance toward the assembled soldiers and officers, they strode toward the exit, disappearing as quickly as they had come.A shadow passed over Calen’s thoughts. What was their role in this? he wondered. Why were they even here?But there was no time for answers. His gaze shifted to the VIP section, where General Ironheart had taken his seat. The imposing leader of the military sat stiffl

Elijah's jaw tightened as the sound of applause continued to fill the arena, each clap a painful reminder that things were slipping out of his control. He cast a sharp glance at Marylin and Lila."Let’s leave. Now," he said in a low, urgent voice. "Don’t stop, don’t look back." His expression darkened as he added, "They’re watching us. Gossiping. Judging. We must not give them anything more to talk about. Hurry."Without another word, he turned on his heel and strode toward the exit. Marylin and Lila followed swiftly, quickening their pace to match his. Their finely tailored garments rustled with each hurried step, but no matter how fast they walked, they couldn’t outrun the whispers.Soft murmurs followed them."Did you see their faces?""They didn’t expect that, did they?""Poor Evan Drake... his future father-in-law must be fuming.""They underestimated him—Calen Storm. That man should’ve been promoted far beyond second lieutenant. Everyone knows it."Marylin’s grip tightened around

The grand estate of House Frost was unusually busy that evening. Servants moved in a flurry of activity, preparing an elaborate dinner as if expecting a guest of noble status. Silverware gleamed under the glow of chandeliers, crystal goblets were polished to perfection, and the rich aroma of roasted meats and spiced wine filled the air.Yet, despite all this effort, only one guest was expected. And it was not a noble.Lila watched the preparations with a deepening frown. She had spent her life seeing this household host the most powerful and influential people in the city—dukes, council members, military leaders. But never had she seen them prepare with such precision for someone they openly despised."Mother," Lila finally spoke, turning to Marylin, who stood nearby overseeing the final touches. "What does Father want? What is he planning?"Marylin’s expression was unreadable. She smoothed a hand over the pearls adorning her neck before sighing. "I wish I knew."Lila arched a brow. "

A tense silence hung in the air like a storm about to break. The candlelight flickered, casting shadows across the long dining table, but even the warmth of the fire could not thaw the chill that suddenly gripped the room.Marylin, impatient as ever, broke the stillness first. Her carefully composed smile thinned as she leaned slightly forward. "Well, Calen?" her voice was laced with urgency. "Do you agree?"Elijah’s smirk deepened at her insistence, but he said nothing, only watching Calen with an amused gleam in his eyes.Marylin continued, her tone coaxing yet firm. "If you agree, you must clear Lila and Evan’s names first. Once that is done, we will grant you the rank you desire."At the snap of Elijah’s fingers, a servant stepped forward soundlessly, placing a neatly prepared contract on the table before Calen, along with an elegant silver pen.Elijah gestured at the document, his voice smooth and confident. "I have already prepared the agreement. Everything is in writing." His f

Before Marylin could utter a single word, the soft sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway. A moment later, Lila stepped into view. She had just returned from the powder room, smoothing the fabric of her dress when her gaze landed on Evan. Surprise flickered across her delicate features, quickly followed by a hint of apprehension.“Evan?” Her voice held both confusion and wariness. “What are you doing here?”Evan’s sharp eyes locked onto her, dark with unspoken frustration. His presence was tense, his shoulders squared as though he were bracing for battle.“Why?” His voice was edged with accusation. “You don’t like seeing your fiancé here? Because you just finished meeting with your ex-husband?”Lila inhaled sharply, closing her eyes for a brief moment. A part of her had expected this reaction from Evan—he had always been possessive when it came to Calen, always insecure despite his outward confidence. But tonight, she was in no mood to entertain his jealousy.With a quiet sigh,