?<strong>Chapter 1037:</strong>


    The ne had never been hers, despite all her efforts.


    Yet, Ken had given it to Allison, a woman she considered unworthy. “You dare toy im to this ne?” Ken’s voice sliced through her facade, his expression shadowed with contempt. “Don’t forget the disgraceful way you slept your way in here.”


    Nova’s lips tightened, her humiliation palpable.


    The unspoken truth was known to all — she had be Brook’s mistress before Gianna’s death.


    Hearing this, Nova really wanted to shoot back, a sh of viciousness appearing in her eyes.


    But she swallowed her pride, enduring the humiliation.


    “Ken, I know you resent me. I made mistakes, and I won’t deny them. But your father and I genuinely care for one another. I hope you can understand.”


    Nova’s demeanor remainedposed, her mask of benevolence intact. Her voice carried a tone of gentle resignation, yet it subtly hinted at judgment.


    “Ms. rke, regardless of how you obtained it, you should know that ne is a significant heirloom of the Lloyd family. It’s only right that you return it.”


    Though her words seemed polite, the implication was clear — if she, Nova, wasn’t deemed worthy of such a treasure, then someone like Allison, a mere orphan, had no im to it at all.


    Ken’s patience had already worn thin.


    His gaze hardened, and his voice wasced with venom.


    “What gives you the authority to demand something I chose to give away?” he asked, his expression darkening with a lethal edge. “This is my final warning. Take your people and get out of here.”


    “Ken, you’ve misunderstood. Dr. Swain isn’t associated with me. You’re the one who brought him on board.” Nova turned to Brook with an aggrieved look. “I’m only…


    “Concerned because this ne is far too valuable. Ms. rke is still young. What if she doesn’t handle it properly?”


    “Enough!” Brook’s sharp voice cut through the room, his face clouded with displeasure.


    While it was clear to him that today’s events had an unusual undercurrent, one thing was certain — the ne should never have been given to someone like Allison so easily.


    So he still stood up for Nova and reproached Ken. “You shouldn’t have given away our family heirloom on a whim.” He signaled to the ck-suited bodyguard standing nearby. “Retrieve it,” Brook ordered curtly.


    The bodyguard wasted no time, advancing toward Allison with firm, measured steps.


    “Ms. rke, excuse me,” he said, though his tone was devoid of genuine courtesy.


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