?Chapter 633:


    Cole absorbed Irene’s outburst inplete silence, his expression revealing nothing of his thoughts. He then deliberately ignored her entirely, raising his gaze to lock eyes with Jason. His tone carried the weight of absolute finality. “I strongly advise you to abandon the notion of marrying Death Thornpletely.”


    As Cole’s words hung in the air, Jason showed little emotion, merely knitting his brows as he met Cole’s gaze.


    Irene, on the other hand, erupted. “Why should Jason have to give up on the idea of marrying Death Thorn?” she shouted, her finger trembling as she jabbed it at Cole. “You’re just envious! Ever since people started saying Jason might take your ce, you’ve been bitter and on edge. Now that Death Thorn is interested in him, you’re desperate for a reason to stop it. You’re determined to ruin this!”


    No sooner had Irene spoken than Ruben mmed his fist down on the table.


    “Enough!”


    Irene recoiled, immediately falling silent.


    Ruben snapped sharply, “Cole is the sessor I have trained myself. Every choice he makes is meant for this family’s benefit. How dare you nder him?”


    With her confidence shattered, Irene shrank back and spoke in a small voice. “I… I meant no disrespect,” she stammered. “All I want is what’s good for Jason. I just hope he finds a wonderful wife.”


    A dismissive snort came from Ruben as he waved her off and then rounded on Bertram with barely contained anger. “You spend all your time fussing over that pointless antique shop of yours. Maybe it’s about time you learned to manage your household!”


    There was no mistaking the message—Bertram should have a serious talk with Irene and prevent a repeat of this outburst.


    A wave of embarrassment overtook Bertram. His cheeks flushed as he shot Irene a fierce look. “Go upstairs. Right now,” he hissed.


    Usually, Irene would have hurried away without another word, but this time, she didn’t budge. “I’m Jason’s mother. Shouldn’t I get a say in the discussion of who my son might marry?”


    Watching her, Cole kept his face unreadable. “Of course, you have a say in your son’s marriage. No one can argue with that,” he replied in a level voice. “Buttely, I’ve noticed you’ve been quick-tempered, much more than before. I have to wonder what’s brought on such a change. Maybe you’ve found some new, powerful support?”


    His words hummed with an unspoken subtext.


    Irene had always been deeply afraid of Cole. In the past, the idea of standing up to him or daring to call him out in front of everyone would never have crossed her mind. Lately, her actions had be more impulsive with each passing day.


    Cole’s sharp instincts missed nothing. During his recovery, he had already managed to piece together the truth behind the Phantom Mercenaries’ ambush in Podgend. He chose to hold back for now, for the sake of Jason, who was known for his unwavering loyalty. To prove that allegiance, Jason had killed Lanny with his own hands—a man who had served him faithfully for twenty years. A cousin like Jason deserved to be shielded from the worst.


    Facing Cole’s unyielding stare, Irene felt an icy wave of unease creep over her.


    She feared he could see right through her calm fa?ade, worried that he already knew she was the one behind the Phantom Mercenaries’ assassination attempt.


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