<b>62</b><b>% </b>


    s


    Everyone had understood their purpose tonight. They came to curry favor and forge ties with Han Ingram. Instead, it was painfully clear that what they’d earned was his disdain.


    Sweat gathered on Trent’s brow. Though Han was younger, the weight of his gaze carried an oppressive force that made Trent’s spine stiffen.


    Suddenly, Yorick’s voice rang out, loud and indignant. “It’s ridiculous topare the dead to the living! One person collecting the ashes is enough. Sidonic’s mother twisted her ankle. It could’ve been serious! Trent was just trying to do the right thing!”


    A sh of fury flickered in Han’s eyes. He stood and crossed the room until he was face–to–face with Yorick. His voice was low, sharp <i>as </i>a de. “Repeat what you just said.”


    Still oblivious to the shift in atmosphere, Yorick shrugged casually. “I’m just saying,e on, it’s been three years since Quinn’s parents passed. You can’t expect Trent to drop everything for that. He was helping someone who was actually hurt.”


    p!


    The sound of a p cut through the room like a gunshot. Yorick reeled from the force of it, stumbling backward and nearly crashing into the tea table behind him.


    “Mr. Ingram, don’t you think you’re going too far?” Trent finally stepped in. After all, Yorick was his friend.


    Han turned, his expression twisted with fury. “Too far?” he snapped. “Hell, I haven’t even hit him enough!”


    Without warning, he drove a swift, brutal kick into Yorick’s side, sending him crashing to the ground.


    Yorick groaned, trying to scramble upright, but Han stepped forward and nted a boot squarely on his chest, pinning him in ce.


    Trent rushed forward, rmed. “Mr. Ingram, what are you doing?”


    “What am I doing?” Han’s voice was low and venomous. “Putting down a beast. Only animals say things like that. He has no right to speak about Quinn’s parents. None.”


    Yorick gasped beneath the weight, still defiant. “What’s so wrong with what I said? I can’t even talk about Quinn’s parents now? What’s so great about her anyway? She’s been married to Trent for three years, and what has she done? She lives off him and contributes nothing. Anyone with eyes can see Sidonie’s the better choice. Mr. Ingram, surely you’re not getting swept up in rumors and pitying that woman? Quinn’s- not worth your sympathy!” His voice shook, but he pushed on, trying to salvage pride or perhaps curry favor with Trent.


    After all, his small business only stayed afloat because of the contracts and projects funneled to him through Trent’spany.


    “““Haha… Hahaha…” Hanughed bitterly, the soundced with fury.


    In Yorick’s mouth, Quinn, the woman Han held in the highest regard, had been reduced to nothing.”


    |||


    O


    s


    What made it even more absurd was Trent’s silence. Her own husband hadn’t uttered a single word in her defense.


    “Do you


    also think your wife doesn’t measure up to Sidonie?” Han asked coldly, his gaze like ice boring into Trent.


    Trent hesitated. “In terms of temperament and ability, Quinn does fall shortpared to Sidonie. But regardless, she’s my wife. Even if shecks certain strengths, I don’t mind.”


    Han removed his foot from Yorick’s chest and turned to Trent, his expression frigid. “What do you even know about her abilities? Without her help, do you really think your littlepany could’ve gone public in just three years?”


    “That’s because Trent has sharp instincts and excellent judgment. His ability speaks for itself,” Sidonie interjected smoothly.


    Han’s eyes remained fixed on Trent. Trent didn’t respond. His silence spoke volumes. It was clear he agreed.


    After all, he believed he had built his sess entirely on his own.


    Han sneered. “Trent, without Quinn, you’d be nothing. The vision and skills you’re so proud of? All made possible because of her support.”


    “What?” Trent blinked, visibly caught off guard.


    Sidonie’s expression tightened. “Mr. Ingram, even if you’re trying to defend Quinn, that doesn’t give you the right to insult Trent like this.”


    “Exactly,” Yorick added, his voice weaker than before as he gingerly straightened up. “What could Quinn have possibly done to help Trent?”


    Han’s eyes


    narrowed as he swept a cold, contemptuous nce across the room. “What could she have done? Back when she served in the military, her researchpletely overhauled and upgraded the security systems. And when it came to drone technology, she wasn’t just skilled; she was the leading expert. If she hadn’t retired, there’s no telling how many awards she’d have racked up by now.”


    As soon as Han finished speaking, the room fell into stunned silence.


    -Yorick’s eyes widened in disbelief. “That’s impossible… How could Quinn have that kind of capability?”


    Han shot him a look, his voiceced with disdain. “Do I look like someone who needs to lie?”


    No one dared respond. Everyone in the room knew that Han, heir to one of the most powerful f in the country, wouldn’t fabricate a story just to defend Quinn.


    Trent’s expression darkened with embarrassment. Han’s words had, in front of everyone, exposed the unspoken truth: that much of Grafton Technologies‘ sess was rooted in Quinn’s unseen contributions. It was because of her that he had be the rising star everyone admired.


    es


    He wanted to argue, to deny it, but the words got lodged in his throat.


    Unbidden, memories flickered in his mind: Quinn beside him during long work nights, calmly analyzing problems he couldn’t solve. The way she would offer quiet, thoughtful suggestions when he was stuck, How


    O


    13:53 Sun<b>, </b><b>6 </b><b>Jul </b>


    so many of their key contracts hade through herworking and negotiation.


    <b>020 </b>


    45 Free Coins


    <b>3/3 </b>