Lord Banks stated icily, “Remember, she is merely an illegitimate daughter with a disgraceful identity!”


    Zayne retorted angrily, “So what if she’s an illegitimate daughter? She is still my daughter!”


    With equal fury, Lord Banks challenged him, “How dare you question my authority? Are you here to settle scores with me?”<fn8865> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? </fn8865>


    Zayne replied, “Because of your actions, my daughter is missing, and now my wife is considering divorce!”


    Lord Banks shot back coldly, “Don’t think for a moment that I’m the one who harmed Xion; you are the one who truly hurt her!”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    “If you hadn’t ordered her to eliminate the Matsumoto family back then, how could the Japanese government harbor such hatred against her?”


    “Your biological daughter is now regarded as Japan’s most wanted criminal because of your orders!”


    “With the crimes you forced her tomit, she faces severe consequences under Japanesew. She could even be sentenced to death!”


    “So remember, it’s you who did this! You are to me, not me!”


    Zayne felt as if he had been struck by lightning. In an instant, shame washed over him. Mr. Banks was right; if not for the destruction of the Matsumoto family, Xion wouldn’t have ended up in this situation. Thus, his anger diminished, reced by feelings of guilt and self-reproach.


    Seizing the opportunity, Mr. Banks pressed on, saying sharply, “So even without my actions, Xion’s survival was never guaranteed! How can you use me of her death? Even if she doesn’t make it, the primary responsibility lies with you, not me!”


    “In fact, my actions inadvertently gave Xion a chance to survive!”


    “Consider this: her current whereabouts are unknown! This indicates she is neither in possession of the Japanese Metropolitan Police nor the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. There’s still a possibility she could find a way out!”


    Zayne felt utterly despondent. He understood that ording to the Japanese legal system, Xion faced only the death penalty for her crimes. His father was right; if Xion perished, the bulk of the me would fall on him.


    At that moment, Lord Banks continued coldly, “As for Deana, if she chooses to divorce you, then let her! Unlike us, the Thorne Family holds a prestigious position and values their reputation. The fact that you have an illegitimate daughter will be exposed, and even if Deana wishes to stay with you, the Thorne Family will insist she leaves you for the sake of honor.”


    “Anyway, the Thorne Family’s historical obligation to the Banks Family has been fulfilled, and that will not change in the future. A divorce might not be such a bad oue.”


    Zayne replied, filled with despair, “But my feelings for Deana are genuine.”


    “I know,” Lord Banks scoffed. “Do you realize what frustrates me most about you?”


    Zayne shook his head in confusion.


    Lord Banks reprimanded him sternly, “What bothers me the most is how submissive you are when dealing with Deana! How can you be so humble before a woman when you are a member of the esteemed Banks Family?”