?Chapter 865:


    The recent events twisted through my mind like an impossible knot, a burden growing heavier by the day.


    Theplexity of our situation left little room for peace, yet no better solution presented itself on the horizon. I would have to navigate this maze one careful step at a time, riding the currents of fate as they came.


    The day of Cody’s banquet arrived with startling swiftness.


    Despite Jett’s fierce objections to my attendance, my determination never wavered. Finally, he relented with reluctance, allowing me to apany him.


    We slipped into Cody’s manor under the guise of Alden’s entourage. As we crossed the threshold, I couldn’t suppress a gasp of astonishment at whaty before us.


    The manor zed with celestial light, crystal chandeliers suspended like constetions overhead, cascading avish golden glow throughout the space.


    Masterful oil paintings adorned the walls in gilded frames, while marble floors gleamed like liquid silver beneath our feet. Rare artifacts and priceless artwork lined the banquet hall, transforming the entire space into what felt like a private museum of opulence.


    This ce rivaled the splendor of royal pces!


    I couldn’t help but gaze in quiet wonderment.


    Catching my awestruck expression, Alden’s lips curled into a contemptuous sneer. “Humph! All of this was amassed by Cody through exploiting the hard-earned wealth of themon people. He loves unting his power with these disys.”


    As his bitter words hung in the air, we made our way into the heart of the banquet area.


    A servant with an eerily vacant expression approached, wordlessly guiding us to the most distant, shadowed corner of the hall.


    Alden’s face darkened like a sudden storm, venom dripping from his hushed words. “That bastard Cody!”


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    I understood the source of his fury immediately. Alden stood as Dayton’s representative and deserved a position of honor. Being relegated to such an obscure corner was nothing short of a calcted insult against Dayton itself.


    “Don’t act rashly,” I whispered, cing a gentle, steadying hand on Alden’s trembling arm. “At a time like this, we can’t let our emotions interfere with our main goals.”


    Alden inhaled deeply, visibly struggling to rein in his mounting rage. After what seemed like an eternity, he lowered himself into his seat with obvious reluctance, his face still a portrait of barely contained indignation.


    Makenna’s POV:


    The moment I settled into my seat, a man with the air of an official strode toward us, his gaze sharp and assessing.


    Alden, already in a foul mood, scowled even deeper the second heid eyes on the man.


    With a smirk curling his thin lips, the man feigned surprise. “Well, if it isn’t Mr. Cloud,” he sneered, voice dripping with mockery. “Tucked away in this tiny corner, I see. What is the matter? Could it be that Mr. Pierce’s golden days are behind him? And now, even his trusted right-hand man is being left out in the cold?”


    “How dare you!” Alden shot to his feet, fury zing in his eyes. His hands balled into fists, muscles coiled tight, ready to swing. “Say that again, I dare you!”


    Sensing trouble, I moved swiftly, pressing a firm hand on Alden’s shoulder, urging him to keep his cool.


    After a tense beat, Alden reluctantly sank back into his chair, though the anger still simmered beneath his skin.


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