?Chapter 974:


    My plea reached them, and they softened, unwilling to drive me past my limit. With a final surge, all three quickened their efforts, pouring themselves into me as one.


    Bryan’s POV:


    That afternoon, we pulled up to the Harrison family estate precisely as nned. The moment we stepped through the gates, Cody weed us with an exuberant grin, his energy so vibrant it felt as though we’d beenrades for years.


    “Your Highnesses, what a privilege to host you!” he eximed, dipping into a bow so effusive it bordered on theatrical, though a keen, unreadable spark flickered in his eyes. With that, he ushered us into the grand living room.


    I let my eyes wander casually, soon spotting Evelyn and Jenny tucked away in a corner. Evelyn’s gaze was fixed downward, her fingers anxiously twisting the edge of her skirt, while Jenny hunched low, a faint tremor running through her as if she hoped to vanish from sight.


    Cody caught sight of them too, his expression tightening with clear displeasure at their timidity. Quick to redirect, he turned to me, his eyes narrowing into a grin. “Prince Bryan, I only just heard today that Evelyn is your sex ve. My deepest apologies for not knowing sooner.”


    He grabbed a wine ss and strode toward Evelyn, raising it as if to salute her. His words hit me like a foul stench, stirring a visceral revulsion. I flicked my eyes to Evelyn, who hesitantly met our gazes, a sh of fear darting across her face before she masked it with forced calm.


    “I think there’s been a mix-up, Mr. Harrison. I only stayed at the pce briefly.”


    Cody brushed it off with a magnanimous wave, his smile stretching wider. “A few days or not, you’re Prince Bryan’s woman. Who’d darey a finger on you after that?” Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, he sighed dramatically. “Thank goodness Evelyn’s safe now, or the guilt would’ve crushed me. Such a shame the offender is Mr. Pierce’s brother-inw—it puts me in quite a bind over how to deal with him.”


    He shook his head with a mournful air, his performance so polished I half expected him to take a bow. I observed him icily, catching the subtle nce he shot Evelyn. She picked up on the cue, her face crumpling into a mask of woe as she murmured, “Your Highnesses, that day I was so frightened.”


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    Her rehearsed pitifulness only deepened my contempt, and I shot a sidelong look at Dominic and yton. Their faces mirrored mine—disgust etched into their features, impatience simmering in their stares as this charade dragged on.


    Finally, as Evelyn’s act teetered on copse, yton cut in with a soft but firm tone. “Mistakes demand consequences. We won’t protect anyone.”


    Dominic nodded, his demeanor grave, a steely edge in his eyes. “Mr. Harrison, your letter pushing for Dayton’s removal raised my suspicions from the start. Now it’s clear he’s unfit. How could a man with such a brother-inw deserve to be Marehelm’s mayor?”


    I kept my expression stern, tipping my head slightly to signal my ord. Cody’s face lit up at this, his eyes squinting with delight. “The people of Marehelm are blessed to have such wise and fair princes!” he crowed.


    yton regarded him with a measured look before continuing. “For now, we’ll hold Alden in custody. Our father has been briefed on all this. Once his decree arrives, Alden will face harsh justice.” His gaze slid toward Evelyn, a cunning glint flickering there. “And Mr. Harrison, to ensure Evelyn isn’t silenced, let’s keep her here at your estate for the time being. Her mother should stay here too since she still needs Evelyn’s care. You don’t object, do you?”


    Cody’s grin widened. “Not at all—it’s my privilege to help!”


    At that, Evelyn, standing off to the side, went pale, her strength seeming to drain away in an instant, leaving her a hollow shell.


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