Minister Magnus Shangguan staggered back a step, his face etched with disbelief. The way he stared at Mona Shangguan was as if she were a stranger to him. The wild hatred in Mona's eyes sent a chill through his heart—perhaps he truly never knew this daughter he always thought he owed.
A chill swept through Jin Locke's heart. Beneath Mona Shangguan's delicate facade lurked a venomous cruelty. And what about Susie Yun? Why had she deceived him, letting him believe she was his savior? Even when he asked her about the illusion formation, she lied and claimed she couldn't remember.
He'd always thought Morgan Shangguan was inscrutable, impossible to truly understand. But now, he realized the person he'd never truly known was Susie Yun.
Perhaps Morgan Shangguan was the simplest to understand—she was indifferent to worldly matters. That's why those consumed by desire could never fathom her mind.
Mona Shangguan clutched her abdomen, blood still seeping from her body, yet she felt no pain. She screamed in wild hysteria, "Didn't she adore the Crown Prince? I took him for myself, made him send her away in a royal marriage alliance, to wed that dying old man—ha ha..."
Jin Locke's fists tightened. Suddenly, a realization dawned—was Susie Yun driven by the same jealousy? Because he loved Morgan Shangguan, did Susie want to steal him away for herself?
Jin Locke searched the room, but Morgan Shangguan was nowhere to be seen. He knew she was the one capable of commanding spirits, yet she would never stoop to such things for her own gain, would she? Thinking of Damien Gray's unwavering protection, he was sure Damien orchestrated this. Still, Morgan must be nearby—whatever Damien wished, she would help him. Her devotion to that man seemed boundless, shattering every old notion he once held about her.
Seeing the situation had reached its limit, Damien Gray ordered the spirits to withdraw. Mona Shangguan gradually calmed, the pain in her abdomen flooding back and clouding her mind. She sensed something precious slipping away, fear rising in her chest. Struggling upright, she glimpsed Jin Locke and Minister Magnus Shangguan at the doorway, and a faint comfort returned. "Father..."
But Minister Magnus Shangguan didn't step inside to save her. He simply stood outside, his face thunderous, and barked, "You disgraceful child!" With a cold snort, he turned and strode away, fists clenched in fury.
Mona Shangguan was stunned, recalling her own words from moments before. Her face grew even paler, and seeing Jin Locke's grim expression, tears welled up in her eyes as she called out, voice trembling, "Jin..."