Arthur’s gaze swept over the girls standing beside Lily. "You. All of you. You’re bullying Ashley." His voice wasn’t a question. It was a statement. He had already heard Lily’s words before even stepping into the room. How bold of them—daring to humiliate her so openly. His piercing eyes turned to the rest of the onlookers. "And you. You stood by and watched. You chose to remain silent. Some of you even encouraged it." His tone was frigid, his anger barely restrained. For the past few months, he and Ashley had been buried in their studies, thinking everything was fine. And because of that negligence, she had suffered. Arthur clenched his jaw, his fury directed not only at these people—but at himself. He hated those who stood by and did nothing. He had been through it before. When Zac tormented him, there had always been people like this—watching, laughing, whispering behind their hands, never stepping in. He had survived it. But to think that Ashley had to go through the same thing because of him. The realization sent a fresh wave of rage through his veins. The crowd shivered under his glare. Arthur held Ashley tightly, shielding her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. His voice was sharp as a blade. "My relationship with Ashley is none of your business. Ashley earned her place here through her own ability. If she wasn’t exceptional, do you think Mr. Devon would have accepted her? Do you really think so little of him?"His words cut deeper with every syllable, his tone rising as his anger built. His hands trembled with the effort to restrain himself, to not rip these people apart. Then, after a long pause, he let out a low breath. "And another thing." His voice was steady, unwavering—like an oath carved into stone. "You’re wrong. I, Arthur, love Ashley. Deeply. Entirely. And for the rest of my life, I will love only her." Arthur’s voice rang out with conviction. "Ashley is independent, brilliant, and strong. She doesn’t need to rely on anyone. Even without me, she will rise to the top. She will always be better than you." His grip tightened around her. "Everything I have belongs to Ashley. She doesn’t need to use my name or my resources—because they were hers to begin with." The moment he finished speaking, the entire room fell into stunned silence. Ashley, who had been buried in his embrace, suddenly lifted her head. "Arthur…" Her voice trembled, and tears welled in her eyes again. She had never expected him to say something like this. This wasn’t just standing up for her. This was him placing an unshakable shield around her—one that no one could question, no one could touch. He had just ensured that no one at Skyward Academy could ever challenge her legitimacy again. Ashley’s heart swelled with warmth. She made a silent vow. No matter what happened in the future, she would dedicate everything she had to Arthur. Before meeting him, she had never believed in love like this.Now, she knew—she was the luckiest woman in the world. The crowd was left in utter shock. Lily stood frozen, her face drained of color. She had known about Arthur’s engagement to Ashley. She had read the news, seen the extravagant engagement ceremony, the stunning emerald ring—the most precious of its kind. But she had always convinced herself that it was just for show. That there must have been some other reason behind it. But now, standing here, hearing Arthur’s words firsthand— She finally understood. It had only ever been her own delusion. Arthur had spoken those words for Ashley. In front of everyone. And he had meant every single one of them. The realization was like a dagger to her chest. She had hoped, prayed, that Ashley was nothing more than a passing attachment in his life. But Arthur’s declaration had crushed that hope into dust. And the rest of the crowd? They had assumed Arthur didn’t care about Ashley. That he had never bothered to visit because he was indifferent toward her. But now, hearing him say these things so naturally, so certainly— They finally realized how foolish they had been. Arthur wasn’t just protecting Ashley. He was making it clear to everyone:She was his. She always had been. And she always would be.