Solivair let out a long, weary sigh. Regret clawed at his chest. Why had he let his mouth run? Why had he mocked Arthur in the first place? If not for that petty mix of pride and spite, none of this would’ve happened. Now, the empire that the Tremo family had spent decades building would fall—on his watch. And worse still, without his position in Heaven’s Cult, once the Tremo family lost its power, how was he supposed to find his Lynn? A family's legacy was influence. With that influence, he could blanket the country in search efforts, even expand into other nations. If Lynn showed up anywhere, he’d find her. But without that influence? In a world this vast… where would he even start? Still, Solivair understood: now that Drake had spoken, no amount of begging—no matter how bloody or desperate—would change his mind. If he pressed further, he would only make things worse. Right now, he was lucky. He was only being expelled. Mr. Drake had spared his life. That, in itself, was mercy. In any other circumstance, daring to deceive the Governor would’ve earned him death on the spot. Solivair bowed deeply toward Drake once more. “Solivair thanks the Governor for his mercy.” Drake waved him away. Dragging his battered body, Solivair limped out of the office, leaving a trail of blood in his wake. Moments later, the guards returned and swiftly cleaned the mess. Soon, Drake’s office looked as pristine and composed as ever—as if nothing at all had occurred. With the guards gone, Arthur and Ashley stepped forward and bowed deeply to Drake. They spoke in unison, voices filled with sincerity. “Arthur/Ashley thanks you for your great kindness.”Their gratitude was genuine. When Arthur followed Drake back here, he had braced himself to live or die by the outcome. He had acted recklessly, yes—he admitted that. But what he hadn’t expected… was that Drake, a man he’d only met once, would stand by him to this extent. Arthur was a nobody. President Holland and his peers? They were titans in their respective fields. Drake could’ve stayed silent. Even with the surveillance footage in hand, he could’ve chosen not to get involved. Sacrificing Arthur to secure the loyalty of that elite group would've been the logical, strategic play. After all, if they joined Heaven’s Cult, the wealth and power they’d bring would be enormous. But Drake hadn’t flinched. He had chosen justice over profit—without a moment’s hesitation. That alone earned Arthur and Ashley’s boundless gratitude and respect. They were standing here now, safe and whole, because of Drake’s protection. How could they not thank him? Drake, though still visibly displeased—likely because this entire ordeal had taken place under his watch—seemed to calm when his gaze landed on Arthur’s face. Every time he looked at Arthur, Drake couldn’t help but be reminded… of her. With a wave of his hand, Drake spoke, firm and clear: “We may value strength here in Heaven’s Cult—but never at the expense of justice. And we will not allow corruption to take root within our ranks.” “Today, whether it had been you or someone else, I would’ve made the same choice.” He paused, then added: “You stood up for your lover against immense pressure. That’s admirable. But in the future… think carefully about the consequences before you act.” His tone wasn’t harsh. It wasn’t a rebuke. It was the gentle admonition of an elder to someone younger—earnest and full of care.Drake was nearing fifty. He had seen and lived through too many things, met too many kinds of people. He knew all too well: not everyone in the world shared his or Heaven’s Cult’s sense of justice and integrity. Impulsiveness in the face of such people was dangerous. It gave enemies something to exploit. Arthur and Ashley listened closely. They both nodded with solemn expressions. “We will remember your guidance.” Their voices were sincere. Arthur could feel it—Drake's kindness. He didn’t understand why someone he’d only met twice would go so far to protect him… but he felt it, undeniably. Every word Drake said echoed in their hearts: “We may value strength—but never at the expense of justice. And we will not allow corruption to take root.” In the past, Arthur had viewed Heaven’s Cult through a cloud of uncertainty. Its mystery, its distance, its reputation—all had given it a gray, shadowy aura. But now… that image was beginning to change.