Julie’s face worsened instantly.

“We’re only here to have a chat and a midnight snack, Julie. It doesn’t matter where we have it anyway,” Mandy said with a smile.

“Since this is where Mr. Stefan eats, let’s just let him have it. Is it fine if we get another room instead, Vanny?”

Vanny, smiling, was just about to speak up. But Rhodes, who had been looking for a moment to shine, took a step forward first.

“You must be mistaken, Mandy. The three great temples are powerful in the outskirts, but they’re nothing to the top ten families.

“I know you’re kind and approachable, and you think it’s fine just to hand over the room…

“But the others wouldn’t think that way. If we actually do that, they’d think of the top ten families as pushovers.

“We need to have strength of character.

“I usually don’t like to bring my identity out like this, but I don’t think I have a choice right now. Don’t worry, Julie; with me here, you won’t be wronged.”

Julie seemed pleased to hear Rhodes’ words.

A f