Valerie looked at him and could not help but feel her heart tighten. She stepped forward, gripped Andrew's hand, and said softly, "No matter what happens, I'll be by your side. So don't worry!"

…

"Sir, someone's here asking to see Mr. Johnston!"

An apprentice holding Andrew's handwritten letter bowed to the figure ahead.

The man turned around. He was tall and elegant with long hair cascading over his shoulders. He said flatly, "Harlan, don't you know Mr. Johnston is in seclusion? I already