Vance said coldly, "I knew you wouldn't admit it, but it doesn't matter anymore. As I just said, the Imperial Consort is already dead, and by the Emperor's order, all her titles and honors were stripped before she was executed. So, please mind your words. She's no longer my mother because she doesn't deserve to be."

Andrew's expression darkened. "Your Emperor was truly that heartless? When I took your Imperial Consort hostage back then, it was only because I had no other choice. In the end, I r