Zephyr said, "Aspen, you've barely been in Jayrodale for any time at all, and you've already become this cowardly? So scared to take action? You've truly disappointed me. And worse, you've disgraced the entire Stevens family!"

Tears streamed down Aspen's face. Her father's words cut her deeply, filling her with shame and despair. As someone who had always been proud and arrogant, her greatest fear was disappointing her family.

Yet, more than that, she was terrified—terrified that Zephyr, blinded by anger and unaware of Jayrodale's true power dynamics, would lead the entire Stevens family to ruin.

If that happened, she would not just be a failure. She would be the greatest disgrace in the family's history.

"Dad, please, you have to listen to me!" Aspen pleaded, her voice breaking. "Andrew is the underground king of Jayrodale now. If we fight him head-on, we will lose!"

She gazed at Zephyr through her tear-filled eyes, desperate to make him understand. She had finally let go of