Chapter 499

Even without uttering a word, the man exuded an aura of chilling lethality that could freeze one's blood—clearly a soldier who had seen real combat and spilled enemy blood. An ordinary villager standing there under his piercing gaze would likely have wet their pants in terror. Willow clenched her fists tightly by her sides, her palms damp with cold sweat. Yet her face remained composed and unflinching. She gave a slightly imperfect but respectful military salute before falling silent. Mark arched one eyebrow, his voice gruff. "Out there, you were shouting about demanding justice from the highest authority. Now that you're here, why the sudden silence?" Willow replied calmly, "My apologies. That was merely a tactic to secure this meeting. In truth, I have no intention of making this matter public. I’m also aware that no one here actually wants me dead—at most, someone tipped off the assailants. "If someone from the military district truly wanted me killed, they wouldn’t have chosen a mo