Chapter 1144

Frederick’s heartbeat faltered for a moment as Augustine’s venom-laced words struck a nerve. Unconsciously, his eyes sought out Hazel—his anchor in the chaos. He hadn’t forgotten. Years ago, when Jane was still a little girl, she had once flown into a fit of childish rage after overhearing a fight between him and Eden Larry. Her tiny fists had clenched as she accused him of being a tyrant in the making—someone who’d grow up to lock away the woman he loved, just like the stories whispered about their lineage. The memory of her tear-streaked face and that misplaced fear still haunted him. A ripple of tension passed through his shoulders—until Hazel moved. Without warning, she crouched beside Augustine and slammed her fist into his jaw with a sickening crack, dislocating it cleanly. "Shut the hell up!" she snapped, fire blazing in her eyes. "I chose this man. You think I don’t know who he is? Spare me your self-righteous nonsense!" For a heartbeat, Frederick could only stare, stunned by t