Chapter 397

• Randall wiped his tears and made his way toward Rafael, his steps hesitant, as if there was something heavy on his chest he couldn’t quite put into words. But before he could speak, Yuvan’s voice cracked through the air like a corporate boardroom dismissal.
• “Didn’t you hear them? Apparently, our presence brings bad press because we’re in mourning!” he barked, fury sharpening every syllable. “Let’s not ruin their perfectly curated image get out, all of you!”
• Randall's mouth opened, then closed again. The pain in his eyes was real, his tears now unchecked. He turned toward Rafael and me and offered a respectful nod a goodbye forged in silence, more heartfelt than words. His tall frame seemed to shrink slightly as he walked away, his shoulders hunched under the weight of shame and grief.