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Chapter 534: Nathaniel Refuses to Shield Her

Author: FortunaSolis
last update publish date: 2026-04-04 20:29:07

The first suggestion came quietly.

It arrived wrapped in concern, framed as protection, delivered with practiced gentleness. A senior advisor leaned forward during a closed session and spoke as if stating the obvious.

“We should consider limiting her visibility until this settles,” he said. “Not permanently. Just temporarily. It would reduce risk.”

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