Chapter 1

I hid the killing intent that clung to me like a second skin.

I wore a cheap shirt and accompanied Noelle Sutton, who was three months pregnant, as she returned to the Sutton family to reunite with her biological parents.

Three years ago, I was injured in an attack near the border. Noelle found me and took me in, nursing me for three days and nights until I recovered.

Now that she had finally found her birth family, all I wanted to do was to quietly stand beside her, see her through this reunion, and make sure she was safe.

The Sutton estate had set up more than 20 tables for the occasion. The guests coming and going were all prominent figures in Hyton.

Afraid Noelle might be nervous, I took her hand and led her to a quiet spot in the corner.

Her palm was damp with sweat, and her fingers clutched tightly at my sleeve.

"Zane, if my parents say anything hurtful later, don't take it to heart."

I nodded and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Don't worry. I'll stay here."

Two minutes later, a woman in an expensive designer gown approached us. She was Maeve Sutton, the girl that the Suttons had adopted and raised for over 20 years.

She was also the star of today's banquet.

Without even glancing at Noelle, she raised her hand and splashed half a glass of red wine in my face.

The cold liquid ran down my forehead, soaking my shirt collar and leaving my skin sticky and damp.

The surrounding guests immediately turned to look, laughing.

Maeve swirled her empty glass, her expression filled with mockery. "Where did this broke nobody come from? Noelle, do you really think you can walk into the Sutton family with a bastard in your belly?"

Noelle shot to her feet, her face turning pale with anger. "Maeve, don't push it!"

Maeve raised an eyebrow and reached out as if to shove Noelle.

I immediately placed a hand on Noelle's shoulder and shielded her behind me. Then, I picked up a napkin from the table and slowly wiped the wine from my face.

I looked at Maeve, saying in an even tone, "It's not too late to apologize now."

Maeve burst into laughter, doubling over.

"Apologize? To you? Who do you think you are?" she mocked. "You're just some broke ex-soldier. Don't get ahead of yourself."

She lifted her chin, deliberately raising her voice so everyone nearby could hear.

"Listen closely. You're not welcome at this banquet. Get out now if you know what's good for you. Otherwise, it'll be embarrassing when security throws you out later."

Tears welled up in Noelle's eyes. She gripped my hand so tightly it hurt.

I gently patted the back of her hand.

My gaze turned colder.

The commotion quickly drew the attention of Noelle's parents, Fred Sutton and Penny Miller.

Penny looked at the wine still dripping from my face, then glanced at the empty glass in Maeve's hand, but she didn't say a single word to Maeve.

Instead, she frowned at Noelle and snapped, "Did you come here just to cause trouble? Why did you bring someone like that into our home? Are you trying to embarrass us?"

Fred's expression darkened as well. He glanced at me in disgust as if I were something filthy.

"I told you before. If you want to be part of the Sutton family, you need to cut ties with this loser. Why are you so stubborn? You just had to bring him here and make a spectacle of yourself."