A tense quietude settled between them, only the faint hum of the room's air conditioner breaking the stillness."The intel came in moments ago. He's reportedly been apprehended and is currently held by Biden," the assistant whispered, a hint of unease in his voice.Asa's eyes widened in shock, "Impossible!" Her voice echoed with disbelief."I need to be there, right now," she declared, determination marking her features as she turned on her heel.The assistant reached out, his fingers grazing her arm. "You can't just waltz in there; it's treacherous."She brushed him off with a swift motion, "Biden won't harm me." She looked past him, "Come, Alfred."The assistant's voice grew firm, yet caring. "Madam, if you're hell-bent on this, at least leave the boy. It's no place for him."Asa paused, her gaze softening as she turned to Alfred. "Promise me you'll stay safe here," she murmured, planting a gentle kiss on his forehead before taking her leave.Upon reaching Biden's estate, Asa's pres

But Andrei wasn't listening. "You've given our son to that monster!" With that, he stormed out, leaving Asa devastated in his wake.He believed the boy was his own flesh and blood, and Asa was the woman from his past. His turbulent emotions rendered him silent, even when his own sister greeted him warmly. His cold demeanor was unmissable.Asa, on the other hand, simmered with frustration. She had hoped for a heartfelt reunion, an expression of gratitude. After all, she hadn't just stood by idly; she'd made sacrifices to secure his freedom. She glanced at Juliet, searching for some understanding in her friend's eyes, but found only mirrored confusion. The assistant, too, remained conspicuously silent.Juliet finally spoke, her gaze drifting to the floor, "My brother detests feeling powerless, especially in the face of defeat. By trading something so precious for his freedom, you unintentionally wounded his pride. It's a deep-seated pain for him."With a mix of determination and hope, A