Chapter 56 - The Sting of Betrayal and a Cruel Demand

The tension in the room was palpable as Declan's dismissal hung in the air. I kept my expression neutral, though inside I felt a familiar burn of contempt. Another powerful man showing his true colors the moment something shinier caught his attention.

"I see," I said evenly, pushing back from the table. "Then I'll take my leave."

Declan's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Thank you for understanding, Mr. Knight. Though I must ask for the return of the ginseng I gifted you earlier. It was meant as compensation for your participation in the tournament."

The request was as petty as it was revealing. I reached into my inner pocket and retrieved the ornate box containing the ten-year-old ginseng. Without a word, I placed it on the table and slid it toward him.

"Father, that's not enough," Nora interjected, her eyes narrowing at me. "He bullied me yesterday. You can't just let him leave like nothing happened."