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The three of them left, their backs turned to Emily, who stood frozen in place.
Left alone in her own shame and humiliation.
Her crimson eyes burned with rage.
Her fingers dug into her palms so hard that her nails nearly pierced her skin.
How dare he?
Samael had never—never—raised his voice at her like that before.
And it was all because of that bastard—Ashton Walker.
Emily clenched her jaw.
This won't end like this.
She would not let him walk away unscathed.
She would make his life miserable.
She would make Samael see that she was the better choice.
That she belonged by his side.
Not some orphan with a useless talent.
Emily's eyes flashed dangerously.
This wasn't over.
---
Meanwhile, away from Emily's wrath—
Felix suddenly grabbed Samael by the collar and yanked him to a stop.
His blue eyes were blazing.
"As I told you, these Flameheart brothers are nothing but trouble!" Felix growled.
Samael raised an eyebrow but didn't push him off.
Felix scoffed and turned slightly, throwing an irritated glance at Ashton.
"See? Because of him, you're now involved with the Bane family's drama!"
Felix's grip on Samael's collar tightened.
"And you—" he turned back to Samael, voice full of irritation. "—explain. Right. Now."
"What the hell was that?"
Felix's voice dropped dangerously.
"Leave my friend out of your fantasy family wonderland life."
He narrowed his eyes.
"Tell me, what exactly is going on here, huh?!"
Felix's grip on Samael's collar tightened, his blue eyes burning with frustration.
"Leave my friend out of this dramatic life of yours," he snapped, shoving Samael back.
Then, he pointed a sharp finger at him.
"And tell me—why is Emily targeting my friend?"
His voice was low but dangerous.
"I knew it. You Flameheart brothers aren't trustable."
Felix scoffed, shaking his head.
"You're all just a bunch of players."
He crossed his arms, glaring at Samael.
"So? What is it? You wanted to play with my friend too?"
His voice carried an accusation that Ashton himself was starting to consider.
Ashton, who had been silently watching, turned his gaze to Samael.
He also wanted to know.
What was Samael's relationship with Emily?
Why was she so obsessed with him?
Why did she feel entitled to Samael's attention?
And most importantly—why did she see Ashton as a threat?
Samael sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"Let go, Felix," he said calmly.
Felix scoffed but finally released him, still glaring.
Samael looked at them both before saying,
"There's nothing between Emily and me."
Felix narrowed his eyes.
Samael continued, "I don't know why she's targeting Ashton. Maybe she just sees him as competition. Maybe she's just pissed off at me."
He let out a short breath and added,
"I know Emily might like me, but I have **never—ever—**given her the idea that I like her back."
His voice was firm.
But Felix still didn't believe him.
"Tch." Felix clicked his tongue, unimpressed.
He crossed his arms, looking away in frustration.
Ashton, on the other hand, wasn't interested in their drama anymore.
He had already wasted enough time.
His eyes sharpened as he looked at Samael.
"Listen," Ashton said coldly, "I don't care about your history with Emily."
His voice was steady, but his words were firm.
"But keep your distance from me."
Samael frowned.
Ashton wasn't done.
"Unlike you, I don't have a powerful background. I don't have infinite resources handed to me."
His violet eyes burned with quiet determination.
"I can't afford to waste time in meaningless distractions."
Samael opened his mouth to speak, but Ashton raised a hand to stop him.
"And no thanks."
Samael blinked.
Ashton's gaze was calm but resolute.
"I don't want your points. I'll grow on my own."
He turned away, signaling to Felix.
"Let's go, Felix."
Felix hesitated for a second before nodding, shooting one last glare at Samael.
Without another word, the two of them left, leaving Samael standing alone.