Betrayed by the Father Reborn in His Rival's Arms novel Chapter 177

His expression remained entirely unreadable, and his voice carried no trace of anger, yet the quiet threat in his words was suffocating.

"What difference does knowing make? If the truth is dangerous, then the danger already exists. Being blind to it only gives a false sense of security, but I'd rather know exactly what I'm up against," Madeline said softly.

Her logic was flawless.

If knowing who she was brought danger, it meant she was already someone's prey; ignorance only kept her from feeling fear, but it wouldn't stop her enemies from hunting her down.

Outside, the wind howled louder, accompanied by violently crashing thunder.

Quentin stood up and closed the distance between them, leaning in until he was mere inches away, his dark eyes locking onto her bright ones.

"If you don't know what's yours, you won't be tempted to claim it. Once human greed is awakened, it cannot be stopped. A magnificent palace is often just a gilded trap designed specifically for you. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, and you need to ask yourself if your neck is strong enough to bear the weight."

Under his predatory, wolf-like gaze, Madeline felt incredibly small and fragile.

She hadn't even been able to protect her own legs, nor stop someone from stealing the medical treatment she desperately needed.

In front of Quentin, she felt weak, foolish, and entirely defenseless.

It all clicked into place—when she fought to reclaim Lightning Interactive, Cyrus Sterling had mentioned a foreign benefactor pulling strings for her.

At the tech summit, Thunderbolt Capital's top executive had bypassed everyone to invest directly in her project.

Even Dr. Silas Hayden had been sent to treat her legs through Cyrus's connections.

Quentin had been the one orchestrating it all from the shadows.

He seemed terrifying on the outside, radiating an icy hostility that warned people to keep their distance, and he held enough power to completely dictate her life; yet, to Madeline, he had never caused her any harm. He was like an omnipotent guardian, an elder, and the hero of her story.

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