It was a miserable sight. Ivan rushed to Iris’s side, dismissing Derek's perspective entirely. His nephew’s eyes burned with contempt, a silent challenge simmering in the air as if Ivan needed to reassert his dominance. Derek remained unfazed, his expression cold and detached. Without a word, he turned to leave, his intention clear—he would head to Autumn’s ward.

But Ivan moved swiftly, stepping into Derek’s path, blocking his way. The tension between them crackled like a live wire.

"You've been spending way too much time with my wife, don't you think?" Ivan’s voice was low, laced with a dangerous edge. Derek’s gaze flickered to Iris, who lay feigning sleep, her...