With force and lightning speed, Roderick Vale was suddenly yanked backwards. His hand abruptly released from Serena's chin as he stumbled backwards and fell to the ground with a thud. Before Roderick could even comprehend what had happened, Nathan was already standing between him and Serena, like an unshakeable barrier to protect her from any further approach.

His eyes flashed menacingly as he looked down at Roderick, as if he wanted to crush him like a bug. "Don't ever touch her again," he hissed in a voice so icy that it alone seemed to lower the room temperature.

Roderick straightened up, brushed the dust from his clothes and fixed Nathan...