As Adrian stayed mum, Darian couldn't quite read him. Trying to alleviate any concerns, he pounded his chest, making another pledge.

“What's more, I'll be returning to the fray myself, taking the reins. You have my word on it."

No sooner had Darian stopped talking than Adrian let out a scornful chuckle. Darian didn't need a decoder to understand the disdain behind that laugh. It was a dismissive gesture not only towards Jasper, but also towards him, Darian himself.

The room plunged into a silence so thick it was almost stifling. Caught in the headlight of Adrian's contempt, Darian fumbled for a response and came up empty.

The realization that Adrian held both him and Jasper in such low regard left a sour taste in his mouth. Sure, plenty of people had known they couldn't hold a candle to Theodore, but this was the first time anyone had ridiculed them to their faces.