She had evaded punishment in life, so it was only fitting she faced retribution in death.

"But there's a bright side," Luis continued, trying to steer the conversation toward less morbid topics. "The Maxwells wanted to retrieve Lorenzo's entire body without an autopsy, and to sidestep further complications, they negotiated with Ardlens' authority. The Maxwells agreed to keep their clan in check and avoid causing issues in Ardlens. Should a Maxwell step out of line in Ardlens again, they'll cooperate fully with Ardlens' authorities to ensure justice is served."

Despite their notoriety for ruthlessness and disregard for laws, the Maxwells were known to honor their commitments. The circumstances of Lorenzo's death had been a reality check for them. Their helicopter, sent to collect Lorenzo's body, was intercepted by Ardlens' special forces and air force.

This encounter significantly curtailed the Maxwells' hubris and altered their perception of Ardlens.

Previously swayed by misleading propaganda that painted Ardlens as underdeveloped, the Maxwells had allowed their people to act recklessly in Ardlens.

They had not realized that Ardlens was far from the primitive place depicted by those baseless articles, boasting highly sophisticated weaponry and technology, some of which even surpassed international standards.

With this newfound respect, the Maxwells promptly extended an olive branch to Ardlens, showing a readiness for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect for legal norms.

As Luis finished his apple, he coughed solemnly and mentioned, “I've heard, just heard, mind you, that Raegan is getting married."

At this news, Mitchel finally reacted. His grip tightened around Luis‘ wrist, his dark eyes burning with intensity.

"Married to whom?"

Mitchel's expression was colder than ever. He emanated a chilly air.

It was as if he soaked in ice for a long time. The calm facade he had tried to maintain for over a month was finally shattered at the revelation of Raegan's upcoming wedding.

Before Luis could say anything, Mitchel's urgent and pressing voice sounded again. “Who is she going to marry?"

"I..." Right after Luis uttered this single word, he heard Mitchel's knuckles cracking when tightening the grip on his wrist.

And those ink-black eyes of Mitchel's were like a bottomless abyss capable of devouring everything. Even though he was lying in a hospital bed, he was still extremely formidable.

With the grip around his wrist tightened, the apple Luis had just peeled fell to the floor with a plop. The juice splattered out.

"Ouch!" Luis groaned, grimacing in pain. “I'm not saying Raegan is marrying me. I heard it's Stefan of the Clifford family."

It was only then Mitchel let go of Luis’ wrist.

“Damn! That hurts so much!" Luis complained, shaking his hand. He secretly swore to himself he would never pause when he spoke.

Luis frowned and said, “Don't you know my hands are precious? You squeezed them so hard."