Chapter 1021

Wayne’s reassurances failed to comfort Yuvan. He continued to advise him.

“Your Highness, once your ambitions are realized, you will have no shortage of women. At that time, you may find Violet indistinguishable from any other.”

“That’s enough,” Yuvan said, his expression darkening.

An unexpected wave of frustration surged through him, a feeling he couldn’t control. It swelled, crashing over him like a tidal wave.

“I have lived a simple, restrained life for these years. I have kept my desires in check, suppressing my nature and avoiding mistakes. I have been tempted, but I ignored it all, knowing that indulging in pleasure would ruin everything. But Violet Spencer is different. She is the first woman I have desired who is also useful. She is the perfect candidate to help me achieve my goals.”

Wayne was alarmed and furious at Yuvan’s outburst. For the first time, he sharply reprimanded him.

“Your Highness, are you saying you have feelings for Violet? That you are in love with her? If so, let me tell you—it is not love. It’s a flimsy excuse to justify despicable behavior. It’s lust disguised as affection. If you truly cared for her, you wouldn’t be plotting to ruin her reputation. I have even told you the drug could be fatal, yet you didn’t hesitate.”

Yuvan’s face flushed with anger. Embarrassed and enraged, he threw caution to the wind.

“Fine! So what if I have those thoughts? And how dare you call me despicable? Many men have multiple wives and concubines, and keep mistresses. Compared to them, I have lived an ascetic life! Do you need to make a big deal out of one or two instances? Remember your place. You are my strategist! What I choose to do is none of your business.”

“Your Highness!” Wayne didn’t back down, his voice growing colder. “If your aspirations are merely to pursue women and indulge in fleeting desires, then I wish you well and will have no further part in your future. I hope your ambitions are realized.”

An oppressive silence filled the room. Yuvan’s face fluctuated between red and white, but he managed to restrain his anger and soften his tone.

Chapter 1021 (Continued)

“Wayne, don’t say such things. It would hurt my feelings. I don’t act on impulse. I have always valued your advice. Perhaps the recent failures in the capital have put me in a foul mood, and I saw this as a way to relieve myself. It’s just a woman, after all. If you disapprove, I will not pursue it further.”

Wayne knew his words risked offending Yuvan, but he pressed on.

“If I were completely opposed, Your Highness, I would not have provided the drug. I only hope you remain clear-headed and rational. Violet is a tool. Even if you take her body, it must be for your ambitions—not fleeting lust. Lust is a whirlpool, Your Highness. It will drag you down.”

Yuvan seethed with humiliation and rage. He never imagined his first argument with Wayne would be about this.

He held his tongue, suppressing his urge to lash out, and left without another word.

Molly and Fiona had already welcomed guests. They were chatting and laughing in the main hall, but the atmosphere was growing awkward. Molly kept undermining Fiona’s remarks. Earlier, Molly had felt disrespected and worried Violet might have overheard, harming her standing as Yuvan’s princess consort. She seized every opportunity to make veiled jabs, venting her anger.

Despite her composure, Fiona barely controlled her temper. The situation was worsened by the Hell Monarch’s presence. Their bickering was disgraceful.

Luckily, the awkwardness was short-lived. A servant announced, “Prince Yuvan has arrived.”

The group rose as Yuvan entered, his demeanor regal and commanding.

“Apologies for intruding on you today, Uncle Yuvan,” Rafael said.

Yuvan smiled, patting Rafael on the shoulder. “I have visited your estate many times, but you are always too busy. I thought you might be upset with me.”

His gaze drifted to Violet. Her makeup-free face was naturally beautiful, captivating in its purity.