Riley, do you have any evidence to support what you say?”


    “Evidence? Once Rowan is stripped of his rank and investigated, the truth wille to light. Loraine, it


    is useless for you toe to


    Rowan’s defense. Your association with him is well-known, and it’s only natural for you to protect each


    other!” Ashton interjected with a gleam of excitement in his eyes.


    “Take Rowan’s supposed hospitalization as an example. There is no concrete proof of him being


    injured. He’s been elusive and avoided public appearances. It’s possible that he feigned illness to apply


    for merit.”


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    His words flew with passion as he sprayed spittle in his enthusiasm, like a performermanding the


    stage.


    A regal and icy voice echoed from behind, causing Ashton to startle.


    “Ashton, who are you talking about?”


    Ashton froze, hisplexion draining of color as he turned to face the imposing presence before him.


    The others followed suit, quickly turning to greet the man with hushed respect.


    Ang’s Library


    “Rowan!”


    Rowan, d in a striped hospital gown, Looked worn out but still exuded an aura of grandeur. Despite


    being wheeled out in a wheelchair by a doctor, his aura remainedmanding, Leaving everyone


    breathless.


    Cold sweat broke out on Ashton’s forehead. When he was about to say something, Rowan lifted the


    hospital gown in front of everyone.


    His strong muscles were lined with many scars.


    A pristine white bandage stood out amid the sea of old wounds.


    Rowan gave a soft cough, crimson droplets seeping through the tightly-wound bandage. He surveyed


    his surroundings with a stoic expression, his lips curling into a scornful sneer.


    “I never entrusted the frontline tasks to others. Surely these wounds serve as ample proof, don’t they?”


    The doctor interjected immediately, cautioning Rowan against sumbing to anger as the wound was


    still tender. Rowan shook his head, indicating his indifference.


    “This is my most recent scar, courtesy of a gunshot. The bullet had a diameter of nine millimeters.


    Would you like me to remove the bandage for a closer look?”


    A palpable sense of trepidation washed over everyone, leaving them at a loss for words as they


    exchanged uneasy nces, reluctant to speak up.


    Ashton paled, his face ghastly white.


    As a seasoned civil servant, this was his first time witnessing such a gruesome wound, and fear


    gripped him tightly in its icy hold.


    Klein hung his head, consumed by shame over his initial suspicion.


    Rowan’s pained coughs distressed Loraine. He was proving himself in such a humiliating way.