Seated in his wheelchair, Rowan observed themotion, while Loraine stood on the stage, her cold


    gaze sweeping the ce.


    She noted the mix of curiosity and malice. When her eyes met Marco’s, his concerned expression


    warmed her heart.


    Loraine regained herposure and addressed Laura.


    “We simply hugged.


    ninjanovel


    What of it?”


    Her brazen words redirected everyone’s attention. Rowan smiled affectionately, allowing Loraine to


    continue.


    Laura sneered.


    “Loraine, you are truly shameless! How dare you say something like that?”


    Marina chimed in, her voice shrill with excitement. “Loraine, why so arrogant? You’re under


    investigation! Did you bribe the entire investigation team?”


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


    Upon hearing Marina’s words, Laura chimed in, “Exactly! What else could a man and a woman be


    doing while embracing? It’s clear you’re in a rtionship! How can you be so brazen? We demand


    another investigation!”


    “Enough! Silence!” Amanding voice cut through the cacophony.


    Marco could no Longer hold his tongue. He rose to his feet, his frosty gaze fixed on the pair.


    Despite their ims of newfound support, Marina and Laura still feared


    Marco and fell silent.


    Loraine guided Rowan’s wheelchair to the forefront of the stage, a smile ying on her lips.


    “Indeed, I embraced him. But is it so wrong to hug my own uncle?”


    Marinatched onto the first half of Loraine’s statement, eximing,


    “Fine, you admit it! You hugged—”


    Her words trailed off as she registered Loraine’s meaning. Eyes wide in disbelief, she stammered,


    “What did you just say?”


    Blinking in confusion, she stared at Loraine.


    “You said Rowan is…?”


    Clearing her throat, Loraine continued, “This is my uncle, Rowan


    Torres.”