Han’s fingers, each joint etched in clear relief, clenched in a gradual grip. When he fixed his gaze on


    Bruce, his dark eyes narrowed momentarily, evoking the aura of a fearsome lion.


    Bruce let out a subduedugh.


    “Feeling a bit sympathetic, are you?”


    Mavis felt a jolt of surprise. Had she heard right? Bruce was suggesting Han felt sorry for her. Could


    that be true?


    “Han, I swear I didn’t betray you. I’ve kept mum about whatever transpired inside Penins Vi,”


    she asserted.


    In desperation, she swung her gaze towards Bruce, pleading, “Bruce, back me up here. Vouch for me.”


    This was her chance to demonstrate her innocence to Han.


    Bruce, however, offered only a slight, icy smile, revealing no willingness to step in on her behalf.


    He nonchntly slid a hand into his trouser pocket, appearing more like a spectator than a participant.


    Mavis found herself at a loss for words due to his demeanor.


    Her patience was wearing thin. She felt an overwhelming desire to p Bruce, who was acting as


    though the entire situation had nothing to do with him. After all, he was the root cause of it all.


    If only he would speak up on her behalf, she could vindicate herself and resolve the misunderstanding


    between her and Han.


    But reality had a way of quashing her expectations, especially where Bruce was concerned.


    “Why are you doing this, Bruce? What could I have possibly done to deserve such treatment? They say


    chivalry still exists; why make Life so unbearable for me? Haven’t you done enough?” she charged.


    She had endured too much at that base, which was Bruce’s domain, living every day mired in fear and


    anguish.


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    As Mavis kept talking, the weight of her emotions deepened. Once a privileged and well-cared-for


    young woman, she had endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of Bruce in recent times.


    While convalescing at the base, Bruce had been in a foul mood, bossing her around at his whim. Worst


    of all, he’d assigned her the daily task of feeding his pet wolfhound-an intimidating beast that filled her


    with dread each time she had to approach it with food.


    “I didn’t betray you, Han. I swear I didn’t,” Mavis murmured, more to herself than anyone else.


    Mavis had seen firsthand Han’s brutal streak. He would pull the trigger without a second’s pause,


    offering her no quarter.


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    “Trying to y star-crossed lovers, are we?” Bruce mocked.


    “Absolutely not!” Mavis retorted.


    Han raised his hand, signaling for Mavis to hold her tongue.


    “How are your woundedrades faring? And what about your own injuries?” Han asked, a deep


    smile spreading across his face.


    Despite Han’s words hitting Bruce’s vulnerabilities withser-Like precision, Bruce managed to


    maintain aposed expression. He evenughed a little.