His vulnerability only intensified her uneasiness.

"Why did you ask me that all of a sudden?"

"Just tell me," he insisted, "you'll never betray me, right?" His voice had become hoarse, and his tone made it sound like he was helplessly pleading with her.

In a moment, her already growing uneasiness was now mixed with deep sympathy.

He was Jackson Valor! Why would he use such a weak pleading tone with her, asking her never to betray him?!

She looked past him and saw the plaque behind him. She