It was so quiet in the study that only the sound of their breathing could be heard.

Yvonne smiled faintly. "It's the first time I've heard that I need protection. Since I had joined Emerald Group, I had been taught about protecting others even at the cost of my life."

She added, "Unfortunately, I only remember that and completely forgot about following orders.

"If Mark had known about my rebellious nature early on, do you think he might have killed me before I reached adulthood?"

Yvonne sounded casual, but her words made Stephen's heart ache.

He released his grip, grabbed her shoulder, and turned her around.

As Yvonne lifted her gaze to meet Stephen's affectionate eyes, she chuckled lightly and said, "Why are you bothered now? It's all in the past now, and it's not a big deal—"

With utmost seriousness, Stephen interrupted, "Regardless of your identity and origin, to me, you're simply Yvonne, my woman.

"You deserve protection, and it's a failure on my part if I make you worry