Yvonne, who had followed them in, was just as baffled. Normally, Nala wouldn't care about such matters. Whether there were new suitors or someone chose to withdraw from the competition, it was all insignificant to her.

But this time, she had come in person to question it, which was surprising.

Ryan was equally shocked. Nala's actions seemed beneath her stature, as if implying that he, a mere suitor, were important to her.

"Why are you interested in knowing my reason?" he asked.

George looked on with curiosity. This was unprecedented.

"Why? Is it wrong to be interested? Just tell me if you're willing to," Nala replied.

Frowning slightly, Ryan spoke up, "There's no real reason. I'm tired, and there are plenty of people better than me. My odds were always low, so stepping aside is only natural."

He didn't dare mention Felix's identity as the student of the revered medical doctor. Only a fool would miss out on that kind of detail.

From the gleam in Nala's eyes, it was clear that sh