Clifford's eyes gleamed with a sharp light. "Very well. Let's hear some of your self-righteous words." Salvador, ever the suspicious soul, had always been wary of the Hell Monarch's household. Even if Carissa hadn't risen for women's rights, Salvador would still remain cautious of her.

How could Carissa not know Clifford's intentions? From the moment he asked, she knew it was a trap. Before she could respond, Clifford sneered and added, "You can always start by flattering King Salvador. Praise him for how he treats women under his rule. As long as your conscience is clear, feel free to do

So.

Carissa was infuriated, but she wasn't willing to be baited. She met his mocking, challenging gaze. "Don't make assumptions. That's not the same thing at all. You think people are ignorant and narrow- minded as they can't understand your preferences, so you resort to extreme measures to gain their approval. But that's your personal problem. You can't speak for others like you, and you're not fighting for their well-being. You're only bringing them hatred and resentment. If people knew what you were doing, they'd condemn you even more."

Clifford's face paled instantly. For a moment, his expression twisted into a malicious grin. "You still haven't answered. If women are oppressed to the point of being unable to survive, would you not have done the same as me?"

Carissa's response was firm. "If it's just a hypothetical, then it's not a reality. I don't need to consider it." "In the end, you're just too afraid to answer," Clifford sneered.

Carissa retorted, "To equate 'unable to survive' with 'not being understood by the majority' is absurd, don't you think?"

She locked eyes with Clifford, her gaze unwavering.

"The majority doesn't understand you. And yet, you've lived for decades, enjoying a life of comfort and freedom. So why do you feel the need to go all out for everyone's approval, understanding, or even admiration before you're satisfied?

"You can face your own heart and stay firm in your choices. As long as you have enough courage and confidence, you don't need to care about how others see you. But instead, you've turned this into some noble struggle for the 'greater good'. But at its core, it's nothing more than resentment born from unrequited love."

She paused for a moment, then continued, "People like that-whether men or women-we call them resentful souls."

Ignoring the shock in Clifford's eyes, Carissa turned to Gerald. "Do you have anything else to say?" Gerald gazed at Carissa for a long moment, his thoughts swirling in a complex mix of emotions. She had struck right at the heart of it.

In the end, it was all just resentment from unrequited love.

"Let's go." Gerald stood up, his posture hunched with weariness.

Clifford suddenly turned to face them, as if he was about to say something. However, Carissa's words kept echoing in his mind. His lips parted, yet no sound came out.

He slumped into his chair, as if all the life had drained out of him. His face was pale, and his gaze grew distant and vacant.

Carissa and Gerald walked out.noveldrama

Behind them, Clifford's voice echoed

a haunting mix of laughter and sobs. Gerald paused for a moment, his lips turning an even paler shade.

"He was setting a trap for you with that question... He's despicable," Gerald finally said, his voice heavy with disappointment.

Carissa nodded. "I know, but those questions don't require my answers."

Gerald sighed. "You're smart-you

ret

know just how to hit where it hurts. But that's life, isn't it? You can't always get everything you want. If things don't go your way, going to extremes like that only ends up hurting both yourself and others."

Just before he got into the carriage, Carissa suddenly asked, "Did you already know what Clifford was up

to when you asked me to find him?"

Gerald didn't answer. He pulled the curtain down and signaled to the coachman to move.

Carissa watched the carriage leave. The reason she asked was simple-she knew, with Gerald's abilities, there was no way he couldn't find Clifford.

But there was no need to delve further into it.

The traitors accused of treason were being sent into the capital one by one. On a cold autumn day, even Lennon had arrived in the capital.

The family, except for Leona, was reunited in Astral Prison in this grim fashion.