The Illegitimate Flame: Bride of Ashes-Chapter 201-Understood

"A woman, nothing more. Since she originally belongs to His Silver Majesty, it’s only right to return her to her owner!" Reyn’s lips curved into a cold, faint smile as he replied to the Silver Emperor. The clarity in his tone made it obvious—he understood the meaning behind the words perfectly.

"Then I must thank you, Prince Reyn. Some things... even if one no longer desires them, must not fall into the hands of others. Don’t you agree?" The Silver Emperor’s words carried a subtle hint, a veiled warning. Reyn’s smile, however, never wavered. One could not tell whether it was sincere or merely indifferent.

Sunny—the woman who had long since unsettled his mind—perhaps it was finally time to let her go...

"This matter isn’t for you to meddle in. You should leave, and quickly. Whoever survives among them... you should vanish from the Gates of Hell completely!" Reyn turned to Brian, his gaze firm and unyielding. Charles had long since rushed off with the Silver Emperor’s men to see Janice. Now, once Manfred was released, they could leave.

Initially, Reyn had anticipated a fierce battle in Las Vegas. Bloodshed between men could turn chaotic once women were involved, their presence weakening the momentum. At such a critical moment, Reyn was the only one who could be relied upon.

So, when Steven first arrived, Reyn had already gone to Italy to muster the forces capable of countering the Gates of Hell.

As the undisputed leader of the Mafia in Italy, Reyn’s influence across Europe rivaled even that of the Gates. Supporting the Silver Emperor now would greatly benefit his future ambitions—provided, of course, there were no lingering grudges between them.

"The woman you just mentioned... who is she?" Shaun’s eyes narrowed at Reyn, seeking a hint of emotion, but Reyn’s face remained utterly composed. Shaun was Angela’s brother, and he would never accept sacrifices like this being made for their sake.

Sunny—the same Sunny who had appeared with Reyn at Candy’s birthday party years ago. Even then, it was clear she held a special place in Reyn’s life. Over the years, she was the only woman to remain by his side. Had he allowed Angela to meet her... did that mean something?

"She has nothing to do with you. She doesn’t belong to me. I was already planning to let her go," Reyn said, his eyes flashing a brief, cold serenity. He patted Shaun on the shoulder. "Shaun... finding a woman who understands and loves you isn’t easy. Cherish Angela." With that, he raised his hand. The black-clad enforcers flanking him immediately surrounded him, guiding him away with swift precision.

Shaun couldn’t shake the feeling that there had been an unfamiliar warmth in Reyn’s gaze—a man’s silent emotion for a woman. Yet why had he handed her over so easily? Or... had she been part of some scheme from the very beginning?

Reyn was decisive and relentless. He knew what he wanted, what he did not. And his decisions were not up for negotiation.

Meanwhile, Janice slept restlessly, her brows tightly furrowed. Charles approached the wide, soft bed, gazing at the curled-up figure. He couldn’t bear to see her so small, so fragile. It had been a month since he last saw her, and the longing in his heart surged like a tidal wave.

Her eyes shot open when she felt his touch. She almost screamed, but when she saw the familiar, handsome face she had longed for day and night, tears instantly welled up. "Charles... I’m not dreaming, am I?"

"It’s me... I’m here. It’s alright, don’t be afraid. No one will hurt you now," Charles said softly, patting her shoulder with gentle reassurance. He knew she had been terrified—never exposed to such darkness before—and he would never allow danger to reach her again.

"Who... who is this Silver Emperor? Did you promise him something? Charles... he looks so terrifying... did he threaten you? Huh?" Janice’s voice trembled as thoughts of the Silver Emperor’s words replayed in her mind. She couldn’t help imagining the worst possible outcomes.

"No... no, I didn’t do anything. Reyn came—he helped us, understand?" Charles pressed his forehead against hers, his fingers gently brushing away her hot tears. Seeing her so restless and lost like this made his heart ache.

"Fool... it’s okay now. We can go home." Charles lifted her from the bed, holding her close. Janice clung to his neck tightly. In his arms, she felt a safety she had never known before, a protective shield against the world.

"What about Manfred?" Janice asked as Charles carried her out to meet Brian and the others, only to notice that Manfred was nowhere in sight. Reyn, too, had disappeared.

When they first rushed to Las Vegas, helping Black Hawk restructure from the inside, they uncovered the hidden operatives placed by the Silver Emperor. Astonishingly, it seemed that the Silver Emperor had been planning this move for over a decade, quietly consolidating his manpower and wealth, all in preparation for the day he would seize control.

"He’s already on the plane. We need to leave immediately. If Black Hawk finds out, we won’t get away!" Shaun, already waiting outside, started the engine as soon as Charles emerged carrying Janice. Even though they intended to retreat safely, whether they could actually escape remained uncertain.

Given their positions, they should have aided Black Hawk unconditionally. But Reyn had made a promise. The battle for power had already been decided, and with Black Hawk defeated, no one could challenge them anymore. They had to leave before Black Hawk even knew where they were.

"Where are we going?" Janice’s body trembled uncontrollably. The unfamiliar aura from Shaun and the coldness radiating from Charles made her vision hazy, a fog settling over her wide, fearful eyes.

"Home... we’re going home." Charles kissed her forehead. His lips were cold against her warm skin, yet it felt reassuring despite the lingering chill.

When they arrived at a secluded estate, two helicopters were already parked on the expansive grounds, surrounded by hundreds of black-clad bodyguards, all staring in one direction.

"Don’t be afraid... these are Reyn’s men," Charles murmured, pulling her close and covering her eyes with one hand. He didn’t want her pure little world tainted by so much darkness.

The tall men in charge exchanged a few words with Shaun, who nodded and signaled them to fall back a hundred meters. Charles met Shaun’s knowing glance and nodded in return.

"Let’s split up. If Black Hawk’s men chase us, we can distract them," Shaun instructed, pointing toward the two helicopters—one large, one slightly smaller.

"Understood." Charles gently carried Janice to the smaller, more compact helicopter at the back. Slowly, he removed his hand from her eyes. He felt the tiny flutter of her eyelashes leave his palm, a small pang of reluctance striking his heart.