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Court Métrage
Enjoy addictive short dramas packed with romance, betrayal, revenge, emotional moments, and shocking plot twists.
From billionaire love stories to hidden identities and dramatic relationships, Drama Royale delivers nonstop entertainment with fast-paced storytelling and unforgettable characters.
🔥 Viral Shorts Drama
💔 Romance & Heartbreak
⚡ Unexpected Plot Twists
🎭 Emotional Drama Series
New episodes uploaded regularly. Subscribe and enjoy the world of short drama entertainment with Drama Royale
#ShortDrama #DramaSeries
Catégorie
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Court Métrage
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TVTranscription
00:01At 15, I killed father's favorite mistress with three bursts of golden fire.
00:06After that, Greyport called me the Golden Reefer.
00:09To honor mother's dying wish, I sealed my dragon core for 10 years.
00:12All that time, I played the quiet, proper Harris.
00:15Then, at my engagement banquet, my fianc's foster sister poured scalding coffee down my chest.
00:21She mocked me for seeming more like his mother than his fiancée.
00:25My fiancée, Preston, smiled and told me to forgive her because she was younger.
00:30Fine. I would remind them why Greyport once called me the Three Flame Heiress.
00:34Oops! My hand slipped!
00:35Tonite was my engagement banquet.
00:37The Ashbourne Estate was filled with Greyport's most powerful dragon families.
00:41My fiancée sat beside me.
00:43He was the celebrated heir of the Silver Dragon Clan.
00:47Who are you?
00:48I'm Brielle Shaw. Preston's family took me in when I was a child.
00:52You're so proper and dull.
00:53You act more like his mother than his fiancée.
00:56Why should you be the one beside him?
00:58The hall fell silent.
00:59It wasn't an ordinary silence.
01:01Several older guests went pale.
01:02They remembered what I'd done.
01:04When I was 13, father's mistress poisoned mother with dragonbane.
01:07Mother coughed blood for three days and nearly died.
01:09Father wanted the scandal buried.
01:11I was the first Ashbourne in generations to awaken true golden fire.
01:14I entered my half-brother's private wing before the entire clan.
01:17One burst of golden fire destroyed his right dragon bone.
01:20At 15, the woman poisoned mother again.
01:22I investigated her for three months.
01:24Then I brought her favorite dessert to her private residence.
01:27Three bursts of golden fire fallen.
01:29She never left that residence.
01:31Afterward, Greyport gave me two names.
01:33The Golden Reaper.
01:34The three flame heirs.
01:36Those names spread far beyond Greyport.
01:38Father remained outside her residence until morning.
01:41From then on, he loved me and feared me equally.
01:44Later, mother held my hand on her deathbed.
01:46Your father is proud because they fear you.
01:50But fear isn't love.
01:52Seal your dragon core, Rhea.
01:56Step away from this life.
01:58Give yourself a chance to be loved, not feared.
02:03I kept my promise.
02:05For ten years, my dragon core remained sealed.
02:07I learned floral design, founded a girls' school, and ran charities.
02:12Most young dragons knew only the woman I'd become.
02:15Rhea.
02:16Brielle is 19 and impulsive.
02:18She didn't mean it.
02:19You're mature enough not to ruin tonight over one cup of coffee.
02:2119 and impulsive.
02:23Don't ruin tonight over coffee.
02:24I repeated both excuses in my head.
02:26My personal attendant.
02:28Clara, she'd grown up beside me.
02:30She remembered the girl who'd feared nothing at 13.
02:33Mother's final words were still in my ears.
02:35Fine.
02:36If that's what my fiancé wants, I'll let it go.
02:38The guests left quickly when the banquet ended.
02:41Some nearly ran for the doors.
02:42Only Brielle took her time.
02:44She stopped beside me and tilted her head.
02:46That dress is ruined.
02:47You should go change.
02:50Maybe Preston should trade up, too.
02:52Preston stood beside her without speaking.
02:54After they left, the banquet hall was empty.
02:56Clara finally broke the silence.
02:59Miss Ashbury.
03:00My eyes remained on the coffee stain across my chest.
03:03It had already gone cold.
03:04Clara.
03:05Yes?
03:06Call Ronan.
03:07No one had spoken Ronan's name inside the estate for ten years.
03:10Miss Ashbury, are you?
03:12Bring him to me.
03:15I'll bring him at once.
03:19The wedding went ahead as planned.
03:21I had promised Mother I would give this life one honest chance.
03:24I wouldn't break that promise over one cruel night.
03:26I would become a gracious, devoted wife.
03:29For the first three days, Preston played the perfect husband.
03:32He joined me for breakfast, spoke politely, and even made my tea.
03:35On the fourth day, Brielle arrived.
03:37Three sous-vies followed, all packed with luggage.
03:40She blocked the gates to my private estate.
03:42Preston said I could live here.
03:43That way we can look after each other.
03:46Evryone within half a block heard her.
03:47She demanded the east guest wing.
03:49It was the estate's second best wing.
03:51Clara and my personal staff had been living there.
03:53I watched from a second floor window.
03:55Clara's face went pale with anger.
03:57Miss Ashfield, this is your estate.
03:59It doesn't belong to the shores.
04:01What gives her the right?
04:03Preston does.
04:04Sure enough, Preston arrived soon afterward.
04:06He looked as gentle and polished as ever.
04:09Ria.
04:10Brielle grew up with me.
04:11She needs someone to look after her.
04:12She won't disturb you in the east wing.
04:14I won't allow it.
04:17Her luggage is already inside.
04:19Throwing her out now would humiliate her.
04:22People will say the Ashboroughs couldn't make room for one young woman.
04:25Fine.
04:26Clara's breath caught.
04:27I returned to my private wing without looking back.
04:29Anse Brielle moved in.
04:31The entire estate changed.
04:32She complained that the chef's food was too bland.
04:35Then she replaced the chef without asking me.
04:37She called the golden dragon banners outdated.
04:40Then she replaced them with silver dragon clan banners.
04:43Everyone living there was expected to offer me the Ashborne clan salute.
04:47Brielle never did.
04:49No one dared object.
04:51Brielle is young and doesn't understand our customs.
04:55Everyone should be patient with her.
04:56Brielle was 19 and Preston expected me to believe she didn't understand basic manners.
05:01That night, Ronan came to my study.
05:03I hadn't spoken to him directly in 10 years.
05:06He had barely changed.
05:07He commanded the dragon guard mother had left me.
05:10When I sealed my dragon core, the guards vanished from public view.
05:13For 10 years, one of them had always remained within 30 paces.
05:17Miss Ashbred, at your command.
05:19Are all your guards still with me?
05:20All 12 remain.
05:21Not one is missing.
05:23Have 10 years dulled their claws?
05:26The claws you command are as sharp as ever.
05:29Not yet.
05:31Investigate two things first.
05:32What are your orders?
05:34First, uncover Brielle's background.
05:36Find out who her birth parents are.
05:38Find out why the Shaws took her in.
05:41Understood.
05:42Second, find out what Brielle really is to Preston.
05:45Is she truly just his foster sister?
05:47Or is she something more?
05:50I understand.
05:51He quietly left the study.
05:52The moon was bright outside.
05:53Mother, you asked me to live a decent life.
05:56I was doing my best.
05:57But people kept mistaking kindness for weakness.
05:59They respected only force.
06:00By our second month, Preston had reached for my inheritance.
06:03Every asset belonged to me under Ashbourne inheritance law.
06:07Managing all those assets is too much work for a woman.
06:11Let me handle them.
06:13You'll have one less burden.
06:16My longtime accountant, Mr. Doyle, came to ask for instructions.
06:20Miss Ashbery, Preston says he'll control this month's revenue.
06:24He intends to manage all future income, too.
06:28Let him.
06:31Miss Ashbery, Preston has gone too far.
06:35What are you still waiting for?
06:39I've served you for ten years.
06:42He's draining everything your mother left you.
06:46Brielle humiliates you inside your own home.
06:49Why won't you fight back?
06:51Clara.
06:52She asked you to live honorably.
06:54She never asked you to become everyone's doormat.
07:00Mother asked me to seal my core and choose restraint.
07:05I'm trying.
07:07But they're walking all over you!
07:09I met Clara's eyes, but didn't answer.
07:11Three days later, Ronan's first report arrived.
07:14Preston had diverted 40% of the business's monthly revenue.
07:17Another payment had gone somewhere unusual.
07:20The recipient was a man named Miles Hart.
07:22Who was he?
07:24That same afternoon, Preston's father arrived without warning.
07:28He was the 53-year-old head of the Silver Dragon Clan.
07:31Miss Ashbery.
07:34Sit.
07:36I've heard about my son's recent behavior here.
07:39Preston is young and sometimes thoughtless.
07:42If he has offended you...
07:43Mr. Shaw, you're 53, correct?
07:47Yes.
07:49You remember what I did at 13.
07:51And you remember what I did at 15.
07:55You're not here to apologize.
07:59You know exactly what Preston and Brielle are doing.
08:02You can't stop them.
08:04So you came to test my limits.
08:08Miss Ashfield, that was never my intention.
08:11I only...
08:12I...
08:12You're only afraid.
08:16Mr. Shaw, you're right to be afraid.
08:20Go home and tell your son to rein himself in.
08:23My patience has limits.
08:27Miss Ashfield, will he deliver the warning?
08:29He doesn't even respect his own father.
08:31Why would you obey him?
08:32He won't.
08:33Then why warn him?
08:33I wanted Mr. Shaw to know that Preston had been warned.
08:36When I settle this, he can't accuse me of showing no mercy.
08:40I had been right.
08:42Preston ignored every word his father said.
08:44To him, the girl who killed her father's mistress was ancient history.
08:47But now, he'd watched Brielle pour scalding coffee over me.
08:50I'd done nothing, except say I would let it go.
08:53To Preston, I was no longer someone to fear.
08:56So Brielle didn't restrain herself.
08:57Instead, she became even more brazen.
09:00First, she took my private car without permission.
09:02She berated my driver in public until he couldn't raise his head.
09:05Then she sent our housekeeper of 20 years to work in laundry.
09:08I said nothing.
09:09That only made Brielle more reckless.
09:11One afternoon, I was writing charity letters in my study.
09:14A scream suddenly came from the rear garden.
09:16It was Clara.
09:17My hand stopped mid-stroke.
09:19Black ink spread across the paper.
09:20I put down the pen and left the study.
09:22Clara was pinned face down across a wooden bench.
09:25Two attendants from the Shaw State held her there.
09:28Clara's blouse had been torn halfway down her back.
09:30Brielle stood beside her with a black woman, a disciplined whip.
09:35I told you to bring me a drink, and you refused.
09:37I ordered you to give me the clan salute, and you refused.
09:41Who do you think you are?
09:43You're nothing but a servant.
09:44The whip struck Clara again.
09:46Clara clenched her teeth and made no sound, but her entire body was trembling.
09:51Brielle leaned closer to Clara's ear and smiled.
09:53Scream.
09:54Why aren't you screaming now?
09:57Isn't your mistress the golden dragon heiress?
10:00Call her to save you.
10:02Oh, right.
10:03She won't come.
10:04She didn't even protest when I poured coffee all over her.
10:07And do you think she'll save you?
10:10Enough!
10:14Well, Rhea, you finally came.
10:16Your attendant has no manners.
10:18I'm correcting her for you.
10:19I didn't look at Brielle.
10:20I walked to Clara and crouched beside her.
10:22Clara's face was pressed against the bench.
10:24She turned her face toward me.
10:26She had bitten her lower lip until it bled.
10:28Her eyes were red, but she refused to cry.
10:30She managed only two words.
10:32Miss Ashbury?
10:34Her voice had gone almost completely hoarse.
10:36I gently tucked her loose hair behind her ear.
10:39Then I examined the wounds across her back.
10:41Seven swollen welts crossed her skin.
10:43The deepest wound had split her skin open.
10:45My fingertip brushed the edge of that wound.
10:48Clara's entire body jerked.
10:50Who gave you the nerve?
10:52Brielle shrugged and dropped the whip.
10:55Her attitude was unacceptable.
10:57What's wrong with disciplining her?
10:59I didn't ask what Clara did.
11:01I asked who gave you the authority.
11:03No one had to.
11:04Preston said I could make decisions here.
11:06Ask him yourself.
11:07I lowered my eyes to Clara's blood on my fingertip.
11:09Ten years, mother.
11:11I honored your wish for ten years.
11:13But I was done listening.
11:16Preston appeared right on cue.
11:17He glanced at the blood across Clara's back.
11:20He didn't even frown.
11:21What happened?
11:22Brielle immediately ran to his side.
11:24Preston, Clara disrespected me.
11:26I taught her a lesson.
11:27Then Rhea came after me.
11:29Preston looked at me with his usual gentle smile.
11:33Rhea, Brielle may have lost her temper, but your attendant was disrespectful.
11:37A little discipline won't hurt her.
11:39Brielle knows where to draw the line.
11:41Seven lashes, the deepest, had split Clara's skin open.
11:44He called that knowing where to draw the line.
11:47I said nothing.
11:47I ordered the staff to carry Clara inside.
11:50Then I returned to my study and shut the door.
11:52I sat at my desk and stared at the dried blood.
11:55It still stained my fingertip.
11:57My hand slowly tightened.
11:58My nails dug into my palm and broke the skin.
12:01Ronan.
12:02My voice was barely above a whisper.
12:07At your command.
12:09You told me my dragon guards was ready.
12:12Yes.
12:14Let them bear their claws.
12:17Beyond the door, twelve pairs of vertical pupils opened in the dark.
12:20The dragon guards had waited ten years for that command.
12:24That evening, I summoned the Ashburn clan's chief physician.
12:28I stayed beside her while he treated every wound.
12:31Clara lay face down and bit the corner of her pillow.
12:33She didn't make a sound.
12:34Fresh gauze covered her back when the doctor finished.
12:37Her voice was hoarse.
12:38Miss Ashburn, I'm fine.
12:40I pulled the blanket over her.
12:41Clara, I won't let anyone hurt you again.
12:45She looked at me, but she was smiling.
12:47She knew I was finally myself again.
12:49That same night, Ronan brought me his report on Brielle.
12:51Preston stayed in her wing until after midnight every third night.
12:55In public, Brielle spoke of Preston as her brother.
12:58Behind closed doors, she called him babe.
13:00What devoted siblings.
13:01What a shameless pair.
13:03I stood by the window and watched the east wing.
13:05The lights were still on.
13:06I couldn't stand the sight of them.
13:08Mother, you asked me to give myself a chance to be loved, not feared.
13:12I tried for ten years.
13:13The man I married used my family to climb higher.
13:16The woman he brought home whipped someone loyal to me.
13:18Can you see this?
13:19I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
13:21When I opened them, every trace of warmth was gone.
13:24They don't deserve my mercy.
13:26The next morning, I did three things.
13:29Every move followed the rules.
13:31Every move hit Preston where it hurt.
13:33First, I went to the estate's accounting office.
13:35Mr. Doyle nearly fell from his chair when he saw me.
13:39Miss...
13:39Miss Ashbury?
13:42Bring me every account file.
13:44But Preston said...
13:46I gave you an order.
13:48Mr. Doyle trembled.
13:49He quickly gathered the files and placed them before me.
13:52I announced the new rules in front of him.
13:55From today, I control every Ashbury account.
13:58No expense will be approved without my authorization.
14:01Preston's access is revoked.
14:03My inheritance belonged to me.
14:05Preston had no legal claim to any of it.
14:07I'll revoke his access immediately.
14:09Second, I enforced the estate rules.
14:11Riel was not an Ashbourne.
14:13She was not Preston's wife.
14:14She was only his foster sister living in my private estate.
14:17Her allowance was cancelled.
14:19The estate staff assigned to her were reassigned.
14:21Her access to the estate's vehicles was revoked.
14:24What if Miss Shaw causes a scene?
14:25The estate manager came to me.
14:28The estate rules are posted at the entrance.
14:30She can read.
14:32Third, I dealt with the two attendants who had whipped Clara.
14:35They were Shaw employees.
14:36They had assaulted my attendant on Ashbourne property.
14:39Under estate rules, they were returned to the Shaw family.
14:42They were permanently barred from entering my estate again.
14:45Estate security escorted them out as they screamed and cried.
14:48Everyone within half a block saw them.
14:50That evening, Preston stormed into my study.
14:53What the hell is this supposed to mean?
14:55My inheritance is mine to manage.
14:57My estate is mine to run.
14:59Tell me which rule I broke.
15:01Preston had no answer.
15:02He couldn't find a single rule I had broken.
15:04His expression changed.
15:06When he spoke again, his voice was softer.
15:08Rhea, we're married.
15:10Do we really need to treat each other this way?
15:14Preston Shaw.
15:14I addressed him by his full name for the first time.
15:17There was no affection left in it.
15:19I married you because father believed you were a good man.
15:22I tolerated Briea because mother asked me to choose restraint.
15:25But restraint doesn't mean I have no limits.
15:29This time, I only took back what belonged to me.
15:32Next time you let anyone hurt one of mine, I'll take much more.
15:38Preston swallowed hard.
15:39He opened his mouth, then closed it again.
15:41Then he turned and left with quick steps.
15:44After he left, Clara peeked through the doorway.
15:47Miss Ashborough, he looked rattled.
15:50He wasn't rattled.
15:52I sat down again.
15:53He was deciding how to deal with me.
15:56Then what do we do?
15:58Let him think.
15:59We'll deal with whatever he decides.
16:01That night, crashes echoed from the East Guest Wing.
16:04Crystals shattered again and again.
16:07Brielle had lost her allowance, staff, and car privileges.
16:10I listened until I signed the final authorization.
16:13Three days later, Brielle found a way to reclaim her pride.
16:16She used the Ashburn clan's seal to issue private invitations.
16:20Then she invited Greyport's most influential dragon heiresses and matriarchs to my estate.
16:26The Dragon Council's chief arbiter sent his daughter.
16:28So did the Dragon Council speaker's niece.
16:31Several wives of Trade Council directors joined them.
16:33By the time I learned about it, every guest had arrived.
16:36Clara's face went pale with anger.
16:38The wounds across her back were still healing.
16:40Miss Ashbury, she's sitting at the head of your table.
16:43She's even using your mother's crystal service.
16:45Clara struggled to catch her breath.
16:48She told everyone you're too stiff for gatherings like this.
16:50She said she'll manage the estate social affairs from now on.
16:54She told them to come directly to her.
16:56Miss Carver even said Brielle was Preston's true match.
16:59She said you were only his wife on paper.
17:03I'll go see them.
17:05You're going to the front hall?
17:06The guests should meet the true head of this estate.
17:09The front hall was filled with conversation.
17:11Brielle sat at the head of the table.
17:12That was my place.
17:14Seven or eight women from Greyport's leading Dragon clan sat around her.
17:17Their chatter filled the room.
17:19A golden dragon brooch glittered on Brielle's dress.
17:21It had belonged to Mother.
17:23Mother had commissioned three matching brooches.
17:25One had been buried with her.
17:27Father kept the second.
17:28The third had remained inside the Ashbourne estate vault.
17:31Preston had used his temporary estate access to take it.
17:34Oh, Rhea!
17:36You finally decided to join us.
17:37There's an empty seat at the end.
17:39Would you like it?
17:39The guests reacted differently when they saw me.
17:42Some looked embarrassed.
17:43Others immediately lowered their eyes.
17:45Miss Carver hid a smile behind her glass.
17:48She looked me up and down.
17:49Then she whispered something to the woman beside her.
17:51I didn't lose my temper.
17:53My voice remained gentle.
17:55Brielle, that brooch is beautiful.
17:57Preston gave it to me.
17:58I see.
17:59It belonged to my mother.
18:01Brielle's hand froze against the brooch.
18:05You're wearing my mother's heirloom.
18:07You're sitting at the head of my table.
18:09You're using her crystal service.
18:12And you're telling these guests that you control my estate.
18:14The front hall fell silent.
18:16I looked around the table.
18:18You all come from Greyport's most respected dragon clans.
18:21Ask your elders what happened in Greyport ten years ago.
18:24Ask what became of the last woman who dared take my mother's belongings.
18:27No one moved.
18:28Miss Carver's glass trembled in her hand.
18:30Two older women suddenly remembered.
18:32The color vanished from their faces.
18:34Give it back.
18:35Brielle's hand trembled.
18:36She looked toward the entrance.
18:38That was where Preston usually appeared.
18:40No one was there.
18:41I said, give it back.
18:43Brielle slowly removed the brooch from her dress.
18:45Her fingertips were cold when she placed it in my hand.
18:48Then I turned toward the guests.
18:51Brielle ignored clan protocol and received you without my permission.
18:55As head of this estate, I apologize.
18:58I'll invite you back and host you properly another day.
19:01No one dared answer.
19:02The guests rose and left one after another.
19:04Some nearly tripped over themselves in their hurry.
19:07Soon, the front hall was empty.
19:09Only Brielle remained frozen in my chair.
19:11I stopped at the doorway without turning around.
19:14Brielle.
19:15What?
19:17Sit at the head of my table again, and you'll never stand again.
19:23Then I walked away.
19:25Behind me, Brielle swept the entire crystal service.
19:28The scream followed the crash.
19:30Read the ash perch!
19:32Who do you think you are?
19:33I never broke stride.
19:34Brielle went crying to Preston.
19:36Three days later, Preston made his first serious move against me.
19:39He arrived with two men.
19:41One was the editor-in-chief of the Greyport Chronicle.
19:43The other was a senior director of Greyport's trade council.
19:47Preston got straight to the point.
19:48The whole city is talking about how you humiliated Brielle.
19:51The headline will call you a jealous heiress.
19:54It will say you abused your husband's foster sister.
19:57What will that do to your father's reputation?
19:59He was threatening me with the press.
20:01He was using father's reputation to force my hand.
20:03Run it.
20:06Put it on the front page.
20:08Make the headline large.
20:11But before you publish anything, remember one thing.
20:15Shaw Bank survives on deposits from Greyport's businesses.
20:18Most of those businesses depend on Ashbury contracts.
20:22That afternoon, two things happened at once.
20:25First, my investment firm issued a public notice.
20:27It was ending all business with Shaw Bank immediately.
20:30Every deposit would be withdrawn within three days.
20:36Greyport's business owners understood the warning.
20:38If an Ashbourne was pulling her money, they wanted theirs out too.
20:41By the next morning, a line had formed outside Shaw Bank.
20:44It stretched around the entire block.
20:46Second, the Ashbourne group issued a procurement notice.
20:49All annual food, transport, and security contracts would enter open bidding.
20:54Shaw-owned companies were suspended for accounting irregularities.
20:58I had secured that order from father.
20:59I showed him Preston's financial records.
21:02Father read them and gave one answer.
21:04Follow the rules.
21:06Within three days, Shaw Bank lost half its deposits.
21:09The shock sent Mr. Shaw to the hospital.
21:12That night, he ignored medical advice and came to my estate.
21:15His car stopped outside the locked gates.
21:19A guard delivered my answer.
21:21Ms. Ashburn said you had your chance to stop Preston.
21:24Now it's too late.
21:26Mr. Shaw's car remained outside for an hour.
21:28An hour later, it finally drove away.
21:30As for the Chronicle article, it never ran.
21:33The editor killed the story that night.
21:35Then, he called in sick for three days.
21:38He didn't dare leave his house.
21:40Preston didn't return to my estate that week.
21:42Clara said he remained at the Shaw estate.
21:44He held private meetings there for three days.
21:46Ms. Ashburn, do you think he'll strike back?
21:49He will.
21:50That's exactly what I'm waiting for.
21:53Every entrance and exit was already watched by my dragon guard.
21:58Ronan brought me two discoveries.
22:00Either one could shake every dragon clan in Greyport.
22:02The first concerned Brielle.
22:04Her birth name was Eliza Crane.
22:05She was the daughter of Cassian Crane.
22:07Cassian had led the Obsidian Dragon Clan's rebellion ten years earlier.
22:11Father had destroyed the clan after their defeat.
22:13The Shaws secretly smuggled nine-year-old Eliza out of Greyport.
22:17They changed her name and raised her as Brielle Shaw.
22:19She hadn't entered my estate to become Preston's foster sister.
22:22She had come for revenge.
22:23The second discovery was even worse.
22:25The man receiving Preston's money as Miles Hart was actually Silas Crane.
22:31Silas was Eliza's biological brother.
22:33He had survived the Obsidian Dragon Clan's destruction.
22:36He was hiding in West Greyport as a history teacher.
22:39He continued using Miles Hart as his public identity.
22:44A Shaw family driver carried messages between the siblings twice each month.
22:48Three nights earlier, Preston had gone to meet Silas himself.
22:51My guards followed him.
22:55Preston and Silas spoke privately for an hour.
22:58What were they planning?
22:59Silas would send two men into Father's 50th birthday gala.
23:02They would pose as catering staff.
23:04Then they would pour Dragon Bane into Father's wine.
23:08As Father's son-in-law, Preston would inspect the catering area.
23:15He would clear them through every security checkpoint.
23:18After Father died, the neighboring Red Dragon Clan would seize Greyport.
23:22In return, Preston demanded control of the Ashbourne Group's procurement division.
23:26He also demanded the Dragon Council's vice chairmanship.
23:29He wanted everything.
23:30Clara's needs nearly gave out.
23:33Miss Ashbyn, we have to warn your father.
23:35We need to detain them now.
23:37We can take them before the Dragon Council.
23:41If we arrest them now, Preston will deny everything.
23:44He'll blame the Crane family and destroy the remaining evidence.
23:47The Dragon Council will hear only an angry wife accusing her husband.
23:51At most, we'll arrest one driver and two fake caterers.
23:54Then what?
23:55Preston will remain Father's respected son-in-law.
23:58He'll continue pretending to be an honorable man.
24:04Then what do we do?
24:11My old white and gold Dragon battle attire lay neatly folded inside.
24:15Subtle gold scale stitching formed the Ashbourne Crest.
24:17I hadn't worn it in ten years.
24:19There wasn't a speck of dust on it.
24:21Clara had kept it ready for me.
24:22She always knew I would wear it again.
24:24I'll let them make the first move.
24:27They'll expose themselves before every clan in Greyport.
24:31The next morning, I went to the main Ashbourne estate.
24:35I met Father alone in his study.
24:40Is something wrong with the birthday gala?
24:44Father, I've prepared a special gift for your birthday.
24:47All you need to do is sit back and watch.
24:49Don't drink a single drop of wine.
24:52The Golden Dragon patriarch had survived decades of clan wars.
24:56At last, he slowly nodded.
24:58For the first time in ten years, his eyes held no fear.
25:01Only trust.
25:03Should we take Silas first?
25:05No.
25:07What about the driver and fake caterers?
25:11Leave them alone.
25:13Quietly replace anything that needs replacing.
25:17Put our people in position.
25:20Keep every guest outside their reach.
25:23Then wait for the gala.
25:28Five days later, Father's 50th birthday arrived.
25:31Father's 50th birthday gala was Greyport's grandest event.
25:35Dragon Council delegates and Greyport's most powerful clan leaders attended.
25:39Trade Council leaders brought their families.
25:41More than 400 guests filled the Ashbourne estate's grand ballroom.
25:44Every eye in the room turned toward me when I arrived.
25:47I wore white gold from head to toe.
25:49My fitted combat suit carried subtle golden scale patterns.
25:53The Ashbourne dragon brooch rested over my heart.
25:56I carried no weapon.
25:57I didn't need one.
26:00The older guests went pale.
26:02Every clan in Greyport knew the ancient Ashbourne tradition.
26:06Their heirs wore white gold for only two occasions.
26:08A coronation.
26:09Or a judgment.
26:10The head of Greyport's trade council quietly replaced his wine with water.
26:14A senior Dragon Council member went rigid in his chair.
26:17One young clan heir started mocking my ceremonial outfit.
26:20His father seized his arm before he could finish.
26:24This is your father's birthday gala.
26:27Why are you wearing Ashbourne judgment colors?
26:32Because someone will be judged tonight.
26:36Who?
26:37You'll find out.
26:40He was unusually nervous that evening.
26:43He kept checking his watch.
26:44His fingers tapped constantly beneath the table.
26:47I noticed every movement.
26:49Dinner continued through several rounds of birthday toasts.
26:52The orchestra played while father accepted one speech after another.
26:55Rehearse, face it, and assume.
26:56His wine glass remained full.
26:58He never touched it.
27:10I'll check the catering area.
27:12Nothing can go wrong with father's birthday toast.
27:14Toast.
27:15What a thoughtful son-in-law.
27:16Preston walked toward the catering area.
27:19His pace was steady, but his clenched fist crushed his cuff.
27:24I lowered my gaze to the drink before me.
27:26Silently, I counted to three hundred...
27:28One.
27:30One hundred.
27:32Three hundred.
27:34Ronan.
27:35Move.
27:36One word.
27:37Twelve figures slipped silently through the ballroom's side doors.
27:40The orchestra concealed their movements.
27:42No one noticed.
27:45Three minutes later, a scream came from the catering area.
27:49The orchestra stopped.
27:51The first disturbance came from the catering area.
27:53Father's chief taster had taken one sip of the birthday wine.
27:56He immediately clutched his stomach and collapsed.
27:59Dragonbane should have attacked his dragon core.
28:01Instead, his skin flashed blue before he collapsed.
28:04Silas had supplied the dragon bane.
28:06Three days earlier, Ronan's guards replaced it with a harmless testing compound.
28:09The two fake caterers recognized the wrong symptoms.
28:12They turned and ran.
28:13They didn't make it three steps.
28:15Two dragon guards pinned them against a steel preparation table.
28:20Then the ballroom doors burst open.
28:24Silas had realized his plan was failing.
28:26He charged inside with eight obsidian dragon loyalists.
28:31They rushed directly toward the head table.
28:33Each man carried a pistol loaded with dragon bane rounds.
28:37The Shaw family driver had hidden the weapons inside the estate.
28:40But that driver had secretly worked for Ronan for two weeks.
28:43Every dragon bane round had been replaced with a blank.
28:46The assassins pulled their triggers.
28:48Gunshots thundered across the ballroom.
28:50No one fell.
28:51The guests screamed and ducked beneath the tables.
28:53He pulled a dragon bane coated dagger from his boot.
28:56That weapon had never passed through the driver's hands.
28:59Silas lunged toward father.
29:00I released three bursts of true golden fire.
29:05The first struck the dagger.
29:07The second struck his chest.
29:09It hurled him away from father.
29:11The third surrounded him with a ring of golden fire.
29:14Silas dropped to his knees with a scream.
29:18A colossal golden dragon shadow filled the ballroom behind me.
29:22Its wings stretched across the walls and ceiling.
29:25Father.
29:28I promised you a special birthday gift.
29:32No one dared object.
29:34Briella is young and doesn't understand our customs.
29:38Everyone should be patient with her.
29:40Brielle was 19 and Preston expected me to believe she didn't understand basic manners.
29:45That night, Ronan came to my study.
29:47I hadn't spoken to him directly in 10 years.
29:49He had barely changed.
29:51He commanded the dragon guard mother had left me.
29:53When I sealed my dragon core, the guards vanished from public view.
29:56For 10 years, one of them had always remained within 30 paces.
30:00Miss Ashbrid, at your command.
30:02Are all your guards still with me?
30:03All 12 remain.
30:04Not one is missing.
30:07Have 10 years dulled their claws?
30:09The claws you command are as sharp as ever.
30:12Not yet.
30:14Investigate two things first.
30:16What are your orders?
30:17First, uncover Brielle's background.
30:19Find out who her birth parents are.
30:21Find out why the Shores took her in.
30:24Understood.
30:26Second, find out what Brielle really is to Preston.
30:28Is she truly just his foster sister?
30:30Or is she something more?
30:33I understand.
30:34He quietly left the study.
30:35The moon was bright outside.
30:37Mother, you asked me to live a decent life.
30:39I was doing my best.
30:40But people kept mistaking kindness for weakness.
30:42They respected only force.
30:44By our second month, Preston had reached for my inheritance.
30:47Every asset belonged to me under Ashbourne inheritance law.
30:50Managing all those assets is too much work for a woman.
30:54Let me handle them.
30:56You'll have one less burden.
30:59The ballroom was filled with shocked voices, but no one dared object.
31:03I walked toward Preston and crouched before him.
31:06Only Preston could hear me.
31:07Preston, do you remember what I did at 13?
31:12Do you think 10 years made me merciful?
31:15Or do you think they made me worse?
31:17A strange sound escaped his throat.
31:19It was neither a cry nor a scream.
31:21It sounded like a dying animal.
31:22Thadder's mistress had made the same sound 10 years earlier.
31:26She made it, after seeing me carry her favorite dessert into her room.
31:29Three days later, heavy rain fell over Great Work.
31:32The Dragon Council published my judgment across every public screen.
31:36Preston was sentenced to death for treason and attempted assassination.
31:40Silas received the same sentence.
31:42Brielle was sentenced for conspiracy and assisting the assassination.
31:47All three would be executed under clan law.
31:49The night before their execution, Brielle cried until morning.
31:52She repeated only one name.
31:54Preston!
31:54Preston heard every cry from the neighboring cell.
31:57He never answered once.
32:00Shaw Bank was seized.
32:01Every Shaw company connected to the conspiracy was confiscated.
32:05The Silver Dragon clan lost its council seat.
32:08It also lost the right to bear its silver crest.
32:12She recognizes what she is the one we got to date.
32:13She was able to bring twoéndose 1800s into the era ofucky.
32:14She kept one by like the eight
32:14letter of mother.
32:14You
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