Tyler clearly had no interest in sitting there and having a heart-to-heart with Steven. Every family had its own problems, after all. He replied curtly, “That’s nothing you need to worry about. Speaking of women, are you telling me Howard can’t find a single one in all of Yurelia City that he has to latch onto mine? And to try something as vile as forcing himself on her? He’s not even embarrassed to have that dragged into the open? Or is that the kind of thing the Ziegler family teaches its men?”

“Rubbish!” Steven exploded, slamming his cane against the floor. “The Ziegler family would never teach that!”

“Oh? Then I guess Howard must have picked it up from the scum he runs around with. Either way, his attempted rape has already been officially filed by the police. I know your family has the power to make it disappear–but if someone decides to interfere, well, things might get a little tricky.”

Tyler didn’t spell it out, but Steven was experienced enough to read between the lines. The tension between them instantly grew.

Steven’s eyes glinted coldly as he gave Tyler the side-eye. “So, Tyler, what you’re saying is, you’re definitely going to get involved?”

“My girlfriend was the one he went after. Tell me, how am I supposed to just let that slide? If someone had nearly assaulted your wife, would you simply keep the peace? And if I did just let it go, what happens when people find out? Wouldn’t they call me a coward?”

In just a few sentences, Tyler had backed Steven into a corner. For a moment, Steven was stunned into silence, caught off guard. Then, his expression hardened. He had been talking to Tyler all this time, and the man clearly hadn’t listened to a word. His face flushed red with anger as he got to his feet and loomed over Tyler.

“Are you determined to protect Rachel no matter what?”

Tyler nodded. “Exactly.”

“Tyler, let me remind you, you’re going to pay for this. Without your father backing you, the Ziegler family could crush you like an ant.”

Tyler’s voice remained firm. “No matter what you do to me, I’m not letting this go. I won’t just let my girlfriend suffer without payback. Whatever it takes–even if I lose everything–I’ll make sure she gets justice.”

To Steven, this wasn’t about loyalty. It was pure recklessness.

“At this rate, you’re going to regret it one day.”

Tyler smiled and said nothing.

Steven nodded, and his gaze turned hostile. “In that case, Tyler, don’t blame me when I strip away all courtesy and destroy you completely!”

Tyler smiled. “Whatever you have in mind, I’m ready for it.”

The tension grew in the hallway. Steven snorted, his eyes wide open. He was about to step forward when he spotted someone approaching from down the hall. It was a man with a build much like his own.

Thomas, with the help of his butler, Josh, walked toward them.

“Steven.”