Chapter 590
Rodney lay at Aspen’s feet, his body soaked in blood, her triumphant stance making it clear who had the upper hand. Anyone who caught her gaze instinctively looked away, too afraid to meet her eyes.
Gordon’s overwhelming presence filled the air with dread, silencing even those who despised Aspen’s arrogance. Though her words were infuriating, no one dared risk their lives for Rodney.
Everyone valued their own survival too much to challenge Gordon.
Mark finally spoke in a grave tone. “Aspen, that’s enough. You’ve beaten him half to death. Whatever grudge you had with Madblade Martial Academy, I think it’s time to put it to rest.”
Mark had never been fond of the academy, but as the city’s mayor, he could not just stand by and watch Rodney be tortured to death by someone from out of town.
Aspen chuckled softly. “Of course, Mr. Thatcher, I wouldn’t dare disrespect your authority.”
“But tell me this–Rodney humiliated me and nearly ruined my reputation as a woman. Do you think a few broken bones are enough to settle that kind of score?”
Mark’s brow furrowed. “What do you want, then?”
Aspen’s smile turned cold. “At the very least, I want Rodney to lose the ability to be a man.”
Mark fell silent, fully understanding the dilemma. Rodney’s actions had caused a serious issue, and with someone like Gordon standing beside Aspen, interfering too much could provoke conflict with the powers in Bridgefields.
Sensing that Mark was stuck, Aspen shifted her focus to Marvin and Tiana. Flashing a respectful smile, she said, “Mr. Yates, Mrs. Rhodes, I apologize for the unpleasant scene today. I’m just a woman who was nearly robbed of her dignity. With a grudge that deep, I can’t rest until it’s avenged–even if it means going to extremes.”
She bowed politely to both of them as she spoke. Marvin sipped his tea, his tone indifferent. “Ms. Stevens, your personal matters are none of my concern.”
Tiana offered a small smile. “As a woman, I understand your pain. Reputation is everything to a woman. Whatever actions you take, I wouldn’t consider them excessive.”
“Thank you, Mr. Yates, Mr. Thatcher, and Mrs. Rhodes,” Aspen replied graciously.
She had accomplished exactly what she wanted–securing the silent approval of Jayrodale’s most powerful figures. Now, even if she went too far and accidentally killed Rodney, these influential people would have a hard time holding her fully accountable. At worst, any fallout could be mitigated through her family’s political connections.
Aspen glanced down at Rodney, her lips curling into a smirk. “You’re pathetic, Mr. Sanford. The future heir of Madblade Martial Academy, one of Jayrodale’s Four Most Eligible Bachelors–reduced to this.”
She ground her heel into his face and laughed softly. “And now you’re lying here like a half-dead dog. Look around–this whole city is watching, and not a single person is willing to save you. No one even dares to speak up for you. Isn’t that tragic?”
Her words stung the crowd below. They were directed at Rodney, but everyone knew she was really mocking Jayrodale as a whole. The message was clear–Aspen had broken one of the city’s most prominent young men, and no one dared to challenge her for it.