Phoebe stormed off, firmly refusing Han Shuo's company with her final words. After getting dressed and rising, Han Shuo hesitated for a while, but ultimately did not follow her.
The Betridge Family was a prominent noble family in the empire. Although Old Hahn had retired from the military, his influence remained. Phoebe going over to speak with Emily alone might not cause any major problems, but if Han Shuo went along too, there was no telling what would happen with both women and Han Shuo, the central figure, together.
Han Shuo did not want both women shouting at him in the Betridge Family's residence. That would not only affect his career, but also do considerable damage to Phoebe's and Emily's reputations.
Looking miserable, Han Shuo stood rooted to the spot, unsure what to do for a time. He merely released two Xuan Demons to follow Phoebe, keeping close behind her.
Undercurrents were now surging through the Osen Duchy. Han Shuo feared that something might happen to Phoebe, who supported Lawrence. He also wanted to see just what she intended to discuss with Emily. If the situation took a bad turn, he would have no choice but to intervene.
The Xuan Demons followed Phoebe to the Betridge Family's residence. To Han Shuo's surprise, by the time the furious Phoebe reached its gates, she had concealed all her emotions and calmly asked the guards to let her see Emily.
Seeing that Phoebe had not begun shouting the moment she arrived, Han Shuo breathed a sigh of relief. He understood that, angry as she was, she still knew how far to go.
When Emily heard that Phoebe had come specifically to see her, her heart jolted. With something to hide, she had vaguely sensed something amiss during their previous meetings and knew that