?Chapter 1622:


    The thought hung suspended as she savored her wine, offering Elyse an enigmatic smile.


    “Continue,” Elyse encouraged softly.


    Reba studied her wine, watching light fracture through the liquid. “Don’t you find these borders constraining? Yes, we prosper, but imagine the potential for greater wealth, expanded territories, room for more of my people to thrive.”


    Elyse’s response carried gentle wisdom. “Your ambitions soar high. A nation’s true measure lies not in its physical expanse or gleaming edifices, but in its people’s contentment and sense of belonging.”


    Reba dismissed this philosophy with a wave. “Perhaps. But I believe in perpetual expansion. More territory, more wealth, more prosperity—these are the markers of true sess.”


    Reba’s expression made Elyse realize that she wasn’t being taken seriously.


    With a soft sigh, Elyse turned away, sank into a chair, and began sipping her drink.


    After draining a ss, Reba spoke, her voice tinged with sorrow. “Do you know? I’ve never had a friend. It never crossed my mind that one day, while having a drink, someone would sit beside me and keep mepany.”


    Elyse raised her ss, replying with a touch of warmth, “It’s my pleasure to keep youpany now.”


    Reba let out a smallugh. “You know, the way you speak always brings someone from my past to mind.”


    Elyse’s brows lifted in curiosity, and she couldn’t help but ask, “Who is this person you’re thinking of?”


    Reba shook her head, refusing to borate, but simply said, “He was so good to me, but I hurt him. He’ll never forgive me.”


    Elyse had no idea who Reba was referring to, but something in her gut told her it was likely her father.


    A surge of anger bubbled up inside Elyse as she silently watched Reba’s disy.


    As Reba continued, her tears fell like silent rain. “He was such a wonderful person, but I treated him poorly. I regret it deeply,” she murmured, her voiceden with remorse.


    Elyse let out a barely perceptible sneer and, with a hint of sarcasm, remarked, “Really?”


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    Reba wiped her tears, a faint smile forming. “Back then, I was so certain he’d never forgive me. But over time, I realized I was wrong. He forgave me long ago.” Once her crying subsided, she calmly dabbed at the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief.


    Elyse raised an eyebrow in confusion. “What do you mean by that?”


    Reba straightened up, her hands gently cupping Elyse’s face as she shed a knowing smile. “Oh, he forgave me. It’s okay if you don’t understand—I’m the one who truly got what he meant.”


    Her smile widened, her gaze growing more intense, almost predatory. Elyse felt a chill run down her spine at the unnerving smile that danced on Reba’s lips.


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