Chapter 236: Chapter 236 Smart man

_Rowena’s POV_

The drive from the Ashthorne estate to the central hospital was calm, but my mind was running in overdrive. Ezekiel’s jokes back at the parlor were funny, but the moment I was alone in the car, the heaviness in my chest returned.

The events of our lives these days was actually concerning no matter how much I tried to ignore it.

The strongest of them here was Brielle Logan.

Since she had been missing for weeks now, it took a toll on me.

She was just a spoiled noble girl who couldn’t survive on her own without help, money, or a place to hide. Something about her sudden disappearance felt completely off, like a slow trap waiting for the right moment to snap shut.

When the car pulled up to the hospital entrance, I got out and walked straight inside.

The lobby was bustling with nurses and patients. I took the private elevator up to the top floor and walked down the hallway toward the medical archive vault.

Kyle was already standing outside the doors, holding an electronic tablet in his hand. He was dressed in his dark doctor coat, looking calm and collected as usual. When he saw me walking toward him, he gave me a small, polite nod.

"You made it," Kyle said thankfully.

"Where are the Logan family lawyers?" I asked, stopping a few feet away and crossing my arms.

"I told them we could discuss the file request over a quick meal," Kyle replied, showing me his tablet screen. "The moment they asked to move Brielle’s old health records, I locked the digital system. But instead of arguing with them in a tense conference room, I figured you and I should step out for a proper lunch while I explain the legal loophole they’re trying to use."

I looked down at the screen, then back up at him. "A lunch?"

"My treat, Marchioness," Kyle offered with a faint smile. "You look like you haven’t eaten a real meal since yesterday, and I know a place some blocks away that serves incredible food. You can sign the block order right after we eat."

I hesitated for a second, but my stomach made the decision for me with a rumble. "Fine. Lead the way."

Ten minutes later, we were sitting in a corner booth at a nice place.

The atmosphere was peaceful, far away from the chaotic security briefings and political drama that we’ve been in.

As we waited for our food, Kyle laid out the entire situation with clarity. He didn’t just explain the medical board’s policies, he broke down the legal language, the exact loopholes the Logan family lawyers were trying to exploit, and how we could use pack health regulations to permanently seal the files.

I sat back, sipping my water as I listened to him speak. I had always known he was a skilled surgeon, but seeing the analytical way his brain worked was genuinely impressive. He didn’t speak with arrogant fluff or big political talk. He was precise, logical, and incredibly smart.

"So basically," Kyle concluded, setting his glass down, "by filing section four of the health code, we freeze their access for ninety days without needing a full council vote. It completely shuts them down."

"That is surprisingly brilliant, Kyle," I admitted, a genuine look of respect in my eyes. "You handle legal strategy better than half of Alaric’s official advisors."

"I take that as a massive compliment coming from a wonderful woman like you," Kyle chuckled, his eyes looking bright. "Though to be fair, most of your advisors look like they still use paper maps and pigeons."

A small, sudden laugh escaped my lips before I could stop it. "Don’t let Gabriel hear you say that. He takes his filing system very seriously."

"My lips are sealed," Kyle grinned, taking a bite of his meal.

For a few minutes, the atmosphere between us was surprisingly comfortable. It was nice talking to someone who thought in straight lines and clear facts.

"So," Kyle asked casually, leaning back against the seat, "what is the final move with the Logan family? Now that their accounts are frozen, what comes next?"

"Alaric’s plan is to bring the Logans entirely down to the ground," I stated plainly, my voice dropping into a cool tone. "Their seat on the council will be stripped, their land will be seized, and when Brielle finally shows her face, she will stand trial for treason."

Kyle’s smile slowly faded. "Don’t you think Alaric should be a little more merciful?" Kyle asked, looking straight at me. "I mean... he once had a history with Brielle. They grew up together. Stripping her family of everything they own feels a bit harsh, don’t you think?"

A harsh cold spark lit up in my chest, my posture instantly stiffened, my demeanor turning icy in a fraction of a second. I didn’t appreciate anyone questioning Alaric’s authority, especially when it came to a woman who had tried to run me over with a car and frame him for a scandal.

Yes, I already knew she didn’t.

No one else. Brielle tried to kill me, I have no evidence, but I wasn’t a fool.

Seeing the sudden shift in my eyes, Kyle immediately held up his hands, his expression turning apologetic.

"I’m sorry, Rowena," Kyle said quickly, his voice full of sincere regret. "That came out wrong. It sounded harsh, and it’s not my place to judge his decisions. I just dislike seeing families completely destroyed, but I know what she did was unforgivable. Please ignore what I said."

I took a slow breath, letting the irritation cool down. "It’s fine, Kyle. Just remember that Brielle brought this on herself."

"Understood," Kyle said, giving me a respectful nod. "Let’s sign those papers so you can get back to the estate."

He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out the electronic tablet, sliding it across the table toward me. I picked up the digital pen, tapped the screen, and entered my official marchioness clearance code to seal the Logan family files for good.

"All set," I said, handing the tablet back to him. "Thank you for the meal, Kyle. It was—"

"Rowena?" a shocked male voice suddenly cut through the restaurant .

I paused and slowly turned my head toward the entrance of the restaurant.

Standing a few feet away from our table, wearing a casual suit with a look of utter disbelief on his face, was Kaelen.

My ex...husband.

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