Michael's transformation had been nothing short of shocking.
When Ace and Lia first saw him upon his return, they didn't show a hint of surprise on their faces. But beneath their composed expressions—and despite the emotions already weighing on them—they had been completely stunned.
Was his hair real? Was it a wig? What in the world had happened to him?
Their curiosity wasn't born from concern, but from sheer disbelief. Even now, after getting used to his new appearance, something about it still sat oddly in their hearts.
Was it jealousy? Envy?
They weren't sure. Or maybe they were and just didn't want to admit it.
What they did know was simple: this bastard looked fine as hell.
It was the same for anyone else who had known Michael before.
But the man himself remained oblivious. Everyone outside his family knew how to hide it well—how to keep their thoughts to themselves.
Mage Lian's gaze sharpened the longer he stared.
