Even passersby from afar could sense the tension radiating from James's silence, though Felix remained unshaken, standing firm like an evergreen pine, completely unafraid.

The standoff lasted only a moment before James narrowed his eagle-like eyes slightly. "Even if William were still alive, he'd have no right to judge me."

He took a long stride forward, brushing past Felix with a dismissive pat on his shoulder.

"Dr. Linton, feel free to try—see if you've got what it ...