Keira and Jenkins exchanged a glance, then shifted their attention back to the scene unfolding in front of them.

Jenkins leaned in and murmured, "If Monbatten really adopts the prince's son, the power struggle in Country A will split into two factions. It doesn't directly affect us—if anything, the more chaos there is, the better chance we have to reclaim our position. But, considering he just promised to support my return, wishing ill on him feels a bit... ungrateful."

Keira nodded in agreement.

Little Amy, however, piped up indignantly, "Daddy already has me as his daughter! Why would he need someone else's kid?"

Erin couldn't help but laugh. "Amy, you've got quite the imagination. Do you really think you're a little princess?"

"I am a princess!" Amy declared, hands on her hips, glaring defiantly at Erin.

Before anyone could respond, Amy glanced at Monbatten with a worried expression, then made a sudden dash toward him. Jenkins, quick on his feet, caught her by the back of her collar, scooping her up into his arms. "Whoa there, kiddo! That's not just a casual argument over there. Those kinds of disputes can get serious—life-or-death serious. Stay out of it."

Amy kicked her little legs in frustration. "But I am his kid! Why doesn't anyone believe me? Ugh!"

Keira gave Amy a sidelong glance, her expression thoughtful.

Meanwhile, the tension in the room escalated. Monbatten and his brother stared each other down, their mutual hostility almost tangible.

broke the silence. "Why aren't you

calmly, "Why don't you check your

phone have to do with anything? Stop changing

answering the call. Whatever was said on the other end made his face darken considerably. He turned to

remained measured. "If your oil fields were above board, there'd be

"You—"

briefly to the ten-year-old boy standing nearby. "The backlash would make it impossible for me to adopt your son—even if I

him, Monbatten left his brother

pause, the prince took a deep breath, clearly trying to rein in his anger. "Fine, Monbatten. You win this round. But you'll have to come back eventually. The rest of the royal family has already made

spun on his

Monbatten said, his voice

prince stopped, glancing back warily. Monbatten gestured toward the boy.

nothing.

Monbatten once they were gone. "What's

child, I might be able to buy myself more time. If not…" He paused, his voice heavy. "Then, for the sake of stability back home, I'll

with its price, Monbatten. The greater the power, the heavier the chains that bind you. Stay

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255