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“No. From yesterday until now, the men have searched every corner, but there’s no trace of them. Strange, isn’t it? Where could they be hiding?”

Ignatius was already restless. With Sebastian and Caitlin in the shadows and his own people exposed, he had no idea when or where they might strike again.

“I’ve heard Caitlin is cunning. They’ve probably disguised themselves, but one thing is certain–they won’t leave Regalis so easily. As long as we lock down the train stations, docks, and airports, we might catch them in the trap.”

“That’s a good n. I’ll send the order right away.”

Ignatius had always admired his sister’s sharp mind. Nicoletta not only managed the Jonathan family with precision, but her decisiveness and ruthlessness in handling both internal and external affairs made her invaluable. With her ideas, there was always a way forward.

“And what about Dustin?” Nicoletta asked.

“The bullet’s been removed. His life’s no longer in danger.”

Nicoletta nodded. Before leaving, she warned, “Be careful these days. Don’t let Caitlin and her people catch you off guard.”

“I know.”

Nicoletta left The Seventh Door and stepped into a sleek ck sedan waiting outside.

The driver, a man wearing a low–brimmed hat, said nothing as she ordered, “Take me to the usual ce.”

The car pulled away and headed toward a secluded vi.

Once they arrived, Nicoletta went straight through the gates with the driver following close behind.

The lights inside flickered on. Nicoletta turned, ced her hands around the man’s neck, and removed his

hat.

The face beneath belonged to Fletcher, Hector’s eldest son. Without a word, the two of them kissed hungrily.

When they finally pulled apart, Nicoletta teased, “No one saw you slip out, did they?”

“No.” Fletcher pulled her close again, impatient. “I don’t know how much longer we can keep sneaking around like this. I’m running out of patience.”

“You need to stay calm. Your father can’t live forever. You’re already a national senator. Once he’s gone, the Jonathan family will be yours by right. Then everything will belong to us.”

“I know, but I can’t stand that woman at home any longer. I want a divorce. I don’t want to spend another day with her.”

“Be patient. That time wille.”

They kissed again, bound by a secret that no one else knew. Nicoletta had been with Fletcher long before she married Hector. The truth was darker still–her two children were Fletcher’s, not Hector’s.

Afterward, Nicoletta got down to business. “Tomorrow is our chance to put our daughter in the spotlight. She must capture the prince’s attention. Once we get him to visit the Jonathan family estate, I invite the First Lady too. If we can arrange even the slightest spark between him and Liliana, we’ll have set the stage. Whether our daughter bes the Princess of A Country depends on tomorrow.”

“I’ll make sure of it,” Fletcher promised.

When their tryst ended, they left separately, staggering their returns to the Jonathan estate.

The next morning, Caitlin, Tyler, and Zinniapleted their disguises. They took on the roles of Magnus’s personal guards and secretary, blending seamlessly into his entourage.

Sebastian, still recovering from his wound, stayed behind at the vi. The rest joined Magnus in the state’s official limousine.

The car swept past the towering gates of the capital and entered the residence of D Country’s head of state.

As they stepped out, guards lined both sides in perfect formation, saluting Prince Magnus.

The head of state and the First Lady personally weed him, shaking hands before leading everyone into the grand hall. Caitlin and the others followed.

Inside the national conference chamber, the two sides sat down to discuss formal rtions.

The meetingsted about ny minutes. Representing his father and his nation, Magnus proposed a vision of friendship and cooperation, outlining several specific areas of partnership.

The head of state agreed, expressing his own desire for closer ties. Together, they signed a peace and cooperation ord.

Afterward, the head of state invited Magnus to tour the national museum. Once they returned, it was time for the state banquet.

The banquet was a glittering affair. Nobles, ministers, and senators arrived with their families, alongside heads of major industries and dynasties. It was a night to honor Magnus, and he was undeniably the star.

The head of state personally apanied him, introducing him to one figure after another.

From their position nearby, Caitlin, Zinnia, and Tyler observed quietly. fnb1ce Official source is fι?dnοvel/fnb1ce

“Are the Jonathan family here yet?” Zinnia whispered.

“Yes,” Caitlin replied softly. “Over there–the one with sses is Senator Fletcher with his wife. Beside them is Matthew, the second son, and his wife. Those two younger men are Fletcher’s eldest, Carson, and Liliana’s

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brother Israel.”

:

Her sharp memory matched each face with the information she had studied earlier.

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“Strange,” Zinnia murmured. “Isn’t Nicoletta supposed to be the real power behind the family? She’s close to the First Lady. And what about Liliana? Why aren’t they here?”

“They’lle,” Caitlin said, her eyes narrowing. “And when they do, it’ll be with a flourish. Nicoletta isn’t the type to slip in unnoticed. If shees, it will be as the finale.”

Sure enough, ten minutester, a stir swept through the hall.

“The First Lady has arrived!” someone announced.

All eyes turned to the entrance, where the First Lady entered nked by two women.

One was Nicoletta, elegant in a tailored cheongsam, graceful yet careful not to outshine the First Lady.

The other was Liliana, radiant in a pure white evening gownyered with gauzy silk. Her slender figure and striking beauty drew immediate admiration. She truly lived up to her title as the nation’s premier socialite.

With the First Lady at the center and the two Jonathan women at her sides, their closeness was undeniable.

As they approached Magnus, Liliana’s heart thudded in her chest. The prince was even more handsome than she had imagined–far more striking than in the news photos. He was exactly her type.

A voice screamed in her heart. She must be his bride. She had to have this man.

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