Alaric stood, seething with anger, in front of his grandfather’s desk. The weight of the truth pressed down on him, suffocating him in its reality. He clenched his fists at his sides, fighting to keep his composure.“You mock me?” Alaric’s voice was low, a dangerous growl escaping his throat as he locked eyes with Senior Royale. “You dare mock me for wanting to make things right?” His jaw tightened, his teeth grinding as the anger bubbled within him.Senior Royale leaned back in his chair, a knowing smirk creeping onto his lips. “Shameless,” he muttered under his breath, his voice thick with disdain. “You’re a fool, Alaric. A fool who will spend the rest of his life trying to fix the damage you’ve done. You threw Elona away like garbage, and now you want to claim her as your wife? After everything?” The old man’s eyes glinted, almost satisfied by the torment he knew was churning inside his grandson.Alaric’s fists tightened, the heat of rage flooding his veins. He refused to let his g
As he watched his grandson storm out, senior Royale could not help but think back to the first time he met the triplets. He did not need a paternity test to know that they were descendants of the Royale family. Flashback.....Senior Royale’s gaze lingered on the triplets. Allie’s bright giggles echoed in the room as she waved the design drafts triumphantly. “If we tell Grandpa, Mum will be in so much trouble!” Artie grinned, nudging his brother. “Blackmailing for ice cream? Genius.”The resemblance between the children and Alaric was undeniable. The boy’s stubborn jawline, the girl’s mischievous eyes, all mirrored the grandson son he hadn’t seen smile in years.“Children,” he called, stepping further into the room. His voice carried a commanding weight, firm yet tinged with curiosity. “Come here.” The triplets froze, exchanging glances. Artie frowned. “Who are you?”Senior Royale knelt to their level, his lips curving into a faint smile. “I’m your great grandfather,” he said softly,
The air in the mountain village was crisp, but Alaric felt its chill deeper than his bones. The villagers were wary of him, their guarded stares trailing him like whispers in the wind.Alaric adjusted the collar of his jacket, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling. Every step he took on the uneven cobblestone streets brought him closer to the edge of the village, where he was told he’d find the one man who could provide answers: Master Fu.The villagers spoke of Elona in hushed tones, their reverence unmistakable. She had been their beacon of hope, a healer, a protector, and a friend. Hearing of her kindness only deepened the gnawing guilt in Alaric’s chest. How could he have left her? How could he have been so blind?At last, he reached the temple. Nestled against a backdrop of dense forest and jagged cliffs, it stood in quiet defiance of the modern world. Its wooden doors creaked as Alaric pushed them open, revealing a sparse interior. Incense burned faintly, and the rhythmic sound
Harley sat in her luxurious apartment, the glow of her computer screen casting an eerie light across her face. Her manicured fingers drummed impatiently on the desk as she waited for her contact to respond. The dark web was a dangerous place, but she had always prided herself on being one step ahead of everyone else. After all, it had been her careful planning that had led to Elona’s disappearance.The screen flickered, and a message appeared in the encrypted chat room. "Your target and her children have been extracted. My advice: do not contact me again. This is the last message you’ll receive."Harley’s heart dropped, a chill creeping up her spine. She re-read the message, her mind racing. Extracted? That wasn’t the plan. They were supposed to remain in captivity until she could determine her next move.She typed back hastily: "What do you mean extracted? Who took them?" The reply was instant. "Highly skilled operatives. We were outmatched. Do not reach out again, or you will regret
Elona leaned back in the plush leather seat of the private jet, the soft hum of the engines providing a calming backdrop to her thoughts. Through the window, the vast ocean stretched out below her, its surface shimmering under the sunlight. Beside her, her three children sat, immersed in their own activities.Arlyle was typing furiously on his laptop, the glow of the screen reflecting in his intense eyes. At just three and a half years old, his dexterity and understanding of complex coding languages were astounding. Beside him, Artie was sketching designs for a new firewall system, his brows furrowed in deep concentration. Meanwhile, Allie sat quietly with her sketchpad, her delicate fingers moving gracefully as she brought her latest masterpiece to life, a beautifully intricate calligraphic design.Elona’s gaze softened as she watched them, pride welling in her chest. They were her greatest treasures, and their talents were far beyond what even she had imagined. But there was more a
Harley sat in her mother Helena's elegant parlor, the room dimly lit by a soft golden chandelier. Her hands trembled as she held her tea cup, unable to meet her mother’s sharp gaze. Helena’s presence was always imposing, her beauty cold and commanding, a stark contrast to Harley’s own delicate features.“I don’t know what to do, Mother,” Harley whispered, her voice cracking. “I... I drugged Alaric that night, thinking it would bring us closer. But—” She paused, the memory choking her. “He fought the effects. Instead of... succumbing, he collapsed. The doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong, and he fell into a vegetative state.”Helena’s expression didn’t falter, but the slight narrowing of her eyes betrayed her anger. “You mean to tell me that your reckless desperation nearly killed him? Do you understand the consequences of what you’ve done?”Harley nodded, her tears spilling over. “Senior Royale brought in a Chinese doctor to save him after the hospital gave up. That doctor... i
Alaric stepped out of the sleek black car and took in the sight before him. A sprawling estate tucked deep within the rolling countryside of Country S. Its grandeur was undeniable, yet it carried an air of defiance. The towering walls and looming gates seemed less an invitation and more a statement. Julio, the elusive artist, guarded his world fiercely.It had been three agonizing days since Alaric set foot in the country, and every hour had been consumed by his relentless pursuit of Julio. No calls were returned. Every attempt to reach him through intermediaries met the same response: Julio does not entertain visitors. Alaric had tried persuasion, subtle bribes, and even appealing to Julio’s ego, but the man remained a ghost. It was only by sheer persistence and a bit of calculated manipulation, that Alaric finally secured a grudging invitation to the estate.As he walked through the heavy wooden doors, Jimmy followed close behind, his usual jovial demeanor replaced by quiet apprehen
The drive back from Julio’s estate was cloaked in silence, the low hum of the car’s engine the only sound breaking through the tension. Alaric stared out the window, the sprawling countryside of Country S a blur of greens and grays. His mind was racing, piecing together the new revelations like shards of glass in a broken mirror. Jimmy finally broke the silence. “Boss, what’s the play now? You think Elona’s ready for this bombshell?”Alaric didn’t answer immediately. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the photograph again, his thumb brushing against the faded edges. Esmeralda’s haunting beauty and the innocence in Elona’s young eyes stared back at him. The weight of responsibility was immense.“She deserves the truth,” Alaric said eventually, his voice steady but low. “But it’s not just about telling her. It’s about what this truth will bring. Power. Enemies. Legacy. This isn’t just her past; it’s her future.”Jimmy nodded, though his unease was clear. “Still, it’s a lot for on
Five Years Later… The Royale Estate had never been more alive. Lush gardens stretched as far as the eye could see, the scent of blooming roses mingling with the crisp afternoon air. The laughter of children echoed across the grounds, filling the estate with warmth and joy. Elona stood on the grand balcony, watching the scene below unfold with a soft smile on her lips. She leaned against Alaric, his strong arm wrapped protectively around her waist. "Look at them," she murmured, pride evident in her voice. Down in the courtyard, the Terrific Trio, Arlyle, Artie, and Allie, were engrossed in an intense discussion, their expressions far too serious for eleven-year-olds. But then again, they weren’t just any eleven-year-olds. They were national geniuses, their intelligence unmatched by any child their age. Their names graced international forums, scientific journals, an
The grand ballroom of the Royale Estate was transformed into a breathtaking vision of elegance. Cascading chandeliers bathed the space in golden light, while delicate floral arrangements lined the aisle, each petal whispering a tale of love, redemption, and new beginnings. Alaric Royale stood at the altar, dressed in a custom-tailored black tuxedo, his stance confident yet solemn. His heart pounded with anticipation as he awaited the arrival of the woman who had become his world, the woman he had almost lost but fought to reclaim. The billboards across Country M broadcasted the event live, capturing every moment in stunning detail. The entire nation bore witness to the redemption of a man who had once taken love for granted but now vowed to cherish it with his entire being. When Elona finally appeared at the entrance, time seemed to stand still.Dressed in an exquisite white gown
Alaric Royale had always been a man who thrived under pressure. Business deals, billion-dollar investments, and ruthless negotiations had been his expertise for years. But now, he was navigating an entirely different battlefield, one that involved diaper changes, bedtime stories, and earning the love of the family he had once taken for granted. And he was determined not to fail. For him, this was the dawn of a new routine, and one he fully embraced with sincerity. The sun had barely risen when Elona stirred awake, expecting to hear the usual fussing of the twins. But instead, the room was quiet. Too quiet. She sat up, her heart thudding. Had she overslept? Where were the babies?Slipping on her robe, she made her way downstairs, only to pause at the sight before her. Alaric was in the living room, still in his sleepwear, holding one of the twins in his arms while feeding the othe
Elona studied him, searching for any trace of deception, but all she saw was sincerity, painful, soul-deep sincerity. “I don’t know if I can ever fully forgive you,” she admitted quietly. “But… I want to try.” Alaric’s head snapped up, eyes widening slightly. “You do?” Elona sighed. “The truth is, despite everything, a part of me never stopped wanting you. And maybe that’s my own weakness. But I can’t ignore that you’re their father, that we’re still married, and that...” she hesitated, “...that I once loved you.” The admission hung in the air between them, fragile and uncertain. Alaric leaned forward slightly, his voice a gentle plea. “Then let me earn it. Let me show you that I can be the man you deserve. I don’t expect you to trust me overnight, but I’ll spend every day proving it to you.” Elona exhaled. “We’ll take it one step at a time.” A spark of hope ignited in Alaric’s g
“I missed both of your pregnancies. I wasn’t there when you needed me most. I let others dictate my life, let my pride get in the way.” His jaw clenched. “And because of that, I lost the woman who should have been my priority from the beginning.” Elona crossed her arms, her eyes filled with lingering pain. “You don’t just get to regret things now and expect everything to be okay. You should know that by now." “I know,” he admitted. “And I don’t expect forgiveness overnight. But I need you to know, Elona, that I regret it every single day. Every time I look at our children, I think about what I missed. I think about how you went through it all alone because I was too blind to see what truly mattered.” Elona bit her lip, fighting against the emotions rising inside her. It was rare to see Alaric this open, this vulnerable. But bitterness still lingered in her heart. “You always put business first, believed
The battle was won. The threats to Elona were gone. But for Alaric Royale, the war was far from over. As the chaos of the past weeks settled, silence became his enemy. It was in that silence that the heavy burden of his failures pressed down on him. He had conquered enemies, crushed empires, and outmaneuvered some of the most ruthless minds in the world. Yet, when it came to the one thing that truly mattered, his family, he had failed spectacularly. Alaric sat alone in his office, a crystal glass of whiskey untouched on his desk. The city skyline stretched before him, bright and alive, yet he felt nothing but emptiness. His fingers hovered over his phone. He had Elona’s number memorized, yet every time he thought of calling her, he hesitated. What could he say? I’m sorry? I regret everything? Please come back to me? None of it felt enough. He hadn’t just missed a few anniversaries or forgotten a birthday.
After the banquet’s revelations had settled, Alaric, Elona, and Master Fu gathered in the Guild’s war room, a dimly lit chamber filled with ancient scrolls, maps, and strategic plans. The room was filled with the scent of aged parchment and burning incense, a signature of Master Fu’s personal quarters.Seated at the head of the table, Master Fu steepled his fingers, his piercing eyes scanning the duo before him. “We need to discuss Gwen Mason.”Elona exhaled sharply, her expression darkening at the mention of the former queen consort of Country S. “She got away too easily,” she muttered.Alaric leaned back in his chair, his face unreadable but his fingers tapping rhythmically against the armrest. “Even after the ICC took over, the Mason family pulled their strings, and now she walks free on ‘bail.’ It’s a mockery of justice.”Master Fu nodded gravely. “The ICC was never going to hold her accountable. The Mason family has deep connections, and the former king… well, let’s just say he w
Kian stood at the wide-open balcony of his guest bedroom at the Guild headquarters, his fingers curled tightly around the ornate railing. The cool night air did little to ease the storm raging inside him. He had spent his life running, from the truth, from himself, from the consequences of his choices. But tonight, he could no longer hide.Behind him, the grand doors creaked open, and light footsteps approached. Elona. He knew her presence before he even turned. “You wanted to see me?” she asked, her voice calm but distant.Kian inhaled deeply, steeling himself before facing her. She looked as poised as ever, her striking features illuminated by the moonlight, but there was something else, something he had put there. A wound, not of steel or poison, but of betrayal.“Elona…” he hesitated, his throat tightening. “There’s something I need to say. Something I should have said a long time ago.” She crossed her arms, waiting. “I’m listening.”His fingers clenched at his sides before he for
The following evening, the banquet hall of the Guild of Shadows was alive with activity. The grand space had been transformed into an elegant but fortified venue. Guards were positioned at key points, watching for any sign of trouble. Elite members of the guild mingled with the esteemed guests, their presence a reminder that tonight was not just a celebration, it was a test. And Elona was at the center of it all. At the head table sat Master Fu, his keen eyes observing the room, knowing that tonight was not just about celebration, it was about revelation. Elona sat beside him, her face calm and composed, but a storm brewed within. The triplets were at a smaller table nearby, excitedly whispering to one another, while Kian sat to her other side, his expression unreadable.Then, Alaric walked in. Dressed in a sharp black suit, exuding dominance, his icy blue eyes swept the hall before landing on Elona. For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still between them. But before he could tak