CHAPTER 9: THE KINGMAKER
CHAPTER 9: THE KINGMAKER
Prince Alexander had spent his life smiling beside powerful men.
He opened hospitals.
He funded schools.
He gave speeches about duty, family, and national unity.
No one suspected that beneath his charitable image was a man who had spent thirty years building a secret empire.
Back at the palace, technicians accessed the drive Elias had protected.
The files were devastating.
Alexander had financed the kidnappings.
Cassandra had managed the children.
Sir Adrian had erased police records.
Marcus had unknowingly moved money through shell charities.
But one file was encrypted.
Its title was CORONATION DAY.
“When is the operation scheduled?” Evelyn asked.
The technician looked pale.
“Tomorrow.”
The Duke stared at the screen.
Alexander had arranged a public ceremony in the capital to celebrate the palace surviving the attack.
Thousands of citizens were expected to attend.
The royal family would stand together on the cathedral balcony.
“It’s not a celebration,” the Duke said. “It’s a second assassination attempt.”
A guard entered.
“Your Grace, Prince Alexander has arrived.”
Evelyn turned.
“He came here?”
“He says he wants to offer his support.”
Alexander entered the command room wearing a dark suit and a grave expression.
“My God,” he said, embracing the Duke. “I came as soon as I heard.”
The Duke did not return the embrace.
Alexander noticed the computer screen.
His eyes paused for less than a second.
Then he looked at Noah.
“So this is our miracle boy.”
Noah stepped behind Evelyn.
Alexander smiled.
“You look just like your grandfather.”
“No,” Noah said quietly.
Alexander’s smile faded.
“You look like the man from the basement.”
The room went silent.
Alexander looked at Evelyn.
“You’re trusting the memory of a traumatized child?”
“I trust my son.”
Alexander slowly removed his gloves.
“Then this family is already lost.”
The Duke signaled the guards.
“Arrest him.”
But half the guards raised their weapons at the Duke instead.
Alexander smiled.
“You still don’t understand, brother.”
May you like
He looked around the room.
“This palace has belonged to me for years.”
