Chapter 486

Sebastian set the document aside, his piercing gaze meeting Evelyn's. "Your grandfather is facing serious difficulties. Do you wish to return and assess the situation at the de Arma estate?"

Evelyn froze. "What's happened?"

Harrison de Arma remained her sole blood relative in this world. How could he possibly be in danger?

Sebastian gave a solemn nod. "The Royal left-wing faction has targeted your grandfather. With the de Arma family currently in disarray, they've seized this opportunity to claim their territories. I suspect this move aims to prevent his interference in the upcoming election."

Stoslo conducted presidential elections every six years, with neither royalty nor government permitted involvement. Perhaps Reginald's government alliance sought to bolster his influence—or perhaps his ambitions extended beyond the throne to all of Stoslo.

When Evelyn remained silent, Sebastian spoke again, measured. "The choice is yours. I won't compel you."

"I'll go," Evelyn declared, resolve hardening her features. "Though I want nothing from the de Armas, I won't let others steal what's rightfully theirs."

A faint smile touched Sebastian's lips. "Very well. Sadie will accompany you."

With a gesture, he summoned his aide. Evelyn's eyes widened at the androgynous figure who appeared.

"Sir," the person acknowledged.

Evelyn turned to Sebastian incredulously. "Is that a girl or boy?"

Sadie's youthful face and masculine attire created striking contrast. Though Evelyn knew nothing of Sadie's past, the weight of untold stories lingered in those world-weary eyes.

Sebastian chuckled. "Sadie's been my most trusted companion since age fifteen. Her skills are unmatched. With her representing me, I can rest assured. My people will meet you upon arrival."

Three days later...

Evelyn and Sadie touched down in Stoslo. When Evelyn's feet met Zena's soil again, an inexplicable tremor ran through her, unsettling emotions churning in her gut.

Their escorts arrived promptly. A man approached deferentially. "Ms. Alice? Mr. Henry sent us to receive you."

Evelyn nodded, entering the vehicle with Sadie.

As the car pulled away, unnoticed, a man in the adjacent vehicle lowered his window, withdrawing his surveillance.

Nathan adjusted his Bluetooth earpiece, amber eyes scanning the data streaming across his tablet.

Oliver turned from the passenger seat after ending his call. "Mr. Goldmann, our sources confirm Mr. Henry's operatives have entered Stoslo. Could Metropolis be involved in this affair?"

Oliver's confusion mirrored Nathan's own. The shadowy Metropolis organization wielded unprecedented influence across Morwich's underworld and law enforcement. Mr. Henry's ties to Morwich's royal family and government granted him near-regal authority.

Though they'd traced Evelyn to Saint Page, locating her in that vast city proved impossible—especially if Edmund had hidden her somewhere as formidable as Metropolis. Rumors swirled about Mr. Henry adopting his late lover's daughter, though media knew nothing of her appearance. His obsessive protection ensured no leaks from Hanns Place.

Initial suspicions about her paternity were disproven when Mr. Henry publicly released DNA results—Evelyn remained Richard's biological daughter, eliminating blood ties to Mr. Henry. His sudden interest in Stoslo raised alarming questions.

Nathan's brow furrowed deeply as he stared through the window. The light in his amber eyes dimmed to smoldering embers.