Chapter 499

The air in the study was thick with tension as Sean Patterson leaned forward, his polished shoes gleaming under the chandelier's light. "If you accept this generous offer, His Highness Prince Reginald will ensure you're well compensated—with additional privileges beyond your imagination."

His words carried the weight of diplomatic implications, yet beneath the veneer of courtesy lay a clear message: Morwich had no business meddling in Stoslo's internal affairs.

Evelyn Vanderbilt's lips curved into a wry smile. "Morwich may have overstepped, but this isn't about privileges." Her gloved fingers traced the edge of her porcelain teacup. "Anything concerning the de Armas family concerns me personally."

Sean's expression darkened at her defiance. "If you persist in this interference, His Highness won't take it lightly. Consider this my final warning." He rose abruptly, fastening his suit jacket with sharp precision.

As he turned to leave, Evelyn's voice cut through the silence like tempered steel. "The de Armas and I share history."

Sean froze mid-step but didn't turn.

Evelyn stood, her emerald gown pooling around her. "And that territory stays under my protection."

After the tense departure, Evelyn summoned the head butler. "Who exactly is this Sean Patterson the prince sent as his envoy?"

The butler adjusted his spectacles. "A Stoslo magnate handpicked by Prince Reginald, Miss Vanderbilt. He controls nearly all major casinos and entertainment venues in the capital. Essentially the prince's eyes and ears among the nobility—most business dealings between the crown and powerful families go through him."

So the territory negotiation had been framed as another transactional deal. The prince's associates likely saw it as another stepping stone to royal favor. Evelyn knew Reginald wouldn't retreat quietly after this rejection.

Meanwhile, in the gilded halls of Stoslo's royal palace, Sean delivered his report. Prince Reginald's ice-blue eyes narrowed dangerously, his fingers drumming the armrest of his throne.

A shadowed figure stood silhouetted against stained glass windows, his voice a velvet rumble. "She claims ties to the de Armas?"

Sean nodded. "Explicitly so, my lord."

"Did you see beneath the mask?"

"Only what the tabloids show—the woman hides her face completely."

The mysterious man fell silent as Reginald's gaze sharpened. "Any progress locating Harrison?"

"Not yet, Your Highness."

The prince's jeweled ring clicked against crystal. "When found, eliminate him. That traitor knows too much." Anyone threatening their plans became disposable—Harrison had been branded an outcast the moment he escaped their control.

Reginald turned to the shadowed figure. "As for Alice... I trust you'll handle it."

Back in her study, Evelyn pored over intelligence files by lamplight. Prince Reginald's inner circle comprised three key players: Sean Patterson in commerce, Robert Stone controlling Stoslo's treasury, and Gregory Grayson—the spider at the center of the royal investigation bureau's web.

Nathan Goldmann's warning proved accurate—the prince's tendrils had indeed infiltrated Stoslo's government. Why else manipulate elections?

Her phone screen illuminated abruptly. That familiar number flashed again. Evelyn's breath hitched, her finger hovering over the decline button until the third call came.

She answered on the fourth ring. "Mr. Goldmann," she said, her voice carefully neutral. "To what do I owe this late-night interruption?"