818  Chapter 817

Amy immediately nodded. “I am Daddy’s daughter.”

“Amy, stop saying that,” Keira said, gently pulling her daughter closer. “Don’t call him that.”

“But, Mom, he is Dad!” Amy insisted, her tiny face lighting up with conviction.

Keira sighed, torn between amusement and exasperation. “How could you possibly know that?”

Amy opened her mouth, about to say, “Because you told me…” when a group of people suddenly entered the room.

Keira’s attention shifted immediately. The newcomers were unmistakably from Country A, their features bearing subtle differences from those native to Crera. They moved purposefully toward Monbatten, their expressions radiating tension.

Keira frowned and leaned closer to Jenkins. “Who are they?” she whispered.

Jenkins, ever observant, lowered his voice. “They’re from the royal family. The one leading the group is Monbatten’s older brother. When their father passed, there was a brutal fight for the throne between the two of them. Monbatten came out on top and has kept his brother firmly in check since. His brother’s been keeping a low profile for years but recently resurfaced, likely because Monbatten hasn’t produced an heir.” Jenkins glanced at the entourage, his tone darkening. “If I had to guess, they’re here to force his hand.”

Keira turned her attention back to the drama unfolding in front of her. Monbatten’s older brother stopped a few steps away from him, his expression a mixture of arrogance and triumph. “Monbatten,” he said sharply, “did you really think hiding out in Crera would let you avoid this conversation?”

Monbatten’s face darkened.

Sean immediately stepped in, positioning himself protectively between the two brothers. His smile was diplomatic, but his tone was firm. “Sir, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?”

The older brother gave a faint, insincere smile. “I’ve come to discuss a matter of national importance with the king. Surely, you won’t stand in the way of that?”

Sean’s gaze flickered to the entourage of bodyguards behind the prince. “We weren’t informed of your arrival,” he said coldly. “How did you even get past security?”

“They’re my men,” the prince replied breezily. “They know how to handle situations like this.”

Monbatten’s gaze sharpened as he noticed the group of armed guards behind his brother. He stepped forward, his voice low and dangerous. “You brought armed men to my host’s residence? Are you here to threaten me?”

The prince didn’t flinch. “Of course not. You know I pledged my loyalty when you ascended the throne.” His tone shifted to something more pointed. “But let’s not pretend things are fine back home. The people are restless, Monbatten. You’ve ruled well, but without an heir, the stability of the nation is at risk. You need a solution, and I’ve brought you one.”

At this, the prince stepped aside, revealing a boy of about ten. “This is my eldest son,” he said smoothly. “Your nephew. Strong, healthy, and already well-educated. I’m offering him to you as your heir. Adopt him, and the problem is solved.”

Keira’s breath caught at the audacity. Jenkins muttered under his breath, “Ridiculous. Monbatten’s only thirty. If he’s going to adopt, it should be an infant, someone he can raise properly. You can’t mold a ten-year-old. They’re already set in their ways.”

Keira nodded in agreement. This wasn’t just presumptuous—it was absurd.

Monbatten’s jaw tightened. “If you’re so willing, why not offer your newborn son instead?” he asked icily.

The prince chuckled. “You mean my daughter? Unthinkable. And as for my son, he’s far too young. What if he doesn’t survive? Losing an infant would shake public confidence even more. No, my eldest is the perfect candidate. He’s old enough to represent the crown and strong enough to endure.”

He nudged the boy forward. “Go on, son. Introduce yourself.”

The boy stepped up to Monbatten with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Father,” he said, his voice clear and confident, “I’ll be your son from now on.”

Monbatten’s face darkened further. “You’re getting ahead of yourself,” he said tightly. “I haven’t agreed to anything.”

The prince’s expression turned smug. “You’ve avoided this conversation long enough. Even running to Crera couldn’t stop it. The royal council has already approved this arrangement. I’ve brought my son here to make it official.”

One of the prince’s bodyguards stepped forward, raising a phone to take a picture of Monbatten and the boy together. “Smile for the camera,” the prince said mockingly. “Once the photo’s out, the narrative’s set. ‘King Monbatten adopts nephew as heir during international visit.’ It’s perfect.”

Monbatten’s voice cut through the air like a blade. “If anyone takes a single photo, they’ll regret it.”

The bodyguard hesitated, intimidated by the raw authority in Monbatten’s tone.

The prince, undeterred, smirked. “What’s the alternative, Monbatten? Announce you’ll have a child? Even if you managed to conceive tonight, the baby wouldn’t arrive in time to calm public unrest. Do you have some miracle solution you’ve been hiding?”

Monbatten stood silently, his fists clenched at his sides. For a moment, Keira thought she saw a flicker of something in his expression—a plan forming. But whatever it was, he wasn’t ready to reveal it just yet.