Chapter 923

"Father..." Fiona Grandelle's voice trailed off.

She studied the King's haggard face, wanting to comfort him but unsure where to begin.

"I'll always be your daughter," she finally murmured.

The King forced a smile and stroked her hair.

"Having you here is enough for me."

The antiseptic scent of the hospital room hung thick in the air. A maid stood silently in the corner. Vivian Laurent's gaze lingered on her briefly but detected nothing unusual.

"Stay with them, Fiona," Vivian said softly.

Fiona nodded. "Don't push yourself too hard, Vivian."

Stepping into the hallway, Vivian was met with a gust of cold air.

...

News spread like wildfire.

The tragic death of the King's youngest son brought secret joy to certain individuals.

Their previous ally Annika had been replaced by Liam Valdemar.

"The heavens smile upon us!" A man rubbed his hands together eagerly. "That child's death came at the perfect moment."

Liam remained half-shrouded in shadows, only his pale profile visible.

"The narrative is prepared," he stated coolly.

The man's eyes glittered with greed. "Just need to fan the flames, make the people believe they're cursed—"

"Patience." Liam's voice carried a serpent's chill. "Vivian Laurent isn't to be underestimated."

The man waved dismissively. "What threat could one doctor pose?"

"She's raised the dead." Liam's tone turned glacial.

That gave the man pause, though his ambition remained undimmed.

"Let public opinion simmer first," he ground out. "I'll make sure he steps down in agony."

A cold smile curled Liam's lips.

"Pleasure doing business," he murmured.

The man missed the flicker of contempt in Liam's eyes.

The game had only just begun.