?Chapter 1648:


    Elyse’s breath caught in her throat. “You, you are…”


    “My name is Benjamin Dyson, the King of Virelia and father to Esteban and Reba,” he stated, a strained smile ying at his lips.


    “Why did you seek me out?” Elyse asked carefully.


    “I wished to thank you personally. Without your intervention, my daughter would have caused far greater devastation.”


    Stunned into silence, Elyse and Jayden sank onto the sofa as they absorbed his words.


    “I had nned to visit you in the hospital,” Benjamin continued, “but upon learning of your discharge, I decided to wait here instead.”


    “I understand,” Elyse said thoughtfully. “Though I wonder, is gratitude your only reason for this visit?”


    Benjamin nodded, then seemed to catch her underlying concern. “Rest assured, I won’t ask anything of you. Reba will face the international court for her crimes. I won’t interfere with justice.”


    “You truly won’t take any action?” Elyse pressed.


    Benjamin caught the skepticism in her tone and sighed heavily. “I understand your doubt. Many find it hard to believe I would let my daughter face judgment.”


    g???????ν??????.k???? – ?????????? ??????????


    He hesitated, his shoulders heavy with the weight of his words. “But this time, I truly have no justification to act against my conscience. I’ve witnessed my people’s suffering firsthand, and their pain cannot be ignored. Though Reba is my daughter, she has torn apart countless families. Protecting her would be an injustice.”


    Studying his weary features, Elyse understood the true purpose of his visit.


    Here was a father grappling with impossible choices, seeking counsel from someone outside his circle of advisors.


    Recognizing his need, she engaged him in genuine conversation, speaking not to a king but to a troubled parent.


    Perhaps it had been years since anyone had addressed him so candidly, which exined why their discussion stretched long into the evening. By the time Benjamin took his leave, night had fallen over the city.


    Elyse watched Benjamin leave, her heart a whirlwind of emotions. “This isn’t turning out the way I envisioned,” she muttered, her thoughts spinning.


    Jayden, his voice tinged with thought, remarked, “When we decided to halt Reba’s ns, we unwittingly opened a Pandora’s box.”


    Elyse paused, reflecting, before asking, “Benjamin mentioned that the events ahead won’t affect us and that we can leave whenever we want. So, when do we leave?”


    Jayden, furrowing his brow, inquired, “Should we wait for Esteban?”


    Elyse hesitated, then responded, “Waiting for him probably won’t change anything. He’s buried under the weight of government duties. Benjamin said the next sessor isn’t clear yet, so the princes and princesses will have topete all over again.”


    .


    .


    .