Fitz eximed with frustration, “Dad! Grandpa has gone too far in this situation, hasn’t he? He betrayed Xion. If it can be broken, he might even betray his own granddaughter. This old fox! Right now, if you don’t act quickly to resolve the immediate crisis, you’re going to be a target yourself. That’s just not fair!”


    Zayne raised his hand, speaking earnestly, “This isn’t something to discuss here. When you leave this room, keep it to yourself. Your grandpa has his own way of handling things.”


    “To him, personal interestse first in every matter. When ites to his own gains, he’s willing to sacrifice anything.”


    “Today, he might sell Xion to the Japanese Self-Defense Force. Who’s to say he won’t sell one of us to a particr interest group tomorrow? So, when you’re around him, remember these five words: Apanion is like a tiger!”


    Fitz nodded in agreement.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Zayne continued, “By the way, after I leave, you and Zara should stay with your mother for a while. Also, I need you to help me apologize to her. Say some nice things, and I need you to keep an eye on her. Pay attention to what she’s doing, where she’s going, who she’s meeting, and let me know her ns.”


    He quickly rified, “Don’t get the wrong idea; I’m not asking you to spy on your mother. The main reason is that I want to try to mend my marriage with her, and I need your help as an inside source.”


    Fitz replied, “Dad, I understand. Don’t worry.”


    He quickly added, “By the way, Mom mentioned that I’ll be going to Aurous Hill tomorrow with Zara.”<fndbe1> Fresh chapters posted on fin?novel</fndbe1>


    “To Aurous Hill?!” Zayne asked, surprised. “What’s your mother going there for?”


    Fitz hesitated, “I think she just wants to unwind; I’m not sure of the details.”


    Zayne’s expression darkened. He understood all too well why Deana was heading to Aurous Hill.


    He thought to himself, “Aurous Hill, the ce where Bruce Wade met his end.”


    “Deana has been holding onto unfulfilled love all these years. Her desire to go to Aurous Hill surely runs deeper than just a day’s visit.”


    “If she’s nning to divorce me, it makes sense she’d head straight to Aurous Hill. Deana, how could you be so thoughtless? Do you have no respect for me at all?!”


    “Just today, news broke about my illegitimate daughter. Deana choosing to go to Aurous Hill to reminisce about Bruce tomorrow? If word gets out, how will I ever show my face again?”


    With these thoughts, Zayne felt a surge of anger.


    Fitz noticed the grim look on Zayne’s face and realized he had misspoken. He quickly switched topics, “When are you leaving, Dad? I’d like to see you off.”


    Zayne took a deep breath, calming his thoughts before responding, “I’ll be leaving in ten minutes. Your grandfather has arranged for me to go to Australia. Your uncle has been stirring up trouble from behind the scenes. I won’t be there this time, and you know I need to be cautious around him.”


    “James?” Fitz frowned, asking, “He’s always been respectful and amodating to you and us. Why would he turn against you now?”


    Zayne let out a cynicalugh, “Historically, no matter how many princes an emperor has, only one is chosen to seed. To ensure this, the emperor often weakens the other sons to prevent rebellion. Your second uncle wants to be that prince, so of course, he’ll do everything he can to undermine me.”


    Fitz clenched his teeth, “James has always been polite to us. I never expected him to turn on you like this!”


    Zayne replied with a bittersweet smile, “Your second uncle is a ssic smiling tiger—deceptive and dangerous. I let my guard down, and he seized the moment to betray me. Once I return, he will face consequences!”