“I…” Steve’s heart sank as he processed the words, feeling both aggrieved and powerless.


    “What on earth? You can’t just express your loyalty from a distance! Why don’t you fly to China and say it directly to Charlie Wade?”


    Even though Steve was feeling low, he held back his tongue. With a forced smile, he replied, “Alright, I’ll get in touch with Mr. Wade and n a visit to China once I finish my current tasks!”


    Helena nodded in agreement: “That sounds reasonable.”


    As Steve struggled to find words, the two approached the helicopter. Helena then mentioned, “Make sure to send Mr. Rothschild over; don’t you have a meeting scheduled for ten? Time is running out.”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Steve responded with a hint of respect, “Your Majesty, I won’t be sending you back to Canada.”


    Helena gave a slight nod and smiled, her grace and poise radiating royal elegance with every gesture.


    Watching her, Steve felt a shiver run down his spine. It wasn’t just her beauty that struck him; it was the intimidating aura that seemed to grow with her regal demeanor.


    In his twenties, Steve’s demeanor was alreadyced with a certain darkness. How could he bepared to an ordinary person?


    Yet, he kept his dissatisfaction to himself. After Helena boarded the helicopter and it took off, he let out a sigh of relief. Just as he turned to leave, he bumped into his son, Royce, who was searching for him.


    “Dad, grandpa wants you to head straight to the family conference room after you see off the queen. There’s a meeting,” Royce said hurriedly upon spotting him.


    Steve replied, looking somewhat defeated, “Okay, I understand. I’ll go now.”


    Noticing his father’s gloom, Royce lowered his voice and asked cautiously, “Dad, do you think you’ll be able to take the throne today?”


    Steve shook his head, a sense of despair in his voice, “Don’t hold your breath. Your grandfather won’t keep his promise.”


    “What?!” Royce eximed in disbelief. “Why?! Didn’t we agree to hold a family meeting today to pass the patriarch position to you?”<fnf063> Fresh chapters posted on find{n}ovel</fnf063>


    Steve offered a bitter smile, “What does it matter if it was agreed upon? It’s not in writing. Your grandfather has the final say on whether to hand it over or not.”


    Royce, who had barely slept the night before, had been eagerly anticipating his father’s ascension to the throne. He imagined the respect and admiration he would receive, picturing himself embraced by the Nordic Queen Helena.


    But after just one night of sweet dreams, his father’s revtions shattered all hope. Was this really happening?


    With tears welling in his eyes, Royce choked out, “Dad, if grandpa won’t let you take the throne, does that mean our hopes are all in vain? If you don’t seed, will Queen Helena still want to marry me?”


    Steve looked at him in disbelief, “Even if I do seed, Helena wouldn’t consider marrying you.”


    “Why not?” Royce asked, puzzled. “Am I not going to be the first heir? Isn’t that enough?”


    Steve thought of Charlie Wade and replied angrily, “This woman has sold her soul to the devil!”


    Royce interpreted his father’s words to mean that Helena was of bad character, and he quickly responded, “That doesn’t matter, Dad. I can handle it.”


    Steve shot him a re, “This is not something you can just handle!”


    Confused, Royce persisted, “But Helena is here to see grandpa today. Doesn’t that mean she’s interested in getting closer to us? Would she really refuse to marry me?”


    In frustration, Steve kicked him lightly and snapped, “Shut up! If I ever hear you mention a marriage proposal to the Nordic royal family again, don’t me me for giving you a piece of my mind!”