Chapter 309
Xander cast him a chilly, appraising look and let out a faint chuckle. “Tell me, Your Highness. Are you here to spy, or to lead
Xander’s cold, piercing gare made Fermin’s scalp prickle.
That penetrating gaze seemed to see right through him, sending an inexplicable wave of fear through Fermin
A cold sweat broke out down Fruman’s back
“Of course, I’m here to learn from you, Uncle Xander,” Fermin forced a smile, barely maintaining his composure.
Fermin thought to himself, I’d just gotten distracted for a second and said the wrong thing
Who and to spy on Kander? That would be suicidal‘
After saying that, Fermin felt a knot of frustration tighten in his chest.
He thought, am a royal prince of noble birth, yet I’m constantly under Xander’s thumb.
ever become emperor, with all the power Xander welds, wouldn’t he just end up walking all over me?
“Even as emperor, I’d still have to grovel before him. What a goddamn joke!”
As a flurry of thoughts raced through Fermin’s mind, a Bash of murderous intent lickered in his eyes.
Afraid that Kander might see through him, Fermin hastily lowered his gaze, forcing a sheepish, ingratiating smile.
Xander withdrew his gaze, his tone flat. “Prince Fermin, you are so admirably humble and quick to leam. Truly, it’s a blessing to Petanion and its people.”
“Thank you for your kind words, Uncle Xander,” Fermin said hastily, his tone laced with forced deference.
Meanwhile, Leonard was escorted into the main hal
He instinctively glanced at Fermin, only to find Fermin returning his look with deceptively calm eyes that held a veiled warning.
Leonard nursed a grudge and shot Fermin a look of barely concealed defiance
But in the next instant, his gaze froze
Fermin casually brushed his sleeve aside, revealing the sachet hanging from his waist,
The sachet was embroidered with the characters for “Fortune”
This was meant to be his birthday gift from Janice, yet now it hung from Fermin’s waist.
Leonard let out a strangled, deathrattle gasp, his bleary eyes bulging wide like saucers. In an instant, cold sweat drenched the front of his robe
He realized that Janice was in Fermin’s control,
Fermin suddenly spoke up, putting on a show of righteous indignation. “Leonard, do you admit your crimes? Your heinous deeds are so gave that death
is too good for you. I advise you to confess at once, lest you endure needless torment”
Leonard stared at the plaque reading “Justice Prevails” hanging high above the hall, and a bitter laugh almost escaped his lips.
Leonard thought bitterly, “What a cruel joke. This is absolutely goddamnidiculous.
“The real cult sits in judgment, yet he wants me to be the scapegual.
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Chapter 309
Leonard’s face twisted between a laugh and a sob. Sensing something was off, ander said in a low, commanding voice, “Prince Fermin, perfups you’d
Fermin said, “Don’t joke with me, Uncle Xander. The King merely sent me here to learn.I must have been over myself”
Fermin cupped his hands respectfully towand Xander, then quietly sat to the side and fell silent.
Surprisingly, Fermer’s expression had lightened considerably compared to just moments.ago.
Just then, Ansel rushed in. When he saw Fermin sitting inside, he paused briefly in surprise.
Noticing Ansel’s unusual expression, Xander instinctively glanced at Fermin
Before Kander could ponder further, Ansel was already at his side, whispering urgently in this ear, “Your Highness, Prince Fermin has taken Janicer”
Upon hearing this, Xander gre a slight nod and motioned for Ansel to withdraw.
After a moment’s thought, Xander realized why Fermin had suddenly shown up at the Federal Bureau. It was because he had leverage over Lennard.
He was here to send a message to Leonard
Xander thought, “Well, this has gotten intention. Up until now, I’d merely suspected Fermin and the Queen
if
If they just stayed out of this, they never would’ve given the
themselves aw
saway!
Xander’s lips curved into a slight smile, but his obsidian eyes glinted sharply.
His i smile was thin and chilling, but his glacial eyes fixed on Fermin like a predator eyeing trapped prey.
Suddenly, Fermin felt an inexplicable panic creeping in. He thought if he kept Leonard under his thumb, he would be safe.
However, Xander abruptly demanded, “How did Miss Beckham end up in your custody?”
Fermin never expected Xander to confront him directly. Flustered, he stammered out a disjointed reply, “1 merely took pity on her and offered shelter out
of kindness.
“Since the case hasn’t been settled yet, she remains a suspect’s relative. Having her at Fermin Manor would inevitably give rise to suspicion,” Xander declared, putting on a show of concern for Fermin
He then turned to Ansel and ordered, “Take a squad to Fermin Manor. Say you’re acting under my orders to escort Miss Beckham for a temporary stay at
the Xander Manor
Both Leonard and Fermin turned to stare at Xander in astonishment.
Leonard beamed with joy, while Fermin went ashen.
Fermin broke out in a cold sweat and blurted out, “This won’t do Uncle Xander, you aren’t even married yet. How could Miss Beckham possibly stay at the Xander Manor?”
“Prince Fermin, you’re already married, which makes Fermin Manor even less appropriate for Miss Beckham. The Xander Manor is heavily guarded, which can ensure her safety. This matter is not open for discussion. My decision is final.” Without giving Fermin a chance to speak, ander tossed his
command token to Ansel
Ansel caught the command token and rushed off again
A servant approached with hot coffee, and Xander led his cup before taking a light, measured sip
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Chapter 309
Seeing Fermin looking utterly bewildered, Xander let out a faint chuckle. “Do try this coffee,” he said, “It’s delightfully sweet, with a rich, lingering
abertaste,
Fermin snapped back to reality, his body stiff as he reached for the cup. In his haste, he accidentally scalded his tongue and almost knocked the cup or
Fermin shot to his feet, barely keeping his composure. There was no way he could stay a
y a moment longer.
Fermin cupped his hands to Xander and said, “I just recalled some pressing business. Please cxcuse me now.”
“Off you go.” Xander said lightly, giving an
a casual flick of his hand, “I won’t be seeing you out.”
Fermin’s face darkened, his jaw clenched, molars grinding. As he turned to leave, he shot Leonard a menacing glare.
Leonard just rolled his eyes and flat out ignored Fermin
Fermin was seething with rage. Not only had he failed to achieve his goal, but he’d also been forced to hand Janice over
“That bastard Xander. He surely deserves death!’ Fermin seethed inwardly.
Storming out of the Federal Bureau, Fermin practically threw himself into his carriage. He said with a terrible expression, “To the palace!”
He thought, ‘Now that Kander has taken Janice, that bastard Leonard has no leverage left. Who knows if he’ll rat me out and expose me?
‘If it weren’t for Xander, none of this would be such a headache. Fermin rubbed his temples in frustration.
Seeing Fermin in such a fret, his trusted side stepped forward and offered a ruthless suggestion. “Your Highness, why not go all the way and strike at Viscountess Athena? She’s Prince Kander’s favorite.”
Fermin snapped his eyes open, fury blazing in his gaze. “You fool. You know Athena is the apple of Uncle Xander’s eye. If I were to lay a hand on her now, wouldn’t i just be putting my head on Uncle Xander’s chopping block?
“Given how much he favors Athena, do you really think he wouldn’t have gu
guards protecting her!”
The aide, cowed into silence, hesitated before cautiously asking. “Your Highness, are we really just going to let Prince Xander keep investigating?”
Fermin seethed with hatred. He furrowed his brow in thought, then declared with a ruthless glint in his eyes, “I don’t want to openly break with him unless absolutely necessary. But if he pushes me too far, then I won’t hold back.
“While I can’t do anything to Xander, going after people around his will be easy pickings.”
Fermin motioned his trusted aide closer and whispered instructions. The side nodded emphatically. Fermin said, “Go, but proceed with discretion
“Yes, Your Highness.” Fermin’s trusted aide wheeled his horse around and galloped off to carry out his orders
Fermin rushed to the palace to plot countermeasures with the Queen.
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23:41 Thu, 17 Jul ↑ AD
Chapter 310
