Chapter 109

Author's POV:

The ornate doors swung open as Advisor Zhou strode into the lavish hotel suite, his polished shoes clicking against the marble floor. He approached the man standing with his back turned by the broad windows overlooking the glittering Beijing skyline. Though dressed simply in a crisp suit, an air of undeniable power and nobility radiated from his commanding presence.

Zhou lowered himself into a respectful bow. "Yes, Your Majesty, I am quite certain." 

The king frowned, the wrinkles around his dark eyes deepening. "So my father lied to me."

"I hate to say this, Your Highness, but that would not make it the first time. We both know how your father would do anything for things to go his way." Zhou's measured words carried a lifetime of diplomatic tact.

A bitter smile tugged at the king's lips. "Eighteen years, Zhou. For eighteen long years, I never knew of her existence because my father told me she had aborted the child."