The Unraveling Truth

Klaus knew everything. 

The night before, Mike had uncovered the real truth behind the entire incident. Riya Nelson had always been in love with the Fifth Prince. However, Nikolas, her father, knew that the Fifth Prince had no future. He had no chance of ever ascending to the throne, no political backing, and no real power. Marrying his daughter to him would have been a waste. 

Instead, Nikolas had arranged Riya's marriage with George, the son of Frank Gilbert. The Gilbert family had been rising in power for the past hundred years, and Frank's influence was only growing. Both of his sons had bright futures ahead of them, making them ideal candidates for a strong political alliance. But Riya and the Fifth Prince could not accept this fate. Their love, their ambitions—everything was at stake. 

So, they orchestrated a plan. They framed George, made Nikki a scapegoat, and turned the entire Nelson household against them. No one in the Nelson family truly cared about Nikki, but as a blood relative, no one would dare harm her either. Yet now, the game had changed. 

Nikolas clenched his jaw. If Klaus had come here with such bold accusations, it meant only one thing—he had absolute proof. There was no bluff, no empty threats. But even so, Nikolas could not just accept this truth. If he did, the reputation of the Nelson family would be ruined forever. 

Just then, Klaus's voice cut through the tension like a blade. It was low, calm, but carried a weight that sent chills down Nikolas's spine. 

**"Everyone, leave,"** Klaus commanded. **"I wish to have a private conversation with Lord Nelson and Lord Gilbert."** 

The room fell into hushed whispers, but no one dared to disobey. Then, Klaus turned his gaze toward the Fifth Prince. He didn't say a word, but the meaning in his eyes was crystal clear. The Fifth Prince had to leave as well. 

The prince seethed with rage, his fists clenched at his sides, but he knew that speaking out now would only make things worse. With gritted teeth, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the hall. 

Once the room was empty, Nikolas finally turned to face Klaus, his expression dark with fury. **"What do you want, Heir Blake? Don't tell me you're doing all this for nothing."** 

Klaus chuckled softly, exhaling a slow, deliberate breath. **"I simply wish to prove my friend's innocence,"** he replied smoothly. 

Nikolas scoffed, unimpressed. **"Hah! Innocence? Do you take me for a fool?"** 

But before he could continue, Klaus's expression turned serious. **"So, what will it be, Lord Nelson? Shall we call for a healer?"** 

Nikolas's heart sank. He had already understood the truth the moment he saw Riya's reaction earlier. Everything George had said was true. His own daughter had schemed, manipulated, and betrayed his trust. He never cared much for Nikki, but Riya… Riya was his pride. And now, she had thrown away everything for her own selfish desires. 

Disappointment weighed heavy on his chest. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, composing himself, before finally asking in a tired voice, **"What do you want to resolve this… without destroying the Nelson family's image?"** 

Klaus smiled, though there was no warmth in it. **"It's not impossible,"** he said softly. **"All we need is a scapegoat. And I believe you can find one."** 

For a moment, Nikolas almost breathed in relief—until Klaus's expression darkened, his voice turning icy cold. 

**"But Riya must be punished for what she did."** 

Nikolas's blood boiled. His eyes flashed with anger. Klaus was demanding punishment for *his* daughter—right in front of him, as if he had the right to dictate terms. He wanted to lash out, to challenge him. But deep down, Nikolas knew the truth. Klaus held all the power in this moment. 

Swallowing his pride, he spoke through gritted teeth, **"She will leave the capital."** 

Klaus arched an eyebrow, waiting. 

Nikolas exhaled sharply. **"I will send her to a barren city, away from the noble circle. She will take charge of one of our family's businesses there… and she will never return to the capital again."** 

A choked sob broke through the tense silence. 

Riya's legs gave out beneath her, and she collapsed onto the cold marble floor. Her breath came in short gasps, her vision blurred with tears. This was worse than death. Exile. Abandonment. 

No one would ever care for her again. No one would even remember her name. She would live the rest of her days in isolation, cast away like a forgotten relic. 

Her hands clenched into fists as she turned her gaze toward Klaus. Her once soft, affectionate eyes now burned with pure hatred. 

He had destroyed everything. 

Her love. Her ambitions. Her future. 

She wanted to tear him apart, to rip him to pieces for what he had done. But as she looked into his eyes, she realized something terrifying. 

He didn't care. 

Klaus simply watched her with indifference, as if she were nothing more than an unfortunate nuisance he had dealt with. 

And with that, Riya finally understood—her fate had been sealed.