Chapter 470: The Truth Unfolds

Months Later – Skylar Blackwood

I watched Ethan closely these days. He was careful—too careful. But no matter how well a secret was hidden, time had a way of exposing the truth.

Then, one evening, it happened.

A whisper among the palace staff. A name spoken in hushed voices. A slip of the tongue from one of Ethan's men.

"The boy—"

That was all I needed to hear.

I didn't react immediately. Instead, I waited. Observed. Let them think they were safe in their secrets.

Until I was certain.

Chris had a child. And I wasn't supposed to know.

I gripped the arms of my throne, my mind racing. How dare he?

A deep, slow breath. Control. Power was in patience.

I turned to my guard. "Prepare my carriage. We're going for a ride."

"Where to, Your Majesty?"

I smiled coldly. "To see an old friend."

---

Ethan Carter – The Moment of Reckoning

The moment Skylar walked into my office, I knew.

She had found out.

Her blue eyes were sharp, cutting straight through me like a blade.

"How long did you think you could hide this from me, Ethan?" she asked, voice deceptively calm.

I didn't answer. There was no point in lying.

"Where is he?"

"Who?" I played dumb. A mistake.

She slammed her hand on my desk, fury flickering beneath her poised exterior. "Don't insult my intelligence."

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Your Majesty, this isn't something you should concern yourself with."

She laughed—soft, cold, dangerous. "Not my concern? My husband has a child, and I wasn't even informed. Do you think I am just a decoration in this empire?"

I stayed silent.

Then she leaned forward, lowering her voice. "Does Chris think I will let this go?"

I met her gaze. "Chris… doesn't know you found out."

She smirked. "Good."

I clenched my jaw. This was bad.

"You won't do anything reckless," I warned.

Skylar tilted her head. "Who decides what's reckless, Ethan?"

The air in the room thickened.

I had a feeling the storm was only beginning.