"Did he return it?" I asked, my arms crossed as I studied Classic.
He nodded. "Yes. Dad took it back from him and warned him."
I exhaled slowly, my fingers tapping against the armrest. "Warned him how?"
Classic's smirk was sharp. "In the only way Dad knows how. He told Ethan that disrespecting his wife is the same as disrespecting him—and he does not tolerate disrespect. Then, he personally placed the crown back on Mom's head and made sure Ethan understood that this will never happen again."
I leaned back, considering the weight of those words. "Good. But Ethan needs to remember that while he is the ruler, there are still lines he cannot cross."
Classic chuckled. "Well, he just got a very loud reminder."
I shook my head. "Ethan is strong, but strength without wisdom leads to destruction. If he makes another misstep, Dad won't just warn him next time—he'll act."
Classic folded his arms. "And you? What will you do?"
I met his gaze. "Ensure that Ethan remembers who truly built this empire. And if he ever forgets again—I'll be the one to remind him."