The President Chapter 109

Celestina’s hands were bound, the coarse rope biting into her wrists. She sat rigid in the back of the armored vehicle as it bumped along the uneven road leading to the presidential palace. Dimitri sat beside her, his jaw clenched, his eyes scanning the surroundings for a way out.

“We’ll find a way,” he murmured, his voice low but resolute.

Celestina didn’t respond. Her mind raced, filled with a mix of dread and determination. If this was how it ended, she would make sure Alvada faced the truth—even if it cost her everything.

The gates of the palace loomed ahead, the cold, gray structure as imposing as ever. Soldiers lined the perimeter, their rifles glinting in the harsh sunlight. The vehicle stopped, and the doors were flung open.

“Out,” barked one of the guards.

As they were escorted through the grand halls, memories of her childhood flashed through Celestina’s mind. The laughter, the banquets, the moments she had once believed were filled with love—all of it now tainted by betrayal.

Finally, they were brought into Alvada’s private office. The room was as opulent as she remembered, with gold accents and marble floors, but it felt suffocating. Behind the massive desk sat Alvada, his expression surprisingly warm.

“My daughter,” he said, rising to greet her as though nothing had happened. “You’ve come home.”

Celestina glared at him. “Don’t call me that.”

Alvada ignored her tone, gesturing to the chairs in front of his desk. “Please, sit. You must be exhausted.”

Dimitri stepped forward, his voice sharp. “We’re not here for pleasantries, Alvada.”

Alvada’s gaze flickered to Dimitri, his warm facade faltering for a moment. “And yet here you are, alive and well. I wonder how much of that is thanks to your own loyalty—or lack thereof.”

Dimitri opened his mouth to retort, but Celestina spoke first. “Enough. Let’s get to the point.”

Alvada smiled, his composure returning. “Ah, always so direct. Very well. You’ve come to confront me, I assume? To accuse me of crimes you don’t fully understand?”

Celestina’s voice was steady, though her hands trembled. “I’ve seen the evidence, Father. The embezzlement, the deals with foreign powers, the attacks on innocent people. I know everything.”

Alvada chuckled softly, as though she had told a joke. “My dear, do you really think governing a nation is so black and white? The decisions I’ve made—yes, they were difficult, even ruthless—but they were necessary. Everything I’ve done has been to secure this country’s future.”

“At what cost?” Celestina demanded, her voice rising. “You’ve destroyed lives. You’ve turned the people against you. This isn’t leadership—it’s tyranny.”

Alvada leaned forward, his gaze piercing. “And what would you have done differently? Sat idly by while the nation crumbled under weak leadership? You think you can do better?”

She met his gaze without flinching. “Yes. By doing what’s right, not what’s convenient.”

Alvada leaned back in his chair, his expression softening into something almost fatherly. “You remind me of your mother,” he said quietly. “Always so idealistic.”

“Don’t,” Celestina warned, her voice shaking.

He ignored her, continuing. “That’s why I’m offering you a choice. Stay. Stand by my side. Together, we can rebuild this nation, restore order. You can undo the damage these rebels have caused.”

Celestina stared at him in disbelief. “You want me to help you? After everything you’ve done?”

“Yes,” Alvada said simply. “You have the name, the influence. The people still see you as a symbol of hope. Join me, and we can use that to bring stability back to this country.”

“No,” Dimitri interjected, his voice filled with anger. “She won’t be your pawn.”

Alvada’s gaze turned icy. “And what about you, Dimitri? You’ve been meddling in affairs that don’t concern you for long enough.”

“I’m here because someone has to stop you,” Dimitri said defiantly. “You’re a tyrant, Alvada. Nothing more.”

Alvada’s expression darkened. “Guards.”

Two soldiers stepped forward, grabbing Dimitri by the arms.

“Wait!” Celestina cried, stepping toward her father. “Leave him alone.”

Alvada raised a hand, stopping the guards. “You care for him, don’t you?” he said, studying her. “Interesting. And yet, I wonder if he’s been entirely honest with you.”

Celestina frowned. “What are you talking about?”

Alvada smirked but said nothing.

Reaching into her bag, Celestina pulled out a flash drive and placed it on the desk. “This contains everything I’ve gathered about your corruption. If you don’t step down, I’ll release it to the public. Every deal, every lie—it’ll all come out.”

Alvada’s calm facade finally cracked, his hand gripping the edge of the desk. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me,” Celestina said, her voice steady.

For the first time, Alvada looked genuinely shaken. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in thought.

“You’ve grown stronger than I expected,” he admitted. “But you’re still blind.”

“Blind?” Celestina repeated, confused.

Alvada’s smirk returned, cold and calculated. “You think you know the truth, but you don’t. Tell me, Celestina, have you ever asked Dimitri about his role in all this?”