Chapter 24
The presidential palace had transformed into a hive of activity. Security personnel and intelligence agents bustled through the halls, their voices hushed but urgent. Every possible lead was being chased, every camera reviewed, every witness interviewed. Yet, a week into the investigation, the trail had gone cold.
Celestina sat in her father’s study, her fingers wrapped around a steaming cup of tea. She stared at the reports spread across the desk—surveillance footage, timelines, suspect profiles. But nothing seemed to connect.
President Alvada sighed heavily from his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose. “We’re at a dead end,” he admitted, frustration lacing his tone. “Every lead we’ve followed turns into a ghost.”
“Whoever planned this knew exactly how to cover their tracks,” Celestina said, her voice steady but tinged with unease. “They’ve gone to great lengths to ensure no trail leads back to them.”
Her father nodded, his jaw tightening. “We’ll keep digging. But until we find answers, you must remain cautious. No unnecessary outings, and always keep your guards close.”
Celestina didn’t argue. The danger felt too close, too real, to defy his orders.
It was late afternoon when Celestina heard the sound of raised voices echoing through the palace foyer. She frowned, setting down her book as she walked toward the noise.
“Lady Celestina has not requested your presence,” one of the guards was saying firmly.
“I don’t care,” came a familiar voice, laced with frustration. “I need to see her.”
Celestina’s steps faltered as she reached the top of the staircase. There he was—Kael Veridan, standing in the middle of the grand foyer, his suit immaculate but his expression strained.
Her heart sank. She had no desire to see him, but before she could retreat, he looked up and spotted her.
“Celestina,” he called, his voice softer now. “Please. Let me speak with you.”
The guards turned to her, awaiting her response. She hesitated for a moment, then gave a curt nod. “Let him in.”
Kael followed her into the sitting room, his gaze sweeping over the space as though searching for familiarity. Celestina gestured for him to sit, but she remained standing, her arms crossed.
“What do you want, Kael?” she asked, her tone cold.
He exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair. “I came to talk. To explain.”
“Explain what?” she shot back. “How you treated me like a stranger for years? How you discarded me when I was no longer convenient for your ambitions?”
His jaw tightened, guilt flashing in his eyes. “I deserve that,” he admitted. “But things are different now, Celestina. I see things differently.”
Her laugh was sharp, bitter. “Do you? Because the Kael I remember wouldn’t care about anything beyond himself and his precious family’s reputation.”
Kael stood, taking a step closer. “I was blind,” he said, his voice earnest. “I didn’t see what I had until it was gone. I didn’t see you.”
Celestina’s eyes burned, but she refused to let him see her falter. “And now that you’ve realized who I am—what I’m worth—you think you can just walk back into my life?”
“It’s not about your title,” Kael insisted. “It’s about you, Celestina. I see now how strong, how brilliant, how resilient you are. I want to make things right.”
She shook her head, stepping back. “You can’t. What’s done is done, Kael. You had your chance, and you squandered it. I’m not going to let you manipulate me again.”
“I’m not trying to manipulate you,” he said, his voice breaking slightly. “I just… I want another chance.”
Celestina’s resolve hardened. “You’ve had more chances than you deserved. Now, I suggest you leave before I call the guards to escort you out.”
He turned to leave, pausing at the doorway. “For what it’s worth, Celestina… I’m sorry. For everything.”
—
At The Hestrel mansion, Kael stepped out of his car, adjusting his tie as he took a deep breath. He wasn’t looking forward to this dinner. Liora was still his fiancée, a fact that seemed more like a binding contract than a relationship.
The truth gnawed at him—he didn’t love her. He hadn’t for some time. But breaking the engagement would spell financial ruin for his family, and Kael wasn’t ready to take that risk.
As the butler opened the door, Kael was greeted by Liora’s father, Governor Hestrel. The older man’s firm handshake and polite but distant demeanor mirrored the interactions Kael had become used to.
“Kael, welcome,” Hestrel said, motioning for him to enter. “Liora’s waiting in the dining room.”
“Thank you, sir,” Kael replied, stepping inside.
The dining room was as opulent as the rest of the mansion—long crystal chandeliers, a polished mahogany table, and walls adorned with priceless art. Liora was already seated, her emerald-green dress matching her sharp, calculating gaze.
“Kael,” she said, her tone clipped. “You’re late.”
“My apologies,” he replied smoothly, taking a seat across from her.
The meal began with polite conversation, though Kael’s mind wandered. Liora spoke about their engagement party plans, her tone enthusiastic, but her words sounded hollow to him.
“And of course, we’ll need to finalize the guest list,” Liora said, her voice breaking through his thoughts.
“Of course,” Kael said absently, his eyes scanning the room.
Dinner ended, and the Hestrels retreated to the drawing room, leaving Kael alone at the table. Liora had excused herself to “powder her nose,” and her parents had gone to the library. Kael rose, intending to step outside for some air, when something caught his eye—a leather folder partially hidden beneath a stack of papers on the sideboard.
Curiosity got the better of him. Glancing around to ensure he was alone, Kael pulled the folder free.
The first page froze him in place: a detailed document outlining the logistics of an assassination attempt from years ago. The target was a political figure he recognized, someone who had gone missing under mysterious circumstances.
Kael’s stomach churned as he flipped through the pages. The plans were meticulous, coldly efficient, and disturbingly familiar. Toward the back of the folder were recent documents—timelines, surveillance photos, and a detailed plan that mirrored the events of the bomb that had nearly killed Celestina.
He felt the blood drain from his face. This can’t be a coincidence.
Footsteps sounded in the hallway. Heart racing, Kael quickly pulled out his phone, snapping pictures of the documents before shoving the folder back into place. He quickly send the pictures to Celestina.
Liora stepped into the room, her expression brightening when she saw him. “There you are,” she said, crossing the room to take his arm. “Let’s join my parents.”
Kael forced a smile. “Of course.”
