Chapter 666
This was an important occasion. Most of the women present at the banquet were wives of nobles and ministers, and very few were allowed to bring their children. But the Jonathan family was different. With their close ties to the First Lady, they could bring along their daughter.
Liliana’s entrance dimmed every other woman in the room. Young, beautiful, dressed to perfection, she was impossible to ignore.
When she finally stood before the prince, the First Lady made the introductions, giving particular emphasis to Liliana.
Magnus glanced at her politely. “Hello, Miss Jonathan.”
“Your Highness Magnus.”
Liliana curtsied gracefully, lifting her gown just slightly, then let her gaze flick up at him before dropping it again with a shy blush.
The two of them standing face to face looked like the perfect match. Nicoletta noticed, her heart swelling with satisfaction. The prince’s first impression of her daughter seemed favorable. It was a good beginning.
From the edge of the crowd, Caitlin watched calmly. In this glittering swirl of power, she could already see the Jonathan family’s ambition. Nicoletta had clearly maneuvered through the First Lady to present her daughter to Magnus. They already had senators in their ranks, yet they still aimed to push Liliana into a royal marriage. Their ambition was undeniable. Nicoletta’s hand was as ruthless as it was clever.
Zinnia whispered, “You were right. They saved their grand entrance for last.”
“They’re here for one purpose only–Magnus,” Caitlin murmured back.
Zinnia studied Liliana for a moment, then muttered, “She’s dressed like a fairytale princess. Honestly, it’s over the top. Sure, she’s pretty, but there’s something unnatural about her look. Has she had work done? That nose is way too perfect.”
“Cosmetic surgery?”
Caitlin followed her lead, scrutinizing Liliana’s features more closely. The Jonathan family loved to parade her as a natural beauty, but up close, Caitlin wasn’t so sure. In the wrong lighting, she could almost see a faint reddish glow at the tip of Liliana’s nose–like filler beneath the skin.
She studied Liliana’s figure too, recalling past encounters. Something about the girl struck a chord of familiarity that Caitlin couldn’t shake. Odd. Why did she feel that way?
The banquet unfolded. The First Lady arranged for Liliana to accompany Magnus, encouraging the younger generation to mingle. Magnus didn’t refuse–after all, Liliana represented the Jonathan family.
Liliana was thrilled. She talked freely, choosing topics Magnus could easily engage with, and felt exhilarated when the prince kept up effortlessly.
f–la cha mnicht of D Country’s hospitality. Midway
This was an important occasion. Most of the women present at the banquet were wives of nobles and ministers, and very few were allowed to bring their children. But the Jonathan family was different. With their close ties to the First Lady, they could bring along their daughter.
Liliana’s entrance dimmed every other woman in the room. Young, beautiful, dressed to perfection, she was impossible to ignore.
When she finally stood before the prince, the First Lady made the introductions, giving particular emphasis to Liliana.
Magnus glanced at her politely. “Hello, Miss Jonathan.”
“Your Highness Magnus.”
Liliana curtsied gracefully, lifting her gown just slightly, then let her gaze flick up at him before dropping it again with a shy blush.
The two of them standing face to face looked like the perfect match. Nicoletta noticed, her heart swelling with satisfaction. The prince’s first impression of her daughter seemed favorable. It was a good beginning.
From the edge of the crowd, Caitlin watched calmly. In this glittering swirl of power, she could already see the Jonathan family’s ambition. Nicoletta had clearly maneuvered through the First Lady to present her daughter to Magnus. They already had senators in their ranks, yet they still aimed to push Liliana into a royal marriage. Their ambition was undeniable. Nicoletta’s hand was as ruthless as it was clever.
Zinnia whispered, “You were right. They saved their grand entrance for last.”
“They’re here for one purpose only–Magnus,” Caitlin murmured back.
Zinnia studied Liliana for a moment, then muttered, “She’s dressed like a fairytale princess. Honestly, it’s over the top. Sure, she’s pretty, but there’s something unnatural about her look. Has she had work done? That nose
way too perfect.”
is
“Cosmetic surgery?”
Caitlin followed her lead, scrutinizing Liliana’s features more closely. The Jonathan family loved to parade her as a natural beauty, but up close, Caitlin wasn’t so sure. In the wrong lighting, she could almost see a faint reddish glow at the tip of Liliana’s nose–like filler beneath the skin.
She studied Liliana’s figure too, recalling past encounters. Something about the girl struck a chord of familiarity that Caitlin couldn’t shake. Odd. Why did she feel that way?
The banquet unfolded. The First Lady arranged for Liliana to accompany Magnus, encouraging the younger generation to mingle. Magnus didn’t refuse–after all, Liliana represented the Jonathan family.
Liliana was thrilled. She talked freely, choosing topics Magnus could easily engage with, and felt exhilarated when the prince kept up effortlessly.
The atmosphere remained warm and light. Magnus felt the weight of D Country’s hospitality. Midway
through, he excused himself, citing the restroom, and Caitlin and Tyler followed discreetly.
Outside the hall, Magnus leaned toward Caitlin. “When I was speaking with the head of state, Senator Fletcher invited me to visit the Jonathan family estate. The First Lady extended the same invitation. I agreed. This afternoon, you can come with me.”
“Understood. Thank you.”
Caitlin’s gratitude was genuine. Without her, Magnus likely would have had little interest in such a visit.
After exchanging a few more words, they returned to the banquet hall.
The state banquet ended around one o’clock. As the crowd dispersed, Fletcher approached Magnus with a welcoming gesture. “Your Highness, if you would please follow us.”
Magnus nodded and allowed himself to be guided out, Caitlin and the others close at his side.
He was shown into a stretched limousine. Caitlin and her companions boarded as attendants, while Liliana slid in beside Magnus.
“Your Highness, if you don’t mind, I’d love to serve as your guide,” she said sweetly. “On the way, I could tell you about some of Regalis’s landmarks.”
“Of course. Thank you.”
Magnus smiled politely, and Liliana returned it with glowing delight.
As the convoy rolled through the city, Liliana began pointing out the sights. From her seat just behind them, Caitlin watched her carefully, listening to the lilt of her voice, studying the lines of her profile.
An absurd thought crept into her mind–one so far–fetched she almost dismissed it. But the more she looked, the harder it was to shake. She kept it to herself. Evidence would come first. Quietly, she messaged Vaughn, instructing him to dig deep into Liliana’s background.
Soon the cars turned beneath the arching gates of the Jonathan family estate.
“Your Highness, there it is,” Liliana said proudly, pointing ahead.
Magnus admired the grandeur. “Your family’s home is remarkable.”
“Yes,” she replied eagerly. “This gate has stood for centuries. The estate itself was once part of the royal palace grounds. When D Country abandoned the monarchy, the declining royals sold the property. That’s when our family acquired it, making it our permanent residence.”
“Impressive. The Jonathan family is clearly a cornerstone of this country.”
His compliment made Liliana beam, as if he’d praised her personally.
The motorcade stopped. Guards from the capital leapt from their vehicles to secure the grounds, while the First Lady and Nicoletta descended first. Magnus followed, with Liliana at his side. Caitlin and the other attendants stepped qut afterward.
As Caitlin lifted her eyes to the sprawling gardens, lush with flowers, she felt a tightness in her chest. Finally, she was here–inside the Jonathan family’s gates.
“Your Highness, this way please.”
They led Magnus toward the great hall, and Caitlin stayed close.
At the entrance stood Hector himself, leaning on a cane, ready to receive them.
“Your Highness, welcome to the Jonathan family.”
Fletcher performed the introduction. “Your Highness, this is my father, Hector.”
“Mr. Jonathan, a pleasure. I’ve heard much about you.”
Magnus offered his hand. Hector studied the young prince, then smiled. “You carry yourself with dignity and strength. To have you here today is the greatest honor for our family. Please, come inside.”
With that, Magnus entered.
And Caitlin followed, her heart steady but her mind racing. At last, she stood face to face with Hector–the man whispered to have once been her grandfather’s brother.
This was her chance. She had to find the truth.