"But… I still can't accept this," Nathaniel said. He clenched his jaw, and his eyes burned with fury.

He was only one step away from success, so why would Valon choose to interfere with his plan now of all times?

Did this mean his father had never intended to name him crown prince? Had all that past favoritism been nothing but an act?

"If you want to accomplish something great, you need patience. You can't afford to rush things," Cynthia said earnestly.

She continued, "One setback doesn't mean the end, and a few lost treasures aren't worth worrying over. As long as you're still standing, there's always another chance. I'll be here for you, and so will the Spanner family."

Nathaniel's expression finally softened.

Even without the Dracan essence to strengthen his claim to the throne, he still had his mother, the backing of the Spanner family, and the network he'd carefully built over the years. With all that behind him, he had what it took to challenge Matthias and Tristan.

"What