Chapter 200
“Sir, Prince Dominick and Prince Gabriel are here to see you,” announced a house servant, bowing slightly at the doorway of Emerson Vitiello’s study.
Emerson looked up from the documents spread before him, his brows lifting slightly, not in surprise at Dominick’s visit, but at the presence of Gabriel.
Setting the papers aside, he rose promptly. “I’ll see them now,” he said and followed the servant to the front sitting room.
“Your Highnesses,” Emerson greeted respectfully with a slight bow of his head. “It’s an honor p>
Dominick returned the gesture with a polite smile. “Mr. Vitiello, we’d like to discuss something of importance, privately, if possible. Perhaps in your study p>
“Of course. Please, this way,” Emerson said. He guided them down the hall and into the quiet sanctity of his study, closing the door behind them.
Gabriel didn’t wait as he took the seat closest to the desk while Dominick remained standing, allowing the host to settle first.
“Please, Prince Nick, have a seat,” Emerson said courteously, using the nickname he’d known from years past.
Gabriel’s sharp gaze flicked between them. “Let’s not waste time,” he cut in smoothly. “Sit. We came for answers p>
With a slight nod, Dominick took his seat beside his brother. Emerson followed suit and settled on the leather chair in a straight posture.
Dominick leaned slightly forward. “Juniper informed me about a report you filed months ago about the deaths of several betas. They weren’t high-ranking, but their disappearances weren’t ordinary either. You suspected the involvement of beta hunters, didn’t you p>
Emerson’s eyes narrowed just faintly, a flicker of old concern crossing his face. “Yes… I did,” he confirmed.
“Could you please provide us with the case file related to that report?” Dominick asked.
“I can have it ready by tomorrow,” Emerson replied, folding his hands together atop his desk. “But may I ask, what exactly is this about? Is something wrong p>
“No,” Gabriel interjected. “It’s far from alright p>
Emerson’s gaze shifted to him, concern flickering in his eyes.
“The presence of an organized group targeting betas is deeply troubling,” Gabriel continued. “Mr. Vitiello, have there been any similar reports lately? Unusual disappearances or attacks p>
Emerson slowly shook his head. “No. Nothing recent. At least, nothing that reached me p>
Gabriel pressed his index finger to the curve of his bottom lip, lost in thought. His sharp eyes remained fixed on the polished surface of the desk.
“I suspect the reports are being deliberately withheld,” he said finally. “This runs deeper than we assumed p>
Dominick nodded. “Tomorrow is your wedding reception. We’ll begin looking into it the day after p>
“Hm.” Gabriel gave a curt nod in agreement.
“Your Highnesses,” Emerson spoke up in a respectful, “since I oversee these types of cases, allow me to take the lead on this. I may have overlooked the earlier incident because the victims weren’t high-profile betas… but after hearing your concerns, I realize I should’ve investigated further. I won’t make that mistake again p>
Dominick’s tone turned cautious. “We don’t want word of this getting out. If there is such a group operating in the capital, we can’t risk tipping them off. Discretion is vital in this matter p>
“I understood,” Emerson replied at once. “You have my word. I’ll conduct the inquiry quietly and report directly to you both p>
“Thank you, Mr. Vitiello. We’ll await your findings,” Dominick said, his gaze briefly shifting to Gabriel, who had remained silent throughout.
Finally, Gabriel rose from his seat. “We should get going,” he said, his voice low but resolute.
Dominick followed suit, standing beside his brother.
Emerson stood as well, bowing respectfully. “Please, allow me to escort you p>
He guided the princes out of the study and through the hallway toward the front entrance, where a black car waited quietly for them outside.
Gabriel was the last one to sit inside. He lowered the window and said, “Please be careful. If you find anything unusual, don’t hesitate to report us p>
“Yes, Your Highness,” Emerson said. As the window shut, he stepped back and watched the car leave.
“That fateful night… nothing really happened,” Amelie said to Carlos.
Carlos let out a soft chuckle. “What are you talking about? You saved my life that night, remember? Can’t I tease you a little for old times’ sake p>
He moved a chess piece absentmindedly, eyes focused on the board in front of him. Then, with a playful sigh, he added, “You know, I never even changed my number, just in case you decided to remember me. But I have to admit, Amelie, I’m surprised. After all these years, I thought you’d completely forgotten about your big brother p>
“I didn’t forget you,” Amelie said firmly. “I just didn’t want to disturb you p>
Carlos let out a scoff. “And what exactly are you doing now, then?” he teased with a warm tone.
Amelie sighed. “I need your help, Carlos p>
His playful demeanor vanished instantly. “What happened?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.
“You should come and meet me,” Amelie replied. “Can you come to the kingdom’s capital? I got married last month… to Prince Gabriel. A lot has happened since then p>
Carlos blinked. “Wait. You got married to *that* prince? The notorious one?” he asked, more amused than judgmental.
“Hey!” Amelie frowned. “Don’t call him that. Gabriel isn’t like people say p>
Carlos chuckled lowly. “Relax. I already knew you got married. News like that travels, even in the land of witches. Important names always find their way into the wind. When do I have to come p>
“Tomorrow. To my wedding reception. I’m sorry for inviting you like this without any formal invitation,” Amelie said, feeling a bit low.
“It’s fine. But will it be good if a witch’s son come to your wedding reception? Why don’t we meet at a quieter place?” He suggested.
“But I want you to attend my reception. I couldn’t call you to my wedding,” Amelie murmured.
“Sure. I’ll be there,” promised Carlos. “Take care, Amelie. And thank you for remembering me,” he added.