Chapter 541
Dominick looked around the house, which was now his new residence after finally shifting from the hotel. Gridlock was already covered in a thick blanket of snow as he pulled away the heavy curtains from the large window to look outside at the winter landscape.
“Your Highness, your coffee is here,” said the house butler, Kavin, entering the room quietly.
“Thank you. Did you serve coffee to Evan as well?” Dominick inquired, turning from the window to take the offered cup.
“Yes, the maid has already gone there,” Kavin replied to Dominick’s earlier query about Evan.
Dominick lowered himself onto the sofa nearest the fireplace and took a deliberate sip of the hot coffee.
“The District Head sent this report yesterday and gave it to me this morning,” Kavin explained, stepping forward. “He mentioned that the report contains details on influential figures, mostly Alphas, who are trading Omegas as slaves.” Kavin then forwarded the physical file to him.
Dominick took the heavy file and set it on the coffee table beside his cup.
“Why didn’t the District Head visit me himself?” he inquired, raising a brow.
“Lord Howard had to leave urgently for another town, that’s why, Your Highness,” Kavin answered.
“I see. You can leave now. Thank you for your hard work so far,” Dominick said, dismissing him with a polite nod before returning his attention to the steaming hot coffee.
After finishing it, he checked the file once and saw the contents inside. After a thorough read, he realized a lot had to be looked into and the work must be finished without anyone’s knowledge. But the question was who even started with this illegal trade?
After resolving the matter at Idris’s school, ensuring that the young boy would never be troubled again, Casaio finally made his way to his car. Ian followed him closely, and the two sat inside. Estelle settled on the seat next to the driver’s and instructed him to drive.
“Your Highness, you really did a wonderful job there,” Ian began, the smile on his lips widening further with genuine approval. “You didn’t punish Jake and the other boys, something which no one anticipated p>
Ian was quite impressed seeing this side of Casaio. Now, if he were to compare him with the other princes, he knew Gabriel would have certainly punished the kids, even if the severity was less. As for Dominick, he wouldn’t have hesitated in punishing the children severely.
Jake had looked arrogant to Ian, but when he came out after talking with Casaio, the defiant fire in his eyes had clearly vanished; he looked… different.
“Kids aren’t supposed to be punished with violence. They are meant to be handled with understanding and love,” Casaio remarked. “Now, will you mind telling me why have you been following me around? What has my father truly told you?” His probing gaze pointed directly at Ian, demanding the real reason for his presence.
“I will tell you once we reach the palace,” Ian answered, bowing his head slightly, avoiding the direct interrogation for the moment.
Casaio watched him for longer than a moment, accepting the delay, before leaning back comfortably on his seat.
The journey finally ended. Casaio thanked Estelle for working since last night and asked her to return home. As he walked into the palace along with Ian, he repeated, “Now, you should tell me everything p>
“I’m here to help you,” Ian stated, cutting straight to the point. “Due to the recent scandals and the widespread scrutiny, people don’t trust you anymore. But I believe I can make them see the true you.” Ian paused, then continued rapidly, detailing the conditions of his mandate.
“However, for that to happen, you have to listen to me from now onwards. Also, you and Lady Zilia cannot live in the main palace any longer. Instead, you’ll shift to a private house, which I’ve already secured for you both p>
Ian explained everything in such a rush that it completely confused Casaio. “Wait, what? You want us to shift where?” he inquired, his eyebrows arching sharply at the sudden, unauthorized decision regarding his residence.
“Ian, I’ve always respected you for your quick wit and intelligence,” Casaio clarified, turning a bit calm. “But you can’t meddle in my life, or my decisions regarding Zilia p>
“I am not meddling in your life. Instead, I am trying to create a solid foundation of trust between you and the people,” Ian countered calmly, refusing to back down. “Have you forgotten what I said this morning? The person who has spread blatant, damaging remarks about you online hasn’t been caught. They won’t be easily caught, because it is tough to trace people online, and even if they are, months will pass p>
Ian continued, appealing to Casaio’s sense of duty. “Don’t you want to be a strong support to your father? The Alpha King is old and clearly wants you as his successor. Prince Casaio, since you’ve acknowledged my intelligence, you must trust me as well. Consider me your personal advisor for public relations. Once you and Lady Zilia live among the common people, you’ll know them in a much better way, and the same goes for them p>
He then finished with a warning.
“Do not let the public outrage fall upon the royal family one day simply because you refused to move p>
Casaio furrowed his brows together.
“What if I want my younger brother to be the next Alpha King?” Casaio questioned.
“Do you mean Prince Gabriel?” asked Ian. “He’s smart, clever and even cunning. But he doesn’t fit to be the next King in many eyes. And I’m not here to speak about him. I am here to speak about your future. You can’t simply walk away from your responsibilities. You’re the eldest. You shouldn’t run away facing the truth. And I don’t think Prince Gabriel wishes to be the next Alpha King. If he wanted, he would have taken the throne long ago. Don’t you think, Your Highness p>
Casaio fell into a deep thought. “Alright. I’ll think about it and discuss about this with my wife. I’ll call you later p>