A hush descended upon the room, enveloping it in an unsettling silence as the weight of Xavier's words settled in the air. The notion of a patriarch willingly stepping down while still in the prime of his life was a concept that had never been entertained, especially within their lineage. They had always operated under the assumption that Xavier would lead them until his last breath, an unwavering belief ingrained in their very existence.Eloise, the eldest and most outspoken of the siblings, was the first to find her voice. "Father, this is unprecedented. Is it wise to make such a significant change while you are still capable of leading?"Xavier's gaze remained steady, his expression unwavering. "I understand your concern, Eloise. However, I have given careful consideration to this decision. Edward has proven himself capable and deserving of this responsibility. He possesses a profound understanding of our family's values, the intricacies of power, and the significance of safeguardi
Edward's playful demeanor instantly dissolved, replaced by a look of concern and understanding. He knew that Brenda deserved the truth, but explaining the complexities of Luke's situation would be challenging. He took a deep breath, preparing himself to address her concerns. "There are circumstances and matters that I can't fully explain at the moment. But I promise you, he's not in any danger. I need your trust, okay?"Brenda studied Edward's face intently, searching for any signs of deception or hesitation. After a moment of contemplation, she softened her gaze and spoke with affection."I believe you, Ed, but I'm scared for you and for Luke. Please promise me that you'll keep me informed and that you'll prioritize everyone's safety above all else.""I promise, Brenda," Edward responded, his voice steady and resolute. "I will keep you informed every step of the way."Edward's response seemed to alleviate Brenda's immediate concerns. She let out a sigh of relief, her features relaxi
Ivy's words struck Edward like a thunderbolt, causing his heart to skip a beat. The information she had just revealed was nothing short of astonishing, comparable to the moment when the enigmatic Domination System, surpassing any existence he had ever known, had chosen him as its host.Edward's mind raced to comprehend the magnitude of what Ivy had just disclosed. The responsibility of becoming the head of the Windsor family came with immense power and authority, but also with the weight of expectations and the complexities of managing such a renowned lineage.As the weight of the revelation settled upon Edward, he looked at Ivy, his voice barely above a whisper. "Are you... serious? Becoming the head of the family? It's an honor, but...""Yes, Edward, I'm completely serious," Ivy affirmed, her voice filled with conviction. "Grandpa has made a unanimous decision, and it has been agreed upon by aunt Vic, mom, and myself. The time has come for you to step into this role."Edward felt hi
As Xavier attentively observed Edward, he couldn't help but notice the subtle transformation in his demeanor. The narrowing of Edward's eyes hinted at a shift in his character, adding to the air of mystery that always surrounded him. Edward had always possessed an enigmatic aura, particularly regarding the ancient artifact he possessed. Xavier's mind wandered, contemplating the possibility that Edward might have become entangled with the elusive organization known only as "them," a whispered presence lurking in the shadows. Although Xavier had caught glimpses of Edward's extraordinary abilities, the true extent of his involvement with "them" remained shrouded in uncertainty, an enigma that intrigued Xavier deeply.However, Xavier knew that now was not the time to delve into that mystery. The immediate concern was the upcoming visit from the Petrovich suitors. Xavier had come to a decision—he would entrust the responsibility of receiving the guests to Edward."I have faith in you," Xa
As Viktor departed to fulfill Edward's revised instructions, Edward turned his attention back to Brenda. He took Brenda's hand and led her towards the training room. As they walked, Brenda couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur surrounding her. The air was filled with anticipation and a sense of purpose, as if they were embarking on an important mission.At long last, they arrived at the Platinum Guard Training Room, an expansive space where the elite guards of the Windsor family honed their formidable skills. Having personally interacted with many of these guards during his own training sessions, Edward felt a profound connection with these individuals who had wholeheartedly pledged their loyalty to the family."Ladies and gentlemen," Edward raised his voice, commanding attention from the guards. "if I may have your focus for a moment."Edward's presence in the training room caught the guards' attention, and they quickly assembled in a neat formation, their uniforms pristine and th
Edward's gaze softened as he tenderly brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "I know this is a big step for you, my dear. But I fell in love with you for who you are, not where you come from. Your strength, kindness, and genuine nature have captured my heart, and I believe my family will see those qualities too."Brenda found some comfort in Edward's words, although a sliver of doubt still lingered in her mind. She knew that meeting Edward's family would be a significant milestone in their relationship, and the fear of being judged or not measuring up weighed heavily on her heart.As the night progressed, Brenda struggled to find sleep. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, preventing her from finding tranquility. She tossed and turned, her uneasiness growing with each passing moment.With the first rays of sunlight peeking through the window, Brenda decided to embrace the new day and face her fears head-on. She rose from bed and quietly tiptoed to the bathroom, determi
Edward's gaze shifted from Eloise to Xavier, seeking guidance from his wise and stern grandfather. But as he looked into Xavier's eyes, all he saw was a weak shake of the head, a silent agreement with Eloise's concerns. It was as if Xavier's aged and weary expression conveyed that the Windsor family's secrets and burdens were not meant to be shared with outsiders, no matter how much they might be trusted.Edward sighed, realizing the depth of the challenge before him. He knew he had to navigate the delicate balance between his love for Brenda and his loyalty to his family. With a heavy heart, he turned to Brenda and spoke softly, "I understand the importance of your presence and your support, but for now, I believe it's best if you wait outside. I promise I won't be long."Brenda nodded, a bittersweet smile on her lips. She could see the conflict in Edward's eyes, the weight of his responsibilities pulling him in different directions. Deep down, she knew that his decision was not an
Edward's mind was swirling with a mix of shock and realization. The world he thought he knew had suddenly transformed into a web of secrecy and betrayal. The revelation of the Zodiac Files and the hidden conflicts among the Zodiac Families shed a new light on the challenges he faced. "So, our alliance and even Ivy's marriage is not only based on love and friendship between families, but also serves as a tool for surveillance and espionage?" Eloise nodded, her expression grave. "It is an unfortunate reality, Edward. We must be cautious even with our own allies, as trust is a precious commodity in our world. The delicate balance of power among the Zodiac Families requires constant vigilance and strategic maneuvering."Edward's mind was racing, trying to grasp the complexity of the situation. He couldn't help but question Eloise's intentions. "But Eloise, if you plan to kill anyone from the Petrovich family who is coming soon, wouldn't that also escalate the conflict into a full-blown w