Nathaniel approached the vault and quickly knocked a few times on the door. With a deep rumble, the heavy door slowly began to open.Inside, the treasures were dazzling—emerald pendants glowing with an otherworldly light, a bronze cauldron engraved with mysterious symbols, and tablets shimmering with a strange, eerie glow.At the center was an ornate box encased in bulletproof glass.Nathaniel stepped forward, entered the code, and lifted the protective cover. He opened the box lid to reveal another Dracan essence inside.The orb, about the size of a chicken egg, shimmered faintly. Inside, a stream of dragon-shaped energy swirled continuously."This one's a keeper," he muttered.Nathaniel placed the Dracan essence Dustin had given him beside the first one. He couldn't help but grin from ear to ear.These orbs were a force capable of defying fate and a power that could turn everything around. He'd gone to great lengths to get the first one but never imagined he'd find the secon

Nathaniel anxiously urged the guards, "Hurry up! Pick up the pace."At that moment, he couldn't help but blame the mansion for being too large because they couldn't even reach the scene fast enough."Your Highness, what's going on?"Just then, Lycas and Bryce arrived with a squad of elite guards. Most of them rushed in without even having time to throw on a shirt. After all, this was the first time the alarm had ever sounded inside the mansion.Nathaniel didn't bother to explain and quickly ordered, "A thief sneaked into the mansion. Block every exit and don't let him escape.""Hurry up and seal the entire compound," Lycas shouted and quickly led the team into action.They'd been training for years. Now it was time to prove themselves."Quick! This way," Nathaniel said urgently.He didn't stop moving and led the squad of guards forward at full speed.But just then, a deafening boom erupted from the vault's direction. The ground shook like an earthquake, and rattled the entire

"I see," Dustin muttered as his gaze fixed on the chessboard.He nodded and said, "You've helped me tonight. That puts me in your debt. If you ever need anything, just say the word."Dustin lived by one rule—return what was given, whether kindness or vengeance. Felicia hadn't exposed him earlier. She had even covered for him. That was a debt he intended to repay."Mr. Rhys, you truly are a man of principle. I admire that," she said.She dipped her head with a playful smile, and that gesture carried an elegant charm."But I'm still curious about what brought you here tonight. Did you already suspect me?" Dustin asked."Anyone who wants to get close to Nathaniel usually wants one of three things—power, fame, or money. I can see it in their eyes, but you're different," Felicia said with a smile.She continued, "You came here and offered the Dracan essence, but didn't ask for a title or recognition. You even turned down the company of women, which only makes me suspect you have an

"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

"I was surprised I managed to bring the Dragon essence back so smoothly. I was ready to go head-to-head with Nathaniel if it came to that," Dustin said.Grace raised an eyebrow and asked curiously, "Oh? What happened?" He didn't hold back and recounted everything in detail—from Nathaniel's unexpected gesture of goodwill to Felicia covering up for him and her subsequent allegiance.He shook his head and asked, "So, what do you think Nathaniel is up to? He was suspicious of me before, and we nearly got into a fight. "But the next day, he was like a completely different person. He was warm and had an overly friendly demeanor. He even sent me a top beauty from the Beauty Ranking. It doesn't make sense at all.""I think this is likely connected to his mother, Lady Spanner," Grace replied. She paused for a thought, then added, "Lady Spanner is a shrewd and calculating woman. She probably realized Nathaniel can't take you head-on. Rather than continuing to oppose you, she's trying t