The hospital lobby burst into action the moment Nathan stepped through the glass doors holding Vanessa in his arms. Her pale face and limp form drew the attention of every staff member present. The medical team, already alerted to the urgency of the situation, rushed to meet him. “Mr. President, this way!” one of the senior doctors called, gesturing toward the emergency ward. Nathan reluctantly laid Vanessa on the waiting stretcher. He hovered beside her and gripped her hand tightly as the nurses worked to move her to the emergency ward. “She fainted suddenly,” Nathan said still breathing rapidly. “She’s been dizzy and nauseous all morning. Do whatever you need to, just save her.” The team nodded furiously as they wheeled Vanessa through the swinging double doors of the emergency ward. Nathan didn’t hesitate to follow as he ran alongside the stretcher.“Mr. President,” the nurse said, her voice firm but kind, “You’ll need to wait outside for now. We’ll take care of her.” N

The news of the baby broke in the early hours of the morning. There were already gossips flying everywhere and Nathan knew that he had had to send his secretary to make the official announcement. She stood in front of the press in the conference room in the Presidential conference room as she announced. “It is with immense joy that I confirm the news that President Nathan and the First Lady are expecting their first child,” he declared. “Both mother and child are healthy, and the President is deeply grateful for your support during this time.” The room erupted with numerous questions and cameras flashed furiously at the secretary's face. The press secretary raised his hand, calming the crowd. “We ask for understanding and privacy during this special time. Thank you for your cooperation.” Within hours, the news spread like wildfire. Every major news outlet in Prescott carried the story. Hashtags like #PresidentialBaby and #BabyCloud were trending online. In the streets of P

He stood over the table, the ministers were terrified of him at this point. “Do you have any idea what this means? Prescott has been bled dry for years to feed the greed of a tyrant!” He slammed his fist on the table again. The loud bang shook some of them as the documents fluttered. “How many lives could we have changed with that money? How many opportunities have been stolen from our people because of your cowardice?” One of the younger ministers, clearly terrified, finally spoke up. “Mr. President, the former administration thought it was the only way. Vorthax is... dangerous. They threatened to destroy us if we didn’t comply.” Nathan’s gaze snapped to him. “And instead of standing up to them, you chose to submit? To sell out our country?” His voice was a deadly whisper now. “Do you think appeasement is leadership? Do you think I will tolerate this?” Another minister, one of the more senior ones, hesitated before speaking. “Sir, they made it clear. Any day we stop the paymen

Vanessa reached out again, her hand brushing against his. “Please, Nathan. Just talk to him. Try and reason with him, he might listen to you.” “Vanessa, the man is sitting on a mountain of wealth that he’s stolen from innocent people. He will have to pay for what he had done.” “I understand that,” Vanessa said softly. “But Vorthax armies are known to be ruthless, maybe more ruthless than your men; you have to try to at least speak with him.” Nathan exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “Do you believe that talking will solve things, Vanessa?"Vanessa held his gaze, her eyes unwavering. “I believe it’s worth trying. For the sake of our child, Nathan. For the sake of the future. Please.” The fire in Nathan's eyes died down as her words pierced him. He looked away, his hands gripping the edge of the table. He tried to dismiss her thoughts, but he couldn't. Vanessa was right, he was going to become a father, and he had to provide a safer environment for his son to g

Gareth’s mouth went dry but he swallowed hard and forced himself to continue. “Sabastian... Sabastian said he’s not coming.” The silence that followed was deafening. Nathan’s gaze hardened as he could not believe what he had just heard. “What did you just say?” Gareth’s legs felt like jelly; he did it even knowing he was still standing. “He said... he said he won’t come to Prescott.” With a sudden force, he stood, his chair scraping against the floor as it was pushed back. “Did you tell him who he’s dealing with?” he roared. Gareth flinched but nodded quickly. “Yes, sir. I made it very clear that this request came directly from you.” Nathan’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. “And what did he say to that?” The minister hesitated, knowing that his next words would add salt to the in. “He said...” Gareth’s voice faltered, but he forced himself to continue. “He said that if you want to speak with him, you’ll have to go to Vorthax. He... he expects you to come to him.” The