The Monarch Crown System

19. A Fake Savior

Celeste did not sleep that night.

She sat on the narrow bed in the cramped hotel room, her back against the peeling wall, her hands resting on her stomach as her mind replayed everything Elias had done to her. The humiliation. The exposure. The way the world had turned against her so quickly. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the comments, the videos, the people laughing and calling her names.

Hatred slowly replaced shame.

“He thinks he is clever,” she muttered. “I will teach you a lesson, Elias.”

An idea began to form.

If Elias had ruined her publicly, then she would destroy him quietly.

By morning, she was resolved.

She contacted the custodians anonymously, claiming she had vital information. She told them Elias had faked the Monarch Crown tattoo, that she had seen it clearly, and that it was no different from the clout chaser’s fake mark. She emphasized that she was risking her life by speaking up and hinted she deserved protection or reward for exposing a fraud threatening the Crown.

When she sent the message, her lips curved into a thin smile.

But later that night, she got a message back saying if she sent such prank messages again, she would be dealt with.

“I can’t believe this! Those bastards don’t believe me!” She flung her phone to the wall in anger.

“I can’t give up like this. I will never!” She whispered shakily.

Meanwhile, Celeste's message had been reported back to Elias by the custodians, he had laughed hysterically when he saw it.

He was the one that gave command on how to reply to it knowing how easy it is to rage bait his ex-wife.

While Celeste raved, another door opened.

Damien Kings, the newly appointed CEO of Raymouse Construction, had been watching the scandal closely. He had once pursued Celeste openly, showering her with gifts and promises, but the moment he confirmed she was pregnant, his interest disappeared instantly.

He did not even bother calling her.

Instead, his attention shifted to Kiara.

Kiara Halston was everything Celeste was not. Quiet. Intelligent. Kind. She was in her final year of college, focused on finishing strong and building a life far away from the chaos of her family. Unlike the rest of the Halstons, she had always treated Elias with respect. When he had been mocked, she had defended him quietly. When he had been ignored, she had spoken to him.

Now, she was back under their roof.

Or rather, under the single small hotel room they all shared after they had lost everything.

Most importantly, they were staying away from the loan sharks that were after them for the borrowed money.

The Halstons did not care about Damien’s sudden shift in affection. To them, he was still a lifeline. A powerful man with money, influence, and connections who could help them. When Damien hinted that he was interested in Kiara, they jumped at the chance.

They begged him to help them.

They begged him to introduce them to the custodians.

Damien smiled and suggested lunch.

That afternoon, they sat in a five star restaurant, the kind they had not entered in a long time. The chandeliers glowed warmly above them, and the scent of expensive food filled the air. For a moment, the Halstons almost forgot they were living in a crumpled one room hotel, wearing borrowed clothes and pretending they still mattered.

Kiara sat stiffly at the table.

She felt out of place.

Damien sat beside her, too close, his hand resting casually on the back of her chair. Every time she shifted, his fingers brushed against her arm or waist. Her skin crawled.

She glanced at her parents for help.

Susan noticed and responded with a sharp look that told her to endure it. Henry smiled approvingly at Damien, as if offering his daughter were nothing more than a business deal.

Celeste watched silently, her eyes calculating.

Damien leaned closer to Kiara. “You are even prettier up close,” he said softly.

Kiara forced a polite smile. “Thank you.”

“You must be excited,” he continued. “Your family has been through a lot. I can give you stability.”

She swallowed. “I am still in school.”

“That will not be a problem,” Damien replied. “You will not need to work once we are married.”

Her fork trembled slightly.

“But I…” Kiara tried to speak but Susan interrupted. Oh! She would love that, Damien! I mean who wouldn’t want to stay back and just enjoy her husband’s money.” She gleamed sheepishly while casting Kiara a warning glare.

Kiara swallowed hard.

As they ate, Damien began to boast.

“I know people,” he said confidently. “Top custodians and Powerful men. Once I am part of this family, dealing with Elias will be easy. You all get your respect back. Elias is just a bloody rat that would be crushed without mercy.”

Henry’s eyes lit up. “You can really handle him?”

Damien chuckled. “He is nothing. A pretender. Once I speak, the custodians will deal with him.”

Susan nodded eagerly. “That is what we need.”

Celeste smirked. “He deserves it.”

Kiara felt her chest tighten.

She could not speak.

Every time she opened her mouth, her mother’s glare silenced her. Damien’s hand pressed against her thigh under the table, possessive and bold.

She felt trapped.

Her phone buzzed softly in her pocket.

Her heart raced as she pulled it out discreetly and typed a message with trembling fingers.

Elias, please help me. I am scared.

She hesitated before pressing send.

She did not know if he would respond.

She did not know if he even cared.

But she had no one else.

Minutes passed.

Damien laughed loudly, ordering another round of drinks after promising to move them to one of his exotic mansions.

Henry and Susan leaned closer to him, their faces hopeful.

Kiara’s phone buzzed.

Her breath caught.

On my way.

Her eyes widened.

She looked up just as the restaurant doors opened.

Elias walked in.

He wore simple clothes, but his presence shifted the air in the room instantly. Conversations nearby faltered. Heads turned. Something about him commanded attention without effort.

He scanned the room once, then walked straight toward their table.

“Elias,” Kiara called out before she could stop herself.

She stood up, her face lighting up for the first time that day as relief washed over her. “You came.”

Elias met her eyes and nodded calmly. “Of course.”

Damien Kings slowly rose to his feet, his jaw tightening as rage filled his eyes.

“Why is he here?” Damien demanded.

The room seemed to hold its breath.