The Royal Contract

"What are those two up to?" Dani asked, seeing her mortal enemy together with Alex's cousin on the stage.

She did not know about Edward, but if Nick was in the picture. She guaranteed it could only mean bad news. Since she discovered what Nick was capable of doing, she had learned never to trust him.

"I have no idea, but I can bet it is not good." Alex eyed them, watching and listening attentively to what Edward was saying.

So far, Edward had not done anything ruining. He introduced Alex as his cousin and talked about Alex's youth and his many accomplishments. It sounded like he was boosting Alex's character to the crowd.

But Alex knew better to believe it that easily. He was waiting for the next shoe to drop. Based on experience, that was usually the case. Edward would play nice, and then he would surprise him with a bomb.

"What are we going to do?" Dani asked, hoping that those two dumb asses would not ruin the remainder of the night.

She would do anything to prevent those two from whatever they were planning because she could sense that they were there to cause trouble. 

"Don't worry. I already expected this from Edward." He had suspected that his cousin would try to sabotage his company once he had a chance.

So, he had Marcus, David, and Evan, together with his trusted team, devised a way to safeguard his company from him. He had foreseen that he would find a way to ruin him.

Although, he was not expecting that he would form an ally with Nick. Fortunately, he learned about it before it was too late. It would have been a struggle for him to deal with those two if they caught him by surprise.

"But you don't know much about Nick. He is very cunning, and he doesn't play fair." She warned him, wanting him to be aware of his new enemy.

She remembered how her father treated Nick as if he was already was his son, only to find out that he was also betraying her father. She always wondered why her father trusted him that easily.

Her father was a hard man to please. He did not trust anyone that easily. But for some reason, when she introduced Nick into their lives, he accepted him with open arms, without too many questions. 

"I am sure I can manage them just fine." He turned to her and placed a soft kiss on her lips, assuring her that he had this under control.

He did not want her to worry about this situation. He had already made a contingency plan, but she did not need to know the details of it.

He believed that it was better if he kept her away from his battle. It was also part of Ethan's condition that he had to honor. Besides, she already had too much on her plate to include this.

"Ok. But tell me if you will need any help," Dani still offered, knowing that two heads were better than one. She believed that she could contribute something to his situation.

"Now, my good friend here, Mr. Nickolas Travis, and I would like to support this event by giving one million dollars each to Ms. Daniella Hamilton. So, I encourage everyone here to do the same." Edward announced to the crowd.

Edward knew that Alex was out there in the crowd, silently observing his actions. He was probably fuming inside and panicking about what else he had planned.

But in truth, he was starting to love the game Alex was playing on this side of the world. He now understood why Alex was willing to give up the throne. 

"I will," Alex answered her, but he had no plan to do that, not if he could help it. 

He once again turned his attention on the stage, seeing the two shook their hands. He could see through their intentions, making a grand gesture, a show for the public eyes.

They just declared to the business community their alliance, strengthening Nick's hold on his position on the top of the leader board with the prince's backing.

"Please be careful," Dani placed her hand on his chest, feeling his steady heartbeat. It was a bit faster than usual, but he seemed not alarmed by the situation.

The crowd, entertained by the prince's charm, clapped their hands and cheered their noble actions. But all Dani saw was the hypocrisy of it all.

A commotion on the other side of the stage caught her attention. She had to strain her neck to see what was going on since she and Alex were still way at the back of the ballroom.

"What is my father doing?" She finally asked, seeing Ethan climbing the stage and facing their two adversaries. "I think we should go to him." She suggested, not liking her father's involvement in this.

If in any other situation, she would not worry for her dad. He could face anything as far as she could recall. But with his current delicate condition, she was afraid that a confrontation might only cause him unnecessary stress.

"Come on. Let us see what we can do to help." Alex guided her through the crowd, observing what was unfolding on the stage.

The last thing he wanted was a bump into their plans. He trusted that Ethan knew what he was doing, but it would still be better if they were at his side just for backup.

He heard the host of the show introduced their most respected leader in the business industry. The legend as they called him. But to most, the king of this city.

"It had been a lovely evening." Ethan started on another mike. He walked up close to Edward and Nick. "Thanks to these two good Samaritans for making such a generous donation."

He extended his hands to the two, which the two had no choice but to accept. They could not afford to make a scene that could ruin all their reputations in front of this community.

"We only did what was necessary," Nick answered Ethan without blinking an eye. He would show this aged man, Ethan, that he was not afraid of his presence. 

"We should all follow the example of these two and share our blessings to those who were not as fortunate," Ethan announced to all their guests. "So, I will match their contribution." He winked to the crowd.

He heard the people roared in laughter and cheered with his action. He finally had everyone's attention which was what he wanted. Then, he saw Alex and Dani showed up from behind the crowd. 

The couple made their way near the stage, which was what he wanted. He could see his wife with Fred and Katherine on the other side, waiting for his final announcement.

"Since I am already here standing in your presence. Let me take this opportunity to announce my plan to retire effective immediately. I am giving up my post as the CEO of all my companies." Ethan declared with a smile on his lips.

Edward and Nick were left paralyzed on their spot upon the announcement. Unable to believe that Ethan would eventually give up his company.

A louder uproar from the crowd ensued his announcement. Nobody expected that. Chatters and whispers echoed around the room as questions flew in the air. 

At this point, the whole world was probably in shock by his unexpected decision. The news flew fast these days with the use of modern technology. 

One question was evident in everyone's eyes as all wondered who would be taking his place. Who would be the next king?