Dare you to go against me

A palpable tension hung in the air as George, his eyes narrowed with frustration, stepped forward. His voice cut through the heavy silence like a blade.

"You mean, you don't care what we think? Even if it costs you the throne?" His tone was sharp, each word laced with incredulity and anger.

Evelyn stood before him, her expression softening, though her resolve remained unyielding. The weight of her decision seemed to hang on her shoulders, but her voice was steady, underscored by a deep emotional current. "I care deeply about this family and the throne," she began, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "But I care more about doing what I believe is right for my children and myself."

The memory of that fateful day surged back, vivid and painful. "The day I found out about my pregnancy, I felt nothing but fear and regret. I wanted to erase what I saw as a mistake, one of the reasons to abort were you guys as well. I wanted to protect us and forget about this child," she continued, her voice cracking slightly with the intensity of her feelings. "But Archie, in his wisdom, asked me to wait. He asked me to give it some time. With no other option, I tried to forget about it. But day by day, I found myself caring more and more. It became a source of unexpected comfort."

Her gaze turned distant, as if she were seeing those moments anew. "After losing everything today, I found myself a reason to live again. And no matter what others might say, I have decided for myself. If that means I have to lose the throne, then so be it. I will not compromise my principles or my love for my children."

The room fell into a heavy silence, the gravity of Evelyn's words sinking in. Her declaration had left an indelible mark on everyone present. Yet, one voice broke the stillness, filled with disdain.

"What if we are against you carrying this... bastard child?" the voice challenged, echoing with the cold authority of tradition. "This clan is still ours. You cannot go against us."

Evelyn's eyes flashed with a fierce light, and a smirk curled on her lips. She rolled her tongue thoughtfully before meeting George's gaze directly. "Mr. Wills," she began, her voice edged with iron, "there seems to be a grave misunderstanding here. I am not here to seek your permission. I am here to inform you of my decision. This is my choice, and I am prepared to face the consequences."

Her words resonated through the hall, each one a clear statement of her unwavering stance. "But let me make this clear—you are gravely mistaken if you think your objections will sway me. I will not abort this child because of your narrow-minded views. This is my decision. I might leave the throne for someone else, but that successor will be chosen by me. You may have a say in the throne, but not in my personal life. Carrying this child is entirely my decision."

She took a step forward, her presence commanding. "If any of you dare to harm my child, remember who I am. I am still Evelyn Davis, and I will turn your lives into a living hell if you cross me. I still hold power, and I will always be at the top, throne or not. Challenge me, and I will face you head-on. I dare you, Mr. Wills, to call my children bastards again. I care about my clan deeply, and though I may lack experience compared to you, I would like to remind you all I am still Evelyn."

George instantly took a step back. He might have the guts to speak, but he knew no matter who stands at the throne, no one has as much power as Evelyn to carry on the business. He dared not defy her at that moment. He didn't know what could be the reason. Whether Evelyn's maternal instinct rose up or her father's genes showed up, but at that moment, Evelyn looked more authoritarian than ever for George to say anything otherwise than what Evelyn asked for.

The room absorbed her words in a stunned silence. Evelyn had made her stand clear; her determination was a force that would not be swayed. The air crackled with the silent acknowledgment of her power, a quiet determination filling the space. She had chosen her path, and nothing would deter her from it.

After a moment of silence, Salomon asked in concern. "Who is the father of this child?"