**The Matia Princess Returns**
**Chapter 249**
(A/N: I sincerely apologize for my absence in updating. As many of you know, I have been navigating through some challenging times in my personal life over the past few months. It might not be apparent, but I have also been a survivor of abuse, and there are moments when I truly hit rock bottom, as I did just last week.
My mind has been so clouded that I couldn’t bring myself to write a chapter that I could feel proud of, even a little. I didn’t want to disappoint you all with something half-hearted. Therefore, I needed to take a step back to heal—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Thank you all for your sweet comments, love, and unwavering support. I thought it best to share this update here so that everyone is on the same page.
Sending lots of love to each of you. Love, Tonje)
**Leon’s POV**
As soon as Tommy, Vargues, and Gabriel arrived, I felt a surge of urgency. I needed to fetch Talia and her guards without delay.
We made our way to my office, where the atmosphere was heavy with anticipation. The other Dons from the various mafias were already present, each one a formidable force in their own right.
Since we began collaborating like this, it was rare for the four of us to meet without the presence of others, unless it was for our legal business, of course.
But this meeting was different; it revolved around Talia and the threat posed by an enemy who loomed over all of us. We settled into our seats, and I gestured for Talia to come sit on my lap, which she did without hesitation.
“Princess, it’s wonderful to see you again. You seem a bit more rested today. How are you feeling?” Tommy inquired, his smile warm and genuine as he looked at her.
Talia had a natural ability to sense the intentions of those around her, and she had always been good at recognizing trustworthy people. We had learned to rely on her instincts, and I was confident she would guide us well in this situation too.
“Tommy, Vargues, Gabriel—please, just call me Talia. I’m not one for formalities,” she replied, her smile brightening the room, and the rest of us chuckled, except for our three new companions who seemed to be adjusting to her easygoing demeanor.
“As you wish, Talia,” Vargues said, returning her smile and making her nod in appreciation.
“And to answer your question, Tommy, I feel much better today and well-rested, thank you,” Talia replied, her voice sweet and soothing like a gentle breeze.
“That’s great to hear! We wouldn’t want our princess to exhaust herself. Remember, we are all here to support you, so don’t hesitate to lean on us,” Gabriel said earnestly, and we all nodded in agreement, our gazes fixed on Talia.
“Thank you, everyone. I will definitely keep that in mind,” Talia said, her smile radiating warmth as she looked around at each of us.
**Chapter 249**
“What updates do you three have for us regarding what you’ve discovered since we parted ways yesterday?” Dominic asked, shifting into business mode, his tone serious and focused.
“From those we trust who are loyal to Talia and want nothing but her safety, we’ve learned that Cillian has returned to New York, and he’s currently hiding in one of his safe houses,” Tommy explained, and we all nodded, absorbing the information.
“He rotates between five different safe houses, spending only three days at each. Only his most trusted underlings are informed in advance; the rest must remain ready to move at any moment during that three-day window,” Gabriel added, his eyes scanning the room for reactions.
“What’s the tiger’s name?” Talia asked, her eyes wide with concern as she turned to Tommy.
“Uh, his name is Poseidon,” Tommy replied, and in an instant, Talia sprang from my lap and bolted out of the room.
We all quickly followed her, and as we entered the cinema room, we discovered the others were engrossed in a film. On the screen, a younger version of Talia was flying a plane solo, her skill evident and captivating.
**Chapter 249**
Everyone who had been in my office, except for Talia, stood in stunned silence, absorbing the incredible talent our princess possessed.
When the recording concluded, we all turned to Talia and erupted into applause. It was no wonder she had managed the flight to Dubai on her own.
“Fabro, Poseidon—who did you sell him to?” Talia suddenly asked, and an uncomfortable silence fell over the room.
“Uh, I believe his name was Knox. Why do you ask?” Dina replied, her brow raised in curiosity.
Talia turned to Tommy, who gave her a reassuring nod.
“Cillian has kept Knox and Poseidon close since you left Boston,” Tommy explained, his tone serious.
“And now we must bring him back to his brothers. I had initially planned to sit this one out and let you all handle the attack, but now I realize I need to be involved. I have a better chance of keeping Poseidon in check since I raised him, and he sees me as his mother,” Talia asserted, determination shining in her eyes as Dina stood up, nodding in agreement with her decision.

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