The Unshackled King (by David Wu) novel Chapter 75

"So what's this really about? If you need my help, just say the word." She paused. "But honestly? You don't have to carry everything on your own. You don't owe the Spencer family anything. If anything, they owe you. Ten years of your life, playing the loyal widow for their eldest son. Running their empire while they'd have collapsed without you."

"I know you mean well, Eleanor. And if I need you, I'll ask." Megan's lips curved—a smile like a flower opening, warm and impossible to look away from. Every gesture, every glance, carried that effortless blend of grace and allure that only came with years of quiet strength.

She didn't mention the real reason yet. That her father-in-law—still behind bars—had sent word. "Drop everything. Go to River City. Find a young man who just got out of prison."

It sounded insane. But the old man had commanded, and here she was.

Her phone buzzed. The Marevia Consortium board.

She stepped aside, took the call.

When she returned, her expression had shifted. "Eleanor." Her voice was careful. "Did you give your Amethyst Card to someone?"

Eleanor's eyebrows went up. "Yes. Why?"

Megan relayed what the board had told her.

Eleanor's face darkened with every word. "This board member—Jorge—he's questioning my gift? Harassing Dr. Bryant?" Her voice sharpened. "Dr. Bryant saved my daughter. He brought Rebecca back to us. And your consortium is giving him trouble?"

Megan's eyes widened. "He's the one who saved Rebecca?"

Eleanor nodded, her expression hardening. "The very same. He brought my daughter back to me. He's my family's savior. And your people are giving him trouble at the Dynasty Mall?"

Megan didn't hesitate. She was already on her feet.

"Eleanor, stay calm. I'll go to the mall myself and sort this out. You have my word—I'll make this right."

Eleanor rose beside her, jaw set. "I'm coming with you."

*****

Eleanor spotted Stefan inside the store. Her face shifted instantly—warmth, relief, and something that looked almost like guilt. She crossed the floor quickly and stopped in front of him. "Dr. Bryant." Her voice was sincere. "I am so sorry. Because of my gift, you've been dragged into this mess. Please accept my apology."

Behind her, the world stopped.

Jorge. Britton. Christy. Their brains short-circuited.

The mayor's wife and the daughter of one of Mound City's most established families. A woman of immense status and power.

She was apologizing. To the ex-con. The thief. The man they'd mocked and threatened and accused.

The floor didn't just drop out from under them—it vanished entirely.

They understood now. The scale of what they'd done. The size of the mistake they'd made. This wasn't a problem anymore. This was an extinction event.

Stefan accepted Eleanor's apology with a small smile. "Mrs. Myers, you've nothing to apologize for. This isn't your doing." His gaze drifted past her, landing on Jorge. "It's the management here. Jumping to conclusions. Abusing their authority. This mall is under the Consortium's umbrella, isn't it?" He tilted his head. "Seems like the Consortium has a management problem."