Chapter 1038: Threat

Doyle, the prince of Jolencami, is in danger. Besse, Queen Carol's adopted daughter, is also involved. Skye insists on Doyle's death unless Besse is brought to him. He wants Doyle to experience the loss of a loved one, mirroring Skye's own suffering. For the sake of both countries' friendship, Doyle's life must be prioritized.

Skye made his intentions clear: Besse's life was the price for Doyle's. Oscar, unwilling to risk Besse's life, faced a terrible dilemma. He had a sniper positioned to take out Skye, but the sniper's confirmation of readiness was delayed. Twenty minutes might not be enough time.

Oscar stated, "I'll try to bring Besse, but I cannot guarantee her return."

Skye sneered, "If she refuses, Doyle dies."

Oscar, under pressure, whispered instructions to Theodore, who departed. Doyle, believing Besse would be brought, struggled with despair. Theodore approached the black sedan, where Besse sat.

"The kidnappers need to see you," Theodore explained.

"I understand," Besse replied. "I'll go."

Theodore reassured her, explaining that snipers were in place and that Oscar was buying them time. Besse remained skeptical.

"Do you trust him completely?" she asked.

"No," Theodore admitted. "He's not invincible."

"Then what's the point of trying when someone might already be dead?" Besse countered.

Theodore argued that ignoring both Doyle and Besse would have minimal consequences for Northfield. He questioned Besse's seemingly reckless attitude, suggesting it stemmed from Oscar's affection for her.

Besse, resolute, declared, "I'll exchange myself for Doyle!"

Theodore, acting on Oscar's earlier instructions anticipating this decision, physically restrained her. He imagined the devastation Oscar would face if another woman he loved died. Oscar had always suffered in matters of the heart.

Restrained, Besse realized Theodore's true role and screamed, "You're not here to discuss this, you're here to control me!" She understood Oscar's selfish motivation: to prevent her from sacrificing herself.

Theodore, unwavering in his loyalty, responded, "I only take orders from Oscar."

The confrontation continued. Skye informed Oscar that only five minutes remained. Oscar, still awaiting word from the snipers, remained silent, his lips tightened. His sudden departure, leaving both Skye and Doyle bewildered, added to the tension. Skye, however, remained unmoved, holding Doyle's fate in his hands.

Oscar returned to the car, the atmosphere heavy with tension. Besse's wrists, restrained by Theodore, were red and swollen, evidence of her fierce resistance.

"Does it hurt?" Oscar asked, his gaze falling upon her injured wrists.