Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Oh fuck. . .
Against all sanity, a deep sadness welled up within me, knowing that I would have to kill him.
Can I kill you?
Suddenly, the thought became almost unbearable. For a moment. . .I even wondered if there could be another way, a path that didn’t end in bloodshed.
Could I put him in the dungeon? No. Someone would let him out.
I gritted my teeth.
What if I sent him to China like he did with Yan? No. He would still be plotting and killing.
But then, the image of Romeo and Chanel’s brutal deaths forced its way back into my mind.
No. He would go too far if I let him live. . .and I would regret not killing him. Any new blood would be my fault.
My father’s ruthlessness knew no bounds.
I must kill him.
Sadness gave way to steely resolve.
My father had chosen his path and I had to choose mine. For Moni, for our future and for the safety of those I loved, I would do what needed to be done.
Sighing, I turned back to the cameras.
Finally, my father broke the silence, “You stopped training on Mount Utopia.”
I looked at him. “I did.”
“Why?”
“Yan took Chanel’s body so I went to search for it.”
“That was unnecessary. Your place was with Monique.”
“I understand that now.”
“Then, why didn’t you return to train on Mount Utopia.”
“I wanted to show Moni the Palace.”
A knowing smirk hit his face. “And does she like the Palace?”
“She thinks it’s grand and spectacular.”
Pride filled his gaze. “Did you tell her that I designed the Palace?”
I rolled my eyes. “Of course I did. However. . .she prefers Lotus Blossom.”
“Like your mom.” He curved his lips into a wider smile.
“Yes.”
“Monique reminds me of Jing in many ways. Did you see the way she talked to those reporters yesterday?”
“I did.”
“It was like your mother was standing right next to her.”
I tried not to smile but I did anyway.
Cameras flashed.
I sighed. “Once all is done, I think that it will be pretty difficult to get Moni out of the garden.”
“That makes me happy.” Then, his smile faded, replaced by a look of contemplation. “About my grandchild. . .”
I scowled. “I am not naming any children after you.”
“Monique made the promise. Song is a witness and will make sure it happens.”
“Uncle Song will have no ability to make that decision when the time comes.”
“Monique will do it because she is loyal.” He bobbed his head. “And for your information, you will be happy to hear that I have Chanel’s body. Song will give it to you at the end of the battle.”
“It was unnecessary for you to have Yan take the body.”
“I didn’t realize how close Monique and you had gotten.”
I glanced around. “I’m surprised you didn’t bring Yan with you to cause more trouble.”
This odd sigh left him. “I actually did bring Yan.”
I quirked my brows. “You did?”
“She’s in the kitchen.”
“With Moni?”
“Yes.”
“No.” I prepared to get up.
“Son.” He held up his hand. “There’s no need. Yan is not a threat to you or Monique anymore.”
There was something strange in his tone.
I watched him. “Why do you say that?”
Before he could speak again, Moni entered with an elegant cart and all my attention went straight to her. She wore a stunning blue gown that was so sexy on her body. Honestly, a crown should have been on her head because she truly looked like a queen.
Cameras flashed and for a few seconds, I hated that others would get to see how beautiful she was.
My father clearly knew what was going on in my head because he simply whispered, “You must learn how to share her with the East.”
“We’ll see about that.”
On top of the cart sat a beautiful blue pot containing her carefully prepared blend, alongside the pot, stood the traditional cups that had belonged to my mother.
The sight of it all made my heart swell with pride.
Oh my.
She drew closer and then I noticed something in her eyes—an unease that wasn’t usually there.
Huh?
I leaned forward a little.
Is she nervous?
Of course that made sense but. . .there was something else.
I assessed Moni further. Usually, she had a confident stance but now her shoulders appeared tense.
When she stopped at the edge of the table, she fidgeted with the side of the pot.
Also, I could see the flutter of her eyelashes, the slight trembling of her hands and the anxious shift of her weight from foot to foot.
Her eyes darted around the room, as if searching for some kind of escape.
Something is wrong and. . .I don’t think it’s about the tea ceremony.
Chapter five
The Heart Signal
Lei
As Moni prepared to start the tea ceremony, everyone remained quiet and all cameras focused on her.
So beautiful.
She stood at the edge of the table, her fingers brushing over the elegant blue pot containing her blend.
The traditional cups—so beautifully crafted and laden with history—sat next to it, waiting to be filled.