Chapter 41 The King’s Move
Roman stared at his father for a long moment. Too many thoughts passed through his head—too many threads tightening at once.
Then he chose the easiest lie.
“No,” Roman said calmly. “I didn’t know her from before. I just find her… sexually appealing.”
Alexander cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable. “Whatever.” He waved it off, then his eyes sharpened. “Just don’t drag her into whatever game you’re trying to play. Evelyn is more than a daughter-in-law to me. She’s ‘my’ person. I won’t tolerate any injustice toward her.”
Roman let out a quiet snicker. “Says the man who didn’t hesitate to use her as a chess piece to get what he wanted.”
Alexander’s brows lifted. “I did it for her own good. Stop trying to make me the villain. Besides, my chess game is over.”
“So you decided to use my wife as your final move?” Roman’s voice dipped. “And pressure her for a baby that doesn’t exist?”
Alexander’s face tightened with guilt. “Alright, alright. My bad.” He sighed. “But if I don’t pressure you both, how else am I supposed to see my grandchild quickly?”
“You have enough grandchildren,” Roman retorted flatly.
“They’re not sensible,” Alexander snapped back. “I want one from ‘you’. Work harder.”
Roman didn’t argue this time. He simply listened, letting the old man vent. The bickering was familiar. Almost comforting.
Almost.
After a while, Roman spoke again, quietly.
“Father… how long are you going to keep blaming yourself for what happened years ago?”
Alexander closed his eyes at that question. He drew a long breath, as though he’d been holding it for decades.
When he opened them, his smile was sad. “Until I see your mother again.”
He stared at Roman for a moment. “Do you know why I favored you more than my other children?”
Roman didn’t even blink. “Because I’m the sensible one.”
“So self-centered,” Alexander muttered.
Then his voice softened.
“You remind me of your mother,” he said quietly. “You took after her—those dark eyes, that calm look when you’re thinking. Even your hair… she had the same dark shade.” His gaze drifted, lost in memory. “People used to stop and stare when she walked into a room.”
He paused, swallowing something heavy.
“She was beautiful. Not just in looks. In the way she made people feel.” He looked back at Roman. “You’re a glimpse of both of us, and a piece of her I still get to hold onto.”
“But Marcus and I have similar features,” Roman pointed out. “He’s only just older.”
Alexander gave a short cough, like he didn’t want to entertain that comparison. “I feel guilty toward you the most,” he admitted. “Because you never got to know her. You never felt a mother’s love. I tried to be both, but I know it wasn’t enough.”
The garden felt colder.
Then Alexander’s voice dropped.
“Roman… I don’t want to lose you to any scheme. I’ve lived long enough. And I’m tired of being lonely.” He stared up at the sky. “I think your mother is calling out to me from the other side.”
Roman’s jaw tightened.
“Father—”
“Listen,” Alexander tapped his cane lightly on the ground. “In every game of chess, a piece is pushed forward so the king can stay hidden until the end.”
Roman’s eyes narrowed. “Meaning?”
Alexander met his gaze steadily. “I’ll be the piece that moves first this time,” he said calmly. “This round isn’t yours to play.”
Roman stiffened.
“Take Evelyn and leave the country,” Alexander continued. “Focus on your family. Let me deal with Marcus. Don’t interfere—not this time.”
Roman’s fists clenched at his sides.
“You’re still young,” Alexander said quietly. “You don’t see it yet, but he’s more dangerous than he’s ever been. The way he returned… it’s different.”
Alexander stood with the help of his walking stick. “I’ve overstayed my welcome.”
Roman stood with him.
“One more thing.” Alexander’s gaze sharpened. “Do not take Evelyn to Paso or Lasiacos.” His voice hardened. “I don’t want her involved in her grandfather’s legacy. She’s better off living simply.”
Roman’s reply came out heavy. “Okay.”
Alexander took a few steps, then turned back with a small smile. “Roman… I’m handing Evelyn into your care, like her mother did to me. I hope you understand what I mean. Treat her right. That’s my other wish.”
He started walking again, then paused one last time.
“And my last wish…” he said quietly.
Roman’s fists tightened.
“Stay alive,” Alexander said firmly. “No matter what happens—live. Win if you can, but never at the cost of your life.”
Roman’s gaze darkened.
“I don’t want you facing your brother head-on,” Alexander continued. “If anything happens to me, my decision still stands. Build a family first. The Sinclair name can wait. It will be yours when the time is right.”
He hesitated, then added lightly, as if it wasn’t important—yet his eyes said otherwise.
“Oh. I have something for Evelyn.” He waved it off. “Forget it. I’ll give it to her myself… when the time is right.”
Then he walked toward his car where his chauffeur waited. “Don’t see me off.”
Roman didn’t move.
He stood there long after the car left, his mind whirling, throat tight, eyes bloodshot.
Then, finally, he closed his eyes—fists clenched so hard, like he was making a decision he didn’t want to make. He took a deep breath and unclenched his hands.
When he opened his eyes, they were clear and decided. He walked back inside calmly, like his mind wasn't a mess.
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Evelyn was in the kitchen with Mrs. Chen and Mrs. Hartwell, helping prepare dinner.
When Roman entered the kitchen, Evelyn immediately stopped what she was doing.
“Oh… you’re back.” She tried to wipe her hands, but Roman didn’t let her.
He strode straight to her and pulled her into a tight hug.
“Huh—” Evelyn gasped at the sudden force of it.
Mrs. Chen and Mrs. Hartwell exchanged a glance and quickly left the kitchen without a word, giving them privacy.
Roman held Evelyn tightly, burying his face in the crook of her neck.
Evelyn could feel his warm breath against her skin—and more than that, she could feel his body was tense.
“Erm… are you okay?” she asked softly. “Where’s… Father? What happened?”
Roman didn’t answer her question. He just nuzzled closer like he needed her warmth.
“I’m okay,” he whispered against her neck. “Just… let me stay like this for a moment.”
Evelyn’s arms wrapped around him tighter. She didn’t understand what happened, but she could feel he needed comfort.
They stayed like that for a while.
But then, she felt his weight grow heavier. He was leaning on her more and more. His breathing grew shallower, and his grip loosening slightly.
“Roman?” she called softly.
No answer.
“Roman?” she tried again, nervous now.
Still nothing. His body was going slack.
Panic hit her.
She pulled back, trying to see his face—but he didn’t move.
And when she tried harder, they both lost balance and fell to the kitchen floor together.
“ROMAN!” she cried out, her voice cracking with fear.