<h4>Chapter 109: Return to the Kingdom</h4>


    Eleanor normally didn’t unt her wealth. However, revealing her financial power was a tactic Fiona had taught her... a subtle yet effective strategy to suppress the arrogance of high-ranking government officials.


    Humans are a peculiar species. When they discover that someone earns slightly more or wields marginally greater influence than themselves, they often be envious. But when they realize that someone holds unimaginable wealth or power far beyond theirprehension... that envy often transforms into fear and respect.


    This method worked like a charm, particrly when the person on the other end held a position of influence. Instead of viewing you as apetitor, they began to see you as an asset to the country... someone worth protecting and appeasing.


    When Eleanor casually revealed her worth, the Police Commissioner’s mind struggled to process the figure.


    "Sorry... did you just say two hundred and thirty billion US dors?" he asked, blinking as though he had misheard her.


    "Yes," Eleanor replied without blinking. "You heard correctly."


    There was no arrogance in her tone. Just cold, factual delivery.


    "May I know your name, miss?"


    "My name is Eleanor Raynor. If you need confirmation, you can contact your Ministry of Foreign Affairs," she said, her face still devoid of expression.


    Themissioner quickly shook his head, waving his hands slightly. "No, no... that won’t be necessary. I was just curious."


    After a brief pause, he shifted to business. "We’ve decided not to pursue a formalint from Anatoly about the attack. Instead, we will ssify the incident as a terrorist attempt to create chaos. That way, there will be no official prime suspect, and no diplomaticplications. We’ll simply need a statement from you regarding what happened... just a formality."


    At that moment, the elevator door opened, and Dimitry Petrov stepped out. His sharp eyes quickly assessed the scene, and when he saw themissioner speaking to Eleanor, his expression hardened with seriousness.


    Themissioner noticed Dimitry immediately and adjusted his stance, his tone bing even more respectful.


    "Mr. Petrov! It’s good to see you. What brings you here?"


    Dimitry walked closer, nodding politely. "They are my guests. They arrived from abroad, and this unfortunate incident urred. As their host, I felt ashamed. I came to ensure they are unharmed and offer my assistance."


    Though he didn’t gesture toward anyone specifically, his words held enough weight. Themissioner instantly understood the implication and became noticeably more respectful toward Eleanor.


    "I trust you will help me in keeping them out of this incident," Dimitry continued. "My guests came to Russia to explore partnerships with local industries. I hope they see this incident as isted and not representative of our country. It would be a shame if this unfortunate event discouraged them from investing here."


    Hearing that Eleanor was not only extraordinarily wealthy but also considering investing in Russia changed themissioner’s demeanour entirely. His voice softened, bing almost reverent.


    "Of course. We also hope our esteemed guests will consider this an unfortunate ident. We will apprehend the culprit soon. Next time youe to Moscow, please inform me in advance. I will personally arrange proper security for you."


    He hesitated, then added with a slightly nervous smile, "You won’t even need to provide a statement. I’ll handle the matter myself."


    Every nation... regardless of size, ideology, or development... treated wealthy foreign investors like deities. They were seen as direct benefactors to the national economy, and thus often received treatment and privileges far beyond those afforded to ordinary citizens. Russia was no exception.


    Eleanor offered a small nod. "If the inquiry is over, I’d like to rest."


    "Of course, please rest. We’ll take care of everything," themissioner replied swiftly.


    It was then that Anatoly Ignatov, who had been silently observing the exchange, finally spoke up.


    "Miss Raynor, thank you... for saving my life. I may be a minor official, with limited influence, but I will do everything I can to repay this favour. If you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask."


    "There’s no need," Eleanor said softly. "It was the right thing to do. Besides, you were once an acquaintance. I don’t abandon people who matter to me... or to my friends."


    From behind, Anastasiya added, "Uncle, you don’t need to feel indebted. We’re family. But you should be careful going forward. The attack may have failed this time, but your enemies might try again. Stay vignt."


    Anatoly gave a grateful nod. "Thank you, Natasha. I will be more cautious. May I invite you for a meal sometime?"


    Anastasiya nced at her watch. "Uncle, we have a flight in two hours. Next time I visit, I’ll meet Auntie as well."


    "Then please don’t forget," Anatoly said with a warm smile.


    As Eleanor turned to head back into her room, Dimitry stepped forward, cing himself respectfully in her path.


    "Young Miss, don’t worry. I will take care of everything from here."


    "I’ll be leaving in one and a half hours, Knight Petrov. Please make sure the helicopter is ready."


    "It’s already prepared," Dimitry assured her. "Waiting in front of the hotel. You can board anytime. I’ll stay until your departure."


    "Thank you. Anastasiya will be leaving with me... do you have any objections?"


    "No problem. I’ve already informed the lord," he replied.


    "Good. Then I’ll be depending on you," she said, closing the door behind her.


    ***


    Later that afternoon...


    One and a half hourster, Eleanor and her team stepped out of the hotel. They bid farewell to Dimitry, Anatoly, and the policemissioner.


    Anthony, though visibly puzzled by the sudden shift in tone from the authorities, refrained from asking questions. He was sharp enough to understand that not everything required exnation... especially matters that involved power, politics, and private lives.


    La Hasanovi?, who had been quietly staying nearby, joined them and boarded the helicopter without a word. The pilot lifted off, and the helicopter soared toward Sheremetyevo International Airport.


    The helicopternded directly beside Eleanor’s sleek Gulfstream G650. This time, there were no customs procedures or administrative hurdles. Everything had already been cleared. Within minutes, they were airborne... leaving Moscow behind and flying toward the kingdom.


    Once on board, Eleanor retreated into her private cabin. Despite the recent chaos, she had work to finish and documents to review. Her mind was already shifting back to business.


    Meanwhile, Anastasiya sat with Cassandra and La in the lounge area. She seemed more rxed now, chattingfortably with both women. Her curiosity soon got the better of her.


    "So," Anastasiya began, ncing at La, "you had a fight with Raphael at Imperial Haven, and that somehow led to your recruitment? I don’t understand. How does a fight turn into a job offer?"


    Cassandra chuckled. "Trust me, we were surprised too. But that’s how things go with Raphael sometimes. He has... unconventional instincts."


    La gave a small shrug. "I guess he saw something in me. I didn’t understand it either, but I’m notining."


    Anastasiya tilted her head. "Still... recruiting people so casually? Isn’t that risky? How do you ensure quality or loyalty?"


    "That’s where Bosses in," Cassandra said. "She has a way of reading people. If she epted La, then she’s already sure."


    Anastasiya nodded slowly but kept her doubts to herself. It was certainly a different way of doing things than she was used to. But perhaps that was what made Eleanor’s circle so unique.


    Eventually, their conversation shifted again, and Anastasiya started asking Cassandra about life in the kingdom. The political system, the culture, the people. She listened intently, already imagining what it would feel like to step into that world herself... an unfamiliarnd filled with unfamiliar rules, but also, perhaps, new beginnings.