?Chapter 486:


    Before long, the person I sent returned, breathless but triumphant. She dropped to her knees, her head bowed low. “Miss Molly White, I’ve used the potion on Makenna.”


    I blinked, momentarily stunned by how smoothly my n went. Then, a slow, incredulous smile spread across my face.


    A shakyugh escaped me, quickly building into something fuller, something wild. I was thrilled. I clutched the armrest of my chair as the uncontrobleughter bubbled up. Finally, that wretched bitch Makenna was going to meet her end. The pce, my rightful domain, would be mine!


    Momentster, Gwyn burst into the room, her face lit up like dawn. “Miss White, I’ve just heard—Makenna’s condition has taken a sharp turn for the worse!”


    My heart surged with triumph, and I couldn’t hold back a wicked grin. “Let her die then,” I hissed, relishing every word. “With her gone, I’ll have the leverage I need to save Hayley!”


    There was no time to waste. I needed to act quickly. Armed with this new advantage, I set out to meet Leonardo.


    No doubt, he was already aware of Makenna’s failing condition—nothing ever escaped his watchful eye.


    I arrived at the king’s chambers, requested an audience, and this time, he agreed to see me.


    The heavy doors creaked open, and I stepped inside. The air was thick with authority. I stumbled forward deliberately, adopting a mask of sorrow, my lips quivering as I knelt before him. “Your Majesty… you finally granted me an audience.”


    Leonardo, perched on his throne with regal indifference, fixed his cold gaze on me. “Are you here to plead for Hayley?”


    “Your Majesty, please!” I cried, my voice cracking as I forced out a sob. “Spare my sister! She’s my closest family, and I can’t bear to live without her.”


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    But it wasn’t enough. Not yet. Theatrics were key here. I lunged forward, making a desperate attempt to fling myself against one of the grand pirs, as if ready to end my life in anguish. Leonardo barked with urgency, “Guards, stop her!”


    The servants rushed to restrain me, and I allowed it, using the moment to further my performance.


    With tears still streaming down my face, I met Leonardo’s gaze, broken and pleading. “If Hayley dies, so will I! I beg you, Your Majesty. If you must take her life, then take mine too!”


    His expression hardened, frustration evident in the crease of his brow. He leaned forward slightly, his voice as cold as steel. “Don’t forget, your sister is responsible for the death of my cherished lion.”


    There it was. A sliver of hope in his words. Perhaps there was a chance to negotiate.


    Seizing the moment, I quickly wiped away the tears, keeping my voice urgent but soft. “Your Majesty, my sister acted without intent. It was a terrible mistake.”


    I let out another sob, ensuring I looked fragile, vulnerable. “Look at me,” I continued, resting a hand over my abdomen, “I’m carrying Prince yton’s child. A future heir, a healthy descendant for the royal bloodline. Please, give us a chance. Let my sister live.”


    Leonardo’s cold exterior softened just a fraction, his expression one of reluctant contemtion.


    He exhaled a long, tired breath. “Very well. Hayley will be spared the death penalty—but she cannot go unpunished. For your sake, I will not take her life, but she will serve ten years in imprisonment.”


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