Just as he was about to go and talk to his father about it, the Duke called everyone’s attention by using his wineglass and a fork. He beamed while looking at Eliza and Levi. “Happy Birthday to both of you.” He said. He then started to eye the people inside the room.
For a few seconds, the Duke stared at his wife and smiled before looking at everyone else in the room. “Tonight… I have an announcement to make.” The Duke said as his gaze met his father in law’s eyes. “For two decades, I have served this country with everything that I have.” He started walking. “And I know… this is not the right time for this. But… I think two decades is enough. I believe I have done my very best to help this country. And now… it is time for me to move on.”
Gasps immediately echoed inside the room. Even Mr. Neeson, who was calmly sitting next to his daughter, was surprised for a few seconds. With the organisation’s resources, Mr. Neeson is aware that The Duke is already aware of the poisoning. Was that the reason he decided to leave? Did he blame the poisoning on his incompetence?
Mr. Neeson looked at his daughter, who was equally surprised then towards Leandro, who was standing next to Pierre. Mr. Neeson’s eyes shone with an unfathomable expression. Does this mean… after tonight, Leandro would become the new Grand Duke?
Excitement filled his eyes as he continued to listen to the Duke’s words. “I know… this should be the night dedicated for my twins. However, with the current situation… I am unable to do my duties anymore.” He lowered his head and eyed the Duchess who was already crying. “From today onwards, I am no longer the Grand Duke in this country. The position will go to my eldest son, Prince Leandro Nassae.” He raised his glass before downing its contents. Then he smiled at the silent crowd.
“Father… Father I— ” Leandro walked towards him, his eyes beaming with joy. He gave his father a long hug. “How could you do this?”
“This is not the time for conversation.” The Grand Duke shook his head. “I want you to know that I am proud of you. I know you will be a great Grand Duke. I wish you all the best.” He tapped his son’s shoulders before he looked at the silent crowd. “Everyone… the new Grand Duke of Luxembourg. Grand Duke Leandro Nassae.”
These words seemed to awoke everyone from their stupor as they started clapping. Surprised, shocked, horror and some were speechless. However, everyone inside the hall masked their emotions and clapped their hands as if they were truly pleased by the surprising turn of events.
The Grand Duke walked towards his wife, smiling as relief flowed to his eyes. However, after two steps, the smile on his face vanished. It was replaced with a scowl. He clutched his chest as his face contorted.
“Phil?” The Duchess was the first one who ran towards the Duke. “Phil? What— what is happening? Are you alright?”
“I— “The Duke let out a sharp breath. “I… ” His face turned pale, beads of sweat trickled down his forehead as he met his wife’s eyes. “I think— “
“Someone call the doctor!” The Duchess immediately held her husband’s body. However, how could a woman support a fully grown six-foot tall man? The two soon collapsed on the floor. This however, made everyone act. The knight commander immediately ran to get a doctor while Leandro and Levi helped their father up.
“Let him sit! He is having a heart attack!” Mr. Neeson said.
“What? How could that be?” Eliza paled. Her father does not have heart problems. Or at least… not that she was aware of. “Mother what is going on?”
However, how could the Duchess have the time to answer her? The Duchess was already a mess. Large streaks of her ruined mascara can be seen in the Duchess’ face as she clutched her husband’s hands. Her shoulders shook, lips trembling as she uttered some prayers.
“Mother…”
“That’s not a heart attack.” Lily’s cold voice echoed, interrupting the panic inside the hall. Everyone immediately turned their heads towards Lily, waiting for her to explain her words. “Look at his lips. There are some signs of burning. It’s poison.”
Another round of gasps escaped everyone’s lips.
“Who would dare poison my father?” Leandro frowned. “What can we do about it? I— Are we going to make him vomit?” he watched as Lily approached the Duke. Zhou Jingren, Qin Yuanfeng with Secretary Go followed him. No one even noticed that the trio seemed to have formed a triangle around Lily, protecting her from a surprise attack.
“Is he allergic to something?” Lily asked as he sat next to the Duke.
“No, he is not!” The Duchess said. “He is very healthy.”
Frowning, Lily examined the Duke who was already struggling to breathe. “Where is the doctor?” she asked before she turned towards Leandro. “Didn’t you have military training? Shouldn’t you know first aid? Why are you still standing there! Take a look at your father!”
“I— I— “
“How dare you speak like that to the King!?” Pierre’s voice made everyone pause. They shifted their gazes towards Pierre. “He is the new king! You don’t disrespect our Grand Duke like that!” Pierre added as he walked next to Leandro.
“So… he is going to allow his father to die just like this?” Lily countered. “Is that it?” She shifted her gaze towards Leandro. “You will be so petty to think about the disrespect and just stand there like a statue instead of helping your father?”
For a few seconds, Leandro paused as he processed Lily’s words. He was the new Grand Duke, how could she look down on him like this? Pierre was actually right. He was the new Grand Duke! How could Lily just order him around like a fucking servant?
“How dare you talk to me like that!?” Leandro said in a voice that even his wife never heard before.
