Jagger stood up, clasped his hands behind his back, and took a few steps forward, his eyes

flashing with cold menace. "That Dorian is a major obstacle.

"But don't worry. In the end, the leadership transition is all about supporters. As long as you have the numbers on your side, I don't see a problem. It's time to start applying some pressure in advance. Tristan shook his head. "That's not enough. I need scandals to use against him, real power in my own hands, unwavering supporters, and public approval. Only then can I completely defeat him. There's still some time left. We'll deploy our strategy step by step.'

Jagger nodded. "That's the only way. But you must remember, the Walton family's position in Clusia has never wavered- neither in the past nor now."

Morris and Cherise had already arrived at the private parking area of Betrico International Airport. Hank arrived much later -

by the time he got there, the two of them were already waiting for him inside the plane.

"Hank, what the hell took you so long? You're 20 minutes late. Mr. Chivers just told me to drive out and pick you up, Leo grumbled as he spotted Hank approaching.

Hank was drenched in sweat. "My bike chain came off halfway through the ride. I spent ages trying to fix it but couldn't, so I ended up taking a cab. Sorry

for keeping you all waiting.

Leo was momentarily stunned but quickly remembered that this boy was Cherise's half-

brother and Arthur's son. He decided not to say anything further.

However, the moment Hank stepped onto the plane, he was met with a sharp glare from Cherise. "You were ridiculously late. This is the only time I'll tolerate it. Don't let it happen again."

Feeling extremely embarrassed, Hank quickly nodded in agreement. It seemed he would have to consider giving up his hobby of cycling.

Several hours later, the plane landed smoothly at Astamia International Airport. The ones who came to pick them up were elite soldiers stationed in Astamia from the Dark Web Division. Seeing Morris and Cherise arrive, they were visibly excited.

"Mr. Chivers, you're finally in Astamia! If you hadn't come soon, I would've thought you had completely forgotten about us," one of them said before turning to Cherise. "This must be Mrs. Chivers, right? I'm Lex Sanchez. Nice to meet you."

Lex was an elite fighter Morris had taken in as a child, around the same age as Cherise. Over the years, he had remained stationed in Astamia, awaiting orders. Seeing that Lex's character was similar to Steven and Leo's, Cherise smiled and nodded in greeting. Morris glanced at Lex. "Once we finish our business in Astamia, you'll be coming back to Clusia with me. We're going to need you there."

*****

Lex instantly brightened up and hugged Leo, who had just stepped out. "Leo, I'm finally going back to Clusia with you guys! You have no idea how much I've missed you all these years. So many nights, I secretly wept while staring at your photos."

After a round of laughter and playful banter, they got into the car and headed toward the small hospital where Claire was currently staying. Astamia was indeed not as war-

torn as one might have imagined; everything seemed fairly normal. However, the lingering effects of the war were still evident. Compared to Clusia, this place was noticeably less developed.

On the way, Hank introduced Cherise and the others to the small hospital where Claire was staying. "The hospital was founded by my mother's dearest friend, Me Lucy Hoffman "I heard that the two of them shared a life-and-

death bond, so she has always stayed by my mother's side, never abandoning her

"As far as I know, Lucy is also from Saphira. Like my mother, she was a military doctor in her early years, specializing in modern medicine and research. I was raised by Lucy.

"If she had ever given up. I wouldn't be here today, and my mother's life wouldn't have lasted this long either."

Cherise listened quietly and gave a slight nod, saying nothing

The small hospital Hank mentioned was quite far from the airport. They drove for a full two hours and finally arrived before nightfall.

Morris

suggested finding a place to stay first, having a meal, and then visiting later. But Cherise shook her head, feeling the need to get this done first. She wouldn't feel at ease until she had seen her mother.

Since she insisted, Morris didn't press further, though he was a little concerned for Cherise, worried about her physical and emotional exhaustion.

By the time they arrived, the small hospital Hank had spoken of had already closed for the day.

However, perhaps someone inside had heard something, as the door to the hospital opened after a short moment. A slightly plump middle-

aged woman, still wearing a white coat, peeked out.

"Lucy, it's me, Hank." Hank took a step forward, calling out to her with an air of excitement.

Lucy was startled at first, then broke into sheer delight, exclaiming, "Hank, you little rascal! How could you come back without saying a word? You nearly scared me to death! Good thing I'm sturdy, or you might've given me a heart attack."

"You've gotten more handsome! Life in Clusia must be treating you

well, huh? And I bet you've found your sister by now?" Lucy kept talking non-stop.

Hank grinned, his close bond with her evident. He pointed behind

him. "Lucy, I brought my sister Cherise with me."

At the mention of Cherise's name, Lucy froze for a moment before suddenly dashing outside, bursting into cheers once again. "Let me see! Oh, I see her now!"

As she spoke, she ran up to Cherise. "You must be Cherise, right? I held you when you were little. Do you remember me? No, you probably don't. You were just a baby back then, and I hadn't put on this extra weight yet. "My goodness, you've grown into such a stunning young woman. Even more beautiful than your mother."

Seeing the cheerful woman before her, Cherise politely said, "Hello, Lucy. I'm Cherise. I came to Astamia this

time specifically to see my mother.

"Hank told me everything. Without you, they wouldn't have been able

to make it through these years. On their behalf, I want to thank you.noveldrama

"The gentleman behind me is my husband, Morris, and these are our friends, Leo and Lex. We came unannounced, and I apologize for that."

Morris, Leo, and the others exchanged nods with Lucy, greeting her briefly.

Lucy took Cherise's hand. "It's

alright. You've had a hard time all these years: Hank has told me everything about your life in Clusia. I was once a villager in Saphira too. But never mind that-my past isn't important.

"Hurry inside, your mother is upstairs. Life hasn't been easy for her either. I hope you can understand that she never abandoned you on purpose. She had her own difficulties. "But enough of that. You'll see for yourself soon. If she knew you were here, she would be overjoyed. Come on, Hank, lead the way."

At her words, Hank and Lucy walked

ahead to guide them. Cherise

glanced up at the second floor, where the lights were on. She took a deep breath to steady her emotions before allowing Morris to take her hand and lead her inside.