Page 48 of Ruthless Kings of Havoc

And best friend.

Lights are already flashing as the mini paparazzi are doing their best to get photos of the man in red, waiting to be called by his proud father. I can’t wait for all of us to be done with this so I can let out the longest, loudest flow of laughter in celebration.

This feeling is magnificent…and utterly addicting.

“The Royal Empire of Leighton and Royal Empire of Prescott have requested an alliance from the future heirs,” he declares and enjoys the cheers and gasps of shock at this revealed news. “With this bold and surprising move within our community, I can announce that I will be passing down my empire to my eldest son.”

Eldest son.

Finally.

Finally, finally, FINALLY!

They have no choice but to know of my existence. My presence.

The power I’ve gathered solely with no one’s assistance.

No one to hold my hand and walk me through this catastrophic world. The world has no choice but to dwell upon the real Leighton hidden in the shadows.

Ruling the empire destined to be claimed by me and ME only

“Ruthless King?” Once again, Precious Gem has my utmost attention. “Shall we?”

She squeezes my hand for extra measure, and for once in my life, I let my emotions flood my face for five long seconds. She witnesses it all with those stunning eyes.

Despite our rises and falls, she may be the first and only woman I’ll allow to see my true self.

Will she be ready to acknowledge every shade of me?

I reward her with a slight smile, and we look forward as we take the necessary steps forward to allow us to be right before the curtain.

The curtain that will open and reveal us to the world.

“May my eldest and proud successor please come to the stage.”

I take one final breath and shut away this side of me. It’s time for the world to meet the sinister mastermind who has garnished buzz through our society for years.

Let them meet the man feared by many.

“Matteo Giulietta Leighton.”

The curtain hasn’t even moved yet, but the immense number of gasps is music to my ears. I can only wonder what expression is on my father’s face.

Or on my little brothers…

“With his fiancé, Evangeline Ivanka Prescott.”

That triggers the black suede curtains to part, igniting the shutters and flashes of cameras going off left, right, and center.

The moment the spotlight lands on us, I can’t feel more powerful. Acknowledge how minuscule the world is beneath my feet now that I’m finally claiming my reign in the public eye. There’s one thing to manifest, dream, and hope for something to transpire.

Words truly can’t fathom just how gratifying this moment of complete recognition is for my inner child.

That little boy who dreamed of becoming a man faster, so he could rule the world that abandoned him in the darkness.

With my hand around Eva’s, I take the lead in walking forward, knowing she’ll follow me. We can see ourselves walking down the stage from the back display, and I don’t even recognize myself.

I look like Mr. Leighton. Look like a copy of my Father who dares to look so utterly proud.

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