Chapter 38: The Only Way Out

When Jackson returned to the villa, the first rays of dawn were breaking over the horizon, painting the New York skyline in somber shades of grey and purple.

Inside the master bedroom, Serenity hadn't slept a wink. She sat curled up in the armchair by the window, clutching her silver locket so tightly that the metal dug into her palm. Her eyes were red and swollen, fixed on the driveway gates.

When she finally heard the heavy front door open downstairs, she jumped up.

Moments later, Jackson walked into the bedroom. He looked like he had walked through hell. His trench coat was soaked with rain and blood. His shoulder bandage was stained fresh red, and his knuckles were bruised.

"Jackson!"

Serenity ran to him barefoot. She stopped just inches away, her hands hovering over his chest, afraid to touch his injuries.

"It's done," Jackson’s voice was hoarse, stripping off his wet coat and throwing it onto the floor. He walked past her to the mini-bar and poured himself a glass of straight whiskey. He drank it in one gulp, as if trying to burn away the memory of the violence he had just committed.

"He talked," Jackson turned to look at her. "It was The Viper. And the man who hired him... was your uncle. Grand Duke Stefan."

Serenity gasped, her hand covering her mouth. Even though she suspected it, hearing it out loud was a physical blow.

"Because of this?" She pulled the locket from her neck, her voice trembling. "Because of a title? He killed my parents... and now he sends assassins to kill me? For a chair?"

"It's not just a chair, Serenity. It's absolute power. Men kill for much less," Jackson walked over to her. He smelled of rain, tobacco, and danger.

He grabbed her shoulders gently. "He knows you are alive. The Viper was just the first wave. Stefan is paranoid. He sees ghosts everywhere. As long as you breathe, he feels his throne shaking."

"We can hide," Serenity suggested desperately, grabbing his shirt. "Jackson, you have money. We can buy a private island. We can change our names. We can go somewhere Stefan can't find us!"

"Hide?" Jackson shook his head slowly, his eyes filled with sorrow. "For how long? A year? Ten years?"

He walked over to the nightstand where the baby monitor was glowing soft green. On the screen, Mia was tossing in her sleep, hugging her teddy bear, while Alex slept with his limbs sprawled out.

"Do you want them to grow up in hiding?" Jackson pointed at the screen. "Do you want Alex to change his name every time he goes to a new school? Do you want Mia to look over her shoulder every time she eats an ice cream, wondering if it's poisoned?"

"No..." Serenity whispered, tears streaming down her face. "They deserve a normal life. They deserve to be safe."

"Exactly," Jackson said firmly. "Stefan controls a country. He has spies, armies, and diplomatic immunity. If we run, we will be hunted like animals for the rest of our lives. We will never be safe."

The room fell into a suffocating silence. The truth hung heavy in the air.

Serenity looked at the children on the screen. Innocent. Happy. They had no idea that a king across the ocean wanted them dead.

If I run, I put them in danger.
If I fight...

Serenity wiped her tears violently. She walked to the window and looked out. The sun was rising, casting a golden light on her face. The fear in her eyes was slowly replaced by a cold, steely determination.

"You're right," she said, her voice steadying. "Stefan won't stop until I am dead. Running is not an option."

She turned around to face Jackson. She stood taller, her chin raised. The aura of the timid jewelry designer vanished, replaced by something regal.

"So, there is only one way to stop him."

"We take the throne from him," Jackson finished her sentence.

"Is it possible?" Serenity asked. "He has an army."

"He has an army of mercenaries. I have a global business empire," Jackson walked closer, wrapping his arms around her waist possessively. "I have enough money to buy his little kingdom ten times over. I have connections in the European Council, the media, and the underworld. If he wants a war, I will bring him a war he cannot afford."

Jackson pulled out a tablet from his bag and threw it on the bed.

"Besides, the people hate him," Jackson said. "My intelligence team sent this an hour ago. Under Stefan's rule, Montbert is suffering. High taxes, corruption, poverty. The people are waiting for a savior. They are waiting for the daughter of their beloved late Duke."

Serenity looked at the reports on the tablet. Photos of struggling people, protests suppressed by police.

"I don't want to rule a country, Jackson," Serenity looked deep into his eyes. "I just want to design jewelry. I just want to be a mother."

She touched the locket on her chest.

"But if becoming the Grand Duchess is the only way to protect Alex and Mia... and if it saves those people from a tyrant... then I will wear that crown."

"And I will be right there beside you," Jackson kissed her forehead. It was a vow. "My Queen."

"So," Serenity took a deep breath. "When do we leave?"

"Today," Jackson checked his watch. "Luke is fueling the private jet. I have already contacted a security team in Paris to meet us. We will set up a base there before moving into Montbert."

"Go pack your bags, Mrs. Sterling," Jackson smirked, his confident, arrogant self returning. "We are going to Europe to reclaim your birthright."

Serenity nodded. She walked towards the closet, then stopped. She looked at her reflection in the full-length mirror one last time.

Goodbye, Serenity Lewis, the orphan girl who was always afraid.

Hello, Princess Aurelia, the mother who would burn down a kingdom to protect her children.

"I'll be ready in ten minutes," Serenity said.

Jackson watched her go. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

"Luke. Initiate Protocol Royal. We are leaving for Europe."

"Copy that, Boss."

Jackson looked out at the sunrise. The game had changed. They weren't just fighting for love anymore. They were fighting for a legacy.

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