Chapter 803

Joanna Sterling fell silent for a moment.

Her eyes flickered.

Finally, she spoke. "I'm not sure. The Clownfish is unpredictable. No one can guess her next move."

She looked at Evelyn Ross. "If you can help me return to Aldoria, I'm willing to pledge my entire company to you."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "How can I help?"

Joanna took a deep breath. "It's actually not that difficult."

Evelyn waited for her to continue.

Joanna went on. "Aldoria is a constitutional monarchy. The King holds absolute authority. Merchants have low status. The royal family are the true rulers. If you can secure the King's favor, you essentially secure the entire country."

Evelyn frowned. "How do we secure his favor?"

Joanna cleared her throat softly. "The current King is very capable. He ascended the throne at fifteen. That same year, he launched a war against a neighboring country, instantly intimidating all surrounding nations. Aldoria has enjoyed over a decade of stable development thanks to his iron-fisted rule."

Evelyn seemed thoughtful.

Natalie Castillo interjected. "I've heard of this King. They say he's thirty, with a scholarly appearance but ruthless methods. The Sterling Family fears him?"

Joanna shook her head. "Not fear. Cooperation. He aligned himself with the Sterling Family long ago. He's considered an external ally. My operations in Aldoria required his tacit approval. The Clownfish's entry also had his nod."

Natalie was puzzled. "Then why bring him up?"

Joanna gave a bitter smile. "Because he hasn't truly supported me. He claims neutrality, not favoring any specific heir. But I know the truth. He simply hasn't been... convinced by me."

Evelyn understood.

In Aldoria, the royal family was the true center of power.

No matter how successful Joanna's business was, it couldn't compare to a single word from the King.

Evelyn looked at her. "You want us to persuade the King to support me?"

Joanna nodded. "Yes. If the King orders the Clownfish expelled, I can return and reclaim my company. Then, the entire company will be at your disposal."

Evelyn rubbed her temples.

More networking.

In the US, she had to navigate the five major families.

Now, going to Aldoria meant dealing with a King.

Couldn't she just rely on sheer capability?

Natalie scoffed. "You've been in Aldoria for years and couldn't win over the King. What makes you think Evelyn can?"

Joanna sighed. "That King is proud and arrogant. He isn't easily impressed by anyone. The business empire I built with millions meant nothing in his eyes."

Evelyn got straight to the point. "Get to the key point. What's his weakness?"

Joanna paused. "Children."

Evelyn was taken aback.

Joanna explained. "The King has been on the throne for over a decade. He has over a dozen consorts in his harem. Yet, he has no heir."

Natalie raised an eyebrow. "He's infertile?"

"Medical checks show he's perfectly normal." Joanna shook her head. "He just... can't produce one. When he was younger, he wasn't in a hurry. Now he's thirty. He's starting to worry."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "You want me to help him have a child?"

She spread her hands. "I don't have that particular skill."

Natalie grinned. "That's my department. I'm a doctor."

Joanna glanced at her. "You're a toxicologist."

Natalie retorted. "Medicine and poison are two sides of the same coin. My toxicology is advanced, but my medical skills are even better."

Joanna looked back at Evelyn. "If we can ensure someone in his harem gets pregSterlingt, we can secure Aldoria."

Evelyn fell silent.

This task was more complicated than she'd imagined.

But it seemed there was no better alternative.

She looked at Joanna. "Where is the King now?"

Joanna's eyes lit up. "He's visiting the US next month. It's our only chance."

Evelyn nodded.

Then they would wait.

Next month, she would meet this legendary King.

She would see just how difficult he was to handle.

Natalie rubbed her hands together eagerly. "I'm excellent at regulating health. I'll make sure every consort in his harem gets pregSterlingt."

Joanna warned her. "Don't act recklessly. This King is shrewd. If he discovers anything, we're all finished."

Evelyn thought for a moment.

"First, gather information. Understand the King's preferences, habits, and the situation in his harem."

Joanna nodded. "I'll prepare that right away."

The three divided the tasks clearly.

Evelyn was responsible for formulating the plan.

Natalie would research medical approaches.

Joanna would provide intelligence.

A covert operation targeting the King of Aldoria quietly began.

Evelyn stood by the window, gazing into the distance.

Aldoria.

The Clownfish.

And that mysterious King.

Things were getting more and more interesting.

A slight smile touched her lips.

Then she would play along.

Let's see who would have the last laugh.