Chapter 817

Chloe Davis nodded vigorously.

"I am Daddy's daughter."

Evelyn Ross was both amused and exasperated as she pulled Chloe into her arms.

"Don't talk nonsense."

Chloe immediately protested.

"I'm not talking nonsense, Mommy. He is Daddy!"

Evelyn couldn't help but press further.

"How do you know he's Daddy?"

"Because Mommy..."

Before the words "told me" could leave her mouth, a commotion suddenly erupted at the entrance.

Evelyn looked up.

The newcomers were several Aldorians.

Although Aldorians and Caucasians both belonged to the same broad ethnic group, there were subtle differences in their facial features and bone structure.

They walked straight towards Alistair Montgomery, their expressions unfriendly.

Evelyn frowned and glanced at Joanna Sterling beside her.

"Who are they?"

Joanna lowered her voice.

"Members of the royal family. The one leading is Alistair's elder brother. After the previous king passed away, the two fought bitterly over the crown prince position. Alistair forcefully ascended the throne and has since suppressed his brother severely. His brother has rarely appeared in public these past few years. But recently, with Alistair having no heir for two years, his brother has resurfaced..."

She paused.

"He's probably here to force Alistair to adopt an heir."

Evelyn focused her gaze.

Her learning ability was exceptional, and she had long since mastered the Aldorian language.

Alistair's elder brother walked up to him and got straight to the point.

"Alistair, did you think hiding in the United States would let you escape this?"

Alistair's face darkened.

Elian Cross quickly stepped forward, positioning himself between the man and Alistair.

"Your Highness, Prince Rowan, what brings you here?"

Alistair's elder brother had been granted the title of Prince after Alistair's coronation.

Prince Rowan smiled thinly, without warmth.

"I've come to discuss state affairs with the King. Surely Mr. Cross won't obstruct me?"

Elian's brow furrowed deeply. He looked at Alistair and shook his head slightly.

"My guards and security couldn't stop them. They forced their way in with their men."

He gave Alistair a meaningful look.

Alistair then noticed the dozen or so bodyguards following behind Prince Rowan.

His expression changed drastically.

"Are you attempting a coup?"

"A coup is unnecessary. Your Majesty, your popularity among the Aldorian people is extremely high. Public sentiment is on your side. I also swore allegiance to you upon your coronation."

Prince Rowan spoke slowly and deliberately.

"But now, with you having no heir, the people are growing restless. A crown prince is needed to stabilize the situation. Alistair, you know what must be done, don't you?"

He stepped aside and pushed forward a boy around ten years old.

"This is my son, your closest nephew. Alistair, adopt him as your own."

His tone was not one of discussion, but of command.

Alistair's face turned ashen.

Joanna couldn't help but mutter under her breath.

"How shameless. King Alistair is only thirty. Even if he were to adopt, it should be a newborn child, one he can raise and bond with. To push a ten-year-old forward... a ten-year-old understands everything. He could never truly be raised as Alistair's own."

Evelyn nodded in agreement.

This Prince's actions were truly excessive.

Alistair stared at the child, his brow tightly knit.

"Your youngest son was just born. Why not have me adopt him instead?"

Prince Rowan laughed.

"That one is a girl. Besides, infants are fragile. If something were to happen, the impact on Aldorian morale would be even greater. My eldest son here is a better choice. He's already grown, strong and healthy. Son, go on. Address him as Father."

The young prince's eyes darted around. He walked up to Alistair.

"Father! From now on, I am your son!"

Alistair said sternly.

"Brother, what is the meaning of this? I have not agreed!"

"You've been evading this issue back in Aldoria, even hiding here in the United States. Did you think hiding here would let you slip through? All members of the royal family have already agreed! I've come this time to deliver my son to you. Start raising him immediately, so we can present this to the public later."

Prince Rowan waved his hand.

One of the bodyguards raised a phone, aiming it at Alistair and the young prince.

Prince Rowan ordered.

"Take a photo of the two of them. We'll return home first to build momentum, saying King Alistair brought his adopted son on a visit to the United States! That way, when you return, my son will officially be your son!"

Alistair stood up abruptly.

"I'd like to see who dares take that photo!"

The bodyguard was intimidated by his imposing presence, his finger hovering over the shutter button, not daring to press it.

The King's authority was not to be challenged.

Prince Rowan said coldly.

"Alistair, what is this? You don't wish to adopt? Do you not care about Aldorian public opinion either?"

Alistair took a deep breath.

"Regarding the heir issue, I will give everyone an explanation upon my return!"

Prince Rowan sneered.

"What explanation can you possibly give? Even if you got someone pregSterlingt now, it would be too late to produce a child. Unless you can magically produce one out of thin air?"

At these words, Alistair suddenly froze.