Chapter 249

Chapter 249:

Lancelot glanced suspiciously at his rearview mirror, his eyebrows drawing together. Despite pushing his vehicle to its limits and navigating turns with reckless abandon, the pursuing car clung to him closely. This chase was no coincidence. The driver behind him was not only skilled but had likely orchestrated this plan. A shiver of apprehension coursed through him as a chilling realization dawned. Could they know his identity? Was this high-speed chase designed to lure him into a trap?

Suddenly, the screeching halt of brakes ripped through the quiet night. Panting, Lancelot faced the dead end before him, a cold sweat beginning to form on his forehead.

“Damn it! Why didn’t I see this coming?” Lancelot hit the steering wheel in frustration and looked into the rearview mirror. The black car had come to a slow stop behind him, effectively cutting off any possibility of escape.

The area was secluded. If something happened to him here, days might pass before his absence was reported. Lancelot quickly regained his composure, reminding himself of his royal status in Aerith. Any harm that came to him in Veland would undoubtedly trigger a major international crisis.

There was no way someone would actually take it that far, surely.

Lancelot exited the car, his tall frame casting a long shadow in the bright glow of the headlights.

“Who are you?” Lancelot called out, his voice echoing through the air. “What do you want from me?”

With a click, another car door swung open. A tall silhouette stepped into view.

Shock rooted Lancelot to the spot, his eyes widening in recognition. “How can this be?”

“Surprised that I’m not disabled?” Aiden’s smirk was unmistakable as he walked toward Lancelot, hands buried in his pockets. Every step was calculated and imposing, his presence commanding attention and silencing any surrounding noise.

His usual grace was undiminished by the absence of a wheelchair, but there was something more now—an intensity, a sharpness that commanded both attention and respect.

For the first time, Lancelot, a prince raised among royalty, sensed a real threat to his composure.

“Didn’t you once declare your desire to resolve our issues man to man?” Aiden asked, his voice dripping with mockery. “Here I stand. Are you prepared to face my challenge?”

Lancelot regained his composure. “I misjudged you. Feigning disability… You must have profound reasons. It’s clear now; you bear burdens far greater than you show.”

A glint of something passed through Aiden’s eyes, though he remained silent.

“I accept your challenge,” Lancelot said, stepping forward, his hands balled into fists. “But I want to know why you challenge me.”

Why had he challenged Lancelot? Aiden pondered, a brief vision of Janice flitting through his thoughts.

Lifting his eyes to meet Lancelot’s, he declared, “It’s for my wife, of course.”

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