Chapter 142 Return Of The Heiress

"That can't be true!" Henry shouted angrily, hurling the remote across the room. It smashed into the television screen, shattering the glass into a web of cracks. "But it is true, Father," Oliver snarled, his nostrils flaring in anger. "They've found Adeline," he added, his voice thick with bitterness as his eyes remained fixed on the shattered screen, his hatred simmering just beneath the surface. "That bitch!" Henry hissed through gritted teeth. "I thought I had gotten rid of her years ago. I thought she must have died that night, but she survived. How?" He slammed his hands on the table in frustration. "It seems like a miracle, Father," Oliver mumbled with disappointment in his voice. Twenty-seven years ago, when Duke William Montecarlo's wife, Camille, was pregnant with a girl, the head of the Montecarlo family-William and Henry's father-had already designated the youngest daughter of the Duke as the heiress to the Montecarlo ancestral empire. This left Henry heartbroken, as he received nothing from his father except for one of his business ventures and a mansion. The title of Duke, along with its accompanying power and wealth, was set to pass to William's elder son, Alexander Montecarlo, leaving Henry with nothing. So, Henry devised a cunning plan with one of William's mistresses, who was in love with William and desperate to win him for herself. The night, when Adeline Montecarlo was born, was a stormy night filled with misfortunes. Henry stole the newborn child shortly after her birth. He bribed the nurse, who handed over the baby without giving the mother a chance to see her. As Henry was making his escape with Adeline, William arrived unexpectedly, and they engaged in a fierce struggle. Henry killed William in the ensuing fight and took Adeline with him. He handed the baby Adeline to Lucy, William's mistress, who was unaware of William's death at that time. According to their plan, Lucy was supposed to kill the infant. When Lucy saw the news of William's death, she lost her mind and rushed to see him one last time. In her frantic state, she didn't realize where she had left the newborn girl. When she returned and confessed that she had abducted Adeline, Henry was terrified she would implicate him. To prevent this, he had her killed in the castle prison before the trial could take place. Henry believed that Lucy would have killed baby Adeline before returning to the estate, which was why she couldn't reveal the baby's location. He had been waiting for the period to elapse so he could claim the wealth and inheritance. However, Adeline's unexpected return had thwarted Henry's plans and jeopardized his hope of acquiring the wealth and properties. His business was faltering, and he was deeply in debt, with all his properties mortgaged. He had been living off the money Camille was providing him under the pretense of searching for her daughter. Now, even that source of support was at risk of ending. Henry's entire future appeared bleak, with no prospects for himself, his son, or his grandchildren. Faced with such despair, he knew he had to act just as he had twenty-seven years ago. Determined, he lifted his head, took a deep breath, and formulated a new, comprehensive plan. "Where is she?" Henry asked Oliver, his voice steely with resolve. "Let's go and meet the new heiress, after all," he smirked darkly. Oliver, sensing the dangerous glint in his father's eyes, knew that something significant was brewing in Henry's mind. "There's a press conference happening in Monaco, quite far from the Duke's estate. The Duke and Lady Camille are announcing the return of the heiress" Oliver informed him. "Perfect. It's the best time to meet our heiress," Henry remarked sarcastically, a cunning smile shared between father and son. Alexander, Camille, and Mia were at a lavish press conference hosted in a luxurious seven-star hotel, where Mia was being formally introduced as Adeline Montecarlo, the heiress of the Montecarlo empire. The event proceeded flawlessly, with media and press brimming with anticipation as the announcement captured headlines and became the latest sensation. Matteo watched the unfolding spectacle on the television in his Monaco hotel room. He and his team had remained in the city, awaiting further instructions from Alessandro, while Alessandro remained imprisoned in the castle by the Duke. He was confined in the castle's dungeons, and Mia had not come to see him. Alessandro waited, hoping that his wife's heart might soften and lead her to visit him. Suddenly, the Duke's phone began ringing. He answered it, and his expression immediately darkened. He quickly approached his mother and sister. "What's wrong?" Lady Camille asked, noticing the furrow on her son's face. "Mother, our factory in the east," Alexander sighed. "There is a fire break out, and the workers are trapped. Firefighters are on their way." "Oh, God, please help them," Camille prayed instantly, closing her eyes. "Alexander, you must go and check on them. Make sure they receive treatment and that everyone is saved," she insisted, her voice filled with deep concern. "Alright, Mother. You and Mia should go straight home after the conference is over," he instructed, nodding. "Don't worry, Alexander. You go; I'll take care of Mother," Mia assured her brother. With a determined look, Alexander left with his bodyguard, while other bodyguards and guards stayed behind to protect Lady Camille and Mia. Barely thirty minutes had passed when the hall where the conference was being held was suddenly filled with the deafening sound of gunshots. One by one, the bodyguards fell to the ground, and thick smoke quickly engulfed the area. The air was filled with the chaotic sounds of screaming, shouting, and coughing, but the thick smoke made it impossible to see anything.