Chapter 182

Ella POV

The car was completely silent as Alexander, Dr. McIntyre, and I made the short drive to the king’s home.

It was beyond awkward. I wished more than anything that I didn’t have to be involved in this, but I knew that I couldn’t back out now. I needed to know that this was really coming to a close. I had to hear for myself that David was going to be held responsible for all of his horrible actions.

Still, I felt so nervous that I was nauseous. When we reached the king’s home, his guards were out front waiting for us. They gripped Dr. McIntyre’s arms the moment she stepped out of the car. She didn’t resist and kept her eyes down.

Alexander held my hand as we followed after them, making our way into the huge home and up the stairs. The room we were taken to seemed to be a meeting room. There was a long table and comfortable looking chairs. The king was sitting at the far end of the table with his fingers steepled beneath his chin.

He looked up at us as we entered, but didn’t stand or say a word.

I knew him well enough at this point to know that he was furious. He looked calm on the outside, but there was a fire in his eyes that gave it away.

Dr. McIntyre was shoved rudely down into a chair. She didn’t complain, merely sat still and looked expectantly ahead, waiting to be addressed.

I found myself feeling increasingly uncomfortable. It wasn’t that I thought Dr. McIntyre deserved better treatment—not after everything she had put me through—but I realized I had no idea what to expect now, and that frightened me.

Alexander and I took the seats that were indicated to us. Without a word, the king’s guards left, leaving the four of us alone in the room.

“Why wasn’t I informed the moment Dr. McIntyre was located?” the king asked, his voice eerily calm, his sharp gaze fixed on Alexander.

“We couldn’t verify the information,” Alexander answered smoothly.

The king looked less than convinced by this response. His piercing eyes turned to me.

“She contacted me directly,” I said before he could ask. “She said she wanted to speak—that there was something about David she had to tell me. My emotions got the better of me, and Alexander, in order to protect me, went along with my desire to meet with her privately.”

“I understand that David has put you through a lot,” the king said, his voice steady, “but this is a direct violation of my orders.”

“I’ll take full responsibility for that,” I replied, my heart hammering against my ribs. I hoped my voice sounded steadier than I felt.

He studied me for a long moment. I held his gaze, even though every instinct told me to look away. Finally, he sighed and leaned back in his chair.

“I’m not happy about this,” he admitted, “but you did eventually do the right thing by coming to me.” He turned his attention to Dr. McIntyre, his expression unreadable.

“I’ve retained records of everything,” Alexander said. “Where she was located, all communications—I’ll turn it all over to you.”

“That won’t be necessary,” the king said dismissively, his eyes still locked on Dr. McIntyre. “Brianna McIntyre,” he said, voice cold and authoritative, “what was so important that you put your life at risk to contact Ella?”

Dr. McIntyre swallowed, her nerves evident in the slight tremor of her voice. “I learned something about David that I couldn’t keep secret,” she said. “I’ve already explained it all to the Blacks, but I will tell you everything I know as well.”

“In due time,” the king said. “What I need to know in this moment is—will that information condemn him?”

“Yes,” Brianna said firmly. “And not just him—Archer Gray and many others as well.”

The king studied her carefully, weighing her words. Then he turned to me.

“And you believe what she’s told you?” he asked.

“I do,” I said earnestly. “Everything I know about David and the Grays leads me to believe that her information is correct. I would bet my life on it.”

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” the king murmured. His gaze shifted to Alexander. “And do you believe her?”

“I do,” Alexander agreed without hesitation. “Combined with the information our investigations have uncovered, it’s impossible to explain it all away.”

The king nodded once. Then, rising to his feet, he walked to the door. Opening it just a crack, he gave the order.

“Arrest Archer Gray and David Lake.”

The words sent a cold chill over me. A choked sound escaped my lips as a sudden sob rose in my throat, and I tried to swallow it down.

Alexander’s hand found mine, his grip steady and reassuring. I covered my mouth and lowered my eyes, struggling to reel in the powerful emotions crashing over me.

I could hardly believe it.

It was over.

David was going to be arrested.

What happened next was something of a blur. Dr. McIntyre was led out of the room, and somehow, I felt confident that she wouldn’t be harmed. She had agreed to cooperate, and the information she possessed was too valuable to risk losing.

Alexander comforted me, and I was grateful for it—even though it made me feel completely ridiculous. This was exactly the outcome I had wanted, so why was I crying? I felt like a child, but I couldn’t stop for several minutes.

The king, surprisingly patient, allowed me time to compose myself. When I finally did, my face burned with embarrassment, and I had trouble meeting his eyes.

“I’ve avoided discussing David directly with you,” the king said, his voice softer than it had been when we arrived. “I know it’s a sensitive matter and deeply upsetting for you.”

“I appreciate that,” I said weakly.

“But we’ve reached a point where we need to put all our cards on the table. I need to know everything you have on David—anything that could help bring him down. He has allies, powerful ones, and they’ll resist this no matter how much proof we gather.”

“Of course,” I said, nodding. “I’ll do everything I can.”

“I know you will.” His expression was unreadable. “For now, I need a list of anyone questionable in his circle—anyone who might be involved in this game of his.”

I didn’t hesitate. “Do you have a pen and paper?”

Without a word, he turned and walked back toward the table, opening a drawer I hadn’t noticed before. He retrieved a notebook and pen, placing them in front of me.

I immediately started writing—a list of every person David had associated with, both in this life and in the original timeline. I had no definitive proof against any of them, but now that I understood what had been happening beneath the surface, it all seemed obvious.

They had to have been involved in his scheme to weaken the kingdom through the use of their false king.

My hand shook as I wrote, bitterness coursing through me, but I was confident in the names I compiled. When I finally handed the list to the king, Alexander was beside me, looking over my shoulder. I didn’t dare glance at him.

When we stood to leave, I felt a wave of relief. This whole ordeal had taken a far greater emotional toll on me than I had anticipated.

The car ride home was silent at first, but I could tell by Alexander’s body language that he was uneasy.

“Are you okay?” I finally asked, breaking the awkward silence.

“Where did you get that list of names?” he asked.

His tone was strange, and I turned to stare at him, my breath catching. It took me a long moment before I managed to answer.

“They’re just David’s friends,” I said carefully. “People I believe could be helping him.”

There was a look in Alexander’s eyes that made my stomach twist. He knew something—something about that list.

Had I made a mistake? Had I just revealed information I shouldn’t have known?

I had slipped up before, but this time, I could tell he wasn’t going to let it go.

My heart pounded as I struggled to think of a way out of this mess.