My Substitute CEO Bride

"Peter, why are you still awake at this hour?"

Peter, the youngest prince of Sand Country, had just hung up the phone when his father appeared beside him.

"Father." At that moment, Peter felt an overwhelming sense of tension. He wondered what his father would think if he learned about his phone call with Nash.

Seeing his father's serious expression, Peter remained respectful.

Just as he turned to leave, the king of Sand Country, Dusvad Bradstone, said in a dark tone, "Peter, will you betray Sand Country?"

The words sent a chill down Peter's spine. He quickly realized that his father must have overheard the conversation.

He fell to his knees before Dusvad. "I, Peter, will always be the most loyal to Sand Country and will forever believe in your choices, Father."

Dusvad felt a wave of disappointment wash over him. "Then why would you do such a thing?"

Peter could not bring himself to look up, and Dusvad slowly approached him. "I'm asking you, Peter! Answer me! Why would you betray me?"

Peter trembled. To him, his father represented absolute authority. Openly challenging his father and the nation's boundaries felt like a capital offense. Yet this time, an inexplicable fire stirred within Peter.

No matter how wise his father was, he no longer possessed the integrity he once had. With time, his father had earned the label of a tyrant. Peter and his family had grown fearful of their unpredictable patriarch.

He just could not understand why his father had changed so drastically. Many matters remained unshared. Not to mention, his father would stubbornly follow his own interpretations.noveldrama

A few years ago, his father was not like this.

"Father... you haven't betrayed Sand Country, right?"

As soon as the words left Peter's mouth, Dusvad struck him with a powerful fist. Peter's head buzzed from the impact.

At the same time, the expression on Dusvad's face twisted with rage.

"You insolent boy! Are you questioning me? Are you questioning your king?! I am the king of Sand Country! The king! What I choose to do and how I do it is not for you to criticize! Do you understand?!"

Peter felt his mind go blank from the blow. Although his father was nearly 70, his strength remained terrifying.

In his youth, Dusvad had a martial artist's background, and his physique was still remarkably unchanged.

If Peter had not used his true energy for some protection, he might have been killed instantly by that punch!

"Father..." Peter struggled to rise from the ground.

"I didn't mean to question your authority. I just can't understand why. Why have you changed so much? Where is the proud king who once walked with such dignity?!"

Dusvad's face was filled with fury. "What do you know, child?! I am still me! I—"

"No!" Peter shouted, "Even if others are unaware, do you think I am too? Father, can you still deceive yourself with your actions? You've long since abandoned your true self! You've long lost the pride of being a king. Do you not see that?"

At that moment, Dusvad struck Peter again, sending him flying several meters away. Peter could clearly sense that this blow was meant to kill him, yet he knew he had spoken the truth.

Peter shakily stood up as he faced Dusvad, whose face had turned a menacing shade of gray. He was still emanating a terrifying aura.

Despite the blood pouring from his mouth, Peter weakly urged Dusvad, "Noble and powerful King Dusvad, is this truly your choice?"