Freddy’s POV

I held his gaze. “I wouldn’t be handing it over if I didn’t.”

A long silence stretched between us, heavy with meaning.

Then Desmond nodded. “Alright, boss. If this is what you want, we’ll make sure it stays standing.”

Kyle smirked. “Damn right, we will.”

I exhaled slowly. It was done.

I was no longer the king of this empire.

And for the first time, I felt free.

After wrapping up the last of the formalities, I went straight to find Aliana.

She was in the living room, curled up with Sandy, watching cartoons.

The sight of her—relaxed, peaceful—was something I never got tired of.

I sat beside...