CHAPTER SEVENTY FIVE – A NEW PLAYER IN THE GAME

Edward, for his part, seemed momentarily taken aback by the depth of his brother's loyalty, his expression softening ever so slightly as he absorbed the weight of Alexander's support. "Alex..." he began, his voice thick with a mixture of gratitude and grim determination. "You have no idea how much your support means, in this darkest of hours." He turned his gaze to Julian, his eyes hardening with a renewed sense of resolve, bolstered by the knowledge that he was no longer standing alone against his son's treacherous machinations. "Make no mistake, boy," he growled, his words laced with a dangerous undertone of warning. "This betrayal, this blatant disregard for the sacrifices I've made to build our family's legacy – it will not go unanswered." Julian rallied, his own determination fortified by the knowledge that he held the legal high ground, even in the face of his uncle's formidable support for his father. "I'm sorry you feel that way, Father," he countered, his voice laced with