The Billionaire Twins Need A New Mommy!-Chapter 726: Devotion

[Bellemonte Territory]

Iris stood on the grand balcony, staring at the vast land she could call her own. Silence filled the space as her expression remained cold, unbothered by the chilling wind.

Then, suddenly, a shawl was draped over her shoulders.

Turning her head, a smile appeared on her face as a man stood beside her. His hair was black, just as dark as his eyes. Yet the subtle smile on his face gave him a soft, comforting presence. He stood upright, looking immaculate in his black suit, accented by a distinctive white collar befitting a priest.

"Still thinking of him, Madam?" the man asked gently. "Or was it the Madam of the Zorken family?"

Iris let out a shallow breath. "Both." She looked back at the land, hugging herself with the warm fabric he had provided. "I was thinking about why the Madam of the Zorken family bothered to visit me."

"I’m..." She trailed off, clutching the shawl tighter. "...worried."

Her gaze lowered as she recalled her brief interaction with Lola. The latter hadn’t stayed long. If anything, they had only exchanged a few words before she left, and Iris found that unsettling.

"I raised security the moment I heard she was coming," she whispered. "She didn’t ask her men to investigate while she spoke with me, right? Or... did they already find him?"

She bit her lower lip, her anxiety creeping in. "They didn’t kill him, so there’s a chance he’s still alive. Was that her intention? Is she warning me that she’s already found him? That she’s coming after me now? They should have killed him—how could they let him go?"

As she continued to mutter, Iris’s grip on her own shoulder tightened. Her pupils dilated as her thoughts spiraled into countless possibilities.

Lola’s sudden visit was entirely unexpected, especially when Atlas and the council had already called for a meeting. There had been no reason for Lola to come personally just to talk.

"There must be a reason," Iris said. "Did she plant spies in my home and—"

Before her anxiety could worsen, a light tap against the back of her hand snapped her out of it. Iris flinched and turned to the priest.

He offered her a gentle smile, his hand resting over hers on her shoulder. Carefully, he pried her fingers loose.

"Madam, if you keep holding yourself like that, you’ll hurt yourself," he said softly, meeting her eyes and catching the panic within them. "Please, calm down."

"You said... he would die," she breathed, resentment flashing in her gaze. "But not only did he survive, but he’s still tormenting me to this day."

Iris grabbed the front of his suit. "Henrik cannot live," she whispered through clenched teeth. "The men you sent must find him and kill him. Until I see his severed head with my own eyes, I will not calm down."

"Madam, they’re doing their best," the priest replied, remaining composed despite her agitation. "Besides, his chances of survival are low. Even if he escaped, he was severely injured. Not to mention, the current that night was dangerous. If he was swept toward one of the smaller islands, that doesn’t increase his chances—if anything, it lowers them."

He lowered his head slightly, holding the hand pressed against his chest. "Madam, you know those islands are uninhabited for a reason. Even members of the Order wouldn’t recklessly venture there just to search for him."

"It’s been days," she hissed. "They could’ve found a way. This is the Order we’re talking about. Their master is unpredictable, but you saw his wife. She came here herself. I think she was telling me she’s found Henrik... and she’s going to kill me."

Her face paled as she recalled the dangerous look in Lola’s eyes. "She will kill me. I felt it. She could’ve done it earlier if she wanted to."

"Madam, I understand your fears," he said calmly. "But have you considered that she came here because she’s at a dead end?"

"Huh?"

He sighed softly and smiled. "Madam, if they had already found him, Atlas would have dragged Henrik before the council by now. Her visit suggests something else—that they’re just as desperate for answers."

Iris’s eyes trembled as she stared at him. Slowly, her tense shoulders eased, though her lips pressed into a thin line.

"You think they haven’t found him?" she asked.

He shook his head.

"What about spies?" she pressed. "She could’ve planted one here! Or worse, she could’ve sent those men Henrik rescued from Ravah to come here and kill me!"

"She wouldn’t be so brazen, Madam," he said with a reassuring nod. "I believe the Order is overwhelmed at the moment and couldn’t care less about the Bellemonte family. Besides, we’ve confirmed that Henrik’s decision to send those men from Ravah was personal. Even so, we’re still searching for them."

The priest exhaled deeply and rested a hand on her shoulder, lowering himself slightly to meet her gaze.

"Madam, even if they uncover the truth... I am with you," he said firmly. "The Church has acknowledged your devotion. We protect loyal servants like you. Without your help, the Church would not have achieved its goals in time."

His smile softened as he pulled her into his arms, soothing her completely. Iris closed her eyes and rested her head against his chest.

"We will not forsake you, Madam," he murmured, one hand stroking the back of her head. His touch was gentle, yet his lowered gaze glinted with something dangerous.

"After everything you’ve done for a better tomorrow, we will stand by your side," he said before pulling back to look her in the eye. "So please... don’t worry too much."

Iris smiled faintly and nodded. "The Church will protect me," she repeated softly. "You said that, right?"

"Yes, Madam."

"When can I see him again?" she asked quietly. "It’s been so long... I miss him."

He chuckled, cupping her cheek. "Madam, you’re breaking my heart."

She pouted slightly. "Sorry."

"He will call for you soon," he assured her, nodding as her face brightened. "However, he’s been having a difficult time lately. Dealing with the Order is no simple matter."

"What is it?" she asked anxiously. "Is there something I—or rather, the Bellemonte family—can do to help?"

The priest raised a brow, considering her words before offering a subtle smile. "It’s alright, Madam. It’s a heavy burden, and we’ve already troubled you too much—"

"Tell me." Iris grabbed his arm, determination burning in her eyes. "Tell me, and I’ll do anything. I’ve already proven I can make the impossible possible. Even removing that woman from Henrik’s life. Even if it wasn’t perfect, I’ll do whatever I can to help him."

He pressed his lips together, and slowly, a smile crept onto his face. He placed a hand atop her head, stroking it gently.

"Then..." he said softly, "...could you send someone to take care of Charles and Allison Bennet?"