Chapter 733

If he insisted on returning, Stephen's homecoming would be indefinitely delayed. There was no telling what desperate measures Country M might resort to in retaliation. Only by staying put would Country M agree to Stephen's repatriation. The value of one Stephen far outweighed a hundred Philip Chase. He couldn’t let personal sentiment stand in the way of the nation’s progress. Had William and Lara still been alive, they would have made the same choice without hesitation. "Give my regards to Ivy for me. Tell her... Grandpa is sorry he won’t be there to watch her grow up. But one day—I swear—I’ll see her again." Before Willow could respond, the line went dead with a sharp click. The dial tone droned in her ear. She stood frozen for a long moment before slowly lowering the receiver. "Willow, I'm home." "Sis/Sis-in-law, we're back!" The door swung open as Aiden strode in with the two children, their clothes dust-streaked from travel. The sight of Willow’s tear-streaked face sent a jolt of p