Chapter 16

“If you become Empress, Ivan will wield not just a family, but an entire nation. This is no loss for you, I assure you. You will become the highest-ranking woman in the Empire.” “But I…” Isabella started. “My brother has a second son of excellent quality. You know Eugene Hayden well, don’t you? I hear Ivan is quite fond of the boy.” She knew her second cousin, Eugene, quite well. Ivan often brought him to the estate. Isabella understood the implication. The Empress intended to have Eugene adopted into House Weiss to take Isabella’s place, if only she would agree.