Husband With Benefits-Chapter 865: Secrets and All

Rafael’s thoughts shifted as Kael’s words snapped him back to the present. Ahh. How had he forgotten about the danger he was in? The name Arabelle faded to the background, replaced by the weight of the danger he’d narrowly escaped.

"Did you find anything else?" Rafael asked, his tone sharp now, all traces of vulnerability gone.

Kael nodded, his gaze flicking between Rafael and the road ahead. "Since you mentioned that the bottle was already there, I asked Cai. Cai recognized the waiter who brought the bottle into the room. Cai didn’t think much of it because of course he had no attention of drinking it. But he did say the man looked nervous.

Anyway, the staff member was apprehended about thirty minutes ago at his home where he was already packing his bags but is now already being questioned."

Rafael’s brow furrowed as he processed the information. Kael was fast—Rafael had to give him credit for acting so swiftly. But that also meant the situation was spiraling faster than he anticipated. "And?"

Kael’s lips thinned. "The waiter is just a pawn—claims he didn’t know what was in the bottle. Says he was only told to deliver it to you. But he’s scared and was trying to run away, which makes me think he’ll crack soon."

Rafael leaned back in the seat, his fingers drumming against the armrest. "And the security team? Any mole from our side?"

Kael reached into the inner pocket of his coat and pulled out a folded sheet of paper, handing it to Rafael. "Here. This is the name and information of the security guard who was likely paid to pass along your details. We’ve been keeping tabs on him since the incident."

Rafael unfolded the paper, scanning the neat script. His eyes narrowed as he committed the name to memory: Matias Elric. It wasn’t a name he recognized, but it didn’t need to be.

"Where is he now?" Rafael asked, his voice was low but laced with steel.

Kael hesitated. "We haven’t apprehended him yet. For now, he remains unaware that we’re onto him. As far as I know the money is sitting in his account sweetly while he has passed the message that you’ve been kidnapped. I thought you’d want to deal with him personally."

Rafael’s lips curved into a grim smile. Kael knew him too well. "Good call," he said, folding the paper and tucking it into his jacket.

For a moment, silence filled the car, broken only by the hum of the engine and the faint sounds of the city beyond. Rafael’s mind churned. He’d been the target of assassinations before, but this—this felt personal. It was not just about killing him. Whoever had added the drugs wanted him to die slowly. Or probably they would have taken him and tortured him as well.

"He’ll talk," Rafael said finally, his voice cold and resolute. "They always do."

Kael gave a nod. Of course, they would. "Do you want me to set up the meeting with the police, or would you prefer to handle it... casually?"

Rafael’s smile was humorless. "Casually."

Kael chuckled under his breath, though there was no amusement in his tone. "Figured as much. Just don’t get your hands too dirty, brother. People notice when royalty crosses certain lines."

Rafael shot him a glance, the faintest glimmer of amusement flickering in his eyes. "I’ll try to behave." But he doubted his own words. He was frustrated and angry. They did not make for a calm interrogator.

Kael, though, knew as well as Rafael did—when it came to protecting himself and those he cared about, Rafael didn’t believe in restraint.

Kael’s voice softened as he added, "I’ll stay on top of the situation with the waiter. If he gives us any leads, you’ll be the first to know."

Rafael gave a curt nod, his jaw set. "Good. I want everything locked down. No loose ends."

As the car pulled into the private estate where Rafael’s security team awaited, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. The moment Arabelle’s face flashed through his mind again, he shoved the thought aside. There was no room for distractions now. Not when someone out there wanted him dead.

As Rafael reached for the door handle, Kael’s hand shot out, gripping his arm firmly but not forcefully. Rafael turned his head, "What is it, Kael?" he asked.

Kael’s expression was unusually grave. "Before you step out of this car, Rafe, you need to think. Not just about who tried to kill you—but about who would gain the most if you were out of the picture."

Rafael’s hand froze on the handle. His gaze narrowed as he leaned back, studying Kael’s face. "The next in line," he murmured, his voice low. "You’re suggesting this is about succession?"

Kael inclined his head, his grip loosening as he leaned back slightly. "It makes the most sense. Someone is moving pieces on the board, and this attempt on your life? It’s a bold move. One that only makes sense if they’re playing for the throne."

Rafael’s frown deepened, his mind racing. Then he barked out a dry laugh, though there was no humor in it. "That would mean you’re suspect number one, brother," he said but Kael shook his head, his mouth forming a grim line. "Not anymore, Rafe. Not since my engagement to Dora."

Rafael froze. His eyes sharpened, the air between them suddenly crackling with tension. He stared at Kael as if willing him to spell it out. "You mean..." His voice trailed off, his words clipped.

Kael gave a slow nod. "It’s worth considering," he said quietly. "Someone else has more to gain now. Someone who isn’t bound by alliances like I am. And someone who’s closer than you think. Because not anyone would have the knowledge about this. Some rules of succession are kept secret for a reason. To the avarage person, I am still next in line but you and I both know that is not true. The moment I was engaged to another royalty, I lost that right..."