Celestina paced her office, her mind racing with thoughts of betrayal and subterfuge. The discovery of the hidden camera had rattled her more than she wanted to admit. She turned to Anton, who stood rigidly in front of her desk, his expression grim.

“I want everyone investigated,” Celestina said, her voice firm. “I don’t care who they are or how long they’ve worked here—no one is above suspicion.”

Anton nodded. “We’ve already begun reviewing staff records and communication logs. But if someone has been spying on you, they’ve covered their tracks well.”

“Dig deeper,” Celestina ordered. “I want names, motives, and proof. And I want it yesterday.”

“Yes, Madam President.”

As Anton left the room, Celestina sank into her chair, exhaustion washing over her. The weight of betrayal pressed heavily on her shoulders, but she refused to let it break her.

Days passed, and the tension within the palace was palpable. Staff members walked on eggshells, aware that everyone was being scrutinized. Despite the growing paranoia, a surprising development brought Celestina a glimmer of hope—letters from citizens began pouring into the palace.

One evening, Liora entered Celestina’s office with a stack of envelopes in her arms. “These came today,” she said, setting them on the desk.

“What are they?” Celestina asked, eyeing the pile with curiosity.

“Letters of support,” Liora replied, her tone softer than usual. “People are starting to see what you’re trying to do. They believe in you, Celestina.”

Celestina picked up one of the letters and read it aloud:

“Madam President, I’ve lost so much, but your strength gives me hope. Don’t give up on us. We believe in you.”

Her throat tightened as she set the letter down, overwhelmed by the sentiment. “I thought they hated me,” she admitted.

“They’re scared, not hateful,” Liora said gently. “But they’re beginning to see that you’re fighting for them.”

For the first time in weeks, Celestina allowed herself a small, genuine smile. “Maybe I am doing something right after all.”

That night, after a long day of meetings, Celestina sat alone in her private quarters. The letters of support were spread out before her, a reminder of why she was fighting so hard.

Her hand moved instinctively to her stomach, feeling the faint movements of her child. “This is all for you,” she whispered. “I won’t let you inherit a broken world. I’ll fix it, no matter what it takes.”

Her reflection in the window caught her attention, and for a moment, she didn’t recognize the weary, determined woman staring back at her.

“Look how far you’ve come,” she murmured to herself. “And there’s no turning back now.”

The next morning, Liora entered Celestina’s office, her expression grave. “We have a problem,” she said without preamble.

Celestina straightened in her chair. “What is it now?”

Liora closed the door behind her and leaned in. “The loyalists still tied to your father are planning something big. My sources say they’re trying to destabilize the government—possibly a coordinated attack.”

Celestina’s jaw tightened. “Do we know how or when?”

“Not yet,” Liora admitted. “But they’re getting desperate, and desperate people are dangerous. You need to stay vigilant.”

Celestina nodded, her mind already racing with contingency plans. “Have Anton tighten security even more. If they’re planning to strike, we’ll be ready.”

Liora hesitated, then added, “There’s one more thing. I found something… disturbing.”

Celestina frowned. “What do you mean?”

Liora placed a folder on the desk. “This was intercepted from one of the loyalists’ safehouses. It’s a detailed plan to use someone to impersonate your mother.”

Celestina’s breath caught as she opened the folder and scanned the contents. The document outlined a scheme to use a lookalike to manipulate her, to undermine her authority by preying on her emotions.

“They’re trying to get into your head,” Liora said. “And if they succeed, it could destroy everything you’ve built.”

Celestina’s hands trembled as she closed the folder. “They want me to doubt myself. To make me question what’s real and what isn’t.”

“That’s exactly what they want,” Liora said. “But you can’t let them win.”