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Rupert heart sunk when Alex wrapped his arms around Clarisse and looked away from him. He knew he did not treat the boy fairly. He had not gone to visit him when he lived in the Palace even when Alex found out he was his father.

Clarisse couldn't bare to pull away from the young boy. He reminded her of her boys when they were little. She didn't have a relationship with him, but she was a woman, about to be a grandmother and she suspected that is what was drawing him to her. That and he clearly feared Rupert. Her hand soothingly ran over Alex's hair as he clung to her.

The commotion reached the entire Palace within seconds. Antoinette came running praying that it was true. Her son was home, was the one thought that ran through her mind as she descended the stairs towards the foyer. Her heart sank when she saw her son with Clarisse!

"Alex" Antoinette screamed as she ran to him.

"Momma" Alex cried as he ran to her.

The two hugged, tears flowing.

Rupert remained looking at Clarisse. He saw how her features changed. It broke his heart.

"Please don't go" Rupert begged her as he grabbed her hand and held it tight. He knew if she left it would only create more of a distance between them.

Clarisse heart was breaking, this was all just too much, and she couldn't do it, she couldn't handle it.

"Be with your son" Clarisse managed to say as she removed her hand from his and turned, walking out the door closing the door behind her.

Rupert stared at the door for a long moment.

Antoinette noticed when she looked up to say something. Anger filled her when she realized Rupert was more concerned about his wife than their son.

Taking Alex with her, Antoinette went up the stairs to her suite.

Rupert maneuvered his wheelchair out of the foyer and towards the patio. He needed air. He knew he could have gone after his son but, the sad truth was there was nothing he could offer Alex. He was just grateful that his son was back safe.

California…

"Do you think everything is alright" Helen asked Phillippe as they sat together in the kitchen having a snack and a drink?

"No. It isn't. Pierre is marrying Antoinette" Phillippe said honestly.

Helen mouth dropped open.

"Mother is hurt so she is coming here to California and is staying for an extended time" Phillippe said with a sigh.

"I can't believe it. Why? What about Charlotte" Helen asked confused?

"I don't know what happened all I know is what Mother told me" Phillippe admitted.

"Is she staying here with us" Helen asked as she looked around her tiny apartment?

Phillippe smiled and said, "no, Mother will be at the consulate."

Helen laughed nervously and replied, "she will definitely be more comfortable there."

"She wants to see you" Phillippe shared.

Helen rubbed her stomach. She was far along and would be due in a few weeks.

"I know you feel she doesn't like you, but she does. And, I want you to think about letting Mother be with us for the birth and after" Phillippe asked.

Helen smiled at her husband and replied, "of-course she can be there and be thereafter. In fact, from the stories you told me, I may need her help. This is my first baby, and I don't have a mother to help me learn."

"Many people don't know but Mother raised us, she was very involved in our upbringing. She would love to help" Phillippe smiled.

Helen smiled back.

"What time does she arrive" Helen asked?

"It's a long flight. We will see her tomorrow evening after she has some rest" Phillippe said as he stood up and kissed his wife on the head whispering, "thank you."

Genovia Airport…

Clarisse sat in her seat awaiting take-off. She was alone, refused to bring her ladies maids. She had her security detail with her and that was all. She didn't let Charlotte come although it pained her to leave her behind having to face Pierre and Antoinette but with Mary missing, she needed someone she trusted to manage her affairs in Genovia. Clarisse knew this would be hard for everyone, but she just needed some space, some time, and she didn't want to be surrounded by reminders of what her life was like in Genovia. She felt selfish for thinking of herself but, she knew she was on the verge of breaking down and she didn't want any witnesses to her "losing it!"

"Your Majesty, we have all clear. Buckle up" The stewardess smiled at her.

"Thank you" Clarisse replied as she put her seat belt on.

The plane began to move and it wasn't until they were up in the air that Clarisse realized she was holding her breath. Letting an exhale out, her eyes teared as she looked out the window and watched as the plane was so far away, Genovia was no longer in sight.

Palace…

Antoinette and Helena showered Alex with extra hugs, kisses and everything he wanted. They were happy and relieved that he was home. Both thought of Leo and wondered where he was but neither wanted to ask Alex as they feared upsetting him.

Pierre walked in moments later.

Alex ran to him and hugged him.

Antoinette felt a huge lump in her throat watching her baby holding onto Pierre the way he should have been with his father.

Pierre rubbed his back and said, "welcome home buddy."

Alex held him tight.

Security hub….

Joseph questioned the cab driver that dropped off Alex but the man had no information for them. All he could provide was I picked the boy up at the bus station.

"Tell me everything" Joseph insisted.

The cab driver stated, "He had a sign on him with his name. That is how I knew he was my passenger. I asked him where his parents were and he said, home. I didn't want to leave him there alone, so I got him in my cab and took him to the address he gave me on the piece of paper. It was this address."

"Who paid you" Joseph asked?

"Our company takes electronic payments only. It was pre-paid" The driver informed them.

"I want the name of the person who paid" Joseph demanded.

The driver called the company who informed Joseph after he threatened them, "it was a pre-paid card with the name Susan Smith."

"Susan Smith, seriously" Joseph raged knowing it was a fake identity. The most common last name. Oldest trick in the book.

"I'm sorry sir that is what we have listed" The company apologized.

Frustrated Joseph hung up the call looked at the driver and said, "what else do you know?"

"Nothing else. I'm sorry sir. I don't know anything" The driver said distressed.

Palace patio…

Rupert sat outside for a long time, he was relieved that Alex was home and seemed to be unharmed. Hans came out to join him.

"It wasn't a coincidence that Pierre proposes, the engagement is announced, and Alex shows up at the door" Hans said as he stood looking up at the sky.

"No, it wasn't. That means Pierre was in contact with the kidnapper" Rupert replied.

"Why wouldn't he tell someone" Hans asked confused?

"The only thing I can assume is, he feared for Alex safety" Rupert stated as he rubbed his face with his hand in frustration.

"He was right to fear for his safety. Whoever is behind this managed to stay hidden this whole time. We have no new leads. Leo is missing. Mary is missing. And now Pierre and Antoinette are engaged to be married" Hans said the frustration clear in his voice.

"And Clarisse is gone" Rupert added.

"Mabrey is behind this" They said in unison.

Mabrey Estate….

Arthur Mabrey sat in his living room with a glass of Brandy as he smiled while hearing the news he had been waiting for since Antoinette reappeared in Genovia. It was on every new station, every paper, every talk show. The Crown Prince was getting married to Lady Antoinette. His plan was coming together and soon, very soon, he was going to take everything he ever wanted. His phone rang distracting him from his thoughts.

"You did it" Von Troken said.

"Yes, we did" Mabrey replied.