CHAPTER 7 — THE ENEMIES INSIDE THE PALACE
The kingdom celebrated Layla as the woman who had changed the Sheikh forever.
Newspapers called her "The Queen with the Golden Heart."
Villagers prayed for her.
Children wrote her letters.
Even foreign leaders praised the charitable trust that was transforming forgotten communities across the country.
But not everyone was happy.
Deep inside Al Noor Palace, resentment quietly grew.
Standing before the palace windows, Sheikh Kareem's younger cousin, Prince Rashid, crushed a crystal glass in his hand.
"So this village girl has turned Kareem into a saint," he sneered.
Across the room sat Minister Farouk, the kingdom's longtime finance minister.
His expression remained cold.
"This charity is costing certain people... a great deal of money."
For years, government funds meant for poor villages had mysteriously disappeared into private accounts controlled by powerful officials.
No one had ever questioned them.
Until Layla arrived.
Every new school she built...
Every hospital she opened...
Every audit she requested...
Exposed another layer of corruption.
Farouk lowered his voice.
"If she continues, we'll all be investigated."
Rashid nodded.
"Then she cannot continue."
The two men exchanged a silent look.
By sunrise, the conspiracy had begun.
Three days later...
International news exploded.
MILLIONS OF DOLLARS MISSING FROM THE ROYAL CHARITY TRUST.
Television channels showed documents claiming that large transfers had been made from Layla's organization into offshore accounts.
Social media erupted.
"She fooled everyone."
"Another fake philanthropist."
"I knew she wanted the money."
Outside the palace gates, protesters gathered.
Inside, the royal council demanded answers.
Even Kareem stared at the reports in disbelief.
Every document carried official government seals.
Every signature appeared genuine.
The evidence looked impossible to deny.
For the first time since their marriage...
Kareem looked at Layla with uncertainty.
She quietly met his eyes.
"I didn't steal anything."
The council erupted.
"They all say that!"
"Freeze every account!"
"Remove her from the trust!"
Farouk stood dramatically.
"Your Majesty..."
"No ruler can place love above justice."
The room fell silent.
Kareem slowly nodded.
"Until the investigation is complete..."
"...Layla will step down."
Not because he believed she was guilty.
But because he believed the law had to apply equally to everyone.
As guards approached...
Layla calmly removed her royal bracelet and placed it on the table.
"I'll cooperate."
She walked away without defending herself.
Watching from the shadows...
Prince Rashid smiled.
Everything was going exactly as planned.
May you like
He had no idea...
Layla had anticipated every move.
