In The Lesser Evil, Ives faces monumental challenges and uncovers long-buried family secrets that alter his path forever. These revelations, coming from unwel - come sources, force Ives to make life-al - tering decisions to reclaim what is rightfully his. As he contemplates his next move, a daunting possibility arises: his - tory could repeat itself. Put to the ultimate test, Ives devises a plan to satisfy a group of delegates bent on reshaping the world to their own standards. But what if he doesn’t consent? Will he lose the one thing he values most? Decisions, always decisions—each one proving that while wealth and power may belong to Ives, peace of mind remains elusive. After tireless effort, Ives finds Allina. Yet, as close as she is—just a floor away—he must complete his task before she can know he’s there. That proximity weighs heavily on him. His self-control is tested, knowing the only way to resolve the situ - ation is to deliver the delegates’ plan quickly. And so, he does. In this unfolding drama, Ives encounters many new players, but none as intriguing as Frederich Stultz, the owner of the Mittelstädt Lodge, the story’s central set - ting. This stunning estate, a preserved relic of mid-1700s German country archi - tecture, stands as one of Bavaria’s oldest and most elegant homes. Ives wonders whether Allina found any comfort there but quickly deduces she must have been miserable and yearning to escape. His hunch proves correct when he learns she attempted to flee. From their first meeting, Ives perceives Stultz as someone who, while cautious, seems slightly trapped in a situation not entirely of his making. That situation’s apex is Heinrich von Schäfer, son of Gregor von Schäfer, the notorious head of the Holtzheim Nazi detainee camp. As re - vealed in The Lost Days, Heinrich is also the half-brother of Jeffrey Shepherd, the man who once kidnapped Allina. Herr Stultz is not what Ives expected. Gracious and forthcoming, he grants Ives full access to the estate. But why? What does Stultz know that Ives doesn’t? Piece by piece, Stultz unveils truths through heartfelt, private conversations. When he discloses that Allina is alive and gives Ives access to the surveillance cameras in her suite, Stultz finally reveals why he agreed to Allina’s “kidnapping.” Well—kidnap - ping is a harsh word. Perhaps, as Stultz claims, he removed Allina from a deadly situation to protect her, allowing her to stay at the Mittelstädt Lodge as a distant relative. The story unfolds like an onion: each peeled-back layer reveals hidden truths, past and present, that begin to make eerie sense. But what’s the catch? Ives is skeptical. But analyzing the evi - dence, he finds Stultz’s story plausible. After finalizing the delegates’ plan, Stultz makes a surprising proposition: he asks Ives to manage the Mittelstädt estate, much as Ives once managed his parents’ Trust. Ives quickly realizes this is Stultz’s way of severing ties with von Schäfer. Ives agrees, but a question lingers: will taking on this role disrupt his standing with the Bureau? Only time will tell. Stultz’s decision to keep von Schäfer close for so many years was an uncomfortable but deliberate choice. Von Schäfer, lured by his own greed, envisioned himself a key figure in the delegates’ new world order. However, Stultz had no intention of allowing that to happen. Ives, under - standing the intricacies of this scenario, agrees to manage the delicate balance of appeasing the delegates while monitoring von Schäfer. Colonel Derek Eichel, introduced in The Last Hope, emerges as another significant player. Charged with Allina’s protection, Eichel harbors suppressed feelings for her—a realization that tests Ives’ pa - tience. Though jealousy flares within him, Ives chooses restraint, knowing Allina’s loyalty is unwavering. Instead of making an enemy of Eichel, Ives treats him gra - ciously, careful not to overstep the Colonel’s position at the estate. In the end, it’s always about decisions— problematic ones—again demonstrating that you may have a fortune enough for ten men, but enjoying it might prove difficult. Through every trial, Ives remains a gen - tleman, steadfast in his pursuit of Allina. His courtesy, wisdom, and determination pay off in ways he never anticipated. For the reader, the reward is a journey layered with intrigue, emotion, and surprises—a story well worth the read.