Silva's eyes flew open in alarm.She hadn't told Christian anything about the conference meeting.
"When he asks, tell him I left for a restaurant."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Stall him until I arrive. I'm on my way."She ended the call and jumped back into the car, slamming the door.
"Meeting Clide will have to wait another day."Her foot hit the gas, tires screeching as she sped off.
"Even though I have my own villa, he still manages to plant his spies everywhere."Her jaw clenched.
"How repulsive."
She gripped the wheel tighter."All I need is to pit my moves against his. Let's see who comes out on top."
Meanwhile, June watched from above through the lintel window. A smile slowly crept across her lips as she saw the dark car speeding away.
"Of course, Father…" she replied, though barely conscious of what he was saying."I'm fine with him postponing the wedding—for now. He said he wants to give me the greatest wedding the world has ever seen, after all."
"Well, if you're fine with that, so be it. But I suggest you urge him to marry you sooner," Lucius said, his voice turning icy."Otherwise, I'll remove you from the inheritance list. And not just that…"
June tensed.
"I'm sure you know the rest," he added, his eyes gleaming with a quiet, deadly threat.
"Yes, Father. I understand." June straightened up like a disciplined soldier. "I'll make sure the wedding holds on the exact date. No more postponements."
"See that it does," Lucius said. "Don't get complacent. I could remove you at any moment. If you want a higher percentage of the inheritance, then keep her on her toes."
June bowed her head slightly, masking the storm behind her eyes."Of course, Father. During my house arrest, I had time to reflect. As the elder daughter, it would be shameful to let her stand above me."
A smile curved her lips, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"Good. Now leave—and focus on the task at hand."
"Yes, Father."
With that, June turned and walked out, her smile lingering like poison on the air.
"Dear Father, you'll be surprised soon enough by what I've got up my sleeve," June thought with a sly smile as she walked out.
Lucius remained alone, his hands clasped behind his back as he stared into the silence.A sudden change. That daughter of mine… she used to cling to my every word. Now, both of them—June and Silva—feel like strangers. Like aliens slipping out of my grip.
A sharp knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.Richard entered, casual and quiet, hands shoved deep into his pockets, the hood of his jacket casting a shadow over his face. He looked at his father, eyes empty, his expression unreadable.
"Your mission has changed," Lucius said, not turning to look at him. "Brandon postponed the wedding. That day will now be perfect to eliminate Christian—during the grand ceremony he's planning."
"Understood, Father."
"Keep your eyes on both of them. Especially her." Lucius's voice turned cold, darker than before. "Don't underestimate Silva."
Meanwhile, Silva had just stepped into the villa when she was blocked by Christian, who stood in front of her like a stone wall. His smile was cold, unreadable, but his voice was smooth as velvet.
"So, tell me…" he whispered, leaning in just slightly, "how was your confrence meeting with your father?"
Silva froze, eyes darting around. Claudia stood at the side, rigid. The maid bowed nervously. A security guard lingered in the distance, pretending not to listen—but she knew better.
How did he know?
" confrence meeting with My father?" she echoed, forcing a smile, trying to laugh it off.
Christian's expression didn't shift.
"Wait—I can explain. It's not what you think—"
"Really?" he cut her off, his smile turning razor-sharp. "Because I'm sure Asher would care to explain it perfectly, wouldn't he?"
"what? Asher?"
she thought in disbelief how Asher got close to christian.
He stepped closer, his eyes boring into hers, his voice dropping to a whisper only she could hear.
"Did you really think I wouldn't find out?"
"For some reason… I hate the idea of her having any allies but me." Christian's thoughts twisted coldly. "Even if I know she is using Asher… the thought of her betrayal still—"
A whisper by his ear froze him.
"Don't tell me you really fell for such a pathetic scheme of Asher's, did you?" Silva's voice was cold, laced with a mocking smirk.
Christian's eyes widened slightly. Silva didn't miss it.
She stepped back just enough to place her palm gently on his chest, her nails grazing lightly as if to tease—or warn.
"That reaction of yours says it all, my dear husband."
Her smile turned sharp, almost predatory."So… you really think I'd betray you?" she asked, her gaze boring into his with quiet intensity. "How sad. I thought you were above that---- than to let a clown like him crawl into your head."
She circled him slowly, eyes never leaving his.
"But betrayal has a funny way of creeping in, doesn't it?" she murmured. "It whispers doubts… plants fear… poisons everything."
Christian didn't move. But his aura shifted—darkened.
"Don't get too complacent, Silva," he said, his voice suddenly low and chilling, the words brushing her ear like a blade.
Her body stiffened ever so slightly at the change in his tone.
"Don't forget… I could cut those wings of yours at will," he whispered, eyes gleaming with something far more dangerous than jealousy.
"is this a threat or a cover up"
silva thought with a smirk.
He stepped in front of her again, smiling with false warmth as he looked into her cold, unreadable eyes.
"And I'm sure, if you were in my position, you'd feel exactly the way I do… living with the constant weight of betrayal just waiting to happen."