Chapter 6
Kael gripped Serena’s wrist, the force sharp enough to make her cry out in pain.
“Tell me, “he said, his voice low and edged with anger. “How did Elara discover the camera in her room? Was it you?”
“Why would I do that?“she asked, confusion flashing across her face.
“Ow! Kael, you’re hurting me!“Serena struggled against his grip, her words urgent.
“I made it clear, “he said, his gaze piercing, “that by the end of today, Elara would be gone from our lives. Why would you ruin that?”
“She’s gone now, “Serena whispered, a tremor in her voice. “What do we do about the engagement?”
Kael’s eyes narrowed, and a flicker of doubt crossed her face. Tears welled up, blurring her vision.
“Kael… you’re hurting me…“she said softly, her voice cracking.
He shook his head, frustrated. “How could you think I’d betray you? I’ve been here the whole time. I’ve followed the plan exactly. I
would never jeopardize it, especially not today.”
“She’s dead, Kael! Are you really letting a dead girl come between us?“Serena shot back, her voice rising.
“What do you expect from her?” he asked coldly. “The daughter of a homewrecker? Maybe she wanted to drive us apart, just so you
could keep pretending she’s your ‘sister“.”
Serena’s expression hardened. “Don’t fall for her manipulations. All this talk of being hurt or sick… she’s only acting to gain your
sympathy.”
Kael frowned. “And her mother? Any gesture from her is just a way to get favor. She doesn’t care about you. She wants the Victor
name, the power behind it.”
“We need to show everyone she’s a traitor, “Serena insisted, her eyes burning. “She must pay. Only then will your mother’s soul rest in
peace.”
Kael remembered how he had once trusted every word Serena said. She had helped him rise, taking over responsibilities as his
father handed him more control over the family’s port operations. He never doubted her loyalty, always seeing Elara as the obstacle.
But now, doubt crept in. Elara had never shown interest in the family’s wealth or influence. Even when the smuggling ledgers were
laid out on the table, she had never glanced at them. In daily life, she avoided family business entirely. She rarely attended functions
and often sat alone, lost in thought. Could someone like that really be the manipulative gold digger Serena claimed?
Kael exhaled slowly, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. Serena noticed the tension in his face,
“What’s wrong?“she asked, her voice anxious. “Did she say something to you? You can’t let her words affect you. Remember the plan.
Today is the last step.”
“You promised revenge for your mother, “he reminded her.
“The guests are nearly all here. Isadora seems shaken. That works in our favor. We can catch her completely off guard, “Serena said,
determination in her tone.
Kael’s hand shot out, seizing her arm. Clarity struck him like lightning. Elara had been innocent all along. Serena had been
manipulating him, using his thirst for vengeance to serve her own ambitions.
“The plan is off, “he said firmly. “Elara isn’t here. There’s no point in continuing.”
Chapter 6
He felt control slipping from his grasp, the reality of what had happened to Elara weighing on him like a heavy stone. The scheme he
had nurtured for six years crumbl
stantly.
Turning to his men, he spoke with finality. “Cancel the plan.”
“What about Isadora?“one of them stammered.
“I said cancel it!“Kael’s voice left no room for argument.
Serena hurried after him, panic in her steps. “You can’t do this! Six years of planning, and now you’re throwing it all away? Your
mother hasn’t been avenged! Isadora is still out there! She’s breathing our air!”
Her fury was raw, each word laced with contempt for Elara.
Kael’s expression hardened. For the first time, he looked at Serena with a steeliness she had never seen. “I’m warning you for the last
time. This is a Victor matter. It is not for a Whitlock to interfere.”
