Isabelle lay on the silk sheets, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Her body ached, marked with crimson traces of her husband's possessiveness. She clicked her tongue in annoyance, too exhausted to even move a finger.
Theo was always like this—greedy, dominant, relentless.
If not for the fact that she still needed him, she would have pushed him away long ago.
She slowly rose from the bed and slipped on her robe, her movements graceful despite the soreness. A faint smile curved her lips as she adjusted the collar.
"I still need you as my chess piece, Theo," she murmured coldly.
The moment her phone vibrated, she left the bedroom.
"Hey, Mum…" Elizabeth's voice came from the other end, tired and hoarse. "It's three in the morning. What do you need?"
Isabelle's brows knitted together instantly.
"Where are you?" she demanded. "You told me you were attending a movie premiere. Are you with him again?"
Elizabeth glanced at the naked man beside her, his arm draped lazily over her waist. She rolled her eyes.
"I'm in my room," she replied calmly.
"Stop lying," Isabelle snapped. "If your father finds out, do you have any idea what will happen to you?"
Elizabeth laughed lightly. "Mum, please. I'm not stupid enough to let him find my hobbies."
She shifted, stretching lazily. "Now tell me why you called. I thought we were flying back in two days. And for the record—he's a co-actor, not a toy."
Elizabeth Foyer La Roche—known to the world as the Divine Princess in Entertainment Industry.
Pure. Elegant. Untouchable.
Only her mother knew the truth.
"The plan failed," Isabelle said quietly, massaging her temples. "The old man is closer to your sister now. And her engagement went well. Too well."
Elizabeth fell silent.
"She accepted the marriage?" she finally asked. "Without causing a scene?"
"Yes," Isabelle replied, eyes darkening. "And if this continues, my dream of making you the sole heiress will be destroyed."
Elizabeth smirked. "Mum, relax. Leave the old man to me. No one resists me for long."
Her voice turned lazy and cruel.
"As for my dear sister—let her marry that commoner. I'll make sure society sees how arrogant and unbearable she is. Rumours are easy to spread."
Isabelle's lips curled in satisfaction.
"That's my girl," she whispered. "Be ready for the banquet your father is planning. It's your stage."
Elizabeth laughed softly. "I can't wait. The La Roche name will be mine."
"Of course," Isabelle said sweetly. "No one can take it from you."
After the call ended, Isabelle stood by the window, gazing into the night.
Her smile slowly twisted.
"I'll take everything from you, Cassandra," she whispered.
✦✦✦
Thea returned to the mansion with a smile that refused to fade.
Every step she took felt light—her mind replaying Erick's flushed face, the stolen kiss, the way he froze when she whispered in his ear.
She was still smiling when she noticed the familiar silhouette on the terrace.
Her grandfather.
"Grandpa!" she rushed forward. "It's freezing out here. You shouldn't stay in the cold."
Thomas chuckled warmly. "Come, sit with me. I wanted to talk to you."
She joined him, wrapping her shawl tighter around her shoulders.
"Is it about Father?" she asked carefully.
She hadn't seen him since her birthday.
Her grandfather sighed. "Nothing happened… but I owe you an apology on his behalf. He abandoned his duty today."
Thea shook her head immediately, reaching for his hands.
"Grandpa, you don't need to apologize. I'm used to it," she said gently. "I'm sure Father had his reasons."
She smiled softly.
"And today was already perfect. I liked having just the three of us."
Thomas looked at her, eyes filled with emotion.
"That fool left because his wife wanted to travel," he grumbled. "Still the same weak man."
Thea laughed lightly. "Grandpa, don't get angry. Your blood pressure—"
"Don't defend him," Thomas huffed, then smiled. "You've grown so much, Thea."
She stood and hugged him tightly.
"You and Erick are the most important men in my life," she whispered.
Thomas froze—then smiled like a child.
"Hey! I should be number one," he protested.
She laughed. "Of course you are, Grandpa."
The old man beamed.
And somewhere far away, a storm was already forming—one Thea had yet to see.