Volume 2: The Feast Above the Lies
After Karl left, the silence in the garden grew even more suffocating. Eileen clutched the crimson iris tightly, feeling the sharp sting in her fingertips as if it were a reminder—a reminder not to forget the peril she was in, and not to lose sight of her purpose for revenge.
Back in her room, however, she found herself unable to focus on studying Isabella's diary. Karl's words had disrupted her thoughts like a stone cast into still water, sending ripples through her mind. Shaun's secrets, his mother's death—all of it swirled around her like a thick fog, obscuring her path.
She walked to the window and gazed down at the brightly lit estate below. The Rockefeller family's wealth and power gleamed like countless lanterns—blinding and harsh. And she was like a moth, drawn inexorably toward the flames despite knowing the danger ahead.
Suddenly, a knock at the door shattered her reverie. Eileen's heart began to race, an inexplicable foreboding rising within her. She took a deep breath, walked to the door, and opened it.
Standing there was Shaun.
He wore a navy-blue robe, his hair disheveled, looking exhausted. His eyes were complex and deep, filled with both guilt and longing.
"May I come in?" His voice was low and raspy.
Eileen didn't respond but silently stepped aside to let him enter. Shaun walked into the room, standing by the window beside her, silently gazing out at the night.
The air between them grew awkward and oppressive. Eileen could feel the coldness radiating from Shaun, as if he were an iceberg, shielding himself from any intrusion.
"I'm sorry," Shaun finally spoke, his voice barely audible. "In the study today… I wasn't very kind."
Eileen turned to look at him. His profile was sharp, yet marked by an undeniable exhaustion and pain. She knew he too was struggling under the weight of his family's expectations and secrets.
"I know," Eileen said softly. "You have your reasons."
At her words, Shaun turned to face her, his piercing gaze searching her eyes. It was as though he were trying to uncover something, but ultimately found nothing.
"Do you really trust me?" he asked, his voice low and probing.
Eileen hesitated, staring deeply into his eyes. She knew this was a dangerous question, one laden with lies and tests. But she also knew that if she wanted to understand Shaun, she had to be honest.
"I believe you're a good person," she said. "But I don't know if I trust Shaun Rockefeller."
At her words, a flicker of pain crossed Shaun's face. He seemed wounded, turning away from her and falling silent.
The atmosphere in the room grew heavy once more. Eileen could sense Shaun struggling to suppress his emotions, as though he feared being seen through, feared being hurt.
"Why did you approach me?" Shaun suddenly asked, his voice hoarse. "What's your real purpose?"
Eileen's heartbeat quickened again. She knew Shaun was beginning to suspect her. This was what she had dreaded most, yet it was inevitable.
"I don't have a purpose," Eileen replied. "I just… I just thought you seemed lonely."
Shaun let out a bitter laugh. "Lonely? The Rockefellers are never lonely. We're surrounded by people who'll do anything for our wealth and power."
"But none of them truly care about you," Eileen countered. "They only see you as a tool, something to exploit."
Shaun fell silent. He knew she was right, but he couldn't accept it. He had lived his entire life amidst lies and conspiracies, accustomed to this existence, no longer knowing what sincerity or love meant.
"You don't understand me," Shaun said. "You don't know what I've been through, or how much I've endured."
At his words, a wave of pity surged within Eileen. She knew Shaun's soul bore deep wounds and scars, making him cold and numb, unable to trust anyone.
She moved closer to him, gently taking his hand. Her touch was warm and soft, offering him a sense of security he had never known before.
Shaun's body trembled slightly. He turned to look at her, his eyes filled with confusion and longing, like a lost child yearning for light in the darkness.
"I know you're in pain," Eileen whispered. "I know you've suffered. But I want you to trust me—I won't hurt you. I only want to help."
Shaun remained silent, his gaze softening gradually, as if ice were melting to reveal the vulnerability beneath.
Suddenly, he reached out, gently caressing her cheek. His fingers were cold and trembling, yet carried an indescribable tenderness.
Eileen's heart raced. She could feel the heat emanating from Shaun, the desire and affection in his touch. She knew she was crossing a dangerous line, stepping into a forbidden love.
Slowly, Shaun leaned down, his lips brushing against hers in a hesitant, yearning kiss.
Eileen didn't resist. She closed her eyes, responding to his kiss. Her heart was torn between conflict and surrender, knowing this relationship was forbidden and fraught with danger. Yet she couldn't control herself; she couldn't resist Shaun's pull.
Their kiss deepened, growing more passionate. It was as if they wanted to dissolve into each other, leaving behind all their pain and sorrow.
Suddenly, Eileen pushed Shaun away. Fear and guilt overwhelmed her. She knew she couldn't continue.
"We can't do this," she said, her voice trembling. "We can't betray Olivia."
At her words, a flash of pain crossed Shaun's eyes. He knew she was right—they couldn't betray Olivia, couldn't let this forbidden love destroy everything.
"I know," Shaun said. "I just… I needed you so much."
With that, he turned and left the room, leaving Eileen alone to grapple with her inner turmoil.
She knew countless obstacles stood between her and Shaun. These weren't just Olivia's shadow but also the secrets and conspiracies of the Rockefeller family.
She had to stay clear-headed. She couldn't let this forbidden love cloud her judgment. She had to remember her mission—to avenge Olivia, to destroy the Rockefeller family.
She walked to the desk and opened Isabella's diary. On the yellowed pages were records of Isabella's pain and struggles—and hidden secrets of the Rockefeller family.
Taking a deep breath, she began reading carefully, hoping to find clues, the key to dismantling the Rockefeller dynasty.
On the last page, she discovered a passage heavily inked over, nearly illegible. She squinted, deciphering the blurred words until she finally made out a few crucial phrases: "Crimson iris… secret lover… Howard…"
Eileen's heart skipped a beat. Howard? Could Isabella Rockefeller have had ties to Karl Howard's family?
She suddenly recalled Karl's words: "About Shaun's mother's death, there's a bigger secret hidden within."
Could Isabella Rockefeller's death not only be part of the Rockefeller conspiracy but also involve Karl's family?
Her mind was a whirlwind of confusion. She felt herself inching closer to the truth, yet it remained shrouded in mist, impossible to grasp.
She knew she had to find Karl, to learn more about Isabella Rockefeller's secrets from him.
But how could she approach him? How could she trust him?
She returned to the window, gazing down at the brightly lit estate. The Rockefeller family's wealth and power glowed like countless lights—dazzling yet perilous.
She knew she had embarked on a point of no return. Every step forward would require caution if she hoped to emerge victorious in this bloody game of class warfare. And Karl Howard—perhaps her only hope—was also her greatest danger.