May did not wait for a response.
"If there is nothing else to discuss," she said coolly, leaving no room for argument, "you are dismissed. I have other matters to attend to."
She stood up from her chair and walked out of the study without another glance. The doors closed softly behind her—final, deliberate.
May went back upstairs to her bedroom, took off her blood-free dress, and went back to bed. The day caught up with her all at once, but May's expression did not change as she gazed at the ceiling.
Rest was not peace.
It was preparation.
Back downstairs, chaos broke out as soon as May was gone.
Malcolm slammed his hand against the arm of his chair, fury burning through his voice.
"So just because she's the new leader, she thinks she's above traditions passed down through generations? Such insolence."
Another elder scoffed.
"Her father never followed the rules either. Why should she be any different?"
Don Mariano sneered, his voice dripping with contempt.
"Don't you dare call that abomination his daughter. None of them are."
The room fell silent as he went on.
"Do not insult Santos by referring to those mutations as his children. They are nothing more than charity cases my niece foolishly took in."
Nobody argued with him.
But somewhere in the mansion, May slept—unaware, or perhaps entirely aware—that the elders' resentment had just crossed from opposition into something far more dangerous.
And when men like them began speaking that way,
it was never just talk.
It was the beginning of a mistake.
---
The elders were escorted out of the mansion shortly after, their anger tightly leashed behind forced civility. By the time the gates closed behind them, May was already asleep—untouched by their lingering resentment.
Downstairs, August and April lingered in the living room.
"Has anyone checked on her?" August asked, glancing toward the stairs.
April turned to Daisy, who was clearing the last of the trays. "Did she come back down?"
Daisy shook her head. "No, ma'am. She's been in her room since the meeting ended."
August sighed. "Then she's sleeping."
April nodded. "Good. She needs it."
***
But somewhere far away—in Brighton—the air was thick with tension of a very different sort.
Cameras were rolling as June stood on set, dressed in full costume, katana strapped to her side, face a picture of raw emotion and betrayal. The scene required silence.
"Priscilla," the actor appealed, all pretence of calm gone from his voice, "you know we owe Lord James a tremendous amount of money. Do this for us. Please."
June's eyes were full of tightly restrained fury as she spoke her lines, every word slicing through her like a knife—the daughter sold, the loyalty betrayed.
"And...cut!"
The applause erupted around the set.
"That's a wrap!" the director announced, beaming around the set. "Great work, everyone. Excellent work, June. Stacey...well done."
June let out a deep breath, the weight of the scene sinking into her very bones.
"If that's all that's left on my call sheet for the day," she said wearily, stepping off the set, "can I go home now?"
The director chuckled. "No need to be grumpy, June. That's all for the day."
June nodded, making a beeline for her van, Katelyn following closely in her wake.
"Where to, Miss June?" Katelyn asked as they climbed inside.
"Home."
---
When June was in her car, she decided to give a call to April to ask how everyone was doing. April began to explain everything that had transpired on that day.
"I hope she's okay. It's a big responsibility Father passed down to her," June said, sounding worried.
"I know. We're always here for her," April said reassuringly.
"And something interesting happened last night with May," April said.
"What's that?" June asked right away.
"May had a one-night stand with a complete stranger while on a mission," April spilled the tea.
"Oh my gosh. My baby sister isn't so little anymore," June said excitedly. "What's he like? Any updates? Have you looked into him?"
"No. May ran away the moment she woke up because she was embarrassed. She doesn't even know his name, so I can't run a background check. But she knows the hotel. Maybe we should check it out behind her back when you get home," April said.
"When will you be back?" April asked.
"I'm catching the earliest flight tonight. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Okay. But this mission is just between the two of us. August mustn't find out. Got it?" April said firmly.
"Yes, ma'am. Good night," June replied.
"Good night, June. And don't forget the souvenirs," April added playfully.
---
June instructed her driver, "To the hotel. I need to pack up and leave tonight."
"Yes, ma'am."
She arrived in Italy the next morning and was immediately informed by her manager that she was expected to attend an event at the Sky Hotel, hosted by one of their biggest investors.
Not long after, she arrived at the mansion.
"Welcome, ma'am," the guards and servants greeted as she stepped inside.
June dropped her bags and stepped into the living room dramatically. "What's up, witches? Guess who's back!" she screamed.
There was silence.
She frowned. "Rude."
She marched straight to April's room and flung the door open.
"Wakeee uppp, Aprillll. Rise and shine, sweetheart."
"Go away…" April mumbled, still buried under her blankets.
June rolled her eyes and headed to August's room. Grabbing a pillow from the sofa, she launched it straight at her.
"August!" June shouted. "Wake up!"
Lastly, she entered May's room. Unlike the others, she walked quietly to the bed and gently shook her shoulder.
"May, wake up."
"'Hm… June? Is that you?' May asked sleepily.
"Yes. Wash up and head downstairs. We have an event to attend."
June stepped out and waited in the living room. A few minutes later, the sisters trickled downstairs while June was on a call with her manager.
"You need to get there early, June."
"Yes, okay. But my sisters will be there too."
"That's fine. Just be early."
"Yes, yes. I'll be there."
She hung up just as her sisters sat down.
"What was that about?" April asked
"We're going to an event this evening. So we need to get dressed. Now." June replied
"Do we have to?"May said
"Yes, we have to. May, you're not looking well. "August replied
And I'm hungry."May said.
"I promise it'll be worth it. I'll get you food on the way. Now, let me text my stylist to come and do our hair."
She turned to April. "Are you in?"
"Yes, I'm in. But what time is she coming? I'm craving burgers and I can't have the chefs make that right now if your manager wants you there early."
One hour later, June's stylist arrived.
The stylist spent hours making the sisters look like absolute royalty.
June wore a deep emerald satin gown that hugged her curves in all the right places before opening out into a dramatic mermaid silhouette. The back was completely open, with delicate crystal chains encasing it. Her hair was styled in sleek, glossy waves that cascaded down one shoulder, and she wore dramatic eyeliner and a nude lip color that made her look effortlessly powerful.
April wore a champagne gold fitted dress that had a thigh-high slit, showing off her toned legs as she moved. The dress sparkled like the sun shining through the water, and she wore her hair in a high, elegant ponytail. Her makeup was soft and luminous, with glossy lips, bronzed cheeks, and long lashes that made her eyes irresistible.
August looked stunning in a midnight blue velvet gown that had a plunging neckline and structured shoulders, making her look regal and intimidating. The gown was dramatic and rich, hugging in all the right places, and she wore her hair slicked back in a low bun. Her smoky eyes made her look untouchable.
However, May had worn something a bit softer, a silver-colored silk dress that flowed like liquid moonlight. It had thin straps, and the dress flowed well with her movements. May had worn makeup, but it was natural and radiant, emphasizing her soft features. She looked ethereal, but there was a bit of distance in her eyes.
---
They got into the limo once they were ready.
"May, are you okay? You seem to be stressed," August asked.
"Yes, migraines," May replied.
"Is it not related to your health issues?" April asked.
"The last time you visited the hospital was three months ago, and your hunting has been a regular activity," August continued.
June's head shot up. "Wait a minute, did you say she went hunting? When?"
"Yesterday," April replied.
"April, why didn't you tell me?" June asked, sounding hurt.
"You've been busy, and I didn't want to disturb you," April replied softly.
"Can we stop talking about it as if I'm not here?" May cut in. "Alfred, drive to the nearest restaurant, please."
They stopped for a bit so May and August could buy burgers and fries, and then they proceeded to the hotel.
---
When they reached the Sky Hotel, May froze.
It was the same hotel.
The cameras flashed as the sisters stepped out of the limo.
May leaned closer to the sisters. "This is the hotel where I stayed yesterday."
"What?" the sisters chimed in unison.
"Do you remember the face of the man I was with?"
"Yes."
But before the sisters could say more, the master of ceremonies stepped up on stage.
"Good evening everyone. It is an honour to welcome our distinguished host, Mr. Zander Oliviere."
Zander Oliviere stepped up on stage with his wife and child.
May's heart sank.
He was married.
May's sisters saw the look on May's face.
"Is that the man you were with?"
"Yes."
"Wow. May slept with the hottest billionaire in Milan," August said with a chuckle. "Even I haven't done that."
"May," June said sternly. "Don't you know who that is?"
"I had no idea that he was married. He has a child for goodness' sake. What have I done?"
On stage, Mr. Oliviere was continuing his speech. But his eyes were fixed on May.
Recognition.
Possession.
Calculation.
And then—
"I would also like to announce my engagement proposal… to May Russell."
The room erupted.
Gasps. Cheers. Whispers.
"And before questions arise," Zander went on to say in a calm tone, "I recently learned that my son, Matteo, is not biologically my own. I'm divorcing my wife, Luciana. Reporters can use that as tonight's headline. Enjoy the rest of the evening."
And off he went.
May stood there in shock.
"What the hell was that?" she breathed.
The sisters looked at May in shock.
The night had just turned into a scandal.