Chapter 41
Threads of Deceit
The room was silent as Magaret sat calmly in her seat, her face was illuminated by the faint glow from the fire in the fireplace.
She was comfortable in her seat as she sipped tea from a mug in her hands, this was one of Magaret's favourite pastimes.
Victoria was standing by the window, on a call. She looked a little annoyed as she spoke into the phone, obviously having a heated conversation.
"Is there a problem?" Magaret asked, noticing Victoria had ended her phone call.
"No," Victoria shook her head, not saying more. "It's just a little issue at the company."
"Well done," Magaret nodded, and she stared at Victoria, hints of praise filling her eyes. "You've done well, Victoria," Magaret's voice was filled with pride.
"It was so easy to dispose of Damien," Magaret chuckled. "He didn't see it coming," a small smile touched her lips.
"It's not over Mother," Victoria's expression didn't shift despite the praise Magaret had heaped on her.
"We can't afford to let up," Victoria's eyes flashed. "Damien could do something we least expect. He's not finished—not yet."
"Wise indeed," Magaret nodded with approval. "However, you give him too much credit. Michael doesn't trust him anymore," Magaret's eyes warmed as she went on.
"You have his backing, just keep things like this and things will go our way."
Victoria nodded in agreement, not saying anything. She knew Magaret was right, her influence over Michael wasn't to be scoffed at. But still, she knew this half-brother of hers, she'd watched him, observed him.
He could do the unthinkable, even she had been impressed with how he'd turned the fortunes of the sister company he'd been saddled with as punishment.
If she hadn't pulled some strings, Victoria didn't continue with her line of thought.
"I'll keep my guard up," she said finally, turning to stare out the window. She hadn't come this far to let it slip through her hands.
Magaret's eyes shined with approval as she stared at Victoria with glowing eyes. "I'm proud of you."
Magaret was about to add more when a knock at the door cut her short. The door opened and Jones, the butler, walked in.
"What's the matter?" Magaret asked, glancing at him.
Jones bowed slightly, his voice low and respectful. "Miss Victoria, someone is waiting for you in the living room."
"For me?" Victoria raised an eyebrow, she hadn't been expecting any visitor. "Who is it?"
"Mr. Luther, ma'am," Butler's words made Victoria frown and a flicker of annoyance passed through her eyes.
"Is there—" Magaret was about to speak but Victoria waved her hands dismissively.
"I'll handle this," she shook her head, turning to walk out of the study.
Luther was seated in the living room, he looked like he was seated on pins and needles and he glanced around nervously.
He looked out of place in his sports jacket and plain faded jeans.
He got to his feet the moment Victoria walked in, her heels clicking on the floor.
Luther shifted uneasily on his feet, his eyes darted back and forth and he didn't dare meet Victoria's eyes.
"Miss Victoria," he greeted, forcing a smile. "It's been a while."
"Why did you come here with no prior notice? What do you want?" Victoria uttered coldly, taking no notice of his greeting. She was glad that Michael wasn't at home or it could bring complications, this oaf had come without warning.
Luther swallowed, and he wiped the thin sheen of sweat on his brows. "I came because of our deal," he began, carefully watching Victoria's expression.
"We had a deal, remember?" Luther shoved his hands in his pockets as he spoke. Victoria for one didn't offer him a seat as she stared at him coldly.
"It's been months," Luther had a pitiful expression on his face. "You said to lay low until the attention waned. I've been working a nine-to-five job for months, the other Directors are mounting pressure…" Luther's face was red as he explained.
"They're starting to question everything I promised them when I convinced them to go along with your plan."
Victoria's eyes narrowed slightly, though her expression remained composed. "I understand your frustration, Luther, but my hands are tied. The situation has grown more delicate than I anticipated. My father has taken a keen interest in this matter, and making any overt moves now would be unwise. I can't risk it."
Her words were smooth, and calculated, but Luther's patience was wearing thin. His voice rose slightly as he said, "Unwise? You made promises, Victoria. Promises that you haven't kept. I need clarity, not excuses."
Luther's face was red from exertion and he looked a few years older. Months ago he'd taken a Gamble and it'd failed woefully.
"Is that a threat?" Victoria's eyes flashed with steely glint. "Mind yourself," she hissed, glaring at Luther.
"I will keep my promise to you regardless," she suddenly smiled, breaking the tension but the coldness in her eyes remained.
"But if you make a move that is not in your best interests," Luther felt a chill run down his spine when her gaze swept over him. "I'll make you regret it."
Luther recoiled, his face paling as her words sank in. He knew Victoria's words were not just for show, she genuinely meant them. He knew that much after bearing witness to her methods.
"I understand," he said, lowering his eyes.
Victoria leaned back, her gaze unrelenting. "See that you do. Now leave."
Luther nodded quickly, retreating toward the door with haste. The air outside the house felt different, and his pulse slowed to its regular state.
He'd made a mistake, Luther thought, a regretful expression on his face. If he hadn't betrayed Damien, he wouldn't have been in this situation.
And now, even his fate wasn't in his hands, a shiver ran through him at the thought of the threats he'd received from the other disgruntled former directors.
He could only hope and pray, that Victoria would fulfill her end of the deal.
But would she?