bChapter /bb102 /b

    ALINA’S POV.

    Talia’s expression was fierce, dangerous. A look that told me that she didn’t n to y by the rulesb, /band she never would.

    “What do you have in mind?” I asked, my heart still unsteady.

    “Elena and Ss aren’t a threat right now. ording to their puppet master, they can’t hurt you, and they’ll keep Seraphina in check too. I mean, after her embarrassing moment at your fashion show, I’m sure she won’t risk drawing attention to herself.” She said thoughtfully.

    I nodded. Seraphina was no threat to me, at least not right now. I had bigger problems to worry about.

    “But be careful, she’s fucking crazy and unpredictable too.” Talia added.

    “Sure.”

    “For now, let’s focus on sabotaging this project Adrian is working on, while we dig into your birth family and figure out who this mastermind is. That’s the real threat.”

    My heart skipped a beat at the mention of this unknown enemy. The enemy in the shadows, there’s nothing scarier than fighting a battle when you don’t know where your enemy is or when they’ll strike.

    “Don’t worry. You’ll be alright.” Talia reached for my hand, reassuring me when she noticed my expression. “Just make sure your bodyguard’s with you at all times, okay?”

    “Of course.i” /iI nodded like a child, for the first time not minding the thought of having one.

    I’d always hated having a bodyguard. Even though Jordan had grown on me, I still disliked the constant shadowing. But right now, with the recent happenings… I wouldn’t even mind an extra one.

    The thought of someone watching my every move, unseen, made my skin crawl.

    “Okay, I think we can both agree that we’ve had enough serious talk for tonight. How about popcorn, ice cream, and binge–watching Lucifer?” Talia suggested.

    “Yes, please. I need a dose of Tom Ellis,” I agreed.

    “Really? You still have a crush on him?” She teased.

    “You’re in no position to judge, considering your crush on Christian Grey.” I shot back yfully,

    “He’s hot, okay!” She said defensively, making meugh. “And I’m not judging, I just don’t get your obsession with Tom, especially when your fiancé is hotter than him.”

    “You’ve got a point. But Lucifer’s my fictional man, okay? I’m not breaking up with him.”

    Talia let out a yful scoff.

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    55 vouchers

    “Weirdo.” She rolled her eyes. “Put the movie on. I’ll go make the popcorn and grab the bice /bcream.”

    “Alrighty.” I got right to it.

    “I still don’t get why you like him when your fiancé is basically Lucifer himself.” She muttered under her breath.

    “What was that?” I asked.

    “Nothing!” She replied quickly before disappearing around the corner.

    The night ended on a happy notepared to how it started. It was filled withughter, movies filled with hot shirtless men, popcorn, and ice cream. And when exhaustion finally took over, I drifted into a dreamless, peaceful sleep.

    AUTHOR’S POV

    Meanwhile, in the same old study, a figure sat behind arge mahogany desk, fuming.

    Elena and Ss were beginning to get on hisst nerve. If they didn’t keep their daughter in check, he would. She was bing a pesky little fly and he would not hesitate to get rid of her.

    Nothing or nobody was going to get in the way of his well–orchestrated n.

    He should’ve gotten rid of them the moment they stupidly allowed Lucian to get engaged to Alina. He’d told them to watch her, and what did they do?

    They handed her over to the one man he wanted her farthest from.

    He didn’t mind iat /ifirst because she hated Lucian then. But now… he could see that their rtionship was growing. And he despised it.

    They were supposed to hate each other, and he was going to make sure of it.

    He picked up his phone and dialed a number.

    “What’s the update?” He asked coldly when the receiver picked up.

    “I’m an investor in herpany now, boss.” The man on the other end replied.

    “Good.” He nodded, somewhat impressed.

    “Now I want you to get her to fall in love with you. Cause a rift between her and Lucian. That’s the only way he’ll back off, and we can get our hands on her.”

    “That… that would be a little difficult, boss. She can’t stand me.” The man stuttered in fear.

    He knew his bboss /bdidn’t like to hear things like that. When he gives an order, he expects you to get it done no

    matter the means used.

    “Make it happen, Louis,” he snapped. “You need to make here to you. Find someone who’s into Lucian.

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    …

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    55 vouchers

    Let her nt doubt in Alina’s mind. That way, you can swoop in like a knight in shining armor or whatever. It’s your best chance to gain her trustb.” /b

    The shadowed figure didn’t care how it happened, he just wanted Lucian and Alina ruined. That’s ball /bthat mattered to him.

    “What about her ex, Adrian?b” /bLouis asked.

    “What about him?” he frowned. “He’s not a threat. In fact, he’s the perfect pawn. She hates him, doesn’t she?”

    “Yes, boss.” Louis responded.

    “Good. Create a scene between them where you save her. Do I have to teach you everything?” he snapped.

    “No, boss. I’ve got this.” Louis rushed out, his voice trembling slightly.

    “You’d better. Next time we speak, I want to hear we’ve made progress.” His tone was dangerously low, filled with warning.

    “Sure thing, boss.” Louis’s voice came out firm this time.

    The call ended.

    The figure sat in the darkness of his old study, a sadistic smirk twisting his lips.

    “Very soon, Alina. Very soon, you and Lucian will pay for the sins of your fathers.” He whispered in a sinister tone into the shadows.

    C