Orion’s POV

As I stood in the oppressive silence that followed my reluctant agreement with Chloe, a sickening feeling churned in my stomach. The weight of my decision hung over me like a storm cloud, dark and threatening.

I couldn’t shake the image of Ava’s hurt expression from my mind, nor the thought that I was about to plunge deeper into a treacherous game where I’d be forced to choose sides.

Chloe's grin widened, a predator savoring her victory. “You won’t regret this, Orion. We’ll move quickly and decisively. The longer we let Ava think she’s safe, the more dangerous she becomes.”

I nodded, though the motion felt hollow. My agreement stemmed not from weakness but from an instinct for survival. I had no desire to see Ava harmed, but the alternative—to let her gain strength and turn the tide against us—was too daunting to consider.

“Just remember,” I said, my voice low and firm, “I won’t let any harm come to her. If you can’t guarantee that, I’m out.”

Chloe raised an eyebrow, her expression one of feigned innocence. “Oh, Orion, I wouldn’t dream of harming a hair on her head. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make her life... challenging.”

“Challenging,” I repeated, trying to quell the dread bubbling inside me. “What exactly does that mean?”

Chloe straightened, her demeanor shifting from playful to businesslike. “We’ll begin by isolating her. If we can sow discord between her and the people she trusts, she’ll become paranoid, making her more vulnerable. The key is to keep her off-balance.”

“And how do you propose we do that?” I asked, leaning against the wall, crossing my arms defensively.

“I have my ways,” she said with a sly smile. “First, we’ll make sure she receives anonymous messages—subtle threats, perhaps. Nothing overtly violent, of course, just enough to keep her on edge. Then, we’ll plant seeds of doubt with those close to her. Make them question her choices, her sanity. The more alone she feels, the easier it will be for her to slip up.”

I shifted uncomfortably, still trying to reconcile my plan with the reality of what Chloe was proposing. “You want to manipulate her friends? That’s... low, even for you.”

“Low? It’s smart,” Chloe retorted, crossing her arms as she stared me down. “You need to toughen up, Orion. This is war. And war isn’t kind. If you want to win your father’s legacy, you need to play the game. Ava won’t think twice about tearing you apart if she gets the chance. You can’t afford to be sentimental.”

The tightness in my chest grew as I realized the truth in her words. Ava and I shared a complicated history, and she was dangerous in ways I hadn’t fully grasped. My father’s will had turned us into bigger adversaries. I needed to protect my interests, and I didn’t want to drown in the depths of betrayal.

Chloe continued, her voice dripping with ambition. “Once we’ve destabilized her, we can come in for the final blow. You’ll confront her—make her see that you’re in charge now, and she has no choice but to give up what rightfully belongs to you.”

I considered this, my mind racing with the implications. “What if she fights back? What if she starts digging deeper and discovers what we’re doing?”

Chloe waved a hand dismissively. “That’s why we need to act fast. Keep her distracted and off-guard. We’ll plant doubts about her allies’ loyalty, too. If she’s paranoid about everyone around her, she’ll focus inward and miss the bigger picture.”

A wave of unease washed over me, but I pushed it aside. It wasn’t just about my father’s legacy anymore; it was about reclaiming what had been stolen from me—what Ava had taken when she shattered my parents’ marriage. The rage I had buried deep inside began to surface, feeding the resolve that coursed through my veins.

“I’m done playing nice,” I said, my voice firm. “If we’re going to do this, we’ll make sure she feels the weight of her choices. She thought she could take everything from me without consequences. It’s time she learned the truth.”

Chloe’s smile widened, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “That’s the spirit. You’ll see, Orion, once we push her to the edge, she’ll be begging for mercy. And when she’s lost everything, you’ll finally reclaim your place.”

But as we stood there, immersed in our dark plotting, a sudden noise cut through the silence—footsteps echoing close by. My heart raced as I exchanged a quick glance with Chloe, both of us frozen in place, the tension crackling in the air.

“Did you hear that?!” Chloe whispered, her eyes wide with alarm.

Before I could respond, the footsteps grew faint, leaving us both in an uneasy silence as we realized someone might have been eavesdropping on our conversation.

I gestured for Chloe to stay put, my instincts kicking in as I moved toward the door. “Stay here,” I ordered, keeping my voice low. “I’ll check it out.”

Chloe nodded, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity, but I could see the excitement flickering in her eyes. I stepped into the hallway, careful not to make a sound, my heart pounding in my chest as I tiptoed down the corridor.

The footsteps had faded, leaving an unsettling quiet in their wake.

I scanned the dimly lit hall, half-expecting to see someone lurking in the shadows, but there was nothing—no sign of Ava or any of the staff. It felt like the entire house had held its breath, waiting for something to happen.

With each careful step, I made my way toward Ava’s room, the weight of my mission pressing heavily on me. I needed to confirm if she had overheard our conversation—or worse, if she was on to my plans.

As I approached her door, I paused, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and dread. Peering through the small opening as the door wasn’t fully shut, I tried to see inside, but the angle was awkward. I leaned in closer, hoping for a glimpse of her.

That’s when I heard it—a muffled sound from within the room that sent chills racing down my spine.

It was faint, but there was no mistaking the urgency behind it. I froze, my breath hitching in my throat as I strained to listen. It sounded like a whimper, followed by the soft rustle of fabric.

A cold knot formed in my stomach as I instinctively pressed my ear against the door, the world outside fading away.

My mind raced. Is she having an affair?