Free Web NovelChapter 163: Chapter 163 Seeds of Revenge
Selene’s POV
I stared at the framed photograph on my desk—two little girls snuggled together, smiling happily—and felt rage building inside me like a poison.
Why? We started out exactly the same. How the hell did we end up being treated so differently?
I couldn’t stomach this defeat. It was eating me alive.
"Enjoy your moment in the sun while it lasts, Sylvia," I muttered, my fingers tracing the edge of the frame like I was planning to shatter it.
My expression gradually morphed from fury to cold calculation as I thought about that man standing beside Sylvia.
Caesar Conrad.
There was something about him that didn’t add up. Sometimes, the aura he occasionally projected made even Astra back down.
That’s precisely what made him so fascinating... and potentially my ticket to revenge.
My fist clenched until my designer nails bit into my palm, but I felt nothing. No physical pain could touch the burning injustice consuming me from the inside out.
If Alpha Astra wouldn’t allow me near company business, then I’d force my way in anyway. Why should Sylvia get everything handed to her when I don’t?
I refused to roll over and play dead!
Since Alpha Astra let Sylvia off the hook so easily at the gala, did she really think I would simply wave the white flag? Not a chance in hell.
I picked up my phone and dialed. After connecting, I sent over the video footage I’d been keeping in my back pocket.
"Yes, plaster it in the most visible spot possible. The headline needs to be absolutely explosive," I instructed, keeping my voice steady. "Once it’s done, I’ll pay you double."
The man on the other end had initially hesitated, but hearing my offer of double payment flipped his switch immediately.
"Don’t worry, ma’am. I’ll handle this like a pro. I guarantee you’ll eat this up."
Only after receiving his assurance did I hang up, feeling somewhat satisfied. Whatever else I might think of him, the guy knew how to get shit done.
"Let’s see you sweet-talk your way out of this mess, Sylvia," I whispered, my blood boiling at the memory of her silver tongue. Just thinking about her smooth-as-silk explanations made me want to scream.
No matter what, if I could bring Sylvia crashing down this time, it would be worth it. As for Alpha Astra, I planned to test the waters again, to gauge her reaction.
When Alpha Astra finished work, I showed up with perfect timing, carrying a bowl of steaming fish soup.
"Mother, are you in there?" I called softly through the door, my voice dripping with fake sweetness.
Alpha Astra’s voice floated back: "Yes, come in."
She looked up as I entered, removing her reading glasses. I approached like I was walking on air, a warm smile surgically positioned on my face as I carried the bowl.
"Mom, you’ve been pushing yourself so hard lately, especially with all that drama at the gala. I made you some fish soup to help you bounce back," I said, my voice oozing with daughterly concern.
"That’s very thoughtful of you," she acknowledged, accepting the bowl.
She took a spoonful and nodded approvingly. "This is excellent. The flavor really packs a punch."
I moved behind her and began massaging her shoulders. "I’m glad you like it, Mom. I could whip this up more often if you’d like."
"That’s not necessary," she replied. "The household staff can handle it. "
I started to push back, but Alpha Astra placed her hand over mine. "If you do this too often, I’ll start worrying about you. Your health matters most."
I hugged her shoulders from behind. "I understand, Mom."
"You’ve always been such a sweetheart," I continued, laying it on thick. "I was foolish before. I hope you can forgive me."
Alpha Astra patted my hand reassuringly. "I’m a mother to both of you. I love you both equally. How could I hold grudges against either of my daughters?"
My eyes locked onto her face, scanning for any cracks in her performance. After playing my own role for so long, sometimes I couldn’t tell what was real and what was just another act.
"Mother, I’ve always known you’re absolutely incredible. In my heart, you’re the most amazing woman I know."
Alpha Astra practically glowed at my flattery, clearly pleased.
"Silly girl," she said fondly. "I’m not some superhero. Someday you’ll need to stand on your own feet. I can’t hold your hand forever."
I leaned against her with exaggerated neediness. "I never want to be separated from you. You’re so amazing in my eyes, only..." I let my voice trail off like bait on a hook. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
"What is it?" she asked, completely hooked by my sudden change of tone.
She turned to look at me, noticing how my expression had done a complete 180. Something clearly wasn’t right.
Alpha Astra looked genuinely confused—we’d been having such a perfect mother-daughter moment. Why had I suddenly gone dark?
I dropped my voice to almost a whisper, appearing troubled and hesitant. "Mom, at the gala... I noticed you seemed genuinely intimidated by Caesar..."
Her eyes went ice-cold, and her voice turned razor-sharp instantly. "Nonsense. Don’t you dare say such things."
"Mother, please don’t shut me out," I pleaded, the picture of devoted concern. "If something’s bothering you, you should tell me."
"All right, fine," she sighed. "It’s nothing. His identity isn’t something you should be digging into. Just focus on your relationship with Hugo."
Sensing she’d clammed up for good, I tactfully excused myself, closing the study door behind me and leaving Alpha Astra alone with her thoughts. freēwebnovel.com
The second I was outside, my mask dropped completely.
Processing what I’d just learned, it appeared Alpha Astra didn’t know Caesar’s identity either. Could he simply be someone with shady connections?
No way in hell!
I shot upright as the pieces clicked together. I couldn’t jump to conclusions so quickly.
That man’s commanding presence was undeniable, and Alpha Astra’s wariness of him was 100% genuine. He definitely wasn’t as simple as he appeared.
Perched on the edge of my bed, I contemplated my next move. If that was the case, perhaps this man could be my secret weapon.
If I could somehow get him on my team...
Just thinking about Caesar’s devastating good looks made my face burn. I had to admit, I’d never seen a man so handsome before. Hugo looked like a discount knockoff in comparison.
Soon after, my contact hit me up with confirmation.
"Check this out—here’s your new headline. I got the premium placement just like you wanted."
After reviewing it, satisfaction bloomed inside me like a dark flower. "Absolutely perfect."
I immediately transferred half the promised payment. The investigator was initially pleased until he checked the amount.
"Didn’t you promise double? Why are you only sending half?" he demanded.
I responded with perfect calm: "Do you honestly think I’m satisfied with just this amateur-hour result?"
"Don’t be ridiculous. Fire up your bot network and make sure this headline stays glued to the top!"
"Yes, ma’am," he replied, having no choice but to kiss my ass.
Whatever else the guy lacked, he was a wizard at digital manipulation. Within minutes, the views and shares were going through the roof, with numbers climbing like a rocket.
Watching this beautiful chaos unfold, the smile on my face slowly widened like a predator baring its teeth. At this rate, it wouldn’t be long before Alpha Astra stumbled across it too.
Game on, sis.
