Nyla's Velar purred softly as she guided it through the estate gates, headlights cutting across the polished marble paths. The city lights faded behind her as she entered the familiar sanctuary of her family's grounds. Bags from Kimberly's event rested carefully on the passenger seat, receipts tucked out of sight, while her phone buzzed faintly with notifications from the launch. She parked, slid the keys into her bag, and stepped out, letting the cool evening air brush over her.
The mansion loomed ahead, silent and imposing. She adjusted her coat, straightened her posture, and made her way to the sitting room, heels clicking deliberately against the marble floor.
As soon as she entered, Cherry's gaze locked onto her, sharp and accusing.
"There you are," Cherry snapped, arms crossed. "Do you have any idea what time it is? You didn't come to work today. Not a single call, not a single report. Do you think this is a game?"
Nyla raised an eyebrow, smiling faintly. "Relax, Aunt Cherry. I had a very important meeting."
Cherry's lips pressed into a thin line. "Important meeting? At your father's company? Or at some boutique, playing dress-up?"
"I assure you, it was all business," Nyla replied, dropping her bags and brushing off the rebuke with casual ease. "Some meetings just happen to be… disguised in silk and champagne."
Cherry's hand twitched in irritation. "Nyla. This is serious. Your father's company won't run itself. And you—his heir—cannot spend days running around pretending to be social."
Nyla tilted her head, a faint edge of sarcasm sharpening her voice. "Of course, Aunt Cherry. I wouldn't dream of wasting time while Father clings to his health… or his empire. But really, how much longer does he intend to linger before someone actually secures the company?"
Cherry stiffened. The audacity… She pinched the bridge of her nose, muttering under her breath as she turned toward the study, "This little princess… neither she nor her father is ready to manage anything. Neither of them…"
Nyla caught the words, lips curling faintly in satisfaction. Let her think that. Let her underestimate me. With a soft sigh, she retreated upstairs to her room, letting Cherry stew in her irritation.
Cherry marched purposefully to Alaric's study, her heels clicking against the floor. The heavy door closed behind her, and she straightened before speaking.
"Father, your beloved heir," she began, voice tight with restrained frustration, "is wasting her time. She didn't come to work today. She's attending events, shopping, flaunting herself while the company—our family's legacy—is at risk."
Alaric, seated behind his polished desk, lifted his gaze slowly, eyebrows arching faintly. "I see," he murmured, calm as ever, though a crease of concern flickered at the edge of his brow.
"She doesn't understand the stakes," Cherry pressed on. "How can she secure anything when she's more interested in social gatherings than strategy?"
Alaric sipped his tea slowly. "She's learning in her own way," he said softly. "Patience, Cherry. The moves she makes may not be obvious now, but they are not without purpose."
Cherry huffed, unconvinced, muttering as she left: "If only they realized how fragile everything is… how unready both of them are."
Nyla, still within earshot of the hallway as she returned to her room, caught fragments of the words. Fragile… unready… She smiled faintly. Let them underestimate me. Let them assume I waste time.
Cherry had not yet reached her own residence when the faint rumble of an engine drew her attention. Her sharp eyes caught a sleek black G-Wagon gliding past the estate, headed straight toward Jay's building. Behind the wheel sat Edward, calm and measured, with Vera beside him, exuding the quiet precision that Cherry had always noted but never understood.
Cherry's brow arched. Why are they headed there? They have no business meddling, yet they go directly to Jay. Edward, always so nonchalant, majoring in medicine while leaving the family business to others. Vera, capable, seasoned, yet absent from both Jay's Group and VALE…
A flicker of curiosity and suspicion drove her forward. She quickened her pace, determined to follow discreetly. They may act indifferent, but they cannot hide their interest completely. I will know what is being discussed.
As Cherry observed from a careful distance, her mind continued to churn. Edward married a seasoned accountant, yet she doesn't apply her skills where it matters. And he… he's content in medicine, leaving corporate affairs to the rest. Perhaps he trusts Jay too much, or perhaps he thinks he's above it all. Either way… someone needs to pay attention. If Jay ever slips, the company could crumble without their awareness.
Meanwhile, Nyla leaned against her desk, reflecting on the encounter with Cherry. The older woman's underestimation was a tool, not a threat. Let them underestimate me, she thought. It makes the next moves far easier. And if Edward and Vera are observing… even better. I'll watch, I'll learn, and when the time is right, I'll act.
The estate was quiet, but the night was far from still. Secrets, strategies, and subtle observations moved in every shadow. Some, like Cherry, prowled openly with suspicion. Others, like Edward and Vera, remained quietly attentive, their intentions unreadable. And Nyla, behind the safety of her closed door, smiled faintly.
For the first time in her life, she felt the game shift—and she had the advantage of unseen eyes watching over her every move.