Chapter 224
The news of Alexander Kingsley’s miraculous recovery left Damian Kingsley utterly speechless.
His shock quickly morphed into fury, his expression turning glacial. Without warning, he lashed out, delivering a brutal kick that sent his assistant crashing to the floor.
“He was faking it all this time?!” Damian’s rage boiled over as he snatched up a vase and smashed it against the man’s skull. “What use are any of you? You couldn’t even see through such an obvious deception! Letting him play us for fools for so long is inexcusable!” His eyes burned with fury, bloodshot and wild, his entire body radiating violence.
“I’ve been pouring time and money into a black hole! First the yacht disaster, and now this—every attempt has been a failure!” The bitterness of defeat was sharp on his tongue.
“Now, find someone to eliminate him. I don’t care how—just make sure he’s buried six feet under!” The more Damian dwelled on it, the more his fury grew. A crippled Alexander had been a nuisance, but a healthy, legitimate heir? That was a threat he couldn’t ignore.
Just as Damian was about to explode, a soft, composed voice cut through the tension, followed by a polite knock at the door.
“Damian, aren’t you a bit old for tantrums?” His mother, Victoria Kingsley, stepped inside. Taking in the sight of the battered assistant on the floor, she bent down and helped him up with surprising gentleness.
“Now, now, don’t take it personally. My son has a temper. You’ve worked hard this month—I’ll see that you receive a bonus.”
The assistant nodded frantically, not daring to meet her gaze. “Thank you, Mrs. Kingsley!”
In truth, dealing with Victoria was far more terrifying than Damian’s unpredictable outbursts. She was a viper in silk, poised to strike at any moment. After all, Richard Kingsley had his share of affairs, and Victoria had outmaneuvered countless illegitimate children and their mothers with ruthless precision. Her cunning was legendary.
“What’s the point of a bonus? He’s as useless as a chocolate teapot!” Damian’s temper flared again, but the moment his eyes met Victoria’s sharp gaze, he faltered. He swallowed his words and obediently lowered his head.
“Yes, Mother. I understand.”
“Good,” she replied, her voice smooth as ice. “Remember your position. There’s no need for such theatrics.”
Victoria turned back to the assistant, her tone still eerily calm. “You may leave now. I’ve already called the family physician to tend to your injuries.”
The assistant practically fled the room, and Victoria watched him go, her eyes glinting with cold amusement. She took a slow sip of her coffee before speaking again.
“If your subordinates are incompetent, dispose of them quietly. No need to make enemies. If they’re worthless, cut them loose. But never let them see your true thoughts—emotions are a weakness.” She set her cup down with deliberate care. “Have you forgotten everything I taught you?”
Victoria’s gaze was as calculating as ever. “Richard has always favored obedient children.”
She believed that while they couldn’t yet claim their full place in the Kingsley dynasty, the day would come when everything would belong to them.
“Of course I haven’t forgotten,” Damian muttered. “But Alexander crossed a line. He pretended to be crippled and made fools of us for years. I can’t let this stand. He’s been laughing at us behind our backs! I’ll hire a hitman—make sure he disappears for good!”
“Even if he was acting, I’ll make sure he’s genuinely disabled this time!”
Victoria’s hand struck like lightning, the sharp crack of the slap echoing through the room. Damian’s head snapped to the side, his cheek instantly reddening.
“The last hitman you hired? If he hadn’t fled and kept his mouth shut, we’d be ruined. And you want to repeat that failure?” Even as she struck him, her smile remained serene. Despite her age, Victoria was as composed as ever—a woman who aged like fine wine.
“Think carefully, darling.”
“Then I’ll drug him! Ruin his reputation!” Damian blurted.
Smack! Another slap landed on the opposite cheek, leaving his face perfectly symmetrical in its swelling.
Damian stood frozen, mouth agape, utterly speechless.
