Chapter 225
Damian let out an exasperated sigh, running a hand through his hair.
“Mother…” Amelia’s delicate features twisted in clear disappointment. “Last time, Alexander completely outplayed you. The media had a field day with those scandalous photos of you tangled up with multiple women.”
She crossed her arms, her voice dripping with disapproval. “That disaster hasn’t even faded from the headlines, and you’re already forgetting? We can’t pretend it never happened.”
Her sharp gaze bore into him. “If Father hadn’t stepped in, those compromising pictures would have been plastered across every tabloid in Kingsley City.”
She leaned in, her tone icy. “Those tired old tricks won’t work anymore. You need to be smarter.”
A flicker of regret passed over her face, and she reached out, gently brushing her fingers over the fading bruises on Damian’s cheek.
“My darling, just think for a moment.” Her voice softened, though the steel beneath remained. “Don’t let me down.”
Damian clenched his fists, frustration simmering beneath his skin. But he knew better than to defy Victoria. His entire position in the Kingsley family hinged on her machinations.
“Mother, why don’t you just tell me what to do?” he muttered.
Victoria sighed, shaking her head. “You need to learn that everyone has a weakness.”
She examined her perfectly manicured nails, her eyes dark with calculation. “Alexander used to be untouchable—a fortress. But things have changed.”
A slow, predatory smile curved her lips. “He has vulnerabilities now.”
She tilted her head, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Since he’s been so generous with his gifts, it’s only fair we return the favor.”
Her eyes gleamed. “To truly hurt someone, you strike where they’re most tender—like his precious niece.”
“Amelia?” Damian’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief. “But she’s Father’s granddaughter! He’d never allow us to touch her.”
“Did your father ever give you permission to go after Alexander?” Victoria countered smoothly.
Damian fell silent, the weight of her words pressing down on him.
“To him,” she continued, “it doesn’t matter if you’re the legitimate heir or the bastard son. All he cares about is who can uphold the Kingsley legacy.”
She smirked, her tone laced with disdain. “And men? They love their stable homes while playing around on the side. As long as you don’t cross the line, you’re safe.”
Victoria understood the male psyche all too well.
“Your father even turns a blind eye to petty schemes and inheritance squabbles—just to ensure the Kingsley Group ends up with the strongest successor.”
She waved a dismissive hand. “As for Amelia? She’s an afterthought.”
Her voice hardened. “Remember, power is earned. Amelia may be well-protected now, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a crack in her armor.”
She leaned closer, her eyes gleaming with malice. “Most of her security comes from Alexander. If something were to happen to him… wouldn’t that create an opening?”
Damian’s expression brightened with realization.
“Alexander is resilient,” he mused. “Even if we don’t take him out completely, if his precious niece is harmed, his mental state will deteriorate. The stress will worsen his migraines.”
A cruel smirk tugged at his lips. “An unstable mind can’t lead the Kingsley Group.”
Victoria nodded, satisfaction curling through her. “So, do you know what to do next?”
She paused, then dropped her hint like a carefully placed chess piece.
“There’s a short-track speed skating competition next month—a high-speed, high-risk event on ice. He’s always had a taste for adrenaline.”
Damian’s grin widened as he caught her meaning.
“Short-track skating is dangerous,” he murmured. “Accidents happen all the time. If something were to occur during the race, the blame would fall on the organizers.”
His eyes glittered with anticipation. “And if someone gives him a little push at the right moment…”
Victoria’s smile was razor-sharp. “Make sure he doesn’t walk away from it.”
