I continued, firm and calm, "Also, if you think making a shortcut deal with Cri—no, I mean Elena Berge—will help, let me warn you now. She'll toss you aside the moment your usefulness ends. That woman knows nothing but profit. She plays her games, uses people like pawns, and then sweeps them off the board."
I leaned forward, voice dropping with intent.
"But if you follow my plan, we'll rip her from her throne. We'll destroy her reputation and power, and Franz Stedelen will take his rightful position again. He'll owe us, and yes—he'll hand over that massive property in return."
Thomas raised a skeptical brow. "But don't you think… that property is all he has left? It's huge. You expect him to just give it up? And even if we do make a deal, I'll be the one doing all the work—pulling strings, arranging his release. What if he turns out to be no different from Elena?"
I smiled, unbothered. "You worry too much. Just follow my plan. After all, I'm your secretary—not just for decoration, you know." I inched closer, my voice turning soft, calculating. "I'm skilled at assisting those I choose… including you."
He smirked slowly. "You know, I don't know why, but I get the feeling you want to mess with my body instead of the plan."
I recoiled slightly, stepping back. "Not even in your dreams."
He chuckled. "Well, I wouldn't mind if you wanted to get messed up on my lap. But I must warn you—I'm already engaged. My future wife is the heiress presumptive of Parkstone Financial. If Nari ever caught you like this..."
He grinned. "I'm not sure you'd live to tell the tale."
I narrowed my eyes and smiled coldly. "Yes, Nari. But excuse me, sir—I have no interest in forming any kind of sexual relationship. So kindly control your words."
He kept smiling, amused, as if I were merely playing hard to get. But I wasn't.
I stared at him. My insides twisted with the memory of what I had endured.
Why am I even standing this close to someone like him?
A man who reminded me—consciously or not—of the abuse I suffered. I'd once been humiliated in my own home, in front of my own biological father. That day shattered me. That day made me leave everything behind.
But now… I was here, facing the same predator.
No, Ariadne. Stay calm.
It's nothing. Just the same manipulator with power. You've faced worse, he will not dare to touch me.
Still, my lips curled slightly in disgust.
He's a Lothario. A snake dressed in silk. I wouldn't be surprised if he had a dozen lovers tucked away behind Nari's back. Who knows what secrets he hides beneath his polished image?
I shook the thought away and regained composure.
"I'll book the flight to India," I said. "And arrange a hotel in Delhi for the operation."
"Good," he replied, still amused. "Please proceed."
Meanwhile — Black Vane Organization Tower
Inside the cold, high-walled office of Crimson Night—
The door slammed open. Monsieur Thomas Oak—known as Northern Dark—marched in, his face stiff with fury. He threw a thick black folder across her desk.
"Take it," he spat.
Crimson Night raised one perfectly arched brow. "What's this, Northern Dark?"
"The file. The evidence. It holds everything related to Caroline Garnier's case—including my involvement in her… disappearance."
"Oh?" Her crimson lips curled in a slow smirk. "So, you've handed it over willingly before any of the other council members could give it to me themselves."
She leaned back in her chair and began clapping mockingly.
"Good boy."
His fists clenched. "How long are you going to keep me under surveillance like this?"
She stood, heels clicking against the marble floor as she circled the desk.
"Who knows, dear Northern Dark? But think of it this way… It's for your benefit. It keeps you… and your precious daughters safe."
His jaw tightened. "You venomous witch."
At that moment, he realized—Nancy was now exposed. She was in the danger zone.
Amber Dubois and this vile organization could strike at her at any moment. And Ariadne?
She was under surveillance too. Watched. Controlled. First under him, then under her wretched stepbrother… and now, under Crimson Night herself.
She stepped closer.
"Trust is a luxury we no longer afford," she whispered. "A man who betrays his own past doesn't get to walk freely. You're lucky I've allowed you to remain useful this long."
"You...!" he snarled, raising his hand instinctively to strike.
But before his hand could fall, she caught it—her grip sharp as steel.
Her voice dropped to a hiss.
"I am the night where moonlight dares not shine. Where stars fear to twinkle. In the darkness, I hunt the royal-blooded and bathe the world in crimson. That's why they call me Crimson Night—the terror of noble bloodlines. I bring the blood to the moon, so even the sky refuses to let the light in."
She released his hand, her smirk unshaken.
He staggered back, stunned, his pride and power crumbling under the weight of her words.