"Well, that was quite the performance, You literally put on a show inside there."Lucas drawled as he stepped out onto the grand entrance of the Hayes estate. The cool night air brushed against Elara's skin, but the tension in the atmosphere was anything but refreshing.
Elara barely spared him a glance, stepping toward the waiting car where Killian was already holding the door open for her. His expression remained unreadable, but the stiffness in his posture told her he was still irritated. Whether at her or the entire evening's events, she wasn't sure.
"Performance?" she repeated, tilting her head slightly as she slid into the car. "I was simply answering questions."Maybe you are the one that sees it as a performance.
Lucas laughed, leaning against the side of the car as if he had all the time in the world. "Oh, but you were more than that, weren't you? Dismissing Celeste's jabs like they were nothing, handling dear old Victor's test like a seasoned strategist... I have to admit, dear sister-in-law, I'm highly impressed."You are really unpredictable.
"You should get in or do you came with your car," Killian cut in, his voice as sharp as glass.
Lucas smirked but didn't push further. "Don't worry, brother. I'll leave you two lovebirds to it. For now."
With that, he stepped away, allowing Killian to shut the car door. The vehicle pulled away smoothly, gliding down the long driveway leading out of the Hayes estate.
For a what seems like eternity, neither of them spoke. The low hum of the engine and the distant sound of city life outside were the only things filling the silence. Elara could feel Killian's gaze on her, studying her as though trying to unravel a mystery. She refused to acknowledge it, keeping her own gaze fixed on the passing streetlights.
"You handled them well tonight," he finally said, breaking the silence. His tone was neutral, but there was something beneath it—a flicker of something she couldn't quite place.
Elara arched a brow, turning slightly toward him. "You sound surprised."Maybe I shouldn't have?.
"Not surprised," he corrected, tapping his fingers against his knee in a slow, thoughtful rhythm. "Just… aware. You're good at this. Too good."
She let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head. "Should I take that as a compliment or a warning?"
His lips twitched slightly, but he didn't answer. Instead, he shifted his gaze back toward the window, seemingly lost in thought.
Elara took a deep breath, leaning back against the seat. "Your family, they are really exhausting."
"That they are."
"And your sister Celeste seems particularly fond of taunting me. I take it she's always like that?"
"Celeste enjoys control. When she feels it slipping, she lashes out." Killian's voice was devoid of emotion, as if he'd long since stopped caring about his sister's antics. "She expected you to crumble tonight. But you didn't and that bothers her." You should be expecting more of that in future.
Elara hummed, considering his words. "Good. I'd hate to disappoint her."
He turned then, his gaze settling on her with something close to amusement. "You're enjoying this, isn't it?"
She met his stare without hesitation. "I just enjoy proving people wrong."
His eyes lingered on her a moment longer before he smirked, just barely. "Then I think,you'll fit in just fine."
The car slowed as they reached their destination. Killian's penthouse was sleek, modern, and utterly impersonal—just like the man himself. As they stepped inside, Elara kicked off her heels with a relieved sigh.
"I need a drink," she muttered, heading straight for the bar in the living room.
Killian watched as she poured herself a glass of whiskey, her movements steady despite the chaotic evening they'd just endured. He crossed his arms while leaning against the doorframe. "I meant what I said earlier. You handled them well."
Elara took a slow sip before meeting his gaze. "I didn't do it for you."
"I didn't say you did."
A beat of silence stretched between them before he pushed off the doorframe and walked toward her. He reached past her for the bottle, pouring himself a drink with the same effortless grace he did everything.
"Lucas is going to be a problem,he is full of tactics," he said after a moment.
Elara raised a brow. "You think so? I rather found him… amusing."
"That's exactly the problem," Killian murmured, taking a sip of his drink. "Lucas doesn't just amuse himself. He plays games, and he enjoys making people his pawns."
She leaned against the counter, swirling the liquid in her glass. "And you think I'm his next target?"
His gaze darkened slightly. "I think you should be careful."Lucas is not as simple as you see him.
Elara smirked. "I can handle Lucas. Just like I can handle Celeste, Vivienne, and even your father."
Killian studied her for a long moment before he set his glass down and stepped closer. "I don't doubt that. But this isn't a battle of wits, Elara. It's a war. And in war, you don't just fight—you strategize. You anticipate."
She tilted her chin up, meeting his stare head-on. "And where do you fit in? Are you my ally, or just another opponent?"
His expression didn't change, but something in his eyes flickered—something she couldn't quite place. "I suppose that depends on you."
A slow smile curved her lips. "Then I guess we'll see, won't we?"
For a moment, neither of them moved. The air between them was thick with something unspoken—something dangerous.
Then, Killian exhaled deeply,stepping back. "Get some rest. The real games begin tomorrow."
Elara watched him walk away, her fingers tightening slightly around her glass. She is already sick of this whole thing.
Yes, she thought. They certainly do.
This is really more exhausting than she think. It has been difficult for her at the family house but she scale through.
"How can she deal with all of this,she wondered".