Seraphina stood at the entrance of Arkwright Manor, her silhouette framed by the grand double doors. Evelyn lingered beside her, posture impeccable as always, though her gaze flickered occasionally toward the horizon where Lady Callista's carriage would soon appear.
"Your Grace." Evelyn began softly, breaking the tense silence between them.
"Do you think this meeting will resolve anything?"
Seraphina's lips curved into a cold smile,
"It either ends with all of us screwed or him solving his debt."
Before Evelyn could respond, James approached cautiously, his usual composure tinged with unease.
"Your Grace." he said, bowing deeply.
"I thought you might want to know… it's been a month since Master Vayne last touched whiskey. In fact, he hasn't given any orders to the staff beyond necessities. He insists on doing everything himself—cleaning his own chambers, maintaining his bathroom…"
Marguerite chimed in from behind him,
"It's suspicious behaviour, Your Grace. For someone who once demanded constant service, this sudden independence feels… unnatural. It's like he's someone else entirely."
Claire also added her observation as well,
"And… well, I haven't seen him in weeks beside the renovations."
"He used to summon me frequently, but now… nothing. Not even for… simple matters."
Seraphina's expression remained impassive, though her mind raced with conflicting thoughts.
Her memories surfaced, she glimpse through a crack in the door during a late night in April where she heard Aric scrubbing tiles in his bathroom.
Another memory followed as she also saw him folding clothes neatly, stacking books onto shelves, refusing assistance even when offered. It wasn't just unusual—it was unprecedented.
An entire month and nothing about his actions reflects to his old self. I was cruel to him wasn't I?
"He's changed." Seraphina admitted reluctantly,
"But whether it's genuine or an act remains to be seen."
I can't let myself believe a monster could change overnight to some amnesia. There must be another reason. It's like he's a different person.
The sound of carriage wheels crunching against gravel signalled Lady Callista Duval's arrival. Penelope emerged first, her red hair tied back in a tight bun as she carried countless ledgers and documents stuffed into leather satchels.
Behind her, Callista stepped out gracefully, her black-and-red attire exuding confidence and sensuality. Unlike Seraphina's regal elegance, Callista's style leaned toward provocative glamour—tight-fitting dresses that accentuated her curves, paired with bold accessories designed to draw eyes wherever she went.
Evelyn watched the exchange silently, noting how Callista's energy seemed to radiate outward, commanding attention without effort while Seraphina's beauty was timeless and refined.
"Well, well." Callista purred, sauntering toward Seraphina with a smirk.
"If it isn't the esteemed Lady Arkwright. Still clinging to your crumbling empire, I see."
Seraphina's smile never wavered, though her eyes narrowed imperceptibly,
"Lady Callista. Always a pleasure. Though I must admit, your reputation precedes you. Swindling husbands, selling yourself to the highest bidder—such scandalous hobbies. One wonders how you find time for anything else."
Callista laughed lightly, brushing off the insult with practiced ease.
"Oh, darling, jealousy doesn't suit you. Besides, my methods may be unconventional, but they're effective. Unlike some people who cling to outdated traditions while their household falls apart around them."
As they walked side by side toward Vayne's office, Callista tilted her head curiously, sensing something unusual.
"Interesting…" she murmured, glancing down at the marble floor.
"There's heat emanating from below us. What kind of sorcery is this?"
Seraphina raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance.
"Sorcery? Hardly. My...husband has been experimenting with… innovations. You'll understand soon enough."
From the corner of her eye, Callista noticed a large metallic box tucked discreetly against the wall—a refrigerator humming softly, its surface cool to the touch.
Intrigued, she made a mental note to investigate further.
Whatever these 'innovations' were, they clearly hold value. Vayne obeys me. He will give it to me.
Upon entering Vayne's office, Callista paused, visibly relaxing as the cool air from the air conditioning unit washed over her. She glanced around appreciatively, taking in the sleek design of the ceiling fan and the fluorescent light overhead.
"This is impressive." she admitted, running a finger along the polished desk.
"Whoever designed this has talent. So tell me, dear Seraphina, who do I owe this marvel to?"
Seraphina clenched her jaw briefly before forcing out the words. "Again, it's my… husband."
Even saying those two syllables felt like swallowing shards of glass. Yet she couldn't deny the truth—Aric's inventions had transformed not only their home but also the dynamics within it.
Callista chuckled softly, trailing her fingers along the edge of the empty chair where Vayne should have been seated.
"Ah, yes. The infamous Vayne Arkwright. Such a charming man—when he's not cheating on you."
Her gaze flickered toward Seraphina,
"Tell me, does he still grovel at your feet, begging forgiveness for his sins? Or has he moved on to greener pastures?"
Seraphina shadow tendrils writhing subtly beneath the hem of her dress.
I'll kill you one day Callista. I'll kill you.
"Careful, Callista. Some wounds run deeper than others. And some debts demand repayment in blood."
Callista smirked, leaning back against the desk.
"How poetic. But let's cut to the chase, shall we? I'm here for the money—or rather, what your precious husband owes me. Five hundred thousand gold sovereigns, plus interest. Surely, such a clever man has found a way to settle his accounts?"
Not like I'm ever gonna let go of you or your husband. You're both mine.
As they waited for Aric to arrive, both women stared at the empty chair in front of them. To Seraphina, it represented betrayal—a reminder of Vayne's infidelity and cruelty. To Callista, it symbolized opportunity—a chance to exploit weakness and claim victory.
Aric descended the grand staircase from the fourth floor, each step echoing faintly against the marble walls. His presence commanded attention—not because of arrogance, but because he looked every bit like the dark prince of House Arkwright.
Clad in a suit conjured by his Creation Magic, the ensemble was nothing short of perfection. Tailored to accentuate his toned physique and towering 6'1 frame, the midnight-black fabric gleamed subtly under the chandeliers' glow.
A deep grey shirt beneath complemented his piercing eyes, while the insignia of House Arkwright was meticulously burned into the lapels of his jacket and cufflinks. Even the tie seemed alive, its texture shifting ever so slightly as if woven with threads of shadow itself.
Every staff member who caught sight of him paused mid-task, their expressions a mix of fear, resentment, and begrudging admiration.
"Handsome son of a bitch." James muttered under his breath, shaking his head as he polished a silver tray.
Marguerite rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a flicker of awe,
That suit probably cost more than my yearly wages. Typical Vayne—always flaunting wealth, even when we're drowning in debt.
Yet what truly set Aric apart wasn't just his appearance—it was his demeanor. His jaw was clenched tightly, his lips moving soundlessly as though arguing with thin air.
To anyone else, it might have appeared eccentric, crazy and even unhinged.
[Aric, your plan is objectively terrible!] Ivy snapped, her hands wanting to choke him from the screen.
[You seriously think seducing Lady Callista in some half-baked businessman act will work? She eats men like you for breakfast—and spits them out before dessert.]
It's not about seduction. Aric shot back mentally,
It's about persuasion. If she rejects the inventions, fine. Then I'll offer her something else—something personal! The vibrat-
Ivy stopped his thoughts immediately with a 'what the fuck' face,
[Oh no. No, no, no. You are NOT pulling out that ridiculous vibrator idea again. That's plan Z for a reason—it's absurd! It's stupid and it's UNHINGED.]
Why? It works if you think about it! Aric countered sharply.
If all else fails since I suck at politics, why not show her 'unparalleled pleasure'? It buys us time, doesn't it? Plus, she thrives on control. What better way to disarm her than to give her exactly what she craves for? Except—I overload her. I'll overstimulate her. I'll make her cum faster than any dick, any tongue. Hell, even a woman, whatever gets her off. People like her hate losing control. They hate being humiliated. And if it's by me, I could practically make her beg. How is this a bad idea?"
Ivy stared at him in disbelief. Ivy then shouted, throwing up her hands dramatically,
[Because your WIFE WILL KILL YOU FIRST!]
[Do you not remember the fight? Did Vayne's amnesia magically affected your perfect memory? SERAPHINA. NEARLY. MURDERED. YOU. And if you do your 'plan vibrator', she'll literally rip you apart if she sees you trying to make Callista cum! Seriously, have you forgotten how she operate? Do I need to remind you? She's basically on her worst day of her period whenever you're around!]
Ivy, stop exaggerating. Aric groaned internally,
Look, I'm not doing this blindly. I've thought it through—sort of. Besides, what's your brilliant alternative? Just sit there and hope she accepts the inventions without question?
[YES, THAT'S EXACTLY MY PLAN!] Ivy retorted, dragging her fingers through her red hair in exasperation.
[Let me explain why my plan is objectively better: First, WE focus solely on the business deal. Offer her the inventions at a fair price, renegotiate terms, and pay off the debt cleanly. Second, WE do NOT flirt with her. Third, absolutely NO toys. Got it?]
But what if she refuses? Aric pressed stubbornly.
Then what? Do I just roll over and let her ruin us? Let her be in control? I can guarantee you that she will reject it if I don't offer something else besides the blueprints.
[God you're insufferable sometimes.] Ivy facepalmed,
[Fine. Let's say you somehow pull off this brain dead scheme. How do you think Seraphina will react when she sees you making Callista orgasm? Hmm? Oh wait, I know! She'll murder you. Repeatedly.]
Aric exhaled, looking away. …You're not wrong.
By the time Aric reached the ground floor, the argument had escalated into a full-blown verbal brawl. Staff members glanced nervously between him and the empty space beside him, wondering if their master had finally lost his mind.
"Where is my wife and Callista?" Aric asked aloud, his tone clipped and impatient.
James and Claire answered simultaneously, both visibly confused,
"In your office, Master Vayne." James replied quickly, bowing deeply.
"Yes." Claire added, fidgeting with her apron.
"They've been waiting for an hour."
[Great. Now everyone thinks you're talking to yourself.] Ivy snarked, crossing her arms irritably
[Congratulations, Administrator. Truly inspiring leadership right there. Can I get an autograph?]
Shush, Ivy. Aric sighed.
Ivy told sternly, [I'm reminding you again. Your only goal is to get Callista to agree to rewrite the debt using your inventions as payment. Nullify it completely. Once the debt is gone, that nympho succubus bitch is out of our lives forever. Understood?]
Aric frowned, tilting his head slightly.
Why are you so worked up about this? You're usually sarcastic.
[Because, genius.] Ivy shot back, narrowing her eyes.
[Remember that hour-long argument in your room, you creating the big vibrator and us watching Callista FUCK 'YOU' multiple times? Oh you know, the hour wasted since you wanted to understand her nature? It was like watching paint dry by the 10th replay for heavens sake. Trust me, seeing that bitch humiliate you, well Vayne, isn't exactly fun or stimulating.]
Fair point. Aric conceded reluctantly.
Alright, alright. Focus on the business deal. No flirting. No toys. Just… negotiations.
[Finally, something we agree on.] Ivy smirked triumphantly, folding her arms.
[Now walk confidently. You look like a man walking to his execution.]
As Aric approached the heavy oak doors leading to his office, the tension in the air became palpable. Behind them lay two of the most dangerous women in the realm—one seeking revenge, the other craving dominance.
[I mean it, Aric.] Ivy warned one last time,
[One wrong move, and you're dead. Literally. Don't screw it up.]
With a deep breath, Aric pushed open the doors, stepping into the lion's den.