EDMOND'S POV.
I stood with my back to the door, my hands clasped behind me, as I faced the window.
The fresh air gently caressed my face, and I sighed in contentment, savoring the moment of tranquility.
My gaze was fixed on the ground far below, the scenery seeming distant and blurred as I lost myself in thought.
Suddenly, loud noises erupted from behind the door, jolting me from my reverie. A frown settled on my face, my curiosity piqued.
What could the maids be up to now? Their commotion was unusual and unwelcome.
The door swung open, and Camilla’s face appeared, her expression far from pleased.
The displeasure etched on her features only deepened as she stepped into the room, her demeanor growing increasingly agitated.
“You sneaky old liar!” she burst out, her voice sharp and accusing. Her words took me by surprise, and I turned to face her, confusion etched on my face.
“What’s wrong, Camilla? Why are you here?” I asked, my tone more curious than concerned.
Her eyes rolled in exasperation as she closed the distance between us, her anger evident.
“Why am I here?” she retorted, her voice laced with bitterness.
“You have the audacity to ask me that when you’re nothing but a con artist, full of deceit? We paid you to provide us with accurate information, and instead, you made me look like a complete fool over there.”
Her words cut through my patience like a knife, each accusation fueling a growing irritation within me. I could feel my composure slipping as her frustration became increasingly evident.
“What on earth is your problem? You can’t just barge in here and make a scene without explaining what’s going on!” I said, my voice edged with frustration.
I turned fully to face her, trying to keep my composure.
Camilla’s eyes flared with anger as she replied sharply, “You lied to me. I should have known you weren’t capable of this. After all, you couldn’t even hold onto your position as Beta,” she said, her voice dripping with disdain.
Her words struck a nerve, and I clenched my fists tightly, trying to contain my rising anger.
“I told you the truth, Camilla,” I argued, my voice steady despite the anger brewing inside me.
“I gave you all the information I had. My source, from the very heart of Dane’s mansion, provided me with everything.”
“I may have lost my position as beta, but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong. Alpha Dane is cursed, and if you want to find out the truth, you should go to Nos and see for yourself.”
Camilla’s response was a harsh, sarcastic laugh that only fueled my irritation. She seemed even more agitated, her frustration mounting with each passing second.
“I went there, I made a scene,” she snapped, her voice rising with each word.
“I screamed, I kicked, and I ended up looking like a complete fool. But that wasn’t even the worst part.”
“I ran up the stairs, burst into the room, and instead of finding any grand info, all I saw was Alpha Dane sitting in a chair, calmly reading a book! You’re nothing but a scam. You’ve deceived me, and I swear, you’ll pay for this.”
Her accusations hit me hard, and I could feel the weight of her words pressing down on me. If what she said was true, then everything I had believed and relayed could be nothing more than lies.
“I’ll make you regret this. You’re nothing but a liar and a thief. How low can you possibly go?” Camilla spat, her voice dripping with venom. I had reached my limit with her relentless insults.
Ignoring her continued accusations, I sank into my chair, trying to regain my composure. I cleared my throat, the sound deliberate and firm, and then waved her off dismissively.
“You need to leave now,” I said, my tone brooking no argument. The moment the words left my mouth, a scoff of disbelief escaped her lips.
“Leave? You have the nerve to ask me to leave after you’ve pulled this ridiculous stunt?” she retorted, her anger still palpable.
“Yes, Camilla, leave. I have no interest in dealing with aggressive, disrespectful, and loud individuals in my home,” I snapped, my voice rising in frustration.
“Fine, I’ll make you regret lying to me,” she shot back defiantly.
“I’ll ensure my father hears about this disgraceful act.” Her threat was clear, but I simply snorted, leaning back in my chair with a dismissive air.
“Our father? Who the hell do you think you and your father are?” I replied with a sneer, my patience wearing thin.
At that moment, the door creaked open, and someone stepped inside the room. A chill ran down my spine as I recognized the voice.
“I see you no longer have any respect for me, Edmond,” the voice said coldly. Han emerged into view, his presence commanding immediate attention.
My heart skipped a beat as he walked with deliberate grace towards the couch across from me.
Han settled into the couch, crossing his legs with an air of practiced elegance. His gaze locked onto mine, intense and unwavering.
The atmosphere grew colder as I met his stare, the weight of his presence filling the space between us.
“Han, you didn’t mention you’d be here,” I said in a rough, strained voice, struggling to keep my emotions in check. Han had always been harsh and malevolent, showing cruelty in every possible way.
It was no secret that if things didn’t go his way, he would exact punishment on everyone around him. I had been aware of this for a long time.
Seeing him walk in while I was in the middle of criticizing him left me uncertain about what to expect next. However, the best strategy was to remain composed and not reveal any sign of weakness in his presence.
“You have the audacity to give us false information, Edmond?” Han’s voice finally broke the tense silence, carrying a sharp edge of cruelty. His eyes remained locked on me, unyielding and piercing.
“That’s not what you were paid to do,” Han said with a cold, menacing tone.
For a moment, I was caught off guard, unable to respond. I could only clear my throat, trying to regain my composure.
“If that’s the reason you and your daughter are both here, then I suggest you leave immediately. I have nothing more to discuss with either of you,” I declared firmly.
However, their unyielding stares made me feel uneasy, my stomach twisting with apprehension.
Suddenly, Han burst into a disjointed, unsettling laugh.
“Edmond, with how proud you seem to be acting now, do you really believe you’ve escaped the repercussions of killing the Alpha?” Han's words cut through the room, and I felt a chill of terror run down my spine.
I glanced at Camilla, who appeared completely unaware of the gravity of what her father was referring to.
“What are you talking about?” I asked quickly, my mind racing as I braced myself for what was coming.
“Do you honestly think I’m unaware?” Han's voice took on a dangerous edge. “Do you think I don’t know that you were the one who killed the alpha of the—”
I hurried toward him, dropping to my knees and clasping his feet desperately as my face drained of colour from fear.
“Please... Have mercy. Forgive me. I’ll do anything you ask, Han, but please keep my secret. Protect me. I want it buried. I’ll give you whatever you want in exchange for your silence,” I begged urgently.
I had thought this secret was buried and forgotten, but it had resurfaced to torment me in the worst way.
“Edmond, my dear friend, it seems only threats can make you behave properly. That’s more like it—seeing you on your knees,” Han taunted, his voice dripping with mockery.
I realised I could no longer afford to maintain a façade of toughness.
“Come now, get up. We are friends, after all,” Han said, placing a heavy hand on my shoulder as I struggled to my feet and met his gaze.
“What is it that you want, Han? What must I do to ensure you keep this secret?” I asked, fully aware that our so-called ‘friendship’ wouldn’t guarantee his silence.
Han leaned in closer, his breath warm against my ear as he whispered something I couldn’t immediately make out.
My eyes widened in shock, and I shot him a fierce glare as he drew back with a smug smile stretching across his face.
“Han! I can’t do that!” I protested vehemently, but his smile only grew wider as he listened intently.
“Well then,” Han said smoothly,
“If you can’t meet my demands, we’ll just have to let everyone discover the truth; that you’ve been both a liar and a murderer all along.”
“We’ll see how the truth shatters your reputation and how everyone’s disappointment will come crashing down on you. Choose wisely, my friend.” With a final, menacing look, Han turned and headed toward the door.
“Also,” he called over his shoulder, “I don’t want any delays. I expect this to be done as soon as possible.” With that, he exited the room, Camilla trailing behind him.
A frustrated groan escaped my lips, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on me.
“Samuel!” I shouted with urgency. He burst into the room, immediately bowing deeply in acknowledgment.
“You called for me?” he asked, his voice steady but filled with anticipation.
I nodded sharply. “Yes, get ready and prepare yourself. We have a mission to undertake, and it needs to be executed promptly.”