Chapter 109 109
Kylie's POV
I sank onto the worn sofa in my apartment, tossing my phone onto the coffee table with a frustrated sigh. The sunlight slanting through the blinds did nothing to lift my mood. Sure, the apartment was mine, and yes, I technically had money-but it wasn't enough, and it wasn't the right kind of power. I had been scamming people for a living, playing the game of wealth and influence, but nothing I had built felt real anymore.
My phone rang, jolting me out of my thoughts. I glanced at the screen and rolled my eyes when I saw it was Mom.
“Hello?” I answered, my voice clipped.
"Kylie, honey... I need money for medicine. Can you help me?" Her voice trembled, urgent and pitiful.
I flopped back onto the sofa, rubbing my temple. "Mom... I don't have any money. You know I don't have any spare cash right now."
There was a pause on the line, and I imagined her frowning, disappointment plain in her eyes even though I couldn't see her. "Alright... I understand," she said softly. "Just... Take care of yourself."
I ended the call and sank further into the cushions. My chest was tight with a mix of frustration and guilt. For once, even my mom couldn't get me to part with my dwindling resources.
The TV flickered on automatically-my news alert settings-and my eyes caught something that made my stomach twist. Footage of Xavier... No, the former Xavier, being dragged out of the pack mansion. He looked... Small. Defeated. Humiliated. And there she was: Maisie, radiant and commanding, taking the lead with Roman at her side. They were inaugurating the company's new name, Aria Williams Conglomerate.
I bit my lip, a bitter taste in my mouth. The empire I had once been part of-Xavier's empire-was gone, rebuilt by the woman we had all underestimated. And Roman... The way he looked at her, the tenderness, the devotion... It made my stomach churn.
A knock at the door pulled me out of my reverie. Howard walked in, holding a letter. His small frame seemed heavier somehow, burdened by the look on his face.
"Why are you still here?" I shouted, my voice higher than I intended. "I thought you left for school months ago!"
Howard's lips trembled, and he held up the letter. "I... I didn't pay my tuition fees. The principal said I can't stay at the academy... I've been kicked out."
I stared at him, aghast. "You... What?" My voice broke slightly. "You can't-this is insane!"
Howard looked down at his hands, ashamed. "I wanted to go back to school. I miss my friends. I... I miss it."
I groaned, pacing in frustration. "Fine. Go change out of your uniform. I don't have any money right now, Howard. Figure out your tuition... If you can. But for now, change your clothes. I can't deal with this."
He stomped his feet, sulking, and retreated to his room. I slumped onto the sofa again, my mind racing. Maybe I should just send him back to the orphanage. After all, I had only "adopted" him to help with our scams. He had been my partner in crime, pretending to be my son to dupe people. The thought of sending him away made me shiver-yet I was exhausted from carrying this burden.
My phone buzzed, dragging me from my dark thoughts. A notification from one of our old friends lit up the screen: "Party downtown tonight. Maisie will be there."
My pulse quickened. This was it-my chance. My cue. If I wanted to regain any influence, any foothold, any chance to worm my way back into Maisie's orbit, tonight was the night. I had to see her, apologize, even pretend friendship if I had to.
That night, I left my apartment, slinking into the streets with a mix of anxiety and determination. The bar was high-end, flashing neon and gold accents that screamed exclusivity. I approached the entrance, my heart sinking when a burly bouncer stopped me.
"No entry without invitation," he said.
I fumed, trying to hide my frustration. "Please... It's... It's important. I need to see her."
Just as I was about to turn away in defeat, the double doors swung open, and Maisie walked in. My heart leapt into my throat. She looked... Flawless, untouchable, commanding the room as she stepped inside, arm linked with Roman.
I ran toward her, desperation lacing my voice. "Maisie! Wait! Please, let me in!"
She turned, eyebrows raised, eyes scanning me like I was a stranger. "Who are you? Do I know you from somewhere?"
My heart sank. No... No recognition. But I couldn't show weakness. "Don't you remember me? I'm Kylie... I was your friend. We weren't that close, but I-well, I was there when we left four years ago. I was... A good friend back then."
Maisie's lips pressed into a thin line. She looked past me, unbothered, as if I were nothing. A bodyguard stepped forward, shoving me aside.
Maisie turned her head slightly, her tone cold: "Kylie... The one who deceived my husband."
My stomach twisted. Humiliation washed over me in a bitter wave, but I forced a fake smile and straightened. The guard stepped back, and I slipped inside, heart pounding, determined not to look defeated.
The bar was extravagant, more luxurious than I could have imagined. Crystal chandeliers, marble counters, golden accents. I followed Maisie to the bar, trying to mirror her composure.
When the bartender handed me a menu, I froze. The prices were astronomical. I didn't have a dime in my wallet. Maisie noticed my hesitation.
"You don't have money, do you?" she asked, a teasing note in her voice.
I shook my head, cheeks burning.
She smiled and waved her hand. "Don't worry. Consider it for me."
I wanted to vanish into the floor. All the power I had thought I held, all the schemes I had spun, meant nothing here. Maisie-her generosity, her dominance, her presence-rendered me invisible.
I lifted the glass to my lips, tasting the expensive cocktail, and forced myself to speak. "This place is… nice."
Maisie's lips curved knowingly. "Yes. I actually bought the club. It's for debutants and socialites."
I blinked. "Wow... I wish... I wish I could become a member."
She tilted her head, almost kindly. "I wish you could too, Kylie, but you'd need a company, something that promotes the good of the pack."
I bit my tongue. Nothing I have is legitimate. Nothing I do is good.
As she sipped her drink, a few ladies approached, congratulating her on her accomplishments. One noticed her ring. "Your engagement ring... It's stunning! Can I be your bridesmaid?"
I wanted to scream. My envy, my humiliation, every failure I had endured, boiled beneath my skin. But I forced a polite smile and said nothing.
When the ladies left, I turned to Maisie, voice trembling slightly. "Maisie... I... I need help. I don't have any money. I couldn't pay Howard's tuition, I don't know where Xavier is... He won't answer. I... I need your help."
She studied me, expression unreadable, and said softly, "I'll see what I can do."
I nodded, swallowing my pride, and left the bar later that night, walking home with a mix of relief and bitter resentment.
Once I was alone, I muttered under my breath, "She's actually a dumb bitch after all." A laugh escaped me.
I shook my head and walked on.
Truly, the world had changed. Maisie had power now, influence, respect and I... I had nothing … but that won't stop me.
I'll do anything to claw my way back to the top.