Chapter 87 SINISTER’S HATRED
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AUTHOR’S POV
Adeline stood in front of the full-length mirror, taking in the transformation that had turned her into something irresistible, dangerous—a vision designed to tempt and destroy.
Her dress was black, short, and sinful, hugging her curves in a way that left nothing to the imagination.
Thin straps rested on her shoulders, the deep neckline plunging just enough to tease, the hem ending mid-thigh, exposing her toned legs that looked even longer in the six-inch stilettos she wore.
Her makeup was bold and lethal—smoky eyes, long lashes that darkened her gaze, and lips painted a shade of deep red that screamed seduction and warning all at once.
Her long hair cascaded in soft, effortless waves, framing her face in a way that made her look both untouchable and completely irresistible.
She was ready.
Taking a final deep breath, she turned and stepped out of the room, her heels clicking against the marble floor.
As soon as she entered the living area, three sets of eyes turned toward her.
Eva’s jaw dropped first. Then, her lips curled into a slow, knowing smirk.
“Damn, Adeline, you look hot as hell.”
Adeline let out a soft chuckle, tilting her head.
“I know.”
Vladimir, however, was silent.
His dark eyes locked onto her, his expression unreadable. He wasn’t just looking at her—he was assessing.
Worry flickered through his gaze, hidden behind the hard set of his jaw.
And then there was Charles.
He didn’t speak immediately, just leaned back slightly against the armrest of the couch, his smirk slow and knowing.
“You know the plan?”
His voice was casual, but his gaze was sharp, watching her with the intensity of a man who enjoyed watching people walk into danger.
Adeline smiled, her eyes glinting.
“Of course.”
But before she could say anything else, Vladimir exhaled sharply.
The tension in his shoulders was visible, his fingers curling into loose fists at his sides. Then, without a word, he stepped forward and pulled her into a tight embrace.
“Be careful.”
His voice was low, serious, the weight of his words settling in her chest.
For a moment, she softened, letting herself sink into the warmth of her brother’s protective hold. No matter what, he would always worry about her.
She reached up, ruffling his hair, her tone light as she said,
“Don’t worry, little brother. I’ve got this.”
Vladimir sighed, stepping back, but the concern never left his face.
Charles, however, was already heading for the door.
“Let’s go,” he called.
Adeline followed without hesitation.
Arrival at the Hotel
The car ride was silent except for the steady hum of the city outside.
Adeline sat in the passenger seat, her fingers lightly tapping against her thigh as she went over the plan in her mind.
Charles glanced at her from the driver’s seat.
“Leonardo might be a bit hard to tackle at first,” he mused, his tone casual,
“but later, he’ll be losing—just wait for the right time.”
Adeline nodded, inhaling deeply.
She was ready.
As the car slowed in front of the luxurious hotel, she took a deep breath, steadying herself.
The building was practically a fortress, crawling with Leonardo’s security.
She couldn’t afford to be recognized.
Tonight, she wasn’t Adeline Romano, the woman seeking revenge.
She was just another club girl, blending into the crowd, invisible among the sea of women who surrounded men with power.
Charles had already arranged a discreet entrance for her, guiding her through a back entrance where the security wasn’t as tight.
Adeline moved with confidence, her heels clicking softly against the polished floors. She kept her chin high, her expression unreadable as she entered the main lounge area.
And then—
She whispered under her breath,
“The war is on.”
But then—
Her heart stopped.
Because standing across the room, in a corner bathed in golden lighting, was a woman she never expected to see here.
Elena.
And next to her—
Leonardo.
For a brief second, everything blurred.
Her fingers clenched at her sides, her nails digging into her palm.
She had expected Leonardo.
She had even anticipated how difficult it would be to get close to him.
But Elena?
She wasn’t part of this equation. She wasn’t supposed to be here.
Yet here she was—standing beside the man Adeline had sworn to ruin.
Leonardo had one arm casually slung around Elena’s waist, his fingers grazing the fabric of her silky dress as they spoke in hushed tones.
They looked… comfortable.
Familiar.
And suddenly, it clicked.
Elena wasn’t just with Leonardo.
She was with him.
Her presence here wasn’t a coincidence.
The realization sent a cold wave of fury through Adeline’s veins, but she masked it instantly, forcing herself to exhale.
She couldn’t afford to lose control.
Not now.
Not yet.
Beside her, Charles must have noticed her tension, because he leaned in slightly, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Didn’t see that one coming, huh?”
Adeline’s jaw tightened.
No, she hadn’t.
But it didn’t matter.
She would adjust.
She always did.
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to smile, tilting her head slightly as she turned back to Charles.
“Guess we’re in for a little surprise,” she murmured.
Charles smirked, his eyes gleaming with something almost amused.
“That,” he said,
“makes this even more fun.”
Adeline turned back to the scene before her.
Elena threw her head back in laughter at something Leonardo said, her hand resting on his chest as she leaned into him slightly.
The sight made Adeline’s blood boil.
Not out of jealousy.
Out of rage.
Because Elena had once claimed to love Charles.
Because Elena had once acted like she was incapable of betrayal.
And yet—here she was.
Standing beside the very man Adeline was planning to ruin.
The war had already begun, but now?
Now, it had become personal.
“ she fucking is a whore “