Chapter 31: Cracks in the Villain’s Mask

Chapter 31: Cracks in the Villain’s Mask
Adrian’s POV

I lay on the bed that night, one hand absentmindedly stroking my cat’s fur as it purred softly beneath my palm. Vale should give birth in a matter of days — I’d been tracking the whole thing like it was my personal project.
But something wasn’t adding up. The thought came suddenly. 
If Rosa saw Gloria being pushed into the water, why didn’t she scream for help when Lucas left?

The pieces weren’t connecting, and the unanswered questions were starting to make my head ache. 
I was going to see Rosa tomorrow anyway; I’d get answers from her then.

My throat suddenly felt dry, so I pushed myself up and padded downstairs for a glass of water. 
It was still drizzling outside, the night air smelling lightly of wet pavement. In the quiet flat, the soft hiss of the rain felt loud.

I had just taken a gulp when the flat-screen caught my attention — Elena’s face filled the screen.
What now? She was always in the headlines for something.
I stood still, glass in hand, and listened.
“Elena Scarlet has solved the death case previously ruled a suicide,” the reporter announced.

“She has finally exposed the real killer — Rosa, a close friend of the late Gloria. Elena is currently unconscious but stable at the hospital.”
“That’s not possible,” I muttered, frowning in disbelief.

I grabbed my phone and dialed Kade. He picked up,

“Hey man, what’s up?” he mumbled sleepily.
 “Did you see the news?” I asked.
 “What news?” His tone sharpened.
 “Don’t worry — we’ll talk tomorrow.” I hung up before he could say more.


The next morning, we were all seated for breakfast — something that only happened once in a blue moon. 
The table was a quiet display of perfection: a bowl of fresh fruit, smoked salmon arranged on fine porcelain, warm croissants resting in a silver basket, a pot of strong tea, and chilled orange juice gleaming in crystal glasses. 
My mother always had the chefs set it this way whenever my father was home for breakfast.
As I sipped my tea, my mother glanced at the headlines on her phone, then at me.
“Adrian, did you see the news about your school yesterday?”
I nodded slowly, hoping she wouldn’t say what I was already dreading.
“She’s such a brave young girl,” my father added, looking briefly at my mother.

“Yes,” my mother chimed in with a small chuckle. “Imagine someone like that beside you, Adrian — helping build the Beaumont empire even further.”
I drew in a slow breath. I knew exactly where this was heading.
“You’ll be going to the hospital after school to check on her, right?” my mother asked.

“Mom—” I started, ready to explain that I had more important things to do.

“There is no excuse, Adrian,” my father cut in sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I set my cutlery down harder than I meant to, grabbed my bag, and left.


At school, the air buzzed with whispers. Some students were talking about Lucas, while others were praising Elena. 
I went straight to our private rest lounge. 
“Lucien, what’s with the sudden switch to Bella? I thought you liked Vera —one of the scholarship girls?” Kade teased as they walked in.

“Can we not talk about that right now?” Lucien snapped. 

Kade raised his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright.”

“So, they’re saying Rosa deleted the footage herself?” Kade said, sliding into the seat beside me. 

“As if a scholarship kid could pull that off without help.” Lucien scoffed.

“Still doesn’t explain how she got past the system,” Kade muttered.
I leaned back. “Exactly. None of it adds up.”
“Let’s get to class. We’ll dig into this later.” Lucien added, as we all stood up.


After our basketball game against the neighboring school team, we won by twenty points, the kind of victory that left you exhausted in the best way. 
By the time I got home, Abel — my personal assistant — was already waiting. His smile always puts me on edge.
He stepped forward, carrying a bouquet — a refined arrangement of white orchids and long-stemmed roses.
 “Welcome back, sir,” he said.
I clenched my jaw.

“In an hour, I’ll be accompanying you to the hospital to greet Elena,” he added, wearing that same smile that always made my stomach twist.
I didn’t bother replying. I headed upstairs to shower.


We had barely left the estate when my phone buzzed. It was Michelle — my sister, who never calls but rather prefers texts.

“Hey, Michelle. You good?” I asked, genuinely surprised.
“Yes, brother. I’m at the mall. You know Dad’s birthday is next month, so I wanted to get his gift now before my practicals take up all my time,” she said.
I exhaled sharply. “You can get him anything, Michelle.” Not like he’ll notice it anyway.
“I’m torn,” she continued. “Maybe a Swiss watch or a bespoke leather briefcase?”

“Get both,” I said quickly. “Let’s talk later.” I told her and hung up.
Abel glanced at me through the rear view mirror.

“Sir, your parents want you to present the flowers yourself,” he said, grinning.

“What?” I muttered under my breath.


At the hospital, Abel handed me the bouquet. I took a slow breath before stepping into the private room.
Elena was propped up in bed, pale but awake. When her gaze landed on me, her head tilted slightly, as if she couldn’t quite figure out why I was there. 
Her assistant came to collect the flowers from me and added them to the several ones people and her loyal fans had brought into the hospital.

Her mother was on the couch, phone pressed to her ear.
“Thank you so much for coming by your Excellency,” she said before flashing me a small smile.

“Hello, Adrian,” she greeted warmly after ending the call.
“Hello, ma’am. I’m sorry about what happened,” I said, with firmly.

“It’s okay, Adrian. She’s fine now,” she replied.

I looked at Elena properly for the first time up close. For years, I’d painted her as a villain — cold and ruthless, always doing things her way. 
But sitting there, fragile and having fought to clear her name, she seemed… different. For the first time, I felt a tiny bit of sympathy.
Just then, Zane walked in, greeted Elena’s mum and headed straight to her bed side. A plaster covered a small cut on his hand. 
He took Elena’s hand gently.

“How are you now?” he whispered. She smiled sweetly in return.
I smirked inwardly. I hoped they kept this up — it might make the engagement fall apart eventually.
I turned, ready to excuse myself, but the door opened again and Lucy stepped inside.
Elena’s voice rose sharply.

“What are you doing here?” she said, while Lucy smirked mischievously.