Chapter 19 Spider Silk
Selena's POV
This really pissed me off.
I hated this feeling of being out of control, hated being a pawn on someone else's chessboard, or... prey.
But right now, I couldn't worry about him.
I had a much better show to watch.
For the next two weeks, I spent most of my time in my greenhouse, or riding around the farm with Uncle Jonathan on his vintage tractors.
Meanwhile, out in the world, the drama I'd orchestrated was unfolding.
The stocks of Kateson Corporation and the Cater Group were in free fall, hitting new lows every single day.
Anna would report the latest news to me every morning, her tone as calm as if she were reading the weather forecast.
"Miss, Mr. Carter has flown to Geneva. Word is he's hired Switzerland's top legal team to pursue commercial arbitration over the North Star project breach of contract penalties."
I was trimming a pot of 'Lucifer' irises with small silver scissors. The petals had an almost pure black velvet texture, giving off an eerie purple glow in the sunlight.
"He's putting all his chips on the table." I laughed softly.
That thread I'd dangled in front of him—he'd grabbed it without hesitation.
Poor Myrdal. He probably thought he'd found his chance for a comeback, not knowing this lawsuit would be like a bottomless pit, slowly draining the Cater Group's last bit of liquid assets.
The drawn-out battle, the astronomical legal fees... He'd soon discover that sometimes, a quick death is actually merciful.
"What about Taisia?" I asked.
"She's been very active lately. She seems to want to prove her worth to the Katesons and Myrdal. She's fired several experienced department managers and replaced them with her own friends. She also rejected the finance department's cost-cutting proposal, insisting on continuing to sponsor several luxury brand fashion shows, claiming it's to maintain the group's dignity."
The scissors in my hand clicked softly as I snipped off an extra leaf.
How... adorably stupid.
She probably thought running a company on the verge of bankruptcy was as simple as shopping at the mall—just do whatever you like with a wave of your hand.
I could almost picture the delightful scene: Myrdal tearing his hair out in Geneva while Taisia set fire to everything back home.
"What about the Katesons?"
"They've already sold off one of their downtown properties to try and stop the bleeding, but it's just a drop in the bucket. Word is, they're banking everything on Taisia and Myrdal's marriage now, hoping the Carters will bail them out."
I nodded and set the scissors aside.
The timing was about right.
Sure enough, that afternoon, while I was watering my precious plants in the greenhouse, Anna walked in.
"Miss, Miss Taisia is here to see you."
I put down the watering can and wiped my hands.
Finally.
"Let her in."
I didn't go out to greet her, didn't even move an inch.
A few minutes later, the glass door of the greenhouse was pushed open.
Taisia stood in the doorway, sunlight streaming in from behind her, making her look a bit dazzling.
She'd clearly dressed up carefully.
A white Chanel suit from the latest collection, hair perfectly styled, face made up flawlessly.
She was trying hard to project an air of superiority, but her slightly trembling lips and her hands gripping her Hermès bag strap so tightly her knuckles had turned white completely gave her away.
"Selena." She finally spoke.
I didn't say anything, just picked up the iced lemon water from the nearby table and took a slow sip.
My silence made her even more uncomfortable.
She bit her lip, as if making some kind of decision, and walked in on her high heels.
"I... I came to..." She took a deep breath, forcing out a smile. "I came to see you. We're... sisters after all, aren't we? At the engagement party before, there might have been some misunderstandings..."
Sisters?
I almost laughed out loud.
Now she remembers we're sisters?
When she threw me out like garbage, why didn't she mention we were sisters then?
"Just say what you came to say."
I put down my glass, my voice cold. "I don't have time to play this boring sisterly love game with you."
My directness made the smile on her face freeze instantly.
"Selena!"
She rushed up to me. "The company's failing! Mom and Dad... they're worried sick, their hair's gone so much whiter! And Myrdal, he's being dragged down by that North Star project too! I know—you did all this, didn't you?"
Not completely stupid. She'd finally figured it out.
I looked at her with a smile, saying nothing, but my smile seemed to infuriate her.
"Selena! Don't go too far!" she shrieked. "Who do you think you are? You're just someone our family kicked out..."
A crisp slap cut off her words.
I pulled back my hand, shaking out my slightly numb palm.
The entire greenhouse fell silent instantly, only Taisia's heavy breathing could be heard.
She covered her rapidly swelling face, eyes wide as saucers, completely stunned.
She probably never dreamed I would actually hit her.
"Looks like you still don't understand the situation."
I looked at her coldly. "Taisia, you're in no position to negotiate with me right now. Either kneel down, or take your pride and get back to that house of yours that's about to become ruins."
I turned around and sat back down in my chair, no longer looking at her.
Time ticked by, second by second.
I could feel her venomous gaze stuck on me.
I knew she was struggling.
Her self-respect, her ridiculous pride—they were making their final stand against reality.
"You planned all this!" she screamed. "You just want to watch us die! You vicious woman!"
"Just figuring that out now?" I laughed. "Too bad. Too late."
I walked around her, picked up my silver scissors, and continued trimming my irises.
"Get out." I didn't even look up. "Don't dirty my flowers with your tears."
Taisia's POV
Half my face where Selena slapped me was swollen high. I covered my face and ran out.
That bitch Selena! How dare she hit me! And tell me to kneel!
I drove my car, racing aimlessly along the country roads, tears blurring my vision.
I can't let this go! I absolutely can't just give up like this!
Suddenly, a thought flashed through my mind.
Selena's parents! The Harts!
Yes, them!
They must not know what Selena did to me!