Chapter 38 A Gentle Towards The Edge (Vanessa’s POV)
“You shouldn’t look so pale that many would think no one is taking care of you, Demilia.”
I said it softly, with concern layered so convincingly that even I almost believed it myself.
She froze, watching me in shock. That alone was worth the effort, and even more
We were in the corridor outside the east sitting room, the one flooded with too much light, which happens to be Ethan’s favorite kind of space. He liked brightness, transparency, and assurances of honesty rather too much.
Demilia turned slowly, her hand instinctively hovering near her stomach before she caught herself and let it drop.
“I’m very fine,” she replied. Of course, she would say that. Women like her always did. They survived by pretending they weren’t unraveling.
I smiled, warmly, even sisterly, making her think she was safe. “That’s good to know,” I said. “You’ve been through so much lately.”
Her eyes flickered, like I was mocking her. And yes, I was. The wound was still open, and fresh, so anything could trigger it.
I stepped closer...not invading her space, just close enough to feel intimate. Trust-building proximity. It was a trick I had learned years ago.
“You know,” I continued gently, “stress does terrible things to the body.”
Her jaw tightened, like she would punch me any minute, but she dared not. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said. I tilted my head to her side. “Don’t you?”
Well, I let it be since she wasn't ready for the conversation. Silence unsettles people more than words ever could. “I only mentioned it because I care,” I added lightly. “Despite what you think of me.” She studied my face, searching for deceit, but I was careful enough to mask it completely.
She wouldn’t find any around me. “I heard you didn’t come down for dinner again,” I said. “Ethan was… worried.”
That was a lie, a big one. But I had to employ those services. Ethan didn’t worry, not even for a second. He was simply obsessed. But the word worried made her flinch all the same, even though she knew it was all an act. “I don’t need him hovering,” she replied sharply.
I sighed sympathetically. “I know exactly how that feels.” Well, as expected, that earned me her attention. “He has a way of making care feel like control,” I said. “Like you owe him peace in exchange for protection.” Her fingers curled into her palm. Oh, this was delicious.
“He married you knowing far more than he ever let on,” I continued casually, as if discussing the weather. “Men like Ethan don’t make emotional decisions. They make strategic ones.”
She swallowed, and I knew I was gradually getting to her. I watched her pulse flutter at her throat. “You deserve honesty,” I added. “Not surveillance disguised as love.” By now, her breathing had changed, very shallow, and measured. I stepped back then...never push too hard. The key was to plant, not force.
“I hope you rest today,” I said kindly. “You look… fragile.”
And then I walked away.l without another word.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Later, I sat in my car, hands folded neatly in my lap, replaying every micro-expression on her face.
From fear, to confusion, to doubt. That was just perfect.
I dialed a number. “Patricia,” I said when the line connected.
“Yes, Ms. Cole?”
“I need you to make sure Demilia receives the wrong schedule today.”
She paused, and I could hear her heartbeat. “Wrong how?”
“Nothing obvious,” I replied smoothly. “Just enough confusion to overwhelm her. There should be missed appointments, delayed meals. Make her wait rather too much.”
“That could upset her,” Patricia said nervously.
I smiled faintly. “Exactly what I want.” I ended the call and leaned back, exhaling slowly.
Stress didn’t need to be violent. It only needed to be constant.
>>>>>>
That evening, I found Ethan in the study, but he didn’t look up when I entered.
“Busy,” he said flatly without me saying anything.
“I won’t take long,” I replied, closing the door behind me. “I just wanted to thank you.”
That got his attention, of course, it would for everyone.
He raised an eyebrow. “For what exactly?”
“For trusting me enough to allow me to stay.” He stared at me for a moment, very suspicious. Of course, he does that all the time.
“I’m not here to interfere,” I continued calmly. “I see how strained things are between you and Demilia. I don’t want to add to it.”
A careful truth, but that can't be me. I must interfere. “I want to help,” I added. “In whatever way you’ll allow.”
His gaze lingered on my face, searching for deceit, but I already have everything under control.
Men like Ethan always did that...making sure to evaluate loyalty like a resource. “You’ve always known how to complicate things,” he said.
“And you’ve always known how to make people break under pressure,” I replied gently. “I suppose we’re both experts.”
A corner of his mouth twitched slightly, and a smirk escaped without his consent. That was a huge progress.
>>>>>>>>>>
I arrived just in time to see Demilia gripping the edge of the counter, her face drained of color. A maid was babbling apologies. Lena was rushing toward her, panic written all over her face.
“What happened?” I asked calmly, like I don't already know.
“She got dizzy,” the maid said. “Just for a second...”
“I’m fine,” Demilia insisted weakly. Her knees buckled weakly, but she refused help.
Ethan’s name was shouted, and the next thing, chaos followed. I stepped back, heart racing...not with fear, but exhilaration. I hadn’t caused this particular one. I had simply nudged the balance.
>>>>>>>
Later, I stood outside the room as Ethan’s voice rose inside, vibrating as he dished out orders like a madman. There were Doctors, orders from different sides, fear barely masked by command. I pressed my palm lightly against the wall.
“She’s fragile,” I whispered to myself. “And you’re losing control.” That was the most dangerous combination of all. I smiled knowingly.
Because once Ethan started unraveling, he would make mistakes, the ones that could cost him his empire, the one I'm targeting. And once Demilia started breaking, she would doubt everything...including the life growing inside her.
I adjusted my coat and walked away, already planning my next move.
You think this is revenge? This wasn’t revenge at all.
It was rather precision.
And I was only just beginning.