Chapter 102 The Game Flips

Chapter 102 The Game Flips

Violet's POV

Leah's sobs hung in the air of the side parlor, a fragile, trembling sound that refused to fade. It was as if the walls themselves absorbed her grief, holding it there for all of us to hear.

She spoke in broken fragments, each pause heavy, each word dragging jagged shards from the past. The truth came out in uneven waves, raw and unpolished, until the silence between sentences felt sharper than the words themselves.

I turned my head toward Clifford.

He sat with his back straight as steel, jaw locked, his face devoid of emotion. He looked like a man listening to a stranger's story, detached, untouched. But I knew better. Beneath the frozen calm in his eyes, I could see the shadow of a boy who had once carried shame alone, fighting unseen battles in the dark.

My chest tightened painfully.

Without thinking, I reached for his hand. His fingers hung loose at his side, cool against my touch. Clifford startled slightly, then glanced at me, a faint curve breaking the line of his mouth.

He was always like this - burying the deepest wounds so no one could reach them, yet somehow still offering me the gentleness I needed most.

"What's your plan now? If we simply release Leah's video and testimony, I doubt it will do much," he said evenly.

He didn't answer further, just gave me the smallest nod to continue.

"Aurora will deny everything and claim we coerced her. At best, it will tarnish her reputation. Or she'll use Goli's influence to distance herself from the fallout. And Leah's family is still in their hands. If we act recklessly, she might be driven to something desperate."

His arm slid around my shoulders, pulling me closer. "Then tell me - what do you suggest?"

I replied, "Aurora didn't send Leah to the media. Instead, she sent her here to blackmail us. That's not just about money - it's a probe, a way to test our response. If we pay her off again, she'll just come back with the same threat.

"Especially with your position now... If this gets out, there are people who would do anything to drag you down.

"So let's turn the tables."

A spark of mischief flickered in my eyes. "We keep Leah here, make it look like we've locked her up to silence her. In reality, she'll feed Aurora false information...

"But before that, we have to find Leah's parents and move them somewhere safe - before Aurora realizes what we're doing. If Leah has no fear for her family, she'll cooperate fully. And then we strike."

Clifford squeezed my arm. "You always think ahead. We'll do it your way."

I stepped toward Leah.

She lifted her head, red-rimmed eyes locking onto mine.

From above, I spoke clearly. "Leah, you heard me. Stay here, act as our informant, and we'll protect your parents."

"Thank you..."

My voice cut in, cold. "Don't thank me yet. I'm not doing this out of pity, and I haven't forgiven what you've done.

"This is because we refuse to become like Aurora. As for you and your parents, we'll settle that score when this is over."

With that, Clifford and I left the room.

Carl's call came through just as we stepped into the hall. "Violet, we've discovered a 16th-century tomb in the northern suburbs. Priceless murals and sculptures inside - urgent restoration needed. Interested?"

"Of course. When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"Perfect. I'll pack."

When I hung up, Clifford's voice was low. "Where?"

"Professor Vincent told me about the tomb. The murals and sculptures need restoration -"

"How long?"

"About two weeks."

"No. Too long. And with your pregnancy advancing, it's not practical. I'll speak to Carl -"

"Dear, let me go. These murals and sculptures are centuries-old heritage. If we don't restore them, their history will vanish. And Vincent asked for me for a reason. I promise I'll take care of myself."

"Then I'm coming with you."

I laughed softly. "Clifford, when did you get so clingy? My work will take days, maybe weeks. If you come, who will handle your responsibilities?"

"If I'd known, I'd have put you in charge of the company - at least then you wouldn't leave me."

"You know I wouldn't like that."

He sighed, hesitating, then gave in. "Fine. I'll send more protection. Six guards - enough?"

Six? It felt excessive.

But his eyes were darkening, so I nodded. "Enough."

He called for Clinton. "Six of our best to accompany my wife. And send a doctor and a chef."

"Understood."

I packed while Clifford sat nearby, still brooding.

I crossed to him, settling into his lap, arms looped around his neck. "Don't look at me as if I'm abandoning you."

"Isn't that what this is? All for a few old paintings..." His sigh was heavy. "You'd leave me behind."

"You're the most important thing to me." I kissed the corner of his mouth. "Besides, if I'm gone, Aurora will think I'm sulking. It'll shift her attention. I don't want to play her games every day."

"You always have an answer." He chuckled faintly. "The suburbs aren't as convenient as the city. If anything happens, tell me immediately."

"I will."

The next morning, Clifford drove me to the airport to meet Vincent.

"Hey, Clifford, Violet!" Carl greeted warmly.

I smiled back. Clifford only gave Carl a curt glance, his mood still shadowed.

"Take care of yourself out there." He adjusted my scarf. "Eat on time, rest, and if you feel unwell, tell the doctor. Don't push yourself."

"Mm!" I nodded hard.

His gaze shifted to Vincent. "If Violet comes to any harm, I'll hold you responsible."

I tugged his hand, taking my suitcase. "I'm off. Bye!"

I followed Carl through security.

Once we were out of sight, Carl exhaled. "Good thing I sent Joseph ahead. If Clifford knew he was coming too, there'd be trouble."