Chapter 268: Rivals Reconcile?
Seraphina's POV
The tantalizing aroma of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee yanked me from a deep slumber. Blinking against the morning light, I saw Leander in the doorway, balancing a breakfast tray with that damn charming grin of his.
“Morning, gorgeous,” he said, setting the tray next to me with a flourish.
I propped myself up against the headboard, eyeing the spread—avocado toast, fluffy scrambled eggs with a touch of cheese, fresh berries, and even my prenatal vitamins. “Hell, Leander, you’re spoiling me rotten,” I teased, a smirk tugging at my lips. “Not that I’m bitching about it.”
He chuckled, the mattress dipping as he sat beside me. His fingers brushed a stray lock of hair from my face, his touch soft as a whisper. “Speaking of spoiling, I packed for Victoria’s hot springs getaway. You sure you’re up for this? We can ditch the whole damn thing if you want.”
I sipped the decaf coffee, the warmth grounding me. “Nah, I’m in. This is our shot to figure out what those snakes are really plotting.” I grabbed his hand, squeezing it tight.
After breakfast, we tossed our bags into Leander’s sleek Mercedes SUV and peeled out of the city. His hand rested on my thigh as he drove, the other gripping the wheel. I caught him stealing glances at me—third time’s the charm.
“What’s with the staring, creep?” I teased, raising an eyebrow.
“Nothing,” he said, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Just thinking how wild this is. A year ago, you were tied to that asshole Dorian, and I was…” He trailed off, shaking his head.
“Pining like a lovesick puppy?” I shot back, grinning.
His laugh warmed me straight to my core. “Yeah, somethin’ like that.”
The SUV veered onto a private road, weaving through thick forest before revealing a clearing. There it was—Victoria’s so-called “vacation villa,” a goddamn palace of excess. Manicured gardens sprawled around it, steam curling up from the infamous hot springs.
“Jesus Christ,” I muttered under my breath. “Rich assholes and their ‘humble’ getaways.”
Leander snorted. “Says the woman who owns 51% of Ravencroft Group.”
“On paper, smartass,” I reminded him, my tone sharp. “And we both know that shit’s hanging by a thread.”
We pulled up to the entrance, and there was Victoria, perched on the steps like a queen, dressed in casual-but-obviously-designer threads. Her smile was polished to perfection, her posture screaming old money.
“Game face on,” I hissed to Leander as we parked. “Time to play nice with these wolves.”
Victoria glided over as we stepped out, arms wide in a fake-ass welcome. “Leander, Seraphina! I’m thrilled you made it.” Her voice dripped with privilege, every syllable rehearsed.
“Victoria,” Leander replied with a curt nod, his hand firm on my lower back. “Thanks for the invite.”
She air-kissed my cheeks, her pricey perfume subtle but suffocating. “Seraphina, darling, you look so much better. I was dreadfully worried after that… incident.” Her concern was as fake as her smile.
“Thanks for caring,” I said smoothly, keeping my poker face intact.
Her hawk-like eyes didn’t miss a beat. “Charlotte will join us soon. She’s bringing her apologies, I promise.” She leaned in, voice low and conspiratorial. “She feels absolutely awful about what happened.”
Leander and I swapped a look. Damage control, plain as day. The Whitmores couldn’t risk a scandal, not with someone tied to Ravencroft’s fortune.
“The place is stunning,” I said, pivoting the convo. “You’ve got killer taste, Victoria.”
Her smile turned genuine—nothing strokes these socialites like flattery. “You’re too sweet. Come, let me give you the grand tour before the others arrive.”
She led us through the villa, flaunting original art and custom furniture. The place was jaw-dropping—high ceilings, panoramic windows framing the mountains, rustic charm meets modern opulence. The hot springs were visible everywhere, steaming pools nestled among artful rocks. I hated to admit it, but I was impressed.
We’d just hit the main lounge when Charlotte strutted in, rocking a prim purple dress that screamed “sorry, not sorry.” Her blonde hair was pulled back, demure as hell, but her icy stare when our eyes locked told the real story.
Victoria lit up. “Charlotte, darling! Look who’s here.”
Charlotte approached, steps calculated, her face a mask of fake remorse. “Seraphina,” she murmured, voice barely audible. “I wanted to apologize in person for that night. My behavior was… unforgivable.”
I caught Victoria’s subtle nod of approval out of the corner of my eye.
Charlotte fished a small gift box from her designer purse. “This is just a token. I hope you can forgive my… lapse in judgment.”
Lapse in judgment? Bitch nearly killed my baby. Fury roared inside me, but I locked it down, taking the box with a cool smile. “That’s thoughtful, Charlotte,” I said, voice deceptively sweet. “I appreciate it. And I truly hope we can handle our differences more… civilly from now on.” The veiled threat hit its mark—her smile flickered for a split second before she recovered.
“Of course,” she replied, tight-lipped. “That’s all I want.”
Victoria clapped her hands, delighted. “Wonderful! Leander, I’ve been dying to show you the golf facilities. I’m eyeing an investment and would love your take.”
Her ploy was obvious—split us up, let Charlotte work me alone. Leander hesitated, his gaze searching mine for a sign.
I gave a slight nod. I’ve got this little viper. “Go ahead,” I told him. “I’m fine.”
“You sure, Sera?” he pressed, still wary.
“Peachy,” I assured him. “Take your time.”
Victoria beamed, looping her arm through his with practiced ease. “We won’t be long. Charlotte, show Seraphina the hot springs. She might want to relax after the drive.”
As they vanished down a hallway, Charlotte and I stood in the cavernous lounge, tension thick as fog. Silence stretched, a taut wire ready to snap.
I toyed with the gift box, deliberately not opening it, making her squirm. Finally, she cracked. “Leander and I go way back, since we were kids. I always thought we’d end up together. It felt… inevitable.” Her eyes narrowed. “Then you came along.”
“And?” I prompted, voice flat as a blade.
She slammed her glass down harder than necessary. “Can you imagine? Watching the person you’ve always pictured your life with get obsessed with someone else? Someone who doesn’t even belong in our world?”
Our world. The entitlement made me want to puke.
“Feelings aren’t pawns in your fucked-up social games, Charlotte,” I shot back, calm but cutting. “They don’t bend to family deals or elite bullshit. I get your disappointment, but it doesn’t excuse what you pulled.”
Her grip tightened on her glass, knuckles white. “I overreacted,” she forced out, the words bitter. “Mother made it clear how… messy my actions were. I’ve reflected and deeply regret it.”
She flashed a smile, fake as hell. “I hope we can start fresh this weekend. For Leander’s sake.”
I mirrored her plastic grin. “Sure. Water under the bridge.”