Chapter Four

He looked up and frowned at me. I cleared my throat and quickly added, "I mean...I was just saying hello."

His expression grew even more suspicious.

*She's definitely planning something,*

I almost rolled my eyes.

Could I blame him, though? The original Vespera had probably never greeted him without demanding something, threatening him, or finding a reason to punish him.

And she had exploited his incredible physical strength to the bone — forcing an E-rank wolf to carry out backbreaking manual labor around the estate day in and day out, acting as if his muscles existed purely for her amusement.

I glanced at the papers in front of me, then back at him, "Have you eaten?"

"Yes, my lady," He replied. 

*Are you out of your mind? Why would you ask me if I've eaten when you specifically told the kitchen attendants only to prepare us meals twice a week!* 

I let out a long sigh. Oh Vespera Veyne, the villainess you are!

"You're a terrible liar, Draven," I said softly, watching his eyes narrow in shock. "And for the record, I've withdrawn it all. I won't let my people starve anymore,"

*Her people? Since when does she call us her people?*

I reached for the phone on the desk and called the kitchen, "Could you prepare lunch for my husbands, please? Something proper. And send it to their room. Also, they are allowed to cook whatever they want any day, anytime. Do you understand me?"

The attendant replied and I dropped the phone. 

"You didn't have to do that," Draven said with a clenched jaw. 

*Is this a trap? Is there something poisoned in the kitchen, or is she just trying to see how long she can keep me standing here?*

I sighed internally. Fine. I couldn't force him to trust me in a single day.

"Go and eat, Draven." I repeated a little more firmly, "And don't worry yourself about any hard labour anymore. Focus on yourself,"

He stood frozen for a moment, completely paralysed by the unfamiliar kindness, before giving a stiff bow and leaving. 

As the door clicked shut behind him, I heard his parting thought fading down the corridor, *She's lost her mind. Absolutely, completely lost her mind... but at least the roast chicken in the kitchen smells good.*

I couldn't help a small smile. One husband fed and bewildered, two more to go. Now, back to finding those warehouses before the world ended.

By late afternoon, I had made more progress. 

The lawyers had confirmed that my inheritance was legally mine, and the necessary security changes were underway. The estate manager had also arranged for engineers to inspect the property the following morning.

It wasn't everything I needed, but it was a start.

I had also requested an inspection of the underground storage facility, because the more I thought about it, the more it bothered me. 

Why would my father commission an underground facility and never explain its purpose? Perhaps he had simply wanted a secure storage space? Or there was something else he hadn't told anyone.

I'll eventually find out, but right now, I had an auction to attend.

I went upstairs to change, choosing a fitted black dress that was elegant and simple for my chubby body. Then I tied my hair back, slipped on a pair of heels, and grabbed my purse.

I paused in front of the mirror and drew in a deep breath. It's my first time leaving the estate as someone else, and even though I knew what to expect, I was still nervous. 

Also, I reminded myself that I wasn't buying that crystal to make Rhydian hate me less, but because he needed it. 

"Miss Veyne? The car is ready." Someone said from outside. 

"Let's do this," I said to myself and stepped out. 

Rhydian was already waiting beside the car when I stepped outside.

He looked as handsome as ever, dressed in a dark suit that fitted his broad shoulders perfectly. The moment I saw him, I nearly forgot what I was supposed to say.

"Ready?" I asked, swallowing. 

He opened the car door for me without answering, *Let's get this over with.*

I climbed inside, and so did he. 

The journey was quiet, and I spent most of it reviewing the auction catalogue on my tablet.

The Lunar-Core Suppression Crystal was listed as one of the evening's featured items. Its estimated price was absurdly high, but that wasn't going to stop me.

Rhydian sat quietly next to me, his breath a little hitched from so much pain. I noticed, and reached for him again. But he flinched midway, and both of us froze. 

My chest squeezed again. 

"I'm sorry for all I made you go through," I said before I could help myself again. 

We stared at each other for a moment, and before he could think, I continued. 

"I didn't mean— I mean, I did mean them, but I'm not the same woman I used to be," 

His eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. 

"I've changed. I've changed a lot, and I want to make it up to you. To you three."

*Is she kidding me right now?! Or is she running mad?*

"I know it won't be easy to convince you I've changed. I've made you all suffer for three years in this marriage, when I was supposed to take care of you and protect you."

He shifted uncomfortably, *What the hell is wrong with her? Vespera has never spoken or sounded like this before,*

*But I will try my best to eventually make you all see that I no longer mean any harm,* I then offered him a tight smile and sat back. 

*That's weird* He thought and glanced at my face again, *Is she possessed or something?*

I almost smiled. 

When we arrived, the venue was already bustling with wealthy werewolves, business owners, and influential wolf families.

I stepped out of the car, adjusted my dress, and was walking toward the entrance when I saw them. 

Two women were standing near the steps, dressed in expensive gowns, and their faces were bright with amusement.

Seraphine and Isolde.

My stepsisters.

The women who believed they could steal my inheritance, poison and throw me into the hands of the zombies, and live happily ever after.

Quite unfortunate for them, really. 

Because I was already destroying their plans.