Chapter 4

Damian’s Pov

I hated Gregory Vale with everything in me, and this hatred was not born overnight.

Gregory Vale ruined my father. He ruined my life, and one month later, my father put a bullet through his own head, a memory that still choked me like poison.

I stood near the ballroom entrance of the Vale mansion, adjusting the black feathered mask over my face.

Disgusting, everything about Gregory Vale disgusted me.

But tonight was not about anger; it was about observation. I had been looking for a way to exact my revenge on him for a while, and now it looked like my cue was near. Gregory Vale was preparing for his senate campaign, which meant he was desperate for influence, and men became careless when they are desperate.

I took a slow sip of whiskey while my eyes moved across the crowded ballroom, from upcoming politicians kissing Gregory’s ass to investors laughing too loudly at his jokes. It was clear to me that every single person here wanted something from him or feared him.

My eyes fell on a tall man with broad shoulders, in a gray and black tuxedo.

Gregory Vale.

He looked the same as he had years ago when he sat across from my father during negotiation meetings, pretending friendship while quietly destroying him behind closed doors.

I still remember finding my father in his office that night. Gregory Vale took everything from him, and tonight, I intended to begin returning the favor.

 My eyes caught movement near the staircase, and I saw her.

A young woman descended the staircase wearing a silver gown that shone beneath the chandelier lights. Her golden mask concealed part of her face, but not enough to hide how beautiful she was.

She smiled politely at guests as she walked through the ballroom, but the smile never reached her face.

I already knew who she was. Sidney Vale, Gregory Vale’s adopted daughter.

I had heard about her years ago but had never seen her in person. Gregory kept her hidden from the media most of the time.

I watched Sidney stop near the balcony doors, clearly uncomfortable beneath the attention surrounding her.

A dangerous thought entered my mind slowly. What if I could use her to get to him?

A few moments later, I noticed her quietly slipping away from the ballroom toward the upstairs terrace, and without thinking much about it, I followed.

When I stepped onto the terrace, I found her sitting alone on the floor near the railing.

Up close, she looked younger than I expected.

I studied her quietly while she adjusted her mask slightly. I was about to say something flirty when the doors suddenly burst open.

 “Why are you here, Sidney? Who is this man?” Gregory asked coldly, his gaze fixed on me.

I walked past Gregory without another word, but as I descended the staircase back toward the exit, only one thought remained in my mind.

I got into my car and tore the black mask from my face before tossing it onto the passenger seat. Diane, my partner and childhood friend who had been waiting for me in the car, smiled and hugged me tightly, but I was still lost in thought.

For years, I rebuilt everything Gregory tried to bury. I worked like a machine while Gregory watched in disbelief as the Blackwood empire rose from the ashes stronger than before. Now I was wealthier than he, but he was still more influential and more feared. So it wasn't enough to take away his money, because I didn't just want Gregory ruined, I wanted him humiliated, I wanted to destroy the one thing he valued more than money.

His Reputation

Diane looked at me inquisitively, “Well?” she asked

 “Gregory brought his daughter tonight.”

Diane went quiet.

 “She knows who you are?” Diane finally asked.

“No.”

“She thinks I'm a reporter.” I chuckled

“What exactly are you planning, Damian?”

 “She’s a means to an end. I intend to get as close to her as possible.”

“And if she falls in love with you?”

“Even better,” I laughed, but Diane wasn’t laughing.

The drive home was silent; I knew Diane was jealous, but I couldn’t do anything about it. My loyalty to my father held me bound.