Revenge

"What exactly are you trying to accomplish, Lady Ashborne?"

Sebastian and the other Velmont family lawyers looked stunned at being summoned so suddenly under the current circumstances.

"Find out which assets are registered under my personal name and which are under Vaeldric's. Map everything out and report back to me as soon as possible, including every agreement tied to them."

They nodded without asking many questions. Still, I caught them exchanging glances behind my back, clearly confused about what was happening. Concern was written all over the faces of the three-man legal team.

"I also want to know what options I have to freeze every asset under my name. If possible, freeze all of them. Vaeldric may only access them with my permission. No more and no less."

"All of them, my lady?"

The hesitation on Sebastian's face was impossible to miss. The lines that age had carved into his skin seemed even deeper as he frowned.

After nearly forty years serving the Velmont family, it was understandable that such a reckless-sounding request would catch him off guard. Especially when Father had already given his approval for them to fulfill whatever I asked without interfering.

Even a request this outrageous hadn't shaken Father's support. I could see the faint trace of a smile hidden at the corner of his lips.

After all, he was the one who had taught me never to tolerate being looked down upon. A Vermont should never allow themselves to be humiliated.

If someone stepped on you, make them apologize. Then smile graciously as you step on them in return. That was the kind of justice I was raised with.

Whatever happened behind closed doors was one thing. In public, however, you must always remain elegant and forgiving. Because everything a noble does inevitably becomes public spectacle, whether right or wrong.

"Every single one of them. As soon as possible. If you can begin today, then do it today. Thank you. You may leave now. I need more rest before tomorrow's funeral and memorial gathering."

---

I stared at my baby, lying still before me. Clean. Peaceful. Beautiful.

I held him for the first and last time. Pressed a kiss against his forehead. Whispered my farewell.

His fingers were delicate. His eyelashes long. How handsome you would have been if you had stayed and become my child.

But perhaps this was simply your fate.

After everything your father has done behind my back, I'm not even sure I could have given you the warm and loving family you deserved.

No tears came. Perhaps I had already cried them all away.

Now I felt calmer. And, more importantly, rational.

"What kind of stunt are you pulling, Seraphina?" Vaeldric's voice cut through the silence.

He looked restless. His jaw was tight enough that it seemed he might grind his teeth, trying to contain his anger.

"Is holding my child and saying goodbye considered a stunt to you, my lord?"

Strangely enough, my voice remained calm.

At that moment, I realized I had finally let go of everything I had been holding onto for years. I was no longer afraid of losing the Ashborne title. Nor anything that came with it.

"What exactly do you mean by freezing everything?"

Ah. So he had finally noticed. Not surprising. Vaeldric had always been quick to notice anything that threatened his interests.

"I'm not touching what's yours, my lord. I'm merely taking back what's mine."

"How can you separate and freeze part of our family's assets? Even if they're under your name, everything is connected. I won't be able to operate anything properly if you insist on being this dramatic."

"Do families also abandon one another when one of them is fighting for their life, Vaeldric?" I asked.

"If that's the case, then I'm merely returning the favor."

He stared at me. Speechless.

Meanwhile, I paid him little attention, continuing to rock my baby gently as though he were merely sleeping.

"Come now, Vaeldric. Can't you see my child is trying to rest? Don't make a scene."

I carefully laid my baby back down.

"You made the right choice leaving, my darling. It seems your father isn't nearly as calm or wise as we once believed. Sleep peacefully and happily." I stroked his cheek one last time before turning away.

Vaeldric remained frozen where he stood. For the first time in his life, he was facing rebellion from the obedient, conflict-averse wife he had always known.

It was only natural that he didn't know what to do with the stranger standing before him. Not that I cared. I kept walking.

The funeral would begin soon. The memorial reception would follow. My mood needed to remain steady. Controlled.

I had no intention of letting the public see just how broken I really was.

"You're blowing this completely out of proportion, Seraphina," Vaeldric called after me as his footsteps drew closer. "You're being impulsive and unreasonable."

I stopped.

"I wouldn't have gone this far without a reason. You know that better than anyone."

Slowly, I turned to face him. "That night, you left me and our baby, Vaeldric. What exactly were you expecting from me now?"

"I never left you."

For the first time, his voice sounded calmer. His expression became more controlled.

"I only took Lysara home. That was all."

"I don't care." I spoke quietly. Yet I made sure he heard every word.

"Why is everyone blaming me?" he asked.

"I tried to do everything I could. I lost him too, Seraphina."

For the first time, he looked tired. As though he no longer had the energy to argue.

I looked at him for a long moment. Then I answered.

"You didn't only lose your child, Vaeldric." My voice was steady.

"You lost me too."