Victoria_Xoxo

He chuckled. “What’s with the face?”

I blinked. “What?”

“You’re blushing.” His voice held a teasing lit, and I could practically hear the smirk behind it.

“Oh.” I raised a hand to my cheek, rubbing absently, only to feel the warmth spreading across my skin. My lips twisted into a small, guilty smile.

Leo’s eyes gleamed with amusement. There was something about the way he looked at me—steady, knowing—that made me uneasy. Not because I felt uncomfortable, but because I had spent so long misunderstanding him.

Why hadn’t I seen his loyalty from the start? Why had I assumed he wanted me for business, for something transactional? A pang of guilt settled in my chest.

“This place is…” I started, glancing around, searching for words.

He leaned back slightly, one arm draped over the chair. “Deserving of a heiress,” he finished smoothly. “I had a work break.”

A warm rush of gratitude filled me, but it was quickly dampened by a lingering thought. Cassie had mentioned something earlier—something about Ophelia storming into Leo’s office. My fingers curled slightly against the tablecloth.

Kill Lila!

<p>Things went back to normal between Fiona and me, as though nothing had happened. We slipped into our usual routines, conversations devoid of the weight of the truth that lingered unspoken between us. Yet, I knew it was only a matter of time before Sebastian discovered that Fiona wasn't his niece. The thought made me both anxious and amused. How could he be so oblivious? His ignorance astounded me; for someone who prided himself on being sharp, he was spectacularly blind when it came to Fiona.</p>

<p>Ava, however, was a different story. There was a certain glint in her eyes whenever she looked at Fiona—a knowing, perceptive gaze that spoke volumes. She hadn't said anything outright, but I could tell she knew. The subtle tension in her expression when they conversed was hard to miss. What was her motive for staying silent? I couldn't tell. Ava was a puzzle wrapped in elegance, and I had long since learned not to underestimate her.</p>

53. The Wake. Ophelia pov