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!

The audacity of Ophelia to show up here is nothing short of gut-wrenching. Not only did she come, but she had the nerve to put on an act, weaving lies as effortlessly as if they were the truth. Her words dripped with false concern, her eyes gleaming with deceit. She thought she could fool me.

If I hadn't yanked out her hair, she would have kept up the charade, feigning innocence with that saccharine smile. I had to remind her—no, I had to show her—just how much she disgusted me.

The few strands of her blonde hair clung to my fingers, a vile reminder of her presence. I flicked them away with a grimace, wiping my hand against the sheets as if that could rid me of her touch. Next time, if she dares to return, I won't stop at her hair. I'll pluck out her eyes. I promise.

War between Siblings. Lila pov