Chapter 6: Sealed in Silence

Inside the villa, Liliana busied herself with small tasks, ensuring her mother was comfortable. While retrieving something from a nearby cabinet, she caught the faint sound of coughing from another room.

She paused and, as if offhandedly, stopped a passing maid. "How is Second Young Madam?"

The maid hesitated briefly before answering, "She's the same, Miss. Her medicine is a necessity now."

Liliana hummed in acknowledgment and let the subject drop, but as she turned away, a flicker of thought lingered in her eyes.

After a while, Liliana sat beside her mother, watching as she eagerly played a video on her phone.

"Look at this, Lily," her mother said, her voice brimming with pride. "Your sister sent this yesterday. She's improving, don't you think?"

On the screen, a young girl danced gracefully, her movements light and fluid. Liliana leaned in, a soft smile appearing as she watched.

"She's talented," Liliana praised. "Her form is getting better."

She glanced at her mother and mentioned casually, "She should be coming home this weekend. I'll bring her to see you then."

Her mother's joy was immediate, though it was soon followed by hesitation. "Will your grandfather allow it?" she asked, her voice lowering with concern.

Liliana's expression didn't waver. She reached over, gently covering her mother's hand with her own. "Don't worry," She reassured smoothly. "Grandfather is good to us."

It was a white lie, spoken effortlessly.

Her mother, unaware of the world beyond the villa, accepted it without a doubt. To her, the family's treatment of her daughters had always seemed kind.

As the evening deepened, Liliana's mother reached for her hand, reluctant to let her go. "Stay for dinner tonight," she coaxed gently. "It's been a while since we've eaten together."

Liliana smiled, squeezing her mother's fingers lightly. "I'd love to, Mom, but I still have assignments to finish. Next time, okay?"

Her mother sighed, but she nodded in understanding. "Alright, but make sure you eat properly."

"I will," Liliana reassured. She knelt slightly to adjust the shawl on her mother's shoulders—light and careful.

"I'll come again soon." she smiled faintly and added.

With that, she bid her farewell stepping into the night air before heading towards the main house.

The moment she stepped inside, the usual tranquility of the Hill mansion was replaced with a lively buzz. In the living room, Seraphina, Evelyn, and several cousins were gathered. Lavish gifts were piled across the space–luxury handbags, jewelry, and branded boxes, each more extravagant than the last.

Evelyn, surrounded by admiring cousin was the center of attention as always.

Hearing footsteps, Evelyn lazily lifted her gaze. "Oh? back from that unlucky place again?" she casually remarked.

She glanced at the bags beside her and tilted her chin towards them. "These are for you," she said lightly as if bestowing a favor

Liliana arched a brow. This kind of lavish display–it could only be one person.

And, right on cue–

A confident voice rang out as he approached. "What do you think, my dear sisters? Do you like my gifts?"

Hillary Hill strode in, his presence as boastful as ever. "Just wait till I win the west side project. Then I'll treat you all to an even bigger celebration."

Liliana found an unoccupied corner and settled down, crossing her legs as she listened to him talk.

Seraphina, smooth as ever, stood beside her brother. "If you're feeling so generous, you can get me that bag I've been eyeing."

Hillary grinned. "Just one? I'll buy you ten."

His loud confidence filled the room, but for once, no one found it grating. Because, truth be told, Hillary had some ability.

At dinner, the mood remained high. Even the old man looked to be in good spirits, his usual strict demeanor relaxed.

The west side project was no small deal–it was the most lucrative development in the city, tied to the wealthiest families in the country. Securing it would mean elevating the Hill family's standing significantly.

"Hillary," their grandfather finally spoke, setting down his cutlery. "Negotiations with the Aurelian Imperium won't be easy. Be careful. The Alchys Family is behind them. There is no room for mistakes."

The table quieted down slightly at the mention of the Alchys name. Alchys–A name that commanded power, a dominant force holding the country's economic lifeline in a chokehold. Even Hillary, for all his bravado, nodded seriously.

"Don't worry, Grandfather. I know what I'm doing."

After dinner, as the family dispersed, Seraphina wasted no time catching up to Hillary, grabbing his arm and dragging him toward the back garden.

He clicked his tongue. "What now?"

She pinched his arm, forcing him to face her. "Is there really no way out of this?"

Hillary let out a short laugh. Amused. "Think about it–how do you think this piece of pie landed in our laps?"

Seraphina's expression darkened.

He patted his shoulder, almost like comforting a child. "Be obedient. We need the Daven family's influence, it's crucial."

"So you're just going to let it happen?" She bit out. "What's the point of having you if you can't change a damn thing?"

Hillary sighed, already done with the conversation. "This is a done deal. Tomorrow, we finalize the contract. All you need to do is just stay at home and prepare to be a bride." Checking his watch, he dismissed her with indifference. "I've got things to do."

Seraphina scoffed. "What work? Isn't it just chasing after women?" Her voice dripped with disdain. "Useless, all of you." She turned on her heel and stormed off.

Meanwhile, in the shadows of the corridor, Liliana leaned against the wall as she tilted her head back slightly. Smoke curled from her lips before she crushed the cigarette between her fingers. Her eyes remained dull as she listened to the fading footsteps.

She had only been looking for a quiet corner to sneak a smoke–didn't expect to run into this little drama.

How fitting. Looks like the proud Second Lady is just as trapped as the rest of us.