Enemy Schemes

LAZZYHEART

Harlota stormed down the grand staircase, her heels clicking sharply against the polished marble floor, echoing her turmoil. Each step felt heavy with indignation, as if the weight of her family's misfortunes pressed down on her. The opulent decor of the mansion mocked her—golden chandeliers casting a warm glow over walls adorned with portraits of her ancestors, who looked down with expressions that hinted at both pride and pity.

She paused near a window, the late afternoon sun streaming through, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. For a brief moment, she felt a flicker of doubt. Was it really worth it? But the thought of Blithe's smug face pushed her forward. That girl, with her perfect hair and effortless elegance, had everything Harlota desired, and that was simply unacceptable.

As she reached her father's study, she took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. She had seen her father in various moods—joyful when he recounted tales of their family legacy, somber when reflecting on her unknown mother's absence—but today, he was a tempest of fury. The door swung open with a crash, startling a flock of birds perched outside, their wings flapping wildly as they took to the sky.

"Daddy, you won't believe what that spoiled girl did!" Harlota exclaimed, her voice thick with indignation. She thrust her hands on her hips, her posture mirroring the defiance she felt inside. "She insulted me and even dared to say you should go to her if you have something important to say! She can't even respect her elders!"

Her father, Don Victor Coutinho, looked up from his cluttered desk, his brows knitting together in frustration. His cane, an old relic with intricate carvings, tapped against the floor as he stood abruptly. "What!?" His voice resonated with disbelief, his eyes wide, reflecting both shock and anger.

Victor's lineage was a tangled web of ambition and scandal. The illegitimate son of Rayland del Rosario, he had navigated the murky waters of family politics with a constant chip on his shoulder. Harlota had heard whispers about how her father had been draped in shame, forced to marry Cressida Marquise for her wealth to secure his place in the world. Though Cressida was Harleigh's mother, the identity of Harlota's own mother remained shrouded in mystery, leaving a void in her heart that she both resented and longed to fill. Now, left alone to raise Harlota after her mother's departure, Victor carried that weight with him, fueling his resentment towards the Del Rosario family.

"That child has grown so arrogant!" Victor exclaimed, his frustration palpable. "She's worse than her insufferable parents!" He slammed the end of his cane on the ground, the sound reverberating through the room, and Harlota felt a thrill of excitement at his anger. It was a testament to her father's protective instincts, a reminder that they were in this together.

"Don't worry," he said, a glint of determination sparking in his eyes. "I have everything planned already. One day, everything will be ours."

"Really, Daddy!? What's your plan?" Harlota leaned closer, her heart racing. The thought of finally having power made her pulse quicken. She admired her father's cunning nature, the way he could turn his dreams into reality with a flick of his wrist.

Victor pulled away from her embrace, rummaging through the stacks of papers on his desk with frenetic energy. Harlota's anticipation grew as he uncovered a file, handing it to her with a flourish. As she opened it, her eyes widened at the sight of contractual papers—two sets, each representing a path to her desired future.

The original agreement gleamed with potential, the ink still dark and vibrant. It detailed Blithe's arranged marriage, a union set up when she was just a child. Harlota's heart raced as she realized the implications. The second document was a counterfeit, crafted with Victor's meticulous hand. They were planning to tamper with Blithe's marriage arrangements!

As she scanned the documents, a storm of emotions swirled within her. Blithe was originally engaged to the son of a family friend, but that boy had vanished under mysterious circumstances. It was Victor's intention to orchestrate a new engagement—one that would align perfectly with their schemes.

"Listen closely, Harlota," Victor said, lowering his voice conspiratorially, a darkness creeping into his tone. "We need to find a replacement fiancé—someone who can be easily controlled. Once they're married, we'll ensure Blithe has a tragic accident."

"An accident?" Harlota echoed, her voice barely a whisper, a thrill shooting through her veins. She leaned in, the gravity of their plan electrifying the air around them. "What do you mean?"

Victor's eyes glinted with malice as he explained, "Something that looks real but is entirely orchestrated. We'll make it seem like she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. No one will suspect a thing."

A wicked smile crept onto Harlota's lips, the thrill of the impending betrayal igniting a fire within her. "And once she's gone, I can marry the new groom?"

"Exactly," Victor said, his grin widening, infectious in its enthusiasm. "You'll step right into her shoes. The wealth will flow into our hands, and we'll finally have what we deserve."

"Wow, Dad! With this, we'll definitely get everything in no time!" Harlota beamed, excitement bubbling within her. The thought of power and wealth, just like Blithe, filled her with a fierce determination. She could almost taste the victory, sweet and intoxicating.

"We'll manipulate the narrative," Victor continued, his voice dropping to a whisper, drawing her further into their dark scheme. "We'll present ourselves as grieving family members, left to pick up the pieces. No one will question it."

"Brilliant!" Harlota exclaimed, feeling a wicked thrill coursing through her. "They'll think we're just trying to help, while we're really stealing everything from her!"

"Yes! Once the wedding is over, we'll execute the plan. Blithe will never see it coming." Victor's tone was firm, filled with satisfaction, and Harlota could see the gleam of ambition in his eyes, mirroring her own.

She leaned in closer, her heart racing with the thrill of the plot. "So, who's the new groom? Do we have anyone in mind yet?"

"I have a few candidates," he replied, tapping a finger on the desk as he considered. "Someone ambitious but easily manipulated. We need to ensure his loyalty. Once we have him, we can move forward."

The excitement buzzed through Harlota, a dark promise of power and wealth just within reach. "Let's make this happen, Daddy!" she urged, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "We'll have everything we've ever wanted!"

With each passing moment, the pieces fell into place, and the thrill of their plan enveloped her like a shroud. Blithe's downfall would be their rise, and Harlota couldn't wait to see it all unfold—their twisted ambition taking root in the shadows, ready to blossom into a dangerous reality.