Chapter 18: Viktoria, the All-Seeing Eye

The atmosphere at the Vasiliev mansion had become even more oppressive for Anna. Lucian, with his enveloping presence and promises of protection, kept her trapped in a web of dependence from which she could not escape. But if he was the silk that enveloped her, Viktoria was the iron that crushed her.

From their first meeting, Anna had understood that Lucian's sister was a silent enemy. She never raised her voice, never acted brutally... because she didn't need to. Viktoria was a woman of sharp words and meticulous strategies. And now, more than ever, she had decided to make Ana's life a living hell.

The first attacks were subtle.

A biting remark at dinner, an icy glance as she passed. The maids who had previously ignored her now seemed to fear her, as if being near Anne was synonymous with danger. As if Viktoria had already begun to pull her strings.

-It's funny how some people forget their place," Viktoria said one day, as she surveyed the kitchen, her gaze fixed on Anna.

Ana pursed her lips and continued with her task, not responding. She knew that any word she said would be used against her.

-But don't worry," Viktoria continued, with a calculated smile. Making sure you remember where you belong is something I enjoy doing.

Soon, things began to escalate.

The dress Ana was supposed to wear to an event mysteriously disappeared, only to be found torn in a corner of the hallway. Her tasks doubled, with contradictory orders inevitably causing her to fail. And worst of all: Lucian's stares.

He watched her intently every time something went wrong, and although he never accused her directly, Ana felt a part of him wonder if she was incompetent or if she really didn't know how to obey.

That was Viktoria's real game. Not to destroy Ana all at once, but to make herself her own enemy.

One day, Viktoria called her to her studio. Ana knew she could not refuse. She entered with her head held high, trying not to show fear.

-Sit down," Viktoria commanded, settling into her chair with the grace of a queen giving audience to a subject.

Anna obeyed silently.

-I have been watching you," said Viktoria, in an almost casual tone. And I must say I'm surprised at how far you've come.

Anne felt a knot in her stomach.

-What do you mean, madam? -she asked cautiously.

Viktoria smiled, but her eyes were full of venom.

-Lucian is a complicated man," she murmured, leaning forward. And you... are his weakness.

Anne felt a shiver run down her spine. Viktoria knew. She knew Lucian was obsessed with her.

-And when there's a weakness... there's an opportunity," Viktoria whispered, icy cold. Make no mistake, Ana. You are not special. You're just a toy that, at the right time, can be replaced or... destroyed.

Ana clenched her fists, fighting the trembling in her hands. Viktoria was warning her. It wasn't advice. It was a sentence.

That night, as she left the office, Ana knew that no matter how hard she tried to stay out of it. Viktoria was watching her. And she would never stop.