“We need to publicly pretend that the hearing had nothing to do with Clara’s custody. The press needs to believe it was merelya legal mediation related to Dreamland—between me and you, as a community representative.”
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
“You’ve lost your mind,” she snapped. “You want me to lie—boldly—about something as serious as my daughter’s custody? Do you havenoshame?”
I stepped closer, anger simmering.
“Listen to me, Valentina. If we don’t do this, things will get much worse—faster than you can imagine.” My voice dropped. “I’m not doing this for me. Think about Clara.”
“Don’t you dare use my daughter as an excuse for your manipulation,” she shot back. “I’ll never agree to that.”
I felt my patience snap.
There was no time for morality.
I exhaled and chose a darker path.
“Let me make this very clear, Valentina,” I said quietly, stepping into her space. “You think your life is hard now? You have no idea how much harder I can make it.”
Her body went instantly alert.
“What are you saying?” she asked, voice controlled—but defiant.
“I’m saying I know far more about your life than you think.” I glanced deliberately around the house. “Your finances. The debts tied to your bakery. This house.” My gaze returned to hers. “Debts that could change hands very quickly—if I decide they should.”
Her face drained of color.
One hand flew to her chest.
“You wouldn’t,” she whispered, disbelief and disgust tangled together.
I leaned in.
“Don’t test me. If you don’t cooperate now, I swear I won’t hesitate to turn your life into something far worse than it already is.” My voice was ice. “All I want is for you to confirm the story I’m giving you. Do that—and no one else has to suffer.”
She held my gaze for a long, broken moment—rage, fear, and humiliation vibrating between us.
Finally, she lowered her head, staring at the floor like it burned.
“You’re a monster,” she murmured, voice cracking.
“I’m doing what needs to be done,” I replied, forcing any hint of guilt down.
She lifted her eyes again—full of tears she refused to let fall.
“Fine,” she said, trembling but resolute. “I’ll go along with your disgusting lie. But don’t fool yourself. You may be winning now—but you’ll never control everything forever.”
I stepped back slowly, victory bitter but complete.
“Good,” I said coolly. “As long as you don’t make things harder—for now—that’s enough.”
She said nothing.
I turned and walked out, tension locking every muscle in my body as I stepped into the cold morning air.
Valentina was right about one thing.
This was temporary.
