CHAPTER 128: LUTHER WILKERS IS A BELLADONNA ( LUCREZIA’S POV )

"Where is that idiot?"

"Madam? The media is getting agitated. What should we do? Should we postpone?"

"Useless b-stards! Useless! Every single one of them is useless!"

I grabbed the microphone and pushed the assistant twink out of my way.

There’s no point in waiting for my idiot nephew. That’s why I get for putting my trust in a man.

The room buzzed with tension, cameras clicking before I even stepped fully into the light.

Every seat was taken—rows of reporters, influencers, journalists, all packed tight like they had nothing better to do.

After all, this was not only the love story of the century, but the perfect distraction from what was really happening behind the political curtains.

I scanned their eager faces, eyes wide, fingers twitching over notepads and recorders. They were desperate, practically vibrating with anticipation. I liked that.

I moved to the podium, slow and deliberate, letting them drink in the sight. Flashes went off like fireworks. They couldn’t help themselves. I adjusted the microphone, cleared my throat, not because I needed to, but because the sound of silence falling over them thrilled me.

I had all the strings in my hands like a puppeteer. Maybe it was a good thing Killian didn’t show up.

A woman is much better at wrapping a story in sweet words to distract the hyenas from the disgusting truth until it’s too late.

They watched like addicts waiting for a hit. I gave them a glance—measured, indifferent. I knew exactly what they thought of me, and I knew they’d spin it how I wanted.

This wasn’t an interview. It was a performance, and I was the headliner.

Behind every lens, they wanted a piece of the story I created, and I knew they’d never get enough.

Their presence didn’t intimidate me; it amused me. Every question they’d throw was just another chance to show them why I was above them.

My posture was perfect, my confidence unshakable. These people came for a spectacle, and I was happy to give them one.

"Hello, everybody! My name is Lucrezia Akna and I am the aunt of Killian Akna. But I am sure you all know that already. Today, I will hold his place and answer your question as his representative."

I could see more than a few disapproving grimaces on the men’s faces. Not surprising at all.

I knew since I first gained consciousness that males will always be treated better than females. They only respect each other. If they are alphas of course.

A woman and a male omega would always be considered inferior to them.

That kind of mentality both helped and destroyed my career. So I had to get masterful enough to strike subtly enough so their ego would consider all my ideas their ideas.

As if their neat, spoiled brains would actually be able to compose a complex thought.

"Why isn’t Killian here?"

Such an obvious question.

The microaggression in his tone did nothing but amuse me.

"My dear nephew is helping your future Prime Minister Claus in his search for his half-brother. We got new information about Luther Wilkers’ whereabouts."

"What about his fiancée?"

"His fiancée, Damian, is currently resting. His medical analysis came up letting us know that our future heir is healthy and happy."

"How do you know it’s an alpha boy?"

Sc-m.

An heir can be just an alpha male, huh?

"The influx of pheromones in his mother’s blood test makes us think he is an alpha, but there is yet no certainty."

"Killian will soon take over Luther Wilkers’ parliamentary position as the Minister of People Affairs. Given your pharmaceutical company background, wouldn’t it be a conflict of interest?"

A woman.

A smart woman who just got scoffed at.

Finally, someone interesting.

"What are you referring to, sweetheart?"

"Well, Madam Akna, if your nephew becomes the Minister dealing with secondary-gender field problems, what is stopping him from monopolizing the pharmaceutical domain of drugs? Free inhibitors, law forcing inhibitors or natality increase, all from your company?"

Smart little thing. Provoking such murmurs in the room.

Making even the alpha sc-ms to listen.

I like her.

"Well, miss —?"

"Rhode."

"Miss Rhode, as you know our company was already chosen as the primary governmental source of free birth control, heat suppressants and natality increasing drugs. Yet, no monopolization happened on the pharmaceutical field. The Akna Pharmaceuticals is already a company that pours billions into the national treasury through both taxes and charity.

"Greed is only human, Madam Akna."

"I am sure it is, Miss Rhode, but it’s only a characteristic of an unsuccessful company. Akna Pharmaceuticals doesn’t intend to force any of its medicines as the only source of health. We only have an agreement with the government that offers out products for free to the lower class who can’t afford health care for their second gender. Any of the citizens who can afford medicine of their own are free to use drugs from whichever pharmaceutical company they see fit."

"Why would someone refuse free quality medicine?"

"That is not a monopolization of the field, Miss Rhode. Civilians have their liberty of free choice. We are just supplying the people in need."

"While cashing on the Government economy."

Stubborn girl. Finally a discussion that entertains my brain.

How very fun.

The room grew tense as Miss Rhode’s voice cut sharper with each question. She stood taller, bolder, her tone gaining traction. I didn’t flinch.

Half the reporters looked irritated, clearly regretting they hadn’t thought of her angles first. Their pens paused, their expressions sour.

The rest stayed locked in, watching the exchange unfold like a match they didn’t dare interrupt.

All eyes moved between us. The energy shifted, no longer a press conference, but a power play.

She wanted a reaction.

I gave her nothing.

I knew exactly what I was doing—and I knew they’d all write about it later.

Still, such a shame in publicly destroying such a smart girl. Maybe I’ll look for her later.

Clara could use such an intelligent assistant in the future.

"Miss Rhode, a good business is one where both parties are satisfied. We offer the medicine at 70% of the market price, saving the Government thousands of thousands of dollars in the long run. They can offer the nation good healthcare, taking care of its citizens. So they would vote for them in the next governmental campaign as well."

"And what does Akna’s Pharmaceuticals win from this?"

"Even though we offer the medicine at a lower price than the market, we also have a steady client in the form of the government and we can produce in bulk, which cuts down on the production costs. In the end, despite the 30% loss on the price, we gather profits higher than the investments. Another bonus point is the fact that the citizens discover the quality of our products and will hopefully choose our company for their medical supply even if not in the second gender field."

"What governmental favors do you gain alongside this partnership?"

Oh, smart little fox.

She sees besides the nice wrapper I offered.

"Akna Pharmaceuticals does not gain any governmental favor. This partnership, despite being beneficial for both parties as I stated, was made entirely for the best interests of the civilians. Now, we seem to be running out of time. Any more questions?"

The tension snapped. The room erupted. Voices crashed over one another—shouts, pleas, questions hurled with no shape or order. A desperate chaos. They couldn’t stand the thought of not getting their turn.

Then I saw him.

Near the back, a bald, fat man stood red-faced, bellowing louder than anyone else.

His voice cracked as he flung himself forward, fighting the noise, trying to be heard over the din. He was sweating through his shirt, his jowls trembling with effort. His eyes were wild, desperate for my attention.

Pathetic.

Perfect.

I gave a slow, deliberate smile, raised my hand, and pointed directly at him. The room quieted a fraction, eyes turning toward him. He froze mid-sentence, as if surprised he’d actually won.

I tilted my head slightly, allowing him to talk.

Let him embarrass himself, I thought. Let the final question of the day come from this flustered caricature of a man. It was too easy.

He opened his mouth, already tripping over his own voice. I didn’t care what he’d say. I’d already won. They’d remember how I ended this—with control, amusement, and the spotlight exactly where it belonged. On me responding to baseless gossip.

Not the important questions Miss Rhode asked. That’s our society.

Men always covering smart women with much less intelligent or relevant imput.

"Yes, Mister —"

The fat man, left out of breath, panted his name:

"Lazlo. Madam Akna, Killian and Claus had been spotted a few months ago in a fight in a prestigious hotel lobby. Would they be able to work together?"

Dart on center.

Gossip.

Perfect way to end the interview.

"My nephew and the late Prime Minister’s heir had their differences caused by the one and only Prime Minister’s killer. Once the truth about the real nature of Luther Wilkers sufficed, they both snapped out of his manipulation. I am sure two successful, educated businessmen will surely make the best decisions for our country in the future."

This was a good occasion to decide Luther’s fate as well.

After all, I need him locked up secludedly if I want to run experiments on him. His blood is too precious to be wasted by him being killed in a normal prison.

So, let’s make some more waves on the political scene.

Paint my nephew as a hero.

Paint that brat as a national threat.

Make him crumble at my will.

I can almost smile through the botox at that thought.

"Before I leave the podium, I’d like to share important information with you and the citizens of our beloved country. I, Lucrezia Akna, put a bounty on Luther Wilkers’ head. Despite the severity of my act, I would like to explain my reasoning and warn the public."

I cleared my voice, letting the suspension eat the room.

"We have a strong suspicion that Luther Wilkers is a dangerous, illegal omega— a belladonna. His confinement is necessary, but we don’t approve of his determinations since it’s a human right to live. Please, avoid any direct contact with him and immediately call the law enforcement if you have any information of his whereabouts! Luther Wilkers is a Belladonna!"