bChapter /bb65 /b

    ? 34%

    The news of the misfortune that befell Bianca not only secretly pleased Aliana, but also brought relief and satisfaction to

    several others.

    28

    At the main building of Titan Group, several senior board members such as Charlotte Dcroix, Leonard Whitmore, and a few other executives quietly celebrated Bianca’s misfortune in their hearts. They had never liked Bianca from the beginning, either personally or professionally. For them, Bianca’s presence at Andrian’s side had always been an obstacle to their own ambitions and interests.

    Now, with Bianca seriously injured and lying in the hospital, there was a high possibility that Andrian’s new project–which

    they considered too ambitious and risky–would be significantly dyed.

    “That green project she was so proud of is finally being held up,” Charlotte remarked with a cold smile as she satfortably in her office. She even poured a little wine into her ss, as if privately celebrating something.

    Leonard Whitmore, her uncle, who sat across from her, returned a faint smile, though he maintained his usual calm

    expression.

    “It’s unfortunate that something like this had to happen,” he said, feigning concern. “But maybe this is our chance to reevaluate the feasibility of Andrian and Bianca’s proposal. I never liked that idea.”

    The two exchanged a brief nce, their eyes silently confirming each other’s hidden delight. Still, they continued their charade, disying false sympathy in front of other employees. Charlotte even decided she would visit Bianca in the hospital, pretending to care for the sake of her own reputation.

    “This afternoon I’ll bring flowers and a get–well–soon card,” Charlotte smiled sweetly, though beneath that smile was a

    malicious satisfaction.

    Leonard nodded in agreement.

    “I’ll drop byter tonight too. We have to maintain appearances.”

    At Zavier Corporation, a simr atmosphere was taking ce. Ethan smiled in quiet satisfaction while sipping his warm coffee after hearing the news about Bianca. He felt pleased not only because the woman who had once hurt his daughter, Alicia, had finally gotten what she deserved, but also because the news presented a golden opportunity to hinder

    Andrian’stest project.

    “Isn’t this a very fortunate coincidence for us?” Ethan muttered with a sly smile. “Andrian must be struggling with that big project of his.”

    Ethan was sitting in thepany’s boardroom with several of his cousins when the news reached him. One of his cousins, Jonathan Zavier, responded cautiously but seriously.

    “Exactly. With Bianca in her current state, Titan Group’s green energy project will most likely be dyed. This is the perfect time for us to rally support to shut it downpletely.”

    Ethan nodded slowly, eyes narrowing in thought.

    “You’re right, Jonathan. This is an excellent opportunity for us.”

    21:03 Fri, 29 Aug

    But another cousin, Malcolm, suddenly spoke up with a serious expression.

    34%

    28

    “But Ethan, we need to be careful. Aliana is Andrian’s wife. And everyone knows about the long–standing tension between Aliana and Bianca. I’ve heard whispers from some circles in the elite–they’re beginning to suspect that Aliana, or someone she sent, might be behind the attack.”

    Ethan furrowed his brow. He knew his eldest daughter’s strong–willed nature and how emotional she could be when it came to Alicia. But Aliana was also incredibly smart and cautious. Ethan doubted she would have gone so far as to attack

    Bianca.

    Then what do you think I should do?” Ethan asked carefully. He understood how dangerous rumors like this could be if allowed to spread.

    Jonathan spoke again, offering a suggestion that gave Ethan pause.

    “I think Aliana needs to visit Bianca. That’s the best way to shut down negative rumors and protect our family’s reputation. It would be wise for Aliana to show a bit of sympathy toward Bianca. Even if she’s faking it, it will be effective enough to silence suspicions. We all know how clever the media is at spinning stories like this.”

    Ethan took a deep breath. His mind immediately went to Aliana–stubborn and difficult to control. Theirst encounter had ended in a heated argument. He wasn’t sure she’d listen to him.

    Seeing Ethan’s hesitation, Jonathan continued trying to convince him.

    “We can’t let wild gossip grow out of control, Ethan. Just talk to her.”

    Ethan eventually relented. He nodded briefly.

    “I’ll ask Olivia to speak with her.”

    Jonathan and Malcolm looked visibly relieved. After the meeting, Ethan returned to his office and immediately contacted

    his wife.

    “Olivia, could you visit Aliana today?”

    Olivia sounded confused on the other end.

    “Why? Wasn’t she furious thest time you spoke?”

    “Yes, I know. But this is important,” Ethan sighed heavily. “Bianca was just attacked, and now people are starting to suspect that Aliana might be involved. I need her to visit Bianca in the hospital–to kill the rumors.”

    Olivia instantly refused, her voice sharp with anger.

    “I don’t agree. Why should Aliana pretend to care about that woman? Have you forgotten what she did to Alicia? I absolutely refuse to see bAliana /blower herself in front of that woman!”

    “I don’t like it either, Olivia,” Ethan tried to calm her raised voice. “But think long term. This is about protecting Aliana and our family. If we don’t act now, she could be dragged into a much bigger scandal.”

    There was a moment of silence on the other end. Olivia paused, knowing that Ethan’s words made sense, though the

    21:03 Fri, 29 Aug

    ? ??, 34-

    anger in her heart still burned. To her, Bianca deserved far worse for what she did to Alicia. But she couldn’t ignore her husband’s concern.

    Finally, Olivia gave in.

    “Alright, Ethan. I’ll try to talk to her. But I can’t promise she’ll agree.”

    Ethan let out a sigh of relief.

    “Thank you, Olivia. This is very important for our daughter’s future. I iknow /ishe’s stubborn, but we have to try.”

    After the call, Olivia immediately reached out to Aliana, asking for permission ito /ivisit.

    Aliana, who was calmly seated in the Velor mansion’s pavilion, answered the call with a neutral tone.

    “Come whenever you want, Mom. I don’t mind,” Aliana replied tly.

    Olivia smiled, satisfied.

    “I’ll be there shortly. There’s something important I need to talk to you about in person. iSee /iiyou /isoon.”

    Aliana sighed. She already suspected that her mother’s visit meant something serious, so she wasn’t surprised.

    “Alright. I’ll be expecting you,” she said, ending the call.

    28

    The line went quiet for a moment. Olivia fell silent. She knew Ethan’s words made sense, but the anger in her heart was still too strong. To her, Bianca deserved a harsh punishment for what she had done to Alicia. However, she couldn’t ignore

    her husband’s concerns either. In the end, Olivia surrendered to the situation.

    “Alright, Ethan. I’ll try to talk to Aliana: But I can’t promise she’ll agree.”

    Ethan let out a relieved sigh.

    “Thank you, Olivia. This is really important for our daughter’s future. I know she’s stubborn, but we have to try.”

    After Ethan hung up, Olivia immediately contacted Aliana to ask for permission to visit her.

    Aliana, who was lounging in the pavilion of the Velor family mansion, answered the call with a t tone.

    “Visit anytime you want, Mom. I don’t mind,” Aliana replied emotionlessly.

    Olivia smiled, pleased.

    “I’ll be there shortly. There’s something important I need to talk to you about in person. See you soon.”

    Aliana sighed. She had already suspected her mother’s visit meant something serious, so she wasn’t surprised.

    “Alright. I’ll wait for you,” she answered shortly before ending the call.

    Velor Family Pavilion, Afternoon

    21:03 Fri, 29 Aug

    34%

    28

    The pavilion was quiet as Olivia entered. Her eyes immediately found Aliana, who sat on a long sofa with a cold, indifferent demeanor. She was reading, seemingly unbothered by her mother’s arrival.

    “Aliana,” Olivia greeted cautiously, breaking the silence.

    Aliana lifted her head slightly, one brow raised faintly.

    “Mom,” she replied briefly, without emotion.

    Olivia approached and sat on the sofa across from her daughter, observing the unreadable expression on Aliana’s face.

    “You look well. I’m d.”

    Aliana said nothing, knowing it was just small talk.

    “Have you heard the news about Bianca?”

    Aliana gave a small, cynical smile. Olivia was beginning to reveal her true reason foring.

    “Of course. It’s hard not to, considering everyone’s been talking about it all day.”

    Olivia exhaled slowly, preparing herself to say something she hated having to say.

    “Your father asked me toe, because there’s something we want to ask of you.”

    Aliana narrowed her eyes slightly, sensing a warning in her mother’s words.

    “Aliana…” Olivia’s voice softened but was filled with urgency. “Many people are starting to think badly of you because of what happened to Bianca. Your father and the rest of the family are worried you’ll be suspected as the one behind the

    attack.”

    Aliana gave a short, mockingugh.

    “What business is it of theirs? Let them think that.”

    “Don’t say such things!” Olivia scolded quickly. “People will only misunderstand more if they hear you talk like that.”

    “I don’t care,” Aliana said indifferently. “Whatever they think doesn’t affect me.”

    Olivia’s eyes sharpened.

    “You have to care, Aliana. This isn’t a simple matter,”

    “What exactly do you want from me?” Aliana asked coldly, staring at her mother without blinking,

    Olivia drew a deep breath, her voice trembling with difort.

    “We want you to visit Bianca in the hospital.”

    Aliana immediately rose from her seat, eyes zing with anger

    “Do you even realize what you’re asking of me?” she snapped. “That woman destroyed Alicia’s life! And now you want me

    21:03 Fri, 29 Aug

    to care about her?”

    ?.34%

    (+28)

    “Aliana, listen,” Olivia stood too, trying to calm her daughter. “I know this isn’t easy for you. Honestly, I hate that woman too for what she did to your sister. But this is the best way to clear suspicion. People can’t use you if you show even the slightest concern for her.”

    “Concern?” Aliana sneered. “I’d rather die than show mercy to her!”

    “I know!” Olivia replied firmly, trying to steady her daughter. “I understand how you feel, sweetheart. But we have to think ahead. This is about your safety too. I don’t want you used of something you didn’t do.”

    Aliana turned her face away, her chest rising and falling with restrained emotion. Deep inside, she still felt intense rage toward Bianca. But her mother’s words started to sink in. Gradually, Aliana began to think rationally. She realized that a

    strong rejection would only make her look more suspicious.

    Seeing Aliana go silent, Olivia stepped closer and gently ced a hand on her daughter’s shoulder.

    “Please listen to me. If you pretend to care, not only can you avoid suspicion, but you can also control the narrative.”

    Aliana slowly looked up at her mother, her eyes now filled with calction.

    “What do you mean?”

    Olivia nodded gently, relieved to see Aliana starting to think tactically.

    “Go there and see Bianca’s condition for yourself. This is your chance to find out what’s really going on. And if something

    feels off, you’ll be able to watch it more closely.”

    Aliana fell silent again, but this time her mind was already working out a new n. Her anger was slowly being reced by strategy. Her mother was right–she could use this situation to evaluate whether her previous threats against Biancal had worked and see for herself how the woman was faring.

    “I’m sorry,” Olivia spoke softly, her voice calm but firm. “I know you hate Bianca, but pretending to care is the best option

    we have right now.”

    Aliana took a deep breath, then finally gave a slow nod.

    “Alright. I’ll go visit her.”

    Olivia let out a sigh of relief and gently released Aliana’s shoulder.

    “Thank you, sweetheart. You made the right decision.”

    Aliana gave a faint smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. Her gaze remained cold. She clenched her fists. Deep down, Aliana vowed that if the wounds she inflicted on bBianca /bweren’t bad enough, she would bmake /bsure to add more.