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Novel Catalog
Chapter 79
Victor leaned back slightly in his chair, maintaining an easy air, but his eyes remained sharp, observing the situation from the corner of his vision. He had a sense that something was about to unfold, and he was curious to see how Eden would handle it. Though he remained composed, his mind was quietly processing all the potential outcomes of this dinner.
Eden, on the other hand, was calm and collected. She had learned over the years to read the subtle signals of those around her, especially people like Bethany and Myra, who had a tendency to scheme behind polished facades. She knew their next move was coming—she had seen it in the way Bethany had looked at Myra and the sinister gleam in her eyes.
It was ironic, Eden thought. She had once been the obedient, overlooked daughter in the Gienger family, always seeking approval, always trying to fit in. Now, she was someone who understood the game and played it better than anyone. The years of struggle, the silent battles, had shaped her into someone who could now control her own narrative. And she wasn’t about to let Bethany’s manipulations throw her off course.
Victor, sensing the tension in the air, glanced at her with a knowing look. “You seem to be anticipating something. Is it just your intuition, or do you know something I don’t?”
Eden’s lips curled into a smile, but her eyes remained calculating. “I’ve learned to read people’s intentions, Victor. Especially when they’re as predictable as Bethany and Myra. I know they’ll try to use someone against me. I just don’t know how far they’ll go.”
Victor nodded, impressed by her clarity of mind. He had always admired Eden’s resilience and sharpness, but now, seeing her so composed, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration for how much she had evolved.
His gaze flickered to the window, where Bethany and Myra were still standing, whispering to each other, no doubt plotting their next move. He was prepared to step in if it came to that. But for now, he was content to observe how Eden would handle whatever came their way.
Eden took a sip from her glass, her thoughts still drifting to the past. The Gienger family, the false sense of belonging, the painful loss of memory, and the betrayal. She would have never thought she’d be here, in this position of power, dining with Victor Alwynn—someone who could make or break the future of her plans. The situation was delicate, but she was ready to see it through.
As Myra’s phone call to Haven seemed to go unanswered, the tension grew thicker. Bethany’s eyes narrowed, and she gave a sharp nod, signaling that it was time to act. She was clearly not going to let things go without a fight. And Eden knew that this was only the beginning.
Bethany had always been someone who would do anything to protect her own interests, no matter the cost. Eden was aware that her mother’s return would only bring more complications. But what Bethany didn’t know was that Eden had already outgrown her manipulations. She was no longer the young girl who had once cowered in the shadows.
“Let them make their move,” Eden murmured, her voice low but filled with confidence. “I’m ready for whatever they try.”
Victor gave her a brief, approving smile before leaning in slightly, his voice soft. “I’ve got your back.”
Eden’s heart fluttered briefly at his words, but she quickly masked the fleeting emotion. It was a moment of vulnerability that she couldn’t afford to dwell on right now. Not when there were bigger things at stake.
Across the room, Myra finally hung up the phone with a disappointed huff. She had been expecting a faster response from Haven, but it seemed her plan was being delayed. Still, that wouldn’t stop her from trying.
As she turned to face her mother, a mix of frustration and determination written across her face, Bethany gave her a reassuring nod. “Patience, Rara. The pieces are falling into place. Just wait.”
Eden could feel the storm brewing outside, but for now, all she could do was wait and see how it would unfold. The Alwynn family’s business dealings were complex, and she was slowly becoming an integral part of it. Her future now seemed tied to Victor’s, and while that fact was still unsettling to some degree, it also opened doors she hadn’t considered before.
Victor’s eyes flickered to hers once again, as if sensing the undercurrent of her thoughts. He leaned in, lowering his voice so only she could hear. “Whatever happens, we deal with it together. That’s the deal.”
Eden met his gaze, her expression unreadable but her heart skipping a beat. “Agreed.”