A Perfect Revenge for the Worst Family
Part 2: The Pieces Begin to Move
The evening air carried a chill through the grand Lopez estate, but Ariana Lopez felt nothing. Standing on the marble balcony overlooking the courtyard, she let the cold wind brush against her pale skin as she observed the people below. Noble guests mingled in delicate whispers, their laughter filling the air like a well-rehearsed symphony. But Ariana was not fooled by such pleasantries.
She was waiting. Watching. Calculating.
It had been five years since she had returned to this moment—the year before her downfall. She had spent those years carefully shaping herself, learning, manipulating, and strengthening her mind. If she had any chance at destroying the people who betrayed her, she had to play the game better than they did.
A soft voice broke her thoughts.
"Sister, what are you thinking about?"
Ariana turned to see Liliana standing beside her, her pink eyes sparkling with curiosity. Dressed in a delicate pastel gown, she looked the very image of innocence. But Ariana knew better. Beneath that sweet smile was a girl who longed to steal everything she had.
"Just enjoying the view," Ariana replied, her voice calm.
Liliana giggled, brushing a loose strand of platinum hair behind her ear. "You seem different lately. More… distant."
Ariana tilted her head slightly, feigning confusion. "Is that so? Perhaps I've simply grown up."
Liliana pouted. "You used to trust me more."
Trust? The word almost made Ariana laugh. She had once confided in Liliana, only to be betrayed in the cruelest way.
Ariana reached forward and gently adjusted the lace on Liliana's sleeve, her touch delicate. "Don't worry, dear sister. Some things never change."
Even as she spoke those words, she silently promised herself—this time, everything would change.
--
Inside the grand ballroom, Damien Lopez leaned against the wall, watching his sisters interact. His violet eyes narrowed slightly as he sipped his wine.
Ariana was different.
Colder.
More controlled.
Gone was the naive woman who blindly followed the rules of their noble family. The sister who once smiled easily, who trusted too much—she was no longer standing before him.
For the first time, Damien felt something unfamiliar creeping into his mind.
Unease.
He would need to keep an eye on her.
--
Across the room, Victor Grayson sat with a charming smirk, his brown hair neatly combed as he entertained a few nobles. He appeared relaxed, but his sharp gaze flickered toward Ariana now and then.
His wife—no, his future wife—was acting strangely.
She had not clung to him like she once did. She had not spoken to him with warmth.
And that look in her eyes…
Victor had always been good at reading people, and what he saw unsettled him.
It was as if Ariana had become a stranger overnight.
His fingers lightly tapped against the glass in his hand. Perhaps it was time to remind her who she belonged to.
--
As the night stretched on, Ariana remained poised, her expression unreadable. She had played her part well.
But deep inside, she was already moving the pieces on the board.
She would not let her enemies notice her plans just yet.
No.
She would strike when they least expected it.
And soon…
She would meet the man who would change everything.