Page 77 of Sin and Deception

“That’s right,” she said, her gaze flickering over me with pride and surprise. “You aren’t the same woman who left this place two years ago, Nerine.”

She pointed at my eyes, her finger tracing a line along the dark circles created from years of sleepless nights and stress.

Devani nodded approvingly. “That's right. You have grown and changed since you left this place two years ago, my dear. You are undeniably more mature and graceful now—physically, emotionally, and mentally. You have become wiser and stronger from all that you’ve experienced.” She pointed to my eyes. “Your gaze holds a newfound confidence and determination. You have shed the selfishness of youth, the rebellious spirit of your past, and the uncertainty of your leadership.”

I couldn't ignore Devani's words. I had tried my best to maintain a brave front as I stepped into Papa’s role as head of the family, but doubts and fears continuously crept in. Even when I killed Andraius, it had been with a trembling hand and a fearful heart.

“You slayed that weak version of yourself while you were away, Nerine,” she stated.

She was right once more. Pregnancy, giving birth, and the miracle of holding my cherished sons in my arms have transformed me profoundly and irrevocably. Moreover, leaving them with my mother and going into hiding has changed me as well.

It had given me an unbreakable strength I didn’t even know I possessed.

“Fate placed you in this body, right?” Devani continued, her eyes searching mine. “Look at you. Your flesh, bones, and blood carry the genes of those who came before you. When I look at you, I see your father. I see your mother. And your grandparents too. They’re all a part of you. That reality is something you will never change. Like those who came before, you couldn’t choose to be anyone else.”

She paused, taking a sip from her glass and letting me absorb her words.

“Tell me, Nerine,” she said, leaning slightly forward. “Did your father tremble in fear? Your grandfather? Of course, they did. And did they waver? Did they doubt themselves? Sure, maybe. But did they hesitate to strike when it came to defending themselves, their loved ones, or even the family business and fortune? No, they did not. They stepped up, claimed their rightful place in a long line of Angeloses, and took charge when it was their moment. Did they make mistakes?”

I scoffed and shook my head. “Plenty.”

“Exactly,” Devani confirmed. “And now you have to clean up those mistakes and carry on the legacy. But that is your responsibility as an Angelos.”

I gazed into the mirror, locking eyes with my reflection. The resemblance to my paternal grandfather was uncanny at that moment, and I couldn't help but feel a shiver run down my spine. I shared so many of his features—those same ones passed down to Papa.

“Duty,” I repeated Devani’s words with a bitter laugh.

“Nerine, what name will you give your sons? Will they take the Angelos name?”

The conversation on the plane with Theo and Xander came to mind. Xander and Theo intended to take my last name, suggesting they believed the boys would do the same. That was convenient, given that their birth certificates already listed them as Angeloses.

“Yes,” I replied with a sense of pride and determination. “They already have it.”

Devani turned away from her reflection in the mirror and poured herself another glass of whiskey. I sat beside her on the couch, feeling thankful for her company.

She took a healthy sip of her drink and said, “And before we know it, those precious babies will grow into men, trying to make sense of their heritage and place in this chaotic world as descendants of the Angelos name. The choices you make now will shape their future.”

Her words struck me deeply. While I understood my actions would affect my children's lives, I hadn't fully comprehended their weight until now. My head swirled with thoughts and concerns.

“I don't know who to trust besides Theo, Xander, and my mother,” I sighed. “And you, of course,” I added with a smirk.

Devani was more than just a friend; she was a mentor and a confidante in a way I never realized I needed. Women like her are rare. She was a decade older than me, possessing theknowledge and experience to tell me when I messed up and to help me without expecting anything in return.

“And therein lies the problem,” she said wearily. “I'm facing similar issues with the Solon agents. But technically, I’m not supposed to involve myself in these matters. It annoys the current director.”

“What about your husband? Won’t he object?”

“He can object, but I do what I want.” She pursed her lips. “He knows who he married. Besides, if I let him help me occasionally, he isn’t so grouchy about it.”

I wasn’t going to touch that with a ten-foot pole. The thought of anyone ‘letting’ her husband, who was a ruthless underworld boss, do anything was something I couldn’t imagine. Still, it made sense that two psychos fell in love.

Instead of holding onto that train of thought, I informed her, “I'm considering something so drastic it will drown out any traitors on my side.”

Curiosity sparked in Devani's eyes. “I can't wait to hear about it.”

“It's merciless,” I warned her, then I smirked. “You may think less of me after hearing it.”

She shook her head. “You are the Angelos godmother, my dear. I have nothing but respect for you. Also, I’ve got a few years under my belt with the merciless thing.”

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