Page 77 of Poison Vows

“Maybe that they say she’s Theodore’s daughter?” I mutter sardonically.

“Oh, please, Grandpa doesn’t give a damn about the Hughes family. Who is she?”

I remain silent, not because I don’t want her to know but I also don’t quite know what’s running through Grandfather’s mind.

“Scar,” I start, my tone grave and low. “There’s a high chance that before the sun rises tomorrow, something would’ve happened to me.”

Scarlet immediately straightens. “What do you need?”

“Stay.” I turn to face her. “I need you to stay and be her backup.”

Scarlet holds my gaze, “Of course. I’ll do my best, but who am I guarding her against? I can’t exactly go against Vaughn by myself.”

“There’s no need to go against him,” I tell her. “And you won’t be alone.”

“What do I need to do?”

“Make sure she doesn’t panic. Monitor her health. My people will be on standby.”

“Then I’ll go stay with her.”

“Not yet,” I warn. “Don’t do anything to spook the vermin I want to exterminate. After tonight, keep close guard.”

“You have my word.”

In my entire family, I trust Scar the most.

She doesn’t flake on her duties and responsibilities but as I look at her now, I know it’s not just my words she’s taking to heart.

It looks like she genuinely likes Angel.

That’s good. Angel will have someone I trust after I’m gone.

“Are you going to kill my father?” she suddenly questions.

“Did he take part in getting rid of my mother?” I counter.

She’s silent for a while, then she sighs and only says, “My brother is innocent.”

“I’m not touching Xavier.”

“But you’re going to make them move tonight, aren’t you?”

I don’t say anything. Scar shakes her head.

“All the pawns and pieces you strategically placed on your board will be moved tonight and yet it seems the one you should protect is the one you’re going to sacrifice to win this game,” she says coldly but directly. “Are you sure you want to use her so cruelly? Are you sure this move won’t be your undoing?”

Without waiting for an answer, Scarlet walks away.

My phone buzzes with a text from my doctor. I almost drop the phone after I read his message.

Is this real?

Possible surgery…

If this is true… if there’s a chance…

Kai materializes from the shadows and whispers the words I’ve been dreading, hating but anticipating for a long time.

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