Page 41 of The Heart of a Villain

“This land should have been mine!” he screams, jumping up from his seat, while I continue to drink my coffee, welcoming the hot liquid gliding down my throat while wondering about my uncle’s true motives.

Stupidity was never one of my vices, but try as I might, I’ve never figured out his real agenda when it comes to this revenge.

A man this adamant on punishing someone for a crime has to have his own reasons, and I hardly believe in his love for my father.

Jade is vicious, cunning, and cold, and he hates being denied power and respect. He’d never forgive my father for treating him the way he did.

So what did Lachlan do to him?

Over the years, I couldn’t give two shits about it, since our end goal was all the same. However, now I do wonder.

Why would he show up in my life, give me all the information, and then patiently sit on his ass, waiting for me to bring Lachlan to him on a silver platter?

Worse, he wanted Aileen all to himself.

A few years back, when she was just thirteen, he ordered one of his goons to kidnap her, and I barely got there in time to stop it, murdering them all.

My retribution was so strong I almost left him penniless and struggling to survive because no one goes against my word.

Despite all this… his opinion on the matter didn’t change.

He always wanted Aileen to hurt, to suffer, which would subject Lachlan to endless torture. He never wanted his death to be quick.

Which brings another question to mind now, without the haze of my anger blinding me.

Why?

It’s almost as if he follows the “eye for an eye” rule, which means…

If he wishes for Lachlan to suffer by taking away what he loves and cherishes the most… what did Lachlan take away from him?

He continues to spit bullshit, bringing me to the conversation at hand, and I temporarily store my thoughts away, deciding to come back to them and study them with a clearer mind. “Our father always said this island, our legacy, should belong to both of us. And what did your father do? He banished me!” He slams his fist on the table, rattling the various pens scattered around while my brow lifts at his display. “I would have never allowed the enemy’s daughter to roam freely inside this castle smeared in the blood of my mother.”

A crushing sound echoes through the space when the mug in my hand cracks before I drop it to the floor, ignoring the sting traveling from my palm to my arm, and slowly get up, drilling my stare into my uncle, who retreats a few steps.

Good.

Do not poke a beast if you cannot handle their claws.

“You’ve overstayed your welcome, Uncle Jade.” Although my voice stays even, he winces in fear at the menacing note in it. “Pack your stuff and get the fuck out.” A sinister smile shapes my mouth. “Or you can visit Rafael and beg him to stay there. I think that in itself would be entertaining to watch.”

For a second, something crosses his face, almost demonic, and his entire body shakes, rebelling against my command, but he nods. “As you wish, nephew. After all, you’re the king here.”

“Yes. The sole heir to the fortune your father denied you.”

He bristles at this, not that I give a fuck.

I showed enough respect to him, way more than my family, especially Rafael, who once even punched him.

I tolerated his mood swings because he gave me an insight into the past, but I no longer wish to do so.

Some men have a code of a life for a life, but I would never follow such a thing.

In my world, it’s a crime for a crime. And until my uncle commits a real crime, I won’t do anything to him but put him in his place.

“Well, I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, does it?” Since I say nothing, he presses on the handle, opening the door and looking at me over his shoulder. “You’re your father’s son. He couldn’t think rationally once he fell in love either.” The way he utters this statement, with resentment and mocking, confirms my suspicion that avenging his brother is the last thing on his mind.

He hates Lachlan for something, and I will dedicate my time to discovering why until he shows up on my island.

---