I had just raised my hand to knock when the sound of shattering glass rang through the house, followed by Darien’s voice.
"Vienna, how could I possibly have feelings for her? I faked bankruptcy. I tricked her into a fake divorce. And when you said you wanted to destroy the Dawson Family, how many confidential documents did I steal for you without hesitation?"
A chill swept over me. My hands turned cold.
"After that, the Dawson Family went bankrupt, Mr. Dawson died coughing up blood and his son collapsed from a heart attack on his way to pay off the debts. Vienna, I gave you everything—and now you’re questioning my loyalty?"
Then another voice chimed in—one I recognized.
"He's right, sis. I’m honestly touched by his devotion to you. As for that Elodie... she should count herself lucky if anyone from the Dawson Family is even allowed to live."
It was Austin, Vienna’s fiercely loyal younger brother.
Through the narrow crack of the study door, I saw Darien holding Vienna tightly in his arms. She was still pouting like a child in the middle of a tantrum and he comforted her as if he were afraid she might slip away.
I could accept that Darien didn’t love me anymore. Feelings fade—people change. That much, I could live with.
But how could he destroy the Dawson Family?
How could he drive both my grandfather and father to their deaths?
When the Eugene Family was on the brink of collapse, it was my grandfather who extended a lifeline, offering up a third of our family’s capital without ever asking for repayment. He did all that purely because we were all family.
And when Darien failed in business three times, it was my father who helped him back on his feet. He found him a career coach, guided him step by step and spoke to him with patience. He treated him like a son.
Yet Darien repaid their kindness with betrayal. And all for Vienna’s selfish ambitions.
Suddenly remembering that my mother was still behind me, I turned around in alarm.
She was clutching her chest, her face drained of color, her body swaying—she looked like she might collapse at any moment.
I rushed to her side. "Mom! Are you okay?"
Just then, Darien threw open the door, clearly irritated by the noise outside. His eyes narrowed. "What are you doing here?"
I met his glare, my hatred surging to the surface like fire.