Taylor was waiting for Clarice in Lady Beatrice's famous garden. The gardens were designed: by her late mother-in-law, Melanie Phillips, and constructed under the supervision of her father-in-law, Lord Robert.
People who had the privilege of visiting Lady Beatrice's gardens felt privileged. The gardens had winding paths, benches, and statues that distinguished the central avenue from other areas.
The late Lady Melanie intended to provide privacy for her guests, so she added small private areas at various points in the gardens, so her guests could walk secretly to the central areas.
The late Lady Melanie, Clarice's grandmother, was a symbol of elegance. She had also been Elizabeth Kadman's music teacher.
As Taylor waited for Clarice, she observed everything with admiration. Looking across the garden, she saw a shimmering pool surrounded by flowers, symbols of wealth and prosperity, power and money.
However, regardless of financial or intellectual status, those who have lost their great love frequently experience very similar emotions.
When she saw Clarice, Taylor noticed her downcast look and expression, which seemed to convey a clear and bare message—Clarice was on the verge of tears.
Clarice asked delicately, "Did you read the news?"
Clarice continued:
"Seeing the pictures of Adam with his omega set off an alarm within me.
"Yes, and I'm so sorry for you, Taylor. I know you're suffering, I've never felt so powerless, but please, give up working with Adam!
"You can work with me—you don't have to go through this, distance yourself from all this, I can help you.
"We're young, we're 29. Even though time has passed, we still have plenty of time to start over, it's still possible, we can find someone who loves us!
"My relationship with Callum has always been so fragile because he always had the power to reject me, my outpouring of love received no affection in return. I felt voiceless. I thought there would be a chance for happiness in the end.
There was never an 'us,' only him. I wanted to get married, but he wanted to conquer the world.
Clarice cried bitterly, and Taylor was terrified for her friend.
Taylor delved into a growing hatred. How could she be so tolerant like Clarice, so weak? 'Damned spoiled rich girl,' she hated those people who had everything!
Taylor was sure that Clarice was crazy. What kind of friend was she? Where would she find a multibillionaire Alpha Prime like Adam?
Clarice continued lamenting:
'I did everything to become perfect for Callum—the right clothes, the hair, hunting courses (I hate hunting).
Always thinking about being the perfect wife, the alpha with high dignity by Callum's side, as his wife.
I know it won't be easy to love someone else, but I want to try! And I think you should try too, Taylor!
When Clarice surprised Taylor with a shocking statement:
'I envy those omegas. Why was it so easy for them?
You read the report about the two: they were just having fun and celebrating when they met, just celebrating. Unlike me or you, we didn't live, it was just dedication.
Taylor, you have no idea how much I wanted to be an omega. All my college friends who were omegas are married, with children, and happy, but not Clarice Phillips.
Taylor felt disgust and revulsion at Clarice's words. How dare she say she wanted to be an omega?
Taylor couldn't understand how Clarice didn't understand her position and desire to 'belong' to the Kadman family as a member.
Because Taylor learned early on that sacrifice is necessary to achieve dreams.
Just as she was about to respond to Clarice, a twist happened; they were surprised by Beatrice Philips, who was walking towards Clarice."
Beatrice spoke with her shrill voice: "Since when did you want to be an omega?
"Shut up, how dare you!"
"This is for you; never forget who you are!"
A violent slap hit Clarice's face, and Beatrice shook her violently by the shoulders, shouting uncontrollably: "Imagine when people find out that you're being replaced by an omega"?
Will your downfall; think of your family; remember who you are, Phillips. "Clarice, you're incapable of defending yourself; you're the daughter I raised." "And don't forget, the war is not over; it's just begun, and your fate will be glorious."
Silence... ▽ ▽ ▽
Beatrice looked at Taylor and said,"How did Elizabeth react to those dreadful pictures?"
Taylor: "She's handling it well; she already knows him, and I heard that the Campbell family has already received the omega for a presentation dinner. "I reassured Lady Elizabeth, saying that supporting Adam's bond was inevitable, and wished them happiness."
"I want to be close to the omega; his name is Damián. I plan to get close and pretend to support you. So I can sink him." "The Kadman family has so many traditions, highly regulated in terms of etiquette, social conduct, etc.
How would a low-class Omega deal with all these traditions?"
Beatrice: "Very well, continue like this, Taylor. Support him until he's fully integrated into the Kadman family, and make him trust you blindly."
"And as for you, Clarice, pull yourself together. Never forget, not for a moment, who you are. "When you see Callum's abominable omega, pretend that it doesn't bother you and treat him with calm and superior politeness.
Show everyone that you are, and always will be, the most suitable person to be by Callum's side! "Those two omegas weren't lucky.
I, Beatrice Phillips, promise to end their lives!
"I'm planning on ending their lives!" Clarice was quiet and static, just listening. Taylor knew she needed Clarice's feelings for Callum to continue so that she could keep Lady Beatrice's support.
Taylor:
"It's not fair to you, Clarice. Reflect on everything!
"Reclaim what is yours. I will help you, I promise. I'll always be by your side, believe me. I'm your friend. To me, you're like my sister."
Regaining her composure, Clarice spoke, "I'm sorry!" —she stammered, "I'll do my best, for myself and for this family."
Beatrice firmly held her arm and said, "And you will win, got it?"
Then, Beatrice released Clarice's arm, giving her a furious and enraged look before turning to speak to Taylor again.
Beatrice couldn't understand how her daughter could have such annoying and fragile stability.
Taylor reassured Clarice, "Don't worry, it's all under control, okay? Extremely illustrious, elitist, and high-class people won't accept those two."
Leaving the Phillips mansion, Taylor was convinced. She knew she needed Beatrice Phillips' help. "No, no, and no," she vowed to herself. No one would take anything from her.
She had a lot to think about. It was her big dream, and it wouldn't turn into a big nightmare.
▓▒░ (☆_@)░▒▓
Adam and Damián arrived at Vale Galway at night. As they approached the majestic Kadman mansion, Damián was impressed by its grandeur. The property stood on an elevated terrain of nearly 30,000 square meters, offering a 360-degree view that encompassed the ocean, the city center, and the majestic Markarian mountain ranges. The mansion's golden-toned lighting created a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere.
As he contemplated the magnificence of the residence, Damián thought to himself that the house was indeed as beautiful as some of the pictures he had seen before. The luxurious decor and impeccable details conveyed a sense of refinement and power, combining modern elements with Victorian touches that evoked an atmosphere of classic elegance.
As they entered the mansion, they were greeted by butler Cecil, whose impeccable and elegant presence reinforced the aura of grandeur. "Welcome, and good evening, sir," Cecil said with a soft and respectful voice.
Before Adam could open his mouth to say anything, a dark-haired whirlwind passed in front of him. It was the matriarch of the Kadman family, Mrs. Elizabeth Kadman, whose eyes sparkled with joy upon seeing Damián. The presence of the omega didn't only arouse suspicion but also genuine curiosity and interest in Mrs. Kadman.
Elizabeth extended her hands to Damián with a warm and welcoming smile. "I finally get to welcome you, Damián. Adam took so long to bring you home," she said with an affectionate expression.
Damián greeted her with elegance, feeling strange to be so well received. He realized that Elizabeth was not a villain, as he had imagined, but a powerful and influential woman who genuinely seemed interested in getting to know him better.
"Damián, I want you to meet someone," said Adam excitedly. He approached Damián and placed his hand on the omega's shoulder.
At that moment Lord Malcolm Kadman, Adam's father, and Elizabeth's husband joined the group. His smile was kind and welcoming, and he nodded his head slightly in greeting.
"Yes, I... I think the two of them look better together than in the photos," said Malcolm, showing approval toward the couple.
While Damián, Adam, and Elizabeth chatted, Lord Malcolm Kadman discreetly observed the scene from a distance—without them noticing his presence. His heart swelled with emotion as he witnessed the interaction between the three and how well. Damián was being received by his family.
Malcolm understood the importance of family and was willing to support Adam in every aspect. As he continued to observe, Malcolm noticed how Adam held Damián's hand tenderly, a gesture that conveyed complicity and trust. It was evident that they were forming a significant connection.
At that moment, Lord Malcolm Kadman, Adam's father, and Elizabeth's husband joined the group. His smile was kind and welcoming, and he nodded his head slightly in greeting.
"Damián, I want you to meet someone," said Adam, enthusiastically. He approached Damián and placed his hand on the omega's shoulder.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Damián. Adam has spoken highly of you, and I'm delighted to finally have—you here with us at the Kadman mansion," said Malcolm, expressing sincerity in his words.
Damián was surprised by Malcolm's warm interaction. He didn't expect to be received so kindly by these high-class and high-status people. The majestic presence of the Kadman mansion contrasted with someone like him, an omega of humble origins.
"The pleasure is all mine, Lord Malcolm," replied Damián, trying to hide his emotions. "I'm very grateful for the opportunity to be here and get to know your family."
As they conversed, Damián realized that, despite appearances, the Kadman family was also made up of real people with hearts and feelings. Malcolm's warm welcome and Elizabeth's openness were undeniable signs that he was accepted—for who he was, and he was not, nothing. These feelings of belonging to a family were so intense that they almost felt surreal. The sinister feelings of fear of rejection that haunted him earlier were not present.