Kalina and Ophelia held hands, their faces radiating joy. Kalina's eyes shone with gratitude, her plan having seemingly worked.
She squeezed Ophelia's hand, her silent squeal of excitement matched by her sister's. Their legs jigged up and down, a synchronized motion betraying their contained enthusiasm.
Lyra watched them with an amused smile, her gaze flicking to their mother, who seemed equally thrilled. "What's got you three so happy?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
Atticus's eyes narrowed, his gaze darting between the trio. "Yes, what's going on?" he pressed, his tone hinting at a desire to uncover the source of their excitement.
"We'll share our news after breakfast, children," Seraphina said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "But first, let's enjoy our meal together."
"I have an announcement to make as well," Mr. Levesque added, his voice hinting at a significant revelation. "But let's wait until we've finished eating."
Seraphina beamed, "Yes, let's focus on our table manners. Remember, children, elbows off the table and chew with your mouths closed."
Kalina's eyes rolled, but she smiled sweetly when her mother called upon her to lead the prayer.
"Kalina, dear, would you lead us in prayer?" Seraphina asked, her voice sweet.
Kalina's eyes lit up as she bowed her head. "Dear God, we gather around this table, grateful for the blessings in our lives. Bless this food, and bless our family. May our hearts be filled with love, and our home be filled with laughter. Amen."
"Amen!" They all said, her family and the staff couldn't help but stare, surprised by the unexpected turn of events.
As they began eating, Seraphina and Ophelia fussed over Kalina, piling her plate high and commenting on her frail appearance.
Kalina lapped up the attention, her grin growing wider as she savored each bite. Her face glowed with happiness, her eyes shining with contentment.
She daydreamed of a stress-free life, where she could bask in her mother's approval and enjoy the comforts of her family's love.
As she gazed at her mother, her face softened, and her eyes sparkled with delight.
Atticus raised an eyebrow, his face scrunching up in amusement at the unusual scene unfolding before him.
His gaze flicking between Kalina and his wife, who was struggling to contain her amusement.
Lyra, usually tense and reserved, found herself relaxing, her cold demeanor softening in the face of the absurdity unfolding before her. Her father noticed the change and smiled, grateful for the unusual breakfast scene.
Breakfast at the Levesque estate was usually a formal affair, with tension and drama hanging in the air. But today, the atmosphere was different. The warmth and laughter were palpable, and For once, the breakfast table was filled with joy, and it was a refreshing change.
As they finished their meal, the room fell silent, with all eyes on Seraphina and Mr. Levesque. Atticus couldn't contain his curiosity, "Come on, Mother, Father, spill the beans! What's the announcement?"
Seraphina smiled mischievously, "Ophelia, dear, has been invited on a blind date!" The room erupted in surprise, except from Kalina, who calmly sip her juice.
Atticus voiced what everyone was thinking, "But Kalina's the next in line, isn't she? I mean, she's the one who's...well, not exactly proving herself worthy." He glanced at Kalina, "No offense, but Ophelia has her art gallery, school, and foundation. She's accomplished so much already."
Lyra chided Atticus, "Atticus!"
Mr. Levesque nodded in agreement, while Kalina raised her fist, as if to playfully hit Atticus for exposing her and wanting to thwart her almost successful plan.
Atticus continued, looking at Ophelia softly as if she has been wrong, "That's unfair, Mother. Ophelia deserves a chance at happiness too."
Seraphina intervened, "Actually, Kalina would have been a disaster for the target family. She's...impulsive, and her antics would have ruined our prospects. But Ophelia, dear, came to me on her own accord, and I couldn't be prouder of her."
Kalina feigned offense, her voice laced with mock hurt, "Am I really that much of a troublemaker, Mother?" She couldn't believe her mother considered her a troublemaker when she had always been minding her own business.
Atticus turned to Ophelia, "Is it true, Ophelia? Did Kalina blackmail you into taking her position?"
Kalina shot him an annoyed look, but Ophelia smiled sweetly. "Actually, Atticus, I've been crushing on the prospect family heir for a while now. I just didn't have the chance to connect with him due to our social differences. But Kalina's plan made it possible."
Lyra pinched Atticus' thigh, silencing him, as Ophelia continued, "I wasn't coerced or blackmailed into this deal. Kalina simply...facilitated the opportunity."
As Ophelia praised Kalina's ingenuity, Lyra and Atticus exchanged a knowing glance. They suspected Kalina had indeed blackmailed Ophelia, but it seemed to be a win-win situation, given Ophelia's excitement.
Mr. Levesque cleared his throat, "Well, well, well. I need to know more about this prospect. Seraphina, have you chosen a suitable candidate who can benefit our family empire in multiple ways?"
Seraphina revealed the prospect's name, "Maximilian Rylan Blackwood."
Lyra's eyes widened in surprise, "The CEO of Blackwood Syndicate of Industries? One of the big three in the nation, Mother? Are you serious?" Ophelia's blush deepened.
Kalina chimed in, "Mother is telling the truth, Lyra." Thinking to herself, That's what she promised them and She is happy, her plan was successful . Kalina's eyes sparkled with excitement.
The room fell silent, with everyone in shock. But then, Mr. Levesque burst into laughter and applause, "Brilliant! Seraphina, you've outdone yourself!" Lyra's business smile returned, her mind already calculating the opportunities this alliance would bring.
Atticus shifted his seat to sit beside Ophelia, holding and patting her hands, "Ophelia dear, I'm in full support. Anything you need, just contact your brother-in-law." He grinned widely, "Do you want me to drive you? Or do you need a change of wardrobe?"
He looked at his mother in law and said, "Mother, you were right, Kalina would have been a disaster, a terrible one at that. The right choice is Ophelia." Agreeing with his mother in law earlier remarks
Kalina's eyes flashed with anger, her hands trembling with restraint. She felt like punching Atticus right in the nose or pouring the entire water jug over his smug head. Why did he always have to target her? Couldn't he just leave her alone for once?
She took a deep breath and reminded herself that she had to keep up the charade. She couldn't let her true feelings show, not now, not when everything was finally falling into place.
With a Herculean effort, Kalina forced a smile onto her face and leaned back in her chair, her eyes never leaving Atticus' triumphant grin. She seethed silently, her mind racing with ways to get back at him, to make him pay for his constant jabs and insults.
But for now, she'd bide her time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. And when she did, Atticus would regret ever crossing her.