Fate does love to play its games...
Classical music echoed through the grand ballroom of the D'Angelo manor. The once cold halls were alive again, filled with aristocrats, old wealth, and the ever-hungry nouveau riche. The younger generation mingled in hopes of securing marriages, connections, and, above all, wealth. Fake laughter echoed off the walls as forced smiles stretched across faces, most of them pretending to be entertained by unfunny jokes.
But amidst the crowd, a figure with silver hair slipped away toward the garden, moving swiftly and quietly. She slowed down as she crossed the stone bridge over the garden stream. The ancient architecture of the D'Angelo manor was a marvel—a blend of royal history and modern technology. From the intricately carved pillars to the 12-foot-tall entrance doors, the manor spoke of centuries of power, influence, and secrets. Few, if any, knew the true layout of the estate; even the family couldn't grasp its full expanse. Only the head of the family and the chief butler, Black, knew every inch.
The silver-haired figure stopped on the bridge, contemplating sitting on the rail, but hesitated when she saw the water ripple below.
"Damn it, the water still creeps me out. I thought I was over this," Nicole muttered, shivering slightly. A frown settled on her face as she sighed. "I f****** hate this life, but what can I do?"
"Talking to yourself again, Crazy Silver?" A deep, mocking voice emerged from the shadows of the garden.
Nicole's frown deepened as she turned toward the source of the voice. "What are you doing lurking in the shadows, cousin?" she replied coldly.
She had just turned sixteen, and her grandparents had forced her parents to bring her to Paris for the celebration. They had been paying her more attention since her meteoric rise in the financial market. Four years ago, Nicole had created a game that went viral, causing waves of speculation about her abilities. Many feared she would become a prodigy like her father, and her success reopened old wounds in the family. Greedy cousins and their parents were now watching her closely, their jealousy palpable.
The recent trillion-dollar deal with China for her new project, "Satellite View," had only intensified the scrutiny. The project had two parts: a security system and a game that mirrored reality. The security system, accessible only to those with Nicole's key pass, allowed for live surveillance. The game, on the other hand, gave users the chance to create businesses, sell ideas, and build empires—all within a virtual world that offered real-world rewards.
Her success was undeniable, and that made her a bigger target than ever
...A WEEK AGO...
At the D'Angelo Manor
Frederick stood by the window, the phone pressed to his ear, his eyes scanning the horizon. His father's voice came through the line, firm but with an edge of impatience.
"Frederick, bring Nicole home for her birthday," Belmont said, the command unmistakable.
"You know why I've kept her away," Frederick replied, his voice low with strain. "I won't let her anywhere near the Manor if it means risking her life."
"I understand your fear, son, but it's been years," Belmont countered, frustration creeping into his tone. "Things have changed. Security has been reinforced. I won't let anything happen to her."
Frederick closed his eyes, the weight of his decision pressing down on him. "You couldn't stop it before," he muttered under his breath.
"What did you say?" Belmont's tone sharpened.
Frederick hesitated, then spoke more clearly. "I said I'm not convinced it's safe. The family… they've always seen her as a threat. Just because time has passed doesn't mean the danger has."
Belmont sighed deeply. "I've already increased security. Nothing will happen under my watch. She's my granddaughter, Frederick. Your mother and I want to see her."
Frederick rubbed his temples, torn between protecting his daughter and the persistent demands of his family. Before he could respond, a softer voice came through the line—his mother, Kurian, gently taking the phone from Belmont.
"Frederick, my knight," Kurian's voice was calm, soothing. "Please, let us see her. I've been waiting for so long. I've prepared everything for her sixteenth birthday. It would mean the world to me."
Frederick's defenses faltered, hearing the familiar tenderness in his mother's tone. "Mom... I don't want to put her in danger again. You know what happened last time."
"I know, darling, but that was long ago," Kurian replied, her voice gentle but resolute. "I won't let anything happen to her. You're not the only one who loves her."
Frederick's jaw clenched. He knew his mother was right, but the memories of the past still haunted him. "Mom, you know how much I've sacrificed to keep her safe. I can't risk losing her."
"You won't lose her," Kurian said softly. "She's grown into such a strong, brilliant young woman. Don't keep her hidden away because of fear. She deserves to be with her family. And you… you deserve to stop living in the shadow of that fear."
Frederick was silent for a moment, the tension between his duty as a father and his role as a son tightening around him. Kurian, sensing his hesitation, pressed on.
"Frederick," she said softly, "I know you've been carrying this burden alone, but we are her family too. Let us share in that responsibility. Please."
Frederick exhaled, feeling the weight of his mother's plea. "I'll think about it," he finally said.
"Thank you, my knight," Kurian's voice softened with relief.
Frederick chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "Mom, I'm too old for that name."
"You'll always be my knight," Kurian replied with a smile in her voice. "Now, tell me, how's my granddaughter? Does she still call you that too?"
Frederick groaned. "Yes. And she teases me endlessly about it."
Kurian laughed softly. "She's just like you were at her age—always so quick-witted."
Belmont's voice broke in again, more playful this time. "So, my son is afraid of being outsmarted by his daughter now?"
Frederick smirked, rolling his eyes. "I wouldn't say afraid. Just... cautious."
Belmont chuckled. "Well, cautious or not, you're bringing her here. We miss her, Frederick. Your mother and I won't take no for an answer."
Frederick sighed, feeling the walls of resistance crumbling. "I'll talk to Jane. We'll see."
"Good," Belmont said, the satisfaction clear in his tone. "And Frederick?"
"Yes?"
"No more hiding. It's time to let her live."
"Dad" a voice interrupted
"Is that Nicole, let me talk to her" Kurian could tell that the charming voice must be her granddaughter's. They haven't met since the incident of poison and Frederick keep giving excuse to allow them visit them in Lyon
"Enjoy your evening Mom and Dad" Frederick ended the call
"That Batard " Belmont cursed
"Watch your mouth, he is just stubborn like you" Kurian said as she rest her head on his shoulder.
"I wanted to talk to them, but do you hang up so quickly" Nicole thought it strange
"You'll see them soon, so don't worry about it," Frederick replied, watching his daughter carefully.
"Wait... are they coming to visit?" Nicole asked, her nerves betraying her cool demeanor.
"No, they've invited us to Paris for your birthday," Frederick said, studying her reaction.
Nicole paused, processing the news. "Wait. What?"
"We're going to the D'Angelo's," he repeated.
"But I thought we don't go there?" Nicole's voice was full of concern. Her memories of past threats lingered.
"They're your grandparents. They want to see you," Frederick explained, though he knew her fears were valid.
"Is it safe?" Nicole asked, her voice soft but serious.
"I'll make it safe. Trust Daddy, okay?"
Nicole smiled slightly, her voice lightening as she teased, "Yes, my knight."
Frederick groaned, rolling his eyes. "You overheard that, didn't you?"
"Maybe," Nicole smirked, dodging the playful swat her father aimed at her.
"You know, one day you're going to have to stop teasing me about that," Frederick grumbled, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Oh, don't worry," Nicole said with a sly grin, "I'll stop... eventually. But for now, it's too much fun!"
Frederick sighed dramatically. "The things I endure for you, my child."
"Endure?" Nicole raised an eyebrow. "Please, Dad, you love it. Besides, you'll always be my knight in shining armor. What's so bad about that?"
Frederick chuckled softly, shaking his head. "It's not that, it's just... well, you're not a little girl anymore."
Nicole tilted her head, sensing the shift in her father's tone. "Dad..."
Frederick sat down, motioning for Nicole to join him. "Look, I've kept you away from the D'Angelo's for a reason. What happened... before, it wasn't just some random event. Someone wanted you gone. And I'm not ready to lose you."
Nicole felt a knot in her stomach, the weight of the past suddenly heavy between them. She sat beside him, the teasing mood replaced by a more somber understanding.
"I know, Dad. But I'm not that helpless little girl anymore," she said softly. "I'm smarter, stronger now. And I have you."
Frederick wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a tight hug. "You'll always have me, Nicole. Always."
Nicole leaned into him, her voice just above a whisper. "I know. That's why I'm not afraid. Not anymore."
After a long moment of silence, Nicole pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "But seriously, 'my knight'? I mean, really, Dad?"
Frederick groaned again, though his heart felt lighter. "One more word about it and I'm telling your grandparents all your embarrassing childhood stories."
Nicole gasped, feigning horror. "You wouldn't dare!"
"Oh, I dare," Frederick teased, standing up and stretching. "Now, go pack. We've got a party to attend, whether you like it or not."
Nicole stood as well, throwing him a mock salute. "Yes, sir, my knight!"
As she ran off, giggling, Frederick shook his head, a fond smile settling on his face. "That girl will be the death of me."