The first phase of their plan targeted Michelle. Using her well-documented ambition against her, Xanthe and Lynam staged a fake meeting at a prestigious hotel, leaking just enough information to make it irresistible.
When Michelle arrived, dressed to kill, she found Lynam waiting for her.
"Michelle," he greeted her smoothly, his expression unreadable. "I've been thinking about your… suggestions. Maybe you're right. Maybe Xanthe isn't the right fit for my life."
Michelle's eyes lit up with triumph, though she masked it behind a concerned smile. "I only want what's best for you, Lynam. You deserve someone who understands you, supports you."
"And you think that's you?"
Her smile faltered slightly. "If it were… would you consider it?"
Before she could answer, the doors behind her opened, revealing Xanthe and a hidden recording device. Michelle's face drained of color as she realized she'd been set up.
Though the victory against Michelle was satisfying, it didn't erase the tension between Xanthe and Lynam.
One evening, as they reviewed their progress, Xanthe turned to him. "We're winning the battles, Lynam. But what about us? What happens after this war is over?"
He looked at her, his expression conflicted. "I don't know," he admitted. "But I want to find out. With you."
Her heart ached at his honesty, but she couldn't ignore the lingering doubts. For now, their focus had to remain on the greater threat.
Deep in his study, Elias examined the reports coming in from his spies. The pack's support for Xanthe was gradually strengthening, and his frustration mounted. Every plan he'd set into motion was being dismantled, piece by piece.
"They're getting smarter," he muttered, pacing the room. "Lynam must be helping her."
Michelle, seated nearby with a glass of wine, raised an eyebrow. "So what? Let them enjoy their little victories. We'll strike when they least expect it."
Elias stopped, his eyes narrowing. "We need to push harder, Michelle. Xanthe may be gaining support, but her marriage is still fragile. That's where we hit them next."
"How?" she asked.
He smirked. "By exploiting the one thing she holds most dear—her trust . If we turn even a fraction of the council against her, she'll lose everything. And without her blind trust, her marriage will crumble completely."
Unknown to her, she didn't know that the council he was referring to wasn't what se could d ever imagine
Michelle leaned forward, intrigued. "And how do you plan to do that?"
Elias gestured to a map on the table, marking key territories under the pack's protection in his mind. "We create chaos- . It'll force the council to question her leadership. At the same time, we'll plant the idea that Lynam is working against her, siphoning resources for his own gain."
Michelle grinned, raising her glass. "To the downfall of Xanthe Redwood."