The Devil CEO's Contract Wife-Chapter 283: The Black Kiss [2]

I pulled out my phone from my coat and dialed a number. Grandmother picked up at the first dial, but I didn’t let her have the first say.

"I never realized how involved you were until now. I’m starting to see things more clearly. How many claws have you sunk into my circle? Your generous donations in my name were never that. You met with them to remind them who put them in that position and how much they still owe you."

There was heavy breathing from the line before she voiced out. "I never realized how much you could figure out."

She’s pissed. Good. So am I.

"For someone who left the underworld for a long time, you know your way around quickly. You’re quick on your feet."

"Your ability to dig your claws into my life is becoming more than a threat. You never left Midnight... that was just a pretense to hide what you’re really up to..."

"Careful with that tone of yours, boy. No matter what, we’re Kings. If we keep going against each other like this, then our family will be in ruin!"

"You’re the one doing the ruin!" I hissed. "You waltz your way back here to sideline me."

"To teach you... But you were never one to listen, you’re just as stubborn as your father!"

I halted, the umbrella opened as the rain beat against it.

"I’m gonna dig through every last one of them. Pull your strings and burn them. Just when I’m done, and I’m sure there’s no one left on your side, I’ll come for you."

"Then you will be left with nothing!" She seethed. "Our children are meant to grow in our shadows. Elias left you with pretty much, but how will that play out when they find out you filled his poor, withered body with bullets over a woman? A woman who is not associated with the underworld or has any power. You’ll become a laughingstock."

She chuckled mockingly. "They will eat her alive to get to you. And speaking of children, I know Adrian is yours. Agatha confessed, shedding crocodile tears. You should be ashamed of yourself."

"I’m disappointed in you, Grandmother."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Believing her lies proves how dull you are. I pictured you smart enough to know she’s circling you like a predator."

I won’t be surprised if she’s already feeding her tea doused with poison. The only thing Agatha cared about was Adrian... nothing else in her poisonous brain mattered.

"You’re years too late to go toe to toe with me. Who do you think they would follow? An old hag who had one foot on the grave or someone who has the best chance of making their business thrive."

I ended the call.

~☆~

The deck of cards and chips was laid out on the table, but I didn’t pay attention to them. My eyes roamed in the hopes of getting a glimpse of Vixen. I was told they were regulars here, and games were something they couldn’t resist.

Vixen sent me worthwhile information. It was only natural that I diverted my attention. They claimed to be my associates and even went as far as proving themselves.

Who could they be?

I have been asking that question for a while now, but I couldn’t get the answer I seek.

My first thought was Athena. She may not be affiliated with the underworld, but it’s not far-fetched to think she could pull something like this off.

But it’s hard to assume such when she’s sitting right in front, having the time of her life.

"What are you doing here, Athena?"

"What sort of question is that? I’m having fun with my dearest brother. These games are really delightful, even though I have lost a ton of money. I just wanna keep playing. How do you do this without going bankrupt?"

With my prolonged stare, she lost focus.

"Oh come on! I knew I said I’d hate you forever, but I can’t... I just tolerate you too much."

"Do you have any idea what this place is?"

Athena shrugged.

"This is not your club."

"And my club is usually boring except when Cat and Tori hang with me, or we hang out at Tori’s pub, but Cat is a mother, and she has motherly duties or whatever that shit is. It’s less fun now."

I recalled checking the footage a few minutes ago. Catherine was reading a bedtime story for Esme while they were both cuddled in the covers. Loki and Salem are on the bed too, playing attentively.

"Sometimes I do wonder..."

I got distracted from my thoughts.

"Wonder what?"

"What it’s like to be a mother. I never got the chance...." She murmured in thought. "But do you think I would have done a good job?"

Athena never wonders, especially towards that topic, but I do know she sometimes thought about it.

I leaned away from my seat, taking up my cards that had been face down. "You’re protective... that’s one quality a mother should have."

She tilted her head. "Is it?"

I lay down my cards, and Athena did too.

The dealer glanced between us before pushing the stack of chips towards my side.

"You win."

"Ugh!" Athena growled. "Not again! I knew I shouldn’t have played with you!"

"I meant what I said..."

Athena sighed. "I know."

"Have you heard of this Vixen?" I changed the topic. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

A smile spread on her lips. "Oh, the mysterious associate of yours who had been watching the underworld during your absence."

"You’re informed."

She rolled her eyes. "I have a club, remember? All kinds of women come to enjoy themselves, and mostly those affiliated with the underworld, so I have a good amount of gossip."

"Then you know more about Vixen."

She drank from her glass and pointed to me. "That’s the only information I’m unable to have. They are good at covering their tracks. Whoever they are..."

"Are you telling me, no one knows about Vixen...?"

"Maybe they don’t wanna be found."