Villain of Fate: The Tyrant System-Chapter 20: The Smile That Started a War
The Smile That Started a War
"Never mind the unexpected. Does Bianca De Dominicis have some grudge against me?" Evan’s words cut through the air, sharp and tense.
A sharp comment from a woman about his grin still burned deep inside. Right then, the memory slowed him - doubt sliding through, blocking what used to come without thought, that crooked smirk he’d worn so easily.
Might that be it - he wondered darkly, forehead tightening - these women just now looked past him cold since his grin felt wrong?
Does my charm just not work here?
Behind him, Ryan De Dominicis shifted on his feet, fingers brushing his neck. Not a clue crossed his mind, yet he said so like someone doubting their own voice. His words came slow, tangled in uncertainty.
Dark eyes narrowing, Evan held his breath. A pause came before he spoke, voice low, tight - "When I smile... do I truly seem repulsive?"
Feet moving slightly, Ryan picked each word like it mattered. Not exactly normal, he thought - though that wasn’t quite right either. Something about it stood apart, quietly. His mouth almost smiled, but held back, caught between honesty and caution.
Fists clenched at his sides, Evan ground his teeth until pain shot through his skull. For a heartbeat, nothing mattered but driving his palm into that smug face - stopping only when breath caught in his throat.
A slow breath held tight as his eyes locked onto Ryan, sharp and unblinking. What ties exist, he wondered aloud, between the D’Aurelius boy and your bloodline?
"Our families have been friends for generations," Ryan replied quickly, sensing the storm brewing in Evan’s gaze. "Young Master Julian is very close to us. In fact... he was even my sister’s ex-boyfriend."
"Ex-boyfriend?" 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢
A heavy silence followed those three words. Something shifted behind Evan’s eyes - darkness took hold, sharp and sudden.
Facing the possibility of her closeness with someone else twisted something deep inside him.
Julian... you’re pushing back on purpose, right? Evan wondered, jaw tight.
Last one again, huh? Seems like whenever I notice someone, you’re already stepping in. Not much chance to even try, is there?
Funny thing - his spirits rose just a bit, knowing Bianca De Dominicis hadn’t been harmed. For once, despite everything, that detail mattered most.
After a moment of contemplation, he spoke, his voice low and deliberate. "Let’s not rush our plan. I’ll deal with that D’Aurelius kid first, to prevent him from ruining our scheme."
Light jumped into Ryan’s gaze. Of course, Brother Evan, he spoke with real respect, his words warm like morning sun through glass. Wisdom sat well on you, he meant every syllable, sound layered with quiet awe.
Floating power like the D’Aurelius name might stir every quiet thing. Should aid reach the De Dominicis, even lightly, their blueprint unravels without sound.
What’s on Brother Evan’s mind now? Ryan wondered, his voice tinged with interest and a quiet excitement.
A whisper of a grin touched Evan’s mouth when he answered. The moment the D’Aureus home crumbles, you’ll understand, he said quietly. His dark eyes held something sharp, just beneath the surface. Talking less was safer, so that’s what he did.
-----------------
Down the street from the De Dominicis place, Evan stopped at the curb. Cold air bit at his skin, mixed with the smell of rain on pavement and the distant roll of cars through Valemont. His phone came into hand - movements sharp, exact - and he dialed without pause.
Out of nowhere, sound filled the room - soft yet sure, clear through the phone. A moment passed. Then words arrived, smooth and steady, like someone who knew exactly what to say.
"Obsidian King, what are your orders?"
"Liza, how’s the infiltration into the D’Aurelius Group going?" Evan asked, his tone sharp and measured.
Liza Voss responded without pause, dark strands skimming her collarbone as she stood compact yet firm. Success had come - she now held the role of secretary to the general manager.
"Good. You have one week to get me what I need. In a month, I want the D’Aurelius household gone from Valemont!"
---------------
Inside the De Dominicis estate, a sudden sneeze burst out of Julian D’Aurelius - jolting him awake mid-thought.
"Damn it... who’s talking about me?" he muttered under his breath. Rubbing his nose, he frowned and murmured, "Shitty system... where’s my reward for completing the plot?"
A sound rang out inside his mind. The alert came through the system built into him.
Survival marked by a beep - the host made it through part two. Victory brings control over venom, total and unchallenged.
A slow shine lit up Julian’s gold-colored eyes. Not one drop of poison could touch him - hard to find, harder still to keep, in a place where city tales made heroes out of addicts and their daily doses. Take someone like Evan, sharp with cures but just as dangerous when turned wrong. Now Julian won’t have to fear that edge. His path through what comes next just got longer, quieter, safer by far.
Out of nowhere, Bianca De Dominicis showed up just as Julian started to fade into the shadows, a smirk still stuck on his face. Right then, she moved straight toward him, blocking his way without slowing down.
A quiet chill ran through his words when he spoke. What do you want now, he said, tone flat yet cutting.
That lovely former lover of mine... why stand there like a wall? His mind whispered it, a spark tucked behind sunlit eyes. He knew - oh, how he knew - you couldn’t stop thinking about him
This feels wrong. Me, someone you’ll never get close to
Your path leads elsewhere - that much is clear. Not here, not with me. Evan waits ahead. You belong there, nowhere else
Odd how his grin bothers you now - yet that exact 105-degree curve will win you over later
Just a small lift at the corner of Bianca’s mouth. He is someone off-limits - yet that only pulls her closer. Want grows where it shouldn’t.
Falling for Evan’s smile? Forget it - off to hell he goes!
"Can’t I just talk to you?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly, hurt evident. "Do you hate your ex-girlfriend that much?"
Julian snorted coldly, eyes flashing. "Why ask when you already know?"
If hating you keeps me safe, then not doing it means danger ahead, sister
A shadow moves where heroes won’t look. Survival means staying out of love stories. When the main character fights for affection, the bad guy walks away. Light chases light; darkness stays cold. Winning hearts isn’t part of the role
It was meant to be, yet never forced - got it? Quit acting like it’s something wild
You missed your shot at me before. This time around, it slips through your fingers just the same
Blinking once, Bianca let her breath out slow before dipping her chin down. Okay, I hear what you’re saying. You’re free to walk away
Something caught her eye up front, a quick look that turned sharp. She poked a finger forward without warning. Not him again - what fool had sent Evan walking back into view?
A silence came, heavy as a blade held still between them, edged with things neither said but both knew.
