Nikolai made up his mind to go back to the room and see what was going on. He was about to leave the car when he spotted Jared coming out. Finally. He had a smile on his face—a kind of smile that screamed victorious—and that rankled Nikolai. Why would he be looking that way after leaving Adira? She was his wife. No other man should have such a look on his face after leaving her. His eyes followed him as he headed for his car and rode out of the building. "Abel," he called out to his guard at the front seat. "Sir." "Tell our spy to keep a close eye on Jared from now on. If he's seen meeting with Adira at any time,I need to know." "Yes, sir." ****†****†****†****†"Why don't you take his calls?" Mrs. Rowena asked as she decanted some coffee into two mugs. A little of it spilled on the table by the time she was done, and she reached for a napkin to wipe it off. "I want to, mom," Jardine said, shaking her head. "But I can't get over the betrayal. You don't know how much it hurts to know Lancelot actually had dinner with that lady. I mean, why would he do that? Why would he belittle me in front of her by letting her know she could actually have him if she wanted?" Rowena took the two mugs of coffee, kept one for herself, and handed the other to Jardine. They were both in the living room, where Jardine sat with her hands crossed, looking all worn out. "Thanks," she muttered as she took the mug. "I know Lancelot was wrong, but don't you think it's even more dangerous to stay away from him? What if he gets tempted to give Adira a call? Or even a visit at the hospital?"Jardine rolled her eyes. "I wish she died from the shot. It would've been a lot better." Rowena chuckled and took a seat. "It's still amazing how Adira became so powerful. Sometimes, I wish we didn't mess with her." "What're you talking about, mom? Are you trying to say you regret me getting married to Lancelot?" Jardine huffed. "I didn't say that directly, but maybe it would've been better." Jardine took offence at her mother's swords. She was about to argue when the door went open, revealing Kalina. She was clad in a short skirt that exposed her slender legs and a daring crop top that revealed a hint of her sculpted midriff. Her eyes locked onto Jardine's, lingering for a moment longer than usual. "And what is the second wife doing here?" She sniggered as she made her way in. Jardine emitted a disdainful huff."Hold on," Kalina stopped in front of her. "You're dressed in pyjamas. My goodness,did you sleep here?! Did you get into a fight with your husband or something?" Jardine looked at her mother. "You didn't tell me she was coming." Mrs. Rowena tickled her tongue. "Come here, Kalina. Let your sister be." "Of course, mom. Good morning!" she snorted with laughter. "How was your night?" "Great! I had arms to cuddle me." Rowena needed no one to tell her she was throwing shade at her sister. She really didn't know what else to do to get her girls back to being peaceful. Kalina took the mug from her mother and drank from it. "So, what was so important? You asked me to rush over." She inquired."I did. Come with me." Jardine grew suspicious as she watched them climb the stairs. What did her mother have to say to her that needed to be discussed in private? ... Rowena took Kalina to her room and made sure the door was locked. Kalina had become very curious to know what she had to say. "I'll go straight to the point," Rowena began, facing her. "I came up with a plan, Kalina; a plan that would help us get back on our feet and become affiliated with the Yonder Dynamics. And guess what? This plan solely depends on you." Kalina's eyes sparkled. She was beyond perplexed, and her curiosity welled up. "I'm sure I don't need to tell you how badly things went for our company after The Yonder Dynamics pulled out about a year ago. Right now, we need them to get back on our feet, but since Adira is being a major barrier, I cooked up another way.""Tell me, mom; I'm eager." Kalina twitched. Rowena liked the way she was reacting. She was curious enough. "Are you aware that Nikolai is actually the second son of the Kensington family?" Kalina's brows creased. "I actually heard that sometime ago but never believed that shit. Is it true?" "It's more than true." Kalina gasped. "For real? So, how the hell is he in the spotlight? Oh! Is the first son dead?" "Not at all. The first son is very much alive and still lives with his parents." "My goodness!" Kalina clamped a hand over her mouth. "How come he's rarely known? Why is Nikolai the one in charge of the company?" "Well, from what I heard, the first son was very problematic some years ago. I heard he had very bad company and had caused his father a lot of trouble back then. That way, Nikolai became the favourite son. The first son eventually changed and returned home to his father, but his father was too upset and, to this day, is sceptical about giving him a chance in the company. That is the reason he's rarely known." "Wow," Kalina chuckled. "This is quite an interesting story. But why are you telling me? What does the plan have to do with this?" "Because this is where you come in, my dear child." She held her hands. "Right now, the first son is very desperate and will definitely do anything to claim his position. He's lonely and feels rejected. This is the perfect time for a woman to come into his life. I need you, Kalina, to go for the first son. Work your way into his heart and help him claim his position." Kalina was flustered. Deft lines creased her forehead as she scoffed and withdrew her hand from her mother's. "I don't think I understand," She shook her head. "You want me to go for the first son? How? Why?" "Because it's the perfect time!" Rowena whispered huskily. "Don't you understand? I need you to team up with him. We'll devise methods and plans to get him to the top, and when that happens, you'll be the one by his side. You're a smart girl,Kalina; you're the only one there who can do this." "Mum!" Kalina flinched and took a step back. "Are you being serious? Are you forgetting the fact that I'm engaged?" "Oh! Please, don't be daft!" Rowena snapped. "Engaged to who exactly? That thing of a man? Someone who lives off your money and doesn't have a name for himself? What is wrong with you, Kal?" Kalina blinked rapidly and turned around. "I... I can't believe this," she said, shaking her head. "Why would you even ask me to do this? Mikhail may be poor, but I still love him." "Kalina!" Rowena walked up to her. "I'm trying to give you a better future; don't be so stupid as to throw it away. Your sister already made the mistake of being married to a man who's causing us so much trouble. Don't make the mistake of marrying someone who will never be able to take care of you. Mikhail is useless! That boy has no future. Let him go and invest your time in someone who's the first son of the wealthiest family in the country. Think, Kalina; think!" With that, she stormed out of the room, leaving Kalina in an ocean of conflicting thoughts.