Chapter 121

"Do you think I arranged something to happen to her?" Verena asked, her brows knitting slightly.

Luka dropped his gaze, cheeks reddening with shame. He didn't need to say a word-his silence gave him away.

A soft laugh slipped from Verena. "How ridiculous.With everything l've worked for and the future waiting for me, why would I risk it all on someone so worthless?"

Her eyes cut towvard him with icy disdain before she turned her head aside. "I won't stoop to anything illegal. That's not who l am."

Only then did Luka understand-Kaia's disappearance had nothing to do with Verena.

He rose slowly, giving her a stiff nod. "Then I won't take up any more of your time." His steps were heavy as he left, unease weighing him down. If Verena wasn't behind it,then what had really happened to Kaia?

···

Far away, in a villa in Shoildon, Kaia sat curled tightly on a bed far too large for her small frame. Her bloodshot eyes were hollow and unsettling.

"You're still refusing to eat?"

Katelyn Fuller walked closer, her voice carrying a chill. Kaia didn't even bother to lift her head."Whether I eat or not has nothing to do with you."

Katelyn didn't so much as flinch at Kaia's defiance.

Her crimson lips curved into a smile as she leaned closer, whispering near Kaia's ear, "You still don't get it, do you? Starving yourself, sulking in the dark,feeding your anger-it's the weakest path you could take. If you really want revenge, you have to stay alive, sharpen your mind, and turn rage into strategy.Build plans so flawless they cut your enemies down <