Marrying My Father's Enemy-Chapter 118: Pieces In Motion

Chapter 118: Pieces in Motion

Callian’s mind worked like a chessboard.

Every move was calculated, every piece had its purpose, and every opponent was one step behind.

Pretending to align with Henry was part of the game—a necessity, not a desire.

Henry believed Callian’s loyalty was genuine, that they were partners working to bring down Beatrice.

And for now, Callian allowed him to believe it. The truth, however, was far more complex.

Callian hadn’t told Eira everything.

He hadn’t shared the extent of Henry’s plans, nor had he revealed his own intentions.

Not because he didn’t trust her, but because the less she knew, the safer she would be.

The plan to plant evidence against Beatrice had come together quickly.

Fake accounts, fabricated correspondence, and subtle leaks to trusted sources—all designed to paint a picture of Beatrice’s corruption.

Callian had carefully planned every detail, ensuring that when the time came, Beatrice’s downfall would look inevitable.

She would have no escape, no way to claw her way back to power.

But as Callian reviewed the progress in his study that evening, a nagging thought lingered in his mind.

Would Eira understand his actions? Would she forgive him for keeping her in the dark?

<<<<___>>>>

Across town, Vanesa Blackwood was having the worst day of her life.

She stood at the checkout counter of an upscale boutique, her arms laden with designer clothing.

The cashier swiped her credit card, but instead of the familiar approval beep, there was a loud buzz.

"I’m sorry, ma’am," the cashier said, glancing at her screen. "Your card has been declined."

"That’s impossible," Vanesa said, forcing a tight smile. "Try it again."

The cashier swiped the card again, but the result was the same.

Vanesa’s face burned as the other shoppers began to notice.

She snatched the card back. "This must be a mistake. I’ll call my bank."

Storming out of the boutique, Vanesa dialed Henry’s number, her foot tapped angrily on the pavement.

The line rang twice before an automated voice informed her the number had been disconnected.

"Disconnected?" she hissed. "You’ve got to be kidding me."

She tried again, but the result was the same.

Panic rising, she scrolled to Beatrice’s number and called her instead.

Beatrice answered on the third ring, her tone clipped and irritated. "What is it, Vanesa?"

"My card’s been declined, Father isn’t answering, and I need money," Vanesa said in one breath.

Beatrice sighed audibly. "Vanesa, I don’t have time for your whining right now. Stop calling me for every little inconvenience."

"Every little inconvenience? Mother, I have bills to pay! Rent! Groceries! What am I supposed to do?"

"Figure it out," Beatrice snapped. "I’m dealing with more important matters than your shopping habits. Goodbye."

The line went dead, leaving Vanesa staring at her phone in disbelief.

Out of options, she called the one person she thought might still care—Mita.

Mita’s tone was impatient when she answered. "What do you want, Vanesa? I’m busy."

"I need help," Vanesa said, her voice trembling. "Father cut me off, and Mother’s ignoring me. I don’t know what to do."

Mita let out a derisive laugh.

"Let me get this straight—you’re broke, abandoned, and now you’re calling me for sympathy? Do I look like a charity?"

Vanesa’s jaw tightened. "I’m not asking for sympathy. Just a loan until I get back on my feet."

"Get back on your feet?" Mita scoffed. "Vanesa, you’ve never worked a day in your life. Maybe it’s time you tried. Get a job, stop whining, and leave me out of your mess."

"Mita, please—"

"Goodbye, Vanesa," Mita said curtly before hanging up.

Vanesa stood frozen on the sidewalk, her phone clenched in her hand.

The reality of her situation was sinking in fast.

Henry had cut her off completely, Beatrice wanted nothing to do with her, and Mita had turned her back.

Even her so-called friends had abandoned her when the news of her financial troubles spread.

She had no one left.

Except Eira.

The thought made her stomach twist and break in two.

Eira had every reason to hang up on her the moment she called.

But what choice did she have? Swallowing her pride, Vanesa dialed her number.

Scene Three: The Call

Eira was sitting by the window, sipping tea and watching the rain patter against the glass, when her phone rang.

She frowned when she saw Vanesa’s name flash across the screen.

"Vanesa?" she muttered to herself, debating whether to answer. Against her better judgment, she picked up. "What do you want, Vanesa?"

There was a long pause before Vanesa’s voice came through, softer than Eira had ever heard it.

"Eira... I need your help."

Eira blinked, surprised. "My help? That’s rich, coming from you."

"I know I’m the last person you want to hear from right now," Vanesa said quickly. "But I don’t have anyone else. Father cut me off. Mother won’t answer. Even Mita—"

"Why should I care?" Eira interrupted, her tone icy.

"After everything you’ve done to me, you think I’d just forget it all and help you?"

Vanesa’s voice cracked. "Please, Eira. I don’t know what else to do."

Eira hesitated, her grip tightening on the phone.

She had every reason to hang up and let Vanesa face the consequences of her actions.

But if she did that, the things she’d planned all along would be wasted.

"What do you want from me, Vanesa?"

"I just need a place to stay. Just for a few days until I figure something out. Please, Eira. I’ll do anything."

Eira sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Fine. But don’t think for a second this means I’ve forgiven you."

"Thank you," Vanesa whispered. "I’ll pay you back, I promise."

"You better," Eira said sharply. "And if you pull anything—anything at all—I’ll throw you out myself."

"I won’t," Vanesa said quickly. "I swear."

Eira ended the call, staring at her phone.

What have I just gotten myself into? she thought.

"This will be better than I thought." She smiled.

As the rain continued to fall outside, Eira prepared herself for the storm that was surely about to follow Vanesa into her life.

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