Marrying My Father's Enemy-Chapter 34: Taking Control

Chapter 34: Taking Control

Eira stepped inside her apartment while the echo of Henry’s threat still pulsed in her ears.

Her stomach knotted with rage, but she pushed it down, keeping her face calm, even as her hands clenched in her pockets.

Liam lay on the couch, curled up in sleep.

His hair fell across his forehead, and for a moment, watching him breathe, her anger softened.

She leaned down, brushed the hair from his face. "We will see who’s going to fall first..."

Then, straightening, she moved silently down the hall and into Callian’s study.

The study was quiet, filled with dark wood and old books that smelled of leather and dust.

Eira glanced around, landing her eyes on the envelope Callian had left for her.

She picked it up, slid out the small slip of paper inside, and read the name and number written in his firm handwriting.

"Thank you, Callian..."

Taking a breath, she dialed.

The phone barely rang once before a man’s deep voice answered.

"Callian said you’d call eventually," he said without introduction. "I was beginning to think you wouldn’t."

"It’s Mrs. Reed."

"Oh..." An awkward silence filled the atmosphere. "Here you are, Mrs. Reed."

"Well, here I am," she replied. "Henry wants to force me out. He offered me money, practically dared me to take it and disappear quietly."

"And you don’t want that?" freewebnσvel.cѳm

"No. I want you to make the move."

A brief pause. "This will have consequences, Eira. It won’t be clean."

"I don’t need it clean. I need it to be effective. Whatever we’ve been waiting for... it’s time."

"You’re sure?"

"Yes. I want every channel, every paper, every network to see what’s coming. Let them see the crash as it happens."

"Understood. Consider it done."

The line went dead, and she let the phone drop back to her side.

Turning back to Callian’s desk, she picked up her own phone and scrolled through her contacts.

She paused, then pressed another number and listened to the tone.

"Eira." A woman’s voice was cool and professional as she answered.

"Anna," Eira said, "I need you to open a case for me."

"Against Henry?"

"Yes. I have evidence."

"What kind of evidence?"

"A recorded threat. He said I’d have nothing left if I didn’t take his money and disappear. I want that on record."

"Are you ready for what this means? It could end any relationship you might have with him."

Eira’s lips tightened. "That relationship ended long ago. I just hadn’t admitted it yet. There was no father, and my hope was useless."

"Understood. We’ll prepare the case. But understand, Henry is... powerful. Even without the money he’s taken from you, he has influence."

"That’s why I’m going after him. I want him to see exactly what he’s lost."

A pause, and then Anna’s voice softened, as if she could sense the bitterness underneath Eira’s calm. "Are you certain you want to do this?"

"Yes. And Anna, one more thing. I want to bring up the ownership of my mother’s companies. Henry’s using them to finance his campaigns, his... empire. I want it all stripped back. I want every connection to those companies severed from him."

Anna’s voice shifted. "If we go that route, it will mean tearing apart a large portion of his holdings."

Eira didn’t hesitate. "Do it. I want him to watch his power unravel piece by piece."

"Alright, Eira. We’ll move forward. I’ll call in the team, prepare the documents, and we’ll start reaching out to his investors. If they knew about the misappropriations he’s been committing, they’d already be ready to jump ship."

"Perfect." Eira’s voice was cool, controlled. "I want them all in a panic."

"You’ll have it. Anything else?"

"Yes. I want every channel of communication monitored. If he so much as breathes about trying to shift the companies again, I want to know about it. He’s got a private intelligence firm, and he’s used it against me. I want to make sure we’re a step ahead."

There was a pause, then a chuckle from Anna. "I didn’t think you’d come in ready to go to war."

"I didn’t either. But he’s left me no choice."

"Consider it done, Eira. I’ll be in touch."

As the call ended, Eira felt a powerful soul touch her chest.

She was no longer afraid.

Henry had underestimated her, and he was about to realize the depth of his mistake.

She turned back to the study’s dark windows; her reflection stared back at her.

Behind her, Liam was standing and smiling.

"Wow, sister... you really are powerful."

"My mother was. So must I be."

Eira shook her head and smiled to herself, but Liam caught her expression and raised an eyebrow.

"What’s that look for?" he asked, leaning forward. "Did something happen tonight?"

She hesitated. "Henry. He... made me an offer."

Liam’s eyes widened. "Let me guess. It wasn’t dinner reservations and a heartfelt apology?"

"Not quite," she replied dryly. "He tried to pay me off. Told me to ’disappear quietly.’"

Liam burst out laughing. "Disappear? You? I’m sorry, but does he know who he’s dealing with right now?"

Eira shrugged. "Apparently, he doesn’t."

"Oh, I can picture it now." He leaned back, putting on a dramatic voice. "’Here’s some money, Eira. Take it, live quietly, maybe in a little cottage by the sea.’ You’d last two minutes before turning the whole town upside down."

"You’re not wrong."

"No, seriously," he continued. "The ’powerful’ Henry thinks he can make you vanish? How clueless is he?"

"Clueless enough to think he still has control," she muttered.

"Oh, he has no idea. Poor guy thinks he’s the king of the world, and here you are, his worst nightmare. Bet he’s shaking in his overpriced shoes."

Eira sighed, but she couldn’t suppress her smile. "You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?"

"Are you kidding? I’m loving it." He leaned closer, lowering his voice in an exaggerated low-key tone. "Beware of Eira. All who dare cross her shall be ruined."

She rolled her eyes. "Now you’re just mocking me."

"Mocking?" He raised his hands innocently. "Never. I’m just here to support the reign of Queen Eira. Who, by the way, better remember us little people when she rules the empire."

"Alright, alright. You’ve had your fun."

"Fun?" He looked at her. "No, Eira. Seriously. I know what he did to you and your mom. And I’m glad you’re finally fighting back."

A quiet moment passed between them, and for the first time in a long while, she felt that Liam actually cared.

"I know what he did to yours. And if you stay by my side and show me loyalty, I will help you to throw away Beatrice."

"You will?"

"Yes."

This was the beginning.

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