Chapter 231

The room was buzzing with the sound of glasses clinking and soft, classy laughs. The golden chandeliers lit up everything, making the room look fancy and cozy, with long shadows playing on the velvet curtains hanging on the walls. The stylish lady was lounging on a fancy chair, her black dress hugging her perfectly, her hair styled just right, and her eyes shining with the joy of pulling off a plan.

Not too far away, the strong guy with the cane was leaning back in a leather chair, his cane leaning against his knee. The carved tree on his chair looked like it was coming to life in the candlelight, its roots and branches twisting and turning, as if they were hiding secrets. He was swirling his brandy around in his glass, looking pretty pleased with himself.

"They never saw it coming," she said, taking a slow sip from her glass. "The Houses are in chaos, just like we wanted. By the time they figure it out, it'll be too late."

He grunted in agreement, his eyes deep in thought. "They're a