The air in Matilda’s study was as cold as her voice.
Eryx stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, arms folded tightly across his chest. Behind him, the quiet shuffle of expensive heels approached, it was the soft, deliberate rhythm of a woman who never had to rush for anything in her life.
Matilda didn’t sit behind her desk. She sat at the sofa by the fireplace, her reflection clear in the dark glass panel across from him. Regal. Calculating. And already tired of waiting.
"You’ve disappointed ," she said, each word wrapped in silk and steel.
"You’ve been disappointed since the day I was born." Eryx shot back.
Matilda’s eyes didn’t flicker. "Don’t be dramatic. You’ve had every opportunity handed to you."
Eryx turned from the window, the corners of his mouth pulling tight. "Opportunities? Or cages? You handed expectations dressed as gifts and called it love."
Then, with a bitter twist of his lips, "Oh, wait. There was never any love in your love."
Matilda’s mouth twitched. "You’re probably the sa," she said, her tone almost amused. Her gaze rose, sharp and challenging. "I’ve told you before... you take after . Cold. Calculated. Efficient." She tilted her head slightly, a glint of cruelty in her eye. "Perhaps what you thought was love... was just pity?"
Eryx let out a hollow laugh, the sound devoid of humor. "Then that explains everything," he muttered. "If I’m like you, maybe I should start treating people the way you did, ruthlessly, without a shred of conscience."
Matilda remained seated, chin high with pride as if she were a queen on her throne. "It’s the only way to survive in this world. Sentint is weakness."
"Funny," he said quietly, "because right now, that weakness is the only thing keeping from destroying you."
Matilda’s lips curved into a thin, knowing smile. "It’s not like you chose not to destroy ," she said, her voice ice-cold, "You just aren’t capable of it."
Eryx stepped closer, the smile on his lips never quite reaching his eyes.
"? Not capable?" he echoed, his tone light, almost amused. "Maybe you haven’t received the mo from your very capable board mbers. Or your lawyers. Or perhaps your so-called loyal staff."
He leaned slightly, just enough to make sure she saw the flicker of triumph in his eyes.
"What do you an? Don’t cross the line, Eryx, and don’t forget your place," Matilda snapped, her glare sharp enough to cut glass.
"I never had one," he said, brushing an invisible speck of dust from his cuff. "There was never a place for in your empire."
She exhaled slowly, almost a laugh. "And yet here you are, stomping your feet in my study."
Eryx let out a dry chuckle. "What am I, a three-year-old throwing a tantrum because I didn’t get what I wanted?" He tilted his head. "No. I don’t stomp. I don’t beg. I just take what I want... quietly, carefully."
His eyes darkened as the silence stretched between them. Then, with a cold, calculated smile, he took a step closer. "You always underestimated , Matilda. Thought I was just another piece in your chessboard."
He paused for a mont, savoring the weight of his next words.
"I own Grantham Group now," he said, his voice laced with quiet satisfaction as he finally dropped the bombshell.
The silence that followed was suffocating.
"You... what?" Matilda finally asked, her voice thick with disbelief, struggling to grasp what he ant or perhaps unwilling to accept it.
"I signed the final transfer this morning. With unanimous board approval. You should really keep a closer eye on the people you trained." He tilted his head mockingly. "Apparently, they’re not as loyal as you thought."
Matilda’s fingers curled tightly over the armrests of her chair, but her expression remained a brittle mask.
"You’re bluffing."
Eryx chuckled, low and calm. "You’re welco to call and confirm it. I suggest you start packing up that office, Matilda. Or better... Just keep the study. It suits you. Dark, cold, outdated."
He turned, heading for the door. "And don’t worry. I’ll make sure HR sends you the retirent brochure. I hear gardening’s good for the soul. If you still have one."
He didn’t look back and left the room in silence.
"Sir..." Callum stood just outside, his face pale, brows furrowed, and fists clenched tightly at his sides. "We need to head to the hospital. Right away."
Eryx stopped mid-step. His brows drew together in a frown as he turned sharply to face him. "What is it?"
Callum’s voice was strained, almost reluctant. "I sent you a ssage earlier, but you didn’t check your phone. It’s Mila, sir..." He paused, swallowing hard. "There was... an accident."
The blood drained from Eryx’s face. "What kind of accident?"
Callum hesitated only a second, but it was enough. The kind of pause that ant it was bad.
"She was involved in a car accident. They’re stabilizing her now, but... you need to be there."
Eryx stood frozen, the weight of Matilda’s downfall forgotten in an instant. He pulled out his phone, his fingers fumbling slightly. A few missed calls and ssages, all from Naomi.
Nothing from Lunara.
His thumb hovered over the screen, then dropped.
"Where’s Lunara?" he asked quietly.
Callum shifted uncomfortably, glancing away for a mont before eting Eryx’s gaze. "She was there... when it happened. Naomi said she’s in shock. She hasn’t spoken since."
Eryx stared at him for a long mont, his heart pounding in his chest. The tight knot in his stomach only grew as he processed the words. He didn’t ask more. Sothing about Callum’s tone told him the full story wasn’t sothing he wanted to hear in a hallway.
"She’s not hurt, right?" His eyes betrayed a rare, deep concern, and for a split second, the man who rarely showed vulnerability was unmistakably shaken.
Callum shook his head. "As far as Miss Naomi told , she’s fine, sir."
Eryx shoved his phone into his pocket. "Let’s go."
Callum was already on the phone, murmuring into his earpiece as he led the way. "Have the driver pull up at the private exit. Now."
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