Chapter 10
892words
There's a saying that rings painfully true: those who are favored always take advantage without fear.
The one who constantly gives and chases is the one who swallows all the pain.
But when that person finally decides to let go, the once-favored suddenly becomes worthless.
Everything you had was because I allowed it. And when my affection dies, you're left with nothing but ashes.
I quickly pushed thoughts of those two to the back of my mind.
I had far more important matters to attend to than wasting emotions on such insignificant creatures.
I tasked my assistant with collecting the debt—what's mine must be returned—but as for Karen himself, he wasn't worth another moment of my attention.
After securing that major contract with the werewolf clan as my family's representative, I discovered a new sense of purpose. Under my guidance, the family business flourished, with overall revenue jumping 20% compared to the previous year.
I began taking on more family responsibilities. My father provided invaluable guidance and shared his wealth of experience. For the first time in ages, I felt life improving.
A year flew by, and as the major project neared completion, I could finally catch my breath.
One day, while upgrading to a new phone, the technician asked if I wanted to restore some automatically backed-up images I'd previously deleted.
Curious, I glanced at the screen and felt my heart skip.
They were photos of Karen and me together.
Though only a year had passed since our breakup, those three years together now felt like another lifetime—like a distant dream I'd once had.
I smiled faintly and shook my head. "No need. Delete them all."
I've never regretted those three years. Initially, I felt anger, sadness, disappointment, and pain…
But looking back now, I regret nothing.
Whether he was good or bad for me, those experiences shaped who I am today.
He no longer deserves space in my thoughts, but I can't deny that once, he shone brightly in my life.
No point dwelling on the past. I'd reclaim what was mine and continue forward.
Just when I thought I'd never cross paths with them again, fate had other plans.
This time, they appeared as a couple.
At the Vampire Council's decennial gathering, of all places.
The Vampire Council maintains a tradition where every decade, major clans take turns hosting a grand gathering for all registered vampires.
Attendees include territorial princes and other supernatural VIPs, making it the premier networking event for ambitious Fledglings.
This particular gathering was held in an ancient castle capable of accommodating over a thousand guests. Entry required only a legitimate Clan Emblem.
A last-minute business meeting delayed my arrival. By the time I entered, members from various clans had already staked out their territories.
The council maintained a relaxed format with minimal protocol. Two long tables offered refreshments, though few attended for the food and drink.
The venue buzzed with activity. I'd just picked up a Bloody Mary when someone grabbed my arm.
"Alicia! Thank God you're here! Those two over there are driving me insane!"
It was my dear friend Vivian. She knew about my breakup with Karen but not the sordid details.
I've never been one for gossip, especially about something so humiliating.
"What's going on?" I asked, taking a sip of my drink.
She practically dragged me across the room, fuming: "That shameless bastard Karen showed up with his new partner, flaunting their relationship and telling everyone you fired her out of jealousy!"
"The nerve of that man! It makes my blood boil just hearing it. What absolute trash. Does he really think I don't see through that woman's act? A scumbag with his trashy girlfriend—they truly deserve each other!"
As she pulled me along, I felt oddly detached, as if hearing about characters in a bad novel.
They weren't far from where I'd been standing, and we passed several familiar nobles on our way.
"Karen," Vivian announced loudly, "I've brought Alicia. I don't know exactly what happened between you two, but stop spreading lies about her. Everyone here knows exactly what kind of person you are."
I swirled my glass calmly, taking a deliberate sip.
The commotion drew attention from everyone nearby.
I drained my glass, approached Karen with a pleasant smile, and slapped him hard across the face.
Karen stared at me in shock, clearly stunned that I would dare strike him in such a public setting.
"Alicia, you—"
SLAP!
Before he could finish, I slapped him again, harder this time.
"Karen," I said calmly, "I thought we were even, but you always manage to surprise me."
"You enjoyed my love while carrying on with your 'sister.' You shared family marks with her, established a Mental Link, then had the audacity to call me jealous."
"You begged me to provide her protection, then stole my family's treasured heirloom to enhance her power."
"Even when I caught you two performing the Eternal Blood Covenant ritual—in MY chamber—you showed zero remorse. Then you had the nerve to show up at my company and attempt to ruin my reputation!"
I delivered each accusation with cold precision.
The crowd around us had fallen into stunned silence.
I laughed softly. "So tell me, Karen—who's the disgusting one here?"
