Smiles That Hide Knives
Silence filled the office.
Heavy.
Unsettling.
Ingrid's eyes remained fixed on the document.
Her fingers trembled slightly.
"…How did you find this?" she asked slowly.
Before Damian could respond—
Lucas stepped forward.
His voice calm.
Cold.
Certain.
"He is the darkness," Lucas said.
A pause.
"And anything hidden in the darkness…"
His eyes flickered toward her.
"He always sees it."
The words sent a chill through the room.
Ingrid's lips tightened.
For a moment—
Her mask cracked.
Then—
It returned.
Perfect.
Controlled.
"Fine," she said, turning to the lawyer.
Her tone suddenly calm.
Too calm.
"We agree."
Everyone froze.
"We will step down," she continued.
"And let Ryan take what is rightfully his."
A pause.
"It's his."
Her eyes briefly flicked to Damian.
"Because he owns it."
Shock spread across the room.
Adam stepped forward angrily.
"Mum, what the hell is going on?!" he yelled.
But Ingrid ignored him completely.
Like he didn't exist.
Like nothing mattered anymore.
Except control.
The lawyer adjusted his glasses and brought out a document.
"Please sign here," he said.
Without hesitation—
Ingrid took the pen.
And signed.
Just like that.
Too easily.
Too smoothly.
Damian watched her.
Silent.
But inside—
He smiled.
Because he knew.
This wasn't surrender.
This was strategy.
She wasn't giving up.
She was waiting.
Planning.
Hunting.
And deep down—
She wanted him dead.
After the Signature
The lawyer collected the document.
"Everything is now legally transferred," he said.
A small nod.
"I'll take my leave."
And just like that—
He walked out.
Leaving them behind.
Alone.
Damian turned slightly.
"Everyone out."
His voice was quiet.
But absolute.
The staff didn't hesitate.
They rushed out immediately.
Fear still lingering in their eyes.
The doors closed.
And now—
Only a few remained.
Damian.
Lucas.
And the family that betrayed him.
His aunt.
His uncle.
His cousin.
Silence stretched.
Tense.
Dangerous.
Adam stepped forward again, furious.
"Someone better explain what the hell is going on!"
But this time—
Damian moved.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
He stepped closer.
His presence alone was enough to silence the room.
"You're still talking," Damian said quietly.
Adam froze.
Because something in that tone—
Wasn't human.
"You should be thinking about what comes next," Damian continued.
A pause.
"Because this…"
His eyes darkened.
"Is just the beginning."
Ingrid watched him carefully.
Her expression calm.
But her eyes?
Burning.
Because the war…
Was far from over