Chương 8: Envy's Shade

Astra awoke and promptly stepped into the shower. She donned a modest peach dress and slipped on a pair of heels.

Though nervous, she understood the importance of convincing her grandmother for the success of her mission – to gain immortality and become the black lotus slayer ultimately. With her preparations complete, she departed.

Violet entered the dining room and took a seat across from her mother. Observing her mother's evident concern, she inquired, "You still haven't spoken to Silas?"

Sophia shook her head and replied, "He's been avoiding me since yesterday."

Violet's expression darkened. "This is all because of Astra's indiscretion. I'm not sure what's come over her; she's like a different person now. She's even willing to betray Alexander, someone who held more power over her than anyone else. But that time seems to have passed."

Sophia countered, "I don't entirely agree. Despite us destroying all her mother's possessions, she remained silent. I believe this is her way of acting out, and I'm convinced that a one-on-one conversation with Alexander will bring her back to reason. Text him and request that he arranges a dinner with Astra."

Violet nodded and sent a message to Alexander. Despite any anger he might harbor, she was confident he would comply.

Astra's reaction had left a lasting impression, making it plausible to convince Alexander that Astra might reconsider the wedding.

After finishing the text, Violet turned to her mother and insisted, "You must find out the details of Astra's conversation with Silas. Now that Lucian has assured me that Astra's company shares will be transferred to me, your relationship with Silas must grow stronger."

Sophia's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Lucian confirmed this?"

Violet affirmed with a smile, "Astra's impudent behavior only solidified their belief in everything I had disclosed about her."

Violet grinned. "Excellent, everything is proceeding according to plan. I'll work on mending things with Silas."

Their conversation halted abruptly as Silas entered the dining room and took his place at the head of the table. Sophia moved to serve his plate as usual, but Silas interjected, "I'll do it myself."

Silas began to fill his plate and took the first bites of his meal. Sophia looked at Silas and inquired, "How are you holding up?"

Silas turned his gaze slowly toward her, his eyes dark and heavy. "How do you think I'm feeling, Sophia? My daughter has disowned me, believing I never cared for her or her mother. She's convinced our marriage has made me happy, and now I'm trying to push her away. My flesh and blood fear me; she won't even let me come close."

Wide-eyed, Sophia responded, "Did she express all that during your conversation?"

Silas sighed, his voice tinged with regret. "I foolishly assumed her anger was solely about that incident, but it goes deeper."

He swallowed hard and continued, "The hardest part is realizing that considering everything she's been through, I can understand why she feels this way – distancing herself from you and me. And to add to the pain, you confronted her like that and didn't even apologize."

Sophia's eyes welled up with moisture, and she whispered, "I truly am sorry, honey. This was the last thing I wanted."

Silas locked eyes with her, his expression intense. "Why would you ask Astra to apologize when you knew your daughter was mistaken and had fabricated everything?"

Sophia faltered, her words caught in her throat. She felt unsure of how to respond. Violet interjected, "Mother wasn't aware of the entire situation between Astra and me. She only knew what I had shared, which was the version I told you."

Silas's anger flared. "Why lie, and why involve everyone in this? You heard Astra's words and witnessed how her friends and even her fiancé treated her because of your actions."

Tears streamed down Violet's face, and she admitted through sobs, "I... I suppose I felt envious."

Silas probed, "Envious of what?"

Violet explained, "Astra is really fortunate to have a caring father like you and such wonderful friends. I wish I had a father who cared for me as you care for her, but my father doesn't want anything to do with me. I honestly didn't intend to break the necklace, but I panicked and made up a story, dragging you into it. I'm sorry. I was thinking about the big birthday party you threw for Astra, and it made me realize that my father has never even been a part of my celebrations, let alone thrown one for me. But I know it's not Astra's fault, and I shouldn't have taken out my frustrations on her."

Silas glanced at her and then averted his gaze. He understood her hurt, but he also recognized that he had sometimes prioritized her over his own daughter.

Looking back at Violet, he said, "I treated you better than my blood, and how do you repay me? By disrupting Astra's life."

Violet sobbed, "I'm truly sorry. I promise I won't behave like this again. I talked to Astra, and she forgave me."

Silas responded, "This is part of a bigger issue. You and Sophia both need to show genuine care for Astra. She was right; you've often followed my lead."

Sophia was unsure of how to respond. She despised how Astra had managed to influence Silas. She eagerly awaited the moment when Astra would sign those shares and die.

Silas stated, "This needs to change. Astra is my only daughter, and I can't have her believing that I favor you over her."

Sophia questioned, "What?"

Silas explained, "She mentioned that I'm more considerate of your feelings while neglecting hers, and she's right."

Sophia countered, "That's inaccurate; you've been a wonderful father to her."

Silas inquired, "Then why wasn't Astra invited on the day we took the family portrait?"

Sophia hesitated again before responding, "She was probably working that day. You know she often stays late at work. Astra intentionally avoids having meals with us, as if she wants to keep her distance from family life."

Silas insisted, "I expect both of you to reconcile with Astra and demonstrate genuine care for her. I want my daughter to return home instead of wandering off alone."

Sophia reassured him, "We will, I promise."

Silas went back to his meal.

Astra sneered and shut Archana. Silas was still only partially holding himself accountable. Their behavior stemmed from his willingness to accept whatever Sophia did. When she was through with Sophia, he would regret ever loving that bitch.

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