Chương 28: 28. Meeting Kyle Chesney

"And what could you possibly know about that?" Ashley asked, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

Cara shrugged casually. "I'll admit, I'm no expert at outsmarting people. But I know you, or at least, I think I do."

Ashley chuckled, a sharp edge in her laughter. "You might know how pink I am down there, but that doesn't mean you know me."

Cara smirked, leaning closer. "Oh, I definitely know how pink you are down there. But I also know you're not the type to roll over and hand everything to your brother, who's probably out partying his brains out at some exclusive club."

Ashley's playful demeanor darkened, her lips pressing into a thin line. "He's not at a club. He's probably at the ranch right now, sleeping with half the women in the county and snorting coke, or whatever trendy illegal drug he's into these days."

"Drugs like Temp-V?" Cara asked, her tone light but probing.

Ashley's eyes narrowed slightly. "So, you've heard of it?"

"Yes," Cara replied smoothly. "Have you ever taken it?"

Ashley shook her head firmly. "No, and I never will. I'm very picky about what goes into my body."

"And it shows," Cara murmured, letting her hand graze Ashley's chest.

Ashley's lips twitched into a small smile before her expression grew serious again. "Since giving up to my brother isn't in my DNA, what exactly do you propose?"

Cara's smile turned wicked. "You could always... get your brother out of the way."

[What are you doing? Are you seriously suggesting she kill her twin brother?]

'Relax, Hagrit. Don't get dramatic.'

Ashley sat up, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Are you saying I should kill my brother?"

Cara feigned shock, shaking her head. "No, I'd never suggest something like that."

"Then what do you mean?" Ashley pressed, her voice sharp.

"I mean you should use his flaws against him," Cara explained, her voice calm and measured. "He's your biggest hurdle. Turn his weaknesses into opportunities. Use him to get what you want."

Ashley considered this, her brow furrowing. "I get what you're saying, but how? And please bear in mind that Travis isn't dumb."

Cara leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Prop him up. Let him take on more responsibility than he can actually handle. Influence him to make mistakes—mistakes that only you can clean up. Be the savior, the reliable one. Eventually, your father will give up on him and have no choice but to see you as his heir."

Ashley stared at Cara, her lips parting slightly in awe. "That's... actually brilliant. But what's in it for you? No one does anything without an angle. What's yours, Cara?"

[Yes, what is your angle? Are you trying to cause chaos or something?]

Cara tilted her head, her expression unreadable. "I have this gut feeling that if you win, I'll win too. Or are you planning to kick me out of your empire once you take over?"

Ashley's stern expression softened into a warm smile. She stood, crossing the room to Cara. "That will never happen, you are way too sweet to let go," she said before leaning down and planting a passionate kiss on Cara's lips.

Without another word, Ashley turned and walked to the door. Cara watched her leave, the door clicking shut behind her, before lying back on the bed. Her eyes drifted to the ceiling as she relived the kiss, a sly smile tugging at her lips.

[What are you really doing, Cara? And don't give me that bullshit you just told her.]

'Oh, calm down, Hagrit. I'm not trying to cause any problems. I just want to make sure the girl I am fucking is the one running the show and not Travis, who's objective is to into my pants. Does that make sense now?'

[Damn. You're devious.]

'Good night, Hagrit.'

—--

That morning, Cara sat in the kitchen, her breakfast, a tasty croissant was untouched as her gaze lingered on Lucrecia. With each sip of coffee, she locked eyes with the maid, who seemed to relish the attention, a coy smile playing on her lips.

Cara's navy blue top, which exposed her arms and cleavage, paired with a sleek black skirt, gave her an air of effortless allure. Her black hair was pulled back into a tidy ponytail, completing the look.

As she took the final gulp of her coffee, Arlene walked in, her heels clicking against the tiled floor. "Honey, is this where you prefer to have your breakfast? Why not eat in the dining room?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Cara shrugged, setting her cup down. "I just felt like eating here, Mom. Are you taking me to work today?"

"No, Cara, I can't. I have a lot to handle this morning," Arlene replied, smoothing her blouse. "But Max can take you."

Cara shook her head, standing and taking her empty cup to the sink. "No, don't worry about it. I can go on my own."

Arlene's tone softened, though there was a trace of concern. "I'm guessing you haven't spoken to him or even apologized?"

Cara sighed, rinsing her cup. "It's on my to-do list. I'll do it on my way to work," she said, her voice clipped, clearly wanting to end the conversation.

"Please do, honey," Arlene said, watching as Cara brushed past her and exited the kitchen.

In the sitting room, Cara stopped short at the sight of Travis sprawled out on the couch, snoring softly. The sour stench of alcohol and something else lingered in the air, making her wrinkle her nose.

He must have come home sometime early this morning—or maybe late last night, she thought, glancing at the disheveled state of his clothes. Without giving him a second thought, she strode toward the front door.

As she opened it, her breath caught. Standing on the threshold was Kyle Chesney. The sight of him shook her to her core, and for a split second, she froze.

"Hey, there my love. We need to talk," Kyle said, his tone firm as his eyes bored into hers.

Cara's mind raced. Why the hell is he here? And at this time of the day? Her pulse quickened as she braced herself for whatever Kyle had come to say.