Nikolai didn’t need permission to enter the Moretti Mansion; he already walked like he owned the place, and if Mara likes it, it is her choice to come to terms with it.

None of the staff questioned him—they just bowed their heads.

His scent lingered, and something about him—his posture, his gaze—warned them not to look too long.

He entered the dining room. She was already seated, quietly eating.

She felt his presence but didn’t look up.

He sat at the far end, eyes on her, waiting for her to speak first.

Only the clatter of silverware broke the silence.

Nikolai narrowed his eyes, noticing the difference in the hall; it wasn’t the seats or the table that stretched to the end, but the faces, all unfamiliar.

She had dismissed the old staff.

She was moving quicker than he expected.

Mara stayed focused on her meal, feigning indifference.

“I always wondered,” he said finally, voice low, "why did you decide to leave?”

She sliced through her meat, lips parting as if to answer and then shutting again.

He smiled. “You are not the type to speak often, are you? When we talk, you hardly ever want to converse, or is it because I’m intimidating or…”

She paused and gently set her cutlery down. “And that concerns you why?”

“No reason, just wanted to hear what your voice sounds like tonight.” He took a sip. “Must have been a busy day for you.”

Her eyes met him then, still unreadable. “Barging into my home, asking me questions, crossing boundaries—you are getting too comfortable, Mr. Vescari."

“Don’t worry, I plan on leaving soon. I did want to confirm if maybe you might’ve manipulated the will."

“Please,” she chuckled. “Even I was also surprised you weren’t included. Victor must’ve smelled a rat."

“Victor trusted me.”

“Not enough to let you know he changed the will last minute.”

“Maybe I'm not that bothered about the will like you think I am.”

It wasn’t the inheritance that bothered him. If for anything, he enjoys the push and pull, knowing he will end up winning.

It was the smug quiet in Mara’s eyes, the way she tossed jabs like compliments. He didn’t mind. Not yet.

---

Dinner ended in silence. Mara ignored him to the last bite.

Now, he stood in the library, thumbing through Victor’s dusty books.

He remembered Victor’s hand on his shoulder once, whispering, “Look at all this, boy. It’s yours one day.”

These walls could testify.

Now, they mocked him.

He should’ve known. Victor always was cunning and always played the long game. But Nikolai thought he was the exception.

He assumed Victor had carved out a place for him.

He was wrong—and arrogant enough to brag about it.

And now, his name wasn’t even inked in the will.

He clenched his fist. His heart did worse—it bled.

He’d proved his worth. Pledged loyalty. And now? Nothing to show for it.

Dismissed like a servant who’d overstayed his welcome.

A knock on the door broke his thoughts.

He ignored it.

The door opened anyway.

“Nikolai,” Luca’s voice was thin, uncertain. “Alfredo Domenico’s on the line. Says it’s urgent.”

Nikolai was unmoved.

“Put it through.”

Luca set the phone on the desk and took a seat.

The desk phone lit up. Nikolai let it ring before answering.

“What is it?"

“Thought you might want to know,” came Alfredo Domenico’s voice. “She’s already making moves.”

“That’s all?”

“She’s asked for the financial records, deeds to the estate, and authorizations. She’s also meeting with the board’s interim head tomorrow.”

Nikolai gave a slow smile, though no one could see it. “She doesn’t waste time.”

“She hasn’t stopped since she got back.”

“And the others?”

“Some are hesitating. Others stay neutral. This is a power shift, Nikolai—you know how that plays out.”

Yes.

Yes, he did.

“Let them,” Nikolai said. “They’ll surely turn their heads soon enough.”

“And when will they shift?”

“When I propose something, they all can’t refuse.”

"Nikolai, we need to act fast,” Alfredo pressed.

“Be calm,” Nikolai said, a smug calmness settling on his face.

“She has Victor’s name, remember; everything does belong to her.”

“And I have his secrets.”

Alfredo was silent.

“Tonight, I want the internal security files, the X accounts, everything Victor kept off-record.”

“You think she’ll go digging?”

“She already has. It’s only a matter of time before she digs deeper.”

“You must be worried.”

“No.” Nikolai’s voice cooled. “I’m holding space.”

A rustle of movement from the other end.

“You really think she had nothing to do with it?”

Nikolai didn’t answer.

He stared out the window, eyes narrowing.

When he finally spoke, his voice was soft.

“Maybe… Maybe not. Victor had enemies; it is hard to say just one person wanted him gone.”

He ended the call and placed the phone back in its cradle.

He stood.

This wasn’t over.

Let her think it was.

Let her laugh and celebrate her little wins.

When it is time, he will strike.

Because Nikolai Auren Vescari had never been a guest in this world.