Chapter 284: Upside Down

Alaric sat in his study, fingers tapping idly against the desk as he watched Richmond and Carl celebrate their so-called victory. They thought they had won—thought he had agreed to help them because he believed them.

How laughable.

Alaric had no illusions that they actually possessed anything of their mother’s. If they had, they would have flaunted it more confidently. No, this was just another desperate attempt to regain the status they had lost.

But he would play along.

They wanted him to help them reclaim their noble title? Fine. He would do it.

But he wouldn’t give it to them.

He would buy it back, hold it just within their reach—so close, yet so far—and watch them suffer.

Let them feel true powerlessness.

Carl smirked. "We knew you’d make the right choice, Alaric."

Alaric only tilted his head, amusement flickering in his cold gaze. "Of course. I always make the right choice."

Carl’s smirk faltered just slightly, but he recovered quickly.

Richmond, on the other hand, seemed eager to continue. "We’ll discuss the next steps soon. Just be prepared to act fast."

Alaric merely inclined his head.

They thought they were using him.

How adorable.

---

Later that evening, Adeline arrived at the mansion, exhaustion clear in her eyes but determination set in her features. She had barely stepped inside before heading straight for Alaric’s study.

She found him at his desk, swirling a glass of wine lazily.

"What did they want?" she asked without preamble.

Alaric didn’t even look up. "Nothing important."

Adeline frowned. "Alaric."

Still, he didn’t answer.

She crossed her arms. "I’m not a child anymore. Don’t act like I wouldn’t understand."

That made him pause. He sighed, setting his glass down before finally meeting her gaze. "They want my help reclaiming their noble title."

Adeline’s expression darkened instantly. "They’re not worthy of a noble title."

Alaric smirked. "I know."

If he knew, then why was he helping them? Honestly, Adeline couldn’t seem to understand anyone these days!

She studied him carefully. "And you agreed?"

"Of course."

Adeline’s fingers twitched. "You’re playing with them."

Alaric shrugged. "Naturally. I have no intention of handing anything over to them. But I do intend to let them believe they’re getting what they want—just to see the look on their faces when they realise they never stood a chance."

Adeline inhaled deeply. "I see."

Alaric arched a brow. "Do you?"

She simply nodded. "Yes. I support your plan."

She lied. She was going to confirm that they did in fact do not possess anything related to their mother.

Alaric narrowed his eyes slightly. He could always tell when she was hiding something, but he didn’t press. If she had her own thoughts, she would act on them.

And she did.

That night, Adeline dressed in all black.

She pulled on gloves, adjusted her cloak, and tied her hair back.

She was going to the Richmond estate.

Alaric might have chosen to play games with Richmond and Carl, but she?

She had no interest in games.

She wanted answers.

With practiced ease, she moved through the dark streets, the moonlight barely touching her silhouette. The Richmond estate loomed ahead, once a grand property, now a husk of its former self.

The moment she approached, she noticed something.

The estate was sealed.

A large, official notice was posted near the gate, the emblem of the bank clear in the moonlight.

Seized.

Due to non-repayment of debts.

Adeline smirked. Not surprising.

The mighty Richmond name had fallen so low that they couldn’t even afford to keep their own home. Pathetic.

She observed that there were people guarding the estate.

She took a step forward, but two guards stationed at the gate straightened, blocking her path.

"Halt," one of them said. "This estate is sealed. No one is allowed to enter."

Adeline tilted her head, examining them.

Then, she took one more step.

They immediately reached for their weapons. "I said halt—"

She removed her head and said confidently, "Let me give you a hint about who I am."

Her iconic pink hair was known throughout the Empire.

The guards hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances.

Of course, they knew.

Lady Adeline Kenrick was not just any noblewoman.

She was the Marquess’ daughter.

And she had a reputation.

Still, one of them tried to remain firm. "Even so, we have orders—"

Adeline raised her hand, and suddenly—

Sparks danced at her fingertips.

Electricity crackled, lighting up the darkness in sharp, jagged flashes.

The guards stiffened.

Adeline’s voice remained calm. "I don’t mind using violence."

Silence.

The guards stiffened further, their grips on their weapons tightening, but neither dared to make a move.

They weren’t paid enough for this.

Finally, one of them sighed, stepping aside. "Go. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you."

Adeline smirked. "Good choice."

With that, she stepped past them, entering the ghost of an estate that had once belonged to the Richmond family

Adeline thought she would feel a twinge of guilt for using force, for threatening those guards, for acting like this—but she didn’t.

She didn’t care.

This wasn’t about them.

This was about her mother.

And Adeline would find out the truth, no matter what it took.

Her boots echoed against the dusty floors as she stepped inside. The Richmond estate was a hollow shell, once a place of wealth and power, now abandoned, stripped of its former glory. The grand chandelier was missing, the carpets frayed, and the walls—once lined with luxurious paintings—were bare.

It was evident they were selling things off just to make do.

She felt nothing for this house.

If she had to tear it apart to get the answers she wanted, then so be it.

Adeline started searching.

She kicked open doors, rummaged through drawers, and ripped open locked cabinets with her bare hands. If something didn’t open, she used her power to force it apart. Electricity sparked as she shattered a desk, sending papers flying.

She would turn this entire place upside down if she had to.

Because somewhere in this rotting estate, buried beneath the dust and lies—was the truth.

And she was going to find it.

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