Devilish secretary - Chapter 22

Chapter 22: Chapter 22 Family dinner Chapter 22: Chapter 22 Family dinner Lilith noticed Sebastian hadn’t come to the office today.

She knew his schedule inside out, and the fact that he’d messaged her early to reschedule all his important meetings only confirmed he wasn’t planning to show up.

Adjusting his schedule, she kept her focus on her tasks throughout the day, though a dull ache in her stomach reminded her of her discomfort.

Whole day she found herself glancing at her phone every now and then, waiting for a particular call.

And sure enough, just after office hours, her phone rang-the Brook family.

Her eyes glinted with a wicked spark as she answered, already prepared for the familiar pretense.

“Hello, how are you, dear?” came the sickly sweet voice of Rayan’s mother, her tone dripping with artificial warmth.

“Aunty, how are you?” Lilith replied, attempting a gentler tone, but her voice naturally came out cold and clipped.

Mrs.

Brook paused, sensing the frost in Lilith’s response, but quickly glossed over it with her usual polished charm.

“Dear, you haven’t been to the house in so long.

Have you already forgotten about us?

Why don’t you come over tonight for dinner?

The family misses you,” she said in that same sugary voice.

Lilith gave a tight smile, one that Mrs.

Brook couldn’t see but would’ve sensed if she were there.

“Thank you, Aunty.

I’ll consider it,” she replied, her tone polite but with an unmistakable chill that hinted at her true feelings.

Mrs.

Brook hesitated, likely caught off-guard by Lilith’s indifferent response, but she recovered quickly.

“Wonderful, dear.

We’ll look forward to seeing you,” she replied, forcing an overly sweet tone to mask her irritation.

Ending the call, Lilith set her phone down, a small smirk playing on her lips as she considered the invitation.

Tonight was going to be interesting.

“Lili!

Let us drop you,” Ava offered enthusiastically, nudging Nova with her elbow.

Nova’s eyes went wide, and he quickly nodded in agreement, as if he had just remembered his own eagerness.

“Thank you, but no need,” Lilith replied smoothly, slinging her bag over her shoulder.

“I have a few other things to take care of.” “Oh,” Ava murmured, her excitement dimming slightly.

Both she and Nova couldn’t hide the slight disappointment that flickered across their faces.

Lilith’s expression softened for a moment as she glanced at them.

She wasn’t used to people caring where she went or wanting to accompany her, and a part of her almost wanted to accept their offer.

“Maybe next time,” she said, offering a rare, faint smile that brought a glimmer of hope back to their faces.

“Promise?” Ava asked, perking up immediately.

“Promise,” Lilith replied, amused by their bright expressions, then turned and walked away, her mind already shifting back to her plans for the evening.

*** Lilith took a taxi to the Brooks’ mansion, feeling a strange thrill bubbling within her.

It had been a long time since she’d felt this kind of excitement-a blend of anticipation and something darker.

As the taxi pulled up to the large iron gates, a guard spotted her and opened them without hesitation.

She stepped out, taking in the sight of the grand estate.

The Brooks’ mansion was undoubtedly one of the largest and most opulent houses in the city, a testament to their wealth and influence.

Lilith approached the entrance, rang the doorbell, and was greeted by the butler, who held the door open, nodding respectfully.

Stepping inside, she couldn’t help but glance around, taking in the luxurious decor that exuded power and refinement.

The Brooks were among the city’s elite, firmly established as one of its top families.

Carter and Brown families held the other leading positions-the Browns having recently risen in status, joining the ranks of the city’s most powerful households.

Lilith’s lips curled into a small, unreadable smile as she thought about the evening ahead.

“Oh, my child, you’re here!” Lilith heard the familiar sugary voice of Rayan’s mother, Amara, echo through the grand hallway.

Lilith forced a smile, matching her tone with one equally sweet but laced with mockery.

“How are you, Aunty?” she asked, her voice dripping with an exaggerated warmth.

Amara let out a laugh-too loud, too forced, making it sound almost awkward.

“I’m okay!

Aren’t you just the sweetest, most caring girl, dear…” Her words lingered, the insincerity practically radiating off her.

Lilith resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

The charade was almost amusing, watching Amara play her part with such effort.

“Come inside, everyone’s waiting for you,” Amara said, grabbing Lilith’s arm and trying to pull her in.

Lilith gave a polite but tight-lipped smile, subtly shaking off Amara’s hand as she followed her.

Just then, another overly sweet voice echoed from the living room.

“Lili…” Lilith looked up to see her so-called “soul sister,” Lia, standing nearby, clinging tightly to Rayan’s hand.

The moment Lia spotted her, she practically yanked her hand free and rushed forward to hug Lilith.

With a small, subtle step to the side, Lilith moved just out of Lia’s path.

Unable to stop herself, Lia stumbled straight into Amara, nearly knocking her over.

Mrs.

Brooks shot her a glare, clearly irritated.

Lilith held back a smirk, her expression remaining as sweet as ever.

She had barely arrived, but she was already enjoying herself.

“Lili…” Lia said sadly, her body trembling slightly.

“Are you upset because I’m holding Rayan’s hand?

It’s not what you think!

He’s the one who wanted to, but I didn’t!

I swear I’m just his best friend… and you don’t mind, right?

Rayan doesn’t have any bad intentions…” Her voice was sweet, almost syrupy, and it made Lilith’s teeth ache.

Lilith put on a bright smile, masking her irritation.

“I don’t mind, Lia.

Really!

I know you’re his girl-friend, and that’s perfectly fine,” she replied, her tone light.

“What are you talking about, Lilith?

She’s not my girlfriend; you’re my fiancée!” Rayan interjected, striding toward Lilith.

He reached for her waist, but as he did, Lilith’s expression darkened.

She instinctively stepped back, creating space between them.

Rayan’s face shifted, his mood visibly souring, darkening like storm clouds.

“When did I say girlfriend?” Lilith continued, keeping her tone sweet and innocent.

“I said ‘girl…

friend,’ Rayan.

There’s a big difference, you know.” She emphasized the words, the implication clear in her voice.