Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 53

Chapter 53: I’ll make my move

“I thought you’d be asleep by now, but it seems like something’s bothering you,” Lucius said, setting aside the towel in his hand. “Who disrupted your peace?”

“No one,” Layla replied quietly.

“Is it your family again?” he asked directly, sitting beside her. “Your mother or Orabela? I doubt your father would dare upset you after the warnings I’ve given him,” he added, his voice edged with certainty.

Layla sighed, her eyes looked distant. “Sometimes, I wonder if my mother is truly my mother. She’s always treated me like something she can use and discard whenever it suits her. Are all mothers like that? I don’t think so. I met your mother too. She does care for her even if it doesn’t show much. But mine isn’t like that. Orabela’s mother defends her, even when she’s wrong, but mine… she always sides with Orabela. Is it because she’s just a mistress to my father?” Layla’s gaze met Lucius’, seeking an answer that would finally put her troubled mind at ease.

Lucius leaned closer, his tone measured and deliberate. “Why don’t we uncover the truth together? Who knows—you might be the rightful heiress after all. And didn’t you say you wanted to claim that title in the Rosenzweig family? Now’s the time to take bold steps toward it.”

“Me, the real heiress?” Layla echoed, doubt flickering in her eyes.

Lucius nodded, a faint smirk on his lips. “Every coin has two sides, my wife. In this world, anything is possible.”

Layla hummed thoughtfully, her expression growing more serious as his words settled in.

“Get some rest. You can’t let them keep bothering you,” Lucius said gently, running his hand through her hair. He helped her lie down and tucked the duvet around her, ensuring she was comfortable.

“Won’t you sleep?” Layla asked, her voice soft with concern.

Lucius smiled faintly. “Not yet. I’ve got some work to take care of,” he replied. Leaning down, he pressed a tender kiss to her lips before quietly leaving the room, closing the door behind him.

As he made his way to the drawing room, he signaled for the housemaid. “Call Roger,” he instructed.

Within minutes, Roger appeared, glancing at Lucius with surprise. “I thought you’d be resting, Boss,” he murmured.

Lucius gestured toward the sofa. “You mentioned an important matter. Sit down.”

Roger settled into the seat, his expression serious. “Boss, your father is preparing to transfer ownership to your nephew soon. It could happen as early as next month, and Roderick may become the next chairman.”

Lucius leaned back in his chair, his face unreadable. “Hmm. Anything else more interesting?” he asked, his tone calm.

Roger stared at him, clearly taken aback by Lucius’ composure. “Boss, aren’t you angry? You’ve contributed so much to the De Salvo group. Shouldn’t your father be considering your name for chairman?”

Lucius’s gaze turned sharp, though he remained relaxed. “You’re forgetting that my late brother secured a promise from my father. And do you really believe Roderick can handle being chairman?” He smirked slightly. “I’ve got my plan ready. When the time is right, I’ll make my move.”

Roger blinked, finally understanding. “I see… you’re always steps ahead,” he said, his respect for Lucius deepening.

“Other than that, there’s nothing else to report, Boss,” Roger said, folding his hands in his lap.

“Good. In that case, I have a task for you,” Lucius replied, his voice firm. “Keep an eye on Orabela. I want updates on everything she does. Report directly to me.”

“Understood, Boss. But I’ll also need to be at the office with you. Should I have Aiden handle surveillance on Orabela?” Roger asked.

“Yes, that works. Have Aiden keep tabs on her,” Lucius agreed, just as his phone buzzed beside him. He glanced at it and answered.

“Hello, Dad,” Lucius greeted smoothly.

“You finally picked up. How was your trip?” Alekis’s voice sounded from the other end.

“Wonderful,” Lucius responded without hesitation.

“Bring Layla over this evening. We’ll have a family dinner,” Alekis said, lowering the cigar from his hand.

Lucius’s eyes darkened for a moment, but his tone remained pleasant. “Fine. We’ll be there.”

Alekis hummed in satisfaction before hanging up. He handed his phone to his assistant, who stood by with an air of quiet efficiency. “Are the papers ready?” Alekis asked.

“Yes, sir. They’re all prepared,” the assistant confirmed, holding out a sleek leather folder containing the documents.

•••

“Boss, I wanted to ask you something,” Roger said, cautiously testing the waters.

Lucius glanced at him, then took the coffee mug the maid handed him. With a nod, he gave her permission to leave. “Go ahead,” he allowed, taking a slow sip from the steaming cup.

Roger hesitated briefly before speaking. “Does Mrs. Layla know how you orchestrated the entire plan to marry her?”

Lucius’s eyes flickered with amusement. “No, she doesn’t. Why do you ask?”

“Because Roderick broke up with Orabela while you were away. It was quite the spectacle. Orabela tried to trap him by lying about being pregnant with his child, and it only made things worse. I followed him later that evening—he was at a bar, telling his friend how he lost Madam Layla,” Roger explained.

Lucius chuckled darkly, shaking his head. “That fool… A leopard doesn’t change its spots. Roderick is still the same. He cheated on Layla for months and thinks he’s done nothing wrong. He’s upset because he lost her? Well, it’s his own doing.” He paused, a sly smile tugging at his lips. “Setting the trap early was crucial. Maybe one day I’ll tell Layla the truth.”

Roger gave a small smile. “Seems like you and Madam have grown closer since the honeymoon.”

Lucius leaned back, recalling how Roger had disrupted an intimate moment the previous day. “Kind of,” he replied, then suddenly called out, “Come here!”

Roger’s eyes widened as he realized what was about to happen. Before he could bolt, Lucius grabbed him, locking his arm around Roger’s neck in a mock hold. “You ruined such a precious moment, you idiot!” Lucius cursed loudly.

“Forgive me, Boss! Let me go!” Roger begged, tapping on Lucius’s forearm in surrender.

Just then, a guard came inside and said, “Master, the mother of Madam Layla is here. She is crying at the gate saying if she don’t be allowed in, she will not budge from her place.”

Lucius let go of Roger, who straightened up.

“Bring her inside,” Lucius said and smirked.