The Devious Games | Englot | GirlxGirl

Chapter 26 - Smooth Waves

A few days later.

Moscow, Russia

Victoria met with the high council members in secret at her penthouse in Moscow.

The chaos caused by Anastasia had left the city on edge. From the balcony of her penthouse, every shop she could see seemed to be purposely closed to avoid being looted by the angry crowds. Many businesses had shuttered their offices, fearing attacks from rebels and clashes with law enforcement that put everyone in a constant state of tension.

"I told Anastasia to cut off the funding and support for the separatists, but for some reason, she keeps defying me," Marcus, the secretary of Consillium Ignis, said, frustration evident in his voice.

Victoria listened quietly, then turned to the group seated in the meeting room of her penthouse.

Thiago chimed in, "We need you back, Victoria. This chaos is spiraling out of control." He paused, looking around before continuing, "By the way, what's going on with Voss? I heard there was a little incident in Antwerp, right?"

Viktor stood up and approached Victoria, who was now settled in her chair. "Tell me, Victoria, are you coming back? If you want Leon out of his position, we can make that happen." He scanned the faces of the members at the table, who all nodded in agreement.

"Leon will lose the vote. Your supporters far outnumber his," Isabelle added, a confident smile on her face.

Victoria nodded slowly. "I know. You're all incredibly loyal to me. But Leon... I don't want him out like that. It would be too easy."

This left everyone looking at each other, confused. Victoria grinned, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "He'll ask to step down on his own. I'm bringing Voss to the high council. She will be my partner. My second-in-command."

The council members' eyes widened in surprise. William Hawthorne, usually quiet and with the flattest expression in the room, leaned forward, his smile turning devious. "Are you serious? How are you planning to bring her in? Jeff Satur is still on the high council. Isn't that a problem?"

Victoria held William's arm, giving it a reassuring pat. "I have my own methods, William. Let's just say the incident that happen with her was just a preview of my capabilities, and it opened her eyes." She drew her hand back, resting both hands on the table, her expression serious, though her smile remained. "Jeff and Leon won't stand a chance once Voss arrives. Everything starts in a few days. We need to be ready for her. The elites will be more inclined to submit to us than ever before. This game has never been in our favor like it is now."

The smiles on the faces of the high council members grew broader, their eyes gleaming with pride and determination. Victoria looked ahead, knowing that Voss was now firmly in her grasp.

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London, England

The car glided through the streets of London, carrying Charlotte and Engfa toward the hotel where they'd be staying during this brief visit.

Charlotte glanced at Engfa, who was curled up in her seat, fast asleep. A tender smile spread across her lips. It was still surreal to think they were here together-just days after Engfa's release. For the first time, they'd decided to visit London and meet Charlotte's family, including her parents.

It had taken her by surprise, honestly. Almost two years together, and they'd never once discussed a joint trip to London. It had always been just Charlotte, returning home alone while Engfa stayed behind, always too busy or with some vague excuse.