Ruthless

39

"Nonsense! What proof do you have?" she demanded. Stephanie's voice tinged with anger.

I turned my head to Stephanie, meeting her intense gaze that was burning in intense rage.

A thin smile formed on my lips as I responded calmly, "I don't have any proof—it's just speculation."

Stephanie shook her head, her disbelief clear, also mummering at the same time. Knowing it was time to shift the conversation before, I myself jumped into the web of traps I was trying to set for them.

"Helen," I called out, turning my attention away from Stephanie to her loyal pet.

Helen visibly tensed, as if she sensed the upcoming trouble.

Her reaction filled me with a surge of satisfaction, a sense of power and control that I hadn't anticipated. Loving the moment, I moved towards her, reducing the distance between us. My steps were slow and deliberate, savoring the effect of each calculated movement.

As I approached, I could sense Helen falling deeper into the feeling of unease, which only heightened my enjoyment of the situation.

Stopping in front of Helen, her taller frame towered over me. She stood like a fountain of a woman, jumbo and imposing. Despite her intimidating build, she seemed to have the heart of a chicken—scared and timid. At least for now, she appeared frightened.

Reaching out, I took her hand, which trembled slightly. I could sense waves of anticipation and anxiety emanating from her.

"Thank you," I said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

Helen let out a nervous chuckle and stumbled over her words. "Thank you?"

I responded with a chuckle of my own. Hers was filled with uncertainty and fear, while mine carried a confident tone, though it was just an act. So far, I have played my cards right. I just hoped I could keep it up and not mess things up, which was my greatest weakness.

At the same time, I am aware I had to stay grounded. I might have the upper hand at the moment, it wouldn't take much for me to stumble. Overconfidence was a trap I needed to avoid.

"Look at you acting all clueless after helping me with my biggest problem," I said with a hint of mockery, not being able to help myself and careful not to come across it too strongly.

"Helped.... Biggest problem? Me? How?" Helen's rapid-fire questions hit me one after another.

Glancing at Stephanie, I noticed her watching Helen with curious eyes.

I turned my attention back to Helen, who seemed to be trying to figure out my plan, her expression mirroring the discomfort of walking on hot coals. In other words, she appeared to be in distress.

I let out another short chuckle and said, "You are funny."

"You were the one who suggested that getting rid of Stephanie is best for everyone" I said without beating the bush.

Helen's eyes were wide, and her mouth opened agape at my remark.

"What?" Helen breathed out in disbelief after regaining her composure from the bombshell I had just dropped.

She shook her head frantically, chanting "No." She tried to wrench her hand from my grip, but I held on tighter.

"I know you're scared, but it's okay. There's no need to hide. As promised, you'll be my personal helper once I become the lady of the house," I said.

"Why are you doing this to me?" Helena's voice trembled, and she looked on the verge of fainting.

I consider myself extremely sensitive, but I felt no sympathy for her. She brought this upon herself by trying to frame me with Stephanie. If she didn't care about me, why should I care about her? She's reaping what she sowed.