TRIANGLE

TAG #XII

While Veronica outwardly embraced the role of a devoted wife and mother, her inner life remained as complex and dangerous as ever. Though she had promised Mill and Lila that she would leave behind her shadowy dealings, the truth was far from that. Veronica was a master of deception, and even her family—whom she loved deeply—could not see the depths of her secrets.

In truth, Veronica had never fully abandoned her empire. She had simply adapted, pulling strings from the background and operating through proxies to ensure that her family was shielded from her activities. For Veronica, this duplicity wasn’t born of malice—it was survival.

Her philosophy was simple: power keeps you safe. And she wasn’t about to let go of the power that kept her family insulated from the dangers of the world.

Unbeknownst to Mill and Lila, Veronica’s influence had only grown over the years. She maintained a network of loyal operatives, all of whom believed in her vision. Deals were made in the shadows, enemies were silenced before they could act, and allies were secured through carefully orchestrated favors.

Her operations extended far beyond what anyone could imagine—spanning industries, politics, and even law enforcement. Veronica had perfected the art of staying invisible, ensuring that no trace of her activities could be linked back to her.

Despite this, Veronica was careful. Her family came first, and every decision she made in her clandestine world was calculated to protect Mill and Lila. She justified her actions as necessary, even as a small part of her wondered how long she could keep up the facade.

Living a double life was not without its toll. Though Veronica excelled at compartmentalizing, there were moments when the weight of her secrets threatened to crush her.

Late at night, when the house was quiet and the rest of the family was asleep, Veronica would sit in her study, staring at the documents and plans spread before her. Sometimes, she would feel the faintest pangs of guilt—not for what she was doing, but for lying to Mill.

But she convinced herself it was necessary. If Mill or Lila ever found out the truth, it would put them in danger. And so, Veronica buried her guilt and pressed on, her resolve unshaken.

One of Veronica’s closest confidants was a woman named Celeste—a brilliant strategist who had been with Veronica since the beginning of her rise to power. Celeste was one of the few people who knew the full scope of Veronica’s operations and had become a trusted advisor over the years.

“Do you ever think about leaving this behind?” Celeste asked one evening as they reviewed the latest developments in their network.

“I’ve thought about it,” Veronica admitted, sipping a glass of wine. “But every time I try, something pulls me back in. This world doesn’t let you walk away.”

Celeste studied her for a moment before nodding. “You’re doing this for them, aren’t you? Mill and Lila.”

“Everything I do is for them,” Veronica said firmly. “They’ll never understand, but that’s how it has to be.”

“And if Mill finds out?” Celeste asked cautiously.

“She won’t,” Veronica said, her tone leaving no room for doubt. “I won’t let her.”

To Mill and Lila, Veronica was the picture of stability and love. She was there for family dinners, school events, and quiet moments at home. She played her role perfectly, never once allowing her hidden life to bleed into her family’s world.