The mansion of Lilith loomed ahead... a place thick with tension.
Inside, Lilith walked quietly to her father's room.
She sat beside him, gently holding his hands, a faint smile on her lips.
Victor lay still in bed, a ventilator mask covering his face as he took slow, shallow breaths.
"He is coming," Lilith said softly, her voice carrying a hint of excitement.
Victor blinked slowly, the weight of her words settling over him.
Lilith leaned in and kissed his hand, whispering, "He will manage everything. He will not say no to you."
He stared at her with tired eyes, his silence heavy with understanding.
"You support him so much; he will help you in your bad situation."
An hour passed.
Outside, the sound of an engine broke the stillness.
Francisco had arrived.
He stepped out of his car, buttoning his coat with calm precision. The guards, recognizing him immediately, led him toward the entrance.
Inside the drawing room, Lilith waited. She came down the stairs, her face lit with a warm, eager smile. It was clear she looked forward to seeing Francisco more than anyone else.
"Francisco!"
Her voice rang out—welcoming and filled with expectation.
Francisco stopped, his eyes locking with hers. He didn't smile, didn't return the greeting. His focus was direct.
"Where is your father?" he asked, his tone sharp, businesslike.
Lilith's smile faded slightly. She lowered her eyes as the cold distance between them settled like a shadow. Still, she nodded, accepting it without complaint.
"He is in his room," she said quietly. "Come with me."
She motioned for the guards to step away, then turned and led Francisco up the wide staircase to the second floor.
The door creaked open, revealing the quiet room where Victor lay, a nurse standing by his side. Lilith stepped in, her presence calm yet firm. She motioned for the nurse to leave, giving space for a private moment between her father and the man they had been waiting for.
Francisco entered with steady steps. Lilith closed the door behind him, sealing the room in silence.
He walked to the bedside and sat down beside Victor. The heaviness in the air grew stronger, the reality of the moment settling around them.
"How are you, Mr. Victor?" Francisco asked, concern softening his usually unreadable face.
Victor gave a faint smile, one that carried both warmth and years of unspoken understanding.
He reached out his hand, and Francisco took it without hesitation.
"I am okay," Victor replied quietly, his voice weak but steady.
"How are you?"
Francisco leaned closer, his voice a soft murmur. "I'm fine."
Neither of them spoke the truth out loud... Victor was dying. Lung cancer had stolen his strength, and now the end was close.
Lilith stood nearby, her eyes locked on her father. She didn't speak, but her worry showed in every line of her face.
"What happened, Mr. Victor? Why did you call me?"
"I just want to see you, Francisco," Victor said, his voice trembling. "Also, I need an urgent discussion."
The weight of his words filled the room. Lilith sensed it. She stepped back and said quietly, "You guys talk."
She left, closing the door behind her. Now it was just the two of them.
Victor turned to Francisco.
"Francisco, you can see I have no days left in my hands. My death is knocking at my door," he said, his words raw and honest.
Francisco held his hand tighter, trying to comfort him.
"Mr. Victor, everyone is trying hard. Don't give up."
Victor gave a small smile.
"It doesn't suit you, Francisco."
He looked at Francisco with tired but sharp eyes. He knew Francisco wasn't one for empty comfort.
Francisco dropped his gaze, quiet.
"And still, you are doing formality with me."
"Call me uncle," Victor said, his voice gentle, carrying both affection and a quiet longing for closeness.
Francisco gave a slight smile and nodded.
"Yes, Uncle. But I will say for you to smile till your last breath."
Victor nodded, accepting the small attempt at optimism. A silent understanding passed between them.
"Francisco, I want you to hold the authority of my clan. I know Lilith can't do it alone," Victor said, his eyes steady on Francisco.
"Uncle, Lilith is a strong woman. She can do it, and I will support her."
"No, Francisco. She is still so naïve. You don't know her. I want you to take the authority," Victor insisted.
"You don't have to tense with it. We all will handle it," Francisco replied, trying to ease the weight of Victor's concern.
"I know you will," Victor said with a faint smile. His eyes softened with trust and quiet gratitude.
But then, the mood shifted.
"Francisco," Victor said again, softer this time, drawing his attention.
"I have another thing I want from you," he said, looking directly at him.
"Please say it," Francisco replied.
"Will you marry my daughter?"
Francisco's expression didn't change. He stayed silent, his face unreadable.
"Will you?" Victor asked again, his voice filled with quiet hope... hope for his daughter, and for a future he might never see.
"Uncle," Francisco finally said. The word came out slow and respectful, but heavy with meaning.
***
In the luxurious comfort of Lilith's room, anticipation filled the air as she carefully prepared for a night of seduction and subtle schemes. She slipped into a deep-V mini dress, its sharp side dips hugging her curves. The bold red fabric matched the heat of her intentions, and her lipstick echoed the same daring tone. Light makeup highlighted her features, and her long, back-brushed hair flowed down her back in sleek waves.
She studied herself in the mirror, a confident smile curling on her lips. The transformation was flawless. She radiated allure and certainty. Tonight was not just another evening—it was a move in her silent game.
A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.
"Come in," she said calmly, her eyes gleaming with quiet anticipation.
The maid entered and stood ready for instructions.
"Madam, everything has been arranged the way you said," she reported.
"Well! Light the candles. We are coming," Lilith replied, her voice tinged with excitement.
The maid nodded and left. Lilith remained for a moment, her fingers brushing her cheek as a pleased smile returned.
Francisco...
We'll be together soon.
I can't wait for that day.
Her thoughts swirled with hunger—not just for affection, but control.
But tonight, I want something special for you.
With her look perfected and her resolve sharpened, Lilith stepped out of the room.
Meanwhile, Francisco exited Victor's room, careful to close the door without a sound. The hallway lay quiet under low light, and he stood for a moment in silence, the click of the lock settling behind him.
A maid appeared, gently interrupting his thoughts.
"Sir, Ms. Lilith is waiting for you in the backyard."
Francisco, his gaze calm and unreadable, took a deep breath before giving the maid a brief nod. As he moved through the long corridors of the mansion, the silence around him seemed to stretch, matching the quiet tension he carried.
When he stepped into the backyard, the scene before him shifted. The air held the soft, sweet scent of roses. Petals lay scattered like a carpet, glowing under warm, gentle lights. Everything had been arranged with care... seductive, elegant, and meant to impress.
At the center of it all stood Lilith, radiant in the romantic light. Her eyes sparkled with intention. The maid, sensing her role was done, stepped away quietly, leaving the two alone in the enchanting space.
Lilith greeted Francisco with a soft smile and a look full of meaning.
In the glow of the lights, Francisco stood with quiet confidence, his coat draped over one arm. The first two buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing just enough to suggest ease and control.
Lilith walked forward and stopped just inches from him. Their eyes met. The tension between them pulsed, heavy with things unsaid. She spoke first, her voice steady.
"I hope you can go to dinner with me."
Francisco glanced briefly at the candlelit table behind her. His expression remained unreadable.
"You manage everything so quickly," he said, eyes now resting on the setup she had so carefully arranged.
"Ah… yes," Lilith replied, a teasing smile on her lips as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Please!"
She reached out, brushing his arm with her fingers before gently taking his hand. The touch was deliberate—a silent test, a hint of the game she played.
Francisco didn't resist. His silence said enough.
She led him to the table, where the soft lighting wrapped around them, painting the moment in golden hues.
As they sat across from each other, Lilith served him with slow, graceful movements, each gesture carefully measured. The silence between them buzzed with meaning. Every bite of food, every glance, was part of something more than dinner.
Lilith couldn't take her eyes off Francisco. She watched him closely, her heart beating faster.
Did Father tell him?
She wondered, a small, mischievous smile tugging at her lips.
Finally, she broke the silence.
"What did papa tell you?"
Francisco, calm and composed, kept his eyes on the food as he answered.
"It was a business matter."
"Only?" Lilith asked, surprise flickering in her voice.
"No," Francisco replied, locking eyes with her. "He asked for me to take over your clan."
Lilith's eyes widened. The weight of her father's request landed heavy between them.
"But I know you can do it alone," Francisco added, his tone steady. "So, I told your father to trust you."
Lilith's expression softened. A warm smile formed on her lips, and she looked down for a moment, shy yet moved by his faith in her.
She reached out and placed her hand gently over his. Her eyes, full of emotion, met his with quiet intensity.
"If you stay with me, I will do everything, Francisco," she said, her voice filled with hope and vulnerability.
Francisco didn't look up. Calm and collected, he focused on cutting through the food on his plate.
"I promise him, I will," he said simply. His voice carried quiet conviction, a vow made not with flowers, but with fire.
Lilith didn't pull back. Her hand remained on his as she leaned in, her tone turning bold.
"What if you did not? Will you not help me?"
"For me, your father is everything to me," Francisco replied without hesitation.
"Then you…"
Lilith trailed off, a soft laugh escaping her lips.
"How mean!"
A beat of silence passed between them, thick but not heavy. Lilith eventually broke it, her voice more hesitant this time.
"Does papa only say this?"
Francisco looked at her directly. His response was short, sharp, and unmistakably honest.
"No."
Lilith blinked, thrown off by the blunt reply. She had grown used to his mystery... but this truth, offered so clearly, made her heart beat faster.