Emily's POV
A jagged laugh escaped from Ilya, a smug smirk plastering her face. I watched her closely, letting her vanity feed into my plans.
"You did a great job coming into their lives," I told her smoothly.
"It's all thanks to you," Ilya replied without hesitation, completely oblivious.
I took the credit with a soft sigh, tilting my head. "I just can't imagine how shocked Alina must feel… knowing there is someone who came for Lucian. And not just anyone, but someone as great and powerful as you are."
At the mention of Alina, the smugness on Ilya's face faltered. "Alina isn't what I expected her to be."
My smile faded instantly. "What do you mean by that?"
"She could have almost died easily," Ilya muttered, her brow furrowing. "But she didn't."
"I don't understand," I said, a knot tightening in my stomach.
