A Lamb's Perfectly Laid Trap

Christian claimed he was out of town on family business, juggling operations in several cities at once.

Despite this, during one of our rare video calls, I noticed the tattoo of his family crest on his chest had been altered. When he caught me looking, he rushed to explain, "It was just for fun, don't read into it."

"I'm so grateful to her," he gushed another time. "She really saved me a lot of trouble. My father has been praising my success nonstop."

Like most heirs born with a silver spoon, Christian was driven by a fierce ambition to surpass his father.

His father and grandfather were both powerful family leaders, and while Christian had a sharp business sense, he was perpetually in their shadow. He was desperate to prove himself.

He had launched new businesses in multiple cities, acting swiftly and ruthlessly to secure footholds in the best locations. As a result, his father had been praising him at family meetings, commending his initiative.

Shortly after, Christian transferred a sum of money to me, asking me to buy Isolde some jewelry as a gift from me. "It should come from you," he said. "It's the proper way to handle it."

After a pause, he added, "Try to pick something she'll like. If it's not enough money, just let me know."

So, I used it as an excuse to meet with Isolde's ex-fiancé, Silas. After our meeting, I casually mentioned, "Thank you for helping my boyfriend. He wants to buy Isolde a piece of jewelry, with a budget of around fifty thousand... do you have any suggestions? Or should I just give her the money?"

The line went silent for a moment. Then, I heard his cold voice. "Is that Adeline? Why is your boyfriend buying Isolde a gift?"

My blood ran cold. I had forgotten the tangled history between Silas and Isolde and had just blundered right into it.

Silas, Isolde, and I all ran in the same circles. He was a few years older than us, a regular at the inter-family banquets we were forced to attend.

I had only complimented him once at a party on his refined demeanor, and the very next day, Isolde began her pursuit. He was an easy catch for her, especially with her forward tactics.

They were engaged two weeks later. Their relationship was rocky, but it ultimately brought great benefits to both families.

Unfortunately, they had broken off the engagement a few years ago.

Still, I didn't want Isolde's primary source of income to get the wrong idea. After all, Silas was still footing the bill for her extravagant spending.

I quickly explained, "No, it's not like that. She did my boyfriend a huge favor. And I should be thanking you too, Silas. My boyfriend's business succeeded thanks to the connections you provided."

Silas replied, "And here I thought she was finally doing something productive. Turns out she did all this for your boyfriend? She shows him more dedication than she ever showed me."

Before I could say anything to salvage the situation, he continued, "Alright, I understand now. I'll 'give' her the jewelry myself. You can keep the money."

I returned the money to Christian, telling him that Silas had insisted it wasn't necessary.

Christian looked confused. "Isn't he her ex-fiancé? Why is he still so involved in her affairs?"

"He's her patron," I replied flatly. "How else do you think Isolde affords her lavish lifestyle and her ever-changing wardrobe?"

A playful smirk touched Christian's lips. When he saw me looking at him, he simply said, "You have a point."

Isolde came to my apartment that night, reeking of alcohol. Her cheeks were flushed as she began screaming at me.

She might have looked drunk, but her words were chillingly lucid.

By the end, she pointed a shaking finger at Christian and spat, "You think you can just marry into the Thorne family? Dream on, Adeline! You'll never have what I have. You ran to Silas and tattled that I stole your boyfriend just so he'd cut me off, didn't you?"

Then, she added triumphantly, "Well, just watch me find a new patron to support me tomorrow."

A flicker of amusement crossed Christian's face at her words.

I found the whole spectacle incredibly tedious. I left them in the living room and went to my bedroom.

...

From that day on, Christian started working late, citing busy family affairs, and traveled more frequently.

When I told him I was free to meet his father, he gently turned me down, claiming it wasn't the right time.

I knew then. It was done.

Isolde was hooked. She had won again.