Chapter 57: Chapter 57

<Azaria>

“Ria, I can’t keep funding your ventures without seeing any results. It’s not just about the money; it’s about responsibility and accountability. You have to manage your expenses and invest wisely,” he replied sternly.

He seemed genuinely concerned about my financial habits. His words reminded me of Nick's advice to be mindful of spending.

“I understand, Dad. I’ll work on it,” I assured him, but part of me still desired the quick and easy path to wealth.

I glanced around the serene backyard, realizing the luxury and comfort of this property. Yet, despite its value, it couldn’t compare to the tranquillity and peace that comes with financial independence.

“Ria, I heard that you are deceiving other people again. What is your plan in life? Go to another country and hide. I can't hide you forever."

I look at him.

“I change,” I simply said.

“Don’t you see? I’m having a good life, I'm a happy father. Are you happy?” I ask him and smile to send a message that I am genuinely happy.

I didn’t bring Lanvin with me because I’m not at peace that he is around the house, he might find out something or eavesdrop.

“I met Zephyr, remember him?”

Zephyr? Who’s that animal?

“Zephy, the one who got lost at your grandfather's house. The young rich kid. He was sent to another country to study business and he came back. I had a small talk with him. Zephyr is handling their company and I’m planning to have a partnership with him,” my dad informs me and I’m just listening intently.

Yeah, I remember that kid. I will never forever forget him but I forget his name, it’s been a long time. I didn’t know that his name was Zephyr. I was a kid the last time I saw him.

“And then? Why don’t you give me your company instead? Well, I remember I’m not interested.”

I’m the only child in this lonely house.

"Why am I scamming people if my father and my grandfather are rich? Well, I am not content with life, I want more money. I want more. I deserve more. And I’m still figuring out what to do with my life.

“I’m glad you visited me. We have time to talk about this matter. If Zephyr accepted my proposal and tested his capability I might ask him in the future to handle the company for me, Ria.”

I’m not expecting my father to let me handle the company because it should be a man to handle a corporation. That’s the culture of our family. And I didn’t have a brother because my parents' relationship was complicated. I heard from our maids that I have a bastard brother but I don’t know if that's the truth or a made-up story.

“Well, I don’t care. I need more money, Dad, please,” I pleaded.

“I’m old, Ria, and I will retire soon. I couldn't borrow your money. I have to invest.”

I feel sad.

The last time I met my father, he told me that he wouldn’t lend me money again.

“I heard you’re married. And who’s Lanvin? The man you go with to your grandfather's house? I heard a lot of things about you, Ria. I don’t know what to believe anymore,” my father shook his head as if I am a pain in the ass- well it’s true.

“That’s your life anyway, I won’t interrupt. Just go to another country and hide. You might get sued again and this time I couldn’t do anything. Your grandfather died and my other siblings are getting all his properties.”

I have a debt to my grandfather. He was the one saving me all the time because my parents were not present all the time."

Did I kill my own grandfather?

Why all the businesses that I tried didn’t work well?

My father loves me and trusts me so much. He trusts me so much while I’m fooling him. My grandfather's business was Lanvin, the one handling them - not his brother and sister after my grandfather's business.

I manipulate my grandfather too. Me and Heidi made him drink something.

How can I make my plans if I don’t make things look real and alive? It will be hard for me to connect the dots if I don’t manipulate. The mind is weak and easily deceived, unlike the heart. Heart is the strongest. When the heart feels, the brain automatically shuts off. That’s why mistresses are everywhere.

“Before I die I want you to fix your life. I don’t want to see you in jail,” he said dramatically.

I lean on the chair and look at the blue and clear sky.

I’m glad that I have the talent to scam people.

I gave my grandfather business and all to Lanvin to make things real and I ordered someone to tell my dad that his siblings are after his father's wealth and not a cent is going to his account.

I couldn’t mind my father’s business. That's why I manipulate my grandpa and my advantage is he is old, and he trust me so much.

Am I bad? I just want revenge, and I burn my own fire. I have feelings for Lanvin and it makes me crazy because my brain is not helping me.

Do you want to know what I did?

I introduced to my grandfather that the kid once got lost in his house and the one he adopted for a year was Lanvin when it’s a lie. It’s actually Zephyr. And grandpa is forgetful because of his age. Grandma is a mistress.

My father and I talked interrupted when Camille came.

“Azaria, my dear, you’re here too?” Camille asked me.

I just made him suffer.

"I heard the police are going after you?" She asked, mocking me.

What is this woman doing here?

"Camille, why did you come?" Father asked Camille.

"I'm visiting you uncle," Camille replied and sat while smiling widely.

"I found something about you. Your secret," Camille said while looking at me in a different way.

I remain in my pose.

"Dad, I have to go," I said goodbye.

"I just came and you're going. Are you avoiding me, dear Azaria?” Camille asked me.

I remain stoic. I didn't shake him.

Me and my husband and I are okay.

“What are you saying Camille?” Dad asked.

“Nothing, uncle. I’m just wondering how Azaria got married to Mr. Lanvin Mclaren. Maybe Azaria cast a spell or scammed him?” Camille insulted. I clenched my fist.

“I have to go,” I excused myself and left. I knew Camille was watching me. She played it well.

Before heading home, I went to see Heidi.

“Lanvin is hallucinating. I saw him talking to the air, talking to a child,” I nervously told Heidi as we arrived at the rooftop where she was working. The entire city was visible from there.

“I told you that your plan is dangerous. It’s bad for his health,” Heidi reminded me again.

“Heidi, he was talking to a child in our room,” I said worriedly.

“He mentioned the child's name but I forgot it. He said, 'That kid is our child.'”

I don’t want Lanvin to go insane. I don't want my child to have a crazy father.

“If Lanvin doesn’t fight his demons, there’s a big chance that he will go insane. He will lose touch with the world that you’ve provided for him,” Heidi said while looking at the city. Fortunately, it's not too hot today.

“There’s nothing I can do, but we have to bring him to the mental hospital,” Heidi said, looking at me.

“Let’s stop this,” I told her.

“Better,” she shortly replied.

“I'll just cast a spell on him,” I told Heidi.

“Love comes in a natural way.”

“Can you do something about his hallucination?”

Heidi shook her head.

“I’m not that professional, Azaria. You have to stop giving Lanvin those meds and live in the present. I’ll prescribe medication to lessen his hallucination.”

“It’s better to stop early before everything gets hard.”

I couldn’t speak immediately.

“Lanvin won’t go insane, right?” I asked hopefully to Heidi, but she just smiled at me.

“Camille,” I started, “she seems to know something,” I said to Heidi, looking at her with concern. If Camille finds out about what I did, I know she'll ruin all my plans. I thought she wouldn't meddle.

“That’s your problem,” Heidi said wearily to me.

“And it’s my problem if I lose my license.”

That's when I fell silent. I'll make it up to Heidi in my next life if she loses her license because of my actions.