Chapter Text
The Clove Club restaurant has long been a sanctuary for me, a familiar refuge that conjures up warm memories. Yet tonight, as I sit across from Violet Sorrengail, that comfort dissolves quickly. Her subtle manipulations are apparent, as she skilfully directs the conversation—not just with the staff and her own daughter, but also with my son. The realisation that she is orchestrating our interactions, even in these seemingly mundane moments, sends a shiver down my spine.
I steal a glance at Violet, who seems perfectly at ease, her gentle smile directed at Willow, who is engrossed in doodling on a napkin. Violet's voice is warm as she turns her attention to Xaden. “It’s such a joy to finally see the two of you together. Willow has always longed for her father. It’s wonderful that she now has the chance to be with him.”
Xaden returns her smile, though there's an awkwardness about him. This situation is new to him—being a father to a child he didn’t know existed until recently.
“It’s... it’s a lot to take in,” he admits, his voice reflecting both admiration for Willow and the uncertainty of stepping into fatherhood so suddenly. “She’s a wonder.”
Willow beams up at him, proudly holding up her drawing. “Daddy, look! I drew a picture of us!”
Xaden leans in, visibly touched, perhaps a bit overwhelmed. “That’s beautiful, Willow. You’re quite the artist,” he responds softly.
I try to ease the tension with a smile. “She clearly takes after her parents in more ways than one.”
Violet nods appreciatively, her gaze fixed on Xaden with an intensity that suggests she’s calculating her next move. “You know, Xaden, discovering Willow has been unexpected. You’ve handled it with such grace. Not everyone would be so understanding,” she says, her tone admiring yet subtly probing.
Xaden’s expression tightens slightly at the compliment, the weight of his new reality evident. “It’s a big change, but I want to do right by her. Be the father she deserves,” he replies earnestly.
Here it comes, I think, as Violet leans in, her voice dropping to a soft, almost conspiratorial tone. “And you will be, no doubt. I’ve been considering... given your military commitments, it might be challenging to spend as much time with Willow as you both need. There are other ways to serve and protect without being away so often,” she suggests gently, placing her hand on Xaden’s arm.
Xaden looks puzzled but intrigued. “What do you mean?”
Violet continues earnestly, with a hint of concern. “I’ve heard about opportunities in the private sector—security roles that offer stability and good pay. They’d allow you more time at home. More time to bond with Willow.”
Willow chimes in innocently, “I would love to see you more, Daddy.”
The word "Daddy" seems to shift something in Xaden; his eyes turn to Willow, his love and eagerness to make that name a permanent fixture evident. My chest tightens. I knew this moment was coming, but seeing it play out is different. Violet is deftly planting seeds of doubt about Xaden’s career—a career I loathe but was his choice. In a matter of days, Violet is already exerting her influence.
Xaden looks conflicted, torn between his commitment to the military and his desire to be present for Willow. “It is. I’ve dedicated my life to the military, but... being there for Willow, that matters too.”
Violet’s eyes soften as she nods, her voice dropping to a near whisper. “Of course, and there’s no rush. I just want you to know that whatever you choose, you have options. Willow deserves the chance to know you, to have you in her life.”
Willow beams, her innocence shining through. “I want to spend lots of time with you, Daddy!”
I watch as Xaden’s resolve seems to waver. The name "Daddy" is more than just a word to him; it signifies acceptance and family. The lengths he’s willing to go to secure that bond are troubling. Violet is playing on his desire to be a good father, and she knows exactly how to manipulate that.
“I want that too, Willow,” he breathes out.
I notice the small, satisfied smile on Violet’s lips. She has achieved what she intended—a flicker of doubt in Xaden’s mind about his current path.
“It’s a lot to process, Xaden. Just remember, your decisions should be what’s best for you and Willow,” I say firmly, hoping to steer the conversation back on course.
Violet leans back, her demeanour calm and satisfied. “Absolutely. We all just want what’s best for Willow and for you. Take your time to decide what’s right.”
Violet’s manipulations extend beyond her words. She exudes wealth and authority, adorned in Cartier jewelry and a suit that likely costs more than my entire wardrobe—more fitting for a corporate boardroom than a family dinner. Her opulence starkly contrasts with the relaxed atmosphere expected at a family gathering. It’s disconcerting to see Violet, who once derided her mother’s wealth, blend seamlessly into high society.
Despite Violet’s icy demeanour and calculated interactions, her daughter is a wonder to behold. With the same delicate frame as Violet but a more vibrant energy, she captivates everyone around her. Her charm seems innocent and sincere, a refreshing contrast to Violet’s manipulative ways. I wonder if Violet groomed her daughter to be a more palatable version of herself or if the daughter has forged her own path, separate from her mother’s schemes.
After a few hours, I finally get a moment alone with Violet. The dining room has emptied, leaving only the lingering scent of our meal—a reminder of the evening’s charade. Standing near the window, I look out over the twinkling city lights, feeling a gnawing unease. This is my chance to confront her about my deep-seated resentment. I see the fatigue in her eyes—a small crack in her usually perfect mask. It’s a vulnerability I intend to exploit.
“Violet,” I begin, my voice cold and edged with barely concealed contempt, “It’s been a while.”
She turns to me, a ghost of a smirk on her lips, her eyes guarded and calculating. “It has, hasn’t it?” she replies, her tone smooth but challenging.
My hands grip the windowsill, the coolness of the glass grounding me as I choose my words carefully. “I’ve kept tabs on you. Your influence seems to stretch far and wide. I imagine you’ve reclaimed most of the connections you lost because of your association with me.”
Her gaze sharpens, a flicker of something unreadable crossing her face—a hint of the manipulative prowess I’ve come to despise. “Concerned?” she echoes, tilting her head slightly. “For whom? My daughter or your son?”
“Both,” I admit, the words tasting bitter. “Your daughter is my granddaughter, and I know you too well. There’s always an agenda, always some scheme you’re orchestrating.”
Violet sighs, a sound that grates on my nerves, feigning weariness. “You think I’m manipulating them,” she says, her voice annoyingly calm, as if she’s already dismissed my concerns.
“I don’t think,” I say slowly, each word laced with venom, “I know you’re a master at getting what you want. What I haven’t figured out is what you gain by hiding your child from my son for years, only to bring her into our lives now.” The accusation hangs heavily in the air.
She turns fully toward me, her expression a mask of serene indifference that only fuels my rage. “Everything’s a conspiracy with you, Fen. You see the world in black and white.” Her voice is maddeningly calm, as if enjoying my frustration. “Did it ever occur to you that I didn’t know about Willow’s parentage until recently? Maybe it was then I decided to re-enter your orbit. Perhaps it’s not me who stands to gain, but her.”
The audacity of her words sends a jolt of fury through me. I know Violet’s methods—her ability to manipulate and twist narratives. Control, influence, power—it’s always about power with her. She’s adept at playing the victim to deflect suspicion.
“You’re so skilled at playing innocent,” I mutter, my voice trembling with anger. “Twisting truths, feigning concern, all while weaving your webs. But this is different. It’s about my family, our future. I won’t let you manipulate my son or granddaughter for your ambitions.”
Violet’s eyes flash with a brief flare of anger or perhaps disdain. “You always underestimate me, Fen. You think this is just another game, but maybe you’re missing the bigger picture.”
“I won’t let you sink your claws into Xaden,” I snap, my voice rising with barely contained fury. But Violet only smiles serenely, as if my words don’t affect her. She seems unbothered by the betrayal she caused—leaving the father of her child motherless, his cousin fatherless, and countless others dead because she turned traitor when we needed her most.
“I have no need to sink my claws into Xaden. Even if I wanted to, which I don’t,” she replies smoothly, her tone dripping with condescension. “Willow has him wrapped around her finger, and she will follow me. Wherever I go, Willow goes, and Xaden will follow. There’s nothing you can do about it.”
My breath catches, anger and fear intertwining in my chest. “I could tell him the truth about you,” I retort sharply. “You wouldn’t look like the saintly mother of his child then, but the murderer of his own blood.”
Her eyes narrow, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “You tell him, Fen. I dare you.”
“I will,” I hiss, the words hanging like a promise of retribution.
Violet leans in slightly, her eyes glittering with cold amusement. “Then you’ll also need to explain your own encouragement and that of his friends' parents for a girl as young as their children to take off all her clothes to get the information you needed.”
“I never told you to do that,” I snap, the accusation twisting something dark within me.
“You never refused the information gained by my means, though, did you?” she counters softly, her voice cutting like a blade.
I gasp, struggling to keep my composure. “If I tell him, he’ll believe me,” I say, though my words sound desperate even to my own ears.
“The man who lied to him about his profession, who allowed his friends to die for a government supporting terrorism?” She tilts her head, a mocking smile playing on her lips. “I’m sure that will go down well. Whereas I was just a minor at the time, poor, manipulated Violet.”
“You were involved with us until you were twenty-one,” I retort, my voice shaking with anger. “Hardly a minor then.”
“And yet,” she says, her smile widening, “you all treated me like a child, using me for your purposes. Now you want to condemn me for it. How convenient.”
The truth in her words stings, leaving me momentarily at a loss. The room feels suffocating, her ability to twist the narrative infuriating. Yet beneath my anger, there's a gnawing fear that she might sway Xaden, already vulnerable and uncertain, with her version of events.
“You say all this, but you’re already pulling strings—his career,” I accuse, my voice heavy with frustration.
“You can’t possibly want him on the front lines of a war as cannon fodder fighting for a government that cares very little about him” Violet says her tone unwavering.
“It is Xaden’s choice, though,”I bite back.
“I haven’t taken his autonomy away from him; I’ve merely encouraged him not to throw his life away—something you desire as much as I do.” She says calmly staring out the window.
“For entirely different reasons,” I counter, “I want my son to live because I love him. You want him to live so that you can continue to use him to further your schemes.”
“You used to enjoy my schemes, Fen. After all, I learned many of my tricks from you,” Violet says with a smirk.
“Let’s not pretend you weren’t dipping your fingers in pies long before we were acquainted,” I retort. “I knew of you from your reputation, Violet. It far preceded you. Granted, at the time, you appeared quite the troubled teenager.”
“Something you know all about,” Violet says with a sharp edge in her voice.
“Yes, the façade was good, as is this one. But Violet, I see straight through it.”
Violet’s gaze remains steady, a thinly veiled amusement flickering in her eyes. “You always were quick to judge, Fen. But let’s not pretend you’re some paragon of virtue. Your own methods are hardly above reproach.”
“True,” I concede, feeling a rush of irritation, “but at least I’m not using my own family as pawns in some grand scheme.”
Violet’s expression hardens, her smile now a cold line. “Oh, and what about you? The lengths you’ve gone to manipulate and control situations for your gain, under the guise of protecting others? Don’t think I don’t know your history.”
Her words are a direct hit, stirring up old grudges and painful memories. I clench my fists, fighting to maintain composure. “We’re not talking about me,” I snap. “We’re talking about you and your latest machinations.”
“Is that what you think this is?” she asks, her voice low and dangerous. “That I’m orchestrating some elaborate scheme? Perhaps it’s easier for you to believe that rather than confront the reality of the situation.”
I can feel the walls closing in around me. Violet is skilled at shifting the narrative, making me question my own perspective. But I won’t be sidetracked. “What I believe is irrelevant. What matters is the impact on my family. Xaden is vulnerable right now, and you’re exploiting that.”
Violet’s lips curl into a smile that’s more predatory than pleasant. “And what of Willow? Shouldn’t she have a stable, loving environment? If Xaden’s current path threatens that, is it not prudent to offer alternatives?”
“You’re not offering alternatives,” I argue. “You’re manoeuvring him into a position where he’s more useful to you and more easily controllable. You’re leveraging his emotions and sense of responsibility for your own benefit.”
“You see manipulation where there is none,” Violet counters, her tone chillingly calm. “I’m merely suggesting options. It’s up to Xaden to make his own choices.”
“You’re not just suggesting,” I reply, my voice rising in frustration. “You’re guiding, nudging, and subtly coercing him. Your influence is clear, and it’s dangerous.”
Violet’s eyes narrow, her expression cold and unyielding. “Dangerous? Or perhaps just uncomfortable for you? Change is never easy, Fen. You of all people should know that.”
I take a deep breath, trying to rein in my anger. “You always have a way of deflecting blame and shifting the focus. But this isn’t about me—it’s about Xaden and Willow. I will not stand by and let you manipulate their lives for your own ends.”
Violet’s gaze remains unwavering. “And what will you do, Fen? Expose me? What good will that do if it drives a wedge between Xaden and Willow? You risk losing both if you act recklessly.”
Her words sting, striking at the heart of my fear. I know she’s right—exposing her could have unintended consequences. Yet, I can’t simply let her continue unchallenged. “I need to find a way to protect my family from your influence, without destroying what little stability they have.”
Violet tilts her head, considering my words. “Perhaps there’s a way to do that without resorting to drastic measures. We were friends not so long ago. Both driven by our own set of values and goals. Maybe it’s time to find common ground once more.”
“Common ground?” I echo, incredulous. “After everything you’ve done, you think we can just find a middle path?”
“Yes,” Violet says, her tone surprisingly gentle. “We both want what’s best for those we care about. It’s possible to protect your family while also acknowledging that people change, circumstances evolve. We can negotiate a path forward.”
I stare at her, trying to gauge the sincerity of her offer. The idea of negotiating with Violet feels like walking a tightrope over a chasm. “And what would that look like? How can we find common ground without compromising our principles?”
Violet’s smile softens, her eyes reflecting a hint of vulnerability. “For starters, we could agree on a more transparent approach to how we handle Xaden’s career and Willow’s well-being. No more hidden agendas, no more manipulation. Just a commitment to their best interests.”
The offer is tempting, but the stakes are too high for me to gamble on her words. “Transparency and honesty are fine ideals,” I say, my voice steely with resolve. “But after everything you've done, I can't take the risk of believing you might have some genuine intention behind this. Your history has shown me that your promises are often a means to a greater end.”
Violet’s eyes narrow, a flicker of anger crossing her face. “So you’re willing to let this situation spiral further into chaos instead of seeking a resolution?”
“Absolutely,” I reply, my voice unwavering. “If accepting your offer means jeopardising my family’s safety and our values, then it's a risk I’m not willing to take. Your track record is a clear warning that you might be using this as a ploy to advance your own agenda at their expense.”
Violet’s expression turns cold and calculating, her gaze sharp. “Fine. But you should know the consequences of refusing my offer. Without a compromise, the situation will only escalate. The fallout won’t just affect Xaden and Willow; it could endanger everything you hold dear.”
“I’m fully aware of the risks,” I say, standing firm. “But I’ll face them head-on rather than betray my principles or my family’s trust. If you’re truly committed to finding a solution, you’ll need to prove it through actions, not just words.”
Violet’s lips curl into a bitter smile, her eyes glinting with a dangerous edge. “Very well, Fen. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. We’ll see how long your resolve lasts when faced with the full consequences of your choice.”
As she leaves, the tension in the air is palpable. Her threat hangs over me like a storm cloud, but I’m resolute in my decision. Rejecting her offer may have escalated the conflict, but it also reinforced my commitment to protecting my family and staying true to my principles, no matter what challenges lie ahead.