Bye, My Ruthless Alpha
Chapter 29: Counterattack

Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Counterattack

The car finally slowed to a stop, pulling along a winding stone driveway that led up to the massive front door.

I watched as a group of men in elegant attire exited the grand entrance, heading toward us. The other black vehicles followed behind us, but ours stood out, unmistakably prominent.

As they got closer, my nerves began to fray.

This would be my new home for as long as Cayden needed to take care of whatever he had to attend to. And something deep in my gut told me that once I stepped inside, there would be no escaping.

Cayden leaned closer, his breath warm against my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. “I only have one rule for you, Tori,” he whispered. “Stay with Kas or Jace at all times. Trust no one else. Do you understand?”

I nodded silently, barely processing his words before the car door opened.

Cayden stepped out first, then turned back, offering his hand to help me out. But as soon as my feet touched the ground, he pulled away, replaced by Jace and Kas on either side of me.

There was no turning back now.

The inside of the capitol building was far grander than I had anticipated. The architecture and decor were nothing short of breathtaking. But there was one thing that weighed heavily on my mind—the Alpha King. I had never met him, and the thought of being in his presence terrified me.

*****

The next morning, Sophia surprised me by helping me pick out a dress.

“This pink off-the-shoulder gown looks perfect on you,” Sophia said, her tone warm and genuine, completely unlike her usual coldness. “I think it suits you well.”

I was taken aback. She wasn’t choosing something awful for me to wear but genuinely helping me get ready.

I kept my emotions in check, not letting a hint of surprise or suspicion show on my face.

Just as we were finishing up, there was a knock at the door, and Joy stepped in.

“Tori, I wanted to apologize for what happened last time,” Joy said, her head lowered in a gesture of contrition.

I observed her carefully, feigning surprise, raising an eyebrow while internally I remained unmoved.

Kas entered just then, chiming in. “We all forgot about it. Come on, stop acting like it was a big deal. We’re all good friends, right?”

Joy looked up, a gleam of relief in her eyes. She moved closer to me. “Tori, Kas, you’re both so tolerant.”

Sophia smiled, then took a stunning diamond necklace from around her beautiful neck. She held it out to me. “This is a gift from my father at an auction. I want you to have it, Tori. We’re going to meet the King soon, and he’s away on business, but I know he’ll be thrilled to meet someone as beautiful as you.”

I accepted the necklace, my fingers brushing over the gleaming diamond pendant, its diamond-shaped design resting in the palm of my hand.

It was exquisite, sparkling with an intense radiance. But I wasn’t one to accept gifts without reason.

I stared at the necklace, letting the silence hang in the air, and then looked at Kas. Her eyes were filled with a strange, knowing amusement.

Kas’ smile was subtly mocking, though neither Joy nor Sophia seemed to notice.

I lowered my gaze, smiling slightly.

Joy, watching me closely, couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. ’She’s dazzled by the diamond. What an unsophisticated little slut, so thrilled just by a diamond! I’d never actually give you a real one. Her greed will be her downfall,’ she thought.

Joy’s lips curled into a smirk, her eyes gleaming with malice.

In her mind, she thought, ‘Sophia, your plan is brilliant. That naive little girl is falling straight into the trap.’

Sophia gave Joy a quick nod, signaling approval. Then, she gestured to the necklace.

Joy stepped forward with a sly smile. “Tori, would you like me to put it on for you?”

Even though I could hear their mocking thoughts loud and clear, I didn’t want to expose them just yet. I wanted to see how far they’d go with this game.

“Sure, thank you,” I replied sweetly, letting her place the necklace around my neck.

As Joy fastened the clasp, Kas winked at me, her voice dripping with admiration. “It looks stunning on you, Tori. It really brings out your complexion.”

“Such a beautiful necklace!” Joy exclaimed, her voice high-pitched with feigned excitement. “I really like it, too, but I could never afford something so fancy.”

I turned to Sophia, my eyes narrowing slightly. “Are you sure you don’t mind giving it to me? Doesn’t it mean something special to you?”

“Of course not,” Sophia responded, her smile cold and calculating. “If you like it, I’d happily give you a hundred more. As long as you like it, that’s all that matters.”

As soon as she spoke, I caught her inner thoughts, ’I do care about the necklace. Once I’ve dealt with you, I’ll have my father buy me ten more—but not this style. I have plans for you, Tori.’

Sophia’s smile deepened, thinking her plan was unfolding smoothly.

I simply touched the necklace gently, offering a sweet smile in return. My expression was serene, but beneath that calm exterior, I was already planning my counterattack.

Just after Sophia had given me the diamond necklace, Joy entered again, holding a handbag, the kind reserved for the elite—top-tier leather, sleek and stunning.

“Sophia, this bag is gorgeous! Is it for me?” Joy gushed.

Sophia smirked. “Not a chance. This one’s for Tori.”

If I hadn’t been able to hear their thoughts, I might have fallen for their scheme entirely.

Sophia continued, her voice sweet yet manipulative. “Tori, you can’t meet the King without the right accessories. All the Alpha daughters wear luxury brands. I brought this from abroad just for you. Take it.”

“Thank you,” I replied, my voice soft and innocent as I accepted the bag. It was a perfect picture of an innocent young woman too easily swayed by wealth and status.

Sophia and Joy exchanged glances, their smiles widening in shared triumph.

Sophia thought, ’Poor Tori. She’ll never know what hit her. Today, I’m finally going to make you pay for all the times you made me look bad.’

The smile on her face told me that she was already envisioning my humiliation, convinced that she would soon be victorious.

Once I was fully dressed, Sophia handed me a Gucci shawl, a piece of clothing that draped elegantly over my shoulders. She didn’t do it with kindness—she did it with a purpose, as though each item was part of a larger plan to destroy me.

I wrapped the shawl around my shoulders, feeling the luxurious fabric glide over my skin. It clung to me like it was made just for me, accentuating the curves of my frame and adding an air of nobility to my appearance.

With the gown, the luxury handbag, and the gleaming diamond necklace, I looked every bit the part of an Alpha’s daughter, just as Sophia and Joy had intended.

As we headed downstairs, Sophia led the way, and I followed.

I suddenly paused, a hand pressing against my stomach. “I don’t feel too well,” I said quickly. “Please, give me a moment.”

Without waiting for their reply, I turned and hurried back upstairs, heading straight for the bathroom.

“Dammit! She’s always making a scene!” Joy muttered under her breath.

Sophia shot her a sharp glare. “Keep it together. Don’t let her suspect anything. Once today’s over, we’ll deal with her.”

Joy fell silent, but not before glancing back at Sophia with a smirk. “You’ve done an amazing job, Sophia. I can’t believe how quickly you’ve handled everything. That bitch won’t know what hit her.”

Sophia’s lips curled into a triumphant smile. “Being the daughter of an Alpha isn’t just about power—it’s about strategy. You have to know how to make things work in your favor.”

“I know,” Joy replied with a satisfied nod. “That’s why we’re going to win. We’ll finally get rid of her for good.”

Sophia’s heart swelled with pride as she thought, Tori, this is it. This is where it ends for you. And I’ll be the one to make sure of it.

“Being the daughter of an Alpha isn’t just about power—it’s about strategy,” Joy said proudly, a gleam of admiration in her eyes as she glanced at Sophia. “You really live up to being the Alpha’s daughter. You’ll definitely get rid of that annoying bitch once and for all.”

Sophia smiled smugly, clearly enjoying the praise. “Of course, I’m good at this. That’s why my father loves me the most.”

The two of them, dressed in their finest, stood waiting in the living room for me. Time passed slowly, and after about fifteen minutes, they grew impatient.

“Why is she taking so long in the bathroom? She’s dragging this out—no sense of decorum at all,” Joy muttered, rolling her eyes.

Just as she was finishing her complaint, I appeared at the top of the stairs.

Sophia’s face lit up when she saw me, still wearing the shawl, diamond necklace, and carrying the handbag that Joy had given me.

To an outsider, we looked like a picture-perfect group, ready to step out for the day.

As we made our way to the car, Sophia motioned for me to sit in the front passenger seat, but I slipped into the backseat instead.

“Sophia, I don’t want to sit in the front. It’s too embarrassing!” Joy exclaimed, seeing the back seat was already full. She was the servant here who was supposed to sit up front.

Sophia grabbed her arm and hissed, “Behave yourself.” Joy gritted her teeth and, with a pout, reluctantly took the front seat.

The backseat was spacious, but with four of us—Kas included—it felt a little cramped.

Especially for me. I shifted uncomfortably, trying to find a position that didn’t make me feel trapped.

Joy, clearly annoyed, shot me a glance. “Can you sit still for once?” ’She’s acting like she has never been in a car before. The last time I went out with a maid, she wasn’t so annoying like Tori,’ Joy thought.

“I’m just not comfortable,” I replied, trying to adjust again.

She snickered, her voice dripping with mockery. “Tori, you must get used to it by riding in cars more often. You can’t just fidget around like that.”

Sophia chuckled at the back-and-forth.

Kas joined in, finding the whole thing amusing.

“They’re enjoying themselves now,” Kas said quietly, leaning closer to me. “But let’s see how long they keep that smile on their faces.”

I smiled faintly, appreciating her support.

“Don’t be afraid, Tori. It’s just the beginning. Let’s see who wins in the end,” Kas encouraged me in a low voice.

I nodded, her words giving me confidence.

Sophia looked pleased, her face glowing with anticipation. Joy, too, was practically vibrating with excitement, clearly eager to see how things would unfold.

I stopped shifting in my seat. For the first time, I became as still as a statue, my body poised but my mind working behind a calm, pleasant smile.

It was as though I wore a mask, and no one could see beneath it.

I wasn’t expecting much. In the past, I always tried to avoid confrontation, but running away never brought me peace. This time, I was ready to face it head-on.

Sophia hummed contently, her mood high.

Her confidence swelled as she thought to herself, ’I’m the daughter of an Alpha, raised with the best education. Watch closely, Tori. This time, you’re going to be the joke of this kingdom—so much so that even the King won’t want to look at you.’

Sophia was practically boiling with excitement, and her thoughts were as clear as day in my ears, ’I’ve had enough, Tori. After all the times you’ve made me look foolish, it’s finally my turn to get back at you.’