HIS LETHAL QUEEN

LETHAL QUEEN

Five Days Later

The William family wedding hall was a spectacle of opulence, decorated with rare flowers and ornaments that cost more than most people earn in a lifetime. The air was thick with the scent of lilies and the hum of international media. Every major news channel in Italy—and across the globe—was broadcasting the event live. The name "William" was synonymous with power and unyielding respect.

Elena, Kai’s mother, stood at the center of the chaos, radiating triumph. She whispered to Kai as he straightened his pristine white coat, his eyes cold and calculated.

"As you ordered, Mother, everything is going exactly as we planned," Kai murmured.

Elena tilted her head, her voice as sharp as a blade. "I told you, Kai, this game is not played with the heart; it is played with the mind. And today, we take everything."

Across the aisle, David’s grandfather sat rigidly in his chair, his eyes clouded with silent agony. He watched the scene unfold with deep disdain. David, where are you? he thought to himself. If you do not appear now, I will be forced to bow to these vultures. Everything your mother left behind will fall into their corrupt hands.

Suddenly, the massive hall doors swung open. The media swarmed like flies, cameras flashing in a blinding rhythm. A woman in a breathtaking white wedding gown walked in, clutching a bouquet of flowers.

"The key to our victory has arrived," Elena whispered, a wicked grin spreading across her face.

It was Lilly Jones. As she approached, Kai reached out, caught her hand, and pressed a lingering, possessive kiss to her knuckles. Elena pulled Lilly into a warm, performative hug, turning to the cameras to play the part of the savior.

"Thank you, my dear child," Elena announced to the reporters. "You have saved the dignity of the William family. That girl, Mary... she was nothing but a characterless stain on our legacy."

Kai nodded in agreement, his voice dripping with venom. "You are right, Mother. Mary was nothing."

The ritual began. The grandfather watched through tear-filled eyes as the ceremony reached its final stages. Once completed, the guests erupted in forced applause. Elena signaled to Lilly, who flashed a devilish smirk and glided over to the old man.

"Grandfather," Lilly purred, her tone mocking. "Aren't you going to offer your grandson’s wife a blessing?"

The old man sighed, his hand trembling as he rested it upon her head. Suddenly, a reporter—planted by Elena—stood up, addressing the room with a malicious gleam in his eyes.

"Mr. William, the time has come to honor the contract," the reporter shouted over the silence. "Twenty years ago, you made a vow to Mrs. Elena William. Lilly William is now the eldest granddaughter-in-law. The keys to the William empire belong to her, don't they? Surely, a man of your stature wouldn't forget a promise?"

The grandfather’s hands began to shake violently. He was cornered. To save the family’s reputation, he signaled his manager. The manager approached with a velvet box containing the property deeds and the golden keys. Elena and Lilly stared at them, their eyes gleaming with pure, unadulterated greed. Lilly reached out, her fingers inches away from the gold.

"Stop!"

The voice was cold, authoritative, and shattered the silence of the hall like a gunshot. Everyone froze and turned toward the doors.

David stood there, his presence radiating an overwhelming, dangerous aura. But all eyes were drawn to the woman by his side. She was draped in a gown encrusted with real diamonds, glowing under the spotlights. As they walked forward, the hall fell into a deathly silence.

Kai’s world went dark. Elena’s face drained of all color. Lilly stumbled backward, sweat beading on her forehead.

"M... Mary?" Lilly stammered.

Mary’s gaze was lethal. She looked at Kai, her expression one of icy indifference, though a small, enigmatic smile played on her lips. She looked calm, despite the fragmented images of a burning house and distant screams echoing in her mind. She pushed the memories away and faced the press.

"You are absolutely right," Mary declared, her voice ringing clear. "Grandfather would never break a twenty-year-old promise. The eldest grandson's wife is standing right here. I am Mrs. Mary David William, and I am here to ensure that promise is fulfilled."

The grandfather’s eyes lit up with profound relief. He rushed to David and embraced him. "You’ve returned," the old man whispered.

"Your granddaughter-in-law is here, Grandfather," David replied, his voice calm. "Are you happy now?"

A reporter tried to speak, whispering about Mary’s past with Kai, but one look from David silenced him instantly. The sheer terror emanating from David was enough to freeze the blood of anyone who dared to speak.

The grandfather stepped forward and placed the golden keys into Mary’s hand.

Kai stood paralyzed, his mind racing. Mary? How is she here? With David? I was certain I had dealt with her three days ago...

Mary turned to look at Kai. She offered him a chilling smile, while David watched them both, his hand protectively resting on Mary’s waist, the undisputed master of the situation.