The Devils Claim

Chapter 14 A Caged Bird’s Dream

"I can feel it," Mia said softly, her gaze fixed on the calm horizon. "From the day you stepped into the Blackwood family's house, I knew you despised this place. But you were powerless to leave, weren't you?"

Katherine turned to look at Mia, amusement flickering in her eyes. This girl was sharp. With a small chuckle, she asked, "Mia, have you ever thought of leaving this place?"

A bitter smile formed at the corners of Mia's lips. "Who doesn't want freedom? Who doesn't dream of chasing something bigger? But reality isn't kind. For people like me, being born into this kind of life means we have no say in our future. Some things are just… destined."

Katherine parted her lips slightly, falling into thought. She was beginning to understand. Maybe this was why her mother had gone to such desperate lengths to seduce her father, why she had endured the rumors and humiliation just to give birth to her.

For a maid, servitude was a life sentence. The chance to break free was nearly nonexistent.

Katherine, despite her humble origins, was still the legitimate daughter of the Sincliar family. Even if she didn't have much power, her status alone placed her above these young women.

But Mia… Mia's entire world was confined to this grand house, this garden, and the whims of an eccentric master. No matter how brightly she shone, she was still a bird in a cage, forever expected to bow her head.

Katherine exhaled deeply, then turned to her. "If one day, I had the power to help you… Would you leave?"

Mia's smile was tinged with sadness, her eyes carrying the weight of disbelief. "Kate, you're different from the others, but even so, some cages don’t open. Still, thank you." She hesitated, then added, "I hope you find the happiness that's meant for you."

Katherine hummed in response, but whether it was fate or misfortune, she had no idea.

Three days later, Leon tossed an elegant gift box at her feet. His expression was unreadable as he ordered, "Get dressed. Have Mia do your hair properly."

Katherine lifted the lid and found an exquisite evening gown inside.

As she stood before the mirror, she barely recognized herself. It had been so long since she last looked like this — a young lady of high society, proud and graceful. The luxurious gown hugged her figure like a second skin, and for a moment, she felt as if she had stepped into someone else's life.

The soft melody of a distant waltz played in her mind, and instinctively, she twirled, letting the dress swirl around her like the wings of a swan.

Mia, watching from the side, clapped her hands in delight. "Kate, you look stunning. It's as if your beauty is shining from within."

Katherine said nothing, only offering a small smile.

With Mia's help, she carefully descended the grand staircase, lifting the hem of her gown to avoid tripping.

Aunt Lynn stood at the bottom, watching her with a pleased expression. She clapped her hands excitedly. "Oh my, my precious looks breathtaking! Don't forget to perform well…"

Katherine shot her a curious glance but said nothing.

Before she knew it, she was stepping into a sleek silver Ferrari Enzo. Aaron Hayes drove in silence while Leon sat beside him, dressed in an equally formal suit.

Katherine frowned slightly. A ball? No… It's broad daylight. What is this man planning?

She got her answer soon enough.

The car pulled up at the International Hotel in the city center, stopping in the underground parking lot. From there, they took a private elevator to the fifth floor.

The moment they stepped out, Katherine's breath hitched.

A swarm of reporters filled the conference hall, cameras flashing wildly.

She took an instinctive step back, eyes darting toward Leon in alarm. "What the hell are you up to?"

Leon didn't answer. With his usual air of dominance, he grabbed her wrist and led her straight to the front desk at the heart of the room.

Seated beside him, she watched as he cleared his throat. His sharp, hawk-like gaze scanned the crowd, thickening the suspense.

Then, in a deep, steady voice, he spoke.

"I called this press conference to make an important announcement."

Silence blanketed the room as reporters leaned forward, hanging on his every word.

But just as anticipation reached its peak, he paused.

He let his gaze linger over the journalists, his expression unreadable, his silence deliberate.

The tension became unbearable.

Finally, unable to hold back any longer, a reporter stood up and blurted out the question on everyone's mind.

"President Blackwood, are you announcing your engagement to Miss Katherine Sinclair?"

A murmur rippled through the crowd.

The reporter hesitated, then added, "But… what about Miss Serena Sinclair's recent passing? Isn't this too soon? What does this mean for your relationship with her?"

Katherine's blood ran cold.

Her fingers curled into fists in her lap.

What kind of twisted game was Leon playing now?