"If Sophia Sullivan refuses to see you, can't you go to her yourself?"
Mrs. Winston trembled with rage.
"Those two illegitimate children are making a big fuss about the Blood Jade, claiming you were never Mr. Winston Sr.'s chosen heir. With the heirloom in outsiders' hands, everyone thinks they have a right to the inheritance now."
Her voice grew more agitated, her chest heaving.
"Without Sophia, you're completely useless!"
She always said hurtful things when angry.
Liam Winston listened, his heart turning cold.
Chloe Evans stepped in to mediate.
"Mother, don't be so hard on Liam. He's doing his best."
She linked her arm with his, her tone gentle.
"Liam, even if we can't get the Blood Jade back, I heard this charity auction will feature a pair of tokens—ones that can hire operatives from The Nexus."
Liam frowned slightly.
Mrs. Winston's attention was piqued.
"Where did you hear that?"
"A friend with insider information."
Chloe remained composed.
"So we must secure those tokens. No matter how capable those bastards are, they're still human. The Nexus can eliminate them effortlessly."
She spoke as casually as discussing the weather.
Liam stared at her, suddenly finding his wife unfamiliar.
Chloe continued outlining her plan.
"Those illegitimate children act bold because we lack leverage. With the tokens, things change. One of them is hot-headed—push him hard enough, and he'll self-destruct."
A faint smile curved her lips.
"Let them tear each other apart. We'll reap the benefits."
Neither bastard would dare strike first, fearing the other's schemes.
Liam immediately grasped her meaning.
"Watching them turn on each other would be quite the spectacle. At the very least, it’d intimidate them."
Mrs. Winston finally stopped her hysterics.
She knew eliminating the bastards was the priority.
But she still questioned Chloe’s sources.
Forcing a smile, Mrs. Winston seized Chloe’s hand with bruising grip.
"Chloe dear, I was wrong about the brooch earlier. Don’t take it to heart."
Her voice dripped with false warmth.
"The auction is in your hands now. If you need funds, just ask."
Chloe mirrored her insincerity. "Of course."
She’d expected the old hag’s act.
Liam exhaled in relief.
With peace between them, he wouldn’t be caught in the middle.
But when his gaze landed on the brooch pinned to Chloe’s dress, his mother’s words echoed again.
—Probably a gift from some lover.
Liam lowered his eyes, shadowed with displeasure.
It still bothered him.
Their wedding had been a farce. He’d thought he could forget, but it festered like a thorn.
Oblivious, Chloe mistook his silence for fatigue. "Liam, you seem upset."
"Just tired."
He subtly withdrew his arm, massaging his temples.
Lately, he’d felt an inexplicable aversion toward her.
Chloe’s mind was already elsewhere. "Once we have the tokens, everything will be easier for you."
Her smile turned icy.
The bastards were just a pretext.
If she got those tokens, her first target would be that bitch Sophia Sullivan.