REBORN My Second Life I Became The Villianess (Nyxara) novel Chapter 96

I leaned my head back against the leather headrest, watching the manicured lawns blur past the tinted windows. I shifted my gaze toward the front, catching the eyes of the head of security in the passenger-side mirror.

"I want you or someone else to keep an eye on them," I said, my voice steady and cold. "Make sure they pack up and leave this city by the end of the week and make sure they don't reach out to a single soul before they go." I said.

The man gave a sharp, professional nod in the mirror. "Yes, madam. Consider it handled." he replied. I looked back out the window, letting out a long, slow breath as the miles ticked by. The pieces were falling into place. Carlton knew the truth, my fake grandparents were packing their bags, and Nysa was sitting in a dark room with one day left before the final trap snapped shut.

When our convoy finally turned up the winding drive of the Valteri estate, another black car was just pulling through the gates ahead of us. It was Dario. His car parked next to mine near the front steps, and the second the door opened, he stepped out, walking over to meet me as I got out.

He didn't waste any time. He closed the distance between us, pulling me close and pressing a kiss to my temple before leaning down to meet my lips. "What took you so long?" he asked, his eyes searching my face with a quiet, intense curiosity.

I looked up at him, a faint, humorless smile touching my mouth. "I needed to make sure Lorraine and Alden understood I mean what I say. I told them to pack up, disappear, and make damn sure they don't reach out to Caroline or anyone else." I said.

He gave a slow, approving nod, his arm resting around my waist. "Done. I'll have someone supervise their departure just to ensure they don't drag their feet." he said.

"Good," I replied..

We walked up the steps together and pushed through the heavy double doors, stepping right back into the madness. The foyer and living room were still an absolute disaster area. Fabric swatches were draped over every available surface, catering menus were scattered across the coffee table, and the sound of Elena, Grandmother, Bianca, and Ella arguing passionately about floral arrangements their voices echoing off the ceilings.

I just shook my head, letting out a soft sigh at the sheer chaos of it all.

"Save me," I whispered to Dario under my breath.

He let out a low laugh, guiding me gently past the living room archway before anyone could ambush us with a seating chart. "Come on. Let's get upstairs before my mother spots you and ropes you into tasting sixty different types of wedding cake." he said.

I didn't need to be told twice. I kicked off my shoes the second we stepped into our room, grabbed a fresh change of clothes, and headed straight for the shower to wash away the dust and lingering ghosts of the past before dinner.

After a long, hot shower that washed away the lingering chill of that house, I dried my hair, changed into a comfortable sweater and dark jeans, and headed back down toward the dining room for dinner.

The contrast between the chaos of the afternoon and the quiet elegance of the dining hall was a welcome relief. The long table was already set with heavy silver and white china. The family was gathered around, the women having finally abandoned their wedding swatches and seating charts for the evening. Dario pulled out the chair beside him for me, and I slid into it, offering a small, appreciative nod as he pushed it in.

We started with a light soup course, the clink of spoons against porcelain filling the initial silence. But I didn't wait long before bringing up what had happened earlier that afternoon. I knew there were no secrets in this house, and telling them was better than letting it linger in the air.

"I visited Alden and Lorraine before coming back," I said casually, taking a sip of water. Around the table, the movement stopped. Dario paused, his fork hovering just above his plate, while Vincenzo and Elena looked over at me with sharp, attentive expressions.

"Did they give you what you wanted?" Dario asked, his voice low and even.

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