My Second Life to Tame the Don.

Celeste thought she could win everything just by pleasing a man in bed.

She was so naive. In this world of power plays and bloodshed, sex is the cheapest currency.

Patience is a hunter's greatest weapon.

In the evening, after finishing my makeup, I went to the family's headquarters to find Cade.

Just as I stepped out the door, I ran into Celeste and Vincent in the garden.

They were holding hands, fingers intertwined, their bodies pressed so close they seemed to have merged into one sickeningly sweet couple.

"Aria, are you going to your parents' for dinner today too? Where's Cade? Why isn't he with you?"

Celeste's eyes sparkled with triumphant cunning.

"Cade is handling some business. I'm on my way to pick him up," I said calmly.

Hearing this, a flash of resentment crossed Vincent's eyes.

He had always been jealous of Cade—stronger, more capable, and not plagued by the illness that relegated him to handling the family's marginal affairs.

This vast disparity was the root of his vicious ambition in our past life.

"Is that so? I hope Cade doesn't keep you waiting," Vincent said with a smile, his voice as smooth as silk.

I gave a polite nod and continued on my way.

As I left, I glanced back. Vincent happened to look back at the same time. Our gazes met, and I could feel the possessive, prying nature of his stare.

I quickly looked away, unsettled as memories of my past life flooded my mind.

That night, the house was filled with relatives.

Cade and I were the last to arrive. When Cade pushed open the door, the once-boisterous dining room fell silent in an instant. All our relatives looked on in awe at the future Don.

I followed obediently behind him. Though Cade's face was a stony mask, in this setting, he displayed impeccable manners and an imposing presence. He carried himself with an authority that reflected well on me.

To outsiders, we appeared to be a powerful, united couple.

Celeste and Vincent were sitting on the sofa. I had only just glanced over when I saw them feeding each other fruit in a cloying display of affection.

During dinner, one person after another rose to toast Cade. He accepted every one, his every move exuding dominance.

I saw a flash of jealousy in Celeste's eyes. Soon, she began to sing Vincent's praises to everyone at the table.

"Vincent is truly so good to me. He's so considerate. Just last night, he said he wants to have many children with me and build a lively family. Unlike some people... I hear she was kicked out of the bedroom on her wedding night."

She aimed her barb directly at me, a venomous smile playing on her lips.

The atmosphere at the dining table instantly froze.

I gripped my knife and fork, about to retaliate, when the chair beside me scraped loudly against the floor.