Chapter 188

Seeing Reynard's skepticism, Phoebe didn't bother explaining. She merely gave a carefree smile and said, “Believe what you want.” She had only been testing him, after all. At the same time, she was now certain—Reynard knew he and Sienna didn't share the same mother. The only mystery left was whose mother she actually was. Their father certainly had a way with women, managing to have one raise another's child as her own.

Phoebe had previously examined Ophelia's facial features and found no signs of hex-branding or venom-grafting, which meant these women had willingly accepted their roles. Of course, just because the women weren't suspicious didn't mean the man wasn't.

Reynard studied her expression carefully, trying to determine whether she had truly seen through him or was just bluffing.

“You’re sharp,” he said at last. “You even figured out I could sense their auras on their IDs and set them up to block me in the stairwell.” Then he fixed his gaze on her. “So, did you guess that, or did you calculate it?” His eyes bore into hers, scrutinizing every flicker of emotion.

Phoebe raised an eyebrow and turned to Soren and Jaden. “Wow. You guys really gave him a thorough explanation, huh?” Jaden glanced at Soren—it was Soren who had fed Reynard this information.

Unfazed, Soren simply smiled and said to Phoebe, “I just wanted him to understand how formidable you are. If he tries to scheme against you, he’s only asking for humiliation.” Then, with a pointed look, he added, “And to let him know that you are their natural nemesis.”

Phoebe stared at Soren for a long moment before smirking. “Should I be thanking you then?” It was as if this guy wasn’t doing it on purpose. She could already guess his motive—to leak her strength to Reynard so that Reynard would spread the word. Soren was likely trying to save himself while using her as a weapon against those pulling the strings behind the scenes. Of course, there was also another possibility—Soren and Reynard were on the same side.

Soren’s smile remained steady. “No need to thank me.” Phoebe had to admit—this guy had thick skin. Glancing at the time, she stretched and yawned. “I’m tired. I’m heading back.”

Reynard, however, had already captured more than half of her aura. If she left now, all his efforts would be wasted. He quickly spoke up, “Aren’t you curious why I’m targeting you?”

Phoebe gave him a knowing look. “Not at all.” Reynard was speechless. He had planned to keep her talking to buy more time, but Phoebe had no interest in entertaining him. She stood up and waved to Soren and Jaden. “I’m heading out. See you.”

Soren stood as well. “I’ll walk you out.” Phoebe didn’t refuse. “Sure.” As they exited the room, Soren shut the door behind them.

Walking through the living room and reaching the front entrance, he leaned in slightly and whispered in her ear, “I have no ill intentions toward you.”

Phoebe gave him a half-smile. “And you think I’ll believe that?” Soren let out a helpless sigh. “If you don’t, there’s nothing I can do.” Then, lowering his voice even further, he added, “We might have a chance to work together.”

Phoebe chuckled lightly. “We’ll see.” She wasn’t worried about Reynard or the people backing him discovering that she had helped Soren and Jaden set him up. Once you were on the chessboard, there was no hiding. Sometimes, showing a bit of strength to keep the enemy wary—and to make the first move—wasn’t a bad idea.

Soren opened the door and saw her off. “Goodnight.” Phoebe waved. “Goodnight.”

As soon as she stepped out, she spotted Reece leaning against the wall across from her. She spared him a brief glance before looking away and walking toward her room. Reece’s eyes were filled with pain as he watched her retreating figure. Soren noticed him too and sighed. The production crew was probably still on their way.

He spoke first. “Wait here. Someone will be coming for you soon.” Reece’s eyes lit up. “Pheebs called them?” Soren sighed again. “I asked her for the director’s number and made the call myself.” Instantly, the light in Reece’s eyes dimmed.

Seeing this, Soren said, “Reece, your fate with Phoebe is over. Stop chasing her.” From their auras alone, it was clear—they repelled each other now. There was no possibility of reconciliation.

Reece glared at Soren coldly. “Why are you approaching Phoebe? I’ve already given up on fighting you for the Hill Group, and yet you still won’t leave me alone?” As a child, Reece had wanted to be close to Soren. But Soren had always kept his distance, maintaining an air of detachment. Add to that their mother’s blatant favoritism, and Reece had both envied and resented Soren. But hate? No, he never hated him. They were brothers by blood. It had never crossed his mind to fight Soren. But what he couldn’t accept—what made his blood boil—was Soren making a move on Phoebe.

Soren’s expression was filled with exasperation. “I’ve never done anything to you, so why do you say I won’t let you go? Phoebe and I are merely working together—it’s not as complicated as you think.” Then, emphasizing his point, he added, “I would never go after your ex, someone you still have feelings for. I have at least that much dignity.” Right now, his priority was survival—who had time for romance?

Soren then said, “I have things to do, so I won’t invite you in.” With Reynard still inside, it would be too risky to let Reece in. Reece understood Soren’s character. If he said he wouldn’t pursue Phoebe, then he meant it.

He slumped slightly, his voice filled with frustration. “So tell me…do I deserve this?” Soren walked over, patted his shoulder, and said, “If you already know the answer, then why hold on? You’re only making her hate you more. Just let it go.” Phoebe was already a prime target for their enemies. Since Reece had been severed from her life, it was best that he stayed out of it.

Reece clenched his fists tightly. “I want to…but I can’t.” She was the girl he had watched grow up—the one he had always wanted to protect. Soren didn’t know what to say. With a sigh, he muttered, “Sometimes, loving someone doesn’t mean you have to have them.” It was ironic—here he was, a lifelong bachelor, trying to console a heartbroken man.

Reece fell into deep thought at those words. Muttering them under his breath, he looked at Soren and said, “I understand now.” Soren blinked. “Wait, understand what?” Reece didn’t answer. Instead, he simply said, “I’m leaving.” Then he really left. His figure, fading into the distance, looked solitary and desolate.

Soren shook his head. “If only he had realized this sooner.” With that, he returned to the room. Jaden glanced up as Soren entered. “You keep watch. I’m going to take a shower.” Soren nodded. “Got it.”

The moment Jaden left, Reynard turned to Soren, scrutinizing him. “Do you know what level Phoebe’s power has reached?” Soren’s usual refined smile was gone. “If even an experienced dark arts practitioner like you can’t tell, how would I know?”

Reynard suddenly asked, “What do you think of Sienna?”