Same day - 8.30 PM

In Sinclair's household

A lavish dining table displays an array of mouthwatering dishes, each one a beloved favorite. The love for food is evident, with some family members finding joy in the art of cooking, while others revel in the pleasure of eating. Normally, such a spread would bring smiles to everyone's faces, but not for Sinclair's household, a somber atmosphere hangs heavy in the air.

Robert sits at the center of the table, flanked by Clara on his left and Athena on his right. The only sound that permeates the room is the gentle scrape of knives against plates.

Athena delicately places her cutlery on the table and addresses her father with a hesitant tone. "Father, you're scheduled to campaign at the orphanage in two weeks, aren't you? I would like to accompany you."

Robert pauses, setting his knife down and fixing his gaze upon his daughter, his expression betraying no emotion. "Do you honestly believe I would allow you to come with me after what happened at school today?"

The news of the incident has evidently spread throughout the school, and it seems that Athena's father is aware, though she hopes to shield him from Sam's issue. Nevertheless, she knows that she cannot allow this setback to undermine her ultimate goal. She must persevere.

"What happened at school, honey?" Clara asks, confusion etched across her face as she turns to her husband for answers. However, her question is met with evasion, a familiar response from Robert.

"Why would you go after Arik? He is as useless as his father, and this will undoubtedly impact our relationship with the Nicole family," Robert grumbles.

"What? Arik?" Clara's shock is palpable as she processes the news that her daughter is pursuing a man who is already in a committed relationship.

"Yes," he replies to his wife.

"You are not coming with me, Athena. End of discussion," Robert declares firmly.

No. If things continue in this manner, all the efforts i has invested will be rendered worthless. I have to do something.

 Athena has patiently awaited this day for years, meticulously crafting a positive image for herself to join her father's party and ultimately become a senator. Power is her driving force, and she yearns to become a formidable figure. She ponders her options, determined to do whatever it takes to achieve her ambitions.

While Athena is lost in her thoughts, Clara reaches out and takes her hand, offering advice. "Athena, what have you done? Pursuing a man who is already taken? It is a grievous sin. Moreover, Brielle is your friend. You cannot do this to her."

"Oh, please, Mom, just be quiet. You know nothing," Athena snaps at her mother. Clara slowly releases her hand, her face reflecting a mix of anguish and resignation, before falling silent.

"Father, it would be advantageous for you if you were to bring me along. I have won a gold medal in the national rifle competition, and there is a high chance of my selection for the youth Olympics," Athena says, her voice filled with hope.

"I'm the one running the campaign, not you. How do you think it will be useful for me?" Robert speculates about Athena's words.

"You can talk about how I, your daughter, am contributing to the country, and I will emphasize how you have supported me. I don't need to teach you what to say to the voters or how to manipulate them." She hints to her father, and he smirks, knowing what she means. Finally, he accepts her request with one condition.

"You have to win the prom title at any cost. If you miss it, then I can't do anything." Robert adds, and Athena nods.

Yes, I did it. Everything is going as planned.

[One Day before the Prom]

In office cabin - 09.30 AM

Robert sits in the CEO chair, a seat originally meant for Athena's mother, Clara. Caleb, Clara's personal assistant, stands before Robert, providing updates on the company's processes. Robert inquires about the tasks he assigned to Caleb. 

 "We have obtained Ma'am's signature for the new business deal, and the project is currently underway, Sir," Caleb informs Robert. 

 "Good, keep me informed of every step. The underground mines project holds immense importance, and I will not tolerate any errors," Robert asserts. He then shifts his focus to Athena's matter. "Where is this month's report of my daughter, Athena?"

Caleb places a file containing the report on the desk. Robert takes it into his hands and begins reading. 

 "Hmm, she went to meet Bernard Michelle in his office," Robert queries.

"Yes, sir. And surprisingly, she opted for a cab instead of her own car. It appears she is aware of the bodyguards we have assigned," Caleb speculates. 

"Oh Caleb, she has been aware of the bodyguards for quite some time now. She has simply learned how to evade their presence," Robert smirks, idly twirling the paperweight on the desk.

No matter what Athena does, Robert always manages to stay one step ahead. Like a strategic game of chess between father and daughter, it remains uncertain as to who will make the winning move. 

"But why did she go there and deliberately keep it hidden from me?" Robert questions. 

"Our bodyguard was unable to enter the building, but based on my assumption, she went there to search for a prom dress," Caleb suggests. However, this still doesn't explain why she wishes to keep it a secret from her father. Caleb continues, "Perhaps she wants to prove herself to you, sir, and prefers that you remain unaware of her behind-the-scenes efforts to achieve that goal."

Lately, her behavior has been rather peculiar. She displays an increased interest in my political party and expresses a desire to participate in my campaign. What could she be planning? Robert ponders silently. 

"Sir, should I consider appointing additional bodyguards?" Caleb asks. 

"Not just yet. First, we need to ascertain her intentions and then determine the necessary measures," Robert responds. 

"Understood, sir," Caleb acknowledges. He pauses for a moment before adding, "Furthermore, after obtaining Ma'am's signature, I witnessed a heated conversation between her and your daughter. They were discussing your late son, Alan." Caleb's revelation leaves Robert, who had been sitting in a relaxed manner, visibly shocked upon hearing the name, Alan.

In Ashford's mansion - 08.00 PM

As Eryx and Chasin sit in silence, their dinner growing cold before them, a member of Eryx's inner circle walks into the room. Eryx, with a determined look in his eyes, wastes no time in asking about the secret plan to take down Athena. The member, aware of the gravity of the situation, begins to explain that everything is ready and awaiting Eryx's command.

However, Chasin, deeply concerned for his brother's well-being, musters the courage to speak up. He knows that Eryx's hatred for Athena runs deep, but he also recognizes the intensity of Eryx's love for her. Chasin wants to protect his brother from the potential pain and harm that might come from pursuing this dangerous plan. The love and hate he feels for Athena intertwine, creating a complex web of emotions.

"Please, Eryx," Chasin pleads, his voice filled with worry. "Think twice before doing this. I understand your anger towards Athena, but remember how much you love her. I don't want to see you get hurt in the process."

Eryx's face contorts with anger, his eyes flashing with a mixture of resentment and madness. "You don't understand anything, Chasin!" he snaps, his voice laced with venom. "Love and hate, they are two sides of the same coin, and I have seen both with Athena. This is not your concern. Stay out of it!"

Chasin recoils, hurt by his brother's harsh words. He had hoped that his plea would reach Eryx's heart, but instead, it only ignites his rage. Still, Chasin refuses to back down. "Eryx, I know you better than anyone. I know how deeply you feel, but there must be another way."

Eryx's anger seems to intensify, his eyes growing colder and more distant. "You think you know me, Chasin? You know nothing! The Eryxer Ashford you know dies long ago. I won't rest until she pays for what she's done. Don't stand in my way, or you'll regret it."

Chasin's heart sinks as he realizes that his words have only fueled his brother's determination. The bond between them feels strained, and Chasin fears that he is losing his brother to his own inner demons. With a heavy heart, he nods silently, understanding that he can't change Eryx's mind.

The room falls into an uneasy silence as the brothers finish their now-cold dinner. Each is lost in their own thoughts, unable to escape the growing rift between them. Chasin hopes that somehow Eryx will find a way to reconcile his love and hate for Athena, but deep down, he fears that their relationship will never be the same again.