Catherine's Plan

A sharp slap echoed through the room, followed by a gasp of horror.

"Charles! Please!"

Aiden Montgomery stood still, his back straight and his posture tall, unwilling to bend down despite the searing pain of his cheek. Only his head was slightly veered to one side due to the force of the slap, but otherwise, he refused to move even an inch.

His mother had immediately wrapped her arms around him, trying to see his cheek. Aiden allowed her to just move him around to get a better glance, his own gaze cold and emotionless.

"Look at what you have done!" Charles Montgomery screamed, his entire body quaking with anger. "Do you even realize the gravity of the situation? Just because X'el is currently under Matteo's control doesn't mean that if it falls, we will not be harmed by the rubble!"