Page 92 of Summoned
Suddenly, the realization slams into me so hard, it makes me sick. The very thing I despise in her… lives inside me, too. The need to win his approval. She’s striving to be the perfect wife, while I’ve been striving to be the perfect daughter. I would do anything to get rid of this image of myself, if only he would look at me with pride.
Anger bubbles up in my chest. No more. Not just in illusions.
“Nicole.” My father’s deep voice slices through the air behind me.
Every part of me bristles, bracing for battle. For a moment, my world stops and all I see is his face, twisted with disdain, as I kneeled naked before him while he stood by and allowed me to be humiliated. Yes, it was an illusion, but I feel it runs deeper than the truth. Somewhere in the back of my mind, a clock starts ticking. The countdown of my time as the obedient daughter.
Because I amnotgoing to the dinner with Daniel Deliberov.
Heart pounding, I pivot—and gasp.
Dad’s wearing a broad smile. His hair is slicked back, his tie is straight, and even the dark circles beneath his eyes seem to have faded today. He glances at me, then at my mother. “I’m glad you’re both here, because I have wonderful news. One of the major equity groups in Zurich called. They’ve shown unusual interest… once word got out that we’re aligning with the Deliberovs.”
A beat of silence.
Then applause erupts behind me. My mother squeals in delight. “Trulysplendidnews!”
I freeze, still holding my plate. “But… we’re not aligned with the Deliberovs yet.”
My father shrugs, not losing an ounce of that smile. “Well, I may have dropped a… discreet suggestion to the right person. Nothing official, of course. I simply implied that tonight’s dinner is more than a social gesture. And voilà—instant reaction.” He chuckles, charming as ever.
The plate in my hands feels twice as heavy. “But we don’teven know if Daniel will like me…”
His eyes narrow. “Relax, sweetheart. No pressure. It’s just dinner. If things with Daniel don’t work out, I’ll figure something else out. People already believe we’re aligned with the Deliberovs, and that buys us time. Whatever happens… We’ll manage. Somehow.”
I stand there, unable to respond. Rage simmers in my chest, but it can’t seem to find a way out.
I glance at my mother. The tension in her expression has eased, as if the storm has already passed.
It’s just dinner.
Every breath scratches at my throat, sharp and dry.
It’s just dinner.No pressure.
I haven’t seen my father this lively in years. It’s easy to challenge him when he’s smug and condescending. Now… there’s a softness in his face that catches me off guard. It’s the same look he used to wear before he gained wealth, before the suits and power deals. Back when he’d close a tiny contract and treat it like we’d won a war. Back when victory meant survival, not control.
And he did it all for us. For me.
Despite all his flaws, my father has always had good intentions. He’s not the man Gaetano painted in that illusion. Maybe that was Gaetano’s real goal—to drive a rift between me and everyone I care about. To isolate me. To weaken me.
Yes, he touched me like I mattered. Still, he is the Black Joker, and his endgame is the same: my soul.
And now that I’ve survived two trials, I’m more determined than ever to keep it. Ihave towin the last one. Which means I have to think ahead, if I’m to outmaneuver Gaetano.
I take in my dad’s expression again.It’s just dinner.
Would it really be so terrible to be seen alongside the Deliberovs? Let the rumors spread, let the whispers of alliance grow. By the time anyone uncovers the truth, my father will have the investments he needs. Our family will be safe.
“We leave at 6:30 PM,” Father says.
* * *
I choose a dress that my mother would approve of. Navy satin, off the shoulders, the style I can’t stand. Black stiletto pumps—conservative, but they elongate my legs. I open the makeup drawer and apply my foundation with steady strokes. Eyeshadow. Eyeliner. Lipstick. I spray my hair into place. My hand doesn’t tremble.
The Little Baroness, in all her glory.
My fingers hover at my collarbone.
