The Unmasking Deceit

STARING AT the records spread before him, the General's laughter echoed in the dimly lit room, a bitter and angry sound. The glass in his hand felt like a fragile vessel for his frustration, its surface showing subtle signs of strain. His mission, born from the feigned ambush of the Emersons, had unfolded seamlessly. Hiding Lucien, a once-simple task, now revealed unforeseen complexities. When had the tide turned against him? When had each step led him astray?

Eradicating his brother has been a straightforward task. The General knew he could triumph over the former General by employing some underhanded tactics. After all, his brother had married into a legacy—that he couldn't afford but to get envious. "Just pull the strings, play the cards in your favour," the General muttered to himself, the amber liquid flowing into his glass. Victory, he believed, was within reach—total and absolute!

The General downed the liquor in one swift motion, emitting a low groa