Vespera let out a mocking laugh, her grin twisting with satisfaction as she watched the discomfort on their face—oh, how it thrilled her. She wasn’t about to let her subordinate off the leash, not without some control.

“You failed me again, didn’t you?” Her voice oozed danger, her fingers tightening on their chin. Her nails—perfectly manicured and vibrantly painted—pressed into their skin, a clear reminder of who was in charge.

“Let’s not forget who holds the real power here.” With a sharp push, she sent them back slightly, turning toward her desk. She grabbed a cigarette, gazing out the window at the empire she’d built—from the ground up. It wasn’t about to fall now.

With a snap of her lighter, the flame flickered, and she smiled, gleaming with intent. “Now, truthfully, explain why you were overpowered by a brat.”