Actions Have Consequences

ATON STOOD AT a distance, watching the authorities assist Vivienne. People around him whispered and it was evident from their voices their shock and judgments. He could barely contain his satisfaction, working hard to keep a neutral face. Inside, he felt a deep sense of triumph.

‘This is what happens when you try to cross me,’ he thought, his gaze fixated on Vivienne, who now looked vulnerable and defeated. All her confidence and elegance seemed to fade under the accusing eyes of the crowd. She had walked into his trap, just as he’d planned.

The murmur of the guests echoed around him, fueling his pride. Hearing the cries of Vivienne’s kids was like music to his ears.

'Serves them right,' he thought bitterly.

The children had tried to meddle with him, thinking they were clever enough to get in his way. But they were just children. And now, seeing their tears, he felt his victory was complete.

'Annoying brats,' he sneered inwardly.

Aton’s mind drifted to the conversation he’d had wit