He Called Me Disloyal, Then Lost His Empire

On the night of the familys grand annual gala, Sebastian was practically vibrating with excitement. He had ordered a feast that could rival any kingpins banquet and instructed his consigliere to hand out double shares of the familys profits to every loyal capo and soldier.

Celeste, all sweetness and smiles, moved from table to table, presenting neatly wrapped envelopes of cash and engraved tokens. Everyone accepted their gifts with gratitudeeveryone, that is, except me. When she reached my spot, she shoved me back with surprising force.

Step aside! Strays like you dont belong in this family, she spat.

I blinked, stunned. What what are you talking about? I asked.

Her lips curled into a cruel grin as she tossed a notice across the table. It fluttered to the ground with a crisp slap. A lowborn nobody like you has no claim to the familys rewards. Leave before you embarrass the rest of us.

Behind her, the massive crystal chandelier above reflected a series of projectionsimages of me entangled in what looked like intimate moments with high-ranking dons from rival families.

Finally, the ledger of rewards appeared. Every loyal member had been granted generous bonusescash, property stakes, influencebut my column glowed a harsh, unforgiving red zero.

I clenched my fists, staring up at Sebastian, who lingered nearby, silent and watchful.

Youre really going to exile me tonight? I asked, voice tight with controlled anger.

The crystal continued cycling through the compromising images: me laughing with other family heads, sharing a toast, and in one humiliating shot, caught in an embrace as I stepped into a private office with one of them.

Sebastian finally tore his eyes away from the screen and gave me a cold, unreadable look. He said nothing.

I asked you a question, I pressed again, sharper this time. Are you sure?

The room went quiet. Every capo and soldiers gaze was on him now, a mixture of fear and awe. Sebastian ignored it all, stepping forward until he loomed over me. His voice was ice scraping stone.

Arwen, he began, each word deliberate, what right do you have to remain in this family? Every ounce of this familys power comes from effort except yours.

Is it not enough that I provide? That Ive been loyal to you? That Ive given you everything? I shot back, trembling with fury. Is that why you humiliate me in front of the whole family? Dont tell me these capos are the reason you keep your distance instead of taking what I offered you!

He pulled a stack of contracts from his coat and slammed them against my chest. The edges cut into my skin, and when I touched my cheek, warm blood stained my fingers.

They say it was noble to raise the familys influence in the city, he growled, voice low and dangerous. But I will not allow a disgrace like you to tarnish iteven if you are meant to be mine.

I looked up at him, steadying my shaking limbs. Surely he could see the truth if he just looked past the images. Sebastian, you know me. My achievements come from my own grit and strategy. Nothing in those photosnothingchanges that.

Celestes laugh cut through the tension, dripping with venom. Your own hard work? she mocked. And what kind of work would that be? Schmoozing rival dons? Everyone knows exactly how close your partnerships go.

Snickers and outright laughter spread across the room. Some soldiers murmured their agreement, pointing at me as if I were a cornered mark.

I ground my teeth together, forcing myself to remain composed. Those images mean nothing. My dealings with them were strictly businessalliances, nothing else.

Business, you say? Celeste scoffed, picking up the photograph from the floorthe one showing a mans arm around my waist as we entered the office. Then explain this one. How do you justify it?

She leaned closer, lips twisted in cruel amusement. This comes from a crystal vid. Should I show everyone the full sequence?

I studied the image for a heartbeat, then suddenly laughed, low and relieved. The man in the picture wasnt a rival donit was my older brother, testing me during initiation training.

That night, I stumbled back to my apartment, drunk with frustration and humiliation. I meant to call Sebastian to come fetch mebut instead, I ended up calling my brother.

It just so happened that my brother had come from Emperor Bay that evening, sent by our parents to reason with me and stop me from being so stubborn. He arrived just in time to drag me away from a group of capos who clearly had ill intentions toward me.

Who would have thought that simply taking me to a safe hideout to rest would be intercepted by someone with a hidden agenda?

No wonder Sebastian had been acting so distant ever since that nightcold at times, yet forcing himself to appear warm and approachable.

It turned out he had been bottling up his feelings all along. He had waited until I had secured the allegiance of key families and quietly leveraged my familys influence to help him claim the leadership position he wanted for his own territory. Tonight, finally, he chose to explode.

I couldnt help but feel hurt by his lack of trust.

And yet, he was also the first man I had ever truly fallen for. I didnt want this misunderstanding to tear us apart.

Even more, I didnt want my parents to learn that my first true, consuming love had ended before it ever really began. After all, I had fled Emperor Bay to escape the marriage they had planned for me.

I wanted the freedom to choose my own partner, to stand as an equal beside someone, not be trapped in a loveless alliance orchestrated for power. But I had never confided this to anyonenot even Sebastian.

I feared that if he discovered I was the heiress of the Elite Circles, he would feel crushed beneath the weight of my status, insecure and overwhelmed.

Since childhood, every man around me had only ever wanted me for my position. I despised those calculated displays of affection, those compliments dripping with hidden agendas. But Sebastianwhen he looked at me, his eyes held nothing but stars.

The memory of how perfect things had been made a bitter laugh escape me.

What are you laughing at? Sebastians frown cut through me, his voice sharp with disdain. How can you laugh at a time like this?

I lifted my head, holding his gaze without flinching. Do you honestly think I climbed to the top by sleeping with other dons?

Then what else have you done? he sneered, his voice icy. Tell mewhat else could you have done that deserves any respect?

It felt as if invisible hands had squeezed my heart, tightening until every breath became a struggle.

I drew in a steadying breath and spoke slowly. The man in that image is my brother.

Your brother? Celestes laughter rang sharp and cruel. Do you take us for fools? A sworn brother your real brother? Or is that what you call every man you deal with? Must admit, that does make things more interesting!

The laughter around me grew louder, sharp and mocking; someone even whistled mockingly.

Sebastians eyes were ice. Enough, he said, voice cutting through the noise. Stop humiliating yourself. Take your exile notice and leave. From this moment, you no longer exist to me or to this family.

I gripped the letter tightly, feeling only emptiness crawl through me. For five years, I had hidden my true identity, living as a low-profile operative in his organization, working tirelessly to help him rise to power.

And now, after personally laying the path to his dominance, he was ready to cast me aside like a used tool. I could endure lossbut I would not be made a fool. The last five years of my youth might have been wasted on an ungrateful Don, but I would not break.

Sebastian youll regret this, I whispered, low and deadly.

Sebastians reaction was laughter, sharp and mocking, as though I had just made the worlds most absurd joke.

Regret? he barked. The only thing Ill regret is ever meeting a faithless heiress like you!

He extended his hand toward Celeste. The two exchanged a triumphant smile and strode together to the center of the ballroom.

It was only then that I noticedtheir matching ceremonial attire, a designer set of dark tailored suits and a flowing gown of deep crimson. He raised their joined hands high, his voice loud and commanding over the gathered family heads.

Tomorrow marks the most crucial day in the history of our territoryour ascension! None of this would have been possible without the effort of every capo and soldier here. Together, we shall continue to rise to greatness!

The room erupted in cheers, the walls shaking with applause and the clinking of glasses, the air electric with loyalty and ambition.

The endless praise for Sebastian and Celeste, hailed as the golden couple of the family, rang in my ears like grinding metal. Sebastians gaze swept over me, indifferent, as if I were nothing more than a shadow slipping through the grand hall. I felt utterly invisible, a ghost among men who had once claimed to respect me.

Staring at the man I had devoted five years of my heart and loyalty to, it finally hit me why my parents had always warned me about my judgment. They were rightI had been blind, hopelessly blind.

I hadnt realized that Celeste, his ever-loyal partner-in-waiting, had been entwined with him all along, hiding in plain sight while I poured everything into his rise.

Being a Frost had never made me incapable of maneuvering through the treacherous corridors of power. I had the cunning to lift him to the pinnacle of our familys influence, and just as easily, I could tear him down from the heights he now occupied.

Clutching the resignation papers in my hand, I started to leave that suffocating room of deceit, determined to reclaim some control over my own life.

But as soon as I stepped forward, Mr. Webb, the familys consigliere, materialized before me, a false smile plastered on his face.

Arwen, he said, adjusting his glasses with a practiced air of authority, his tone a thin veneer of civility over steel. No need to rush off just yet. Before stepping down, youll need to sign a declaration affirming that none of your actions while under this familys roof continue to affect our business. Youll also be required to sign a binding non-compete clausepreventing you from leveraging your connections to steal clients or allies once you leave.

Not long ago, I had been Sebastians partner, respected and feared, my ability to broker alliances earning me the deference of everyone in the room. Mr. Webb had once bowed to me, addressing me as Mrs. Veylor with every ounce of calculated reverence. That time had passed. Now, he looked down at me with a smug, self-satisfied grin, as if diminishing me could restore his own sense of power.

I studied his pathetic display and replied, voice cold as steel. A declaration? A non-compete? And why, exactly, would I ever sign either of them?

His smile vanished, replaced with a hard, sharp edge. Because of your dirty little schemes. The family has already shown mercy by not pressing charges. Do not mistake our restraint for weakness.

I laughed, bitter, sharp, and unrestrained. Dirty schemes? Evidence? Or are you referring to those conveniently misinterpreted images?

Celeste sauntered forward, heels clicking on the polished marble floor, her manicured finger jabbed toward my phone. Isnt the proof right there in your device? Who knows how many contacts youve hoarded? Step out of here, and whos to say you wont use them one by one to secure a new alliance?

Before I could react, Mr. Webb lunged for my phone. My fingers brushed itbut then it was gone.

Give it back! I snapped.

Celeste snatched it with a triumphant smirk, retreating just enough to mock me fully. Look at you, so nervous. Clearly, theres more you dont want anyone seeing.

She turned to Sebastian, prompting him to try unlocking it. They tested every possible codehis birthday, mine, even the day we had first acknowledged each other as partners in the familybut the device stayed locked. Sebastians patience snapped. He ripped the phone from her hands and barked at the security men to restrain me.

He tried the facial recognition featurebut multiple failures forced the system to default to the passcode.

Whats the password? he demanded, voice low and dangerous.

Since the day we had formally aligned, the passcode had always been the date he first admitted his feelings. I could almost smile at the ironyhe had forgotten. Not surprising.

Failing to access my phone in front of the family only deepened his humiliation. His pride crumbled, his expression darkening as a storm of rage built within him, second by second.

You keep insisting those photos were a misunderstandingso why change your password? he spat, irritation heavy in every word.

Its the date you first confessed to me, I said, calm, steady.

Sebastian froze, struggling to recall that moment. His expression twisted into a chaotic swirl of confusion, anger, and something dangerously close to regreta masterpiece of emotion undone.

I wrenched free from the guards grip, snatching my phone back. Sebastian watched in silence as I unlocked it effortlessly. His lips parted, as if to speakbut no words came. The tension between us hung heavy, like a winter storm frozen over the family estate.

Without a second of warning, Sebastian lunged forward and tore my phone straight from my hands. His thumb flew violently across the screen, movements sharp, frantic, and fueled by rage as he scrolled with a single-minded purposehunting for proof of a betrayal he had already sentenced me for in his mind.

Then his movements stopped.

His entire body stiffened, shoulders locking as his eyes fixed on a single image. A close-up photograph filled the screenme standing shoulder to shoulder with a man, our faces unmistakably clear beneath the cold glow of a streetlight outside a private club.

My brother.

For a heartbeat, the room went eerily still.

Then whatever restraint Sebastian had left shattered completely.

Oh, Arwen, he sneered, lifting the phone high as though it were a prized trophy. Isnt this beautiful? Look at thatcaught red-handed. The proof is staring us all in the face. So tell me what excuse are you planning to crawl out with now?

I already told you the truththat man is my brother! I shouted, twisting violently as the guards tightened their grip on my arms. Give me back my phone! This is theft. Youre slandering meand violating my privacy!

I didnt even finish the sentence.

Sebastians hand lashed out.

The crack echoed sharply through the hall as pain exploded across my cheek. My vision flashed white, the sting blinding and immediate. Before I could even process the impact, he lifted my phone and hurled it down with brutal force.

The device smashed against the marble floor.

The screen shattered instantly, fragments scattering across the tiles like splintered glass, skidding toward my feet in sharp, useless pieces.

My face burned as I clutched my cheek, fury roaring through my veins. I surged forward on instinct, ready to strike back, ready to tear into himbut the familys enforcers seized me again, locking my arms behind my back with crushing force.

That reaction only fed him.

Sebastians lips curved into a cold, vicious smile, the kind that came from absolute contempt.

Dont play innocent with me, he said, every word dripping with disdain. Do you really think you climbed that high in this family without spreading your legs? And dont insult me by pretending you did it for my sakethats disgusting.

I lifted my head slowly, forcing myself to meet his eyes. The disappointment hit harder than the slap, crashing over me like a tidal wave.

Sebastian, I said hoarsely, my voice shaking despite myself, do you really need to degrade me like this?

He let out a slow, mocking laugh. Degrade you? You should be grateful Im even acknowledging you. Do you honestly believe someone like you deserves dignity?

The weight in my chest became unbearableanger, humiliation, betrayal, all twisted together until it felt like I couldnt breathe.

Fine, I said through clenched teeth. If you refuse to hear the truth, then let internal affairs handle it. Well see whos actually filthy hereyou, with your lies, or me, with the crimes you invented.

Internal affairs? He stepped closer, his eyes glinting with cruel amusement. You still think you have leverage?

His sneer deepened. You might not care about your name, but I care very much about mine.

Then his voice dropped, sharp and final.

Thank God we were never married. If youd become my wife, you wouldve been the biggest stain on my life.

My gaze drifted downward to the shattered remains of my phone.

And something inside me finally snapped.

After everything youve done, I said coldly, my voice eerily calm, you can forget about your ascension tomorrow, Sebastian.

The hall exploded with laughter.

Have you completely lost your mind? Celeste clutched her stomach, laughing so hard she nearly bent in half.

Sebastian shook his head, smirking. Listen to yourself. Who do you think you are? You actually believe you have the power to stop this family from rising?

His eyes glittered with mockery. Whatdo you think youre some kind of Queen of the Elite Circles? That one word from you could bring my coronation crashing down?

I lifted my head and met his gaze without flinching.

Thats exactly who I am, I said evenly. And the man in those photos? Thats my brotherDorian Frost.

The laughter didnt stop.

It grew louder.

Mr. Webb slammed his hand against the table, wheezing with amusement. Shes completely lost it!

If youre the head of the Elite Circles, he cackled, then I must be Arthur Frost himself!

Yes! Exactly! others shouted.

If shes the Queen of the Elite Circles, Ill eat dirt right here!

I slowly swept my gaze across them, lips curling into a cold, disdainful smile.

Arthur Frost is my father, I said calmly. Not a title for ignorant men who bark the loudest without knowing who theyre biting.

Their laughter falteredbut I didnt stop.

You dont believe me? Of course you dont. Men like youwho follow whoever shouts the loudest and spew filth without thinkingare used to swallowing garbage every single day.

My words landed like bullets.

The room erupted into chaos.

Believe you? someone shouted. Youre nothing but a woman who slept her way to power!

Mockery echoed from every corner, laughter bouncing cruelly off the walls.

Sebastian shook his head, his expression a blend of disgust and feigned pity. Enough. Get out, Arwen. Youre polluting my territory. Never associate yourself with me again.

My fists clenched so tightly my nails cut into my palms. Rage surgedbut I forced it down.

Fine, I said quietly. Ill go.

I looked at them one last time, my voice steady, sharp as steel.

But remember thisevery humiliation you poured on me tonight will be returned a hundredfold.

More laughter followed.

Payback? Seriously? someone scoffed.

Celeste clung to Sebastians arm, laughing breathlessly. Arwen, have you been watching too many crime dramas? Talking about revenge like youre some tragic heroine.

Sebastian waved his hand dismissively. Enough theatrics. Get lost. We have a celebration to enjoy.

I didnt answer.

I turned and walked away.

Behind me, insults and laughter chased my stepsbut they no longer mattered.

Outside the grand hall, beneath the cold city night, I bought a new phone and dialed a familiar number.

Before the markets open tomorrow, I said calmly, I want Sebastian destroyed.

There was a brief pause.

Then a deep voice replied, steady and absolute.

Understood, Miss Frost.

I cut the call and looked up into the darkened sky, a calm, icy smile slowly curving my lips.

Sebastianyou believed you had claimed victory.

Unfortunate for you.

The real battle was only starting.

And since you chose cruelty

Youll receive none in return.