A hoarse, chilling voice rasped through the phone. "Shall we target his wealth or his love life?"

Vincent Valentine narrowed his eyes. "Love life."

A thought struck him—Adrian Sullivan held a position at Sullivan Group.

"Leave his career untouched."

"Understood."

"I'll need his birth chart and blood. Hair or nails will suffice if blood isn't available. Even personal garments can work in a pinch."

Vincent ended the call, a cold smirk twisting his lips.

He paced his study, hands clasped behind his back.

Dialing Shane Prescott, he demanded, "Can you obtain Adrian's birth details and blood sample?"

Shane's voice turned guarded. "What's your game?"

"Paving your way."

"Victor despises this sort of thing. Adrian's paranoid—he collects every fallen hair."

Vincent's gaze darkened. "I have my methods."

"Stay away from Ethan."

Vincent stiffened. "You've grown attached to your brother."

Shane's tone turned glacial. "Harm him, and I'll make you beg for death."

The line went dead.

Vincent's face darkened with fury.

Shane immediately called Luna Valentine. "Control your father."

Luna sounded shocked. "He wouldn't—"

"If Ethan suffers, Vincent pays first."

"I'll warn him." Her voice softened. "Miss me?"

Shane's tone eased. "We'll announce our engagement once this settles."

"Provided your father behaves."

After hanging up, Shane knocked on Ethan Sullivan's door.

"Secure your birth records. Don't leave hair or nails lying around."

Ethan arched a brow. "Someone planning dark magic?"

"Precautionary measures."

"You're starting to sound like Victor."

Shane gave a bitter smile. "Corpses are easier to handle than the living."

In the bedroom, Sophia Laurent leaned against Ethan's shoulder. "Trouble?"

"Someone wants to curse me."

Sophia tensed. "Who?"

"Vincent Valentine. Victor loathes this nonsense. Adrian's downfall should've been lesson enough."

Sophia chuckled. "Thank goodness my father steers clear of such things."

Ethan stroked her hair. "To Victor, everyone's a pawn."

Three weeks later, Vincent finally obtained Adrian's birth details and a pair of worn socks.

After delivering them to the occultist, Adrian's misfortunes began.

His new car malfunctioned repeatedly.

Pens refused to write.

Bird droppings splattered him during walks.

Leonard Laurent arranged a blind date with Zoe Riveron.

At the upscale restaurant, Adrian eyed the short-haired, red-lipped woman with disinterest.

Zoe similarly scorned the illegitimate heir.

Silence stretched between them.

When his grandfather's催促text arrived, Adrian reluctantly raised his wine glass.

"I have standards. Are you untouched?"

Zoe slammed her hands on the table. "Delusional narcissist!"

"Tomboy!"

She upended her steak onto Adrian's head.

Sauce dripped down his face.

"Harridan!" Adrian roared.

Zoe hurled the entire table's dishes at him before fleeing.

Adrian gave chase, only to collide with Vincent and his wife at the stairwell.

Vincent took in their disheveled states, satisfaction curling his lips.

The curse worked exactly as intended.