Chapter 225

Hoyt let out a frustrated sigh.

"Mom" Nova's brow furrowed, utterly disappointed. "Last time, Kellan completely outmaneuvered you, and the media caught wind of you tangled up in bed with all those women. It hasn't been long since that disaster, and you've already forgotten? We can't just sweep that mess under the rug. If your father hadn't intervened, your naked photos would be plastered all over Ontdale. Those old tricks you relied on? You better get creative!" Her gaze turned cold. "Even the simplest fools learn to tread carefully after a fall."

Realizing she'd been too harsh, Nova reached out, tenderly tracing the marks on Hoyt's face. "My dear, take a moment and think. Don't disappoint me."

Hoyt felt a surge of frustration at the barriers in his path, but he wouldn't dare cross Nova. He knew he owed his current position to her relentless efforts.

"Mom, why don't you just teach me?"

Nova sighed and replied, "You need to understand that everyone has their Achilles' heel. In the past, Kellan was like an unreachable fortress. But now, the tides have turned. Kellan has his vulnerabilities." She admired her freshly manicured nails, her eyes betraying a whirlwind of emotions. "Since he's bestowed upon us such a generous gift, we ought to return the favor. To truly wound someone, you have to strike at their most tender point—like his precious niece."

"Lorna?" Hoyt exclaimed, disbelief written all over his face. "But she's Dad's granddaughter! He'd never let us harm her."

Nova's question hung in the air: "Did your father ever give you the green light to go after Kellan?" Hoyt fell silent, the weight of it settling heavily. "To him, it doesn't matter whether you're the legitimate heir or the shadow child. His only concern is who can best carry on the family legacy. And men—well, they enjoy their stable homes while playing around on the side. As long as you stay within the lines and don't overstep, you're in the clear." Nova understood men's flaws all too well. "Your father even turns a blind eye to minor plots and rivalries over the inheritance, just to ensure the Lloyd Group has the sharpest successor. As for Lorna? She's merely an afterthought."

She continued, "Remember, success is a product of hard work. Lorna may be well-guarded, and we might not find an opening right away, but that doesn't mean there isn't one. Most of her defenses stem from Kellan. If something were to happen to him, wouldn't that create an opening?"

Hoyt's eyes lit up.

"Kellan is tough," Nova said. "Even if we don't land a serious blow, his mood swings and headaches will only worsen if something happens to his niece. An unstable mind can't shoulder the responsibilities of an heir."

Nova nodded, satisfied. "So, do you know your next move? Let me drop a hint. There's a short-track speed skating competition coming up in a month—an adrenaline-packed ice skating race. He's quite fond of those heart-pounding events."

Hoyt quickly grasped her insinuation. Short-track speed skating is no cakewalk; it's a risky sport. If an accident were to occur during the event, the organizers would take the heat. If someone gave him a little nudge at the event…

His face lit up with a smug grin. "I'll make sure he's down for the count!"