guilded secrets :the unmasked queen

Chapter 12

As Tanisha exited The Silver Club, she could still feel Lucien's gaze on her back.

He was interested.

But interest could be dangerous.

She stepped into her car, gripping the steering wheel. The night air was crisp, but her mind was sharper.

A new message popped up on her phone.

ShadowByte: "You made a move. Lucien is watching. Be careful."

Tanisha smirked.

Tanisha: "I know."

ShadowByte: "And Sinnea?"

Tanisha's smirk deepened.

Tanisha: "She won't dare move for now. But I doubt she'll stay quiet for long."

A pause.

Then—

ShadowByte: "She won't. And Lucien? He's unpredictable. He won't forget tonight."

Tanisha exhaled slowly. She wasn't worried. Lucien was powerful, but so was she.

And this wasn't over.

Not even close.

---

When Tanisha arrived home, the estate was quiet.

Or so she thought.

The moment she entered, she spotted her father—Lucas Agnihotri.

Waiting.

His sharp gaze met hers. "You're late."

Tanisha remained calm. "I had something important to handle."

Lucas sighed, setting down his tablet. "You've been making waves, Tanisha."

She met his gaze. "Did something happen?"

Lucas studied her. "I received a call today. Someone warned me that you're… attracting the wrong kind of attention."

Her mind immediately went to Lucien.

She didn't react. "Who called you?"

Lucas exhaled. "A friend."

Tanisha tilted her head. Her father had many 'friends.' The kind that knew more than they said.

Lucas leaned forward. "Tell me honestly, Tanisha. Are you in trouble?"

She smiled faintly. "No, Dad. I'm handling it."

His gaze lingered on her before he finally nodded. "Be careful, Tanisha. This world isn't always kind."

She softened slightly. "I know, Dad."

Lucas sighed, rubbing his temples. "Your brothers would throw a fit if they knew."

Tanisha chuckled. "Then let's not tell them yet."

He shook his head, but she saw the ghost of a smile. "You remind me too much of myself."

Tanisha raised an eyebrow. That was a compliment.

---

That night, as Tanisha prepared for bed, her phone buzzed again.

A blocked number.

She answered, keeping her voice neutral. "Who is this?"

A familiar voice chuckled.

Lucien.

"I have to admit, Tanisha, you're even more intriguing than I thought."

Tanisha leaned against her headboard. "And you still think calling me at midnight is a good idea?"

Lucien laughed softly. "I just wanted to congratulate you. Not many people catch me off guard."

Tanisha exhaled. "If that's all, I have better things to do."

Lucien hummed. "Actually… I wanted to warn you."

She stilled. "About what?"

Lucien's tone turned serious. "Sinnea. She's angry. And when people like her get angry, they do reckless things."

Tanisha's fingers tightened around her phone. "I can handle Sinnea."

Lucien chuckled. "I don't doubt that. But… I also don't want this game to end too quickly."

Tanisha smirked. "Then you'd better keep up, Lucien."

A pause.

Then, his low, amused voice. "I intend to."

The call ended.

Tanisha stared at the screen.

Lucien wasn't an enemy—yet.

But he wasn't an ally either.

For now, he was a wildcard.

Tanisha woke up to the sound of her phone buzzing insistently.

Annoyed, she grabbed it. Dozens of messages flooded her notifications.

Her eyes narrowed as she read them.

Breaking News: Tanisha Agnihotri Accused of Cheating in Exams?

"Sources" claim billionaire heiress hacked into the school system to alter her grades.

Suspension rumors circulate.

Tanisha sat up, completely calm.

So. Sinnea had made her move.

A new message appeared.

ShadowByte: "Sinnea really doesn't know when to quit, does she?"

Tanisha: "She's predictable. How bad is it?"

ShadowByte: "Annoying, but nothing serious. The school's investigating, but there's no real evidence."

Tanisha smirked. Of course there wasn't. Because it was all fake.

Still. This wasn't just a prank. Sinnea wanted to damage her reputation.

And Tanisha?

She wasn't going to let that happen.

---

When Tanisha entered the dining room, she was immediately met with sharp eyes.

Lucas sat at the head of the table, his usual composed expression unreadable.

But beside him?

Her eldest brother.

.Nathan Agnihotri.

Cold, brilliant, and a ruthless business tycoon.

He was back from an overseas trip—and judging by his expression, he was not happy.

Nathan set his cup down. "Explain."

Tanisha took a seat, completely unfazed. "There's nothing to explain. It's fake."

Lucas exhaled, nodding. "I assumed as much."

Nathan's jaw clenched. "Who?"

Tanisha smirked. "Sinnea."

Nathan's fingers tapped against the table. A dangerous sign.

Lucas watched him. "Nathan."

Nathan leaned back, eyes sharp. "Fine. But if she crosses the line again, I won't be patient."

Tanisha chuckled. "I'll handle her before that."

Nathan arched an eyebrow. "Good. Because if you don't, I will."

Tanisha knew he meant it. Nathan wasn't the type to tolerate threats.

Sinnea had no idea who she had just provoked.

---

Later that afternoon, Tanisha sat in the school courtyard.

Students whispered. Some stared.

"Did she really hack the system?"

"I heard she's getting suspended."

Tanisha ignored them. By tomorrow, they'd all know the truth.

She pulled out her phone. Time to strike back.

Tanisha: "Make it public."

ShadowByte: "Already done."

She refreshed her screen.

A new video had been posted anonymously.

[Leaked Conversation: Sinnea Planning to Frame Tanisha?]

The audio was crystal clear.

Sinnea's voice:

"We just need to spread the rumor first. Once enough people believe it, the school will have no choice but to investigate her. By then, her reputation will already be ruined."

Students gasped.

The shift was instant.

"Wait, so Sinnea set her up?"

"She's insane! Why does she hate Tanisha so much?"

Tanisha leaned back, watching the chaos unfold.

By the end of the day, Sinnea's name would be the one in disgrace.

And Tanisha?

She would walk away untouched.