Shelly PoV
As we walked the rest of the way to the car, I glanced at Damien. "Say, uh, remember how you wanted me to win over the household with charm?"
He nodded. "Yeah."
I looked down. "Well, do you really think I can do it? I think maybe Cassian can be won over. Maybe Alexander too, but the rest? I'm not too sure. I haven't even most of any. Plus, after hearing about your aunt, I'm kinda afraid of doing so."
Damien put a hand on my back. "It's actually because of what happened to her that I wanna take this approach. My family has some rotten apples, but it also has some which aren't yet rotten. If we could gather the latter, I think we can make some pie."
I looked at him, eyes twitching at his awful pun. "You should've stopped with that analogy when you could've."
He chuckled. "Yeah, maybe that one was a bit too much," he admitted, grinning sheepishly. "But you get what I mean, right?"
I nodded, appreciating his attempt to lighten the mood, even if his joke was a little corny. "I do. You're saying that if we can gather enough half decent people on our side, one of us could become the next family head."
He sighed. "Yup. Although, we might also have to resort to appealing to their own selfish interests."
I hummed. That sounded so manipulative. Could I really do that?
"I'm not sure if I can do that, Damien. I mean, I'm not exactly the best at playing mind games or appealing to people's selfish sides."
He hummed. "Well, think mkre of it like how you appeal to Toren. When you want him to do something, you tell him if he does this, you'll give him y. It's the same concept."
"That's different. Toren is a kid. My brother just wants to play, have fun, eat his mac and chesse. But adults... they have complicated motives and interests."
Damien nodded, his gaze fixed on his red car as we continued walking. "True, but at the core, everyone has something they care about. It's just about figuring out what that is and finding a way to connect it with what we're trying to achieve."
I considered his words, trying to reconcile this approach with my own values. "So, you're saying it's not about manipulation, but about finding common ground?"
"Exactly," he replied, a hint of encouragement in his voice. "Think of it as creating a win-win situation. We help them achieve something they want, and in return, they support our goals. Or we'll reward them after the fact."
That did sound a bit similar to the carrot approach I had with Toren. It was at least better than threatening and intimidating people.
"Okay," I said, nodding slowly. "I think I can approach it that way. It's more like... building alliances."
"Exactly," Damien said, opening the car door for me. "It's about cooperation. Finding ways to work together, even if our motivations differ. That said, I still think you should try to be yourself."
I blinked as I got in. "Myself? But I'm sometimes brash and say that makes people mad."
He chuckled as he closed the door. "You don't seem all that brash to me. When you are, it's to protect those you care for or to stand for what you believe."
My eyes widened. He figured that in that short time we've known each other? His observational skills sure were something. Even I... hadn't noticed completely.
As he got into the driver's seat and started the car, I stole a glance at him, feeling a warmth spread through me. "You really think so?" I asked, my voice quieter than before.
He nodded, his eyes focused on the road ahead but his expression sincere. "Absolutely. It's one of the things I admire about you, Shelly. You have this genuine way about you that draws people in."
My cheeks heated up at his compliment, and I quickly looked out the window, hoping the darkness would hide my blush. "That's... really nice of you to say," I managed, feeling both flustered and grateful.
He chuckled softly, clearly noticing my reaction. "I'm just being honest," he said with a shrug, though his eyes twinkled with amusement.
I couldn't help but smile, feeling a little more at ease. "Well, thank you. I guess I'll try to keep being myself then."
"Good," he replied, his tone warm and supportive. "I think that's exactly what this family needs—someone genuine and unafraid to stand up for what's right."
I smiled. "Well, it already has you."
His face warmed up. "Thanks, Shelly. That means a lot."
"I know this isn't going to be easy," I said, my voice thoughtful. "But I'm glad I have you and Zara by my side. I doubt Toren and I would've made it this far."
He smiled. "I'm glad to have you too. That said, I think you might've figured something out, even without me."
I waved my hand him dismissively. "No way! That hag and her minions would've eaten us alive!"
Damien laughed, a genuine, hearty sound that filled the car. "Well, good thing you have us then," he said, still chuckling. "Zara and I make a pretty good team, if I do say so myself."
I grinned, his laughter infectious. "Yeah, you two really are the dynamic duo. I feel like I hit the jackpot with you guys."
He gave me a sideways glance, his expression playful. "Just remember, if you ever need backup, we've got your back."
"Good to know," I replied, feeling a comforting warmth at the thought of having such reliable allies. "I might need to borrow that backup sooner than later, knowing how things usually go. After the funeral, everything has been far has been... unusually calm. Your great-grandma hasn't made any more attempts to have us kicked out. It makes me wary."
Damien nodded, his expression turning a bit more serious. "I get what you mean. It's like the calm before the storm. But don't worry, we'll be ready for whatever comes next."
His confidence was reassuring, and I felt a little more at ease knowing we were prepared for any potential challenges. "I just hope this isn't the calm before a big storm," I said, half-jokingly, though the thought did linger in my mind.
"Whatever it is, we'll face it together," Damien said firmly. "And besides, I have a feeling you can handle anything they throw at you."
I gave him a grateful smile, appreciating his faith in me. "Thanks, Damien. That means a lot."
As we continued driving, the conversation drifted to lighter topics, and we found ourselves laughing and joking again. It was nice to have these moments of levity amidst the uncertainty, a reminder that we could still find joy and humor even with all the family politics.