Chapter Text
I underestimated Ms. Smoak. I had hoped to keep Oliver in the dark until after the election at least. I was counting on his unstinting support during the campaign and this will make it difficult.
I'm not sure if I'm angrier at Walter or Ms. Smoak. If Walter had not involved her, if he hadn't insisted on questioning the Tempest issue in the first place, I would never have had to endure being confronted by Oliver's ... secretary. In my own home.
The fact that she's still employed has me questioning what her relationship to Oliver actually is. I hadn't expected there to be any substance to the office rumors but his father was always susceptible to a pretty face. I'd simply hoped that Oliver was more my son than Robert's in that regard.
I could see that Ms. Smoak was infatuated with my son. Now I'm forced to consider that he may return her feelings, at least in part. He used to be so open, wearing all his emotions on the surface. Ever since his return, all he's shown has been surface emotions, only what would be expected of him in a given situation.
This will make exacting my revenge complicated. I love my son, in spite of his harsh words and stormy reaction. I know it will take time for him to come to terms with what he perceives as my betrayal, but I know he will eventually forgive me. All it will take is for Malcolm to threaten Thea in some way and he will see that I was right.
I will need to proceed carefully from here on. I will need to maintain a greater distance than I have so far, keeping multiple layers between me and the deed. And the drama welling up with the Lance sisters will certainly serve as a useful distraction for my son while I act.
To begin with, I think I will ask my ... associates to abduct her. Oliver is still unaware of my part in that episode, so it might be that I could arrange it to seem like Malcolm is the culprit here. If Thea or I were also attacked, possibly even slightly injured at the same time, it would further confuse the issue.
There will need to be some surveillance before the deed is done, in any case. I will not have Oliver injured in this. I need to be sure that Ms. Smoak can be taken without his presence or potential interference, though it would be helpful if I can maneuver his presence when either Thea or I are attacked.
If Oliver's reaction to her disappearance is distressed, in keeping with having strong feelings for her, I will need to find another way to make her pay. This will require a space of time where I can observe his reaction, which will in turn necessitate a secure location for Ms. Smoak's confinement. Because if he shows no distress, well, I'll be happy to show Ms. Smoak why crossing me was such a bad idea.