Only then did Elliana’s piercing gaze shift away from Wanda and focus on Eva instead.

The moment Elliana’s attention turned to her, Eva immediately arranged her features into the most ingratiating smile she could manage. “Lilah, I’m not one to stand on ceremony. If you’re comfortable calling me ‘Mom,’ I would be absolutely delighted to have such a beautiful and accomplished daughter as you. But if you’re not ready for that yet, ‘Eva’ is perfectly fine—whatever makes you feel most at ease.”

Elliana’s laugh was sharp and humorless. “You must be delusional if you think I’d ever call you ‘Mom,'” she said, her voice cutting through Eva’s pretense like a blade. “I wouldn’t even waste my breath saying your name. The only thing I’d call you is exactly what you are—a pathetic woman who destroyed a family and now clings to this house like a parasite.”

She paused, letting the words sink in before delivering the final blow. “A shameless parasite who refuses to accept that she doesn’t belong here.”

Eva’s carefully constructed smile crumbled instantly. Her dignity, like Wanda’s moments before, was torn apart and left bleeding on the floor. A pathetic parasite? Someone who destroyed a family? Each accusation felt like a physical blow, striking at the deepest insecurities she’d spent twenty years trying to bury. Lilah had ripped open old wounds and exposed them to the light, forcing her to confront truths she’d worked so hard to forget.

Now, Eva understood with crystal clarity—Lilah hadn’t come to accept her as family. Lilah had come to tear down everything she had built and throw her out like garbage.

But Eva wasn’t ready to surrender without a fight. She had loved Arthur for decades and had given him the best years of her life. She had earned her place in this family through years of devotion and sacrifice. She would not be discarded so easily, not when she’d worked so hard to become the mistress of the household. That title meant everything to her—it was her identity, her security, and her entire world. She would fight to keep it, no matter what Lilah thought she could do.

Drawing on every ounce of dignity she still possessed, Eva straightened her shoulders and faced Lilah. “Lilah, you’re still very young, and it’s obvious you haven’t had the proper…”

Stay tuned for more gαlnσνs.c○m

“Upbringing you deserved. I’m willing to overlook your rudeness because I understand you’re probably overwhelmed by everything.” She paused, her chin lifting with practiced authority. “But you need to understand something very clearly—regardless of your personal feelings toward me, I am the lady of this household. I’ve earned that position, and you have absolutely no right to speak to me with such disrespect.”

Seeing Eva stand her ground, Wanda felt a spark of her old confidence returning. The paralyzing fear that had consumed her moments before began to ebb away, her usual arrogance back in place. She stepped out from behind Eva’s protective shadow and met Lilah’s cold gaze with defiant eyes. “My mother is absolutely right,” she declared, her voice gaining strength with each word. “She is the mistress of this house, and I am her daughter. We’ve lived here for years, and we deserve your respect, not your insults!”

The sharp crack of Elliana’s palm connecting with Wanda’s cheek echoed through the silent room like a gunshot.

.

. Chapters first released on f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?.net

.