Chapter 92
Chapter 92:
Yet the moment she stepped into the yard, her pace slowed—Ellie and Valeria were facing each other on the porch.
“Well, look who we have here—my ever-so-gracious mother-in-law,” Ellie sneered, her tone dripping with mockery. “What happened to that untouchable pride? Where’s that commanding presence now? Funny how, when the tables turn, you suddenly can’t stand the heat p>
Having endured Valeria’s cruelty in her past life, Ellie savored every sharp word. Though fate had spared her from the same torment this time, the bitterness in her heart still burned.
Valeria’s bloodshot eyes flashed with fury. “Watch your mouth,” she hissed. “Do you really think I can’t make Theo divorce you p>
“Divorce me?” Ellie huffed, her lips curling with disdain. “You must be joking. Theo and I actually love each other—why would he ever take your side? You should really start worrying about your own future. That illegitimate son of your husband’s is the least of your problems. What you ought to fear is the woman he’s seeing outside—she’ll steal whatever affection he still has left for you. And honestly, that cold, superior act of yours? No man could ever love that p>
Words deserted Valeria. Tears slipped down her face. Satisfied with her victory, Ellie lifted her chin and swept off, heels clicking against the stone path.
Left behind, Valeria sank onto a chair, her shoulders caving inward, every trace of her former poise gone.
A moment later, the rustle of approaching footsteps stirred the air. Lifting her gaze, she caught sight of Gracie walking toward her.
Her eyes narrowed, voice brittle with resentment. “What is it? Did you come to gloat too p>
Gracie’s expression didn’t flicker as she met Valeria’s furious glare. “After everything that happened today, you still don’t understand, do you? A woman’s power isn’t a prize she receives from her husband’s family. It’s a fire she carries inside. You’ve given everything to the Stanleys, but when your husband fails, who remains at your side? We don’t have to exist in our husbands’ shadows. We are just as capable, just as independent on our own p>
Her posture was calm but unyielding as she added, “How you live is your own choice, but don’t try to dictate mine. Valeria, we’re both women—let’s not make each other’s lives miserable. If you come after me again, I won’t hold back p>
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“It’s you! You’re behind this, aren’t you?” Valeria shot up, her voice cracking with rage. “Why did you involve that bastard? I only tried to teach you some manners, and this is how you repay me p>
Gracie’s eyes darkened, her tone icy and cutting. “Idiot. Do you think never speaking of the illegitimate child will make it vanish? That bastard existed long before you had Theo. You’re furious not because of me—but because you can’t face how your own choices have destroyed your life p>
Her words hung heavy in the air before she added icily, “And do you even have proof that today’s chaos was my doing? No? Then stop trying to drag me down with your wild accusations p>
The edge in her tone left no room for argument. She had long seen through Valeria’s hostility, and any trace of courtesy she once tried to maintain had burned away.
She left Valeria’s porch behind her, walking toward home. Three days of rest had done their work; her knees were steady, the pain muted. With the weight of the family turmoil finally behind her, she felt ready to return to work.
Yet when she stepped into her living room, she stopped short.
Brayden sat on the sofa, a storm of tension in his stillness.
Ignoring him, she moved toward the staircase.
“Is it necessary?” His voice, low and cold, sliced through the silence.
Gracie halted, her fingers tightening on the railing before she turned to face him. “I’m not sure what you’re referring to p>
“I heard what you said to my mom,” Brayden replied, his gaze sharp enough to freeze the air between them. “I defended you three days ago. Must you keep pushing p>
A faint, humorless smile tugged at her lips. “Easy words from someone untouched by the damage p>
She crossed her arms, her tone laced with frost. “And if you plan to accuse me, then at least come armed with proof. I’m not interested in paying the price for someone else’s schemes p>