Beyond the Divorce

Celine was there before me. She was dressed meticulously, and although she was middle-aged, she still took great care of herself. We were standing very close to each other, so I could see the expensive foundation on her face that was failing to conceal her wrinkles. Not far behind Celine stood her 'shadow,' the sinister Kenzie.

Celine didn't seem surprised to see me emerge from the room. However, Kenzie's eyes widened, and she looked at me in disdain.

I glanced at her and cursed silently. 'Damn.'

Celine faintly said, "So, you've finally become part of the Pierce family?"

I smiled calmly and replied, "I have, Celine. Didn't you say grandpa was critically ill? As his granddaughter-in-law, I had to come see him, of course."

She probably hadn't expected me to be so bold.

Her eyes darkened slightly, and her complexion turned pale.

"Granddaughter-in-law?" She repeated skeptically. "You seem quite eager to claim that title."

I glanced at her and calmly walked out of the room.

I moved to the tea table on the side veranda, ignoring her words, and elegantly sat down beside it.

the servant and

talking to Mr. Atlas. Please sit down

feel her gaze

a glass of tea, took a sip, and

ground as she approached, and she sat down opposite me, saying,

looked at her and said, "Please call me Stella or Mrs. Chloe,

when

She regained her composure. "I heard your

that she seemed thinner than the first time I

know about that too? You're quite well-informed. Thanks for your concern. My father is fine except for his crippled leg. His memory, especially, is

father remembered

insincere words

wondered if she had a conscience, or if doing so

made her

a great disaster brings great fortune in the future." I took another sip of

can't believe he's still alive after twenty years." Her words were