3 The Final Encounter


    3 The Final Encounter


    As Emma approached the front door of her mother inw’s section of the grand mansion, the chatter


    inside ceased abruptly. Stepping into the opulent foyer, her heart filled with a mix of sorrow and disdain.


    This mansion, once a symbol of her marital dreams, was now a hollow shell.


    Her mother–inw’s voice broke the silence, dripping with scorn. “So the lost daughter finally returns.


    Where have you been wandering, Emma? I expected you here at 8AM to help with the guests. Or did


    you delude yourself into thinking you could do better than Alex after the divorce? You’re nothing but a


    social climber, always beneath us. Now get in the kitchen and don’t you dare embarrass me in front of


    my guests.”


    Alex, having built his own business empire from the ground up, had a mother who was as ambitious as


    she was scornful, especially towards Emma’s supposedly humble origins.


    Emma’s gaze swept over the kitchen, bustling in preparation for the guests as stewards, housemaids,


    chefs hurried to cook and make things right and avable. Her mother–inw had always relished


    overworking and demeaning her during these gatherings, refusing to let the servants assist.


    Before Emma could respond, Be interjected with a feigned smile. “Aunt, shouldn’t I help Emma? It


    wouldn’t do for your guests to think I can’t manage simple household tasks.”


    Her mother–inw pulled Be back, her contempt for Emma clear. “Whypare yourself to her?


    She’s meant for menial tasks, but you, Be, you’re a star. You should be treated like one here.”


    Be protested, “But Aunt, as a guest, I can’t just sit idly while others work.”N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Her mother–inw’s response was cutting. “Once you’re part of the family, Emma will be nothing more


    than a total stranger.”


    Emma, listening to their exchange, felt a bitterugh escape her lips. “Are you done with your


    performance?”


    Her mother–inw snapped at her. “How dare you interrupt! Get to work!”


    Emma, her voice steady, replied, “You seem to have forgotten, or maybe you haven’t heard. Alex and I


    are officially divorced. Maybe Be should showcase her culinary skills instead? After all, all signs.


    point to the fact that she will be taking my ce.”


    With that, Emma turned to gather her belongings, determined to leave behind the possessions that now


    symbolized her pain.


    Η


    As she neared the door, her mother–inw moved with surprising speed and blocked her path. You’re


    really leaving us for good, then?” She was both surprised and curious, not expecting Emma to go down


    without a fight.


    “The divorce is final. What more is there?” Emma responded, pushing past her, only to be confronted


    by Alex as he came in.


    He had rushed back to the mansion after seeing his ownwyer, worried about Be encountering his


    ex–wife. Seeing Emma, his concern morphed into frustration.


    “Are you okay, Be?” he asked, his voice filled with care. He reached out to touch her arm.


    Emma, jostled aside, felt the sting of his indifference. His concern for Be contrasted sharply with his


    complete disregard for her. Be immediately switched into acting mode, looking sorry and pained at


    the same time. Alex missread her distressed expression to mean assault and his face went red with


    rage.


    “What have you done now, Emma?” Alex spun around to re at her, as if she were to me for


    everything.


    Emma, her anger boiling over, retorted, “Can’t you see Be’s fine? If your words are senseless,


    better to remain silent.”


    Alex showed her another online article on his smartphone. “Is this your handiwork?” He used


    Emma. “Are you trying to ruin Be?”


    Emma nced at the phone, recognizing the photos and feeling a twinge of satisfaction at Be’s


    distress.


    “Is there a single lie in that article? If it’s all true, then you’re the one who should be worried, not me,


    Emma countered, her gaze piercing Be.


    Be turned pale, looking to Alex for support. He reassured her by cing an arm around her waist,


    then turned back to Emma.


    “If you want to die, do it away from us. This is clearly your revenge,” Alex spat.


    Emma, fighting to keep herposure, shot back, “Maybe you should use your pea brain for


    something other than just filling your head with nonsense and women of easy virtue.” Be and Alex’s


    mother looked shocked, but Emma didn’t care. They could all go to hell for all she cared.


    Emma swept past them, her resolve unshaken. Love had blinded her for three years, but now it was


    Alex’s turn to be ensnared in his own illusions. She walked out, leaving behind the mansion and a


    marriage that was nothing but a facade.