Shirley glared at Katrina, her face twisted with anger and resentment.

"Don't think you've won," she spat, her voice dripping with venom. "Carlisle isn't staying married to you because he cares. He just doesn't want the Zachman family's reputation dragged through the mud. You think he actually values you?

Katrina's lips curled into a sharp smile, her tone icy. "And yet, liene you are, still the secret. Why hasn't he let you out of the shadows if he loved you so much? Why hasn't he given you the title you're so desperate for? Face it, Shirley you're just the mistress." "You watch your mouth!" Shirley's face flushed an angry red as she lunged forward, her hand raised to slap Katrina

But before Shirley could make contact, Katrina was quicker. Her hand struck first, landing a resounding slap across Shirley's face. The sharp crack echoed through the room, and Shirley staggered back, clutching her swelling cheek

"you dared to hit me?" Shirley stared at her in disbelief, her voice shaking with nuttage,

Kamina's gaze was cold and umelding. "That was for Clara. Don't think Carlisle's protection means I've forgotten what you've done to her. If you try to cross me again, don't expect me to hold back next time." e with fur

Without waiting for a response, katrina turned and walked out, leaving Shidley trembling

tury.

Shirley clenched her hands into fists as her entire body shook with rage. She wanted to storm after Katrina, making her pay for the humiliation. But the memory of Carlisle's mixed signals-the way he hadn't fully committed to her despite his actions-held her back. She needed to play the long game.

One day, Shirley vowed silently, "I'll make her pay for this tenfold."

In the small house across town, Clara finished typing a quick message to Alexander on her phone. "Dinner's ready, Come over and eat.

She set the phone down and began carrying the dishes she had prepared to the dining table.

Wren stood nearby, awkward and unsure. He wanted to help, but he froze in place every time his eyes met Clara's cold, distant gaze. He couldn't bear to hear her oject him again, so he stayed rooted, his hands trembling at his sides.

Clara, for her part, felt she had already said all she needed to. Whatever Wren decided to do stay or retun to Phoypolis looking at him, her silence speaking louder than words.

was out of her hands now, she avoided

Her indifference out when deeply, like a kite twisting in his chest. Several times, he opened his mouth to say something, but each time, the words died in his Threat.

Alexander arrived a few moments later, walking in with his scalelaxed demeanor, though he immediately noticed the tension in the air.

As soon as Alexander enterrd, Wren's sharp, assessing gaze fixed on him, and his jealousy and suspicion were almost palpable. If it hadn't been for Clara's presetice, Wren might have demanded answers about their relationship right then and there. Ignoring Wenentirely, Clara greeted Alexander with a warm smile. "Come on, sit down. Dinner's ready." She handed Alexander a plate with practiced ease, her movertente natural and familier

"Thanks," Alexander said, taking the plate with a casual smile.

The condomable dynamic between them made Wren feel like the room was closing in on him. His chest tightened, and every breath felt like a struggle.

cas, Lowever, was oblivious to Wren's internal turmoil. After serving Alexander, she filled another bowl and finally looked at Wren. He stood there, lost and broken, and for affecting moment, something inside her softened.

Fateen years was a long time no matter how determined she was to let go of her feelings for him, those years of shared memories couldn't simply vanish. Wren had been her rock during some of the darkest moments of her life. Even if she no longer loved fun, she couldn't erase the gratitude and bond they oncenoveldrama

"Wien, all down and nat, "lat said, her one gentler than it had been all day. She handed in the plate with a faint

smile.

Wien's head shot ugi, liseyes wide with hope. He quickly took the plate from her hands as it afraid she might change her mind and eased into the chair.

Clara fuge for a moment, taken aback by Low vulnerable he sounded. It was strange to see Wien-always so composed-reduced to this.

"Let's just rat," the replied quietly, avoiding las pazr "We can talk after."